RAVENSHEAD COMMUNITY PROJECT (RCP) (TIA Ravenshead Community Transport) (Registsred Charity 1059851) ANNUAL REPORT AND ACCOUNTS Year ended 30 September 2024
RAVENSHEAD COMMUNITY PROJECT (RCP) Principal address: The Council Office Ravenshead Leisure Centre Longdale Lane Ravenshead Nottingham NG15 9AG Constitutlon: Originally adopted on 281h November 1996 (amended 27th April 2022) Objects: RCP'S primary objective is to provide community transport for the benefit of residents of Ravenshead and communities within a ten-mile radius of Ravenshead, with particular emphasis on those in need due to disability, infirmity or being elderly. In the interesls of social wellbeing, RCP will seek to improve their conditions of life by reducing social isolation, maintaining independence, offering improved self- esteem and enabling everyone to have the opportunity to participate in local, community life. From time-to-time, RCP may extend its area of operation throughout Nottinghamshire, to assist other communities and organisalions engaged in the relief of any disadvantages experienckd due to disability, age, social deprivation, hardship and infirmity. Trustees: David Antill Richard Baker Paul Baskcomb David Cooper David Grenham Peler Kibble Peler Russell John Sutherland Colin Wild {w.e.f. 8th July 2024) (Chair) Offlcers: Eve Griffith Administration Cover Jackie Salmon Minutes Secretary Lynda Croomelwendy Woodcock Treasurer Bankers: Mansfield Building Society Nat West Bank Nationwide Building Society United Trust Bank Indopendent examiner: Watson Knipe Accountancy Services
RAVENSHEAD COMMUNITY PROJECT (RCP) REPORT OF THE TRUSTEES Year ended 30 September 2024 The Trustees are pleased to presenl RCP'S 28th Annual Report. Introductlon: RCP owns and operates two 15-seat and one 16-seal wheelchair accessible minibuses forlhe benefit of the community of Ravenshead and surrounding area. The Project provides registered local bus services within Ravenshead and between Blidworth, Ravenshead and Kirkby-in-Ashfield, plus bespoke door-to-door 'Dial-a-Ride' services. The minibuses are also available for hire to Affiliated Groups and the local community. All the Trustees and Officers are voluntary members of the Management Committee, which meets every tr0 months to monitor performance, review operalions and plan future services. The minibuses are driven by a leam of fully-trained, volunteer drivers and the day-to-day operations are controlled by Customer Services Manager {CSM). Revlew of Activities: RCP continued to provide local bus services in the area on a commercial basis, with no third-party financial support. Service 445B links Blidworth, Ravenshead and Kirkby-in-Ashfield on Mondays and Wednesdays, whilst on Tuesdays and Thursdays, Service 445 provides a regular, local serrfice within Ravenshead linking residents with the Precinct. Doctors, Surgery. The Centre and main road bus services between Nottingham and Mansfield. Trustees have continued to support the operation of these services to help maintain independence for many of our local residents, enabling Ihem to take advantage of local services and facilities. In addltion, RCP has continued to provide Dial-a-Rido services to retail outlets, garden centres and local attractions, which continue to prove extremely popular wilh residents. RCP currently has in excess of 60 Affilialed Groups including U3A, Wl. Ravenshead Pétanque, Royal British Legion and many local schools, providing transport to numerous destinalions and also continues to offer limited private hire ser4ices. RCP'S long-established relationship wilh the Cornwater Evergreen's Foundation Trust has continued, with transport provided three days per week lo Ravens Lodge and on Thursdays to the Rainworth Community Centre, enabling their members in Rainworth to attend a weekly social event in their village. Rising costs and inflation continue to affect RCP'S operations and consequently, Trustees agreed reluctantly to increase mileage charges from 1. October 2023, withdraw the reduced mileage charge for joumeys in excess of 100 miles and increase the minimum private hire charge to £35.00. RCP participates gu}arrY in the Nottinghamshire Community Transport Forums, facilitated by the County Council, along with other Community Transport and Voluntary Car Schemes, sharing best practice and information. In addition. RCP engages in regional and national forums organised by Ihe Community Transport Association, a UK member-based charity providing training, advice, and operational support lo transport related charities, community groups and social enterprises in England, Scotland, Wales, and Northem Ireland. In January 2024, the Trustees decided to commence the process of replacing our oldest minibus {FE16 MVM). After lengthy considerations, agreement was reached to purchase a new Mercedes 519 Sprinter van to be converted to our specification by Onyx Van Conversions of Barnsley. The new bus will be equipped with 15 passenger seats and be accessible by means of an underfloor passenger lift supplied by Passenger Lift Solutions. It is anticipated that the new bus will enter service in January 2025. RCP aGknowledges and is extremely grateful for the financial support received to purchase the base vehicle from Nottinghamshire County Council's Local Community Fund and from the Thomas Farr Foundation.
RAVENSHEAD COMMUNITY PROJECT {RCP) REPORT OF THE TRUSTEES (Year ended 30 September 2024)- cont. Our Volunteers Volunteers from the local communily are the heart Of our Organisation and the recruitment of new people willing to give their time to RCP can be a challenging process. It is essential that new recruits come on board on a regular basis to replenish our driving force in particular. enabling RCP to continue to provide the widest possible range of transport services. AII RCP'S 38 Volunteer Drivers are trained to nationally recognized MIDAS standards (Minibus Driver Awareness Scheme) and reassessed every four years. During the year, two volunleers. Glynne Payze and Colin Wild retired from driving and RCP would like to express sincere gratitude and appreciation for all of the time and effort they gave to the Group, on behalf of local residents. During the year, RCP welcomed four new volunteers, Paul Adcock. Mike Fanfarillo, Gordon MacKay and Paul Plowrighl, who successfully completed their training and were a very welcome addition to RCP'S pool of drivers. RCP welcomed Peter Kibble as a new volunteer Trustee and allhough retired from driving, Colin Wld also joined the Management Team as a volunteer Trustee, which now means that RCP has a full complement of nine Tiustees for the first time in a number of years. In addition, although retired from driving, Glynne Payze has continued to resolve various IT issues for RCP and has commenced the produclion of bespoke training videos for drivers, aided by one of our MIDAS Trainers, Kate Asquith. Our Treasurer, Wendy Woodcock, formally stood down from the role as from Ihe 1 $1 October 2023, but kindly agreed to continue on a temporary basis until a replacement had been appointed. At the AGM in March, Lynda Croom8 was appointed as Treasurer, although sadly she has been unable to fulfil this appointment during the year due to continuing poor health. Wendy has graciously continued in this essential role in the meantime, while a new Treasurer is sought. RCP would like to acknowledge and thank Wendy for her commitment and support to RCP and offer our very best wishes to Lynda for her speedy recovery. Achlevomonts and Perfom)ance During the year, the Project operated 2,520 journeys, covering 37,915 miles, with 17,184 passenger boardings. These figures reflecl an increasing passenger demand, demonstrating the value and benefits of our ServIS to the community, in offering access to local facilities and thebY reducing isolation and loneliness for vulnerable residents. The following is a sumrnary of the minibus usage in the three most recent financial year8 of operation: 2024 2023 2022 Number of journeys.. Ravenshead Village Bus Service BlidworthlRavensheadlKirkby Bus SeNice Dial-a Bus CEFT Friendship and Memory Clubs Remainder of Affilialed Group Travel Private hire Total joumeys 624 500 202 396 638 160 618 490 196 393 602 204 612 200 471 472 230
RAVENSHEAD COMMUNITY PROJECT (RCP) REPORT OF THE TRUSTEES (Year ended 30 September 2024)- cont. 2024 2023 2022 Number of passenger boardings.. Ravenshead Village Bus Service BlidworthlRavensheadlKirkby Bus Senil Dial-a Bus CEFT Friendship and Memory Clubs Remainder of Affiliated Group Travel Private hire Total passenger boarding8 Total income generated from fares and hiring8 1,759 1,977 1,894 2,872 7,060 1,478 1,797 1,806 2,511 1,227 1,714 1,708 2,984 5,468 £43 920 £40117 The financial statements are included on Pages 6 to 9. Acknowledgements: RCP would like to thank the following for their support this year,, Ravenshead Parish Council Gedling Borough Councillors, Stuart Bestwick, Sue Pickering & Martin Smith Abbey Medical Group Kelvin's Fish Bar, Ravenshead Nottinghamshir8 County Councillor, Chris Barnfather Nottinghamshire County Council Ravenshead Pétanque Club Ravenshead and Blidworth Rotary The Sherwood Ranger, Ravensh8ad Thomas Farr Foundation Watson Knipe Accountancy Seriices RCP wishes lo thank everyone who donated to the Charity during the year and in particular, for the 'in memorium, donations received from the family and friends of three of our regular passengers who sadly passed away during the year, Enid Hedley, Alan Bull and Peter Baker. Trustees would especially like to acknowledge the continued support received from Nottinghamshire County CounGil (NCC), in particular: Ongoing re-imbursement for participation in NCC'S Concessionary Travel Scheme., Funding from NCC'S Local Community Fund. Funding RCP'S annual subscription for membership of the Community Transport Association, Special thanks are offered to all our Volunteers, without whom RCP would be unable to continue providing rnuch-needed community Iransport services, to our Customer Services Manager and Treasurer for their unstinting efforts on behalf of all our passengers, hirers, affilialed groups and volunteer drivers. RCP also acknowledges and thanks all Trustees and Officers of the Management Committee, for their time and efforts in ensuring a successful operation. Tfv Davld Grenham- Chair of Trustees 9th January 2025
INDEPENDENT EXAMINER'S REPORT TO THE TRUSTEES OF RAVENSHEAD COMMUNrrY PROJECT I report to the trustees on my examination of the accounts of the above charity (charity no 1059851- "The Trust") for the year ended 30 September 2024 which are set out on pages 6 to 9. RponSibIlitieS and basis of report As the charity's truste¢s, you are responsible for the preparation of the accounts in accordance with th¢ requirements of the Charities Act 2011 ("the Act"). I r¢port in respect of my examination of the Trust's accounts carried out under section 145 of the Act and, in carrying out my examinalion, I have followed all the applicable D1ctions given by the Charity Comtnission under section 145(5)(b) of the Act. Independent examiner's statement I have completed my examination. I confirn] that no material matt¢rs have come to my attention in conn¢ction with the examination which gives me cause to believe that, in any material respect: the accounting records were not kept in accordance with Section 130 of the Act. or the accounts did not accord with the accounting records; or the accounts did not comply with the applicable requirements concerning the fonn and content of accounts set out in the Charities (Accounts and Reports) Regulations 2008 other than any r¢quiremenL that the accouiits giv¢ a 'true and fair, view which is not a matter considered as part of an independent examination. I have no concerns and have come across no other matters in connection with the examination to which attention should be drawn in this report lo enable a proper understanding of the accounts to be reachcd. Sarah Shadbolt FCCA 3rd February 2025
RAVENSHEAD COMMUNITY PROJECT STATEMENT OF FINANCIAL ACTIVITIES Year ended 30 September 2024 2024 2023 Ineoming resources: Passenger fares and concessions Group and private hire Bus service contracts - Notts County Council Bus Service Opcrators, Grant (BSOG) 15095 28825 15149 29157 4114 2958 48033 47265 Nottinghamshire County Council - annual LCF grant Other grants and donations 10492 2730 10492 2631 61255 60388 Sponsorship income Affiliation fees Interest received Profit on sale of minibus 3070 541 8060 2632 508 3593 Total incoming resources 72926 67122 Resources expended: Customer services and accounting Fuel and oil Minibus maintenance and repairs InsuTance, licences and pennits Other bus operating costs Training and drivers, costs Marketing. telephone and other administrative costs Depreciation 32373 11947 5986 5604 1854 1403 1728 16111 32287 13382 13993 5812 721 1445 1656 16159 TotAI resources expended 77005 85455 Net incoming resources for the year 4079 -18332 The notes on pages 8 and 9 forni part of these accounts.
RAVENSHEAD COMMUNITY PROJECT BALANCE SHEET As at 30 September 2024 Note 2024 2023 Fixed assets Tangible fixed assets 47,430 18.795 Current Assets Debtors and prepayments Cash at banks and building societies: Restricted for future vehicle replacemenl Other 18,774 8,687 194,588 231,858 32,886 38,936 246,248 279,480 Current liabilities Creditors falling due within one year Grants received in advance of expenditure 1,039 2,623 1,557 2,623 3,662 4,180 Net curreDt assets 242,585 275,300 Net asset8 290,016 294,095 Restricted funds Unrestricted funds 194,i88 95,428 232,675 61,420 Total funds 290,016 294,095 The notes on pages 8 and 9 forni part of these accounts.
RAVENSHEAD COMMUNITY PROJECT NOTES TO THE ACCOUNTS Year ended 30 September 2024 l. Accounting policies (a) The report and accounts have been prepared in accordance with the requirements of the Charities A¢t 2011 and the Statement of Recommended Practicc"Accounting by Charities" issued by the Charity Commissioners for England and Wales. (b) Fixed assets are stat¢d at ¢ost and are depreciated on a straight-line basis over their estimated useful lives: inibuses - 5 years Equipment- 3 years 2. Fixed Minibuseg Equipment Total Cost At 30 September 2023 Additions 294329 62371 3237 297566 62371 At 30 September 2024 356700 3237 359937 Capital grants At 30 September 2023 Received in the year 192775 17625 192775 17625 At 30 September 2024 210400 210400 DepreciAtion At 30 September 2023 Charge for year 82759 16111 3237 85996 16111 At 30 September 2024 98870 3237 102107 Net bDok amount At 30 September 2023 At 30 September 2024 18795 47430 18795 47430 3. Debtors and prepayments 2024 2023 Insurance & licence prepayments BSOG grants VAT recoverable NCC Concessions Other debtors 3569 4082 1327 12795 2593 889 1083 1122 18774 8687
RAVENSHEAD COMMUNITY PROJECT NOTES TO THE ACCOUNTS- eontinued Year ended 311 September 2024 4. Designated funds At 30 September 2023 Adjustment re previous year error Set aside from Unrestricted Funds (Interest on Reserve Accounts) Grants received specifically for new bus Releas¢ of Restricted funds for pwchase of new bus 232675 -818 7476 17625 -62371 At 30 September 2024 194588 S. Undesignated funds At 30 Sep*mber 2023 Adjustment re previous y¢ars realignment Set aside to Restricted Funds (Interest on Reserve Accounts) Set aside to Restricted Funds {Grants specific for new bus) Release from Restricted funds for purchase of new bus Net income for the year - page 8 61420 818 -7476 l7625 62371 4079 At 30 September 2024 95428 Designated funds represent amounts set aside for future investment in minibuses and equipment. Undesignated funds r¢present the remainder of the Project's fijnds, which are available for general operating purposes.