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2024-04-05-accounts

ROPNER TRUST

TRUSTEES’ REPORT AND UNAUDITED FINANCIAL STATEMENTS

FOR THE YEAR ENDED 5 APRIL 2024

CHARITY REGISTRATION NUMBER: 1062362

ROPNER TRUST

CONTENTS

5 APRIL 2024

Page
Trustees’ Annual Report 1 - 4
Independent Examiner’s Report 5
Statement of Financial Activities 6
Balance Sheet 7
Notes to the Financial Statements 8 - 15

ROPNER TRUST

TRUSTEES’ ANNUAL REPORT

5 APRIL 2024

The Trustees present their annual report and financial statements of the charity for the year ended 5 April 2024. The Trustees have adopted the provisions of the Statement of Recommended Practice (SORP) “Accounting and Reporting by Charities” (FRS 102) in preparing the annual report and financial statements of the charity.

Objectives and Activities

The charity was established on 4 June 1928 by the late Leonard Ropner and was originally known as the Ropner Playing Field Trust. The only asset of the Trust was a field off Bishopton Road West, Stockton on Tees, which had lain dormant for many years due to lack of funds. The Trust’s original aims were mainly educational and it provided playing fields for schools in the town which did not have their own. However, as more schools acquired their own playing fields, the land became superfluous and redundant.

In 1993 the Trust decided to sell off the land to developers and, with the approval of the Charity Commission drew up a new constitution. Since that date the aims of the Trust have been, and continue to be, as follows:

Promoting the education (including social and physical training) of persons under the age of 25 years old who are in need of financial assistance and who are, or whose parents are, resident in Stockton on Tees.

Subject thereto for charitable purposes for the general benefit of the inhabitants of Stockton on Tees in one of the following ways; or in such other ways as the Trustees think fit:

The Trustees may apply income for charitable purposes either directly or by way of donations or subscriptions to institutions or organisations which apply, or which undertake in return to apply, the whole or part of their income for the same charitable purposes as the trust.

The Trustees are satisfied that the Trust is widely known within the local environment where it operates. It is known within the local Education Authority and amongst Health Professionals. The Trustees are currently of the view that no advertising is required with regard to the Trust’s objectives as it is very well sustained by applicants with regard to funding etc.

The Trustees have considerable freedom with regard to donations under their Trust Deed (Scheme) and may either dispose of all of their current income or any part of it to one or many applicants. In general the Trustees deal with over 30 applications per annum giving grants having considered the applications specifically and in detail.

The Trustees regularly review the objectives and activities of the charity, and, as part of this review, have considered the Charity Commission’s general guidance on public benefit.

Public Benefit Statement

The Trustees confirm that they have referred to the guidance contained in the Charity Commission’s general guidance on public benefit when reviewing the Trust’s aims and objectives and in planning future activities.

Page 1

ROPNER TRUST

TRUSTEES’ ANNUAL REPORT

5 APRIL 2024

Strategic Report

Achievements and Performance

Since inception in 1996 the Trust has funded in excess of £1,000,000 to local bodies and individuals within its geographical area of competence. The Trust has funded numerous capital projects for the benefit of the geographical area and is now a well-known and fully established part of the charitable infrastructure within its area (Stockton on Tees).

The Trust seeks to respond to applicants in as short a time as possible but no longer than three months (the time between quarterly meetings as a rule). Background research is carried out with regard to applicants and applicants may, on occasion, be invited to discuss their application before the Trustees in person. All applicants are responded to in writing.

A very limited number of grants are cancelled (due to changes of personal circumstances on the part of the applicant).

Financial Review

The Trust relies on its income from its investments (the current year is as set out in the accounts attached).

During the year the total resources expended on Charitable Activities was £48,969.

In the year to 5 April 2024 the Trustees have dealt with 44 applications for assistance and distributed the sum of £44,351 representing 37 individual grants as follows:

No Value 1 £5,000+ 6 £2,000 - £4,999 9 £1,000 - £1,999 21 £0 - £999 __ 37

Such awards all fell within the provisions specified as Application of Income under Clause 25 of the Scheme.

The Trustees individually played a full part in the operation of the Trust during the year.

The Trustees are again extremely grateful to Mr. John Wilson for carrying out the duties of Honorary Secretary to the Trust for another year without reward. Those duties have been carried out most efficiently by him and have been invaluable in enabling the Trustees to carry out their duties to the high standard required by them.

Reserves Policy

It is the policy of the charity to retain sufficient funds in reserve to cover immediate foreseeable management and administration costs. The charity’s income flows in steadily through the year and charitable grants are paid as surplus funds become available.

As at 5 April 2024, there were reserves of £79,351, being unrestricted funds available for use at the discretion of the Trustees in furtherance of the general objectives of the Charity.

Page 2

TRUSTEES’ ANNUAL REPORT

ROPNER TRUST

5 APRIL 2024

Plans for the Future

The Ropner Trust intends to continue to provide philanthropic and monetary assistance particularly in the fields of education and those other areas as allowed by the Trust’s scheme within the Stockton on Tees geographical area.

Structure, Governance and Management

Governing Document

The Governing document is a Trust and Scheme sealed by the Charity Commission on 25 March 1996 details of which are given below:

Nature and Constitution

The charity was established by Declaration of Trust on 4 June 1928 as the Ropner Playing Fields Trust. The objects of the charity were revised by Trust Deed on 25 March 1996 when the name of the Trust was also changed to Ropner Trust.

Risk Management

The Trustees have conducted a review of the major risks to which the charity is exposed. Where appropriate, systems or procedures have been established to mitigate the risks the charity faces. The Trustees consider the vacillations of the investment market with regard to endowment funds to constitute the charity’s major risk and they have appointed atomos to advise upon and manage (also in accordance with their Trust Deed) the resources available. The management of the resources is considered quarterly by the Trustees and annually in depth with particular advice from the charity’s accountants.

Key Management Personnel Remuneration

The Trustees consider that the Board of Trustees are the key management personnel of the charity, in charge of directing and controlling the charity and running and operating the charity on a day to day basis. All Trustees give of their time freely and no Trustee remuneration was paid in the year.

The nominated Trustees serve for a term of four years each and are re-nominated by the Secretary to Stockton Borough Council (as successor to Cleveland County Council which was the previous Local Education Authority at the date of inception). The co-opted Trustees serve for a period of five years each and are appointed or reappointed by resolution of the Trustees.

The current Trustees are familiar with the practical work of the charity and are encouraged to read and assimilate the information distributed by the Charity Commission.

The Trustees keep the skill requirements of their general Trustee Body under review and in the event that a Trustee permanently retires or a new Trustee is required the remaining Trustees (in the case of co-opted Trustees) seek to find and recruit a new Trustee (either by open advertisement or through dialogue with local organisations and businesses) who has the required skills and experience necessary to adequately perform the post of Trustee. In the case of nominated Trustees the Local Education Committee is asked to consider the matter of reappointment or appointment of Trustees again taking into account their background, abilities and experience particularly in the educational sphere.

All new Trustees are provided with the Charity Commission’s Guide “the Essential Trustee” as a follow-up to an induction session with the Chairman of the Trustees. New Trustees also receive a copy of the original scheme and Trust Deed.

Page 3

ROPNER TRUST

TRUSTEES’ ANNUAL REPORT

5 APRIL 2024

Reference and Administrative details

Registered Number: 1062362
Principal Address: 4 Silver Street
Stockton on Tees
TS18 1LS
Trustees: Nominated:
Councillor R Cook
Councillor S Mubeen
Councillor J E Taylor (Resigned 24 January 2024)
Councillor J Beall (Appointed 24 January 2024)
Co-opted:
J R Wilson (Acting Clerk)
H Smith (Chair)
R V Darley
W R Pickersgill
D Pruden
Independent Examiner: Trevor Cook FCA
Baines Jewitt Limited
Spitfire House
19 Falcon Court
Preston Farm Industrial Estate
Stockton-on-Tees
TS18 3TU
Solicitors: Knights plc
Lakeside House
Kingfisher Way
Stockton-on-Tees
TS18 3NB
Bankers: Barclays Bank Plc
49 High Street
Stockton-on-Tees
TS18 1AH
Investment Advisors: atomos
Windsor House
Cornwall Road
Harrogate
HG1 2PW

Approved by the Trustees and signed on their behalf:

H Smith

8 October 2024

Page 4

INDEPENDENT EXAMINERS’ REPORT TO THE TRUSTEES OF

ROPNER TRUST

5 APRIL 2024

I report to the Charity Trustees on my examination of the financial statements of the charity for the year ended 5 April 2024, which are set out on pages 6 to 15.

Responsibilities and basis of report

As the charity’s Trustees you are responsible for the preparation of the financial statements in accordance with the requirements of the Charities Act 2011 (‘the Act’).

I report in respect of my examination of the charity’s financial statements carried out under section 145 of the Act and in carrying out my examination I have followed all the applicable Directions given by the Charity Commission under section 145(5)(b) of the Act.

Independent Examiner’s Statement

I have completed my examination. I confirm that no material matters have come to my attention in connection with the examination giving me cause to believe that in any material respect:

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 in order to enable a proper understanding of the financial statements to be reached .

T Cook FCA Baines Jewitt Limited

Chartered Accountants Spitfire House 19 Falcon Court Preston Farm Industrial Estate Stockton on Tees TS18 3TU

8 October 2024

Page 5

ROPNER TRUST

STATEMENT OF FINANCIAL ACTIVITIES

5 APRIL 2024

Unrestricted
Note
2024
£
Income
Grants and Donations
2
Investments
3
Total Income
Expenditure on:
Raising Funds
4
Charitable activities
5
Total Expenditure
Net Realised and Unrealised
Gains / (Losses) on
Investment Assets
9
Net Movement in Funds
Reconciliation of Funds:
Total Funds Brought Forward
15
Total Funds Carried Forward15
-
57,055
57,055
-
48,969
48,969
-
8,086
71,265
79,351

Funds
2023
£
-
34,268
34,268
-
35,236
35,236
-
(968)
72,233
71,265
Endowment Funds
2024
£
2023
£
-
-
-
13,825
-
13,825
85,293
71,468
1,547,732
1,619,200
-
-
-
12,270
-
12,270
(105,168)
(117,438)
1,665,170
1,547,732
Total
2024
£
-
57,055
57,055
13,825
48,969
62,794
85,293
79,554
1,618,997
1,698,551
Funds
2023
£
-
34,268
34,268
12,270
35,236
47,506
(105,168)
(118,406)
1,737,403
1,618,997

All income and expenditure derive from continuing activities.

Page 6

ROPNER TRUST

BALANCE SHEET

5 APRIL 2024

Note
Fixed Assets
Investments
12
Current Assets
Debtors
13
Cash at bank
Creditors: Amounts falling due
within one year14
Net Current Assets
Total Assets less Current Liabilities
Represented by:
Unrestricted Funds 15 & 16
Endowment FundsI15 & 16
£
10,745
88,459
99,204
7,824
2024
£
1,607,171
91,380
__
1,698,551
79,351
1,619,200
__
1,698,551
£
2,122
130,386
132,508
7,654
2023
£
1,494,143
124,854
_
1,618,997
71,265
1,547,732
_

1,618,997

The financial statements were approved and authorised for issue by the Trustees on 8 October 2024.

H Smith

The notes on pages 8 to 15 form part of these financial statements

Page 7

ROPNER TRUST

NOTES TO THE FINANCIAL STATEMENTS

5 APRIL 2024

1 Summary of Significant Accounting Policies

(a) General Information and Basis of Preparation

Ropner Trust is an unincorporated Trust, constituted in the United Kingdom, on 4 June 1928. A new constitution was drawn up in 1993. The contact address is given in the charity information on page four of these financial statements.

The nature of the charity’s operations and principal activities are reliant on the income from investments to make contributions towards, or otherwise assist the promotion of education of young persons who are in need of financial assistance and who are, or whose parents are, resident in Stockton on Tees. This is done through the careful stewardship of its existing resources.

The charity constitutes a public benefit entity as defined by FRS 102. The financial statements have been prepared 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 (FRS 102) issued in October 2019, the Financial Reporting Standard applicable in the United Kingdom and Republic of Ireland (FRS 102), the Charities Act 2011 and UK Generally Accepted Practice.

The financial statements have been prepared to give a ‘true and fair’ view and have departed from the Charities (Accounts and Reports) Regulations 2008 only to the extent required to provide a ‘true and fair’ view. This departure has involved following the 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 (FRS 102) issued in October 2019 rather than the Accounting and Reporting by Charities: Statement of Recommended Practice effective from 1 April 2005 which has since been withdrawn.

The charity has applied Update Bulletin 1 as published on 2 February 2016 and does not include a cash flow statement on the grounds that it is applying FRS102 Section 1A.

The financial statements are prepared on a going concern basis under the historical cost convention, modified to include certain items at fair value. The financial statements are prepared in sterling which is the functional currency of the charity and rounded to the nearest pound.

The significant accounting policies applied in the preparation of these financial statements are set out below. These policies have been consistently applied to all years presented unless otherwise stated.

(b) Funds

Unrestricted funds are available for use at the discretion of the Trustees in furtherance of the general objectives on the charity and which have not been designated for other purposes.

Endowment funds represent those assets which must be held permanently by the charity, principally investments. Income arising on the endowment funds can be used in accordance with the objects of the charity and is included as unrestricted income. Any capital gains or losses arising on the investments form part of the fund. Investment management charges and legal advice relating to the fund are charged against the fund.

Page 8

ROPNER TRUST

NOTES TO THE FINANCIAL STATEMENTS

5 APRIL 2024

(c) Income Recognition

All incoming resources are included in the Statement of Financial Activities (SOFA) when the charity is legally entitled to the income after any performance conditions have been met, the amount can be measured reliably and it is probable that the income will be received.

Investment income is earned through holding assets for investment purposes such as shares. It includes dividends and interest. Interest income is recognised using the effective interest method and dividend income is recognised as the charity’s right to receive payment is established.

(d) Expenditure Recognition

All expenditure is accounted for on an accruals basis and has been classified under headings that aggregate all costs related to the category. Expenditure is recognised where there is a legal or constructive obligation to make payments to third parties, it is probable that the settlement will be required and the amount of the obligation can be measured reliably. It is categorised under the following headings:

Grants payable to third parties are within the charitable objectives. Where unconditional grants are offered, this is accrued as soon as the recipient is notified of the grant, as this gives rise to a reasonable expectation that the recipient will receive the grant. Where grants are conditional relative to performance then the grant is only accrued when any unfulfilled conditions are outside the control of the charity.

(e) Support Costs Allocation

Support costs are those that assist the work of the charity but do not directly represent charitable activities and include office costs and governance costs. They are incurred directly in support of expenditure on the objects of the charity. Where support costs cannot be directly attributed to particular headings they have been allocated to the cost of raising funds and expenditure on charitable activities on a basis consistent with use of the resources.

The analysis of these costs is included in notes 4 to 8.

(f) Investments

Investments are stated at market value, including accrued interest on Fixed Interest Securities, at the balance sheet date.

The endowment fund includes the net gains and losses arising on revaluations and disposals throughout the year.

The trust does not acquire or use put options, derivatives or other complex financial arrangements.

The main form of financial risk faced by the charity is that of volatility in equity markets and investment markets due to wider economic conditions, the attitude of investors to investment risk and changes in sentiment concerning equities and within particular sectors or sub-sectors.

Page 9

ROPNER TRUST

NOTES TO THE FINANCIAL STATEMENTS

5 APRIL 2024

(f) Investments - continued

Investments are recognised initially at fair value which is normally the transaction price excluding transaction costs. Subsequently, they are measured at fair value with changes recognised in ‘net gains/(losses) on investments’ in the SOFA if the shares are publicly traded or their fair value can otherwise be measured reliably.

Current asset investments are short term highly liquid investments and are held at fair value. These include cash on deposit and cash equivalents with a maturity of less than one year.

(g) Debtors and Creditors - Receivable / Payable Within One Year

Debtors and creditors with no stated interest rate and receivable or payable within one year are recorded at transaction price.

(h) Tax

The charity is an exempt charity within the meaning of schedule 3 of the Charities Act 2011.

(i) Going Concern

The financial statements have been prepared on a going concern basis as the Trustees believe that no material uncertainties exist. The Trustees have considered the level of funds held and the expected level of income and expenditure for 12 months from authorising these financial statements. The budgeted income and expenditure is sufficient with the level of reserves for the charity to be able to continue as a going concern.

2 Grants and Donations

Unrestricted
2024
£
Donations
-
-

Investment Income
Unrestricted
Dividends – equities
Dividends – unit trusts
Interest – fixed interest securities
Interest – deposits
Interest – unit trusts
Overseas securities
2024
£
4,713
1,849
-
3,177
5,910
41,406
57,055
Funds
Endowment Funds
2023
£
2024
£
2023
£
-
-
-
-
-
-
Funds
Endowment Funds
2023
£
2024
£
2023
£
5,920
-
595
1,359
9,579
16,815
34,268
-
-
-
-
-
-
-
-
-
-
-
-
-
-
Total Funds
2024
£
2023
£
-
-
-
-
Total Funds
2024
£
2023
£
4,713
1,849
-
3,177
5,910
41,406
57,055
5,920
-
595
1,359
9,579
16,815
34,268

3 Investment Income

Page 10

ROPNER TRUST

NOTES TO THE FINANCIAL STATEMENTS

5 APRIL 2024

4 Expenditure on Raising Funds

Unrestricted Funds
Endowment Funds
2024
£
2023
£
2024
£
2023
£
Investment Management Costs
-
-
-
-
13,825
13,825
12,270
12,270
Total Funds
2024
£
2023
£
13,825
13,825
12,270
12,270
Total Funds
2024
£
2023
£
13,825
13,825
12,270
12,270

12,270

5 Expenditure on Charitable Activities

Unrestricted
2024
£
Grants and Donations – see note 6
Support Costs – see note 7
Governance Costs – see note 8
44,351
118
4,500
48,969
Funds
Endowment Funds
2023
£
2024
£
2023
£
30,668
68
4,500
35,236
-
-
-
-
-
-
-
-
Total Funds
2024
£
2023
£
44,351
118
4,500
48,969
30,668
68
4,500
35,236

6 Grants and Donations

Unrestricted Funds

2024
£
2023
£
Grants to organisations:
Sports Grants
Education Grants
Equipment Grants
Arts & Music Grants
Health Grants
Donations
Grants to individuals:
Sports Grants
Education Grants
Equipment Grants
Arts & Music Grants
Club Grants
4,960
17,916
4,523
-
-
3,800
8,660
3,992
500
-
-
44,351
1,948
8,110
-
2,000
1,900
3,500
7,110
850
500
2,750
2,000
30,668


Endowment Funds
2024
£
2023
£
-
-
-
-
-
-
-
-
-
-
-
-
-
-
-
-
-
-
-
-
-
-
-
-
Total Funds
2024
£
2023
£
4,960
17,916
4,523
-
-
3,800
8,660
3,992
500
-
-
44,351
1,948
8,110
-
2,000
1,900
3,500
7,110
850
500
2,750
2,000
30,668

Page 11

ROPNER TRUST

NOTES TO THE FINANCIAL STATEMENTS

5 APRIL 2024

7 Support Costs

Unrestricted Funds Endowment Funds Total Funds
2024 2023 2024 2023 2024 2023
£ £ £ £ £ £
Office Costs 118 18 - - 118 18
Bank Interest - 50 - - - 50
118 68 - - 118 68

8 Governance Costs

Unrestricted Funds
Endowment Funds

2024
£
2023
£
2024
£
2023
£
Accountancy and Independent
Examination
4,500
4,500
4,500
4,500
-
-
-
-
Total Funds
2024
£
2023
£
4,500
4,500
4,500
4,500

9 Net Income for the Year

Net income is stated after charging:

Realised gains/(losses) on investment assets
Unrealised gains/(losses) on investment assets
Profit / (loss) on fair value investment assets
_
2024
£
84,812
481
______
85,293


2023
£
(6,711)
(98,457)
__
(105,168)

10 Independent Examiner’s Remuneration

The independent examiner’s remuneration amounts to an independent examination fee of £1,500 (2023: £1,500) and accounting and other services of £3,000 (2023: £3,000).

11 Trustees’ Remuneration

Trustees neither received nor waived any remuneration or expenses during the year (2023: £Nil).

Page 12

ROPNER TRUST

NOTES TO THE FINANCIAL STATEMENTS

5 APRIL 2024

12 Fixed Asset Investments

2024
£
Market value as at 6 April 2023
Additions
Disposal proceeds
Net realised profits/(losses)
Net unrealised profits/(losses)
Market value at 5 April 2024
Historical cost at 5 April 2024
1,494,143
1,558,372
(1,530,637)
84,812
481
__
1,607,171
1,463,462



2023
£
1,601,202
134,059
(135,935)
(6,726)
(98,457)
__
1,494,143
1,350,915

The fair value of investments is determined by reference to the quoted price at the balance sheet date.

13 Debtors

Other debtors
14
Creditors: Amounts Falling Due Within One Year
Other creditors
2024
£
10,745
2024
£
7,824
2023
£
2,122
2023
£
7,654

Page 13

ROPNER TRUST

NOTES TO THE FINANCIAL STATEMENTS

5 APRIL 2024

15 Fund Reconciliation

Balance at
5 April
2023
£

Unrestricted funds
Endowment funds
71,265
1,547,732
Balance at
5 April 2022
£

Unrestricted funds
Endowment funds
72,233
1,665,170
Income
£
Expenditure
£
Gains/(Losses)
£
Balance at
5 April 2024
£
57,055
-
(48,969)
(13,825)
-
85,293
79,351
1,619,200
Income
£
Expenditure
£
Gains/(Losses)
£
Balance at
5 April 2023
£
34,268
-
(35,236)
(12,270)
-
(105,168)
71,265
1,547,732

Fund Descriptions

16 Analysis of Net Assets between Funds

Fund balances at 5 April 2024 are represented by:

Unrestricted
Fund
£
Endowment
Fund
£
Investments
Bank accounts
Debtors
Accruals
-
73,224
10,745
(4,618)
_
79,351
1,607,171
15,235
-
(3,206)
__ _____
1,619,200
Total
£
1,607,171
88,459
10,745
(7,824)
_
1,698,551

Page 14

ROPNER TRUST

NOTES TO THE FINANCIAL STATEMENTS

5 APRIL 2024

17 Related Party Transactions

Mr. J.R. Wilson, trustee, is a director of Appletons. During the year, Appletons invoiced the Trust £118 (2023: £99) in respect of postage and secretarial services.

Mr. D. Pruden, trustee, is the father of Ms. G. Pruden. During the year, Ms. G. Pruden was the beneficiary of an educational grant in the sum of £492 (2023: £Nil).

18 Financial Instruments

The carrying amount of the charity’s financial instruments is as follows:

Financial assets:
Measured at fair value through net income/expenditure:
Fixed asset listed investments (note 12)
Other debtors (note 13)
Cash and cash equivalents
Financial liabilities:
Other creditors (note 14)
2024
£
1,607,171
10,745
88,459
__
1,706,375
(7,824)
__
1,698,551

2023
£
1,494,143
2,122
130,386
_
1,626,651
(7,654)
_

1,618,997

The income, expenses, net gains and net losses attributable to the charity’s finance instruments are summarised as follows:

Net gains and losses (including changes at fair value)
Financial assets measured at fair value through net income and
expenditure
2024
£
85,293
2023
£
(105,168)

The difference between fair value at initial recognition and the amount that would be determined at that date if using a valuation technique is £143,709 (2023: £143,228). The unrealised profit recognised in net income/expenditure was £481 (2023: unrealised loss £98,457).

Page 15