Company registration number: 3066271
Strange Cargo Arts Company Limited Company limited by guarantee
Unaudited financial statements
31 March 2025
Strange Cargo Arts Company Limited Company limited by guarantee
Contents
| Page | |
|---|---|
| Directors and other information | 1 |
| Trustees' report | 2 - 5 |
| Accountants report | 6 |
| Statement of comprehensive income | 7 |
| Statement of financial position | 8 - 9 |
| Statement of changes in equity | 10 |
| Notes to the financial statements | 11 - 14 |
Strange Cargo Arts Company Limited Company limited by guarantee
Directors and other information
| Directors | Terry Perk |
|---|---|
| Gary Bourne | |
| Nicholas Varian | |
| Len Mayatt | |
| Josephine Carter | |
| Jennifer Thatcher | |
| Sally Hough | |
| Anthony Downey | |
| John Joseph Charlesworth | |
| Secretary | B Orasinski |
| Company number | 3066271 |
| Registered office | 43 The Factory |
| Geraldine Road | |
| Folkestone | |
| Kent | |
| CT19 4BD | |
| Business address | 43 The Factory |
| Geraldine Road | |
| Folkestone | |
| Kent | |
| CT19 4BD | |
| Accountants | PG Lemon LLP |
| 134 High Street | |
| Hythe | |
| Kent | |
| CT21 5LB |
Page 1
Strange Cargo Arts Company Limited Company limited by guarantee
Trustees' report Year ended 31 March 2025
Charity name: Strange Cargo Arts Company Limited
Charity registration number: 1068396
Objectives and Activities
Summary of the purposes of the charity as set out in its governing document: Strange Cargo Arts Company Limited Charitable Objectives are:
(1) The provision of recreational facilities in the interests of social welfare with the object of improving the conditions of life of persons residing in East Kent and surrounding areas.
(2) To advance the education of the community residing in East Kent and surrounding areas in the appreciation and practice of the arts.
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
Strange Cargo's practice is a forward thinking arts organisation and charity that makes the majority of its work by and for the lowest socio economic groups, from the start of production, through to completion. This approach brings high quality artwork with the broadest invitation, to the widest group of people. Our work, whether by commission or through our own fundraising efforts conforms to the company's main principles of access, participation and excellence.
Strange Cargo relocated from Folkestone to Cheriton in 2015 to our owned Factory building. Capital repairs are continuing when funding becomes available. The building includes a gallery, production space and office and is used for day to day company office space, tools and equipment and storage, public workshops, free to visit exhibitions and as an artists' production space. The company benefits from charitable and discretionary rate relief. Our income is generated through commissioned work and fundraising. Strange Cargo's relocation to Cheriton has contributed significantly to the town, which has developed a much stronger cultural identity through our exhibitions and through Strange Cargo's biennial Cheriton Light Festival. 2025 was Strange Cargo 30th anniversary and includes a programme of celebratory projects.
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 Income from book sales
throughout the financial year our series of books including our guidebooks: Everywhere Means Something to Someone - the people's guidebook series continued to be sold across a number of outlets, bringing in modest but regular income to the charity.
The Resident Platform #1
The Resident Platform is Strange Cargo's ongoing public art programme at Folkestone West station that since 2022 has produced and installed pairs of bronze sculptures by professional artists and community groups. March 2024 saw the workshop with takeaway staff and owners to create their sculpture for the project. The workshop was led by Strange Cargo and foundryman Andrew Baldwin, and observed artist Dom Watson.
Charivari Day costume prototyping Day
In March 2024 a dedicated group of carnival artists were employed by Strange Cargo to create prototype costumes for primary schools for the summer carnival. Starting the process of planning for the event that would culminate in the community celebratory parade in July.
The Resident Platform #2
Page 2
Strange Cargo Arts Company Limited Company limited by guarantee
Trustees' report (continued) Year ended 31 March 2025
March 2024, artist Dom Watson created his clay model for casting into bronze by Andrew Baldwin for Folkestone West.
Fat Lady Opera
Strange Cargo was commissioned to create the set dressing for an operatic performance at the Leas Cliff Hall in Folkestone by Fat Lady Opera. The sets were installed for a performance in April 2024.
How to Make a Head
An exhibition at Strange Cargo gallery with a selected group of artists. Curated by Tom Shedden in May 2024.
Charivari Day 2024
Strange Cargo's annual carnival took place in Folkestone town centre on 13th July with the theme British Folklore and Ritual Traditions. The district wide participation included a primary school teachers masterclass and a programme of secondary school student carnival costumes making workshops which involved 800 people from community groups, 26 local schools and adults with mental and physical challenges. This was the 28th carnival parade and involved Strange Cargo bringing together a partnership of sponsors who provided the funding resources to enable the event to take place.
Dover Road Family Centre family frieze workshop
A commissioned one day workshop open to families on low income to create a frieze to adorn the walls of the family centre in August 2024.
Everything Reacts
An exhibition at Strange Cargo gallery in Cheriton by artist Clara Hastrup, who is a The Resident Platform artist. Her installation at Strange Cargo gallery attracted a large audience to the free exhibition in August 2024.
Everywhere Means Something to Someone - People's guidebook to Dover
Commissioned by Dover Town Council, the latest guidebook in our ongoing series was compiled with local people and launched at an event at Dover Museum in October 2024.
The Resident Platform #3
November 2024 marked the unveiling of a pair of bronze sculptures at Folkestone West station by artist Clara Hastrup and a group of clients from MIND. This marked the 6th pair of sculptures unveiled at the station as part of the project.
Cheriton Christmas Lights Switch-on
Strange Cargo ran a one day, community workshop in support of this community event in November 2024.
The Resident Platform #4
Page 3
Strange Cargo Arts Company Limited Company limited by guarantee
Trustees' report (continued) Year ended 31 March 2025
December 2024 marked the unveiling of a pair of bronze sculptures at Folkestone West station by artist Dom Watson and a group of take away owners and staff from Cheriton businesses. This marked the 7th part of sculptures unveiled at the station as part of the project.
The Resident Platform #5
January 2025 saw the workshop with Cheriton based volunteers from White Cliffs rail partnership to create their sculpture for the project. The workshop was led by Strange Cargo and foundryman Andrew Baldwin and observed artist Jack Coulson.
Martello Lakes public art strategy
As part of a commission by developers, Camland Hythe Ltd to create a public art strategy for Martello Lakes in Hythe, Strange Cargo delivered anon-site family workshop in February 2025 to invite feedback that would contribute to the strategy.
Boston Lights
Strange Cargo attended the inaugural Boston Light Festival. Strange Cargo has acted as a consultant to the project during it's development in February 2025.
Cucumber Season
An exhibition at Strange Cargo gallery in Cheriton by artist Dominic Watson, who is a The Resident Platform artist. His installation at Strange Cargo gallery attracted a large audience to the free exhibition in March 2025.
The Resident Platform #6
March 2025 saw the workshop with staff from Cheriton's station at Folkestone West to create their sculpture for the project. The workshop was led by Strange Cargo and foundryman Andrew Baldwin, and partnered with artist Cathie Pilkington RA.
Financial Review
The charity's total income was £157,865 and the charity's total expenditure £189,964. The brought forward funds (gradually accumulated over the years) were £275,613, and the deficit of income over expenditure has brought down the overall funds to £243,515 as at 31 March 2025.
Explanation of any uncertainties about the charity continuing as a going concern
No concerns
Structure, Governance and Management
Articles of Association
How is the charity constituted
Company limited by guarantee
Page 4
Strange Cargo Arts Company Limited Company limited by guarantee
Trustees' report (continued) Year ended 31 March 2025
Trustee selection methods including details of any constitutional provision e.g. election to post or name of any person or body entitled to appoint one of more trustees
Election by existing trustees
Trustees who served the charity during the year
Dr Terry Perk - Chair Nicholas Varian Gary Bourne Jennifer Thatcher John Joseph Charlesworth Sally Hough Len Mayatt - Resigned on 1st July 2024 Anthony Downey - Resigned on 7th October 2024 Josephine Carter - Appointed 25th November 2024
Other officers of the charity: Brigitte Orasinski - Secretary
Declaration:
The trustees declare that they have approved the trustees' report above.
Signed on behalf of the charity's trustees
................................................................ ................................................................ Signature Date: ................................................................ Full name: ................................................................ Position:
Page 5
Strange Cargo Arts Company Limited Company limited by guarantee
Report to the board of directors on the preparation of the unaudited statutory financial statements of Strange Cargo Arts Company Limited Year ended 31 March 2025
In order to assist you to fulfil your duties under the Companies Act 2006, we have prepared for your approval the financial statements of Strange Cargo Arts Company Limited for the year ended 31 March 2025 which comprise the statement of comprehensive income, statement of financial position, statement of changes in equity and related notes from the company's accounting records and from information and explanations you have given us.
As a practising member firm of the Association of Chartered Certified Accountants , we are subject to its ethical and other professional requirements which are detailed at http://www.accaglobal.com/en/member/ professional-standards/ rules-standards/acca-rulebook.html.
This report is made solely to the board of directors of Strange Cargo Arts Company Limited, as a body, in accordance with the terms of our engagement letter. Our work has been undertaken solely to prepare for your approval the financial statements of Strange Cargo Arts Company Limited and state those matters that we have agreed to state to the board of directors of Strange Cargo Arts Company Limited as a body, in this report in accordance with the requirements of the Association of Chartered Certified Accountants as detailed at https://www.accaglobal.com/content/dam/ACCA_Global/Technical/fact/tf-163-jan-24.pdf. To the fullest extent permitted by law, we do not accept or assume responsibility to anyone other than Strange Cargo Arts Company Limited and its board of directors as a body for our work or for this report.
It is your duty to ensure that Strange Cargo Arts Company Limited has kept adequate accounting records and to prepare statutory financial statements that give a true and fair view of the assets, liabilities, financial position and loss of Strange Cargo Arts Company Limited. You consider that Strange Cargo Arts Company Limited is exempt from the statutory audit requirement for the year.
We have not been instructed to carry out an audit or a review of the financial statements of Strange Cargo Arts Company Limited. For this reason, we have not verified the accuracy or completeness of the accounting records or information and explanations you have given to us and we do not, therefore, express any opinion on the statutory financial statements.
PG Lemon LLP Chartered Certified Accountants & Registered Auditors
134 High Street Hythe Kent CT21 5LB
Page 6
Strange Cargo Arts Company Limited Company limited by guarantee
Statement of comprehensive income Year ended 31 March 2025
| 2025 | 2024 | ||||
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Note | £ | £ | |||
| Turnover | 157,126 | 190,333 | |||
| Cost of sales | ) (110,914 |
(87,306 | ) | ||
| Gross profit | 46,212 | 103,027 | |||
| Administrative expenses | (79,050 | ) | (82,600 | ) | |
| Operating (loss)/profit | ) (32,838 |
20,427 | |||
| Other interest receivable and similar income | 739 | 964 | |||
| (Loss)/profit before taxation | 6 | ) (32,099 |
21,391 | ||
| Tax on (loss)/profit | - | - | |||
| (Loss)/profit for the financial year and total | |||||
| comprehensive income | ) (32,099 |
21,391 |
All the activities of the company are from continuing operations.
The notes on pages 11 to 14 form part of these financial statements.
Page 7
Strange Cargo Arts Company Limited Company limited by guarantee
Statement of financial position 31 March 2025
| Note Fixed assets Tangible assets 7 Current assets Stocks Debtors 8 Cash at bank and in hand Creditors: amounts falling due within one year 9 Net current assets Total assets less current liabilities Net assets Capital and reserves Profit and loss account Members funds |
2025 £ 185,593 4,500 2,182 72,102 78,784 ) (20,862 |
£ 185,593 57,922 243,515 243,515 243,515 243,515 |
2024 £ 186,225 4,160 45,064 53,079 102,303 ) (12,915 |
£ 186,225 89,388 |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| 275,613 | ||||
| 275,613 | ||||
| 275,613 | ||||
| 275,613 |
For the year ending 31 March 2025 the company was entitled to exemption from audit under section 477 of the Companies Act 2006 relating to small companies.
Trustees' responsibilities:
-
The members have not required the company to obtain an audit of its financial statements for the year in question in accordance with section 476;
-
The directors acknowledge their responsibilities for complying with the requirements of the Act with respect to accounting records and the preparation of financial statements.
These financial statements have been prepared in accordance with the provisions applicable to companies subject to the small companies' regime and in accordance with Section 1A of FRS 102 'The Financial Reporting Standard applicable in the UK and Republic of Ireland'.
The notes on pages 11 to 14 form part of these financial statements.
Page 8
Strange Cargo Arts Company Limited Company limited by guarantee
Statement of financial position (continued) 31 March 2025
These financial statements were approved by the board of directors and authorised for issue on ................................., and are signed on behalf of the board by:
Jennifer Thatcher Director
Company registration number: 3066271
The notes on pages 11 to 14 form part of these financial statements.
Page 9
Strange Cargo Arts Company Limited Company limited by guarantee
Statement of changes in equity Year ended 31 March 2025
| Profit and loss account £ At 1 April 2023 254,222 (Loss)/profit for the year 21,391 Total comprehensive income for the year 21,391 At 31 March 2024 and 1 April 2024 275,614 (Loss)/profit for the year ) (32,099 Total comprehensive income for the year ) (32,099 At 31 March 2025 243,515 |
Total £ 254,222 21,391 21,391 275,614 ) (32,099 ) (32,099 243,515 |
|---|---|
Page 10
Strange Cargo Arts Company Limited Company limited by guarantee
Notes to the financial statements Year ended 31 March 2025
1. General information
The company is a private company limited by guarantee, registered in England and Wales. The address of the registered office is 43 The Factory, Geraldine Road, Folkestone, Kent, CT19 4BD.
2. Statement of compliance
These financial statements have been prepared in compliance with the provisions of FRS 102, Section 1A, 'The Financial Reporting Standard applicable in the UK and Republic of Ireland'.
3. Accounting policies
Basis of preparation
The financial statements have been prepared on the historical cost basis, as modified by the revaluation of certain financial assets and liabilities and investment properties measured at fair value through profit or loss.
The financial statements are prepared in sterling, which is the functional currency of the entity.
Turnover
Turnover is measured at the fair value of the consideration received or receivable for goods supplied and services rendered, net of discounts and Value Added Tax.
Revenue from the sale of goods is recognised when the significant risks and rewards of ownership have transferred to the buyer (usually on despatch of the goods); the amount of revenue can be measured reliably; it is probable that the associated economic benefits will flow to the entity; and the costs incurred or to be incurred in respect of the transactions can be measured reliably.
Taxation
The taxation expense represents the aggregate amount of current and deferred tax recognised in the reporting period. Tax is recognised in the statement of comprehensive income, except to the extent that it relates to items recognised in other comprehensive income or directly in capital and reserves. In this case, tax is recognised in other comprehensive income or directly in capital and reserves, respectively. Current tax is recognised on taxable profit for the current and past periods. Current tax is measured at the amounts of tax expected to pay or recover using the tax rates and laws that have been enacted or substantively enacted at the reporting date.
Deferred tax is recognised in respect of all timing differences at the reporting date. Unrelieved tax losses and other deferred tax assets are recognised to the extent that it is probable that they will be recovered against the reversal of deferred tax liabilities or other future taxable profits. Deferred tax is measured using the tax rates and laws that have been enacted or substantively enacted by the reporting date that are expected to apply to the reversal of the timing difference.
Page 11
Strange Cargo Arts Company Limited Company limited by guarantee
Notes to the financial statements (continued) Year ended 31 March 2025
Tangible assets
Tangible assets are initially recorded at cost, and are subsequently stated at cost less any accumulated depreciation and impairment losses.
Any tangible assets carried at revalued amounts are recorded at the fair value at the date of revaluation less any subsequent accumulated depreciation and subsequent accumulated impairment losses.
An increase in the carrying amount of an asset as a result of a revaluation, is recognised in other comprehensive income and accumulated in capital and reserves, except to the extent it reverses a revaluation decrease of the same asset previously recognised in profit or loss. A decrease in the carrying amount of an asset as a result of revaluation is recognised in other comprehensive income to the extent of any previously recognised revaluation increase accumulated in capital and reserves in respect of that asset. Where a revaluation decrease exceeds the accumulated revaluation gains accumulated in capital and reserves in respect of that asset, the excess shall be recognised in profit or loss.
Depreciation
Depreciation is calculated so as to write off the cost or valuation of an asset, less its residual value, over the useful economic life of that asset as follows:
| Plant and machinery | - | 25% | reducing balance |
|---|---|---|---|
| Fittings fixtures and equipment | - | 25% | reducing balance |
If there is an indication that there has been a significant change in depreciation rate, useful life or residual value of tangible assets, the depreciation is revised prospectively to reflect the new estimates.
Impairment
A review for indicators of impairment is carried out at each reporting date, with the recoverable amount being estimated where such indicators exist. Where the carrying value exceeds the recoverable amount, the asset is impaired accordingly. Prior impairments are also reviewed for possible reversal at each reporting date.
When it is not possible to estimate the recoverable amount of an individual asset, an estimate is made of the recoverable amount of the cash-generating unit to which the asset belongs. The cash-generating unit is the smallest identifiable group of assets that includes the asset and generates cash inflows that are largely independent of the cash inflows from other assets or groups of assets.
Stocks
Stocks are measured at the lower of cost and estimated selling price less costs to complete and sell. Cost includes all costs of purchase, costs of conversion and other costs incurred in bringing the stocks to their present location and condition.
Page 12
Strange Cargo Arts Company Limited Company limited by guarantee
Notes to the financial statements (continued) Year ended 31 March 2025
Financial instruments
A financial asset or a financial liability is recognised only when the company becomes a party to the contractual provisions of the instrument.
Basic financial instruments are initially recognised at the transaction price, unless the arrangement constitutes a financing transaction, where it is recognised at the present value of the future payments discounted at a market rate of interest for a similar debt instrument.
Debt instruments are subsequently measured at amortised cost.
Where investments in non-convertible preference shares and non-puttable ordinary shares or preference shares are publicly traded or their fair value can otherwise be measured reliably, the investment is subsequently measured at fair value with changes in fair value recognised in profit or loss. All other such investments are subsequently measured at cost less impairment.
Other financial instruments, including derivatives, are initially recognised at fair value, unless payment for an asset is deferred beyond normal business terms or financed at a rate of interest that is not a market rate, in which case the asset is measured at the present value of the future payments discounted at a market rate of interest for a similar debt instrument.
Other financial instruments are subsequently measured at fair value, with any changes recognised in profit or loss, with the exception of hedging instruments in a designated hedging relationship.
Financial assets that are measured at cost or amortised cost are reviewed for objective evidence of impairment at the end of each reporting date. If there is objective evidence of impairment, an impairment loss is recognised in profit or loss immediately.
For all equity instruments regardless of significance, and other financial assets that are individually significant, these are assessed individually for impairment. Other financial assets or either assessed individually or grouped on the basis of similar credit risk characteristics.
Any reversals of impairment are recognised in profit or loss immediately, to the extent that the reversal does not result in a carrying amount of the financial asset that exceeds what the carrying amount would have been had the impairment not previously been recognised.
4. Limited by guarantee
The legal status of the charity is a company limited by guarantee and has no share capital.
5. Employee numbers
The average number of persons employed by the company during the year amounted to 1 (2024: 1).
6. Loss/profit before taxation
Loss/profit before taxation is stated after charging/(crediting):
| 2025 | 2024 | |
|---|---|---|
| £ | £ | |
| Depreciation of tangible assets | 632 | 781 |
Page 13
Strange Cargo Arts Company Limited Company limited by guarantee
Notes to the financial statements (continued) Year ended 31 March 2025
7. Tangible assets
| Freehold property Plant and machinery Fixtures, fittings and equipment £ £ £ Cost At 1 April 2024 and 31 March 2025 183,883 61,153 50,654 Depreciation At 1 April 2024 - 61,065 48,400 Charge for the year - 22 610 At 31 March 2025 - 61,087 49,010 Carrying amount At 31 March 2025 183,883 66 1,644 At 31 March 2024 183,883 88 2,254 8. Debtors 2025 £ Trade debtors 513 Other debtors 1,669 2,182 9. Creditors: amounts falling due within one year 2025 £ Trade creditors 1,602 Social security and other taxes 12,879 Other creditors 6,381 20,862 |
Total £ 295,690 |
|---|---|
| 109,465 632 |
|
| 110,097 | |
| 185,593 | |
| 186,225 | |
| 2024 £ 43,690 1,374 |
|
| 45,064 | |
| 2024 £ 1,331 7,974 3,610 |
|
| 12,915 |
Page 14
Strange Cargo Arts Company Limited Company limited by guarantee
The following pages do not form part of the statutory accounts.
Strange Cargo Arts Company Limited Company limited by guarantee
Detailed income statement Year ended 31 March 2025
| 2025 £ Turnover Book sales, commissions & other 137,787 Grants and donations 19,114 Gallery and workshop hire 225 157,126 Cost of sales Opening stock ) (4,160 Cost of projects ) (111,254 ) (115,414 Closing stock 4,500 110,914 Gross profit 46,212 Gross profit percentage % 29.4 Overheads Administrative expenses ) (79,050 ) (79,050 Operating (loss)/profit ) (32,838 Operating (loss)/profit percentage % 20.9 Other interest receivable and similar income 739 (Loss)/profit before taxation ) (32,099 |
2024 £ 106,844 83,114 375 190,333 ) (700 ) (90,766 ) (91,466 4,160 87,306 103,027 % 54.1 ) (82,600 ) (82,600 20,427 % 10.7 964 21,391 |
|---|---|
Strange Cargo Arts Company Limited Company limited by guarantee
Detailed income statement (continued) Year ended 31 March 2025
| Overheads Administrative expenses Wages and salaries Rent and rates Rates Insurance Light and heat Repairs and maintenance Postage and stationery Advertising Telephone and internet Computer costs Travel expenses Accountancy fees Payroll and bookkeeping Bank charges General expenses Subscriptions and licences Depreciation of tangible assets |
2025 £ ) (59,771 - 313 ) (1,374 ) (2,454 ) (331 ) (1,919 ) (1,201 ) (1,028 ) (1,419 - ) (2,150 ) (6,666 ) (268 ) (150 - ) (632 ) (79,050 |
2024 £ ) (61,807 ) (173 - ) (1,087 ) (1,360 ) (223 ) (2,287 ) (2,035 ) (994 ) (1,319 ) (43 ) (2,150 ) (6,650 ) (184 ) (60 ) (1,447 ) (781 ) (82,600 |
|---|---|---|