COMPANY REGISTRATION NUMBER: 03666606 CHARITY REGISTRATION NUMBER: 1073101 Mid Suffolk Voluntary Organisations Forum Company Limited by Guarantee Unaudited independently examined accounts 31 March 2025 Mid Suffolk Voluntary Organisations Forum Company Limited by Guarantee Financial statements Year ended 31 March 2025 Pages Trustees, annual reF)Ort (incorporating the directors, report) 1to9 Indp.pendent examinerfs report to the trustees Statement of finanaal activities {including income and expenditure account) Balance sheet 12to13 Notes to the financial ststements 14to25 Mid Suffolk Voluntary Organisations Forum Company Limited by Guarantee Trustees, annual report (incorporating the directors. report) Year ended 31 March 2025 The tnjstees, who are also the directors for the purposes of Company law, present their report and ihe unaudited financial statements of the charity for the year ended 31 March 2025. The financial statements have been prepared in accordance with the accounting policies sel out in notes to the accounts and comply with the charity's goveming document. the Charities Act 2011 and Companies Act 2006 and Accounting and ReF)Orting by Charities.. Slatement of Recommended Practice applicable to charitlss proparing th8ir accounts in 8ccordanc8 With th8 Financial R8POTting Standard 2pplicabl8 in the UK and Republic of Ireland published in October 2019. Mid Suffolk Voluntary Organisations Forum Company Limited by Guarantee Trustees. annual report (incorporating the directors. report) (contlnued) Year ended 31 March 2025 Chaimian's report Finances Over the past year. MSVOF. or Red Gables. has made sub5tgntial piogress. Despite facing considerable challenges due to external factors in the global economy. we have advanced several key projects and strengthened our partnerships with tenants. hirers. and funders_ Throughout this journey. we have rg.mxinp.d committed lo making a positive impact in Stowmarket and Mid Suffolk. Our finances have remained stable despite increasing costs. Income for the calendar year has decreased by £21,917. primarily due to a reduction in grant funding for capital and projects. many of which were successfully funded in the year ending March 2024. Expenditure has risen by £16,176, reflecling a notable decrease in office costs balanced by a significanl rise in property expenses. This increase is attributed to ongoing works across both buildings aimed at enhancing visual appeal and maintaining compliance with the scheduled maintenance plan. Community Engagement The Redwoods Lunch Club has seen a steady increase in participants, maintaining a robust attendance of 30 individuals at each fortnighlly gathering. This growth has been supported by funding from the MGCarthy Stone Foundation, allowing us to invest in new equipment. unrfomis. and enhanced marketing efforts. Our Friday warm space social group. You're Welcome. has successfulty operated throughout the year. Originally eslablisned as a six-month pilot in February 2023. we are delighted to see its continuation. Our singing groups have been progressing well with Marf( and Jill facilitating tsvo 'Lel's Sing at Red Gables. sessions each month, which have experienced growing attendance. Furthermore. our outreach singing initiatives have been actively engaging care homes in Stowmarkel and Mid Suffolk. with special events such as the Sin9alongs at the Rampant Horse in Needham Market witnessing increasing parbcipation every quarter. Volunteers of Stowmarket has experienced an extraordinary year. The project includes a variety of initiatives, such as the weekly Tuesday environmental activity group, the Stowmarket Repair Cafe, and the Hard lo Recycle stall. With over 50 volunteers supporting our efforts each month, we tske pride in the accomplishments of this project and appreciate the growing attention on social media, which underscores the significance of environmental acttvities for the people of Stowmarkel. Cooking on a Budget commenced in eady 2023 and has been running continuously through this calendar year. Each six-week course is tailored to impart new recipes and essential kitchen skills, all while assisting participants in rnaximising their household food budgel. The initiative seeks to offer valuable guidance and support for families with low incomes. carers. indivtduals relying on foodbanks, or those facing mental health challenges. We are delighted to announce that we have seCu￿d additional fundin9 for another 12 months. Maintenance This year. we have conducted 8 comprehensive review of the facilities at Red Gables. concentrating on the enhancement of the offices we rent out a5 well as the comrnunal indoor areas. Several rooms have undergone redecoration. and we have successfully upgraded to LED lighting throughout both buildings, along with improvements to Ihem)al insulation wherever feasible. Our sincere gratitude goes to our maintenance team, led by Mark. The outdoor area at Red Gables has consislendy drawn admiration, and it would be remiss not to commend the dedicated efforts of the Red Gables Garden Project. For over 12 years, this group of volunteers has diligently mainlained the gardens and continues to cultivate new areas of beauty throughoul the sile. Mid Suffolk Voluntary Organisations Forum Company Limited by Guarantee Trustees. annual report (incorporating the directors. report) (conffnued) Year ended 31 March 2025 The next 12 months In the upcoming year, our key priorities will encompass the following- Finalising the fire ststion project and evolving it into a vital community hub thal addresses various needs and fosters connections among residents. Creating a thorough and modem business plan that detsils our funding strategy. ensuring we are equipped to secure financial backing for future initiatives_ Proactively recruiting more volunteers. particularly focusing on increasing participation within Volunteers of Stowmarket and our You're Welcome group. Expanding our intergenerational events and programmes, promoting meaningful exchanges be￿een different age groups lo enrieh the overall experience for all. Maintaining financial sustainability amidst rising costs. enabling us lo continue delivering quality services without compromising stsndards. On behalf of the truslees, I would like to take this opportunity to express our heartfelt gratitude to our outstanding team of staff and volunteers who play a crucial role in making Red Gables what it IS today. We also extend our sincere thanks to our tenants. partners. and funders. whose vital support enable$ us to reach our objectives. Mark Cobum {MSVOF Chair) Reference and administrative details Registgred charity name Mid Suffolk Voluntary Or9anisaiions Forum Charity registration number 1073101 Company registration number 03666606 Principal office and registered Red Gables offlce Ipswich Road Slowmarket Suffolk IP14 1BE The trustees The trustees who served during the year and at the date of approval were a5 follows: M Cobum (Chairl A Dennis {Treasurer. Appointed 1910312025) S Lovell L Scott {Appointed 2110212023) M Trent Mid Suffolk Voluntary Organisations Forum Company Limited by Guarantee Trustees. annual report {incorporating the directors. report) (conllnued) Year ended 31 March 2025 Membership groups 1 sl Slowmarket Guides and Rangers ACE {Anglia} Lld Art for All Babergh & Mid Suffolk Dislrict Council Base Counselling Blue Butlefflies Holistic Therapies Catherine Rolfe Yoga Children & Young People's Semces Clear Light Counselling Communtties Together EA Confident Cr•ach Dans Coach Travel Dimensions Easl Anglian P05tal History Society East Anglia Traditional Music Trust Enigm8 Essex and SLrffolk Rivers Trust Families Together Suffolk Family Psychology Mutual Fintellity Gables Therapies Gipping Social Lodge {Odtttellows) KFL Yoga Lapwing Education Macmillan Mid Suffolk Healing Roow New Lrfe Church Parenting Apart Centre East CIC Parkinsons UK Stowmarkel Cuppa and Chat POhWER Prepped Academy Primary Homecare PSS Shared Lives Scorpion Martial Arts Academy Second Coming Clothing Serenity Yoga Suffolk Smooth Seas Psychotherapy and Counselling SODS st Elizabeth Hospice Stow Crafters Stowmarkel ASD Saturday Club Slowmarket Camival Stowmarkel Foodbank Stovmiarket Musical Theatre Company Stowmarket U3A Stowmarket Youth Theatre Suffolk and North East Essex ICB Suffolk Family Carers Suffolk Guide Association Suffolk Red Cross Link Group Suffolk Riders ROSPA Suffolk Sight The Royal Philatelic Society Totally HR Ltd Valant Viva La Visa Volunteers of Stowmarket IECOI Wesl Suffolk HospitallSCARC Red Gables Tenants ACE (Anglial Ltd Communities Together EA Essex and Suffolk Rivers Trust Stowmarket Foodbank Vallanl Ltd Counsellors East Anglia Traditional Music Trust Gables Therapies Suffolk Sight Red Gables Volunteers with Projects Cake, Can¢er & Coffee {MacMillan) Garden Project Lunch Club Volunteers of Stowmarkel (Eco) Tolal number of Volunteers = 70 Cooking on a Budget Living With Dementia Members Club Repair Café You're Welcome Sollcltors Pretys Elm House 25 Elm Street Ipswich IP1 Z4D Mid Suffolk Voluntary Organisations Forum Company Limited by Guarantee Trustees. annual report (incorporating the directors. report) (continuedj Year ended 31 March 2025 Independent examlner A Robinson FCA Lovewell Blake LLP Chartered accountants Firsl Floor Suite 2 Hillside Business Park Bury St Edmunds IP32 7EA Bankers TSB 7 Market Street Stowmarkel IP14 1DY Mid Suffolk Voluntary Organisations Forum Company Limited by Guarantee Trustees. annual report (incorporating the directors. report) f¢ontlnuedJ Year ended 31 March 2025 Objectlves and actlvltle5 Aims of the Charity {Extract from the Memorandum of Association): To promote for the public benefit the urban and wral regeneration in areas of social and economic deprivation and in particular Mid Suffolk District and the County of Suffolk. To promote the benefit of the inhabtianls of the area of benefrt without distinction of sex, sexual Ofientation. age. disability, nationality. race or of political. religious or olher opinions. by associating together the said inhabitants and the statutory authorities. voluntary and other organisations in a common effort to advance education and to provide facilities in the interests of social welfare for recreation and leisure-time occupation with the object of improving the conditions of life for the said inhabitsnls. To promote and improve the effectiveness of charities which operate in whole or in part in Mid Suffolk in direct pursuit of Iheir objeclives by the provision of advice. training. and infomiation on efficient and professional management of resources. To promote such other purposes as are charitable according to Ihe laws of England and Wales for the benefit of Ihe public as may from time to time be detennined. Maln actlvltles of the fornm Piuiriuliiiy ¢aiid iiriyiuviiiy Ilie el(￿lIve11¥s5 of voluiilary oryaiii>aknoii> worki1i9 in Ilie Mid Sulfolk dl ea by Lli provision of advice, training. pra¢tical sUPPOrt. and inft)rmation. Managing the Red Gables Wellbeing Hub which provides permanent office accommodation for voluntary groups as well as facilities for hire such as the Redwoods Centre. Publlc benefit In shaping our objectives for the year and planning our activities. the Trustees have considered Ihe Charity Commissions guidance on public benefit when setting the objective5 for the year. The trustees confim that they have complied with the duty in section 4 of the Charities Act 2011. Achievements and perforniance The Chariws activities for the year a￿ reported in the Red Gables Chaifs Report wthin these accounts. Mid Suffolk Voluntary Organisations Forum Company Limited by Guarantee Trustees. annual report (incorporating the directors. report) (¢ontinu¢d) Year ended 31 March 2025 Financial review UnreslTicled income for the year has increased by £23.190 to £125,780 (2024- £102,590) this is mainly due to an increase in renls and service charges although this was somewhat offset by a decrease in grants and donations. Total income amounted to £160,002 (2024- £181,919) down 12% on last year. Unrestricted expenditure has increased by £29.308 to £122.377 {2024.. £93.0691_ Total pxpÈ.nrlitiJrp. amounted to £214.86312024.' £198.6871 up 8°h on last year. After transfers betsveen funds 2nd gains from revaluations. Un￿StriC1ed funds carried forward amounted to £48,91512024= £60,681) and restricted funds amounted to £1,962.65612024.' £2.005.7511 as at the year end date. wlh total reserves amounting to £2,011,571 (2024: £2,066,432). Reserves policy The Charitys reserves policy is lo hold six months unrestricted expenditure as reserves which would amount to £61,188 {2024- £46,535} based on current expenditure levels. The policy is set to hold enough free reserves to enable the Charity lo fu￿111 statutory and legal obligations and to provide a contingency fund lo meet unforeseen falls in income or increases in expenditure. In setting the reserves policy the Trustees have considered the benef¢ts and security of ils ownership of the Red Gables propety. which allows the Trustees to properly manage the charities finances wlh consistency against unforeseen expense fluctuations in future years. The Chafity's actual unrestricted reserves amounted to £48.915 as at Ihe year end (2024: £60.6811 which is below the policy level. The Trustees anticipate raising funds over the foreseeable future in order to retum the charity fund position to be in ¢xcess of this policy. Plans for future periods The Charitys plans for the foreseeable future a￿ to promote and undertake activities in line with the Charity's aims and objectives to support the tenants and the wider community induding those who rely on Red Gables. as oudined in the Chairs Report. Mid Suffolk Voluntary Organisations Forum Company Limited by Guarantee Trustees, annual report (incorporating the directors. report) (continue Year ended 31 March 2025 structure, governance and managernent Organisational and deGision4naking structUTg The Mid Suffolk Voluntary Organisations Forum. also known as Red Gables or the forum throughout these accounts is a registered charity and a company limited by guarantee. company number 03666606 and Charity number 1073101. A Board of Trustees is responsible for managing the business of the Forum and there are six scheduled meetings of the Board each year. Appointrngnt or election of Trustees Trustees are appointed by the Annual General Meeting or by resolution of the Board of Trustees. The number of Trustees shall not be less than three and Ihe total number is not subject lo any maximum unless otherwise determined. New Trustee5 will communicate with the Charily and its existing Trustees prior lo becoming a member, during which time the individual will obtain an understanding of Ihe obiectives and operations of Ihe Charity and the individual's expected role. Membership of the forum MvrTibEisliiy lu UIE fviuiT) Ib 192.486) 2.005.751 34.222 15.169 1.962,656 21 Mid Suffolk Voluntary Organisations Forum Company Limited by Guarantee Notes to the financial statements (continued) Year ended 31 March 2025 Unrestricted funds Revaluation gains I (losses) Transfers At 31 Mar 2024 At 1 Apr 2023 Income Expenditure Unrestsicted Funds 57,170 102.590 {93.069) {327) 15,6831 60,681 Restrlcted funds Revaluation gains I (losses) Transfers At31 Mar 2024 At 1 Apr 2023 Income Expendilure Community Fund Old Library Extension Festival Dementia Fund Garden Projects Better Balance Classes Building Costs Come Sing with Me Cooking on a Budget Window Replacement Car Park Resurfacing Range Cooker LWD Members Club Cake, Cancer and Coffee Redwoods Table and Chairs Sensory Ark Project Lunch Club Singing for the Brain Rickshaw Hand Dryers Haughly Bequest Volunteers for Stowmarket EveTrtS IT Improvements Nurture Together Pop Up Fann 24 Slow Xmas Tree Festival Stowmarket and District Dementia Community Group Windows & Doors You're Welcome 1.550.434 553.592 122.666) {133.058} 111.391) {16,6151 1,394,710 525.586 6.474 913 (1,419) (9961 5,055 83 440 5,570 4,000 2.000 2,816 (4.602) (3.1201 {1,089) (1.774) {K191 (1.3591 12051 (8.0551 1.408 880 911 1,042 3,311 26,021 770 11,712 4.09U 27.380 975 19.767 534 188 {303) 419 2.385 {454} {2.137} {10,515) {3,845) 1,931 1,180 7.908 8.725 957 4,629 1.000 (2,022} 1.386 700 7.266 700 1.475 4.569 1,475 6.873 1754) 11,550) 22.383 1.208 1,000 977 826 (20.692) 11,058) 1725) 1450) {217) 2,517 1150} 275 1.484 3,283 407 3,500 550 152) (112) 164 1,479 10.580 3.000 (2.575) (2.3941 (1.9321 {105.6181 1149.6731 9.484 606 336 2,268 2.176.030 79.329 5,683 2.005,751 -22- Mid Suffolk Voluntary Organisations Forum Company Limited by Guarantee Notes to the financial statements (continued) Year ended 31 March 2025 Restricted fund purposes: Community Fund.. Funding from the Community Fund for property improvements. Old Library Extension." Income and expenditure relating to the Old Library extension. Gartlen Projeels.. IncnmKt and pxpp.nrliliJrp. rplk)tiw to the work on the grounds. Better Balance Classes.. Funding from the Simpson Fund through Suffolk Community Foundation to provide exercise classes for older people Ihrough the Redwoods Lunch Club sessions. Come Sing with Me.- The income received within this fund is restricted to the purposes set out by the fund provider. Cooklng on a Budget.. The in¢ome ￿ee7Ved within this fund is restricted to the purposes set out by the fund provider. Window Replacement." Funding from Suffolk County Council to improve the Ihermal efficiency of Red Gables. including insulation and secondary glazing. Car Park Resurfacing.- Funding from Viridor Credits Environmental Company and Mid Slrffolk District Council for resurfacing the car park. Range cooker.. Fundlng from the Dulverton T￿￿1 for a new range Gooker. Cake, Cancer and Coffeg.. Funding from Macmillan Cancer Support for complimenlary therapy activities. Redwoods Table and Chairs." Suffolk Community Foundation's Joy Abbott Fund and Awards for All funded the rep18cement of fumiture in Redwoc4Js. Slnglng ftir the BraiTn.' Singing for the Brain is a project which started in spring 2021 delivering in person and online singing sessions for people with neurological and brain disorders and also regular recording and sending out CDS for those unable lo get online. Funding of £8,450 was awarded from Awards for All, part of the National Lottery. Delivery of the project will be largely the followng financial year. Rickshaw.. The Stowmarket Rickshaw Project is a joint venture between MSVOF and BSEVC with support from Suffolk County Council and Slowmarkel Dementia Action Alliance. In February 2021 M8VOF wx% awarded £4.996 from SLrffolk Community Coronavirus Fund and Reviving Our Community Fund, both of which are 8dministered by Suffolk Community Foundation. The funding was lo purchase another Rickshaw. a second hand one together with sorne running costs for the additional administration costs. Delivery of the project will be largely during the following financial year. Volunteers for Stowmarket (Eco).. Initially funded with £1,000 through Stowmarket Town Councils environmeni funu, Ihe project has successfully s04Jrced £10.000 from ihe Community Choices Award, a grant provided by Stowmarket Town Council to celebrate the platinum jubilee. -23- Mid Suffolk Voluntary Organisations Forum Company Limited by Guarantee Notes to the financial statements (cothjtinuedj Year ended 31 March 2025 Events.. This fund relates to income re¢eived specifically for the purposes of the fund. IT Improvements.. This fund relate5 to income received specifically for the pruposes of the fund. Nurture Together.. This fund relates to income received specifically for the pruposes of the fund. Pop Up Farm.. ThÈs fund relatès lo in(YJm@ rece.ivpd_qPAf.iflr￿1lY fnr thg priRpnspq nf thp fijnrt Stowmarket and Dlstrlct Dementla Community Group.. This fund relates to income received specifically for the pruposes of the fund. Wlndows & Doors.. The income received within this fund is restrided lo the purposes set out by the fund provider. You re Welcome.. The income received within this fund is restricted to the purposes set out by the fund provider. R8pairs Cafe.. The income received wthin this fund is restricted to the purposes set out by the fund provider. Social Enterprise Fund.. The income received within this fund is restrÉcted to the purwses set out by the fvnd provider. Stow Crafters.- The income received ￿thIn thls lund Is restmcted to the purposes set out by the Yund provider. The following restricted projects have been completed in this or the prioe year: Building Costs.. The income received wthin this fund is restricted to the purposes set out by the fund provider. Festlval Demenda Fund.. The income received within this fund is ￿Stricted to the purposes set out by the fund provider. LWD Mernbers Club.- The income ￿1ve￿ within this fund is restricted to the purposes sel out by the fur)d provider. Lunch Club.. Supported by Slowmarket Town Council and Oddfellow lo cover room hire and staff time,while keeping the costs to members as low as possible. Hand Dryers.. The income received within this fund is restricted to Ihe purposes set out by the fund provider. Haughley Bequest.. This £10.000 funding was provided through Ihe bequest of a lady and facilitated through a local funeral director. Lights & Electrical Upgrades.. The in¢ome received within this fund is restricted to the PUTposes set out by the fund provider. -24- Mid Suffolk Voluntary Organisations Forum Company Limited by Guarantee Notes to the financial statements (continued) Year ended 31 March 2025 17. Analysis of net assets between funds As at 31 March 2025 Unrestricted Funds Restricted Total Funds Funds 2025 Tangible fixed assets Net current assets 14.108 34.807 1,915.474 47,182 1,929,582 81,989 Net assets 48.915 1,962,656 2,011,571 As at 31 March 2024 Unrestricted Funds Restricted Total Funds Funds 2024 Tangible fixed asset5 Net current assets 14.964 45.717 1,952,329 53.422 1.967,293 99,139 Net assets 60,681 2.005,751 2,066.432 18. Related partles Other than a5 elsewhere disclosed in the accounts. there were no related party transactÉons in this or the previous year. .25-