Trustees’ Annual Report for Thornbury u3a Sept 2024 to Sept 2025
The Objectives and Activities
Thornbury u3a (Tu3a) is a registered charity (number 1080095) constituted in 1999. The Charity does not have a permanent address but for Charity Commission purposes, the address provided is that of the Treasurer in post. Currently this is 10 Dean Avenue, Thornbury, BS35 1JJ. Its purpose is the advancement of education and in particular the education of older people and those retired from full-time work, by means including associated activities conducive to learning and personal development in Thornbury and its surrounding locality.
Thornbury u3a is operated as a collection of interest groups (people drawn from a common membership to follow a particular interest). The interest groups are the primary means of satisfying the object of the organisation. These groups have a large degree of operational independence, with the central committee (the Charity Trustees) responsible for:Ensuring the Groups have regard to the Charity Commission guidance on public benefit when planning their activities
Providing recruitment and administration of the overall membership Providing the establishment and support to the interest groups Providing an internal communications hub Providing events with a cross-group interest Providing governance of the organisation
Achievements & Performance 2024 - 2025
Open Meeting, Talks & other Activities
Finally, following a period with various lockdown restrictions, general open meetings have restarted. Two talks were presented – Medical Detection Dogs and Forensics. Both were very well attended and received. Looking forward, several possible Open Talk topics have been suggested, and these are being actively pursued, with a view to presenting another interesting programme in 2026. Open Visits also restarted, despite the steep rise in the cost of coach travel. At least one trip for 2026 is already being booked. Our Coffee Morning/Socials in Thornbury and Alveston, have proved very popular, with further meetings planned for the coming year, shortly after the publication of each of our Newsletters.
Groups, by their very nature, come and go, but it must be said that most are in a very healthy state. A second Poetry group is being formed, as is our first Rummikub group.
Recruitment and administration of the overall membership
As ever, membership numbers fluctuate, from a low at the start of the year, they rise steadily, and remain very healthy. Two very successful ‘New Members’ meetings were held in March and October 2024. We welcomed recently joined members, but also recruited several new ones. At the time of this report, our membership stood at around 1550 and remains very healthy.
Support to the interest Groups
There are currently about 77 interest groups within our organisation. The Trustees are prepared to support start-up costs of groups needing equipment. Any such items remain the property of the trust. Several groups have taken the opportunity to update and renew equipment which is better suited to serve these groups.
A Leaders’ Lunch was held in September to recognise the hard work undertaken by our volunteer Group Leaders and enable them to mix and exchange ideas on how to improve their groups. A short presentation was given by the Chairman on the state of the overall organisation. It encouraged the membership to come forward to run and support the Groups, and also take on the responsibilities of the Committee, by joining us there.
Financial Review
The Financial Review is given in an associate document attached to this Report.
Trustees
The Charity is an Unincorporated Association with the Trustees being elected by the membership from the current membership. Elections are held by ballot at the annual AGM in accordance with our Constitution. The Trustees, during the report period, were: - Roger Steer (Chair), Paige Warr (Vice Chair), Deceased during the year Pat Wells (Secretary), Sue Bilson (Treasurer), Steve Wells (Beacon Administration), Pat Light (Membership Secretary), Peter Rendell (Webmaster), Helen Mozsoro (Groups Co-ordinator), Rita Goss (Co-opted - Armstrong Hall Rep.) Additionally, we are very grateful to non-trustee Sue James, who has taken on jobs to assist our smooth running and Jackie Gitsham, who has arranged the provision of refreshments.
Overall, the Trustees continue to believe that Thornbury u3a can continue to be a successful and thriving organisation with strong finances and a friendly, helpful, and supportive atmosphere.
Signed on behalf of the Trustees Roger Steer, Chair, Thornbury u3a January 2026
Thornbury U3A
Registered Charity no 1080095
Financial Statement
Receipts and Payments Account for the Year ended 30 September 2025
| Notes | 2025 | 2024 | ||
|---|---|---|---|---|
| General Fund Income | 4 | 12,637.38 | 13,836.87 | |
| Social Fund Income | 5 | 3,334.32 | 0.00 | |
| Interest Group Income | 6 | 125,461.13 | 123,029.65 | |
| Total Income | 141,432.83 | 136,866.52 | ||
| General Fund Expenditure | 4 | 15,501.53 | 10,194.68 | |
| Social Fund Expenditure | 5 | 2,656.71 | 0.00 | |
| Interest Group Expenditure | 6 | 125,809.98 | 124,191.58 | |
| Total Expenditure | 143,968.22 | 134,386.26 | ||
| Surplus/Shortfall for year | -2,535.39 | 2,480.26 | ||
| Balances brought forward from 01/10/2024 (2023) | 65,522.19 | 63,141.88 | ||
| Prior Year adjustment | 9 | 10.10 | -99.95 | |
| Balances as at 30 September 2025 (2024) | 62,996.90 | 65,522.19 |
| Thornbury U3A Registered Charity no 1080095 Financial Statement |
Thornbury U3A Registered Charity no 1080095 Financial Statement |
Thornbury U3A Registered Charity no 1080095 Financial Statement |
Thornbury U3A Registered Charity no 1080095 Financial Statement |
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|---|---|---|---|---|
| Receipts and Payments Account for the Year ended 30 September 2025 | ||||
| Notes 2025 |
2024 | |||
| General Fund Income 4 12,637.38 Social Fund Income 5 3,334.32 Interest Group Income 6 125,461.13 Total Income 141,432.83 General Fund Expenditure 4 15,501.53 Social Fund Expenditure 5 2,656.71 Interest Group Expenditure 6 125,809.98 Total Expenditure 143,968.22 Surplus/Shortfall for year -2,535.39 Balances brought forward from 01/10/2024 (2023) 65,522.19 Prior Year adjustment 9 10.10 Balances as at 30 September 2025 (2024) 62,996.90 |
13,836.87 | |||
| 0.00 123,029.65 136,866.52 |
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| 10,194.68 | ||||
| 0.00 124,191.58 134,386.26 2,480.26 63,141.88 -99.95 65,522.19 |
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| Balance Sheet as at 30 September 2025 | ||||
| Notes 2025 2024 Current Assets Cash and bank balances 67,148.05 68,662.19 Debtors 0.00 0.00 Total Assets 67,148.05 68,662.19 Current Liabilities Creditors 6.5 4,151.15 3,140.00 Total Liabilities 4,151.15 3,140.00 Net Assets 62,996.90 65,522.19 Reserves (All Unrestricted Funds) Designated Funds 37,571.81 37,245.71 General Funds 25,425.09 28,276.48 Total Reserves 62,996.90 65,522.19 |
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Notes to the Financial Statement
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1) Thornbury U3A is a Charity and not for profit entity. It is an organisation where retired or semi-retired people can meet like minded people to share educational, creative and leisure activities to expand their knowledge, share interests and acquire new skills. It is a member of the Third Age Trust to which a subscription of £4.00 per member was paid during the financial year.
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2) This Financial Statement has been drawn up on a Receipts and Payments basis, although the Theatre Group and Garden Visits Group Accounts have been drawn up on the Accruals basis and details of their assets and liabilities are shown in section 6.
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3) The Financial Statement has been drawn up on a Going Concern basis as the Trustees have a reasonable expectation that the Charity has adequate resources to continue in operational existence for the foreseeable future.
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4) General Fund
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4.1 This handles membership subscriptions and central administrative costs.
| 4.2 Detailed Receipts and Payments Statement and Balance Sheet Income Notes 2025 2024 Subscriptions 9,252.00 9,186.00 Gift Aid Claim 1,609.98 1,650.76 Bank Interest 351.77 327.81 Sundry Income 4.5 1,436.39 2,682.62 Total Income 12,650.14 13,847.19 Expenditure Third Age Trust subscription 5,940.00 5,912.00 Beacon Licence 1,489.00 1,477.00 Third Age Matters Magazine 264.00 168.60 Equipment 8 4,860.35 326.68 Postage & Printing 804.51 543.38 Paypal charges 172.72 190.54 Meetings 1,351.42 1,221.45 Licences and Web Site 162.57 124.81 Financial Support for Groups 7 101.25 53.75 Sundries 355.71 176.47 Total Expenditure 15,501.53 10,194.68 Surplus/Shortfall for year -2,851.39 3,652.51 Balance brought forward from 01/10/2024 (2023) 28,276.48 24,623.97 Balance as at 30 September 2025 (2024) 25,425.09 28,276.48 Current Assets 2025 2024 Treasurers Bank Account 9,025.35 14,481.92 Instant Access Reserve Account 0.00 417.99 32 Day Notice Reserve Account 16,346.09 13,298.20 Paypal Account 53.65 78.37 Total Assets 25,425.09 28,276.48 Total Liabilities 0.00 0.00 Net Assets 25,425.09 28,276.48 Reserves (Unrestricted Funds) General Funds 25,425.09 28,276.48 |
4.2 Detailed Receipts and Payments Statement and Balance Sheet Income Notes 2025 2024 Subscriptions 9,252.00 9,186.00 Gift Aid Claim 1,609.98 1,650.76 Bank Interest 351.77 327.81 Sundry Income 4.5 1,436.39 2,682.62 Total Income 12,650.14 13,847.19 Expenditure Third Age Trust subscription 5,940.00 5,912.00 Beacon Licence 1,489.00 1,477.00 Third Age Matters Magazine 264.00 168.60 Equipment 8 4,860.35 326.68 Postage & Printing 804.51 543.38 Paypal charges 172.72 190.54 Meetings 1,351.42 1,221.45 Licences and Web Site 162.57 124.81 Financial Support for Groups 7 101.25 53.75 Sundries 355.71 176.47 Total Expenditure 15,501.53 10,194.68 Surplus/Shortfall for year -2,851.39 3,652.51 Balance brought forward from 01/10/2024 (2023) 28,276.48 24,623.97 Balance as at 30 September 2025 (2024) 25,425.09 28,276.48 Current Assets 2025 2024 Treasurers Bank Account 9,025.35 14,481.92 Instant Access Reserve Account 0.00 417.99 32 Day Notice Reserve Account 16,346.09 13,298.20 Paypal Account 53.65 78.37 Total Assets 25,425.09 28,276.48 Total Liabilities 0.00 0.00 Net Assets 25,425.09 28,276.48 Reserves (Unrestricted Funds) General Funds 25,425.09 28,276.48 |
4.2 Detailed Receipts and Payments Statement and Balance Sheet Income Notes 2025 2024 Subscriptions 9,252.00 9,186.00 Gift Aid Claim 1,609.98 1,650.76 Bank Interest 351.77 327.81 Sundry Income 4.5 1,436.39 2,682.62 Total Income 12,650.14 13,847.19 Expenditure Third Age Trust subscription 5,940.00 5,912.00 Beacon Licence 1,489.00 1,477.00 Third Age Matters Magazine 264.00 168.60 Equipment 8 4,860.35 326.68 Postage & Printing 804.51 543.38 Paypal charges 172.72 190.54 Meetings 1,351.42 1,221.45 Licences and Web Site 162.57 124.81 Financial Support for Groups 7 101.25 53.75 Sundries 355.71 176.47 Total Expenditure 15,501.53 10,194.68 Surplus/Shortfall for year -2,851.39 3,652.51 Balance brought forward from 01/10/2024 (2023) 28,276.48 24,623.97 Balance as at 30 September 2025 (2024) 25,425.09 28,276.48 Current Assets 2025 2024 Treasurers Bank Account 9,025.35 14,481.92 Instant Access Reserve Account 0.00 417.99 32 Day Notice Reserve Account 16,346.09 13,298.20 Paypal Account 53.65 78.37 Total Assets 25,425.09 28,276.48 Total Liabilities 0.00 0.00 Net Assets 25,425.09 28,276.48 Reserves (Unrestricted Funds) General Funds 25,425.09 28,276.48 |
|---|---|---|
| Income Notes 2025 2024 Subscriptions 9,252.00 9,186.00 Gift Aid Claim 1,609.98 1,650.76 Bank Interest 351.77 327.81 Sundry Income 4.5 1,436.39 2,682.62 Total Income 12,650.14 13,847.19 Expenditure Third Age Trust subscription 5,940.00 5,912.00 Beacon Licence 1,489.00 1,477.00 Third Age Matters Magazine 264.00 168.60 Equipment 8 4,860.35 326.68 Postage & Printing 804.51 543.38 Paypal charges 172.72 190.54 Meetings 1,351.42 1,221.45 Licences and Web Site 162.57 124.81 Financial Support for Groups 7 101.25 53.75 Sundries 355.71 176.47 Total Expenditure 15,501.53 10,194.68 Surplus/Shortfall for year -2,851.39 3,652.51 Balance brought forward from 01/10/2024 (2023) 28,276.48 24,623.97 Balance as at 30 September 2025 (2024) 25,425.09 28,276.48 |
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| Current Assets 2025 2024 Treasurers Bank Account 9,025.35 14,481.92 Instant Access Reserve Account 0.00 417.99 32 Day Notice Reserve Account 16,346.09 13,298.20 Paypal Account 53.65 78.37 Total Assets 25,425.09 28,276.48 Total Liabilities 0.00 0.00 Net Assets 25,425.09 28,276.48 Reserves (Unrestricted Funds) General Funds 25,425.09 28,276.48 |
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4.3 The funds held are Unrestricted.
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4.4 Various items of equipment are owned. A register of these is maintained, but all are depreciated in full during the year of purchase and no value is included in the Financial Statement.
4.5 Breakdown of Sundry Income
| Notes 2025 Donations 1.00 Funds from closure of Groups 7 12.76 Riviera Travel Commission 1,422.63 Total 1,436.39 |
2024 1.00 10.32 2,671.30 2,682.62 |
|---|---|
- 5) Social Fund
5.1 This covers Open Visits and Talks which may be attended by all members. The U3A Committee co-ordinates these events and handles the financial aspects.
| Opening Reserve 01/10/24 Brecon Trip Open Talk - MDD Riviera Travel Commission Closing Reserve 30/09/25 |
Income Expenditure 2,434.50 2,434.50 222.21 899.82 3,334.32 2,656.71 |
2025 2024 2,643.42 2,643.42 0.00 0.00 0.00 677.61 0.00 |
|---|---|---|
| 3,321.03 2,643.42 |
5.2 During the year an Open Visit to the Brecon Beacons broke even. An Open Talk for Medical Detection Dogs had costs of £222.21.
5.3 From April 2025 monies received for Riviera Travel Commission is being paid into this account.
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5.4 The funds held are Unrestricted but Designated for these specific activities.
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6) Interest Groups
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6.1 All individual Interest Groups handle their own financial matters, subject to overview of the salient figures by the U3A Trustees on an annual basis or more frequently if appropriate. The 5 largest Groups by income are shown individually in section 6.2 and a further 53 Groups have been amalgamated. There are a further 19 Groups which are active but (due to the nature of their activities) have no income or expenditure to report in line with Third Age Trust guidelines.
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6.2 Breakdown of Interest Groups' Income, Expenditure, Assets, Liabilities and Reserves
| Theatre Gro Garden Visi Wine Group Wine Group Church Visi 53 Other G Total |
up ts Group 4 2 ts 2 roups |
Year to 30/09/2025 30/09/2025 Income Expenditure Surplus Assets Liabilities Reserves |
Year to 30/09/2025 30/09/2025 Income Expenditure Surplus Assets Liabilities Reserves |
Year to 30/09/2025 30/09/2025 Income Expenditure Surplus Assets Liabilities Reserves |
Year to 30/09/2025 30/09/2025 Income Expenditure Surplus Assets Liabilities Reserves |
Year to 30/09/2025 30/09/2025 Income Expenditure Surplus Assets Liabilities Reserves |
Year to 30/09/2025 30/09/2025 Income Expenditure Surplus Assets Liabilities Reserves |
Year to 30/09/2025 30/09/2025 Income Expenditure Surplus Assets Liabilities Reserves |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| 43,145.11 10,185.70 7,711.00 5,798.00 4,209.55 54,411.77 |
43,265.53 10,871.06 7,739.37 5,133.62 4,053.00 54,760.16 |
-120.42 -685.36 -28.37 664.38 156.55 -348.39 |
17,246.58 1,770.59 738.99 1,072.70 350.38 17,222.69 |
3,505.00 646.15 0.00 0.00 0.00 0.00 |
13,741.58 1,124.44 738.99 1,072.70 350.38 17,222.69 |
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| 125,461.13 | 125,822.74 | -361.61 | 38,401.93 | 4,151.15 | 34,250.78 |
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6.3 The funds held are Unrestricted but Designated for the use of the individual Groups that hold them in the first instance. Notwithstanding this, all monies are the property of the U3A as a whole and can be utilised at the discretion of the Trustees in case of need.
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6.4 The assets shown comprise cash and balances held in bank accounts.
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6.5 The liabilities shown are as follows:
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a. Theatre Group - coaches booked for events after year end for which the invoices will be settled nearer the event.
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b. Garden Visits Group - costs for garden visit not paid until after the year end.
7) Consolidated Figures
The consolidated figures for the overall U3A on the first page omit the following item on the basis that this is an 'internal' transfer between constituent parts of the U3A and not, therefore, genuine income/expenditure to the U3A as a whole: - £12.76 from Groups to the General Fund following the closure of a Group (note 4.5 refers)
Note - The sum of £101.25 shown as Financial Support to Groups in the Detailed Receipts and Payments Statement (Note 4.2) has not been omitted from the consolidated figures on the first page because these funds were spent on assessing the possibility of setting up a new Group and were paid direct for room hire for exploratory meetings.
8) Capital Commitments
The purchase of equipment for a number of Groups was agreed last year in the sum of £4,155 which has now been paid. Some further requests were agreed during the year and have also been paid.
9) Prior Year Adjustment
The prior year adjustment of £10.10 covers brought forward balances held by Interest Groups which were reported incorrectly in the previous year.
10) VAT Registration
The total income of the U3A exceeds the normal VAT Registration threshold of £90,000 pa. However, under the Tour Operator Margin Scheme, all-inclusive day/evening trips and holidays undertaken are assessed on the profit margin made rather than income. A large element of the U3A income falls within this category and the profit margins made are extremely modest. Additionally, members' annual subscriptions to the U3A are not eligible for VAT. After allowing for these factors, the relevant adjusted income total falls well below the threshold for registration.
11) Reserves
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11.1 The General Fund Reserve Policy is to hold the total of approximately one year's General Fund expenditure (excluding the Third Age Trust subscription and the Beacon Licence), the Equipment Budget (£1,200) and 10% of the annual income of all Groups combined. The Trustees are satisfied that this provides adequate protection against any downturn in membership, unforeseen events or the need to assist Interest Groups in case of need. This Policy was complied with as at the end of the financial year.
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11.2 The Social Fund reserve currently held is considered to provide adequate capacity for making up-front payments for Visits or Talks ahead of receiving payment from attendees.
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11.3 The reserves held by the Interest Groups vary in size but, as far as can be ascertained, appear adequate to enable each Group to continue operating. In particular, the reserves held by the traditionally larger Groups have been assessed in some depth by the U3A Treasurer and appear to be sufficient relative to the operating models used.
12) Significant Events
There were no significant events to report during the past financial year.
Financial Statement prepared by Sue Bilson Treasurer, Thornbury U3A Date: 19th December 2025
Independent Examiners report to the Trustees of the Thornbury U3A on the accounts for the year ended 30 September 2025 Charity No. 1080095
I report to the trustees on my examination of the accounts of the Thornbury U3A for the year ended 30 September 2025.
Responsibilities and basis of report
As the charity trustees of the Thornbury U3A, you are responsible for the preparation of the accounts in accordance with the requirements of the Charities Act 2011 (“the Act”).
I report in respect of my examination of the Thornbury U3A’s accounts carried out under s145 of the 2011 Act and in carrying out my examination, I have followed all the applicable Directions given by the Charity Commission under s145(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 which gives me cause to believe that in, any material respect:
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Accounting records were not kept in respect of the Thornbury U3A as required by section 130 of the Act; or
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The accounts do not accord with the accounting records.
I have no concerns and have come across no other matters in connection with the examination to which attention should be drawn in order to enable a proper understanding of the accounts to be reached.
Ian Gross
64 Hopkins Close, Thornbury, Bristol BS35 2PX 9 February 2026