COUNTESTHORPE u3a FINANCIAL STATEMENTS FOR THE YEAR ENDED 31 MARCH 2025
COUNTESTHORPE u3a REFERENCE AND ADMINISTRATION DEfAILS REGISTERED CHARITY NO: 1084302 PRINCIPAL ADDRESS: 4 Southfield Close Countesthorpe Leicester LE8 SUZ WEBSITE: www.countesthorpeu3a.co.uk CONTAcf TELEPHONE: 07854 733169 TRUSTEES.. David Hebblewhite Chair (stepped down 13105125; continued as committee member) Chair (from 131051251 Dorothy Ivatt David Hetterley Treasurer Janine Tlbbles Secretary June Hawklns Information & Publicityi Groups Co-ordinator (stepped down 13105125) Membershlp Secretary, Vlce ChaSr Barry Hlllyard Jill Clayton Beryl Llshman Speaker Secretary (and Groups Co-ordinator from 13/05/25) Gillian Brown David Norrls {stepped down 13105/251 Nelll Brown Webmaster (from 13/05/25) Gill Greany (from 13105/251 Robert Paterson (from 13105125) Margaret Cronin (from 13/05125) Barbara Talbot (resigned 07/02125) GOVERNING DOCUMENT: Constitution adopted on 11 November 2000 wlth amendments on 9 May 2017 and 8 May 2018 BANK: HSBC 2-6 Gallowtree Gate LeScester LEI IDA INDEPENDENT EXAMINER: Peter Holdridge
COUNTESTHORPE u3a INDEPENDENT EXAMINERS REPORT TO THE TRUSTEES OF COUNTESTHORPE u3a I report to the trustees on my examination of the Countesthorpe u3a (u3a) forthe year ended 31 March 2025. Responslbllltles and basls ot report As the charity trustees of the u3a, you are responsible forthe preparation of the accounts in accordance with the requirements of the Charities Act 2011 ('the ACV). I report In respect of my exarnination of the u3a's accounts carried out under section 145 of the 2011 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 examlnerfs 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: accountlng records were not kept In respect of the u3a as required by Sectlon 130 of the Act; or the accounts do not accord wlth those records; or the accounts do not comply with the applicable requlrements conceming the form and content of accounts set out in the Charities (Accounts and Reports) Regulations 2(Thotherthan any requirementthat the accounts 8lve a 'trueand fair vlew, which is nota matterconsidered as part of an independent examination. I have no concern5 and I have come across no other matters in connection with the examlnation to which attentkjn should be drawn In thls report In order to enable a proper understandin8 of the accounts to be reached. Signed.. Name: Address: E6 ts-Pf Date:
COUNTESTHORPE u3a TRUSTEES, ANNUAL REPORT FOR THE YEAR ENDED 31 MARCH 2025 The trustee5 present their report with the financial statements of the charity for the year ended 31 March 2025. The financial statements have been prepared in accordance with accounting policies as set out by charity law. The report includes the informatlon given in the Reference and Administration sectSon, see page l. STRUCTURE. GOVERNANCE AND MANAGEMENT The Countesthorpe u3a Is controlled by its governlng document whlch was adopted on 11 November 2000 wlth Its various revisions. The latest version of the Constitution, dated 8 May 2018, which was adopted at the AGM on that date and constitutes an unincorporated charity. The elected Executive Committee Officers shall be the governin8 body of the u3a and its board of trustees. RECRUITMENT AND APPOINTMENT OF TRUSTEES Trustees are recruited from the general membership to be appolnted at an Annual General Meeting. Non-officer members retire after thelr period of two years to assure a degree of rotation of membership whilst providing continuity. Executive Officers retire at the end of the period specified in the constitution. The Annual General Meeting took place on 13 May 2025. June Norrls {Hawklnsl 2nd David Norris stood down from the Committee and David Hebblewhlte stood down as Chair, though he continued as a committee member. Barbara Talbot Stood down from the committee in February 2025, The remainin8 Commlttee Offlcers announced their decisions to continue and were duly re-elected by the membership present. OBJECTIVES, AIMS AND ACTIVITIES The objectives of the u3a as stated in its con5titutlon are: 'The advancement of education and in particular the education of older people and those who are retired from full- tlme work by all means, Including associated activities conducive to learning and personal development." Publlc Beneflt The Trustees have reviewed the outcomes and achlevements of the objectlves and activities for the year to ensure they remain focused on the u3a's goals and continue to deliver benefits to the public. Countesthorpe u3a is dedlcated to providing a supportlve learning and development envlronment for those people in the locality who are no longer in full-time employment. We are conscious of the need to do what we can to alleviate the issues faced by those livin8 alone, who have suffered life-changing events such as loss of employment or bereavement. We publicise the health and wellbeing benefits of u3a membershlp to the community by themed articles in the local newspaper {The Countesthorpe Herald). We advertise widely, having our own website Iwww.countesthorpeu3a,co.uk), as well as an entry on the local parish website. In previous years we have undertaken an 'outreach' campaign to raise awareness of the u3a and its many benefits. We have also approached the local Health Centre where referrals might be forthcoming for those people who could benefit from our offerings. We produce twice yearly Newsletters, and a monthly What's On bulletin, which are available to all members and the general public in the local library and charity shop. The Trustees are satisfied that the charity's activities provide a wide public benefit.
ACHIEVEMENT AND PERFORMANCE Charltable artlvlties Membership Is open to individuals who are in their 'Third Age" and are interested in participatlng In and helpin8 to further the work of the u3a. Membership numbers are fairly stable and many come from outside the Countesthorpe/Blaby area. However, a successful promotional event held to coincide with our Silver Anniversary brought an uplift to numbers and membership (at the time of this report) stands at 371. The ethos of the u3a has continued to benefit from the work of those members who act as Group Leaders and are prepared to share their skills and knowledge with other mernbers to encourage everyone to personally develop. We have a range of more than thirty-six different activity groups covering creative activities/the arts, learning, music, physlcal actlvltles, 8ames and outings - all with the focus on personal development and supportive companionshlp. Monthly meetings are held in the local village hall to enable members to meet up to listen to 3 wide range of speakers and to access information on current activities. A monthly bulletin informs members of "What's On" and a twice-yearly newsletter gives an overall update on the Countesthorpe u3a. These are supported by a widely used website. This year was also the 25 year of operation of the Countesthorpe u3a. A Silver Anniversary event was held at the Village Hall for our November monthly meeting. The event was widely publicised locally with the aim of attractin8 new members. Each of the interest groups were represented with tables at the event and demonstrations given. Twenty nine new members were signed up and the event Was felt to be a huge 5ucce5S. FINANCIAL REVIEW The main source of income is through membershlp subscrlptlons (set at £20 p.a. for full members and £10 for associate members} and Gift Aid. In 2024125, this amounted to £6298 and £867 respettivelv. Additlonally, 3 grant of £250 was applled for and received from Countesthorpe Parish Councll {from their discretlonary fund to help local voluntary groups). The balance held in the General bank account on 31/03125 was £10,568 and petty cash (held by the Treasurer) was £100. The corresponding flgures for the comblned External Group accounts are £9,165 and £315 The General account direct income wa5 £7513 with expenditure of £7,764 la difference of -£251}. Groups activitie5 (both internal and external) amounted to Income of £50,135 and expenditure of £50,361 la dlfference of -£226). The overall result therefore was a net loss of £477 for the year, which translates into a small reductlon in the final Fund Balance from £17,186 in 2024, to £16,709 2025. Reserves policy In 2019 the b25is of the preparation of the accounts was changed by an agreement between the Third Age Trust and the Charity Commission, The flnanclal actlvltles of all Countesthorpe u3a groups are now included in the annual accounts in compliance with this requirement. The Countesthorpe u3a require all groups to be self-financing. However, assistance from the General u3a account can be provided for specialised equipment and start-up costs if requiredlrequested and with prior approval from the Committee. The Treasurer records and monitors each groups financial position and will recommend actions (if necessary) to correct any growing Imbalances.
The u3a's policy on reserves is to maintain these at a level roughly equal to twelve months of outgoings. As stated, a small loss was recorded for the year on general activities but reserves remain at a satisfactory level. As there are no known contingent liabilities, the trustees are satisfied that the Countesthorpe u3a is in a stable financial position and can contlnue operatlng for at least twelve months from the signature date on the Balance Sheet. The Countesthorpe u33 maintains a current bank account with HSBC. General u3a income and expenses are transacted through this account, along wlth those of the groups that are responsible directly to the Treasurer. The Theatre, Travel and Outings groups have their own bank accounts. These are audited and verified by the Treasurer at the year end and incorporated into the final accounts (shown as External Groups). An external examiner assist5 in the preparation of the final accounts, then reviews and si8ns the document ready for submission to The Charities Commission. Risk Management The Trustees have a duty to identify and revlew the r15ks to which the charity is exposed and to ensure approprlate controls are in place to provide reasonable assurance against fraud and error. The trustees will keep this risk under review on a regular basi5. The Trustees declare that they have approved the Trustees, report above. Signed on behalf of the chariWs Trustees: Dorothy Ivatt, Chair Date: David Hetterley, Treasurer Date: 091,,1.,
COUNTESTHORPE u3a STATEMENT OF FINANCIAL AcrivrriES FOR THE YEAR ENDED 31 MARCH 2025 Notes 2025 2024 INCOMING RESOURCES Direct Charitable Income: Membership Groups Activities (all groups) Miscellaneous net cash held b Grou TOTAL 7,513 49.852 283 7,793 57,399 322 Leaders EXPENDED RESOURCES Direct charitable Expenditure.. Groups Activities - (all groups) Miscellaneous - Group alc G8neral Account: Monthly meetings Newsletters, printing, Stationery Group support costs (equipment) TAT Capitation fee TAT Beacon Licence TAT Magazines TAT Network Newslmiscellaneous Website costs Bank charges - General alc Miscellaneous TOTAL 50,361 56,979 1,029 2,597 710 243 1,312 346 745 41 225 186 2,626 723 428 1,376 353 813 384 246 58,125 Net incoming resources 477 552 Fund balance 1 April 2024 17,186 16,634 Fund balance 31 March 2025 17,186
COUNTESTHORPE u3a BALANCE SHEET AS AT 31 MARCH 2025 Notes 2025 2024 Tangible Assets Website at cost Depreciation to date 3,015 3,010 3,015 3,010 Current Assets Bank accounts Cash 19,733 1,970 23,646 1,699 25,345 Debtors and prepayments Prepayments Group funds paid in advance 320 2,126 566 2,890 Total current a88els Credltor84mount falllng due wlthln one year Accruals Group funds receiv8d in advance Total liabilitios 654 6,791 7,446 636 10,984 11,620 Current assets less liabilities 16,704 Net Assets 16,709 FUNDS Unrestricted funds 16,709 17,186 16,709 17,186
NOTES TO ACCOUNTS 2025 2024 1 General alc Income Subscriptions Gift Aid Monthly Visitors Donations Miscellaneous Council Grant Sub-Total 6.298 867 6.831 945 14 98 250 7,793 2 Groups Income Internal Groups - Bank Internal Groups - Cash External Groups - Bank External Groups - Cash Travel Group - missed 23124 entry 12.370 752 34,638 1,578 514 12,649 591 42,598 1,561 3 Groups Exp8n888 Internal Groups - Bank & Cash External Groups - Bank & Cash 12,780 37,581 12,575 44,404 4 Bank General Account (inc. Internal Groups) External Groups 10,568 9.165 10,176 23,646 5 Cash General Account Internal Groups External Groups 100 1,555 315 138 1,272 289 1,699
COUNTESTHORPE U3A NOTES TO THE FINANCIAL STATEMENTS FOR THE YEAR ENDED 31 MARCH 2025 Accountlng pollcles The financial statements are prepared under the historical cost convention. The accounts are in accordance with the Charities SORP 2005 (Accounting and Reporting by Charities) and comply with the Charities (Accounts and Reports) Regulations 2005 issued under the Charities Act 2011. The financial statements are prepared on an accruals basis. Tangible fixed assets are capitalised where expenditure exceeds £500 and are stated at cost less accumulated depreciation. Any assets over £500 are depreciated on a straight-line basis over three years, Fund accounting - unrestricted funds can be used in accordance with the charitable objects at the discretlon of the trustees: restricted funds represent funds for a specific object and can only be expended on the specific object for which they were Eiven. Payments to trustees and related partles Out of pocket expenses are refunded to trustees for costs Incurred on behalf of the U3A which have been allocated to group support, membershlp and miscellaneous costs. No remuneration was paid to any trustees.