# **Melton & District Furniture Project**
**Annual Report 2020/2021**
Registered Charity Number: 1086010 Company Registration Number: 4105094
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## **Location & Contact Information**
## **Address**
The warehouse 3B Park Road Melton Mowbray Leicestershire LE13 1TT
**Telephone number** 01664 410380
## **E-mail address**
melton@meltonfurnitureproject.co.uk
## **Website address**
www.meltonfurnitureproject.co.uk
**Facebook page website address** www.facebook.com/mdfp1987
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## **Contents**
|Chairman’s report|page 4|
|---|---|
|Chief executive report|page 5|
|Company report|page 6|
|Achievements and performances|page 7|
|Trustees and staff page 8||
|Statement of intent and equal opportunities|page 9|
|Introduction|page 9|
|Training|page 10|
|Volunteer statistics|page 11|
|Comments and surveys|page 12|
|Statistics|page 13|
|Main objective of the organisation|page 14|
|Stock take|page16|
|Areas we cover|page 16 – 19|
|Newsletters|page 21|
|Statement of the financial year|page 21|
|Balance sheet|page 22|
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## **Chairman’s Report**
This past year has had a strange feeling. I have been checking the warehouse regularly and it has no soul without our great volunteers. They have been quick to return to work after every lockdown which we are grateful for.
Like many businesses our future was unknown but thanks to grants and furlough assistance for staff salaries we have made it this far. Our staff make a great team and are irreplaceable, they with the volunteers they make an hard working pro active team.
We are needed more now than ever to help people access low cost pre-loved furniture and household items across Melton and Rutland. Unemployment and people on furlough is still rising and we are frontline for supplying essential items.
This annual report will be slim but we have included the newsletters we sent to volunteers during lockdown to help keep up their spirits and to know we have not abandoned them. I know they enjoy the read.
We did a lot of surveys last year and I have enclosed them to show a lot of great remarks from the public and volunteers. It shows where giving our services users what they need from the project..
Again we have enclosed all the information we need too, e.g. accounts, full statistics are not included as we were closed mostly for the year (statistics available upon request).
We achieved an aim we set ourselves for 2020/2021. We have welcomed a new Director to the board, this is Merelyn Greaves.
We had decided this year to re-structure our staff. We have now promoted our Driver to Project Manager and the Project Manager to Chief Executive Officer. It reflects better what their duties involve. They have settled into their new roles extremely well. The project is a smooth running charity.
The Directors continue to work really well together for the good of the project and I am very grateful for their continued support.
I would like to express a sincere thank you to the CEO and manager. They hold the project together, work extremely hard and provides an excellent environment for those to work and volunteer in.
I am looking forward to a bright future. I know we will beat covid-19 and everything becomes something like normal. I will give you all a hug as soon as we can, hee hee.
I know 2020/2021 will be a good year, we together will make it so.
Yours sincerely
Mr Ivor Ruddle
Chairman
4
## **Chief Executive Report**
During 2020 the board had a complete staff restructure, the manager was promoted to the above post and the driver was promoted to manager. Our cleaners hours was increased due to the extra cleaning needed for our covid 19 policy. Our vehicle assistant was happy with his tittle and our administration assistant for myself was changed to reflect her role, she is now my personal assistant.
We also relooked at salaries and now have a workable policy for our yearly salary rises.
Holiday policy was checked and a director has kindly took over the responsibility of monitoring all staff holiday. A new policy was introduced and all staff excepted the changes. They are all inline with the government guidelines.
We also had major improvements in the warehouse, thanks to Mr Ivor Ruddle, all offices and tea bar light fittings was changed to modern led fitted lights. The difference is amazing and is a substantial increase to the wellbeing of everyone at the project. The main warehouse is going to be decided on (if we can afford) to change them in next financial year. Maybe look in January 2022. All work was achieved by Ivor and we all are extremely grateful and I would like the opportunity to thank him.
Whilst in lock down Mr Graham Greaves was checking the unit and along with Mrs Mel Greaves was checking our answer phone and returning calls. Our answer phone did inform our customers that we had closed along side other non essential shops but we still had an average of 30 messages per week. I would like to thank them for giving there time to help customers.
Thanks go to Melton Borough Council and the Rutland County Council for their recognition and ongoing support that they gave to the project. It assists us with our running costs and towards the losses we make when offering £200 referrals for a whole households of furniture and household goods. We are a frontline project helping our clients at crisis times in their life.
The surveys I did show we need to get to 16-25/25-35 year old families and individuals that could have a better standing off living with our help.
Our book keeper continued to monitor our petty cash balance. It was especially difficult as electrical items was being purchased and he was working from home. Again a big thanks to Dylan Pugh.
It goes without saying that my personal assistant has been a great help at dealing with applications for government funding during the lock down. it has kept the project in a financial stable place. Again a big thank you to Issy Ruddle.
Our future is bright and I personally think that the project is going from strength to strength. New volunteers are coming forward, our partners are using us more and our presence in the areas that we serve is good as always.
Yours sincerely Mrs Angela Dawson
Chief Executive Officer
5
## **Company’s Report**
## **Project Report on Behalf Of The Directors**
The trustees who are also directors of the charity for the purposes of the Companies Act 2006, present their report with the financial statement of the charity for the year ended 31st March 2020. The trustees have adopted the provisions of 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) (effective January 2015).
## **Objectives & Activities**
## **Objectivities & Aims**
The company is a charity and its objectives are to relieve, either generally or individually, persons resident in the borough of Melton District and Rutland County Council who are in condition of need, hardship and distress arising from: -
- the provision of furniture and other household accessories calculated to reduce the need, hardship or distress of such persons; and
- the relief of unemployment by provision of training, advice and support.
To achieve these objectives, the company operates a furniture recycling project, utilising the services of volunteers and trainees on placement schemes. Furniture and household items are collected from all over the Melton Borough and County of Rutland, cleaned and restored as necessary and re-distributed to qualifying people in the area. At the same time, volunteers and trainees receive experience and instruction on dealing with the public, handling goods and warehouse duties and office responsibilities.
The directors have taken due account of the guidelines laid down by the Charity Commission in meeting the requirements as described in principles 1 and 2 regarding identifiable public benefits and feel that this Project meets with them. This Project additionally assists the donating public to make a significant contribution to the local authority targets, in its area of benefit, to meet their “waste stream” obligations.
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## **Achievements & Performances**
## **Charitable activities**
Total incoming resources for the year amounted to £81,226 with total resources expended of £77,956 resulting in net incoming resources of £3,270 (2019: net expenditure of £3,270). The total value of services provided by volunteers and work experience placements has not been included, but is calculated to be in the region of £68,232 for the year. General reserves stood at £36,361 at 31st March 2021.
The Rutland Project showed net outgoing resources for the year with no balance brought forward therefore gave rise to the transfer from the general fund to support it. The directors are looking at ways to improve the position of the Rutland Project including grants available and improving awareness in the area.
## **Financial Review**
## **Investment Policy & Objectives**
The directors have considered the most appropriate policy for investing funds and maintain high interest bank accounts for this purpose.
## **Reserves Policy**
The directors have established a policy whereby reserves are set aside for capital asset replacement for staff costs in case emergency cover is required and for redundancies.
## **Structure, Governance & Management**
## **Governing Document**
The charity is controlled by its governing document, a deed of trust and constitutes a limited company, limited by guarantee, as defined by Companies Act 2006.
## **Recruitment & Appointment of New Trustees**
The methods adopted for the recruitment of new directors are by seeking from the volunteer pool persons with interest, expertise and / or time to give for this purpose and to actively encourage their participation as directors of the Project.
## **Members**
Members of the charitable company guarantee to contribute an amount not exceeding £10 to the assets of the charitable company in the event of winding up. The total number of such guarantees on 31 March 2021 was 5.
## **Induction & Training of New Trustees**
New directors are given written guidance on trustee duties and responsibilities.
Approved by order of the board of trustees and signed on its behalf by:
Mr I Ruddle Chairman
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## **Trustees and Staff**
Melton and District Furniture Project
## **Volunteer voting board members of the board**
## **Chairman**
Ivor Ruddle
## **Vice Chairman**
Dylan Pugh
## **Company secretary**
Brenda Calsela
## **Directors**
Merelyn Greaves Audrey Ruddle Graham Greaves – Volunteer Representative
## **Bookkeeper**
Sarah Amos Foxwise Accountancy limited 22a Burton Street Melton Mowbray Leicestershire LE13 1AF
## **Staff**
Chief Executive Officer - Staff Project Manager – 22 hours Driver Assistant – 22 hours Personal Assistant – 6 hours Cleaner – 1.5 hours
## **Melton Borough Council Representative member**
Councillor – Pat Cumbers
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## **Statement of intent on equal opportunities**
The Melton & District Furniture Project recognises that everyone has a contribution to make to our society and a right to equality. We aim to ensure that no job applicant, staff member, volunteer, organisation or individual to whom we provide services will be discriminated against, by us on the grounds of: -
- Age;
- Class;
- Disability;
- Employment status;
- Political belief, religion;
- Race, colour, nationality, ethnic or national origins;
- Sex, marital status, childcare responsibilities; or
- Sexuality.
## **Introduction**
The project was established in 1987, at a time when the idea of giving pre-loved furniture, household and small electrical items to a second home was sweeping the county. We have gone on to provide thousands of items every year to low income families/individuals, reducing items no longer wanted from filling landfill. We established a referral system, to allow us to work with other charities and help those in dire need who have nothing.
Our project has grown over the last three decades, from one person with a van, to a community that welcomes volunteers of varying ages and skills. Our volunteer programme caters to those with mental health issues, physical disabilities and provides a place for people to support their community.
The Melton Borough Council has funded our project since its conception. We are very grateful that they understand our purpose and values.
## **The Volunteers**
Volunteers are at the heart of our project. Without their support we wouldn’t be able to function as we do. Our volunteers have varied backgrounds. We have volunteers with learning challenges, mental health issues, drug and alcohol dependency and other disabilities.
We are able to provide training for our valued volunteers to aid them in getting back to paid employment or offer them a place of sanctuary and a chance to excel in a safe environment with a friendly team of colleagues. For some, this is their only social interaction and we pride ourselves on forming a community where everyone is welcome and feel part of the team. This year we have had many retired people join our team. It is an honour to welcome those who wish to give their time from wherever they are in life. Our aim will always be to encourage and give opportunity to those who need it. Many of this year’s new starters and long-term volunteers are over 65 and upwards.
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## **Training**
Many of the long-standing volunteers ‘buddy train’ our new starters in the roles they wish to do at the project. We always encourage them to try every department.
We offer training and experience in
## **Warehouse**
Retail / sales / using tills / filling in forms / interacting with customers / locating and selling items / answering enquiries / marking items that are sold (these are coloured coded for anyone facing any challenges.)
## **Bric a brac department**
Bric a brac shop sales / calculating totals / wrapping items / answering enquiries / pricing items / sorting out items for sale / cash handling.
## **Reception**
Taking money from customers (cash handling) / arranging delivery dates / using a Barclays card machine / some village delivery, colour coordinated red/blue delivery data base usage. Telephone answering / using phones for arranging collections / taught how to speak to customers / using collection data base / a 4 weekly wipe delivery board for vehicle and volunteers to use to organise routes.
## **Office duties**
Photocopying / writing up letters on a laptop / filing paper work / designing forms. Volunteers can also assist with helping with petty cash book / testing electrical items / sorting and pricing bric a brac items / sweeping and polishing / tidying the unit. **Vehicle**
Driving the vehicle / assisting / introducing themselves to the public / interacting with the public / ensuring correct trained manual handling / following polices.
## **The project will help with** : -
- Building confidence
- Offer support
- Reduce isolation
- Improve skills
- Offer learning opportunities
- Offer help and advice with access to work and references
- Increase help in the community
- Provide more opportunities for people to socialise
- Above all reason to get up and go out where they are valued as a person.
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## **Work. Live. Leicestershire**
We have teamed up with Work Live Leicestershire to offer our volunteers a chance to have more in-depth training, if they choose.
This service provides access to holistic tailored support, based on individual needs and can be accessed by anyone. It can help with financial issues, the benefits system, and helping those who would like to move into paid employment, opportunity for training.
## **Job centre**
We work very closely with the Job Centre and have a good working relationship with their job coaches. Sometimes we receive referrals for those who are unemployed to experience volunteering as a starting point to gaining paid employment. We can provide training for this as well as an opportunity to learn new skills or develop current skills further. We also help with and references if they need one. Many of our volunteers have been successful in finding work with our help and our partners
## **Statistics**
If volunteers were paid £13 an hour, they have saved the funding stream £90,545 in unpaid work and given their skills and commitment over the April 1[st] 2020 to 31[st] March 2021 period. Our volunteers gave every hour for free. They work hard and endure stress at times but they all believe in, ‘Working for a common goal-The community’.
**Those involved with the Melton & district furniture Project During 2019/2020**
## **Current volunteers**
Brenda Calsela Dylan Pugh Darren Mclean Ivor Ruddle Lynne Hewitt Neil Close Scott Cooper Audrey Ruddle Leanda Smalley Vernon Calsela Emma Reeder Charlie Chaplin Darren Hazelwood
## **Volunteers who joined us**
Merelyn Greaves Daniel Martin **Volunteers we said goodbye too** Les Naylor Dave Darrington Helen Watchhorn
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## **Outcomes**
We have 3 first aiders, 2 health and safety, 2 fire marshals and 1 volunteer representative.
## **What our volunteers said why they volunteer and their experiences**
“I volunteered because I didn’t want to sit in my four wall. I enjoy volunteers and have a laugh.”
“I joined mainly to help the Project and also try to pay back for assistance I have received over the years from various sources. However I have found it to be great fun all due to the people I work with and the added bonus it is also rewarding helping members of the public. Everyday is filled with new challenges but also a day to look forward to.”
“I enjoy working at the project because I get to help people in need and serve the community of Melton in providing affordable furniture for all and a community hub for our regulars. A happy and friendly environment to work in is also a huge plus.”
“I volunteered originally for something to do, but found it very enjoyable. I really like the other volunteers as they are very friendly and helpful. I have made a lot of friends and really like it.”
“being retired, this voluntary work gives us the opportunity to meet lovely people and also feel useful to others – keeps ‘the ole grey matter working’”
## **Customer survey when we deliver**
|How|did you hear about the project?||
|---|---|---|
|1.|Just knew|14|
|2.|Live in Melton|4|
|3.|Family and Friends|11|
|4.|Seen vehicle|1|
|5.|Word of mouth|5|
|6.|Online|7|
|7.|Passing by|4|
|8.|Adult social care|1|
|9.|Saw advert|1|
|10.|Citizens advice bureau|1|
|Have|you used the project before?||
|1.|Yes|25|
|2.|No|25|
|Are you male or female?|||
|1.|Male|12|
|2.|Female|14|
|3.|Other|1|
|4.|Prefer not to say|23|
12
What age group are you?
|1.|16-25|1|
|---|---|---|
|2.|25-35|35|
|3.|45-65|5|
|4.|65+|23|
|5.|Prefer not to say|3|
## **Statistics**
**----- Start of picture text -----**
month Volunteer Items Items Bric a brac Rutland Melton
hours collected delivered milage milage
April 2020 * * * * * *
May 2020 * * * * * *
June 2020 254* 157* 193* 236* 51* 180*
July 2020 637 381 223 764 157 568
August 570 333 115 448 210 488
2020
September 254* 284* 253* 596* 210* 457*
2020
October 618 300 278 766 185 68
2020
November 34* 106* 55* 83* 65* 198*
2020
December 437 147 172 332 113 420
2020
January * * * * * *
2021
February * * * * * *
2021
March * * * * * *
2021
Total 2,864 1,708 1,289 3,225 991 2,379
**----- End of picture text -----**
*Closed or part closed due to lock down and covid restrictions.
Unable to produce tonnage of items saved from landfill due to new form used for recycling credits, goes by how many items now.
If volunteers who gave their time free was paid £15 per hour, it would total of £42,960 for the year. This shows the value of their time they give freely.
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## **Main objectives of the organisation**
To relieve, either generally or individually, persons who reside in the Borough of Melton and the County of Rutland (areas of benefit) who are in need, due to hardship or distress, by : -
- Providing furniture and other household accessories, including electrical appliances, which in turn reduce landfill and offer the residents of both an alternative to tipping thus reducing potential pollution and waste.
- Relieving the needs, hardship or distress of such persons in need by providing furniture, household accessories and bric-a-brac. A referral scheme, which is linked into local social service and charity providers, ensures help is available for the neediest to access this as an emergency service.
- The relief of unemployment by the provision of work experience, training, support, guidance and help back into work.
- To provide a supportive educational environment for special needs, mental health, and other groups who for any reason have a temporary or permanent inability to maintain an effective role in mainstream employment.
## **Current Services**
- Re-use and testing of electrical goods.
- Re-use of furniture and household accessories and furnishings.
- Bric-a-brac shop
- Volunteer opportunities
- Training of volunteers and preparation for work
- To source companies that could help us re-use large electrical items that are always in need. We are unable to do this ourselves due to age of building and cost of setting up.
## **Anticipated Developments**
- Build on our training and record keeping
- More training for staff and volunteers
- Apply for big lottery fund for disability needs- reached stage 2. On hold due to covid 19.
- To keep updating the warehouse members of staff
- Continue to apply for further funding for Project running costs
- Encourage more Re-use donations
- To continue to develop the relationship with Melton Borough Council and Rutland County Council to try to meet their waste stream policy targets
Families and individuals can come in and purchase our items that start at £5 for small furniture items, i.e. coffee tables. We aim to provide a service in which our clients are able to experience a shop/retail environment.
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Many people on benefits or low income lose the ability to choose. We ensure that when they enter, they are feeling like they are entering a furniture shop, but the prices are within their range.
To better advertise our referral systems. We emailed them all and also sent leaflets and poster. If we are successful with the lottery bid the CEO is going out into the community we serve and increase awareness of our essential services as she will have more time to do some out reach work.
Brand-new three-piece suites can be too much for some individuals/families to afford and due to the amazing support we receive, we are able to offer them with prices starting from £30. In order to maintain this we do not make profit at the end of each year.
Our prices reflect what we are able to budget for each year and by doing so, our Committee insist we are following our core aims. We have been able to help 2,769 individuals and families to access low cost items, reducing waste and offering an alternative for those on low income.
## **Referral Agents**
We have 33 agencies available to request emergency help. These are listed and those in need are able to use our referral forms and packs to obtain items. We are able to provide a whole house pack which includes furniture, pots and pans, tea sets, mugs, cutlery and bedding, quilt covers, blankets and curtains, towels, bowls, sponges and tea towel, pictures, ornaments etc. The cost of this via referral is £200 for all the furniture, with all other household accessories at £50 for a large box full.
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**Stock take**
## **Bric a Brac Department**
|**Bric a Brac Department**|**Bric a Brac Department**|**Bric a Brac Department**|
|---|---|---|
|We also stock items to brighten up homes or to use when being re-homed:-|||
|Cookware|Saucepans etc|Tea sets|
|Glasses|Cooking utensils|Cutlery|
|Jugs|Clothes airers|Ironing boards|
|Table cloths|Napkins|Suitcases|
|Toys|Jigsaws|Pictures/frames|
|Quilts|Quilt covers|Pillows|
|Cushions|Towels|Curtains|
|Ornaments|Mirrors|Electrical items|
|Lamps|Kettles|Hair dryers|
|Electric fires|Hoovers|Microwave|
|Food processors/juicers|Table top cookers||
All electrical items are PAT tested by our PAT tester who is also our chairman.
## **Areas that we service with deliveries and collection**
Melton and Borough
**----- Start of picture text -----**
Village name Post code Day
Ab Kettleby LE14 Friday
Asfordby LE14 Thurs/Fri
Asfordby Hill LE14 Thurs/Fri
Asfordby Valley LE14 Thurs/Fri
Ashby Folville LE14 Thursday
Barkstone-Le-Vale NG13 Wednesday
Barsby LE7 Thursday
Bascasby LE14 Wednesday
Belvoir NG32/33 Wednesday
Bottesford NG13 Wednesday
Branston NG32 Wednesday
Brentingby LE14 Wednesday
Brooksby LE14 Thursday
Buckminster NG33 Wednesday
Burton Lazers LE14 Tuesday
Burrough-on-the-hill LE14 Thursday
Chadwell LE14 Wednesday
Cold Overton LE14 Tuesday
Coston LE14 Wednesday
Croxton Kerrial NG31 Wednesday
Eastwell LE14 Wednesday
Eaton NG32 Wednesday
Easthorpe NG13 Wednesday
Edmondthorpe LE14 Wednesday
**----- End of picture text -----**
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**----- Start of picture text -----**
Eye Kettleby LE14 Thurs/Fri
Freeby LE14 Wednesday
Frisby-on-the-wreake LE14 Thursday
Gaddesby LE7 Thursday
Garthorpe LE14 Wednesday
Goadby Marwood LE14 Wednesday
Great Dalby LE14 Thursday
Grimston LE14 Friday
Harby LE14 Wednesday
Harston NG32 Wednesday
Hickling LE14 Friday
Hoby LE14 Thursday
Holwell LE14 Wednesday
Hose LE14 Wednesday
John’o’Gaunt LE14 Thursday
Kirby Bellars LE14 Thursday
Knipton NG32 Wednesday
Leesthorpe LE14 Tuesday
Little Dalby LE14 Tuesday
Long Clawson LE14 Wednesday
Muston NG13 Wednesday
Nether Broughton LE14 Friday
Normanton NG13 Wednesday
Old Dalby LE14 Friday
Owston LE14 Thursday
Pickwell LE14 Tuesday
Plunger NG13 Wednesday
Potters Hill LE14 Friday
Ragdale LE14 Friday
Rearsby LE7 Thursday
Redmile NG13 Wednesday
Rotherby LE14 Thursday
Saltby LE14 Wednesday
Saxby LE14 Wednesday
Saxleby LE14 Friday
Scalford LE14 Wednesday
Sewstern NG33 Wednesday
Shoby LE14 Friday
Somerby LE14 Tuesday
Sproxton LE14 Wednesday
Stapleford LE14 Wednesday
Stathern LE14 Wednesday
Stonesby LE14 Wednesday
South Croxton LE7 Thursday
Tilton-on-the-Hill LE7 Thursday
Thurussington LE7 Thursday
Thorpe Arnold LE14 Wednesday
Thorpe Satchville LE14 Thursday
Twyford LE14 Thursday
Upper Broughton LE14 Friday
**----- End of picture text -----**
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**----- Start of picture text -----**
Waltham- on-the-wolds LE14 Wednesday
Wartnaby LE14 Friday
Wycombe LE14 Wednesday
Wyfordby LE14 Wednesday
Wiloughby-on-the-wolds LE14 Friday
Wymondham LE14 Wednesday
**----- End of picture text -----**
We alternate the access to villages as shown in the table by being highlighted in blue or red. This helps us to minimise fuel costs which is part of our Green policy and commitment to reducing carbon emissions.
## **Rutland areas we cover**
Rutland is always on a Tuesday due to the Melton market and traffic.
**----- Start of picture text -----**
VILLAGE POST CODE
Ashwell LE15
Ayston LE15
Barley Thorpe LE15
Barrow LE15
Barrowden LE15
Bisbrooke LE15
Belton In Rutland LE15
Brooke LE15
Burley On The Hill LE15
Braunstone In Rutland LE15
Caldecot LE16
Cottesmore LE15
Collyweston LE15
Clipsham LE15
Edith Western LE15
Egleton LE15
Empingham LE15
Essendine PE9
Exton LE15
Glaston LE15
Great Casterton PE9
Greetham LE15
Hambleton LE15
Ketton PE9
Knossington LE15
Langham LE15
Little Casterton PE9
Lyddington LE15
Lyndon LE15
Manton LE15
Market Overton LE15
Morcott LE15
Normanton LE15
**----- End of picture text -----**
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**----- Start of picture text -----**
North Luffenham LE15
Oakham LE15
Ranks Borough LE15
Pickworth PE9
Pilton LE15
Preston LE15
Ridlington LE15
Ryhall PE9
Seaton LE15
South Luffenham LE15
Stoke Dry LE15
Streeton LE15
Teigh LE15
Thistleton LE15
Thorpe By The Water LE15
Tickencote PE9
Tinwell PE9
Tixover LE15
Uppingham LE15
Upper Hambleton LE15
Wardley LE15
Whissendine LE15
Whitwell LE15
Wing LE15
Wakley LE15
**----- End of picture text -----**
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## **Volunteer of the quarter voted by the volunteers.**
Dylan Pugh received the most votes. He is a good, loyal, funny and a very very hard worker. Everyone loves him and is always there to help others. He will turn his hands to any jobs needed in the retail and admin side of the operations. This is the first time we have presented a trophy. It is going to be part of our quarterly meetings. Hopefully when things calm down, I will re start them.
**Newsletters**
We needed to keep all our volunteers and staff involved during lockdown. Myself and my personal assitant produced monthly newsletters this year and tried to keep their grey matter working with crosswords, word searches and picture quiz. We hoped the picture quiz (if they wasn’t shielding) would encourage people to go out and get some exercise and help their wellbeing and mindfulness
Our winner of picture quiz was Emma who won a food hamper.
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## **Melton and District Furniture Project Statement of Financial Activities for the year ended**
## **31 MARCH 2021**
|**Incoming Resources**
**Incoming and endowments**
**from**
Donations and Legacies
1
Other trading activities
2
Investment Income
3
**Resources Expended**
**Costs of Generating Funds**
Establishment expenses
Staff costs
Vehicle running costs
Volunteer / placement costs
Administration
Cost of goods sold
**Total Resources Expended**
**Net Income/(Expenditure)**
**Reconciliation of Funds**
**Total funds brought forward**
**Total funds carried forward**|**2021**
**2020**
**Unrestricted**
**Restricted**
**Total**
**Total**
**Funds**
**Funds**
**Funds**
**Funds**
£
£
£
£
11887
5,600
17,487
14706
76944
5,546
82,490
66484
10
0
10
36|
|---|---|
||88841
11146
99987
81226|
||23458
4140
27598
22020
33710
4,972
38682
36608
2658
1,054
3712
8941
723
128
850
1092
8,516
1,503
10019
9218
21
4
25
78|
||**69,086**
**11,800**
**80,886**
**77,956**|
|||
||**19,755**
**-654**
**19,101**
**3,270**|
||**15,120**
**21,511**
**36,631**
**33,361**|
||**34,875**
**20,857**
**55,732**
**36,631**|
## **CONTINUING OPERATIONS**
All income and expenditure has arisen from continuing activities.
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## Melton and District Furniture Project Balance Sheet as at 31 March 2021
|**Fixed Assets**
Tangible Assets
**Current Assets**
Debtors
Cash at bank and in hand
**Current Liabilities**
Creditors - amounts falling
due within one year
**Net Current**
**Assets**
**Total Net Assets**
**Funds**
**Unrestricted**
**Restricted**
**Total Funds**|**UnrestrictedRestricted**
**Funds**
**Funds**
5683
0|**2021**
**2020**
**Total**
**Total**
**Funds**
**Funds**
5683
7360|
|---|---|---|
||198
0
31124
20356|198
3752
51480
27472|
||31321
20356|51677
31224|
||1626
0|1626
1951|
||29695
20356|50051
29273|
||||
||**35378**
**20356**|**55732**
**36631**|
|||35,378
16,277
20,356
20,356|
|||**55732**
**36,631**|
22
**Melton and District Furniture Project Trustees’ Report and Financial Statements For the year ended 31 March 2021**
**Charity No 1086010**
## **Melton and District Furniture Project Contents of the Financial Statements for the year ended 31 March 2021**
|Trustees’ Report
Independent Examiner’s Report
Statement of Financial Activities
Balance Sheet
Notes forming part of the Financial Statements
Detailed Statement of Financial Activities
|**Page**
2-4
5
6
7
8-14
15-16|
|---|---|
1
## **Melton and District Furniture Project Report of the Trustees for the year ended 31 March 2021**
The Trustees present their report and financial statements for the year ended 31 March 2021.
## **Reference and Administrative information**
Charity Name Melton and District Furniture Project Charity Registration Number 1086010 Operational Address & Trust Office The Warehouse 3b Park Road Park Road Melton Mowbray LE13 1TT
## **Trustees**
Trustees as at 31 March 2021
Mr I Ruddle Mrs A S Ruddle Mr D Pugh Mrs B Calsela Mr G Greaves Mrs M Greaves
## **Independent Examiners**
Foxwise Accountancy Ltd, 22a Burton Street, Melton Mowbray, Leics LE13 1AF
## **Bankers**
Barclays Bank Plc Wilton Road Melton Mowbray Leicestershire LE13 0TZ
2
## **Melton and District Furniture Project**
## **Trustee Report 2021**
The trustees who are also the directors of the charity for the purposes of the Companies Act 2006, present their report with the financial statements of the charity for the year ended 31 March 2021. The trustees have adopted the provisions of 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) (effective 1 January 2015).
## **OBJECTIVES AND ACTIVITIES**
## **Objectives and aims**
The company is a charity and its objects are to relieve, either generally or individually, persons resident in the borough of Melton District and Rutland County Council who are in a condition of need, hardship and distress arising therefrom by:-
- the provision of furniture and other household accessories calculated to reduce the need, hardship or distress of such persons; and
- the relief of unemployment by the provision of training, advice and support.
To achieve these objectives, the company operates a furniture recycling project, utilising the service of volunteers and trainees on placement schemes. Furniture and household items are collected from all over the Melton Borough and County of Rutland, cleaned and restored as necessary and re-distributed to qualifying people in the area. At the same time, volunteers and trainees receive experience and instruction on dealing with the public, handling goods and warehouse duties, and office responsibilities.
The directors have taken due account of the guidance laid down by the Charity Commission in meeting the requirements as described in principles 1 and 2 regarding identifiable public benefits and feel that this Project meets with them. The Project additionally assists the donating public to make a significant contribution to the local targets, in its area of benefit, to meet their ‘water stream’ obligations.
## **ACHIEVEMENT AND PERFORMANCE**
## **Charitable activities**
Total incoming resources for the year amounted to £99,987 with total resources expended of £79,956 resulting in net incoming resources of £20061 (2020: net incoming resources of £3,270). The total value of services provided by volunteers and work experience placements has not been included, but is calculated to be in the region of £42960 for the year. General reserves stood at £56,692 at 31 March 2021.
## **FINANCIAL REVIEW**
## **Investment policy and objectives**
The directors have considered the most appropriate policy for investing funds and maintain high interest bank accounts for this purpose.
## **Reserves policy**
The directors have established a policy whereby reserves are set aside for capital asset replacement, for staff costs in case emergency cover is required and for redundancies.
## **STRUCTURE, GOVERNANCE AND MANAGMENT**
## **Governing document**
The charity is controlled by its governing document, a deed of trust, and constitutes a limited company, limited by guarantee, as defined by the Companies Act 2006.
3
## **Recruitment and appointment of new trustees**
The method adopted for the recruitment and appointment of new directors are by seeking from the volunteer pool persons with interest, expertise and/or time to give for this purpose and to actively encourage their participation as directors in the Project.
## **Members**
Members of the charitable company guarantee to contribute an amount not exceeding £10 to the assets of the charitable company in the event of winding up. The total number of such guarantees at 31 March 2021 was 6.
## **Induction and training of new trustees**
New directors are given written guidance on trustee duties and responsibilities.
## **REFERENCE AND ADMINISTRATION DETAILS**
**Registered Company Number** 04105094 (England and Wales)
4
## **Independent Examiner’s Report on the Accounts of Melton and District Furniture Project**
We report to the charity trustees on the examination of the accounts of the Company for the year ended 31 March 2021
## **Respective responsibilities of Trustees and Examiner**
The charity’s trustees are responsible for the preparation of the accounts. The charity’s trustees consider that an audit is not required for this year under section 144 of the Charities Act 2011 (“the Charities Act”) and that an independent examination is needed.
It is our responsibility to
Examine the accounts (under Section 145 of the Charities Act) to follow the procedures laid down by the general directions given by the Charity Commission (under Section 145 (b) of the Charities Act), and to state whether particular matters have come to our attention.
## **Basis of Independent Examiner’s Statement**
Our examination was carried out in accordance with general directions given by the Charities Commission. An examination includes a review of the accounting records kept by the charity and a comparison of the accounts presented with those records. It also includes consideration of any unusual items or disclosures in the account and seeking explanations from the Trustees concerning any such matters. The procedures undertaken do not provide all the evidence that would be required in an audit, and consequently no opinion is given as to whether the accounts present a true and fair view, and the report is limited to those matters set out in the statement below.
## **Independent Examiner’s statement**
In the course of our examination no matter has come to our attention
- which gives us reasonable cause to believe that in any material respect, the trustees have not met the requirements to ensure that proper accounting records are kept in accordance with Section 130 of the Charities Act and
- accounts are prepared which agree with the accounting records and comply with the accounting requirements of the Act.
- to which in our opinion attention should be drawn in order to enable a proper understanding of the accounts to be reached.
## **Foxwise Accountancy Ltd.,22a Burton Street, Melton Mowbray, Leics LE13 1AF**
5
## **Melton and District Furniture Project**
## **Statement of Financial Activities for the year ended**
## **31 MARCH 2021**
|**Incoming Resources**
**Incoming and endowments from**
Donations and Legacies
1
Other trading activities
2
Investment Income
3
**Resources Expended**
**Costs of Generating Funds**
Establishment expenses
Staff costs
Vehicle running costs
Volunteer / placement costs
Administration
Cost of goods sold
**Total Resources Expended**
**Net Income/(Expenditure)**
**Reconciliation of Funds**
**Total funds brought forward**
**Total funds carried forward**|**2021**
**2020**
**Unrestricted Restricted**
**Total**
**Total**
**Funds**
**Funds**
**Funds**
**Funds**
£
£
£
£
11887
5,600
17,487
14706
76944
5,546
82,490
66484
10
0
10
36
88841
11146
99987
81226
23458
4140
27598
22020
33710
4,972
38682
36608
2658
1,054
3712
8941
723
128
850
1092
8,516
1,503
10019
9218
21
4
25
78
**69,086**
**11,800**
**80,886**
**77,956**
**19,755**
**-654**
**19,101**
**3,270**
**15,120**
**21,511**
**36,631**
**33,361**
**34,875**
**20,857**
**55,732**
**36,631**|
|---|---|
## **CONTINUING OPERATIONS**
All income and expenditure has arisen from continuing activities.
6
## **Melton and District Furniture Project Balance Sheet as at 31 March 2021**
|**Fixed Assets**
Notes
Tangible Assets
8
**Current Assets**
Debtors
9
Cash at bank and in hand
**Current Liabilities**
Creditors - amounts falling
due within one year
**Net Current Assets**
**Total Net Assets**
**Funds**
**Unrestricted**
**Restricted**
**Total Funds**|**2021**
**2020**
**Unrestricted Restricted**
**Total**
**Total**
**Funds**
**Funds**
**Funds**
**Funds**
5683
0
5683
7360
198
0
198
3752
31124
20356
51480
27472
31321
20356
51677
31224
1626
0
1626
1951
29695
20356
50051
29273
**35378**
**20356**
**55732**
**36631**
35,378
16,277
20,356
20,356
**55732**
**36,631**|
|---|---|
The charitable company is entitled to exemption from audit under Section 477 of the Companies Act 2006 for the year ended 31 March 2021.
The members have not required the company to obtain an audit of its financial statements for the year ended 31 March 2021 in accordance with Section 476 of the Companies Act 2006.
The trustees acknowledge their responsibilities for
ensuring that the charitable company keeps accounting records that comply with Section 386 and 387 of the Companies Act 2006 and preparing financial statements which give a true and fair view of the state of affairs of the charitable company as at the end of each financial year and its surplus or deficit for each financial year in accordance with the requirements of Sections 394 and 395 and which otherwise comply with the requirements of the Companies Act 2006 relating to financial statements, so far as applicable to the charitable company.
These statements have been prepared in accordance with the special provision of Part 15 of the Companies Act 2006 relating to charitable small companies.
The financial statements were approved by the board of Trustees on 13th May 2021 and were signed on its behalf by:
----------------------------
Mr I Ruddle - Trustee
7
## **MELTON AND DISTRICT FURNITURE PROJECT NOTES AND ACCOUNTING POLICIES FOR THE YEAR ENDED 31 MARCH 2021**
## **1. ACCOUNTING POLICIES**
## **Basis of preparing the financial statements**
These accounts have been prepared with the requirements of the charity’s governing document and the provisions of the Statement of Recommended Practice (SORP), applicable to charities preparing their financial statements in accordance with the Financial Reporting Standard applicable in the UK and Republic of Ireland (FRS 102) (effective 1 January 2015).
## **Income**
All income is recognised in the Statement of Financial Activities once the charity has entitlement to the funds, it is probable that the income will be received and the amount can be measured reliably.
## **Expenditure**
Liabilities are recognised as expenditure as soon as there is a legal or constructive obligation committing the charity to that expenditure, it is probable that a transfer of economic benefits will be required in settlement and the amount of the obligation can be measured reliably. Expenditure is accounted for on an accruals basis and has been classified under headings that aggregate all the cost related to the category. Where costs cannot be directly attributed to particular headings they have been allocated on a basis consistent with the use of resources.
## **Tangible fixed assets**
Depreciation is provided at the following annual rates in order to write off each asset over its estimated useful life.
Equipment - 25% on reducing balance Motor Vehicles - 25% on reducing balance
## **Taxation**
The charity is exempt from corporation tax on its charitable activities.
## **Fund accounting**
Unrestricted funds can be used in accordance with the charitable objectives at the discretion of the trustees. Restricted funds can only be used for particular and restricted purposes within the charity. Restrictions arise when specified by the donor or when funds are raised for restricted purposes. Further explanation of the nature and purpose of each fund is included in the notes to the financial statements.
## **Pension costs and other post-retirement benefits.**
The charitable company operates defined contributions pension scheme. Contributions payable to the charitable company’s pension scheme are charged to the Statement of Financial Activities in the period to which they relate.
8
## **Melton and District Furniture Project Notes and Accounting Policies for the Year ended 31 March 2021**
|**1 Donations and Gifts**
Donations
Grants
Gift Aid
**2 Other Trading Activities**
Self Generated Income
Recycling Credits
Covid Grants
**3 Investment Income**
To Organisations
Deposit Account Interest
**4 Net Income/(Expenditure)**
Net Income/(Expenditure ) is stated after chargeing/(crediting)
Depreciation on own assets
Loss on disposal of fixed asset
**5 Trustee Remuneration Benefits and Expenses**|**2021**
**£**
530
16957
0
17487
**2021**
**£**
36973
2088
43429
82490
10
1677
0|**2020**
**£**
368
13470
869
14706
**2020**
**£**
64620
1863
-
66483
36
2236
0|
|---|---|---|
None for the year ended 31 March 2021 (2020 - None)
## **6 Staff Costs**
The average monthly number of employees during the year was 5 5
No employee received emoluments in excess of £65000
9
## **Melton and District Furniture Project**
## **Notes and Accounting Policies for the year ended 31 March 2021**
## **7 Comparatives for the Statement of Financial Activities**
||**Unrestricted **|**Unrestricted **|**Restricted**|**Total**|
|---|---|---|---|---|
|||**funds**|**funds**|**funds**|
||**£**||**£**|**£**|
|**INCOME AND ENDOWNMENTS FROM**|||||
|Donations and legacies||10806|3900|14706|
|Other trading activities||56790|9693|66484|
|Investment income||36|0|36|
|**Total**||67633|13593|81226|
|**EXPENDITURE ON**|||||
|**Charitable activities**|||||
|Establishment expenses||18717|3303|22020|
|Staff costs||31689|4918|36608|
|Vehicle running costs||6402|2539|8941|
|Volunteer/placement costs||928|164|1092|
|Administration||7,845|1374|9,218|
|Cost of goods sold||66|12|78|
|**Total**||65646|12310|77956|
||||||
|**Net Income/(Expenditure)**||**1987**|**1283**|**3270**|
|**Reconcilation of Funds**|||||
|**Funds brought forward**||13133|20228|33361|
|**Net Income**||1987|1283|3270|
|**Funds carried forward**||**15120**|**21511**|**36631**|
10
## **Melton and District Furniture Project**
## **Notes and Accounting Policies for the Year ended 31 March 2021**
## **8 Tangible Fixed Assets**
|**Cost**
At 1 April 2020
Additions (Vehicle)
Disposals
At 31 March 2021
**Depreciation**
At 1 April 2020
Charge for the year
Disposals
At 31 March 2021
**Net Book Value**
At 31 March 2021
At 31 March 2020
**9 Debtors: Amounts falling due within one year**
**10 Creditors:Amounts falling due within one year**
Social Security and other taxes
Other Creditors
Accrual and deferred income|**Improvements**
**to Property Equipment**
**Total**
11451
28823
40274
11451
28823
40274
10800
22113
32913
1677
10800
23790
34590
651
5032
5683
651
6710
7361
**2021**
**2020**
**£**
**£**
198
3752
444
164
0
987
1182
800
1626
1951|
|---|---|
11
## **Melton and District Furniture Project**
## **Notes and Accounting Policies for the Year ended 31 March 2021**
## **11 Movement in Funds continued**
|**11 Movement in Funds continued**||||
|---|---|---|---|
||**At**|**Net**|**At**|
||**01-Apr-19**|**Movement**|**31-Mar-20**|
||**£**|**£**|**£**|
|**Unrestricted Funds**||||
|General Operating Fund|1756|1,987|3,743|
|Capital asset fund|2|0|2|
|Emergency Staff Costs Fund|11375|0|11,375|
||13133|1987|15120|
|**Restricted Funds**||||
|Rutland Project|6761|1,283|8,044|
|Ragdale Hall Fund|170|0|170|
|Redundancy Costs Fund|13297|0|13,297|
||20228|1283|21511|
|||||
|**Total Funds**|33361|3270|36631|
|Net movement in Funds included in the above, are as follows:-||||
|**Unrestricted Funds**|**Incoming**
**resources**
**£**|**Resources**
**expended**
**£**|**Movement**
**in funds**
**£**|
|General operating fund|67633|65646|1987|
|**Restricted Funds**||||
|Rutland project|13593|12310|1283|
||81226|77956|3270|
12
## **Melton and District Furniture Project Notes and Accounting Policies for the Year ended 31 March 2021**
|**11 Movement in Funds continued**||||
|---|---|---|---|
||**At**|**Net**|**At**|
||**01-Apr-19**|**Movement**|**31-Mar-20**|
||**£**|**£**|**£**|
|**Unrestricted Funds**||||
|General Operating Fund|1756|1,987|3,743|
|Capital asset fund|2|0|2|
|Emergency Staff Costs Fund|11375|0|11,375|
||13133|1987|15120|
|**Restricted Funds**||||
|Rutland Project|6761|1,283|8,044|
|Ragdale Hall Fund|170|0|170|
|Redundancy Costs Fund|13297|0|13,297|
||20228|1283|21511|
|||||
|**Total Funds**|33361|3270|36631|
|Net movement in Funds included in the above, are as follows:-||||
|**Unrestricted Funds**|**Incoming**
**resources**
**£**|**Resources**
**expended**
**£**|**Movement**
**in funds**
**£**|
|General operating fund|67633|65646|1987|
|**Restricted Funds**||||
|Rutland project|13593|12310|1283|
||81226|77956|3270|
13
## **Melton and District Furniture Project Notes and Accounting Policies for the year ended 31 March 2021**
## **13. RELATED PARTY DISCLOSURES**
There are no related party transactions for the year ended 31 March 2021.
## **14. PURPOSES OF FUNDS**
## **Rent and insurance fund**
This fund comprises a grant from Melton Borough Council towards rent and insurance costs.
## **Rutland Project**
This fund originated from grants from the Welland Catalyst Fund, Henry Smith Charity and the Social Capital Small Grants Programme, which were received specifically to assist with funding expansion of the work of the Project across the County of Rutland, together with capital equipment purchased. This venture actively began in April 2006, and the relevant proportions of income and expenditure for the year have been allocated to the fund.
## **DESIGNATED FUNDS**
## **Capital Asset Replacement Fund**
The directors have designated funds for the purchase of new equipment and provision of motor vehicles for the project in the future. All the designated funds have been utilized.
## **Emergency Staff Costs Fund**
This fund is designated to meet the costs of redundancy should the project be forced to close in the future, and the cost of emergency staff cover, should it be required.
14
## **Melton and District Furniture Project Detailed Statement of Financial Activities For the Year ended 31 March 2021**
|**Income and Endowments**
**Donations and legacies**
Donations
Grants
Gift Aid
**Other trading activities**
Self generated income
Recycling credits
Covid grants
**Investment income**
Deposit account interest
**Total incoming resources**
**Expenditure**
**Raising donations and legacies**
Bought in purchases
**Depreciation and other amounts written off**
Depreciation
Loss on disposal of fixed assets
**Charitable activities**
Wages and salaries
Pensions
Rent
Rates
Light and heat
Cleaning
Telephone
Postage and stationery
Advertising and PR
Insurance
IT expenses|**2021**
**£**
530
16957
0
**17487**
36973
2088
43429
**82490**
10
**99,987**
25
1677
0
**1677**
37879
228
19841
690
1635
657
4453
1544
0
377
257|**2020**
**£**
368
13470
869
**14706**
64,620
1,863
**66,484**
36
**81,226**
78
2236
0
**2236**
36,158
242
15332
1028
2,128
215
2109
1206
60
1,377
532|
|---|---|---|
15
## **Melton and District Furniture Project Detailed Statement of Financial Activities For the Year ended 31 March 2021**
|**Continued**
Repairs and maintenance
Volunteer expenses
Protective clothing
Refreshments
Insurance, repairs and road tax
Diesel and oil
Van Lease
Sundry expenses
**Charitible Activities**
**Support costs**
**Finance**
Bank charges
**Governance costs**
Accountancy and legal fees
**Support Costs**
**Total resources expended**
**Net Income/(Expenditure**|£
3938
638
0
212
1,561
933
0
1314
**76157**
595
2432
**3027**
**80886**
**19,101**|£
1329
867
0
224
2635
1682
3000
1511
**71,634**
1451
2558
**4008**
**77956**
**3,270**|
|---|---|---|
16
## **Independent Examiner’s Report on the Accounts of Melton and District Furniture Project**
We report to the charity trustees on the examination of the accounts of the Company for the year ended 31 March 2021
## **Respective responsibilities of Trustees and Examiner**
The charity’s trustees are responsible for the preparation of the accounts. The charity’s trustees consider that an audit is not required for this year under section 144 of the Charities Act 2011 (“the Charities Act”) and that an independent examination is needed.
It is our responsibility to
Examine the accounts (under Section 145 of the Charities Act) to follow the procedures laid down by the general directions given by the Charity Commission (under Section 145 (b) of the Charities Act), and to state whether particular matters have come to our attention.
## **Basis of Independent Examiner’s Statement**
Our examination was carried out in accordance with general directions given by the Charities Commission. An examination includes a review of the accounting records kept by the charity and a comparison of the accounts presented with those records. It also includes consideration of any unusual items or disclosures in the account and seeking explanations from the Trustees concerning any such matters. The procedures undertaken do not provide all the evidence that would be required in an audit, and consequently no opinion is given as to whether the accounts present a true and fair view, and the report is limited to those matters set out in the statement below.
## **Independent Examiner’s statement**
In the course of our examination no matter has come to our attention
- which gives us reasonable cause to believe that in any material respect, the trustees have not met the requirements to ensure that proper accounting records are kept in accordance with Section 130 of the Charities Act and
- accounts are prepared which agree with the accounting records and comply with the accounting requirements of the Act.
- to which in our opinion attention should be drawn in order to enable a proper understanding of the accounts to be reached.
## **Foxwise Accountancy Ltd.,22a Burton Street, Melton Mowbray, Leics LE13 1AF**
5