cooivtBESWOOD CANAL TRUST
(A COMPANY LIMITED BY GUARANTEE)
ANNUAL REPORT AND ACCOUNTS
FOR THE YEAR ENDED 31ST JULY 2024
Company Number: 04181961
Charity Number: 1088978
Page I

COOMBESWOOD CANAL TRUST
Page
Legal information
Report of the Trustees
Independent Examiner's Report
Slatements of Fillancial Activities
Balance Sheet
10
Notes to the Accounts
Page 2

Coombeswood Canal Trust
ANNUAL REPORT IIND ACCOUNTS FOR THE YEAR TO 31ST JULY 2024
LEGAL INFORMATION
Directors ITrustees
Bob Fox - Chair (Appointed 9th December 2023)
Gavin Hawkins - Treasurer (Appointed 3rd May 2024)
Judy Hanchet - Secretary (Appointed 9th December 2023)
Roy Burgess (Appointed 9th December 2023)
Ivor Charnbers (Appointed 21 st November 2009)
Aiithony Friar (Appointed 14th December 2005)
Darren McKenzie (Appointed 9th December 2023)
Gillian Reynolds (Appointed 10th December 2022)
Terence Blakesley (Resigned 9th Deceinber 2023)
Paul Taylor (Resigned 9th December 2023)
David Owen (Resigned 9th December 2023)
Susan Oweu (Resigned 9th December 2023)
Adele Sidaway (Resiglled 25 February 2024)
Charity Number
1088978
Cornpally Number
04181961
Registcred Office
Hawne Basin
Hereward Rise
14alesowen
West Midlands
B62 8AW
Telephone
0121550 1355
Email
coornbeswood@btconnect.com
Website
www.hawnebasin.org.uk
Accountant
GroundbreakeTS Ltd
Shop l at 83 High Street
Kinver
stOu￿ridge
West Midlands
DY7 6HD
Page 3

Coombeswood Canal Trust
Trustees, Annual Report for Year ended 31 July 2024
The trustees present their annual report and accounts of the charity for the year ended 31 st July 2024.
The trustees have followed the Statement of Recommended Practice (SORP) "Accounting and Reporting by
Charities" (FRS 102) An preparing the annual report and accounts.
Trustees
The trustees as named on page 3 have served throughout the year and to dale except where stated. The trustees
are also the directors of the Limited Company. All trustees that served during the year are listed.
Trustees are appointed a5 governed by the Articles of Associatioll of the charity. Only rnembers of the charity can
be appointed as trustees.
New trustees are appointed who can bring relevant experience and skills to the governing body. The induction of
new trustees involves being made aware of a trustee's responsibilities, the governing documents and the history
and ethos of the charity.
Constitutlon, Object and Mallagemellt
Cooinbeswood Canal Trust (charity number 513054) was constituted as a charity of the sam¢ name by a Deed of
Trust from I st September 1982 to 8th September 2003, when it became a new charity (number 1088978)
operating as a company linlited by guarantee.
The objects of the charity are:
For the use and benefit of the public to stimulate public interest in and appreciation of the history, structure
and beauty of the Dudley number 2 canal, and with tbe aim of irnproving the conditions of life for the
persons for whom such facilities are primarily intended.
To provide or assist in the provision of facilities for recreation or other leisure activities at or near to the
Dudley number 2 canal including Hawne Basin including the restoration, improvernent, enhancemeiit,
development, maintenance, conservation of and inaking fully navigable the canal and the promotioii of its
use by all appropriate forn]s of waterborne traffic and the promotion of a public footpath and right 0£ way
along the length of the Dudley number 2 canal.
The charity is organised so that the governing counciI of trustees meets monthly to manage its affairs and
fonnulate the charity's policies. The Charity Comrnission's guidance on public benefit is kept in mind when
decisions are inade.
The running of the charity is undertaken by the Chair, the Secretary, the othcr trustees and other members,
with the help of the paid caretaking staff.
The charity is very grateful to all its volunteers, without whom the charTty would not exisL
Ill the unlikely event of winding up,.each member of the Trust undertakes to contribute to the assets of the
company up to a maximum of £ l.
Membership of the charity is required for long terni Tnooring and use of the social club.
Financial Review
The majority of the cbaritys funds come from the provision of mooring to members and from Coombeswood
Canal Company Ltd, a separnte company limited by guardntee, whose profits are covenanted to be paid to the
Trust.
The Statement of Financial Activities shows total incorning resources of £81,804 and resources expended
of £1 01,030 resultillg in a net decrease in funds carried forward of £19.226. Revaluation of the r￿ed assets
has increased the revaluation reserve by £601,000. The funds carried forward to the next f￿all¢la1 year are
£1,243,656.
Page 4

Coombeswood Canal Trust
Trustees, Annual Report for Year ended 31 July 2024 (continued)
Developmen( actlvities and achievements thls year
Several of our trustees (directors) moved on this year, but were replaced by enthusiastic fresh faces bringing
experieiice and expertise to the govcrning council. The council contiiiued to ensur¢ that the Trust met its
charitable objectives.
The charity continued to maintain its core services of providing mooring and facilities for around 77 boats and
undertook PTOjCCts promoting and n]aintaining Hawne Basin, the Dudlcy No 2 Canal and footyath.
Three part time carctaking staff kept the site running and provided support to moorers and visitors, 7 days a
week. Volunteers supplied in excess of1,009 registered hours to the Trus( helping ivith site maintenance, the
open weekend and public outreach, and running the social club bar.
Coombeswood Canal Company Ltd continued to provide diesel and chandlery at cornpetitive prices to attract
boaters and local traders. Tt also provided residential mooring and slipway services. All profits were
covenanted to the Trust.
Work parties continued on the first Sunday ot. each month along th¢ Dudley No2 canal and around the basin
using the work boats, Hawne and Stratford. Much was accornplished in the removal of trees, logs, tyes and
other rubbish deposited in and around the canal.
The social club, which had previously been run as a separate company and then as part of Coombeswood
Canal Company Ltd, was brought into Coombeswood Callal Trust at I st May 2024, as it furthers the objects
of the charity and the service is provided by the Trust volunteers as a facility for canal users. It aims to
provide a bar, Sunday lunches during the winter and fundraising events.
Despite best efforts, it has not been possible to attract a suitably qualified youth worker to enable the restart
of the Duke of Edinburgh's award scheme this year.
The operation of the heritage boats, Atlas and Malus, in partnership with the BCNS. continued with
mainlenance work being undertaken. They altended at a number of local canal rallies during which members
of the public were encollraged to look around thern and were inforn]ed about the ways of Itfe of boaters in
their heyday. Both boats require gunnel replacemellt and discussions about materials, costs alld retention are
ongoing.
Maintenance carried out on site included a new entrance sign. work on the slipway and the installation
of a PA system.
An open weekend was held on tbe 2nd and 3rd of September 2023, which was very well attended. Boat trips
were offered along the canal, as well as boat handling demonstrdtions. Hot food and real ale were provided,
with musical entertainment by several local bands. There was also a model boat display and cbildren's
activities. It was a great opportLmity for local people to visit the basin.
On 25th and 26th May, the Trust hosted the BCNS (Birniingham Canal Navigation Society) 24 hour
challenge which was well received by all participants and used the opportunity to promote the "Fund
Britain's Waterways campaign.
In June, 60 pupils and staff from Olive Hill School visited the Basin over 2 days. They were entertained
and educated on matters surrounding the waterways by volunteers. They have requested a return visit in
2025, having thoroughly enjoyed the experience.
Page 5

Coombeswood Canal Trust
Trusteesl Annual Report for Year ended 31 July 2024 (continued)
Development, activities alld achievements this year (Continued)
The tWA Waterways recovery group had a week long &amp at Coornbeswood during the summer in which
they exposed the wash wall for some one hundred inetres beyond the Stank and reinoved rnany of the
overhanging trees and debris. The IWA continues to hold its monthly winter social meetings at the basin.
The Trust was instrumental in getting Coornbes Bridge repainted. Owned by Dudley MBC, it was in a poor
decorative state and the Trust offered to colltribute 500/0 of the cost of the repainting. It was finally painted
in the autumn of 2024 and reopened by Hilary Bills, the Mayor of Dudley, on 5th November.
The Trust was also active ill the Coombeswood Green Wedge project to reinstate the old boat dock of Sluart
and Lloyds tube works as well as with Halesowell in Bloons with our two planters in the shape of
narrowboats on road islands in Halesowen.
Future Plans
The charity is continually aiming to raise our local profile and encourage more volunteering. We are also
planning to undertake a recruitment process to employ additional staff to support the administration of the
Trust.
Slipway services were brought back in to the Trust on 1st August 2024 from the Coombeswood Canal
Company Ltd. as provision of services such as this to canal users is very much part of the charity objects
and the service is wholely provided by volunteers.
The trustees are looking to produce a more detailed plan for the periodic maintenance of the site facilities as
well as for future public outreach projects in pursuit of the objects of the charity.
An open weekend is planned for 7th and 8th June 2025.
A study by Moss Naylor Young has been cornmissioned to assess the feasibility of extending Ihe Dudley No
2 Canal beyond the stank or coffer dam up to Leasowes Park and further discussions are plaDned with the
Friends of Leasowes and other stakeholders.
The social club started doing Sunday lunches in October 2024, which will continue until the spring, as well as
hosting event nights to raise rnoney for the Trust. The bar is also open orA certain nights.
A meeting was held witb the new local MP Alex Ballinger on 16th October to explain the Trnst's activities
and seek his support to obtsin adequate funding of Britain's waterways.
Risk Management
The trnstees regularly review the major risks the charity faces and believe that sufficient resources are held to
keep the charity running through untoreseen adverse events. Systems have been put in place. whenever
operational and business risks have bccn id¢ntifieiL to mitigate those risks.
The management committee continues to keep risk management under review.
Page 6

Coombeswood Canal Trust
Trustees, Annual Report for Year ended 31 July 2024 (continued)
Reserves Pojicy
The Governing Council commits to retain sufficient reserves to cover winding-up costs, if necessary,
including provisions for statutory redundancy payments and contract cancellation charges.
Reserves are also being held for site maintenance, improvement of the site and facilllles and towards the
proj ect to investigate extending the Dudley No2 Canal to Leasowes Park.
Statement of Director's (Trustee's) Responsibilities
The directors are required under Company Law to prepare financial statements for each financial year
which give a true and fair view of the state of affairs of the company and of its results for that period.
In preparing those financial statements the diIectors are required to..
(a) select suitable accounting policies and apply them consistently.
(b) make jud￿nents and estimates that are reasonable and prudeiit.
(c) prepare the financial statements on an ongoing concern basis unless it is inappropriate to assurne that
the company will continue in business.
The directors are responsible for the keeping of proper accounting records which disclose with
reasonable accuracy at any time the financial position of the charity. They are also responsible for the
safeguarding of the assets of the company and hence for taking reasonable steps for the prevention and
detection of fraud and otlier irregularilAes.
Approval
This report was approved by the directors on I st February 2025 and signed on their behalf.
Bob Fox
Chair
Page 7

Coombeswood Canal Trust
Independent examiner's report to the trustees of the charitable company
I report to the trustees Oll my examination of the accounts of the above charity for the year ended 31 st July
2024.
Respective responsibilities of trustees and exajniner
As the charitys trustees, you are responsible for the preparation of the accounts in accordance with the
requiremeiits of the Charities Act 2011 ("the Act").
I report in respect of my examination of the Trust's accounts carried out under section 145 of the Act
and in carrying out my examination, I bave followed all the applicable Directions given by the Charity
Coininission under section 145(5)(b) OF the Act.
Basis of independent examiners report
I have completed my examination. I confirni that no n]aterial matters have come to my attention in
collnection with the exarnination which gives me cause to believe that in, ally lllat￿la1 respect:
• the accounting records were not kept in accordance with section 130 of the Charities Act; or
. the accounts did not accord with the accounting records; or
. Lhe accounts did nol COD]ply with the applicable requirements concerning the forn] and content of
account5 set out in the Charities (Accounts and Reports) Regulations 2008 other thall any requirement
that the accounts give a 'true and fair, view which is not a matter considered as part of an independent
examination.
I have no concerns and have come across no other matters in connection with the examination to which
attention should be drawn in this report in order to enable a proper understanding of the accounts to be
reached.
Name .
Graeme Underhill
Groundbreakers Ltd
Shop l at 83 Higb Street
Kinver
Stourbridge
DY7 6HD
Date .
1st February 2025
Page 8

Coombeswood Canal Trust
STATEMENT OF FINANCIAL ACTIVITIES
Year ended 31st July 2024
]Yote
Unrestricted
Funds
2024
Total
Funds
2024
Total
ri unds
2023
Tncome
Donations
Charitsble activities
Bank Interest Receivable
Dividends received
23,459
57,836
498
23.459
57.836
498
33,116
58,496
310
2b
Total
81,804
81,804
91,922
Expendxture
Charitable Activities
Cjovernance Costs
100,280
750
101,030
100,280
750
101030
80,035
800
80,835
Total
Net (Expenditure)/lneome
(19,226)
(19,226)
11,087
Total fund5 brought forward
661,882
661,882
650,795
Gains and losses on revaluation of fixed assels for the charitys 7
own use
601,000
601.000
Total funds carrled fonvard
1,243,656
1,243,656
661,882
Page 9

Coombeswood Canal Trust
BALANCE SHEET
As at 31st July 2024
Notes
2024
2023
Fixed Assets
985,000
384.897
Current Assets
Stocks
Sundry Debtorslprepayments
Cash at Bank and in Hand
Shares in group iindertakings
Tnveslrnents
338
58,252
210,247
104,309
182,345
10
326
269.163
326
286,981
Currellt Liabilities
Creditors due within one year
11
10.507
9,996
Net Current Assets
258,656
276,985
et Assets
1243 656
661882
Represented by:
FUf4DS
Unrestricted Funds
Income & Expenditure account
Surplusl Deficit for the year
12
347,539
(19,226
328,313
336,452
347,539
Designated Funds
12
915,343
314,343
1,243,656
661,882
The company was entitled to exemption from audit under s477 of the Companies Act 2006
relating lo sinall companies.
The members have not required the company to obtain an audit in accordance with
section 476 of the Con]panies Act 2006.
The dii"ectors acknowledge their responsibilities for complying with the requirements of
the Companies Act with respect to accounting records and the preparation of accounts.
The accounts have been prepared in accordance with the provisions applicable to small
companies subj ect to tbe sll]all companies regI￿e and in accoidallce with FRS102 SORP.
Approved by the Directors and signed on their behalf on I st FebTuary 2025.
Bob Fox, Director
Page 10

Coombeswood Canal Trust
Notes to the Accounts for year ended 31st July 2024
l. Accounting Policies
These accounts have been prepared under the historical cost convention with items recognised at cost or
transaciion value unless otherwise staled in the relevant note(s) to these accounts.
The accounts have been prepared in accordance with the Statement of Recomtnended Practice: Accounting
and Reporting by Charities, witb the Financial Reporting Stsndard (FRS102) issued 16th July 2014 and with
the Charities Act 2011.
The charity constitutes a public benefit entity as defined by FRS 102.
No changes have been made to the accounts for previous years.
The accounts present a trlle alld fair view and no changes have been made to the accounting pollcies.
Going Concern
The directors consider tbat the charity r￿aInS viable for the year ahead and the accounts are tberefore
prepared on a going concern basis.
Income Recognition
Donations are recognised when received. Other income is recognised when the charity becomes entitled to
the resources, it is more likely than not that the resources will be received and the monetary value can be
measured with sufficient reliability. All incoming resources are accounled for gross. There is no offsetting
of assets and liabilities unless required OT permitted by FRSI 02 SORP.
Expenditure Reco%nitlon
Liabilities are recognised where it is more likely than not there is a legal or constructive obligatioii conllnitting
the charity to pay out resources and the amount of the obligation can be measured with reasonable certainty.
Volunteer Help
The value of any voluntary help received is not included in the accounts but is described in the trustees report.
Governance costs
Governance costs comprise all costs involving public accountability of the charity aiid its compliance with
regulation and good practice.
Tan2Able fixed assets for use by charity
Tangible ￿-￿ed assets are stated at valuation.
Stocks
Stocks are stated at the lower of cost and net realisable value.
Pagell

Coombeswood Canal Trust
Notes to the Accounts for year ended 31st July 2024 (continued)
2. Analysis of Income Received
2024
Unrestricted
Funds
2024
2023
Total
Total
2a Donations
Charitable covenants from
Coombeswood Canal Company Ltd
Othei Donations
21,792
21,792
32,617
1,667
1,667
499
23,459
23,459
33,116
2b.Charfitable Actlvitles
Mooring Fees
Hardstanding Fees
Electricity
Open Weekend
Social Club
Membership subscriptions
46,759
27
4,351
4,255
1,042
1,402
46,759
27
4,351
4,255
1,042
1,402
51.719
534
3,149
3,094
57,836
57,836
58,496
3. Analysis of Resources Expended
Charitable aetivities
2024
2023
Wages,NI and Pensions
Electricity
24,399
l6,310
7,044
10,209
6,536
932
2,533
2,853
314
11,103
2,693
21,380
18,309
2,999
12,514
5,481
1,130
2,877
1,615
491
3.800
721
546
Rent and Rates
Site seivices and Cleaning
Telephone & Internei
Licences and Tnsurances
Office rLllming costs
Sundry expenses
Bookkeeping
Legal & Professional fees
Publicity expenses
Social Club
Open Weekend
Youth Projects
Site Maintenance
Canal Gate Posts & Panels
Heritage Boat expenses
Workboat expenses
Bank Charges
615
1,751
364
8,088
1,700
1,326
561
949
86
600
5,903
96
784
703
100.280
80,035
Page 12

Coombeswood Canal Trust
Notes to the Accounts for year ended 31st July 2024 (continued)
4. Governance costs
2024
2023
Accountancy costs
750
750
800
800
5. Paid Employees
Caretakers Costs
2024
2023
Gross Salaries & Employers Nl
Pension Costs
Total Staff Costs
24,098
301
24,399
21,191
189
21.380
6. Trustee's remuneration and expenses
No trustees received any remuoeration during the year.
7. Fixed Assets
Freehold
Property
Plant &
Office
Macbinery Equipment
2024
Total
2023
Total
Valuation
Balance as at start of year
Revaluation
Disposals
Balance as at end of year
176,000
774,000
208,000
(173,000)
897
384,897
601,000
897
985,000
384,897
897
950,000
35,000
384 897
Fixed assets of £170,000 were Introduced in to the new charity, Coombeswood Canal Trust, in 2003.
The freehold of the site was purchased in 2007/8,
Tt has been decidcd to revalue the assets on a periodic basis at a valuation provided by the members of
the Trust. There will therefore be no depreciation of tangible fixed assets as such.
As much of the plant and machinery is now at the end of its working life, it has been revalued at its net
realisable value.
8. Debtors
2024
2023
Prepayrnents
Trade Debtors
Owed by Coombeswood Canal Company Ltd
Oived by Hawne Basin Social Club Ltd
Accrued income
4,215
3,122
50,295
7,518
87,890
8,901
620
58,252
104,309
Page 13

Coombeswood Canal Trust
Notes to the Accounts for year ended 31st July 2024 (eontinued)
9. Cash at bank and in hand
2024
2023
Current accounts
Deposit acLount
Building Society Accowit
Cash in hand
Funds in transit
125,718
30,391
50,000
500
3,638
210 247
123,087
59,258
182,-345
10. Llsted Investments
2024
2023
Shares
326
326
I l. Creditors due within one year
2024
2023
Accrued expenses
Trade creditors
Deposils held
3,489
5,259
1,450
309
750
9,246
9,996
12. Fund Movements
Fund
Balances
Brought
forward
Fund
Balanles
carried
forward
Net
movement
in funds
Restricted Funds
Designated Funds
Membership Reserve
Revaluation Reserve
278,637
35,706
314,343
278,637
636,706
915,343
(Iyote 7)
601,000
601,000
Unrestrlcted Funds
Income & Expenditure account
347,539
(19,226)
328,313
Total Funds
661,882
581,774
1,243,656
Page 14