2024-12-31-accounts - The Flintshire U3A

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Trustees’ Annual Report for the period

From 1[st] January 2024 to 31[st] December 2024

Charity name: Flintshire u3a

Charity registration number: 1096025

Objectives and Activities

Summary of the purposes of The charity’s objective is the advancement of education, the charity as set out in its and in particular the education of older people and those governing document retired from full time work, by all means including associated activities conducive to learning and personal development in Flintshire. Summary of the main Flintshire u3a provides a range of activities which are open activities in relation to those to all members to participate in. purposes for the public At 31[st] December 2024, Flintshire u3a had 831 members benefit, in particular, the who are retired and semi-retired from full time work (794 at activities, projects or 31.12.24). services identified in the accounts. There is an annual programme of events which includes: - • Open Meetings with a guest speaker.

Outings to places of interest
Social events

At the year end, there were 59 interest groups meeting at various locations and on differing days of the week, providing opportunity for members to participate in learning, personal development and social interaction. Members can select the interest groups of their choice (subject to availability of places) in the following categories: -

Arts & Crafts
Card & Board Games
• Discussion & Debating
Local & Social History
Language
Music
Outdoor & Physical Activity
Reading and Writing
Theatre
• Dining

Statement confirming whether the trustees have had regard to the guidance issued by the Charity Commission on public benefit

The Trustees have regard to the Charity Commission guidance on public benefit when planning activities for the membership. Consideration is given to ensure that the activities provided for members meet Flintshire u3a’s charitable objectives (as set out above) for older people and those retired from work in the County of Flintshire.

Additional information (optional)

Policy on grant making	Flintshire u3a does not make grants to any external organisations
Policy on social investment including program related investment	Flintshire u3a does not engage in any Social Investment.
Contribution made by volunteers	As part of the u3a movement, Flintshire u3a is made up of volunteers, who contribute their time and energy to running all aspects of the organisation including: • Trustees • Co-ordinators of Interest Groups • Outings organiser • Newsletter editor • “STAR Team“ members who assist at events There are no paid staff. Without volunteers, the organisation could not carry out its work. No u3a member receives payment for services rendered to any u3a.
Other

Achievements and Performance

Summary of the main achievements of the charity, identifying the difference the charity’s work has made to the circumstances of its beneficiaries and any wider benefits to society as a whole.		For 2024, Flintshire u3a established a plan which set out its objectives for the year against which progress and achievements could be monitored. The plan set out what Flintshire u3a hoped to achieve in four categories:- • Supporting the Membership • Supporting Interest Groups • Underpinning Flintshire u3a Operations • Planning ahead Supporting the Membership During 2024, Flintshire u3a saw a steady increase in its membership. The number of members grew by a net 37 (4.7%), from 794 at the start of the year to 831 as at 31stDecember 2024. During the calendar year, 129 new members joined, with 92 leavers of whom 88 did not renew their membership from 1stJanuary 2024. Of the 831 members, 787 (95%) are primary members of Flintshire u3a and 44 (5%) are Associate members, being primary members of another u3a.

The 59 interest groups provided opportunities for learning and personal development in a spirit of enjoyment and friendship. Groups were given the opportunity to showcase their groups to attract new members. It was pleasing to see the introduction of a new Boccia Group and the re-start of the Family History Group under a new Group Co-ordinator and Deputy.

All members are invited to the Open Meetings held throughout the year. The popularity of the Open Meetings grew throughout the year, leading to a change of venue to accommodate the numbers wishing to attend. Each meeting had a guest speaker providing a varied range of topics. Similarly, the Events Programme continued to be popular with an increasing number of members attending events.

The Christmas Concert was an opportunity not only for members to get together but for members of the music groups, drama group and others to entertain and showcase their talents.

The outings programme went from strength to strength with 250 different members taking part in visits to six locations.

Opportunities were made available to enable members to find out more about Flintshire u3a and the range of activities on offer. Circulation of the newsletter was increased and members offered assistance with using IT equipment to gain confidence in accessing the website and using digital channels.

Supporting Interest Groups

Whilst many members participate in activity across Flintshire u3a, for some their experience is largely through the Interest Groups that they attend.

During the year, groups who required it were provided with IT and AV equipment to enhance the offer available to the members of the group.

The coordinators of the groups were supported through information sharing sessions and the provision of information on copyright and the application of the financial policies for groups. Discussion is underway on how to encourage members to come forward to lead new groups to widen the availability for members.

Underpinning Flintshire u3a operations

Significant progress has been made in ensuring that equipment, systems, policies and procedures provide a stable basis to underpin Flintshire u3a’s operations through a review of the Constitution; Financial Strategy and Policies; securing IT provision; Equipment/Asset audit and securing a storage facility.

Planning Ahead

The Trustee Board has been strengthened with further co-options; by bringing the Web Admin and Deputy Web Admin positions onto the Committee and shadowing to ensure that there is cover for key roles.

Benefits

The benefits of membership of Flintshire u3a come from the opportunities it presents for those no longer in full time work to keep active and engaged. The benefits can be summed up in the u3a motto “Live, Laugh, Learn”.

This is achieved through meeting others and making new friends; using existing skills and learning new ones; developing new interests; participating as much or a little depending on personal preference; contributing through volunteering and having fun!

The benefits of planning ahead and have the policies and strategies in place are that Flintshire u3a is operating from a sound base to provide the opportunities for members to “Live, Laugh and Learn.”

Additional information (optional)

Achievements against objectives set	Significant progress has been made in all areas of the 2024 plan with many objectives achieved or having seen substantial progress which will come to completion in 2025 as described in the section above. • Supporting the Membership • Supporting Interest Groups • Underpinning Flintshire u3a Operations • Planning ahead
Performance of fundraising activities against objectives set	Flintshire u3a’s principal source of income is from membership subscriptions, including gift aid. Income from membership subscriptions achieved the budgeted level for the year. A gift aid claim for 2022- 2024 was made which has established the current likely level of annual income to include in future years budgets. In addition, income is received from members paying for outings, some events and group activities on a pay as you go basis. There is no other material fundraising.
Investment performance against objectives	Flintshire u3a’s financial resources are held within current or deposit accounts. There are no other financial investments.
Other

Financial Review

Financial Review
Review of the charity’s financial position at the end of the period	Total funds held at 31stDecember 2024 were £22,057, all of which were unrestricted. Total receipts in the year were £45,517 and total payments £45,266, giving rise to an in-year surplus of £251.
Statement explaining the policy for holding reserves stating why they are held	U3a guidance does not prescribe the level of reserves to be held, but that the level should provide sufficient to fulfil financial obligations for 6 to 12 months. The Medium Term Financial Strategy 2025/26, including levels of reserves, was reviewed and approved by the Trustees on 19thNovember 2024.
Amount of reserves held	£22,057
Reasons for holding zero reserves	Not applicable
Details of fund materially in deficit	Not applicable
Explanation of any uncertainties about the charity continuing as a going concern	There are no uncertainties about Flintshire u3a continuing as a going concern.

Additional information (optional)

The charity’s principal sources of funds (including any fundraising)	The principal source of income to Flintshire u3a is from membership subscriptions. Subscriptions are paid by all members on joining the organisation and at the annual membership renewal. In addition, income is received from gift aid, members paying for outings, some events and group activities.
Investment policy and objectives including any social investment policy adopted	Flintshire u3a’s funds are held within Lloyds Bank, in a combination of current and reserve accounts. The aim is to maintain security of funds and low financial risk.
A description of the principal risks facing the charity	The principal risks to the charity emanate from people and systems. People: As a membership organisation, Flintshire u3a is reliant on members wishing to join and being willing to volunteer to lead activities and interest groups or to be Trustees of the Charity. A reduction in membership numbers would reduce the principal source of income and potentially curtail the availability of opportunities open to members, which in turn may further reduce the numbers of members wishing to join or remain as members. Inability to attract sufficient members to be Trustees of the Charity would risk the charity being able to continue.

The charity’s principal
sources of funds (including
any fundraising)

The principal source of income to Flintshire u3a is from
membership subscriptions. Subscriptions are paid by all
members on joining the organisation and at the annual
membership renewal. In addition, income is received from
gift aid, members paying for outings, some events and
group activities.

Investment policy and
objectives including any
social investment policy
adopted

Flintshire u3a’s funds are held within Lloyds Bank, in a
combination of current and reserve accounts. The aim is to
maintain security of funds and low financial risk.

A description of the principal
risks facing the charity

The principal risks to the charity emanate from people and
systems.
People:
As a membership organisation, Flintshire u3a is reliant on
members wishing to join and being willing to volunteer to
lead activities and interest groups or to be Trustees of the
Charity.
A reduction in membership numbers would reduce the
principal source of income and potentially curtail the
availability of opportunities open to members, which in turn
may further reduce the numbers of members wishing to join
or remain as members.
Inability to attract sufficient members to be Trustees of the
Charity would risk the charity being able to continue.

Flintshire u3a seeks to mitigate this risk by implementing appropriate membership recruitment measures; actively recognising the value of volunteer contributions, encouraging members to learn about the role of the Trustees and by ensuring that the offer of interest groups and social activities is well organised and supported. Systems: With over 800 members, 59 interest groups and a varied programme of events and outings, Flintshire u3a needs effective management and communication systems to underpin its operations. A review in 2024 identified the need to upgrade to a new Website and Management System to manage the risk in this area. Work has been underway since September and it is planned that the new Beacon/ Siteworks IT systems will be implemented in the Spring / early Summer of 2025. Other

Structure, Governance and Management

Description of charity’s trusts:
Type of governing document (trust deed, royal charter)	Flintshire u3a’s governing document is its Constitution. The Constitution was first adopted 5thDecember 2001, as amended 10thFebruary 2010, 9thFebruary 2011, 12thJuly 2018, 30thSeptember 2021 and 24thNovember 2024.
How is the charity constituted? (e.g unincorporated association, CIO)	Flintshire u3a is an unincorporated member’s association.
Trustee selection methods including details of any constitutional provisions e.g. election to post or name of any person or body entitled to appoint one or more trustees	Trustee selection is set out in Section 17 of the Constitution “Appointment of Trustees.” Trustee nominations are made by members of Flintshire u3a, with the nominees being members of Flintshire u3a.

Additional information (optional)

Policies and procedures adopted for the induction and training of trustees	All new Trustees are provided with an overview of their responsibilities as a Trustee of the Charity on taking up their role as a Trustee.
The charity’s organisational structure and any wider network with which the charity works	Flintshire u3a is part of a UK-wide movement of locally run interest groups that provide a wide range of opportunities to come together to learn for fun. Each u3a is a mutual aid organisation, operationally independent, but is also a member of the u3a national body, the Third Age Trust, which requires adherence to the guiding principles of the u3a movement. The Third Age Trust provides educational and administrative support to all u3a’s in the UK. All u3as across the UK are part of a regional group. There are twelve regions that cover different geographic areas of the UK, nine in England and one each for Scotland, Wales and Northern Ireland. Flintshire u3a seeks to engage positively in national and regional networks and is an active member of the North Wales network. This provides opportunity for exchange of information; sharing of good practice and ideas; providing and receiving mutual support; planning and organising shared events; developing shared links with outside bodies.
Relationship with any related parties	There are no relationships with other related parties outside of the relationships within the u3a network described above.

Policies and procedures
adopted for the induction
and training of trustees

All new Trustees are provided with an overview of their
responsibilities as a Trustee of the Charity on taking up
their role as a Trustee.

The charity’s organisational
structure and any wider
network with which the
charity works

Flintshire u3a is part of a UK-wide movement of locally run
interest groups that provide a wide range of opportunities
to come together to learn for fun.
Each u3a is a mutual aid organisation, operationally
independent, but is also a member of the u3a national
body, the Third Age Trust, which requires adherence to the
guiding principles of the u3a movement.
The
Third
Age
Trust
provides
educational
and
administrative support to all u3a’s in the UK.
All u3as across the UK are part of a regional group. There
are twelve regions that cover different geographic areas of
the UK, nine in England and one each for Scotland, Wales
and Northern Ireland.
Flintshire u3a seeks to engage positively in national and
regional networks and is an active member of the North
Wales network. This provides opportunity for exchange of
information; sharing of good practice and ideas; providing
and receiving mutual support; planning and organising
shared events; developing shared links with outside bodies.

Relationship with any
related parties

There are no relationships with other related parties outside
of the relationships within the u3a network described
above.

Reference and Administrative details

Charity name	Flintshire u3a
Other name the charity uses	None
Registered charity number	1096025
Charity’s principal address	7 Church Lane Mold Flintshire CH7 1BW

Names of the charity trustees who manage the charity

Trustee name	Office (if any)	Dates acted if not for whole year	Name of person (or body) entitled to appoint trustee (ifany)
HilaryJones	Chair		The members of Flintshire u3a at the AGM, or Co-option by the elected Trustees. As set out in detail in Section 17 of Flintshire u3a’s Constitution
Lynne Ingman	Vice-Chair
Angie Heys	Secretary
KerryFeather	Treasurer
TrudyEllis		18.06.24 – 31.12.24
Sue Evans		01.01.24 – 22.09.24
Karen Green
Jude Jones
Alan Lloyd		01.01.24 – 07.03.24
Peter Mather
Joan Maw		19.11.24 – 31.12.24
Ian Nicoll		20.08.24 – 31.12.24
Jon Payne
Barbara Thomas		07.03.24 – 31.12.24
Sue Wilcox
Mike Whiteaker		18.06.24 – 31.12.24

– Corporate trustees names of the directors at the date the report was approved

Director name None

Name of trustees holding title to property belonging to the charity

Trustee name	Dates acted if not for whole year
None

Funds held as custodian trustees on behalf of others

Description of the assets None held in this capacity Name and objects of the charity on whose behalf the Not Applicable assets are held and how this falls within the custodian charity’s objects Details of arrangements for Not Applicable safe custody and segregation of such assets from the charity’s own assets

Additional information (optional)

Names and addresses of advisers (Optional information)

Type of	Name	Address
adviser

Name of chief executive or names of senior staff members (Optional information)

Flintshire u3a does not have any employees

Exemptions from disclosure

Reason for non-disclosure of key personnel details

Not Applicable

Other optional information

Declarations

The trustees declare that they have approved the trustees’ report above.

Signed on behalf of the charity’s trustees

Signature(s) Full name(s) Position (eg Secretary, Chair, etc) Date
	Hilary Jones	Kerry Feather
	Chair	Treasurer

	Unrestricted funds		Restricted funds		Endowment funds		Total funds		Last year
	to the nearest £	to the nearest	to the nearest £		to the nearest £		to the nearest £		to the nearest £
A1 Receipts
Membership&general	12,542		-		-		12,542		10,858
Events & outings	11,070		-		-		11,070		6,241
Groupincome	21,817		-		-		21,817		20,227
	-		-		-		-		-
	-		-		-		-		-
	-		-		-		-		-
	-		-		-		-		-
	-		-		-		-		-
*Sub total*(Gross income for AR)	45,429		-		-		45,429		37,326
~~S555~~	~~S555~~	~~S555~~	~~S555~~	~~S555~~	~~S555~~	~~S555~~	~~S555~~	~~S555~~	~~S555~~
A2 Asset and investment sales, (see table). ~~S555~~	~~S555~~	~~S555~~	~~S555~~	~~S555~~	~~S555~~	~~S555~~	~~S555~~	~~S555~~	~~S555~~
Interest ~~S555~~	88 ~~S555~~	~~S555~~	- ~~S555~~	~~S555~~	- ~~S555~~	~~S555~~	88 ~~S555~~	~~S555~~	53 ~~S555~~
~~S555~~	- ~~S555~~	~~S555~~	- ~~S555~~	~~S555~~	- ~~S555~~	~~S555~~	- ~~S555~~	~~S555~~	- ~~S555~~
*Sub total* ~~S555~~	88 ~~S555~~	~~S555~~	- ~~S555~~	~~S555~~	- ~~S555~~	~~S555~~	88 ~~S555~~	~~S555~~	53 ~~S555~~
~~S555~~	~~S555~~	~~S555~~	~~S555~~	~~S555~~	~~S555~~	~~S555~~	45,517 ~~S555~~	~~S555~~	~~S555~~
*Total receipts* ~~S555~~	45,517 ~~S555~~	~~S555~~	- ~~S555~~	~~S555~~	- ~~S555~~	~~S555~~		~~S555~~	37,379 ~~S555~~
~~S555~~	~~S555~~	~~S555~~	~~S555~~	~~S555~~	~~S555~~	~~S555~~	~~S555~~	~~S555~~	~~S555~~
A3 Payments
AGM & Meetings	1,575		-		-		1,575		1,007
Newsletter	870		-		-		870		997
IT & Website	1,133		-		-		1,133		636
Telephone,postage, stationery, storage	419		-		-		419		742
Fees & Charges	280		-		-		280		75
Equipment	1,957		-		-		1,957		296
Third Age Trust	4,938		-		-		4,938		4,619
Events & Outings	12,086		-		-		12,086		7,977
GroupCosts & GroupOutings	22,008		-		-		22,008		19,791
**Sub total **	45,266		-		-		45,266		36,140
~~=~~	~~=~~	~~=~~	~~=~~	~~====~~	~~===~~	~~===~~	~~===~~	~~===~~	~~===~~
A4 Asset and investment purchases, (see table) ~~=~~	~~=~~	~~=~~	~~=~~	~~====~~	~~===~~	~~===~~	~~===~~	~~===~~	~~===~~
~~=~~	- ~~=~~	~~=~~	- ~~=~~	~~====~~	- ~~===~~	~~===~~	- ~~===~~	~~===~~	~~===~~
~~=~~	- ~~=~~	~~=~~	- ~~=~~	~~====~~	- ~~===~~	~~===~~	- ~~===~~	~~===~~	~~===~~
*Sub total* ~~=~~	- ~~=~~	~~=~~	- ~~=~~	~~====~~	- ~~===~~	~~===~~	- ~~===~~	~~===~~	- ~~===~~
~~=~~	~~=~~	~~=~~	~~=~~	~~====~~	~~===~~	~~===~~	~~===~~	~~===~~	~~===~~
*Totalpayments* ~~=~~	45,266 ~~=~~	~~=~~	- ~~=~~	~~====~~	- ~~===~~	~~===~~	45,266 ~~===~~	~~===~~	36,140 ~~===~~
~~=~~ ~~SS~~	~~=~~ ~~SS~~	~~=~~ ~~SSSSS~~	~~=~~ ~~SSS~~	~~====~~ ~~SSS~~	~~===~~ ~~SSS~~	~~===~~ ~~SSS~~	~~===~~ ~~SSS~~	~~===~~	~~===~~
*Net of receipts/(payments)* ~~SS~~	251 ~~SS~~	251 ~~SSSSS~~	- ~~SSS~~	- ~~SSS~~	- 251 ~~SSS~~	- 251 ~~SSS~~	- 251 ~~SSS~~	- 251	1,239
A5 Transfers between funds ~~SS~~	- ~~SS~~	- ~~SSSSS~~	- - ~~SSS~~	- - ~~SSS~~	- - ~~SSS~~	~~SSS~~	- ~~SSS~~		-
A6 Cash funds lastyear end ~~SS~~	21,806 ~~SS~~	806 ~~SSSSS~~	- - ~~SSS~~	- - ~~SSS~~	- - ~~SSS~~	~~SSS~~	21,806 ~~SSS~~		20,567
*Cash funds thisyear end* ~~SS~~	22,057 ~~SS~~	057 ~~SSSSS~~	- ~~SSS~~	- ~~SSS~~	- 22 ~~SSS~~	- 22 ~~SSS~~	- 22,057 ~~SSS~~		21,806

Section B Statement of assets and liabilities at the end of the period

Categories	Details	Unrestricted funds	Restricted funds	Endowment funds
		to nearest £	to nearest £	to nearest £
B1 Cash funds	Current accounts	10,906	-	-
	Deposit account	8,218	-	-
	Cash accounts	2,933	-	-
	*Total cash funds*	22,057	-	-
	(agree balances with receipts and payments account(s))	OK		OK
		Unrestricted funds	Restricted funds	Endowment funds
	Details	to nearest £	to nearest £	to nearest £
B2 Other monetary assets		-	-	-
		-	-	-
		-	-	-
		-	-	-
		-	-	-
		-	-	-

	Details	Fund to which asset belongs	Cost (optional)	Current value (optional)
B3 Investment assets			-	-
			-	-
			-	-
			-	-
			-	-

	Details	Fund to which asset belongs	Cost (optional)	Current value (optional)
B4 Assets retained for the charity’s own use			-	-
			-	-
			-	-
			-	-
			-	-
			-	-
			-	-
			-	-
			-	-

	Details	Fund to which liability relates	Amount due (optional)	When due (optional)
B5 Liabilities			-
			-
			-
			-
			-

Signed by one or two trustees on behalf of all the trustees	Signature	Print Name		Date of approval
		Hilary Jones
		Kerry Feather

CHARITY COMMISSION FOR ENGLAND AND WALES Independent examiner's report on the accounts Section A Independent Examinerfs Report Report to the trusteesl members of Flintshire u3a On accounts for the year ended 31st December 2024 Charity no (if any) 1096025 Set out on pages I report to the trustees on my examination of the accounts of the above charity ("the Trust") for the year ended 3111212024. Responsibilities and As the charity trustees of the Trust, you are responsible for the preparation basis of report of the accounts in accordance with the requirements 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 2011 Act and in carrying out my examination, I have followed the applicable Directions given by the Charity Commission under section 145(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. accounting records were not kept in accordance with section 130 of the Act or 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. Signed: Date: C5z Name: Lynda Ann Roberts Relevant professional qualification(s) or body (if any): Chartered Certified Accountant Address: The Old Barn, Tyn y Minffordd LIanrOg Ruthin, Denbighshire LL15 2LL IER October 2018