**Charity Commission Registered Number 1099801 Company Number 03879963** The Lanchester Partnership **TRUSTEES’ REPORT AND FINANCIAL STATEMENTS FOR THE YEAR ENDED 31 MARCH 2023 June 2023** Page 1 of 18 ## **CHARITY INFORMATION** ## **Trustees** L. Anderson (Resigned 12 Oct 2022) M. Atkinson (Resigned 12 May 2023) L. Bell (Appointed at AGM 2021) H. Edwards (Chair) K. Edwards (Secretary) S. Grady (Resigned 15 Mar 2023) M. Gladstone (Reappointed at AGM 2022) P. Jackson (Appointed AGM 2022) K. Marshall-Ivens (Reappointed AGM 2022) Prof. D. Smith (Treasurer) **Secretary** K. Edwards **Treasurer** D. Smith **Company Number** 03879963 **Charity Commission’s registered number** 11099801 **Registered Office** The Community Centre Newbiggen Lane Lanchester Co Durham DH7 0BP **Bankers** Barclay’s Bank 6, Market Place Durham DH1 3ND Sort Code 20-27-41 Account Number 93238067 _To become Co-operative Bank following AGM 2023 Sort Code 08-92-99, Account Number 67281723 00_ **Insurers** Zurich Insurance Select for Charities and Social Organisations Policy Number XA01220244813 PUBLIC LIABILITY £5,000,000 Page 2 of 18 **Auditor / Independent Examiner of Accounts** Mr. James McArdle 31 Edith Street, Consett, DH8 5DN ## **Contents** ## **Trustees’ Report** ## **4 - 9** Description of the Charity’s Trusts Membership Working Group Organisation of Funding Trustees and Governance Banking Arrangements Insurance Reserves Policy Other Policies Activities, Awards and Achievements Finances for the Year Past - Overall Financial Position (Bank Balances) - Core Funding / Unrestricted Funds - Village Link Bus Funding Fixed Assets Finance and Activity Reports for Working Groups Coordination and Partnership Working Review of Major Risks Declaration Page 3 of 18 ## **TRUSTEES’ REPORT FOR THE YEAR ENDED 31 MARCH 2023** ## **Description of the Charity’s Trusts** The Lanchester Partnership (“the Charity”) is a registered charity, number 1099801. The objects of the Charity are defined in Clause 3 of the memorandum of association. These were last amended at the AGM in 2020 to include Covid support activities and, following discussions with the Charity Commission during the current year, a further amendment will be adopted at the AGM in 2023 in order to consolidate all previous changes. ## **Membership** The charity has about 200 members. ## **Working Groups** At present it works with 8 ‘working groups’ - Working with Young People Group (currently inactive) - Transport Group - Environment Group - Community Orchard Group - Monitoring Development Group - Friends of Longovicium - Welcoming Lanchester Group (currently inactive) - Village vita (Social Activities Group) ## **Organisation of Funding** There are restricted funds for: - Lanchester Village Bus Link - Environment Group - Community Orchard Group - Monitoring Development Group - Friends of Longovicium - “Welcoming Lanchester” Group (previously “Loneliness Group”) - Social Activities (Village Vita) Group - Small Projects - Covid 19 There is also an unrestricted Core Fund. _During 2023-4, and at the point of the scheduled change of banking_ _arrangements, we will review the structure of working groups and organisation of funding to ensure that they fully reflect the current organisation of the charity’s activities._ ## **Trustees and Governance** Trustees are responsible for the management of the charity and are as named in the previous section. Annually, an independent examiner inspects the accounts. At each Annual General Meeting (‘AGM’) up to one third of the trustees resign by rotation. New trustees (who may have been nominated by members or by trustees) are elected at the AGM, at which all members present have a vote. Before the AGM each year the trustees review the overall balance Page 4 of 18 of experience and skills represented on the Trustee Board, and if it is thought desirable make nominations aimed at improving some aspect of these. Page 5 of 18 Most recent appointments have followed such review and nominations by trustees. We continue to seek individuals with appropriate skills, knowledge and commitment to the charity. _This year we intend to renominate both existing Trustees (Laura Bell and Paul Jackson) who will resign by rotation (these remain very active in the operation of the charity) and, following the resignation or three trustees (Michell Atkinson, Sarah Grady and Lesley Anderson) we aim to appoint or co-opt at least one new trustee with suitable skills (see AGM agenda)._ ## **Banking Arrangement** At the 2022 AGM, the Environment Group requested that trustees and members consider reviewing banking arrangements to secure the services of a bank which operates within the highest possible standards of environmental and ethical investment practice. A new account has now been opened with the Co-operative bank. _Following the 2023 AGM, all our funding will be transferred into the new account and the old account with Barclays Bank will be closed._ ## **Insurance** The partnership holds an appropriate level of public liability insurance and other cover to insure all the risks resulting from activities undertaken by its trustees, projects and groups. The level of cover is reviewed annually and in the light of any additional risks posed by new or large activities which need to be drawn to the attention of the insurer. ## **Reserves Policy** We aim to have reserves: 1. In our **unrestricted/core fund** approximately equal to one year’s expenditure on core funding. 2. In the **Village Link Bus restricted fund** equal to one year’s expenditure on the bus. ## **Other Policies** The partnership holds and updates policies necessary for its operation. Trustees and working groups undertake familiarisation and training as required. Policies include: - Risk Management, GDPR, Health& Safety and Safeguarding. _Trustees are consolidating these into a Partnership “Aide Memoire” and this work will be complete by the AGM in 2024._ ## **Activities, Awards and Achievements** Covid restrictions were lifted in England on 31[st] March 2022. Since then, the partnership has continued to open up and extend its activities. Notable achievements during the year have included: 1. A public health award was achieved by Luke Stone of Stanley Travel (our driver), for his extraordinary efforts maintaining and personalising the Village Link Bus service during Covid, to undertake errands on behalf of regular users. 2. We were a key partner in helping to fund, organise and deliver the Big Jubilee Picnic held in the EP school June 2022 attended by over 500 residents. This was an excellent example of partnership working across the village. 3. In response to a challenging financial environment (resulting from rising fuel and other costs) associated with the Village Link Bus contract, we Page 6 of 18 organised a significant funding effort to facilitate the continuation of service which included: Page 7 of 18 - i. Coffee mornings - ii. Donations from the churches - iii. Donations from local businesses - iv. Contributions from generous individuals - v. A successful race night held at Crinnions 4. A progressive opening up of activities was characterised by regular face to face meetings of working groups (Orchard and Friends of Longovicium) and the trustees. There was a successful resumption of social activities including the Paradiso Club and the Family Fun Run. 5. On behalf of Lanchester and Burnhope, we coordinated a successful funding application to mid Durham AAP and CDCF for Warm Spaces and jointly delivered five warm spaces to help isolated residents through the cold winter. Our partnership of Warm Spaces was recently commended in the AAP annual report. ## **Finances for the Year Past** ## **Overall Financial Position (Bank Balances)** Apr 2021 – Mar 2022 Apr 2022 – Mar 2023 (previous year) Opening balance £20,436 £12,192 Closing balance £12,191 £21,766* Total receipts £11,041 £34,893 Total expenditure £19,284 £25,320 Receipts minus expenditure -£8,244 +£9,574 _Note on Bank Balances:_ _1. There has been significantly greater financial activity in this first full postCovid year_ _2. Receipts substantially outweighed expenditure._ _3. * The carry forward of_ £21,766* _includes £2,925 of unallocated Warm Spaces Funding._ ## **Core Funding / Unrestricted Funds** Apr 2021 – Mar 2022 Apr 2022 – Mar 2023 (previous year) Opening balance £1,089 £760 Closing balance £760 £3,893* Total receipts £1,418 £8,252 Total expenditure £1,748 £5,120 Receipts minus expenditure _-£329 +£3,132 Note: * includes £2925 unallocated Warm Spaces funding - £600 of which will be retained in core for admin and £2,235 to be allocated to partners by Sept 2023. With this adjustment the core balance would be £1,658 which represents around one year of administrative costs._ ## **Village Link Bus Funding** |||Apr 2021 – Mar 2022|Apr 2022 – Mar| |---|---|---|---| ||2023||| |||(previous year)|| |Opening balance||£10,855|£6,765| |Closing balance||£6,765|£14,630| Page 8 of 18 Total receipts £7,731 £20.611 Total expenditure £11,821 £12,748 Income minus expenditure _-£4,090 +£7,863 Note: the actions taken by Trustees have secured a year’s reserve within the restricted fund for the bus – although at a diminished level of service._ ## **Fixed assets** The partnership also has several fixed assets including orchard trees (Orchard Group), and equipment for running public events such as the Fun Run (Village Vita). These assets depreciate and a replacement/replenishment policy is operated by groups through their own restricted funds. In addition, these assets are named within the insurance policy operated by the partnership. ## **Finance and Activity Reports for Working Groups (Restricted Funds)** ## **Working with Young People** ## **(opening balance £417.84, closing balance £270.66, expenditure £147.18)** There were no recorded activities for this group - although some funds were allocated to partnership insurance costs. ## **Village Bus** ## **(opening balance £6,765.18, closing balance £14,627.96, expenditure £12,750)** A significant AAP grant of £11,000 was received at the very start of the financial year. Following the dramatic escalation in fuel and energy costs from summer 2022, the bus contractor (Stanley Travel) indicated the need to increase its price which, assuming the continuation of the same level of service, would soon deplete the bus reserve. It became clear that, in the absence of additional further fund raising, the reserve policy was inoperable. Action was taken in two areas: 1. When the price rise became operable (in January 2023) the service was reduced to from five days to three days. The cost of the revised service was reviewed with the support of Durham County Council and established to be good value for money. 2. A successful local funding campaign was initiated. At the time of writing the reserves in the bus account equal 14 months of the operation costs. During the coming year Trustees will: - i. Review the effect of the service reduction and bring forward any changes to the service model which improve quality and responsiveness within a responsible financial framework - ii. Redouble efforts to gain external grant funding in order that the service is sustainable. ## **Paradiso Club (Village Vita)** ## ( **opening balance £481.05, closing balance £325.81, expenditure £639.24)** The club has successfully reopened and continues to be supported by the subscriptions of members. Numbers are increasing with the support of additional volunteers who assist with the operation. There is a need going Page 9 of 18 forward, to ensure that the model remains economically viable, and a review of fees and fixed costs has been initiated. ## **Friends of Longovicium** ## **(opening balance £597.92, closing balance £651.74, expenditure £355.18)** The group is funded through membership fees and donations from members (some of which have been significant in the past and have funded significant academic studies and investigations). The group is thriving with an increased membership and diverse programme of activities. ## ***Small Projects** ## **(opening balance £636.81, closing balance £489.63, expenditure** ## **£147.18)** There was no activity in this fund, although some funds were allocated to partnership insurance costs. The fund remains accessible for small projects suggested by members and approved by trustees. ## **Village Vita** ## **(opening balance £1,039.30, closing balance £285.32, expenditure £1,185.48)** The Fun Run resumed in September 2021, making use of the funds which had been retained through the lockdown period. A further event was held in September 2022, although numbers attending were fewer than in previous years. The organisers feel the need to increase the length of the planning period in order to raise further funds and to enlarge the event. Therefore, there will be no event in summer 2023 and the ambition is to host a larger event in summer 2024. This has the potential to coincide with the 25[th] anniversary of the partnership. ## **Environment** ## **(opening balance £177.12, closing balance £103.53, expenditure £73.59)** Funding for this group is on an ad hoc basis according to the events which are organised. ## ***Welcoming Lanchester (closing balance £258.40)** ## **(opening balance £258.40, closing balance £258.40, expenditure £0.00)** There was no activity in this fund and the first stage of the project is now deemed to be complete. However, there will be a further need to embed and sustain the good practice identified in the wider community. We will retain the fund to support potential activities which support this work. ## ***Covid 19** ## **(opening balance £112.74, closing balance £112.74, expenditure £0.00)** In the current year there have been no receipts or grants and remaining funding was run down through the provision of Christmas Hampers at Christmas 2021. There are no current plans to resume operations. ## **Orchard Group (opening balance £945.86, closing balance £747.84, expenditure £1,209.87)** Page 10 of 18 The group is funded by the contributions of members and normally operates with a healthy balance of around £800. Membership is very stable, and meetings are well attended. During the year, the group adopted a five-year plan in order to secure the medium/long term vision for the orchard space. ## ***Warm Spaces** This group was initiated in response to a late call in September 2022 for partnership-based applications to AAP/CDCF for funding to support this national initiative. The Lanchester Partnership successfully coordinated and managed applications for £6,000 (£5000 AAP and £1000 CDCF) funding for the implementation of five Warm Spaces in Lanchester and Burnhope to be spent by March 31[st] , 2023. This funding was administered through the Core Fund. At the end of the accounting period a total of £3,075 had been allocated. An extension period has been negotiated with the funders. The balance (£2,925) will be allocated to partners before Sept 2023 minus a management/administration fee which will be retained within the core / unrestricted fund. *Note _Welcoming Lanchester, Covid 19 and Warm Spaces_ _These three restricted funds have in common, the partnership objective to support residents at times when they experience particular challenges. As part of a review in 2022-4, trustees will consider consolidating these activities into a single fund and working group renamed “Community Support”_ ## **Coordination and Partnership Working** As our charitable name implies, The Lanchester Partnership often works in partnership with the Parish and County Councils and other authorities and organisations. We talk with our local MP and county councilors. Members have attended formal meetings of partner organisations. In the past this has included Lanchester Parish Council, Mid Durham Area Action Partnership (AAP). Lanchester Community Association, PACT (Police and Community Together) NHS Healthwatch and the Clinical Commissioning Group, the Campaign to Protect Rural Lanchester and the Lanchester Medical Centre Patients’ Participation Group. There are no formal links, but informal links are carefully maintained. Informally, our individual members are also members of many other organisations. ## **Review of Major Risks** The Charity is a small organisation, carrying out small projects and handling relatively small amounts of money. The trustees consider that it is not exposed to any risks that at are significant in magnitude or likelihood. Moreover: - it has public liability insurance - before carrying out any activity with foreseeable risk it does what it can to minimize that risk, carrying out suitable risk assessments, writing health and safety plans and carefully considering safeguarding issues - every three months accounts are reviewed by the Trustees - every year the annual accounts are approved by the Trustees and are independently examined. **______________________________________________________________________** Page 11 of 18 ## **Declaration** I declare in my capacity as Chairman of the Trustees that: - the Trustees have approved the report above, and - they have authorised me to sign on their behalf H. Edwards June 2023 Page 12 of 18 ## **FINANCIAL STATEMENTS AND NOTES Financial Year 2022-23 Ending 31 March 2023** ## **Page** **Statement of Financial Activities (SOFA) 12** Incoming Resources Charitable Expenditure Internal Transfers Surplus/Deficit Funds brought and Carried Forward **Balance Sheet (BS)** Fixed Assets Current Assets Creditors Net Assets Income Funds **13** ## **Notes to the Financial Statements** **14-16** 1 Incoming Resources 2 Major Grants Awarded / Donations Received 3 Analysis of Resources Expended 4 Management and Administration expenses 5 Insurance 6 Movement on restricted funds (working groups) 7 Tangible & Fixed Assets 8 Creditors Page 13 of 18 ## _____________________________________________________________________________ Page 14 of 18 Balance Sheet for the Year Ended 31 March 2023 Previous yei7r'sfigures iti71icisedfvr comporison. Current year's f*ures In bold Negatwe numbers shown as brackets I I Notrs Unrestrlcted Restrlcted Total 2022- Totol 2021- Funds Funds 2023 2022 Fixed Assets Tangible Fixed Assets 80 4,800 4,880 5.550 Current Assets Cash at bank and in hand Prepayments and accrued income 3.893 17.874 21,767 12,191 3.973 22.674 26,647 17.741 Creditors: Amounts falling due within one year 11,625 11.625 13,356 NEf ASSErs 3,973 11,049 15,022 4,385 INCOME FUNDS 3,973 11,049 15,022 4,385 Page 15 of 18 Notes to the Financial Statements and Balance Sheet Prevlousyeorsfigures Itoliclsedfor comporison. Current year'sfi8ures In bold Negative numbers shown as brackets I I I Incoming Resources Total Unrestrfcted Restrfcted 2022- 2023 Total 2021- 2022 Donations Activities Incomes 6,200 1,510 18,012 9.172 24,212 22,274 10,682 6,474 Totsl Incomi￿ Resources 7.710 27,184 34.894 28. 748 2 Major Grants Awarded / Donations Re￿iVed Source Date Fund Amount DCC Grant, XXXX755 M. Loy, Village bus H. Heron, Jubilee Comp. Gen. Ltd., Jubilee Lanchester Parish Council DCC Jubileegrant. XXXX054 DCC Community Funding DCC Community Funding DCC GrantXXXX688 DCC Grantwarm Spaces Steam Ahead S. Ingham, Village bus donation Lanche5ter Community Donation, Orchard Total 2910412022 Restricted 11.000 02105D022 Restricted 250 06105D022 Restricted 200 26105D022 Restricted 450 26105D022 Restricted 1010612022 Restricted 2111112022 Restricted 2111112022 Restricted 2,500 0910112023 Unrestricted 5,000 1010112023 Unrestricted 1.000 2010312023 Unrestricted 200 27103D023 Restricted 29103D023 Restricted 999 200 23,639 Page 16 of 18 3 Analysis of Resources Expended Expenditure on activities in furtherance of the Charity's objectives Total 2022- Tota12021- 23 22 Working with young people Linchester Link Bus - see also note 6 Paradiso Social Club Friends of Longovicium Small Projects Jubilee Event 147 1,025 11,821 139 292 139 12748 639 355 147 4237 Village Vita Environment Welcoming Covid-19 1185 2,623 84 74 723 691 17,537 Community Orchard 1210 20741 4 Management and Administration Expenses Printing General Expenses Community Centre Zoom meetings Website renewal and Domain name Total 2022- Tota12021- 23 22 564 446 227 988 128 84 166 360 345 British Legion Wreath Insurance 368 75 20 1098 Independent Examiner's fee Lottery Licence 20 317 Total 2045 5 Insurance Insurance cost is drvided as shown below: Core 367.96 Working with Young People Paradiso Club Friends of Longovicium Small Projects Village Vita Environment 147.18 73.59 147.18 147.18 220.78 73.59 294.37 Orchard Total 1471.83 Page 17 of 18 6 Movement on restricted funds h*ndsol Loft￿¥ Total W•koMth• Cowbl.1g Otthard restil(tt funds yOYDXP4fj•h I￿kovI Ab Jubltt InoJmlDIPosouFC ENpÈndrtulÈ NEIMoveMenl op￿Ing8a￿fftr* 20.611 4.237 4.237 432 27.185 20,742 449 IIN32 17,875 147 1147) 418 271 539 355 147 74 L210 7.863 6,765 637 1039 286 177 103 113 946 Ckn51ngBalance 326 652 271 3,0fr3 652 113 425 7 Tangible Fixed Assets Trees, Original value £6000, depreciation 10% annually Gazebo, Original value £280, depreciation 25% annually Total 4,800 80 8 Creditor5 amounts falling due within l year Village Bus.new contrart agreed 11.625.00 Page 18 of 18 **Charity Commission Registered Number 1099801 Company Number 03879963** The Lanchester Partnership **TRUSTEES’ REPORT AND FINANCIAL STATEMENTS FOR THE YEAR ENDED 31 MARCH 2023 June 2023** Page 1 of 18 ## **CHARITY INFORMATION** ## **Trustees** L. Anderson (Resigned 12 Oct 2022) M. Atkinson (Resigned 12 May 2023) L. Bell (Appointed at AGM 2021) H. Edwards (Chair) K. Edwards (Secretary) S. Grady (Resigned 15 Mar 2023) M. Gladstone (Reappointed at AGM 2022) P. Jackson (Appointed AGM 2022) K. Marshall-Ivens (Reappointed AGM 2022) Prof. D. Smith (Treasurer) **Secretary** K. Edwards **Treasurer** D. Smith **Company Number** 03879963 **Charity Commission’s registered number** 11099801 **Registered Office** The Community Centre Newbiggen Lane Lanchester Co Durham DH7 0BP **Bankers** Barclay’s Bank 6, Market Place Durham DH1 3ND Sort Code 20-27-41 Account Number 93238067 _To become Co-operative Bank following AGM 2023 Sort Code 08-92-99, Account Number 67281723 00_ **Insurers** Zurich Insurance Select for Charities and Social Organisations Policy Number XA01220244813 PUBLIC LIABILITY £5,000,000 Page 2 of 18 **Auditor / Independent Examiner of Accounts** Mr. James McArdle 31 Edith Street, Consett, DH8 5DN ## **Contents** ## **Trustees’ Report** ## **4 - 9** Description of the Charity’s Trusts Membership Working Group Organisation of Funding Trustees and Governance Banking Arrangements Insurance Reserves Policy Other Policies Activities, Awards and Achievements Finances for the Year Past - Overall Financial Position (Bank Balances) - Core Funding / Unrestricted Funds - Village Link Bus Funding Fixed Assets Finance and Activity Reports for Working Groups Coordination and Partnership Working Review of Major Risks Declaration Page 3 of 18 ## **TRUSTEES’ REPORT FOR THE YEAR ENDED 31 MARCH 2023** ## **Description of the Charity’s Trusts** The Lanchester Partnership (“the Charity”) is a registered charity, number 1099801. The objects of the Charity are defined in Clause 3 of the memorandum of association. These were last amended at the AGM in 2020 to include Covid support activities and, following discussions with the Charity Commission during the current year, a further amendment will be adopted at the AGM in 2023 in order to consolidate all previous changes. ## **Membership** The charity has about 200 members. ## **Working Groups** At present it works with 8 ‘working groups’ - Working with Young People Group (currently inactive) - Transport Group - Environment Group - Community Orchard Group - Monitoring Development Group - Friends of Longovicium - Welcoming Lanchester Group (currently inactive) - Village vita (Social Activities Group) ## **Organisation of Funding** There are restricted funds for: - Lanchester Village Bus Link - Environment Group - Community Orchard Group - Monitoring Development Group - Friends of Longovicium - “Welcoming Lanchester” Group (previously “Loneliness Group”) - Social Activities (Village Vita) Group - Small Projects - Covid 19 There is also an unrestricted Core Fund. _During 2023-4, and at the point of the scheduled change of banking_ _arrangements, we will review the structure of working groups and organisation of funding to ensure that they fully reflect the current organisation of the charity’s activities._ ## **Trustees and Governance** Trustees are responsible for the management of the charity and are as named in the previous section. Annually, an independent examiner inspects the accounts. At each Annual General Meeting (‘AGM’) up to one third of the trustees resign by rotation. New trustees (who may have been nominated by members or by trustees) are elected at the AGM, at which all members present have a vote. Before the AGM each year the trustees review the overall balance Page 4 of 18 of experience and skills represented on the Trustee Board, and if it is thought desirable make nominations aimed at improving some aspect of these. Page 5 of 18 Most recent appointments have followed such review and nominations by trustees. We continue to seek individuals with appropriate skills, knowledge and commitment to the charity. _This year we intend to renominate both existing Trustees (Laura Bell and Paul Jackson) who will resign by rotation (these remain very active in the operation of the charity) and, following the resignation or three trustees (Michell Atkinson, Sarah Grady and Lesley Anderson) we aim to appoint or co-opt at least one new trustee with suitable skills (see AGM agenda)._ ## **Banking Arrangement** At the 2022 AGM, the Environment Group requested that trustees and members consider reviewing banking arrangements to secure the services of a bank which operates within the highest possible standards of environmental and ethical investment practice. A new account has now been opened with the Co-operative bank. _Following the 2023 AGM, all our funding will be transferred into the new account and the old account with Barclays Bank will be closed._ ## **Insurance** The partnership holds an appropriate level of public liability insurance and other cover to insure all the risks resulting from activities undertaken by its trustees, projects and groups. The level of cover is reviewed annually and in the light of any additional risks posed by new or large activities which need to be drawn to the attention of the insurer. ## **Reserves Policy** We aim to have reserves: 1. In our **unrestricted/core fund** approximately equal to one year’s expenditure on core funding. 2. In the **Village Link Bus restricted fund** equal to one year’s expenditure on the bus. ## **Other Policies** The partnership holds and updates policies necessary for its operation. Trustees and working groups undertake familiarisation and training as required. Policies include: - Risk Management, GDPR, Health& Safety and Safeguarding. _Trustees are consolidating these into a Partnership “Aide Memoire” and this work will be complete by the AGM in 2024._ ## **Activities, Awards and Achievements** Covid restrictions were lifted in England on 31[st] March 2022. Since then, the partnership has continued to open up and extend its activities. Notable achievements during the year have included: 1. A public health award was achieved by Luke Stone of Stanley Travel (our driver), for his extraordinary efforts maintaining and personalising the Village Link Bus service during Covid, to undertake errands on behalf of regular users. 2. We were a key partner in helping to fund, organise and deliver the Big Jubilee Picnic held in the EP school June 2022 attended by over 500 residents. This was an excellent example of partnership working across the village. 3. In response to a challenging financial environment (resulting from rising fuel and other costs) associated with the Village Link Bus contract, we Page 6 of 18 organised a significant funding effort to facilitate the continuation of service which included: Page 7 of 18 - i. Coffee mornings - ii. Donations from the churches - iii. Donations from local businesses - iv. Contributions from generous individuals - v. A successful race night held at Crinnions 4. A progressive opening up of activities was characterised by regular face to face meetings of working groups (Orchard and Friends of Longovicium) and the trustees. There was a successful resumption of social activities including the Paradiso Club and the Family Fun Run. 5. On behalf of Lanchester and Burnhope, we coordinated a successful funding application to mid Durham AAP and CDCF for Warm Spaces and jointly delivered five warm spaces to help isolated residents through the cold winter. Our partnership of Warm Spaces was recently commended in the AAP annual report. ## **Finances for the Year Past** ## **Overall Financial Position (Bank Balances)** Apr 2021 – Mar 2022 Apr 2022 – Mar 2023 (previous year) Opening balance £20,436 £12,192 Closing balance £12,191 £21,766* Total receipts £11,041 £34,893 Total expenditure £19,284 £25,320 Receipts minus expenditure -£8,244 +£9,574 _Note on Bank Balances:_ _1. There has been significantly greater financial activity in this first full postCovid year_ _2. Receipts substantially outweighed expenditure._ _3. * The carry forward of_ £21,766* _includes £2,925 of unallocated Warm Spaces Funding._ ## **Core Funding / Unrestricted Funds** Apr 2021 – Mar 2022 Apr 2022 – Mar 2023 (previous year) Opening balance £1,089 £760 Closing balance £760 £3,893* Total receipts £1,418 £8,252 Total expenditure £1,748 £5,120 Receipts minus expenditure _-£329 +£3,132 Note: * includes £2925 unallocated Warm Spaces funding - £600 of which will be retained in core for admin and £2,235 to be allocated to partners by Sept 2023. With this adjustment the core balance would be £1,658 which represents around one year of administrative costs._ ## **Village Link Bus Funding** |||Apr 2021 – Mar 2022|Apr 2022 – Mar| |---|---|---|---| ||2023||| |||(previous year)|| |Opening balance||£10,855|£6,765| |Closing balance||£6,765|£14,630| Page 8 of 18 Total receipts £7,731 £20.611 Total expenditure £11,821 £12,748 Income minus expenditure _-£4,090 +£7,863 Note: the actions taken by Trustees have secured a year’s reserve within the restricted fund for the bus – although at a diminished level of service._ ## **Fixed assets** The partnership also has several fixed assets including orchard trees (Orchard Group), and equipment for running public events such as the Fun Run (Village Vita). These assets depreciate and a replacement/replenishment policy is operated by groups through their own restricted funds. In addition, these assets are named within the insurance policy operated by the partnership. ## **Finance and Activity Reports for Working Groups (Restricted Funds)** ## **Working with Young People** ## **(opening balance £417.84, closing balance £270.66, expenditure £147.18)** There were no recorded activities for this group - although some funds were allocated to partnership insurance costs. ## **Village Bus** ## **(opening balance £6,765.18, closing balance £14,627.96, expenditure £12,750)** A significant AAP grant of £11,000 was received at the very start of the financial year. Following the dramatic escalation in fuel and energy costs from summer 2022, the bus contractor (Stanley Travel) indicated the need to increase its price which, assuming the continuation of the same level of service, would soon deplete the bus reserve. It became clear that, in the absence of additional further fund raising, the reserve policy was inoperable. Action was taken in two areas: 1. When the price rise became operable (in January 2023) the service was reduced to from five days to three days. The cost of the revised service was reviewed with the support of Durham County Council and established to be good value for money. 2. A successful local funding campaign was initiated. At the time of writing the reserves in the bus account equal 14 months of the operation costs. During the coming year Trustees will: - i. Review the effect of the service reduction and bring forward any changes to the service model which improve quality and responsiveness within a responsible financial framework - ii. Redouble efforts to gain external grant funding in order that the service is sustainable. ## **Paradiso Club (Village Vita)** ## ( **opening balance £481.05, closing balance £325.81, expenditure £639.24)** The club has successfully reopened and continues to be supported by the subscriptions of members. Numbers are increasing with the support of additional volunteers who assist with the operation. There is a need going Page 9 of 18 forward, to ensure that the model remains economically viable, and a review of fees and fixed costs has been initiated. ## **Friends of Longovicium** ## **(opening balance £597.92, closing balance £651.74, expenditure £355.18)** The group is funded through membership fees and donations from members (some of which have been significant in the past and have funded significant academic studies and investigations). The group is thriving with an increased membership and diverse programme of activities. ## ***Small Projects** ## **(opening balance £636.81, closing balance £489.63, expenditure** ## **£147.18)** There was no activity in this fund, although some funds were allocated to partnership insurance costs. The fund remains accessible for small projects suggested by members and approved by trustees. ## **Village Vita** ## **(opening balance £1,039.30, closing balance £285.32, expenditure £1,185.48)** The Fun Run resumed in September 2021, making use of the funds which had been retained through the lockdown period. A further event was held in September 2022, although numbers attending were fewer than in previous years. The organisers feel the need to increase the length of the planning period in order to raise further funds and to enlarge the event. Therefore, there will be no event in summer 2023 and the ambition is to host a larger event in summer 2024. This has the potential to coincide with the 25[th] anniversary of the partnership. ## **Environment** ## **(opening balance £177.12, closing balance £103.53, expenditure £73.59)** Funding for this group is on an ad hoc basis according to the events which are organised. ## ***Welcoming Lanchester (closing balance £258.40)** ## **(opening balance £258.40, closing balance £258.40, expenditure £0.00)** There was no activity in this fund and the first stage of the project is now deemed to be complete. However, there will be a further need to embed and sustain the good practice identified in the wider community. We will retain the fund to support potential activities which support this work. ## ***Covid 19** ## **(opening balance £112.74, closing balance £112.74, expenditure £0.00)** In the current year there have been no receipts or grants and remaining funding was run down through the provision of Christmas Hampers at Christmas 2021. There are no current plans to resume operations. ## **Orchard Group (opening balance £945.86, closing balance £747.84, expenditure £1,209.87)** Page 10 of 18 The group is funded by the contributions of members and normally operates with a healthy balance of around £800. Membership is very stable, and meetings are well attended. During the year, the group adopted a five-year plan in order to secure the medium/long term vision for the orchard space. ## ***Warm Spaces** This group was initiated in response to a late call in September 2022 for partnership-based applications to AAP/CDCF for funding to support this national initiative. The Lanchester Partnership successfully coordinated and managed applications for £6,000 (£5000 AAP and £1000 CDCF) funding for the implementation of five Warm Spaces in Lanchester and Burnhope to be spent by March 31[st] , 2023. This funding was administered through the Core Fund. At the end of the accounting period a total of £3,075 had been allocated. An extension period has been negotiated with the funders. The balance (£2,925) will be allocated to partners before Sept 2023 minus a management/administration fee which will be retained within the core / unrestricted fund. *Note _Welcoming Lanchester, Covid 19 and Warm Spaces_ _These three restricted funds have in common, the partnership objective to support residents at times when they experience particular challenges. As part of a review in 2022-4, trustees will consider consolidating these activities into a single fund and working group renamed “Community Support”_ ## **Coordination and Partnership Working** As our charitable name implies, The Lanchester Partnership often works in partnership with the Parish and County Councils and other authorities and organisations. We talk with our local MP and county councilors. Members have attended formal meetings of partner organisations. In the past this has included Lanchester Parish Council, Mid Durham Area Action Partnership (AAP). Lanchester Community Association, PACT (Police and Community Together) NHS Healthwatch and the Clinical Commissioning Group, the Campaign to Protect Rural Lanchester and the Lanchester Medical Centre Patients’ Participation Group. There are no formal links, but informal links are carefully maintained. Informally, our individual members are also members of many other organisations. ## **Review of Major Risks** The Charity is a small organisation, carrying out small projects and handling relatively small amounts of money. The trustees consider that it is not exposed to any risks that at are significant in magnitude or likelihood. Moreover: - it has public liability insurance - before carrying out any activity with foreseeable risk it does what it can to minimize that risk, carrying out suitable risk assessments, writing health and safety plans and carefully considering safeguarding issues - every three months accounts are reviewed by the Trustees - every year the annual accounts are approved by the Trustees and are independently examined. **______________________________________________________________________** Page 11 of 18 ## **Declaration** I declare in my capacity as Chairman of the Trustees that: - the Trustees have approved the report above, and - they have authorised me to sign on their behalf H. Edwards June 2023 Page 12 of 18 ## **FINANCIAL STATEMENTS AND NOTES Financial Year 2022-23 Ending 31 March 2023** ## **Page** **Statement of Financial Activities (SOFA) 12** Incoming Resources Charitable Expenditure Internal Transfers Surplus/Deficit Funds brought and Carried Forward **Balance Sheet (BS)** Fixed Assets Current Assets Creditors Net Assets Income Funds **13** ## **Notes to the Financial Statements** **14-16** 1 Incoming Resources 2 Major Grants Awarded / Donations Received 3 Analysis of Resources Expended 4 Management and Administration expenses 5 Insurance 6 Movement on restricted funds (working groups) 7 Tangible & Fixed Assets 8 Creditors Page 13 of 18 ## _____________________________________________________________________________ Page 14 of 18 Balance Sheet for the Year Ended 31 March 2023 Previous yei7r'sfigures iti71icisedfvr comporison. Current year's f*ures In bold Negatwe numbers shown as brackets I I Notrs Unrestrlcted Restrlcted Total 2022- Totol 2021- Funds Funds 2023 2022 Fixed Assets Tangible Fixed Assets 80 4,800 4,880 5.550 Current Assets Cash at bank and in hand Prepayments and accrued income 3.893 17.874 21,767 12,191 3.973 22.674 26,647 17.741 Creditors: Amounts falling due within one year 11,625 11.625 13,356 NEf ASSErs 3,973 11,049 15,022 4,385 INCOME FUNDS 3,973 11,049 15,022 4,385 Page 15 of 18 Notes to the Financial Statements and Balance Sheet Prevlousyeorsfigures Itoliclsedfor comporison. Current year'sfi8ures In bold Negative numbers shown as brackets I I I Incoming Resources Total Unrestrfcted Restrfcted 2022- 2023 Total 2021- 2022 Donations Activities Incomes 6,200 1,510 18,012 9.172 24,212 22,274 10,682 6,474 Totsl Incomi￿ Resources 7.710 27,184 34.894 28. 748 2 Major Grants Awarded / Donations Re￿iVed Source Date Fund Amount DCC Grant, XXXX755 M. Loy, Village bus H. Heron, Jubilee Comp. Gen. Ltd., Jubilee Lanchester Parish Council DCC Jubileegrant. XXXX054 DCC Community Funding DCC Community Funding DCC GrantXXXX688 DCC Grantwarm Spaces Steam Ahead S. Ingham, Village bus donation Lanche5ter Community Donation, Orchard Total 2910412022 Restricted 11.000 02105D022 Restricted 250 06105D022 Restricted 200 26105D022 Restricted 450 26105D022 Restricted 1010612022 Restricted 2111112022 Restricted 2111112022 Restricted 2,500 0910112023 Unrestricted 5,000 1010112023 Unrestricted 1.000 2010312023 Unrestricted 200 27103D023 Restricted 29103D023 Restricted 999 200 23,639 Page 16 of 18 3 Analysis of Resources Expended Expenditure on activities in furtherance of the Charity's objectives Total 2022- Tota12021- 23 22 Working with young people Linchester Link Bus - see also note 6 Paradiso Social Club Friends of Longovicium Small Projects Jubilee Event 147 1,025 11,821 139 292 139 12748 639 355 147 4237 Village Vita Environment Welcoming Covid-19 1185 2,623 84 74 723 691 17,537 Community Orchard 1210 20741 4 Management and Administration Expenses Printing General Expenses Community Centre Zoom meetings Website renewal and Domain name Total 2022- Tota12021- 23 22 564 446 227 988 128 84 166 360 345 British Legion Wreath Insurance 368 75 20 1098 Independent Examiner's fee Lottery Licence 20 317 Total 2045 5 Insurance Insurance cost is drvided as shown below: Core 367.96 Working with Young People Paradiso Club Friends of Longovicium Small Projects Village Vita Environment 147.18 73.59 147.18 147.18 220.78 73.59 294.37 Orchard Total 1471.83 Page 17 of 18 6 Movement on restricted funds h*ndsol Loft￿¥ Total W•koMth• Cowbl.1g Otthard restil(tt funds yOYDXP4fj•h I￿kovI Ab Jubltt InoJmlDIPosouFC ENpÈndrtulÈ NEIMoveMenl op￿Ing8a￿fftr* 20.611 4.237 4.237 432 27.185 20,742 449 IIN32 17,875 147 1147) 418 271 539 355 147 74 L210 7.863 6,765 637 1039 286 177 103 113 946 Ckn51ngBalance 326 652 271 3,0fr3 652 113 425 7 Tangible Fixed Assets Trees, Original value £6000, depreciation 10% annually Gazebo, Original value £280, depreciation 25% annually Total 4,800 80 8 Creditor5 amounts falling due within l year Village Bus.new contrart agreed 11.625.00 Page 18 of 18 CHARITY COMMISSION FOR ENGLAND AND WALES Independent examinerfs report on the accounts Section A Independent Examiner's Report. Report to the trustees The Lanchester Partnership On accounts for the year ended 31st March 2023 Charity no (rfany) 1099801 Set out on pages I report to the trustees on my exarnination of the accounts of the above charity {"the Trusv) for the year ended Responsibllltles and basis of report As the charity's trustees, you are responsible for the preparation ofthe accounts in accordance with the requiréments of the Charities Act 2011 {'the ACVI. I report in respecl of my examination of the Twsys accounts carried out under section 145 of the 2011 Act and in carrying out my examination. I have followed all the applicable Directions given by the Charity Commission under section 145{5llb) of the Act Independent examlnerfs I have completed my examination. I confimi that no material matters have come to statement my attention in connection with the examination {other than that disclosed below which gives me cause to believe that in, any material respectr. the accounting records were not kept in accordance with section 130 of the Charities Ac( Of the accounts did not accord with the accounting records" or the accounts did not comply with the applicable reqUI￿rnents conceming the form and content of accounts set out in the Charities (Accounts and Reports) Regulations 2008 other than any requirement that the accounts give a 'true and fairf view which is not a matter considered as part of an independent examination. I have no concems 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. ' Please delete the worfs in the brackets rfthèy do not apply. Signed: Date: 16th June 2023 Name: Janes Arthur McArdle Relevant professional qualification(sl or body (If any): Address: 31 Edith Street, ConsetL Co.Durham DH8 5DN Consett. Co Durham DH8 5DN IER Oct 2018