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2025-03-31-accounts

Company no. 04713673 Charity no. 1102089

Whitchurch Folk House Association Report and Unaudited Financial Statements

31 March 2025

Whitchurch Folk House Association

Reference and administrative details

For the year ended 31 March 2025

Company number 04713673 Charity number 1102089 Registered office Bridge Farm House and operational East Dundry Road Bristol BS14 0LN Trustees Trustees, who are also directors under company law, who served during the year and up to the date of this report were as follows: Katie Browne appointed 23 May 2025 Kirsty Browne appointed 23 January 2025 Garion Chaffe appointed 13 May 2024 Holly Hayes appointed 20 July 2024, resigned 27 October 2024 Richard Kot appointed 13 May 2024, resigned 23 May 2025 Gemma Lovell appointed 23 May 2025, resigned 6 August 2025 Susan Parkhouse Ashley Rickards resigned 24 May 2024 Independent Godfrey Wilson Limited examiners Chartered accountants and statutory auditors 5th Floor Mariner House 62 Prince Street Bristol BS1 4QD

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Whitchurch Folk House Association

Report of the trustees

For the year ended 31 March 2025

The trustees present their report along with the financial statements of the charity for the year ended 31 March 2025.

Reference and administrative information set out on page 1 forms part of this report. The financial statements comply with current statutory requirements, the Memorandum and Articles of Association and the Statement of Recommended Practice - Accounting and Reporting by Charities (effective from January 2019).

Structure, governance and management

Constitution and legal form : The Association is a charitable company limited by guarantee governed by its Memorandum and Articles of Association, supplemented by a modernised Constitution adopted in 2025.

Objects : The Association exists to advance education, promote social welfare and provide facilities for recreation for the inhabitants of Whitchurch and South Bristol, including maintaining a community centre as a hub for inclusive activities and partnerships.

Group/affiliated arrangements: The Whitchurch Folk House Social Club (“the Club”) is an affiliated, independently managed unincorporated association that operates the bar and social activities; it is financially and legally distinct but aligned to the Association’s charitable purposes under a formal Governance & Financial Agreement. The Club pays rent to the Association and donates its year-end trading surplus, while keeping a small operating float. The Club maintains separate books and provides quarterly reports to the board who ensure its continued financial viability and adherence to the Association’s goals.

Trustee recruitment and appointment : Trustees (who are also the company’s directors) are elected by the members at the AGM for three-year terms and may be re-elected. The Board may coopt for skills and must ratify co-options at the next AGM. Eligibility, disqualification and meeting/voting provisions are set out in the Constitution and Articles.

Governance changes in 2024/25 : During the year the Association replaced its historic two-tier model of management and oversight (Executive Committee and Council of Management) with a single Board of Trustees. This clarified accountability and created one decision-making record covering strategy, finance and risk.

The Constitution was updated to modern standards, including clearer trustee appointment/retirement rules, quorum and voting provisions suited to a smaller board, explicit conflict-of-interest and trusteebenefit controls, and delegated-authority wording with a short schedule of matters reserved to the Board.

A Governance & Financial Agreement was put in place with the Whitchurch Folk House Social Club, confirming the entities’ separate status, setting premises rent and reporting timetables, providing for year-end surplus donations (with a prudent operating float), and documenting the historic inter-entity loan and its repayment mechanism.

The new Board also introduced core policies that had previously been lacking, including a Reserves Policy, Safeguarding policies, Codes of Conduct for trustees, volunteers and staff, strengthened Financial Controls, a Risk Management framework, and refreshed Conflicts of Interest procedures.

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Whitchurch Folk House Association

Report of the trustees

For the year ended 31 March 2025

To support day-to-day coordination, regular liaison meetings were established between Association and Club officers with a standing agenda (programme, building maintenance, licensing/compliance, management accounts and upcoming events). Actions are tracked and unresolved issues are escalated to the Board. Overall, these changes streamline governance and strengthen financial stewardship while preserving a clear, documented interface between the charity and the Club.

Objectives and activities

Charitable purposes : In line with its objects, the Association provides education, cultural and recreational opportunities that reduce isolation, promote wellbeing and strengthen community connections, delivered through the community centre and wider projects/partnerships.

Public benefit statemen t: The trustees confirm they have had due regard to the Charity Commission’s guidance on public benefit when planning activities. The Association delivers public benefit by providing accessible community programmes, cultural and educational opportunities, and by maintaining an inclusive social space in partnership with the Club.

Our activities further our charitable purposes by:

▪Maintaining and opening the Folk House as a welcoming, inclusive space for all ages;

The main activities undertaken in the year were:

Achievements and performance

Stabilisation and renewal: The year marked a transformation from urgent stabilisation to sustained renewal. Membership and footfall at the Folk House rose materially as the building returned to life as a thriving community hub.

Community impact: New and revived activities—children’s arts provision, subsidised family trips, and a successful festival—lowered barriers to participation in arts and culture and provided affordable, local opportunities for social connection.

Organisational strengthening: Establishing distinct but collaborative governance for the Association and the Club, introducing voluntary subcommittees to support the overall running of the organisation, and streamlining the Association’s board improved focus and resilience.

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Whitchurch Folk House Association

Report of the trustees

For the year ended 31 March 2025

Thanks to supporters: Trustees record sincere thanks to members, volunteers and staff whose commitment underpinned the year’s progress.

Financial review

Overall position: For the year ended 31 March 2025 the Association recorded a small operating surplus of £1,761, reflecting renewed income stability following commencement of rental income from the Social Club. The Association’s own direct income remains modest; Trustees are pursuing grants and expanding charitable activities in 2025/26.

Affiliated trading performance : The Social Club recorded a net profit of £16,384 (2023/24: loss £9,084) on increased activity and margin improvements; its Balance Sheet reflected a capital account of £27,397 after adding the 2024/25 surplus to opening funds.

Inter-entity arrangements for the year were as follows:

Reserves policy : Consistent with the Constitution, the Board aims to hold reserves equivalent to four months’ running costs to ensure resilience; during the year, reserves were organised into: (i) a noticeaccount for longer-term savings/interest; (ii) a short-term reserve approximating three months’ operating costs; and (iii) operating accounts for day-to-day transactions. At 31 March 2025, liquid reserves (cash and deposits less creditors) were c. £28k, approximately 12 months of operating costs. The policy and levels are reviewed annually.

Going concern: The Board considers the charity a going concern for at least 12 months from approval, having regard to improved income stability (rent), prudent cost control, Club performance, and the loan repayment plan. Principal uncertainties relate to cost inflation, building condition/capital needs, and maintaining trading/membership volumes; these are mitigated through budgeting, reserves, governance oversight and active funding development.

Grants and agency/custodian arrangements: The Association does not hold assets as custodian trustee for other charities; no agency arrangements are reported for the period.

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Whitchurch Folk House Association

Report of the trustees

For the year ended 31 March 2025

Plans for future periods

As we look ahead to the coming year, we are clear on the opportunities and responsibilities facing both the Association and the Club. The work completed over the past year has placed us on a strong foundation, but there is much still to do to secure the long-term future of the Folk House.

The building itself continues to need care and investment. Subject to securing appropriate funding, our priorities include:

Capital investment will remain one of the most significant challenges ahead, but it is also one of the most important to ensure we can continue delivering for members and the wider community.

Risks

The Association is mindful of the challenges ahead, including:

Both organisations are actively managing these risks and remain focused on ensuring the Folk House remains financially resilient, welcoming, and impactful.

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Whitchurch Folk House Association

Report of the trustees

For the year ended 31 March 2025

Statement of responsibilities of the trustees

The trustees (who are also directors of the charity for the purposes of company law) are responsible for preparing the trustees' report and the financial statements in accordance with applicable law and United Kingdom Accounting Standards, including Financial Reporting Standard 102: The Financial Reporting Standard applicable in the UK and Republic of Ireland (United Kingdom Generally Accepted Accounting Practice).

Company law requires the trustees to prepare financial statements for each financial year, which give a true and fair view of the state of affairs of the charity and of the income and expenditure of the charity for that period. In preparing those financial statements the trustees are required to:

The trustees are responsible for keeping proper accounting records which disclose with reasonable accuracy at any time the financial position of the charity and which enable them to ensure that the financial statements comply with the Companies Act 2006. The trustees are also responsible for safeguarding the assets of the charity and hence for taking reasonable steps for the prevention and detection of fraud and other irregularities.

The trustees are responsible for the maintenance and integrity of the corporate and financial information included on the charitable company's website. Legislation in the United Kingdom governing the preparation and dissemination of financial statements may differ from legislation in other jurisdictions.

Members of the charity guarantee to contribute an amount not exceeding xxx to the assets of the charity in the event of winding up. The trustees are members of the charity but this entitles them only to voting rights. The trustees have no beneficial interest in the charity.

Independent examiners

Godfrey Wilson Limited were appointed as independent examiners to the charity during the year and have expressed their willingness to continue in that capacity.

Approved by the trustees on 28 November 2025 and signed on their behalf by

Garion Chaffe

Garion Chaffe - Trustee

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Independent examiner's report

To the trustees of

Whitchurch Folk House Association

I report to the trustees on my examination of the accounts of Whitchurch Folk House Association (the charitable company) for the year ended 31 March 2025, which are set out on pages 8 to 16.

Responsibilities and basis of report

As the trustees of the charitable company (and also its directors for the purposes of company law) you are responsible for the preparation of the accounts in accordance with the requirements of the Companies Act 2006 (‘the 2006 Act’).

Having satisfied myself that the accounts of the charitable company are not required to be audited under Part 16 of the 2006 Act and are eligible for independent examination, I report in respect of my examination of the charitable company's accounts as carried out under section 145 of the Charities Act 2011 (‘the 2011 Act’). In carrying out my examination I have followed the Directions given by the Charity Commission under section 145(5) (b) of the 2011 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 giving me cause to believe that in any material respect:

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.

Jennifer Dickinson

Date: 28 November 2025 Jennifer Dickinson ACA Member of the ICAEW For and on behalf of: Godfrey Wilson Limited Chartered accountants and statutory auditors 5th Floor Mariner House 62 Prince Street Bristol BS1 4QD

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Whitchurch Folk House Association

Statement of financial activities (incorporating an income and expenditure account)

For the year ended 31 March 2025

2025
Total
Note
£
Income from:
Donations and legacies
2
3,854
Charitable activities
3
25,170
Investments
355
Total income
29,379
Expenditure on:
Raising funds
53
Charitable activities
27,565
Total expenditure
5
27,618
Net income / (expenditure)
1,761
Extraordinary item
13
56,425
Net movement in funds
6
58,186
Reconciliation of funds:
Total funds brought forward
34,735
Total funds carried forward
92,921
2024
Total
£
-
24,167
492
24,659
44
28,138
28,182
(3,523)
(16,661)
(20,184)
54,919
34,735

All of the above results are derived from continuing activities. There were no other recognised gains or losses other than those stated above. All funds held in the current and prior years were unrestricted.

8

Whitchurch Folk House Association

Balance sheet

As at 31 March 2025

Note
Fixed assets
Tangible assets
9
Current assets
Debtors
10
Current asset investments
Cash at bank and in hand
Liabilities
Creditors: amounts falling due within 1 year
11
Net current assets
Net assets
Funds
General funds
Total charity funds
£
63,216
20,034
10,038
93,288
(2,040)
2025
£
1,673
1,673
91,248
92,921
92,921
92,921
2024
£
3,094
3,094
5,575
-
26,760
32,335
(694)
31,641
34,735
34,735
34,735

The directors are satisfied that the company is entitled to exemption from the provisions of the Companies Act 2006 (the Act) relating to the audit of the financial statements for the year by virtue of section 477, and that no member or members have requested an audit pursuant to section 476 of the Act.

The directors acknowledge their responsibilities for:

These accounts have been prepared in accordance with the special provisions applicable to companies subject to the small companies' regime.

Approved by the trustees on 28 November 2025 and signed on their behalf by

Garion Chaffe

Garion Chaffe - Trustee

9

Whitchurch Folk House Association

Notes to the financial statements

For the year ended 31 March 2025

1. Accounting policies

a) General information and basis of preparation

Whithchurch Folk House Association is a charitable company limited by guarantee registered in England and Wales. The registered office address is Bridge Farm House, East Dundry Road, Bristol, BS14 0LN.

The financial statements have been prepared in accordance with 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 2019) - (Charities SORP (FRS 102)), the Financial Reporting Standard applicable in the UK and Republic of Ireland (FRS 102) and the Companies Act 2006.

Whitchurch Folk House Association meets the definition of a public benefit entity under FRS 102. Assets and liabilities are initially recognised at historical cost or transaction value unless otherwise stated in the relevant accounting policy note.

b) Going concern basis of accounting

The accounts have been prepared on the assumption that the charity is able to continue as a going concern, which the trustees consider appropriate having regard to the current level of unrestricted reserves. There are no material uncertainties about the charity's ability to continue as a going concern.

c) Income

Income is recognised when the charity has entitlement to the funds, any performance conditions attached to the item of income have been met, it is probable that the income will be received and the amount can be measured reliably.

Income from the government and other grants, whether 'capital' grants or 'revenue' grants, is recognised when the charity has entitlement to the funds, any performance conditions attached to the grants have been met, it is probable that the income will be received and the amount can be measured reliably and is not deferred.

d) Interest receivable

Interest on funds held on deposit is included when receivable and the amount can be measured reliably by the charity: this is normally upon notification of the interest paid or payable by the bank.

e) Funds accounting

Unrestricted funds are available to spend on activities that further any of the purposes of the charity. Designated funds are unrestricted funds of the charity which the trustees have decided at their discretion to set aside to use for a specific purpose. Restricted funds are donations which the donor has specified are to be solely used for particular areas of the charity's work or for specific projects being undertaken by the charity.

f) Expenditure and irrecoverable VAT

Expenditure is recognised once there is a legal or constructive obligation to make a payment to a third party, it is probable that settlement will be required and the amount of the obligation can be measured reliably. Irrecoverable VAT is charged as a cost against the activity for which the expenditure was incurred.

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Whitchurch Folk House Association

Notes to the financial statements

For the year ended 31 March 2025

1. Accounting policies (continued)

g) Allocation of support and governance costs

2025 2024 Charitable activities 100% 100%

h) Tangible fixed assets

Depreciation is provided at rates calculated to write down the cost of each asset to its estimated residual value over its expected useful life. The depreciation rates in use are as follows:

Leasehold land and buildings Over the lease term Fixtures, fittings and equipment Over 5 years

i) Debtors

Trade and other debtors are recognised at the settlement amount due after any trade discount offered. Prepayments are valued at the amount prepaid net of any trade discounts due.

j) Current asset investments

Current asset investments consist of cash held on deposit in interest bearing accounts. Such investments are measured at their fair value.

k) Cash at bank and in hand

Cash at bank and cash in hand includes cash and short term highly liquid investments with a short maturity of three months or less from the date of acquisition or opening of the deposit or similar account.

l) Creditors

Creditors and provisions are recognised where the charity has a present obligation resulting from a past event that will probably result in the transfer of funds to a third party and the amount due to settle the obligation can be measured or estimated reliably. Creditors and provisions are normally recognised at their settlement amount after allowing for any trade discounts due.

m) Financial instruments

The charitable company only has financial assets and financial liabilities of a kind that qualify as basic financial instruments. Basic financial instruments are initially recognised at transaction value and subsequently measured at their settlement value with the exception of bank loans which are subsequently recognised at amortised cost using the effective interest method.

n) Foreign currency transactions

Transactions in foreign currencies are translated at rates prevailing at the date of the transaction. Balances denominated in foreign currencies are translated at the rate of exchange prevailing at the year end.

11

Whitchurch Folk House Association

Notes to the financial statements

For the year ended 31 March 2025

1. Accounting policies (continued)

o) Accounting estimates and key judgements

The estimates and underlying assumptions are reviewed on an ongoing basis. Revisions to accounting estimates are recognised in the period in which the estimate is revised if the revision affects only that period, or in the period of the revision and future periods if the revision affects both current and future periods.

There are no key sources of estimation uncertainty that have a significant effect on the amounts recognised in the financial statements.

2. Income from donations and legacies

Donations
Total income from donations and legacies
2025
Total
£
3,854
3,854
2024
Total
£
-
-

All income from donations and legacies was unrestricted in the current and prior periods.

3. Income from charitable activities

Income from charitable activities
Rent and room hire
Total income from charitable activities
2025
Total
£
25,170
25,170
2024
Total
£
24,167
24,167

All income from charitable activities was unrestricted in the current and prior periods.

4. Government grants

The charitable company did not receive funding from government grants in the current or prior periods.

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Whitchurch Folk House Association

Notes to the financial statements

For the year ended 31 March 2025

5. Total expenditure

£
Rent and rates
-
Heat, light and power
-
Telephone and computer charges
-
Professional fees
-
Maintenance
-
Bank charges and interest
53
General expenses
-
Depreciation
-
Sub-total
53
Allocation of support and governance costs
-
Total expenditure
53
Total governance costs were £2,699 (2024: £1,378).
Raising
funds
£
£
3,284
-
9,125
-
4,168
-
-
2,851
5,976
-
-
-
-
659
1,502
-
24,055
3,510
3,510
(3,510)
27,565
-
Support
and
governance
Charitable
activities
2025
Total
£
3,284
9,125
4,168
2,851
5,976
53
659
1,502
27,618
-
27,618

5. Total expenditure (continued) Prior period comparative

Total expenditure (continued)
Prior period comparative
Rent and rates
Heat, light and power
Telephone and computer charges
Professional fees
Maintenance
Bank charges and interest
General expenses
Depreciation
Sub-total
Allocation of support and governance costs
Total expenditure
£
-
-
-
-
-
44
-
-
44
-
44
Raising
funds
£
£
3,316
-
14,474
-
3,234
-
-
2,789
3,081
-
-
-
-
215
1,029
-
25,134
3,004
3,004
(3,004)
28,138
-
Support
and
governance
Charitable
activities
2024
Total
£
3,316
14,474
3,234
2,789
3,081
44
215
1,029
28,182
-
28,182

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Whitchurch Folk House Association

Notes to the financial statements

For the year ended 31 March 2025

6. Net movement in funds

This is stated after charging:

Depreciation
Operating lease payments
Trustees' remuneration
Trustees' reimbursed expenses
Independent examiners' remuneration (excluding VAT)
2025
£
1,502
Nil
Nil
1,700
2024
£
1,029
Nil
Nil
Nil

In common with other charities of a similar size and nature we use our independent examiners to assist with the preparation of the financial statements.

7. Staff costs and numbers

No staff are employed by the charity, the trustees comprise the key management personnel and perform the majority of operations for the charity. They received no remuneration for this in either the current or prior years.

8. Taxation

The charity is exempt from corporation tax as all its income is charitable and is applied for charitable purposes.

9. Tangible fixed assets

Cost
At 1 April 2024
Additions in year
Disposals
At 31 March 2025
Depreciation
At 1 April 2024
Charge for the year
On disposals
At 31 March 2025
Net book value
At 31 March 2025
At 31 March 2024
41,472
81
(34,800)
6,753
38,383
1,500
(34,800)
5,083
1,670
3,089
Equipment,
fixtures and
fittings
31,387
-
-
31,387
31,382
2
-
31,384
3
5
Leasehold
land and
buildings
Total
£
72,859
81
(34,800)
38,140
69,765
1,502
(34,800)
36,467
1,673
3,094

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Whitchurch Folk House Association

Notes to the financial statements

For the year ended 31 March 2025

10. Debtors

Debtors: amounts due within 1 year
Amounts owed by Whitchurch Social Club (note 13)
Other debtors
Debtors: amounts due after 1 year:
Amounts owed by Whitchurch Social Club (note 13)
Total debtors
11. Creditors: amounts falling due within 1 year
Trade creditors
Accruals
Other taxation and social security
2025
£
7,025
1,216
8,241
54,975
63,216
2025
£
-
2,040
-
2,040
2024
£
5,575
-
5,575
-
5,575
2024
£
1,537
-
(843)
694

12. Operating lease commitments

The charity had operating leases as lessor at the year end with total future minimum lease receipts as follows:

Amount falling due:
Within 1 year
Within 1 - 5 years
2025
2024
£
£
9,600
24,000
-
-
9,600
24,000

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Whitchurch Folk House Association

Notes to the financial statements

For the year ended 31 March 2025

13. Extraordinary item

Over the previous years the charity has loaned funds and extended credit terms for rental payments due from the Whitchurch Social Club in order to enable the social club to remain in operation.

In the previous years these funds had appeared irrecoverable and the trustees have periodically agreed to write-off the outstanding value of the loan. The amount written off in the prior year was £16,661, with an outstanding balance at the year end of £5,575.

This year, trading conditions have improved for the social club and on 12 March 2025 trustees agreed a repayment plan with the leadership of the social club, in order to repay the full amount extended to the charity over the next 8 years. As a result, the trustees now consider the full amount to be recoverable, and have reinstated this loan on the balance sheet as a debtor.

The movements in the balance owed are set out below:

Balance outstanding at 1 April
Loan extended during the year
Repaid in the year
Written-off in the year
Reinstated in the year
Balance at 31 March
2025
£
5,575
-
-
-
56,425
62,000
2024
£
17,236
7,000
(2,000)
(16,661)
-
5,575

14. Related party transactions

The trustees of the charity are also members of the Whitchurch Social Club, an unincorporated social club. The social club rents premises from and pays a management fee to the charity. Additionally, any profit generated by the social club is donated to the charity. Due to poor trading conditions over the past several years, the social club has fallen behind on rent and the charity had provided loans to ensure the survival of the social club. Trustees have assessed the recoverability of these funds, and the details are laid out in note 13 above.

In the current year the social club paid rent and management fees of £24,000 to the charity (2024: £24,000). The balance outstanding from the social club at the 31 March 2025 is £62,000 (2024: £5,575)

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