Annual General Meeting 2025 – Sunday 26th October 2025 at 12.15pm at At All Saints Church, Church Lane, Dogmersfield
Attending:-
Nicky Jarvis (NJ) Valery Scott (VS) Suzy Stedman (SS) Sarah Welch (SW) Christine Lowe (CL) Angela Dickson (AD) Richard James (RJ) Stephen Dennison (SD) Sue Smith (SSm)
1. Apologies & Welcome
Nicky welcomed everyone to the meeting and advised that we had received apologies from: John Geering, Paula Morrish, Louise High, Joyce Stace, Ian and Lorraine Taylor, Robert and Caroline Dixon, Guy Stephenson and Sarah Groombridge.
2. Approval of 2024 Minutes
A copy of the previous Minutes from 2024 was available and NJ advised that these were also available on our website. NJ asked if Minutes of the 2024 AGM could be adopted as a true and accurate record. Proposed by SS and Seconded by SD.
3. Matters Arising from 2023 AGM
fundraising events directly to our members by email from the Dogmersfield Friends gmail account. NJ confirmed that she had ensured this had happened with the 2024/5 events. SD did advise that he had only received the AGM notice via email. NJ suggested she could also send a note from her personal email account to SD. RJ asked if SD wanted to be on his PCC email list as that often included the FOASD events. SD agreed and VS will let RJ have SD’s details.
4. Trustees Annual Report (TAR) – Nicky Jarvis – Chair
FOASD Committee and Introductions
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NJ advised our Committee is made up of a Team of 7 Trustees who are:Nicky Jarvis – Chair Valery Scott – Treasurer & Membership Secretary Louise High – Secretary Sarah Welch – Trustee Suzy Stedman – Trustee Paula Morrish – Trustee Sarah Groombridge – Trustee
The Charity – what we do …
charity was setup in 2004 initially from within the congregation of All Saints’ Church. The reach of this charity now extends beyond the walls of the church as we have welcomed Trustees from the local village and beyond. The mission statement of FOASD is to raise funds for the restoration, preservation, repair, maintenance, improvement and beautification of All Saints’ Church, Dogmersfield. The funds we raise at the events I mention below are all used for this purpose. Another aim of our small group is to bring the community together at many local events we arrange.
In recent years our funds raised have been instrumental in enabling the specialist repairs needed to the stonework to go ahead. In late 2022 we launched our Bell Tower Appeal and I’ll give an update on that a little later. One of the important aspects of this project will be the creation of community space within the church and this will be key to encouraging the local community to feel this is a space for them.
financial year, from 1[st] April 2024 to 31[st] March 2025 plus an overview of each of our activities since the last AGM, what we’ve achieved at these events.
My update will touch on what we’ve achieved and what our aims are for the future. I’ll also give you an update on our Bell Tower Appeal.
[st] April 2024 to 31[st] March 2025, the diary of our regular events was a busy one and during this period we ran or helped to run 8 fabulous events. It goes without saying that we couldn’t do this many without the wonderful help of our Committee, Family, Friends and Villagers. We really are very grateful.
Our Bell Tower Appeal – Update and going forward …
As mentioned a little earlier, I wanted to give an update on our Bell Tower Appeal. I’m pleased to announce that following our request to the Diocese for approval for all the works – including repairs to the existing bells, a new ringing platform and 3 new bells, plus the community space … we’ve now been given the formal approval!
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We are about to give the bell foundry the go ahead to make a start on the new bells and currently the work is pencilled in to start early next year. This is of course subject to contracts etc being signed. We’re really pleased with the recent progress. You’ll see when Valery gives her update that we’ve been greatly supported by donations and also at our fundraising events, however there’s still more to do. We’ve been busy applying for Grants for some of the work being undertaken as part of the project. Some grant funders will be happy to consider us for the kitchenette and community space and others will look to support us with regard to the bells and bell tower repairs. In total we’ve applied for 4 grants so far and we should start to hear on those soon.
One aspect giving slight concern is the Listed Places of Worship Scheme. We’ve previously been apply to apply for VAT relief via this scheme for works carried out to the church, however there has been a recent change made to this scheme of applying a cap for the year 25/26 at £25K. This in and of itself isn’t a major concern, however more worryingly is currently there is a chance the scheme will be scrapped after 31st March 2026. This would obviously mean any vat we wish to reclaim will need to be prior to 31st March 2026. A decision will be made in November’s budget and we’ll be keeping our eyes peeled for any information around that.
We’ve been overwhelmed by the fantastic response we’ve received to our appeal. It would appear that the bells really do touch people’s hearts. We’ve had some wonderful donations and we’re so grateful for each and every one.
We’re keeping our supporters, members, the local community up to date on our project and we’re really hoping that with Dogmersfield being without any community space (other than occasional use of the local primary school), we can really make a diherence to the local community once this work is completed.
Going forward, we have our regular events in the diary, so far these are:-
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Curry & Quiz - March 2025 – date tbc
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Open Garden at The Dower House – event/date tbc
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Annual Village Duck Race – Sunday 24th May 2026 – date tbc
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Royal Ascot at the Four Seasons – Friday 19th June 2026 – event tbc
There may well be a Christmas Concert in December 2025 (which will be in addition to the usual Carol Service). We’re looking at how we can put this together and that will be a great collaboration between the Parish Council, the Church and the local Community.
We’re also considering another music event at the church during 2026 which will be similar in nature to the one we held in 2024, details to be provided in due course. NJ advised a working group would be setup for this event and SD confirmed he would be happy to be a part of the working group.
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As part of our Bell repairs and new bells being installed we’ll also be hosting some Open Days at the Church and a celebration or two at various stages of the work! We’ll be sure to keep our members updated with news of the progress and any events we organise.
My Personal Thanks and in Memory …
Firstly, I would like to let you know of two members we have sadly lost recently. They are John Maunsell-Thomas who was a Life Member, a generous donor and an ardent support of FOASD. Also, we sadly lost Cynthia Tigwell who was also a Member. Cynthia was a great supporter of FOASD and would generously often supplying us with numerous cuddly toys for our Duck Race Rahles, Prize Giving and many charity stalls. Our best wishes go to John and Cynthia’s families.
I would also like to take the opportunity to thank every one of our supporters. I’m sure you’ll agree when we’ve gone through Valery’s report that for a small local village charity, the amounts we raise throughout the year are incredible, and that can only be achieved with your support – so thank you!
Also, as I mentioned earlier, I really appreciate the help of those who help out at all of the events and various fundraising throughout the year. We’re a small committee and it simply wouldn’t be possible to hold the events we do without this help. I would like to specifically thank Christine Lowe who has been an absolute driving force with our Bell Tower Project – she and I and also Richard (thank you!) have spent many hours putting together all the many reams of paperwork for the grant applications and also, with regard to the project in general.
Lastly, I would just like to take this opportunity to thank every one of our committee members (and very often their family and friends!) for their tireless help with all the events we hold. I really feel that we have a committee who can each bring diherent strengths to what we do, and this has led to some really successful fundraising events this year.
We would also like to thank all our members, local residents and everyone at the church for supporting and helping us.
This is all a collaboration and hopefully with the new community space and when the work is completed it will feel like we’re all working together!
5. Treasurer’s report – Valery E Scott – Treasurer & Membership Secretary
This is the summary of the key points in the Annual Receipts & Payments Accounts. Hard copies have been distributed for reference.
The Annual Receipts & Payments Accounts have been prepared using the online template provided by the Charity Commission for England & Wales. The figures show all funds received, and payments include event costs, capital expenditure and payments for services and work done.
The primary focus for all fundraising remains The Bell Tower Appeal.
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Jarvis (Chair) and independently inspected by Anne Fillis in her capacity as a qualified FCCA.
All information relates to the y/e 31 March 2025
Membership Subscriptions received: £2090
The total membership for year 24/25 was 55
The membership breakdown is:
23 Life memberships, 19 Joint memberships, 12 Single memberships & 1 Family membership.
Donations totalled: £12598
remainder being various ad hoc smaller donations.
The Receipts and Payments report details all income & expenditure for all events, the figures below are net of all expenditure incurred for each event.
Dower House Open Garden: £1347
calendar of events which kindly hosted by Richard and Anne-Marie Revell and is a wonderfully popular event, both locally and also with the National Gardens Scheme. It’s a fantastic time of year to view the arboretum which are always splendidly in flower! The tea and cake stall is a very busy one at this event but it’s worth all the hard work!
Duck Race & BBQ: £2434
The Annual Village Duck Race – This event was held at Red Cottages. It made for a good setting as there was lots of room for the children to run around & those people that didn’t want to walk around to the other side of the river could watch from Red Cottages. This again took the format of ‘bring your own picnic’ which has proved to be very popular, however for the first time in a few years we added a BBQ with hot dogs on the menu – which was very popular! We were also treated to music by local band ‘Big Al and the Doggers’ which went down a treat. The Bar is always well stocked at the beginning and usually not so by the end of the day! We always round oh with the prize giving for the Duck Race which takes place along the River.
Four Seasons Ascot Afternoon Tea: £341
Royal Ascot Ladies Day at the Four Seasons in June 2024. This is always such great fun … we all get to dress up in our finest dresses, some guests also choose hats or fascinators! We were able to once again make use of the TV facilities at the Four Seasons and follow the racing live with interest and a few small sweepstakes on each race! As usual, top notch hospitality from the Four Seasons and we’re always so grateful for their support.
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Music Soirée: £3134
with some wonderful piano music & a classical trio. We welcomed guests with canapés and sold wine and everyone thoroughly enjoyed themselves.
Quiz Evening QH October, £492 & Quiz Evening QH March: £474
We held two Curry & Quiz nights at the Queens Head and we’re very grateful for Fabian’s support. The tickets for these always sell-out within a couple of days as it’s so popular! These are great fun and we everyone enjoys the quiz, plus the social side of catching up with neighbours and friends. The food is delicious and I’m sure a few drinks certainly helps with the quiz.
We’re very grateful to Anne-Marie and Richard Revell, and all their family, for their continued support throughout the year, and particularly for hosting the Bonfire Party in November. This is a wonderful event and is always well attended by many friends and neighbours, with children and dogs in tow ! There’s plenty of mulled wine, hot dogs, home-made soup on oher together with a roaring bonfire what more could you wish for?!
Four Seasons Christmas Private Dining: £586
The last event of the calendar year, and one which we’ve hold for a couple of years now, was a small private dining Christmas meal at the Four Seasons. A lovely meal in fabulous surroundings, a game of ’Play Your Cards Right’ and a rahle together with the sale of wine help us make a profit as well as having a great evening. We really do appreciate the support of the Four Seasons at both events we hold there.
Other Income: £275
Investment interest from funds held in CCLA account.
Other Payments: £11098
Payments totalling £10564 were made for services relating to work for the Church Restoration/Bell Tower, including total payments of £5200 for the Kitchenette for the community space which will be created as part of the Bell Tower work. The remainder of the payments were minimal and were connected to administration, printing & replacement of equipment.
The total cash funds held were: £80085
CCLA Deposit account - £5609 Lloyds current account - £74153 Petty Cash - £323
Summary
As the charity’s income is in excess of £10,000 we are required by the Charity Commission to submit a full annual return and this will be submitted online once the Annual Receipts & Payments Accounts are approved. A copy of this document is below:-
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CHARITY (OMMISSION FOR ENfjLAND AND WALES Frh¥th olMISllints 0er$d Receipts and payments accounts CC16a For the period from 011041202 3110312025 Section A Recei ts and ments UnrestTlCted funds Restricted funds Endowrnent funds Ttstal lund Last ye to th• ioth• n•4F••t£ Al Recei Annual Sub¥n 2.090 12.59 t.090 11.59U 275 1.014 20,553 CCLAlntTht 275 O¢loberQuiz klar(h Quiz bonfire Evgnt DwkRatÈEvent Fw sf655 Ast Wwth Ma Aid 445 543 •74 2.702 139 431 2.052 1.062 •911 1.081 3.152 1.304 3.152 1,304 G&rd 1,347 3.035 141 494 4.344 1.341 3.039 tknkRato25126 5e65M$Asca25120 494 4.344 Sub total (Gloss income for ARI 31.941 31.941 30.303 A2 AMet ond inve•tmentS41e¥. ••• tabl• . Sub total 31,941 )1.941 30.363 ment• W&xWebskie iradP Gazeb05 Printing Bel Tuwarafjts wixWpbte pnnting IWlèts1 PrintCartid9P5 8ell Towef 1 Ovgl Cantywbvn Bell Towff Kitt0PttP Bell Towfjf Ryan But 8ell ToyJef MgTbasGroup P£ity Cash I9tarnpsl OrtoberQuiz lgrch Quiz 134 54 94 72 29 944 230 40 35 924 5.200 1.440 3,000 24 522 B07 230 40 35 5.200 1.440 3.000 24 522 807 2.274 31 U5K DuEkRackn 718 2,449 913 2.H9 903 Seèsw$A5C Svb tota 17,563 17,563 3.742 A4 Aiet and ithvtm#t purcha$e¥. {¥ee table) Wotsr Um Gks51vai Sub tota Z05 205 17.788 17,708 Net of receipts/(payments A5 Transfrr between lynd¥ A6 Cixh fund* lalt year end CCXX Hi accounts ISSI 14.173 •5,912 05.912
Section B Statement of assets and liabilities at the end of the period Unrestricted fundj io Restricted fvnds to Endowment funds •i••¢£ Categgri Detail¥ Bl Cash funds 74,153 CCLA 5.609 Peity 323 rrtalca5hl(mds 80.085 Restricted funds to Unrestrided fund¥ tund* t• n••r•BtÉ Detail$ Detoils B3 Invostm•nt Assèts B4 Assets retained for the ehArity's own us• Watei U Gaièbos Rubbei ducks DetBns BS Liabilities SwJned by oneortwo tru5tetson behBlf of alIt trustee5 &gnale Print Namt Date of appTovo1 CCXX R2 Ct8 ISSI
CHARITY COMMISSION FOR ENGLAND AND WALES Independent examinerfs report on the accounts Section A Independent Examiner's Report Report to the trustees rfRifN OF ALL £e(ifvJis o)OfrMees FIEIIJ On accounts for the year ended Charity no lif any) 81-03-25 1105<61 Set out on pages I report to the trustees on my examination of the accounts of the above charity Iyhe Tru5t"I for the year ended Responsibilities and basls of report As the charity's trustees, you are responsible for the preparation of the accounts in accordan with the requirements ofthe Charities Act 2011 (Yhe Acf). 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 followgd all the applicable Directions given by the Charity Commission under sedion 14515llb) of the Act. Independent trhe chanty's gross income exceeded £250,000 and l am qualified lo •xaminorfs statement undertake the examination by being a qualified member of linsert name of applicable listed bodyll. D8let81 l rfnot applicable. I have completed my examination. I confim that no matertal matters have come to my attention in connection with the examination (other than that disclosed below.) which gives me cause to believe that in, any material respect.. the accounting records were not kgpl in accordance with $ection 130 of the Charities Act., or the accounts did not accord with the accounting records,. or the accounts did not comply with the applicable requirem8nts conceming the fom 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 fair, view which is not a matter considered as part of an independent examination. I have no cor¢cerns 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 lo be reached. pi ase de in the brackets rfthey do not apply. Signed: 13-10-2S Nam?: IQLIS Relevant professional qualifi¢atlonlsl or body fccA. IER Oct 2018
We are required to have the Receipts & Payments Accounts formally approved by the Trustees by way of a Proposer & a Seconder. This was proposed by SW and Seconded by SS.
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6. Church Wardens’ Report – Sue Smith & Richard James
2025 has been a busy year with lots of diherent activities going on together with our Bell Tower and Community Space Project being very much in all of our minds. We have been grateful to our Clergy Team who have helped us to have a service every Sunday despite the additional challenges of covering for churches outside of our own benefice. They regularly do two services at Winchfield and All Saints’ – one after each other – and occasionally without a cohee stop!
It is fair to say that our average attendances are down this year, due to a combination of reasons, illness, the pressures of family activities and sadly we have lost some of our congregation from the village. We try to encourage new villagers to come along to All Saints’ and work closely with the School and the Parish Council in that regard. Our extra community space when it arrives will help us to make opportunities for the community to join together a lot easier.
We have had fewer weddings this year from the previous year (including that weekend in August when we had 3 on consecutive days!), our baptisms have continued which is always very heartening to see families involved in our Sunday morning service. The phrase “hatch them, match them and despatch them” is quite a relevant one as we often see families returning at varying stages of their lives for services at All Saints’.
Sadly we lost two of our dear friends from the congregation this year Cynthia Tigwell and John Maunsell-Thomas who were also both generous supporters of FOASD. The PCC are most grateful to FOASD for their continued support throughout the year and not just of the bell project. “Friends” _organise various events during the year in support of the church and we are most appreciative to the hosts, organisers and those who attend raising funds for All Saints’. Likewise at our own church events we are always supported by those from “Friends” and again we are very grateful, even if my Harvest quiz was a little bit harder this year!
here and others who do not but value its continued mission in the benefice. Under the direction of our Clergy and with the support of the PCC, we hope it will continue to strive to be relevant and meet the needs of the community it serves. The support of FOASD is always much appreciated in our working together, alongside the School and Parish Council.
to see any of our “Friends” at one of the services, you will always be assured of a warm welcome.
7. AOB
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NJ pointed out that she felt the music event even without the generous donation for baby grand piano is still worth doing due to the amount of profit raised.
SD asked if we had look into competitive interest rates as he has used Nat West in the past. VS confirmed that we used CCLA for our deposit account. We were expecting to be paying a large amount for a deposit to the bell foundry shortly, but NJ said they would take
SD asked about where we are with funds for the project as a whole. NJ talked through the position with funds generally and the often complicated process of applying for the Grants, and CL talked through the works, tenders etc.
finalised tenders for the general building work.
8. Election of omicers
Chair and that VS and Louise High had also both agreed to stand as Treasurer & Membership Secretary and Secretary respectively.
These 3 elections were Proposed by SS and Seconded by SW.
Meeting Closed at 12.45pm.
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