Open Country
(A Company Charity limited by guarantee)
Charity Number 1107331 Company Number 05155859
Trustees’ Annual Report & Financial Statements for the year ended 31st March 2024
Charity accounts preparation & independent examination service
Open Country
Charity number 1107331
| Contents | |
|---|---|
| Index | Page |
| Annual Report of the Trustees | 1 |
| Independent Examiner’s Report | 8 |
| Statement of Financial Activities | 9 |
| Balance Sheet | 10 |
| Statement of Cash flows | 11 |
| Notes to the Accounts | 12 |
Open Country
(Charity Number 1107331)
Trustees’ Annual Report
From: 1st April 2023
To: 31st March 2024
The Board of Trustees, who are also Directors of the charity for the purpose of the Companies Act 2006, present their annual report and financial statements for the year ended 31st March 2024. The financial statements comply with the Companies Act 2006 and Accounting and Reporting by Charities, Statement of Recommended Practice (SORP (FRS102)).
Charities Full Name: Open Country Reigstered Company Number: 5155859 Reigstered Charity Number: 1107331
Objectives and Activities
Summary of the purposes of the charity set out in its governing document
(a) To promote and protect the physical and mental health of disabled people and their carers without distinction of sex, sexual orientation, race or of political or religious or other opinions by facilitating such persons to have access to the countryside with the objects of improving the conditions of life of such persons.(b) To promote education and research into the treatment and care of disabled people, in particular but not exclusively focusing on disabled access to the countryside.
Summary of the main activities in relation to those purposes for the public benefit, in particular, the activities, projects or services identified in the accounts
Open Country is a Yorkshire-based organisation that seeks to enable anyone with any disability to access and enjoy the countryside. This is achieved through a variety of countryside activities and the provision of information and advice.
Our five nature conservation work parties give people with learning disabilities, neurodivergence and mental health issues a chance to get involved in helping improve the environment throughout the local area. Six walking groups operate throughout the year, with walks ranging from two to ten miles. There are regular countryside outings to a variety of wheelchair accessible locations, including nature reserves, the seaside and country houses. We have six tandem clubs, between them covering Harrogate & Knaresborough, Ripon, Selby, Wakefield, Wetherby and York. Other groups are ‘Wild Things’ (a nature study group) and our ‘Adventure Clubs’ (specialising in outdoor pursuits). The ‘Care in the Countryside’ group targets people with disabilities and their family carers. ‘Wild about Wetherby’, is a project for Aspire CBC, offering day services to people from the Wetherby area.
The ‘Wild about Wakefield’ project offers inspiring activities in the West Yorkshire cathedral city. We still offer two weekly online sessions - yoga and a spin class using exercise bikes.
Our ‘Countryside Advice Service’ continues to offer information and advice on aspects of countryside access for all to a wide range of individuals, statutory agencies and countryside organisations. We evaluate our activities carefully and there is clear evidence of the physical and mental benefits to our service users, in the form of improving overall health, combating social isolation and forming strong and lasting friendships.
We have 14 staff (10 FTE) and 150 dedicated volunteers. We wish to note the superb contribution made by the latter, for without our volunteers, the activities offered to our service users would be severely restricted.
Despite the undoubted funding challenges facing our sector, we are continually expanding the service we offer, offering our skills to a wider community of disabled people and carers.
The trustees consider that they have complied with their duties to have due regard to the public benefit guidance published by the Charity Commission.
1
Open Country
(Charity Number 1107331)
Trustees’ Annual Report
Additional details of objectives and activities
Our Key targets for Year Four, 2024 - 2025 are:
-
Work on realising our Middlesbrough Hub.
-
Achieve a 10% increase in our overall Uptake levels.
-
Welcome up to 650 people on our activities.
-
Promote our Voice, Locally, Regionally & Nationally, with some ‘campaigns’ and a bespoke access project for Nidderdale National Landscape.
-
Produce Breakfree packs for Nidderdale National Landscape, Barnsley & Selby.
-
Revise our Countryside Directories for East Yorkshire & North Yorkshire.
-
Hold our 2nd Good Access Scheme Winners’ Conference.
-
Launch our Gold Standard for inclusive access, with a new webpage.
-
Acquire two new minibuses, including an electric vehicle with a charging point.
-
Work to retain staffing levels and activities by successful fundraising.
Achievements and Performance
Summary of the main achievements of the charity, identifying the difference the charity’s work has made to the circumstances of its beneficiaries and any wider benefits to society as a whole.
Key Achievements in Year Three, 2023-2024:
-
Welcomed 591 people on our activities our highest number of participants ever - our target was 550.
-
Commenced new activity delivery in Barnsley and Selby.
-
Successfully negotiated our first full year of Wakefield Lottery project.
-
Selected Middlesbrough as our Third Hub, closing off all actions on researching and scoping options.
-
Produced Breakfree packs for York (2nd pack) & Burley-in-Wharfedale, revamped the Wakefield pack and revised our Countryside Directories for South Yorkshire and Teesside/Middlesbrough.
-
Extended our Bluespace project and launched/published the findings.
-
Expanded our Digital rollout, including a suite of audio walks for the Cavendish Estate and a new Bluespace webpage.
-
Met our Diversity targets, including the implementation of a Hardship Fund, enabling 8 individuals to access services.
-
Improved digital security via Sharepoint. To help us in this, an ICO report was gained.
-
Trained up an in-house MiDAS Assessor, who completed our internal/external training.
-
Increased trustee representation on the Board, filling key roles.
-
Established a GAS award ‘Winners Club’, with our first Conference, to better promote inclusive access.
-
Fielded 66 Countryside Advice Service enquiries, a 10% increase on the previous year.
-
Recruited additional staff resource for Fundraising and Communications.
2
Open Country
(Charity Number 1107331)
Financial Review
Results for the year
As set out in the Statement of Financial activities on page 9, total income for the year was £584,962 (2023: £431,639) Net income for the year was £128,080 (2023: £49,796). As summarised on page 9 net income generated from restricted funds was £169,752 which sum is carried forward to be expended in future periods. Net expenditure on unrestricted funds was £41,672 which has been met from funds brought forward.
During the year we received invaluable financial and in-kind support from the organisations and individuals listed in the appendix.
Statement explaining the policy for holding reserves stating why they are held
Reserves are required to bridge the gap between expenditure and income, to cover unplanned emergency expenditure and to develop new services.
Total funds as at 31 March 2024 amounted to £589,793 (2023: £461,713) of which £360,789 (2023: £384,448) was unrestricted. However, the unrestricted funds at 31 March 2024 include functional fixed assets (eg minibuses and other equipment required for the Charity’s activities) of £74,243 that are essential for the Charity’s activities and £50,000 in a fund designated by the trustees. These sums are excluded from free reserves.
Therefore, the Charity’s reserves freely available to spend at 31 March 2024 were £236,546 (2023: £301,188).
The Charity seeks to achieve sufficient reserves to cover six months’ expenditure on charitable activities (£195,000) plus the estimated costs of meeting all commitments on a winding-up of the organisation (£70,000); a total of £265,000. As a result of cost of living increases and further strategic investment in expansion of our activities and some reduction in new funds, reserves freely available to spend decreased during the year ended 31 March 2024. Nevertheless, the charity remains in a good financial position to meet the challenges to be posed through increased costs and a possible reduction in new funding streams. In line with our five year stategic plan, there is a need for significant expenditure in the next two years for asset replacement and the funding of additional services and activities across existing and new locations scheduled for addition in 2024/25 and beyond, thus ensuring the sustainability and expansion of our charitible activities.
The reserves policy is reviewed annually.
Structure, governance and management
Description of the charity’s trusts
Type of governing document
Memorandum and Articles of Association form its governing document
How the charity is constituted
Company limited by guarantee
Trustee selection methods including details of any constitutional provisions e.g. election to post or name of any person or body entitled to appoint one or more trustees
Trustees are appointed by the existing trustee body
3
Open Country
(Charity Number 1107331)
Reference and administration details
Charity’s Full Name:
Open Country
Charity’s principal address:
Community House 46 East Parade Harrogate HG1 5LT
Names of the trustees who manage the charity
Trustee name Office (if any) Dates acted if not for whole year Richard Firth Chair Tracey Jackson David Robinson Treasurer David Titchmarsh Jonty Warneken Jayne Eyre From 16/08/23 Michelle Tempest-Mitchell From 18/10/23 Christopher Burt From 21/08/24 Jane Green From 23/10/24
Name of Company Secretary
Name
David Shaftoe
Name of chief executive or names of senior staff members
David Shaftoe (Chief Officer)
4
Open Country
(Charity Number 1107331)
Trustee responsibilities in relation to financial statements
Company law requires the directors (trustees) to prepare financial statements for each financial year, which give a true and fair view of the state of affairs of the company and of the income and expenditure of the company for the year. In preparing those financial statements, the directors (trustees) are required to:
-
Select suitable accounting policies and then apply them consistently;
-
Observe the methods and principles of the Charities SORP
-
Make judgements and estimates that are reasonable and prudent;
-
State whether applicable accounting standards have been followed, subject to any material
-
departures disclosed and explained in the financial statements;
-
Prepare the financial statements on the going concern basis unless it is inappropriate to presume that the company will continue on that basis.
The directors (trustees) are responsible for keeping proper accounting records which disclose with reasonable accuracy at any time the financial position of the company and to enable them to ensure that the financial statements compy with the Companies Act 2006. They are also responsible for safeguarding the assets of the company and hence for taking reasonable steps for the prevention and detection of fraud and other irregularities.
Members of the Board of Trustees, who are Directors for the purpose of company law, and Trustees for the purpose of charity law, who served during the year and up to the date of this report are set out on page 4.
Disclosure of information
In so far as the Trustees are aware:
-
There is no relevant information of which the Charity’s Independent Examiner is unaware;
-
The Trustees have taken the necessary steps to be aware of the information, which would be relevant for independent examination purposes and have communicated them to the Independent Examiner.
Exemptions
The trustees have taken advantage of the exemption available to small companies, including the audit exemption (as detailed on the balance sheet).
Declaration
The trustees declare that they have approved the Trustees Annual Report and Accounts
Signed on behalf of the charity’s trustees
Signature Full Name David Robinson Position Treasurer and Trustee Date 11 DECEMEA_ Jory
5
Open Country
(Charity Number 1107331)
Appendix
During the Year 2023 – 2024 we received invaluable financial and in-kind support from the following organisations and individuals
Alan Rayner Anna Baldwin Aspire Community Benefit Company Ltd. Baily Thomas Charitable Fund Belmont Grosvenor School Bettys and Taylors Bruce Wake Charitable Trust CANVA City Connect/West Yorkshire Combined Authority CLA Charitable Trust Coca Cola European Partners Co-operative Local Community Fund David & Julie Turner Department for Transport Efficiency North Engage Interactive Four Winds Trust Friends and family of Nicky Serlin Friends of Oakwell Hall and Country Park Friends of Parkinson’s Park CIC Green Hall Foundation Groundwork/Tescos Haribo Harrogate Round Table Harrogate Wheeleasy High Sherriff of North Yorkshire HMRC HM Young Offenders Institution Wetherby Huddersfield & Wakefield Rotary Clubs Inca (Europe) Limited Jack Brunton Charitable Trust Jan & Mike Bartholomew John Spedan Lewis Foundation Jonty Warneken Leeds City Council Leeds Community Foundation Linda Hoare, Mayor of Otley Live Well Wakefield Marketing Adventures
6
Open Country
(Charity Number 1107331)
Appendix continued
Microsoft Morley Glass and Glazing National Lottery Community Fund NHS South West Yorkshire Partnership Nidderdale High School Norman Collinson Charitable Trust North Doncaster Development Trust North Yorkshire Council North Yorkshire Councillors Matt Walker and Monika Slater NOVA Otley Town Council Philip Robinson Postcode Neighbourhood Trust Primary Club Prosper Wakefield Quackers Harrogate Sally Weatherill Sandal MINI Scotton Parish Council Sharow PCC Sir George Martin Trust SkyBet Sport England St. James’s Place Charitable Foundation The 29th May 1961 Charitable Trust The Bernard Sunley Foundation The Bostock Foundation The Fitton Trust The Friends of Parkinson’s Park The George A. Moore Foundation The RS Brownless Charitable Trust The Shears Foundation The Woodroffe Benton Foundation Tom & Julie Leggett TransPennine Trail Trustees of Chatsworth Settlement Two Ridings Community Foundation/Local Fund for Harrogate Wakefield Chantry Rotary Club Wakefield Council Wakefield Recovery & Wellbeing College West Yorkshire Local Resilience Forum
Wharfedale Naturalist’s Society Woodland Trust WWF-UK YPO York Common Good Trust Yorkshire Water Yorkshire Wildlife Trust
7
Open Country
(Charity Number 1107331)
Independent examiner’s report to the trustees of Open Country
I report on the accounts of: Open Country
For the year ended: 31st March 2024 Which are set out on pages 9 to 23
Responsibilities and basis of report
As the charity’s trustees of the 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 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 your charity’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:
-
accounting records were not kept in respect of the Trust as required by section 386 of the Act; or
-
the accounts do not accord with those records
-
the accounts do not comply with the accounting requirements of section 396 of the 2006 Act 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;
or
- the accounts have not been prepared in accordance with the methods and principles of the Statement of Recommended Practice for accounting and reporting by charities applicable to charities preparing their accounts in accordance with the Financial Reporting Standard applicable in the UK and Republic of Ireland (FRS 102).
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.
Cush
Karen Wood (ACMA)
16/12/2024
Date
2 Galligap Lane Osbaldwick York, YO10 3NR
8
Open Country
(Charity Number 1107331)
| 31st March 2024 Statement of Financial Activities for the year ended |
31st March 2024 Statement of Financial Activities for the year ended |
|---|---|
| Note Income and endowments from: Donations and legacies 3.1 Charitable activities 3.2 Investments 3.3 Other income 3.4 Total income 3 Expenditure on Charitable activities 4.1 Total expenditure 4 Net income/(expenditure) Gross transfer between funds 11.2 Net movement in funds Total funds brought forward Total funds carried forward |
Unrestricted funds Restricted funds Total 2024 Total 2023 £ £ £ £ 39,300 - 39,300 34,091 188,172 348,139 536,311 387,325 5,917 - 5,917 1,231 3,434 - 3,434 8,992 |
| 236,823 348,139 584,962 431,639 |
|
| 278,495 178,387 456,882 381,843 |
|
| 278,495 178,387 456,882 381,843 |
|
| (41,672) 169,752 128,080 49,796 |
|
| 18,013 (18,013) - - |
|
| (23,659) 151,739 128,080 49,796 |
|
| 384,448 77,265 461,713 411,917 |
|
| 360,789 229,004 589,793 461,713 |
9
Open Country
(Charity Number 1107331)
| Balance Sheet as at | 31st March 2024 | 31st March 2024 | |
|---|---|---|---|
| Note | 2024 | 2023 | |
| Fixed assets | £ | £ | |
| Tangible assets | 74,243 | 83,260 | |
| Total fixed assets | 8 | 74,243 | 83,260 |
| Current assets | |||
| Cash at bank and in hand | 7 | 486,156 | 360,212 |
| Debtors & prepayments | 9 | 31,636 | 20,201 |
| Total current assets | 517,792 | 380,413 | |
| Current liabilities: amounts falling due within one year | |||
| Creditors and accruals | 10 | (2,242) | (1,960) |
| Net current assets | 515,550 | 378,453 | |
| Total assets less current liabilities | 589,793 | 461,713 | |
| Funds of the Charity | |||
| Unrestricted Funds | 11 | 360,789 | 384,448 |
| Restricted Funds | 11 | 229,004 | 77,265 |
| Total Funds Carried Forward | 11&12 | 589,793 | 461,713 |
The trustees 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 (trustees) acknowledge their responsibilities for:
i) ensuring the company keeps accounting records which comply with Sections 386 and 387 of the Companies Act 2006; and
ii) preparing financial statements which give a true and fair view of the state of affairs of the company at the end of each financial year and of its profit and loss for each financial year in accordance with the requirements of Sections 394 and 395 and which otherwise comply with the requirements of the Companies Act 2006 relating to financial statements, so far as applicable to the company.
The financial statements have been prepared in accordance with the special provisions of Part 15 of the Companies Act 2006 relating to small companies and with the 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 (Charities SORP (FRS 102)).
The financial statements were approved by the trustees on
and signed on their behalf by:
David Robinson Trustee
10
Open Country
(Charity Number 1107331)
| Statement of Cash Flows for the year ended | 31st March 2024 |
|---|---|
| Cash fows from operating activities Net income for the year Add:Depreciation for the year Working capital changes (Increase)/decrease in debtors Increase/(decrease) in creditors Net cash provided by operating activities Cash fows used in investing activities Purchase of fxed assets Change in cash and cash equivalents in the year Cash and cash equivalents at 1 April 2023 Cash and cash equivalents at 31 March 2024 |
Total 2024 Total 2023 £ £ 128,080 49,796 27,030 21,576 |
| 155,110 71,372 |
|
| (11,435) 920 282 (3,287) |
|
| 143,957 69,005 |
|
| (18,013) (54,236) |
|
| 125,944 14,769 360,212 345,443 |
|
| 486,156 360,212 |
11
Open Country
(Charity Number 1107331)
Notes to the accounts for the year ended
31st March 2024
1 Basis of preparation
1.1 Basis of accounting
The financial statements are prepared under the historical cost convention and the 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 (Charities SORP (FRS 102)).
1.2 Change of basis of accounting
There has been no change to the accounting policies (valuation rules and methods of accounting) since last year.
1.3 Change to previous accounts
No changes have been made to accounts for previous years.
2 Accounting policies
Income and endowments
Recognition of income
These are included in the Statement of Financial Activities (SoFA) when:
-
the charity becomes entitled to the resources;
-
receipt of the resources is probable; and
-
the monetary value can be measured with sufficient reliability.
Incoming resources with related expenditure
Where incoming resources have related expenditure, the incoming resources and related expenditure are reported gross in the SoFA.
Grants and donations
Grants and donations are only included in the SoFA when the charity has evidence of entitlement to the resources and receipt is probable.
Volunteer help
The value of any voluntary help received is not included in the accounts but is described in the trustees’ annual report.
12
Open Country
(Charity Number 1107331)
31st March 2024
Notes to the accounts for the year ended
Expenditure and liabilities
Expenditure
Raising funds
Cost of raising funds comprise those costs associated with attracting voluntary income.
Charitable activities
Charitable activities expenditure comprises those costs incurred by the charity in the delivery of its activities and services. It includes both costs that can be allocated directly to such activities and those costs of an indirect nature necessary to support them.
Liability recognition
Liabilities are recognised as soon as there is a legal or constructive obligation committing the charity to pay out resources.
Assets
Tangible fixed assets for use by the charity
These are capitalised if they can be used for more than one year and cost at least £2,000. They are valued at cost or, if gifted, at the value to the charity on receipt, less depreciation.
Fund accounting
Unrestricted funds are funds which are available for use at the discretion of the trustees in furtherance of the general objectives of the charity.
Restricted funds are funds which can only be used for particular restricted purposes within the objects of the charity. Restrictions arise when specified by the donor.
13
Open Country
(Charity Number 1107331)
| Notes to the accounts for the year ended 31st March 2024 |
Notes to the accounts for the year ended 31st March 2024 |
|---|---|
| 3.1 Donations and legacies Donations & legacies Gift aid 3.2 Charitable activities Grants Wild About Wetherby project NYCC social services Self funders Transport contributions Trips income Tandem income Bus Service Operators’ Grant Work party income 3.3 Investments Interest received 3.4 Other income JRS Grant Head offce recharges Sundry income Total income |
2023 2024 Unrestricted funds Restricted funds Total 2024 Unrestricted funds Restricted funds Total 2023 £ £ £ £ £ 36,393 - 36,393 33,019 600 33,619 2,907 - 2,907 472 - 472 |
| 39,300 - 39,300 33,491 600 34,091 |
|
| 32,033 348,139 380,172 35,503 207,888 243,391 32,425 - 32,425 32,425 - 32,425 - - - 500 - 500 90,983 - 90,983 80,942 - 80,942 9,055 - 9,055 6,511 - 6,511 7,674 - 7,674 6,150 - 6,150 3,969 - 3,969 3,821 - 3,821 833 - 833 1,995 - 1,995 11,200 - 11,200 11,590 - 11,590 |
|
| 188,172 348,139 536,311 179,437 207,888 387,325 |
|
| 5,917 - 5,917 1,231 - 1,231 |
|
| 5,917 - 5,917 1,231 - 1,231 |
|
| - - - - - - - - - 8,712 - 8,712 3,434 - 3,434 280 - 280 |
|
| 3,434 - 3,434 8,992 - 8,992 |
|
| 236,823 348,139 584,962 223,151 208,488 431,639 |
14
Open Country
(Charity Number 1107331)
Notes to the accounts for the year ended
31st March 2024
| 4.1 Charitable | Unrestricted | Restricted | Total | Unrestricted | Restricted | Total |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| activities | funds 2024 | funds 2024 | 2024 | funds 2023 | funds 2023 | 2023 |
| £ | £ | £ | £ | £ | £ | |
| Staff: | ||||||
| - salaries and pensions | 195,034 | 142,955 | 337,989 | 144,229 | 106,137 | 250,366 |
| - training | 2,242 | 750 | 2,992 | 5,423 | 4,192 | 9,615 |
| - subsistence | 807 | - | 807 | 718 | - | 718 |
| - travel expenses | 151 | - | 151 | 131 | 62 | 193 |
| - recruitment costs | 1,625 | 210 | 1,835 | 2,332 | 660 | 2,992 |
| - uniforms & protective equip. |
- | 625 | 625 | 1,015 | - | 1,015 |
| Volunteers’ expenses | 918 | - | 918 | 1,106 | 134 | 1,240 |
| Activity expenses: | ||||||
| - activity fees and costs | 4,912 | 4,929 | 9,841 | 3,493 | 5,706 | 9,199 |
| - tandem costs | 878 | 763 | 1,641 | 401 | 9,967 | 10,368 |
| - allotment | 424 | - | 424 | 236 | 641 | 877 |
| - insurance | 3,220 | - | 3,220 | 2,752 | - | 2,752 |
| Project costs: | ||||||
| - Conservation materials |
196 | 204 | 400 | 420 | 750 | 1,170 |
| - Wild about Wetherby | 9 | - | 9 | 79 | 18 | 97 |
| Vehicles: | ||||||
| - fuel and oil | 13,457 | - | 13,457 | 10,335 | - | 10,335 |
| - repairs and servicing | 7,125 | 1,036 | 8,161 | 6,035 | - | 6,035 |
| - insurance | 4,314 | - | 4,314 | 3,137 | - | 3,137 |
| Small equipment and tools |
124 | 1,537 | 1,661 | (379) | 737 | 358 |
| Mower & trailer maintenance |
603 | 934 | 1,537 | 138 | - | 138 |
| Carried forward | 236,039 | 153,943 | 389,982 | 181,601 | 129,004 | 310,605 |
15
Open Country
(Charity Number 1107331)
Notes to the accounts for the year ended
31st March 2024
| Brought forward Administration expenses: - rent - cleaning and maintenance - health and safety - advertising & PR - printing and stationary - postage and telephone - IT and internet - subscriptions - other - payroll bureau fees - bookkeeping Depreciation Legal & professional fees Bank charges Head offce recharges Total expenditure 4.1 Charitable activities continued |
236,039 153,943 389,982 181,601 129,004 310,605 8,538 7,575 16,113 6,891 4,323 11,214 250 3,042 3,292 70 279 349 583 379 962 2,152 - 2,152 2,185 337 2,522 442 512 954 2,280 3,822 6,102 1,806 2,040 3,846 2,079 30 2,109 1,242 173 1,415 2,543 - 2,543 7,445 2,025 9,470 85 - 85 260 - 260 651 174 825 502 32 534 1,280 1,280 909 - 909 2,880 - 2,880 2,706 - 2,706 27,030 - 27,030 21,576 - 21,576 780 - 780 6,806 - 6,806 377 - 377 335 - 335 (9,085) 9,085 - - 8,712 8,712 Unrestricted funds 2024 Restricted funds 2024 Total 2024 Unrestricted funds 2023 Restricted funds 2023 Total 2023 |
|---|---|
| 278,495 178,387 456,882 234,743 147,100 381,843 |
16
Open Country
(Charity Number 1107331)
31st March 2024
Notes to the accounts for the year ended
5 Trustee expenses and examination fees
5.1 Trustee expenses
No trustees received a remuneration for services rendered during the year, nor were any trustees’ out of pocket expenses reimbursed.
| Independent Examiner’s fees for reporting on the accounts Other fees paid to the Independent Examiner (BSOG) Fees for examination of the accounts 5.2 Gross wages, salaries and benefts inkind Employers national insurance Employers pension contributions Average number of employees 6 Staff costs and emoluments 7 Cash at bank and in hand Current bank account Deposit bank accounts Cash in hand |
2024 2023 £ £ |
||
|---|---|---|---|
| 700 660 |
|||
| 80 80 |
|||
| 2024 2023 £ £ 307,501 230,727 21,363 14,785 9,125 4,854 |
|||
| 337,989 250,366 |
|||
| 14 10 |
|||
| Total 2024 Total 2023 £ £ 227,738 127,493 257,901 232,409 517 310 |
|||
| 486,156 360,212 |
17
Open Country
(Charity Number 1107331)
Notes to the accounts for the year ended
31st March 2024
| Amounts falling due within one year Debtors Prepayments and accrued income Total 9 Debtors and prepayments Amounts falling due within one year Accruals Pension & other creditors Total 10 Creditors and accruals Net Book Value At 31st March 2024 At 31st March 2023 8.1 Tangible fxed assets Cost or valuation At 1st April 2023 Additions in year Disposals in year at 31st March 2024 Depreciation At 1st April 2023 Charge for the year Disposals at 31st March 2024 8 Fixed assets |
Vehicles £ 210,799 - - |
Equipment Total £ £ 25,123 235,922 18,013 18,013 - - |
|---|---|---|
| 210,799 | 43,136 253,935 |
|
| £ 130,801 23,969 - |
£ £ 21,861 152,662 3,061 27,030 - - |
|
| 154,770 | 24,922 179,692 |
|
| £ | £ £ |
|
| 56,029 | 18,214 74,243 |
|
| 79,998 | 3,262 83,260 |
|
| 2024 2023 £ £ 20,687 17,489 10,949 2,712 |
||
| 31,636 20,201 |
||
| 2024 2023 £ £ 2,242 1,960 - - |
||
| 2,242 1,960 |
18
Open Country
(Charity Number 1107331)
Notes to the accounts for the year ended
31st March 2024
11 Movement of funds
| Ninevah Yorkshire Water JSLF 29th May 1961 Total conservation Conservation Movement of major funds 2024 Fund name Unrestricted funds General funds Designated funds 11.1 Primary Club NHS TR Heart of Selby George Moore Jack Brunton Shears Foundation Total activities Activities Restricted funds Minibuses H. Catley Awards for All Wild about Wakefeld Barnsley Community Fund |
Balance b/fwd Incoming resources Outgoing resources Transfers Balance c/fwd 384,448 236,823 278,495 (31,987) 310,789 - - - 50,000 50,000 |
|---|---|
| 384,448 236,823 278,495 18,013 360,789 |
|
| - 115,000 - - 115,000 3,087 - 3,087 - - 5,865 - 3,080 - 2,785 22,683 61,216 20,718 (18,013) 45,168 - 24,140 13,453 - 10,687 17,771 115,861 102,758 - 30,874 |
|
| 49,406 316,217 143,096 (18,013) 204,514 |
|
| 3,000 - 3,000 - - - 4,866 4,866 - - - 7,606 1,268 - 6,338 - 3,000 3,000 - - 3,000 15,472 12,134 - 6,338 3,000 2,000 3,000 - 2,000 2,344 - 891 - 1,453 9,439 - 6,641 - 2,798 - 3,250 - - 3,250 - 3,250 - - 3,250 - 5,500 5,500 - - 14,783 14,000 16,032 - 12,751 |
19
Open Country
(Charity Number 1107331)
Notes to the accounts for the year ended
31st March 2024
| 2023 Fund name Unrestricted funds General Funds Restricted funds Activities Minibuses H. Catley Awards for All Community Fund Wild about Wakefeld Total Primary Club Family of C Hawkin Ripon tandem Jack Brunton Feoffees of St Michael NHS TR Heart of Selby Benendon West Riding Masonic Total activities Two Ridings Whitwam Family Total Restricted Funds Total Funds Miscellaneous |
4,913 2,450 4,125 - 3,238 5,163 - 3,000 - 2,163 |
|---|---|
| 10,076 2,450 7,125 - 5,401 |
|
| 77,265 348,139 178,387 (18,013) 229,004 |
|
| 461,713 584,962 456,882 - 589,793 |
|
| Balance b/fwd Incoming resources Outgoing resources Transfers Balance c/fwd |
|
| 342,491 223,151 234,743 53,549 384,448 |
|
| 9,500 44,000 - (53,500) - 2,987 100 - - 3,087 8,031 - 2,166 - 5,865 - 97,651 79,880 - 17,771 15,028 21,736 14,081 - 22,683 |
|
| 35,546 163,487 96,127 (53,500) 49,406 |
|
| 3,000 2,000 2,000 - 3,000 3,278 - 3,278 - - 1,226 - 1,226 - - 750 - 750 - - - 4,200 4,200 - - - 4,155 1,811 - 2,344 10,000 - 561 - 9,439 - 2,000 2,000 - - - 2,070 2,070 - - |
|
| 18,254 14,425 17,896 - 14,783 |
20
Open Country
(Charity Number 1107331)
| Notes to the accounts for the | year ended 31st March 2024 |
|---|---|
| Grocer’s charity Ninevah 29th May 1961 D’Oyly Carte Total conservation Conservation Mental Health Leeds Hospital Total Restricted Funds Total Funds Two Ridings Hey Smile NYCC locality Whitwam Family Miscellaneous 2023 Restricted funds continued |
739 - 739 - - 3,667 - 3,667 - - - 3,000 3,000 - - - 3,000 - - 3,000 Balance b/fwd Incoming resources Outgoing resources Transfers Balance c/fwd |
| 4,406 6,000 7,406 - 3,000 |
|
| 2,083 12,500 14,583 - - |
|
| - 4,913 - - 4,913 8,079 - 8,030 (49) - 1,058 2,000 3,058 - - - 5,163 - - 5,163 |
|
| 9,137 12,076 11,088 (49) 10,076 |
|
| 69,426 208,488 147,100 (53,549) 77,265 |
|
| 411,917 431,639 381,843 - 461,713 |
11.2 Transfer between funds
As permitted by the Charity SORP (FRS102), tangible fixed assets of £18,013 (2023: 53,500) have been transferred from restricted to unrestricted funds. These assets were purchased from grants or donations which were restricted funds but are now held for a general and not a restricted purpose. During the year, the trustees transferred £50,000 from General funds to a new designated fund to support the establishment of a new Middlesborough Hub.
21
Open Country
(Charity Number 1107331)
31st March 2024
Notes to the accounts for the year ended
11.3 Details of Funds Held
Unrestricted Funds General
The general fund is unrestricted and available for general purposes.
Unrestricted Funds Designated
An unrestricted fund designated by the trustees to develop and operate our outreach project in Middlesborough.
Restricted Funds
The restricted funds are only available for the purposes specified for each fund, which are:
Minibuses
A fund reflecting grants and donations received for the acquisition of minibuses in future periods.
H. Catley
A fund to finance or subsidise breaks.
Awards for All
Big Lottery funding towards ‘adventure’ weekend trips.
Community Fund
National Lottery Community funding to provide a range of activities in the Wakefield district.
Wild about Wakefield
To fund a project officer and activities in Wakefield.
Activities
Grants contributing towards the running of tandem clubs,walking groups and other activities.
Conservation
Grants contributing towards the costs of conservation activities and biodiversity projects.
Miscellaneous
Grants for breakfree packs, allotment project & IT equipment.
22
Open Country
(Charity Number 1107331)
Notes to the accounts for the year ended
31st March 2024
12 Net assets between funds
| Balances at 31st March 2023 Fixed assets Current assets Current liabilities Balances at 31st March 2024 Fixed assets Current assets Current liabilities |
Unrestricted Funds Restricted Funds Total 2024 £ £ £ 74,243 - 74,243 288,788 229,004 517,792 (2,242) - (2,242) |
|---|---|
| 360,789 229,004 589,793 |
|
| Funds Funds 2023 £ £ £ 83,260 - 83,260 303,148 77,265 380,413 (1,960) - (1,960) |
|
| 384,448 77,265 461,713 |
23