BUSHEY AND DISTRICT U3A ANNUAL REPORT 2024-2025
Year ended 31 March 2025 Charity Commission Registration Number 1109042
Content
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Introduction and Trustees
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Treasurer’s Report
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Bank Account Summary
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Study Groups Accounts
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Assets and Liabilities
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Independent Examiners Report
1. Introduction and Trustees
The University of the Third Age (U3A) is recognised as one of the most successful countrywide selfhelp organisations offering educational and social opportunities to the older generation.
The Bushey and District U3A has around 750 members who are paying an annual subscription of £20 for the year 2024-25. Bushey and District U3A is constituted as an unincorporated association and a copy of our Constitution is available to all our members on our website. Our objects are the advancement of education and, in particular, the education of older people and those who are no longer in full time employment by providing activities conducive to learning and personal development in Bushey, Hertfordshire and its surrounding locality.
Our finances continue to remain in a healthy state. Our policy is to maintain reserves at an appropriate level in order to ensure the ability to replace equipment and fund other U3A requirements as required, without recourse to our members.
The Committee has regard to the Charity Commission’s Guidance on public benefit determining the activities undertaken by the association. Our charitable objects have been set to ensure we benefit the public and in particular retired and semi-retired people. In determining the range of Study Groups we provide, the Committee has due regard as to how a Study Group will improve the education and well-being of older members. Drawing on the skills, knowledge and experiences of its members, Bushey & District U3A provides around 55 Study Groups covering a wide variety of interests including, language, music, art, computing, science and educational visits/travel as well as other activities that focus on exercise and physical wellbeing. We have general Monthly Meetings when all members are welcome and can receive news items as well as listen to guest speakers on a variety of subjects. We benefit from close liaison with other local U3As where ideas and problem solving are shared.
We produce a monthly Newsletter which is e-mailed to all members. This gives the membership the opportunity to enrol for forthcoming educational visits and receive Study Group news. Our website is also regularly updated and gives details of forthcoming events and access to documents and other matters relating to Bushey and District U3A.
As ambassadors of continuing education, our aim is to encourage our U3A members to pursue a wide range of learning experiences at affordable costs thus ensuring that all the benefits are available to everyone.
The Committee is elected in accordance with the Constitution by the membership at the AGM, or if needed an EGM. It meets monthly throughout the year. The Committee may in addition appoint not more than two co-opted members until the next AGM. All Committee members are charity trustees.
The Committee at 31 March 2025
Officers (also Trustees)
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Chairman Andrew Gunton
Vice Chair Ann Wright
Treasurer Richard Lampert
Interest Group Co-ordinator Gillian Freed
Membership Secretary Marilyn Apple
Business Secretary Susan Galan
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Committee members (also Trustees)
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Speaker Secretary Raglan Sanders
Minutes Secretary & Stephanie Benjamin
Newsletter Compilation
Audio Systems Manager Tony Baron
Co-opted Committee members
Events & Outings Group Denise Rickwood
Equipment Manager Laurie Steel
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Andrew Gunton, Chair
2. Treasurer’s Report
I have now completed a full year as your treasurer and have also taken over the duties of treasurer for the various groups.
The Accounts for the year ended 31st March 2025, presented in the following pages, have been independently examined by Peter Breward. A deficit of £7,472 for the year on the main account has left an accumulated surplus of £11,003.
The main reason for the deficit was the 25th Anniversary tea that cost £5,453.
We currently have 755 members.
Gift Aid continues to provide additional income of just under £4 for each registered member, so if you are a UK tax payer and are not currently registered with our membership secretary, please speak to her at your convenience. However, please also note that if you cease to be a UK tax payer we need to be informed as we will then be unable to legally claim the tax benefit.
Peter Breward has confirmed that he is happy to remain as our independent examiner for the coming financial year.
Richard Lampert September 2025
3. Bank Account Summary
4. Study Groups Accounts to 31 March 2025
5. Assets and Liabilities
6. Independent Examiners Report
INDEPENDENT EXAMINER’S REPORT TO THE TRUSTEES OF BUSHEY AND DISTRICT U3A ON THE ACCOUNTS
FOR THE YEAR ENDED 31st MARCH 2025
I report on the accounts of the charity for the year ended 31st March 2025 which are set out on the attached pages.
Respective responsibilities of trustees and examiner
The trustees are responsible for the preparation of the accounts.
The charity’s trustees consider that an audit is not required for this year (under section 144(2) of the Charities Act 2011 (the Charities Act), and that an independent examination is needed.
It is my responsibility to:
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Examine the accounts (under section 145 of the Charities Act)
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To follow the procedures laid down in General Directions given by the Charities Commissioners (under section 145(5)(b) of the Charities Act, and
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To state whether particular matters have come to my attention.
Basis of independent examiner’s statement
My examination was carried out in accordance with the General Directions given by the Charity Commission. An examination includes a review of the accounting records kept by the charity, and a comparison of the accounts presented with those records. It also includes consideration of any unusual items or disclosures in the accounts and seeking explanation from the trustees concerning any such matters. The procedures undertaken do not provide all the evidence that would be required in an audit, and consequently I do not express an audit opinion on whether the accounts present a “true and fair” view and the report is limited to those matters set out in the statement below.
Independent Examiner’s Statement
In the course of my examination, no matter has come to my attention
- which gives me reasonable cause to believe that in any material respect, the trustees have not met the requirements to ensure that:
i proper accounting records are kept (in accordance with section 130 of the Charities Act, and
ii accounts are prepared which agree with the accounting records and comply with the accounting requirements of the Charities Act, or
- to which, in my opinion, attention should be drawn to enable a proper understanding of the accounts to be reached.
Peter Breward, Independent Examiner
8 Homefield Road, Radlett, Herts, WD7 8PY
Date: September 2025