2021-03-31-accounts - Descendants

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descendants charity

29th trustees’ annual report 22/23

Registered Charity Number: 1109057

Friday 10th November 2023 Focus: Unity

www.descendants.org.uk

Contents

PAGE NO.

GE NO.
2	Contents Page
3-4	Descendants Children’s Charity
5	Descendants Management Structure
6	Chair’s Report 2023
7	Message from the Founder & Director
9-10	Education Report
11	Parent Testimonials
12	Secretary’s Report
13	Development Worker’s Report
15	Treasurer’s Report
16-17	Financial Report: Receipt and Payment Accounts
18	Ongoing and Future Projects and Events
19	Our Long Term Vision
20	Contact Us

our history

Descendants is a history and arts-focused organisation aimed at children between 4-16 years old, primarily but not exclusively of African and Caribbean descent. Our charity works to create an environment where young people are able to learn and grow together, experiencing each others diverse cultures and traditions including through mediums of art, craft, music, drama, dance and more. We take time to recognise and promote the accomplishments made by positive role models in our community from past trail blazers to the present generation’s trendsetters, with the view in mind that our young people will be the world shapers of tomorrow.

Descendants Motto

umoja - unity

Education is our right. We strive for excellence. We are talented, ambitious & gifted. We aim for the sky.

Introduction to Descendants In July 1993, the idea of establishing Descendants came from overwhelming parental response following a performance by young people of African and Caribbean descent performing together at St Vincent’s RC school in Acton, West London.

The evening made such an impact, and created such positive feedback, that the founder members of Descendants (Margaret Noel, Collette Noel, Chantel Noel, Celestina Uzoka, Lorraine Neckles, Helen Manufor and Kisha Noel) held a meeting to look into the development of a sustainable cultural group. Further research demonstrated that there was a definite need for this type of group. After another successful meeting with the group, Descendants was established in September 1993, for children of African and Caribbean descent. In 1993, the Rt. Hon. Mr Paul Boateng was approached and agreed to become our Patron. Mrs Connie Mark became our second Patron in 1998. Dr John Roberts Q.C (the first black judge in England) became our third Patron. He played an active role in the organisation and supported the achievement awards, which were re-named in his honour prior to his passing. The Achievement Awards Ceremony is now in its 18th year. Descendants since added seven additional patrons; Lennox Thomas, Camara Fearon, Sister Monica Tywang, Dr Abdullah Gulaid, Dr Jak Beula, Marcus Gayle and Kwame KweiArmah OBE.

PAGE 03

mission statement & Aims

Mission Statement Descendants’ main aims are:

To create an environment where children and young people, primarily but not exclusively of African and Caribbean descent, aged 4-18 years, can learn together to appreciate each other’s cultures and traditions.
To instil in them a sense of identity and to develop a true sense of pride in their heritage
To engage with children, young people and parents
To engage with schools on aspects of heritage, culture and black history
To develop partnerships with organisations that work directly with children of African and Caribbean descent.
To establish and develop links with the wider community
To establish links with Africa and the Caribbean. To counteract negative images of the black community portrayed by the media, by promoting our achievements and positive achievements.
To tell the forgotten stories, and promote the wealth of accomplishments of black people who have led the way in science, in maths, in technology, in many instances, being the first!

To promote accurate and honest world history.

At Descendants we aim to encourage children and young people who attend Descendants to:

develop a sense of pride in their abilities
develop self-confidence, with a ‘Can do attitude’
develop knowledge of their history and ancestry
appreciate the wealth of achievements accomplished by their ancestors
celebrate the achievements of positive role models in the community today be ambitious and aim high - the sky’s the limit!
play their part in developing the community

PAGE 04

descendants management structure

Descendants Trustees

Margaret Noel, Founder & Director Denise Charles, Chair Chantel Noel-Morris, Vice Chair & Education Advisor Janet (Mitchell) Amara, Secretary & Special Needs Advisor Celestina Uzoka, Vice-Treasurer & Health and Safety Officer Elaine Beresford, Safeguarding Officer Collette Noel, Dance Director & Special Education Advisor

Divanio Crooks, Finance Advisor

Descendants Patrons

Rt. Hon. Lord Paul Boateng Camara Fearon Sister Monica Tywang Dr Abdullah Gulaid Dr Jak Beula Marcus Gayle Kwame Kwei-Armah OBE

Past Deceased Patrons

Dr John Anthony Roberts QC CBE Lennox Thomas Connie Marks B.E.M MBE

Management Committee

Berenice Miles, Education Advisor Carolene Hinds, Dance Director Wendy James, Committee Member Saffiah Noel-Tracey, Social Media Advisor

( All of the Trustees with the exception of Divanio Crooks, form part of the management committee).

Descendants Staff

Youth Ambassadors

Saffiah Noel-Tracey Markell Charles-Bailey Tatiana- Paris Gaillard-Morris Yethrib Mohamed James Noel Jaquam Tobin Celine Amara Jaydon Coombes Goodfellow Michaela Beresford Lady Gabrielle Ashong

Grace Lourie, Administrative Officer Debra Weston-Collinson, Development Worker

Volunteers

Grace Baker, administrative assistant Zoe Jourdain, Excel Club session worker Catherine Kwamya, parent volunteer

chair’s report 2023

Descendants has a distinguished history of creating a safe environment for children and young people, where they can engage each other’s cultures and traditions. We instil a sense of identity and develop a sense of pride in the children’s rich heritage. We collaborate with schools and develop partnerships with organisations working for the benefit of African and Caribbean children. We foster community cohesion. The evolving landscape of the nonprofit sector necessitates a forward-looking approach.

This report is intended to assist Descendants in preparing for the future by identifying potential trends, opportunities, and challenges.

Descendants will continue to collaborate with other organisations that can magnify impact for young people and children in the Ealing Borough and beyond. We actively seek out partnerships with organisations sharing similar missions and values to increase participation in all projects that Descendants hosts.

Descendants is actively looking to secure its own space/property that we can call home, where we will have an office, storage, space for the various projects Descendants runs, and a space to sell Descendants merchandise. This would ensure that Descendants continues to support children, young people and parents for another 30 years and longer.

This year Descendants is celebrating its 30th anniversary (1993-2023). Descendants has been nominated for and won a variety of awards, great recognition of all the great work it has done in the past 30 years.

Acquisition International, Non-Profit Organisation Awards

Descendants was nominated for 1 award

Most Inspirational Youth Children’s Charity 2023 - Winners

Young Ealing Foundation Awards

Descendants was nominated for 2 awards in the Creative Project of the Year category.

Pitzhanger Creative Project - Certificate

Paxton House – Parallel Lives, Worlds Apart – Winners.

Ealing Community Network

Descendants was nominated for 3 awards.

Small Charity Big Impact
Charity Champion
Lifetime Achievement – Winner Margaret Noel

I express my sincere gratitude and thanks to all stakeholders, including board members, staff, donors, volunteers, and the community at large.

“I have discovered in life that there are ways of getting almost anywhere you want to go, if you really want to go.” Langston Hughes

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Denise Charles
Chair
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Message from the founder & director

This is a momentous year for Descendants, as we celebrate our 30th year of operation. Descendants has provided an irreplaceable and longstanding service to our community.

During our 30-year history Descendants has achieved many firsts and has been notably recognised for our presence and impact within the community. An example being that one of our biggest achievements was receiving the Queen’s Award for Voluntary Services (2019). Descendants was run entirely by dedicated volunteers for over 28 years. We are truly honoured to have united with members of the community who share our vision for the future generations. To date, the commendations for our youth-focused work have continued, as Descendants accomplished numerous achievements in 2023 with pride in our hearts.

Descendants has continued to thrive and introduced a new way of working online in response to the Covid pandemic. Our online projects have seen children and young people joining in from across the UK and overseas. In addition, Descendants have hosted several events commemorating our 30th anniversary. We started off the year with our volunteers having tea with the Rt. Hon. Lord Boateng at the House of Lords. We created a space for reflection to look back at where Descendants has come from and where we are heading in an online reunion of past and present members, friends, supporters and the community. We maintained our involvement in local projects such as the New Gen Festival and facilitated a variety of creative projects which have resulted in exhibitions, showcases and public installations. The Chair and Director were also invited to tea with the leader of Ealing Council, Peter Mason. This meeting was profound! Together, we discussed the lasting legacy of the African and Caribbean community in Ealing; this has led to exciting opportunities that will mark some of our trailblazers from this Community.

Annual Dr John Roberts QC CBE Achievement Awards

In 2005 Descendants established the Annual Young People Achievement Awards in the Borough of Ealing, which has since been renamed in 2015 in honour of Descendants late Patron Dr John Anthony Roberts, QC CBE. The Annual Achievement Awards have gone from strength to strength. We have heard phenomenal reports from the primary, secondary and special schools in the Borough of Ealing of where young people of African and Caribbean descent are excelling and we have witnessed hundreds of inspirational, talented, and gifted children being publicly recognised and applauded for their achievements and attainments. This year marked the 18th award ceremony at the Double Tree by Hilton. We are looking at the potential of developing the awards ceremonies nationally.

This year has certainly been one to remember and we still have so much planned.I would like to take the opportunity to thank our sponsors and supporters, those who have believed in the benefit of the work we do. I pay tribute to all the wonderful volunteers, without their dedication, passion and selflessness, Descendants would not be where it is today.

Thank you all.

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Margaret Noel
Founder & Director
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'14 lJpVY.- "CELE DEDICATED TO INSPIRING YOUNG PEOPLE & OUR COMMUNITY Jj. YIKE ' J

education report

2022- 2023, Descendants 30th Anniversary year, has been another bumper year of activities and projects for Descendants, both in terms of its Excel club and its Friday sessions.

Friday Club

The year began in September 22 with our project called ‘Who Inspires Me’. The young people were encouraged to think about what good learning looks like and what they need to do to be successful and improve their performance, both in the home and at school. The children learnt about a number of Black British inspirational people both in history and in the present. They had the chance to meet and ask questions to several inspirational young Black British people all the while considering what it takes to be successful.

In the run up to Remembrance Day, we covered the Black contributions to the World Wars and introduced them to some heroes who contributed to the war effort, including past patron Connie Mark. Some of the children had not known that any Black people had played a part in the wars and were unaware of regiments of men signing up from both the Caribbean and Africa, as well as other places around the world. The children were encouraged to ask questions to family members to establish if any of their relatives had links to the war effort, which they then shared amongst the group.

They also learnt about some famous and some not so famous Black inventors and scientists, including Kayisha Payne, Marian Croak, Mae Jemison and John Edmonstone, to name a few. They made their own inventions to help the environment and baked sweet potato pudding in honour of George Washington Carver, following a Levi Roots recipe and led by professional chef Denise Charles, our Chair.

In January, with thoughts of new year resolutions, the young people of Descendants were gifted a complimentary workshop from ‘Born with a Gift’ founder, Descendants Alumna, Careeta Robert- Green, where they were encouraged to explore and embrace their ‘gifts’. Careeta is one of the youngest, black, female, certified life coaches in the UK. It’s always a pleasure when past Alumni come to share their experiences and expertise with the young people. The children were extremely motivated by what they heard and got a lot from the session, as did those parents who were working alongside their children. We hope to work with Careeta in the not too distant future.

In parallel to the coronation of HRH King Charles 111, the children explored what coronations look like in other parts of the world, including the coronation of Asante and Zulu kings and queens. They were also introduced to Queen Charlotte of GB and Ireland, wife of King George 111, who had black heritage. They were able to compare and contrast the ceremonies to that they witnessed in the UK in 2023 and to understand that they too stem from a people rich in culture and steeped in history, fostering pride in their heritage.

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eDUCATION REPORT

In June, we began to mark the 75th anniversary of the arrival of the Empire Windrush. The children were taken back in time to what life was like for those arriving. They explored life in the UK in the 50’s and 60’s and the reception those who arrived met. They heard stories from visiting guests about their experiences and journeys to the UK and were able to interview them, asking searching questions. They were introduced to the concept of the Barrel Children, those who were left behind by their parents. The children were fascinated to learn what it was like and marvelled at the décor of Caribbean households of that era. They were also saddened to learn of the reception many of the people arriving met. When asked why it was important to remember the Windrush generation they had very profound responses.

As always during our sessions opportunities to consolidate things being learnt in school are added where appropriate. Opportunities for cooking, dancing and listening to music from various regions in Africa are also utilised, as well as museum visits and lessons from visiting specialist teachers. Sessions are enlivened by quizzes, games and stories, and there is the opportunity for the young people to discuss issues together. Our sessions have been attended by children online, with children joining from as far as Shropshire and Hertfordshire, as well as several London boroughs.

Excel Club

Descendants Excel Club, which launched in 2021 has continued to grow from strength to strength. This is a midweek in-person program of activities aimed at supporting children with maths, English and science. It has been very well received and attended by families in the local community. It has become quite apparent that there is a definite need for this kind of supplementary education in the local community. This term the Excel children are doing a project called ‘The Grip’, based around Windrush 75, they are exploring all things Windrush with local artist Candace Sobers.

Half term projects and projects with collaborative establishments have also taken place including works with Pitzhanger Manor, Ealing community network and Young Ealing foundation.

As always, our sessions are run by volunteers who kindly give up their time to ensure the next generation get the best start in life. We would like to appeal to anyone who thinks they may like to volunteer at either our midweek or Friday sessions to put themselves forward to help with this most rewarding role.

Report prepared by Chantel Noel on behalf of the Descendants Education Team

Chantel Noel Vice Chair/Curriculum Lead

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Parent Testimonial: Jaya

“Thank You Descendants. My son and his school friend had a great time and they have been singing the coconut woman song both during their travels and at home. Our family are grateful to have access to the Descendants school and have been engaging with the project since we came out of the lockdown. Having access to Descendants school entitles my 7 year old son to resources about his roots and culture. At Descendnats my son has an opportunity to to learn his culture amongst children from varying backgrounds, in a safe space, surrounded by a team of passionate, knowledgable, approachable and nurturing tachers. I sometimes feel that I fall short with the knowledge of my culture, however the Descendants school help me to piece the roots together, putting me in an empowered position to know more one step at a time. I felt proud to take my small family to the finale. It was most interesting to have a conversation after the show with my white British/Spanish husband about his takeaways from the show. My son’s dad was perplexed as to why the registration documents of the windrush generation of so many people were lost! How could this happen? The collaboration between Descendants and Action for Race Equality triggered genuine conversation , curiosity, knowledge and insight. When asked what my son’s 2 favourite things about the Descendants half-term club project was, he said “playing with the turtle puppet and acting”

Parents Testimonial:

“Thank You Descendants. When you think they are not listening or impressed by what they’ve seen, they are! And they surprise you when you least expect it by emulating the important examples and teachings you’ve delivered in class...we had just finished a trip to Tower Bridge when he stopped to take in the scene and draw the skyline using his souvenir notepad. He spoke fondly about Stephen Wiltshire whilst he sketched away”

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Secretary’s Report

What an exceptional year! 2023 marks the 75th year of arrivals from Caribbean islands on the Empire Windrush coinciding with Descendants celebrating 30 years of being established as a charity. Also, it is the 18th anniversary of the Dr John Roberts QC CBE Annual Achievement Awards. At the time of writing this, we are celebrating October-Black History Month. Throughout our 30th year, there were numerous opportunities to reflect upon accomplishments of goals, expectations and memories of our personal journeys. Collectively, we have come a long way. Congratulations Descendants! I would like to thank committee members, volunteers for their hard work and efforts and commend all children who participate in clubs, arts and history lessons. We reflected upon the impacts and advancements of children who benefited from our charity’s vision, many going on to inspire others, gaining confidence or validation of their unique abilities. Knowledge of our history empowers us to improve our futures.

As a committee, we have grown in numbers. This year, we welcomed Divanio Crooks, Saffiyah Noel, Wendy James, Grace Lourie (Administrative Officer) and Debra WestonCollinson (Development Worker) to the team. Margaret Noel (Founder) and Denise Charles (Chair), we truly appreciate your inspirational leadership, diligence, initiative and commitment. Also, acknowledging Kwame Kwei-Armah, our new patron, Sister Monica and Dr Jak Beula for always supporting and promoting Descendants.

As secretary, I am delighted to share Descendants’ contributions to the wider community; triumphs and achievements were recognised. In May, we were nominated for the Best Charity of the Year Non-Profit Organisation Award by Acquisition International. Last month, we were absolutely overjoyed, when after years of pure determination and abundant nominations Margaret Noel, our Founder was recognised for a Life Time Achievement Award.

Monthly Highlights since the last Annual General Meeting:

December 2022 - Invite to The Houses of Parliament in Westminster, which included a tour by Rupa Huq. Descendants children met and took a group photograph with Theresa May, former Prime Minister.
February 2023 - Pitzhanger Creative Project- 23 children designed African inspired art and self-portraits which was displayed for public viewing in the Museum on Windrush Day.

March 2023 - Anniversary launch

April 2023 - Descendants were given tickets to ‘For Black Boys’- a West End Show written by Ryan Calais-Cameron.
May 2023 - 30th year anniversary Zoom including Descendants’
children from the past and present. The event was hosted by Mia Morris.
July 2023 - 18th Dr John Roberts QC CBE, Annual Achievement
Awards.
August 2023 - Bournemouth Trip

Thank you once again for all your support and as a charity we look forward to progress in our 31st year and beyond.

Janet (Mitchell) Amara Secretary

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Development Worker’s Report

I am the newly appointed Development Officer for Descendants. My main role is to increase the number of young people currently using the service in the local community for inperson and online sessions. In my role as Descendants’ Development Officer, I have participated in a number of events and activities from July to date:

The 18th Annual Achievements Awards
New Gen Festival: Hosted by London Borough of Ealing. Descendants contributed dancers, front-of-house staffing and networking.
Let's Connect: with Adeboyo Bolaji. A collaborative workshop towards the final sculpture, The People’s Throne. This resulted in an unveiling at the L & Q Central Plaza Opening where Descendants hosted African drumming and artwork workshops.
L & Q Summer Festival: Supporting their summer fair with books and networking.
South Ealing Coop: Networking, raising our profile in the local community, donations were raised and a Coop Community Fund application was submitted.
Black History Month - In celebration of Sisters in Hounslow.

Part one: An all-day event meeting with other agencies and school children of the Borough of Hounslow.

Part two: Appointed facilitator for the round table discussion to steer the topic in small groups for feedback to the collective participating audience.

Black History Month - Acton Market Community Day: Networking, engaging and introducing the public to Descendants.
Black History Month Health and Well-Being Event at Wembley Stadium. Creating awareness and networking.

There have been challenges in increasing the numbers of attendees post Covid, however, I am trying to improve and increase the engagement of local children and young people over the coming months.

An average of 12 persons, were met per engagement children, parents/ careers/ agencies and facilitators with most showing an ‘expression of interest’ in collaborating with Descendants, and gaining further information through our newsletter, the remaining enthusiasts would convert to volunteers the introduction of small QR code giveaways has increased the response rate.

Building our profile for a generation to be proud of being a Descendant.

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Debra Weston-Collinson
Development Worker
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PROUD TO BE A DESCENDAN EQUIPPED TO BE THE FUTUR

treasurer’s Report

Over the past year, we have managed our income and expenditure finances effectively, despite having a low income we have remained in the black.

Descendants have received grants from various donors. We have received small donations from active members and have also received donations in kind, and monetary donations from supporters. Additionally, Descendants’ have received grants from John Lyons funding to employ our paid worker. This was approved for three-years and has now come to an end. Furthermore, Descendants Annual Achievement Awards continued to be funded by Ealing Education Department, Ealing Council.

Current State of Descendants’ Finance

Descendants’ finances remain limited.

We established another charity bank account with Metro bank, which has £13,000, this is our reserves. Our intention is to use this fund to obtain a property for Descendants to develop and grow in the future.
One of our supporters, pays a monthly PayPal donation of £5.00 to Descendants, of which we receive £4.73.
Our Annual Achievement Awards which is our biggest event in our calendar, usually does not make a profit, but we do not record a loss.
The Amazon Smile which we received donations from, has now ceased to operate. We have since put in place Easy Fundraising, and looked at a number of similar platforms that may enable supporters to donate in their lifetime.

Please see the link to donate, https://www.easyfundraising.org.uk/causes/descendants/.

Future purchases:

A shed to house Descendants’ belongings which are currently in Michaela’s garden Pay for removal of items out of Michaela’s garden
Donation to Michaela for allowing Descendants to store our items there since 2018

Wages for Staff

The reality is that if we must apply for grants if we are to maintain paid members of staff, beyond their contract. Descendants are currently paying for the staff from money in our reserves. Financially Descendants is in crisis as we cannot maintain this with our low reserves. We are actively sourcing and applying for relevant grants to maintain our staff who are very much needed and ensure our trajectory of growth.

The organisation recently completed the AMPACC Full Cost Recovery Mentoring Program with Clear Thinking Consultancy, which were sponsored by John Lyons, to do a full review of our funding. There is a scheduled report and presentation to the Trustees in November. We found the process extremely beneficial and insightful, we plan to implement what we have learnt from the process.

Descendants would welcome any voluntary help advice or support with our funding and fundraising efforts. If you are interested in becoming a regular sponsor or donor for Descendants we would greatly appreciate your investment.

A full report from our accountant will be available for inspection.

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Financial report: Receipts & Payment accounts

Descendants Receipts and Payments Accounts for year ended 31 March 2023

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Notes 2023 2022
Opening Bank Balance: 1.4.22
Cash at Bank 1 49,197 26,896
Cash at Bank 2 13,000 -
62,197 26,896
Receipts:
Grants
Tuck & Subs - -
LBE Restricted Grant 5,000 16,143
AAC Awards - 470.00
John Lyons Charity Restricted Grant 30,250 37,500
Donation/Book Sale 16,240 7,363
- -
Transfer from Savings Account
Total Receipts 51,490 61,476
Payments:
Salary/ENIC 15,931 22,069
Rent & Rates/Room Hire 4,339 3,477
- -
Heat & Light
Telephone, Postage & Website - 592
Achievement Awards Ceremony 6,143 4,289
Office Printing/Stationery/Photocopying 1,495 1,911
Donations/Refund/Black History Month 260 4,307
Accountancy, AGM & Insurance 1,175 225
Transport, Travel/ Training & Vol Exp 81 163
Other Expenses/ Paxton House 1,040 910
Computers, etc. 616 810
Petty Cash 100 400
Refund/Transfers - 20.00
Total Payment 31,179 39,173
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Financial report: Receipts & Payment accounts

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Net Receipts/ (payments) 7,311 22,303
Balance Brought Forwards - 1.4.22 49,197 26,894
Balance Carried Forwards - 31.3.23 56,508 49,197
Closing Balances:- 31.3.23
Cash at Bank 1 43,508 49,197
Cash at Bank 2 13,000 -
- -
Cash at Bank 56,508 49,197
- -
Cash in Hand (Petty Cash)
56,508 49,197
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Descendants Statement of Assets and Liabilities
As at 31 March 2023
Notes 2023 2022
Current Asset £ £
Cash at Bank 56,508 26,894
- -
Debtors/Prepayment
56,508 26,894
Current Liabilities
Creditors - Accurals - -
Accountancy Fees 500 450
500 450
Total Asset Less Current Liabilities 56,008 26,444
Represented by Funds: 56,008 26,444
Unrestricted Funds
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2022

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January The Legacy Series: Chapter 3
Week of Culture Half Term
February
Project
Excel Club and Online Friday
March
Club
Excel Club and Online Friday
April
Club
Excel Club and Online Friday
May
Club
Paxton House weekend visit,
June
3rd-5th June 2022
Annual Dr John Roberts QC
July
CBE Achievement Awards
September Excel Club and Our Heroes,
Excel Club and Our Heroes.
October Black History Month
Fundraising Dinner
Excel Club and Black
November contribution to WW1 and 2
Descendants AGM.
December Excel Club
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Descendants projects

2023

January Born with a Gift & Who Inspires Me February Pitzhanger Manor & Gallery Half Term Creative Project March Excel Club and Black Inventors April 30th Anniversary Reunion. Black Boys Theatre Production May Black Royalty: Coronations Celebrations and Ceremonies June 75th Anniversary of Windrush project July Annual Dr John Roberts CBE QC Achievement Awards August Bournemouth Seaside Trip September ‘The Grip’ and ‘Wonderful Me’ projects October The Grip and Spotlighting Windrush 75 Half Term Project November Kidzania Careers Fair, The Black contribution to WW1 & WW2 December Annual Christmas Lights Coach Trip

Looking ahead

Windrush Support Project with Gary Malcolm - January 2024 House of Commons tour with MP Dr Rupa Huq - 2023

30th Anniversary Celebration with Classic Cars - 26th May 2024

Tree Planting (in celebration of our 30th year and in memory of our late Patron) with Cllr Callum Anderson - 2024

Our Roots, Our Story, Our Legacy Book Relaunch - July 2024

Annual Dr John Roberts QC CBE Achievement Awards - 13th July 2024 Annual Seaside Day Trip - Summer 2024

Legacy Archiving Project with Susan Okokon - 2024

Establishing an African and Caribbean Legacy Building with Leader of the Council, Cllr Peter Mason - 2024/25

Paxton House America/Grenada Project with Billy Gerard Frank - 2024/25

Our Long Term Vision

Our last book - Our Roots, Our Story, Our Legacy, edited by the late Dr Patricia Walker, will be relaunched in 2024, working with the University of West London. Descendants will honour Dr Walker’s wishes to update the book, publicly launch and distribute the book to every school in the Borough of Ealing. Descendants are honoured to have worked with such a passionate and devoted community advocate. Not only was Dr Walker a pivotal figure to champion community development but was also a close and trusted friend of Descendants. We intend to remember her by keeping her family involved in the process.

Our dream for Descendants is to have our own designated residence. Whilst we would hope to secure some form of funding to achieve this vision, this is no small accomplishment and will require supporters, fund-raising and finding an appropriate venue. We are in contact with Ealing Council so they are aware of our ambitions in case any suitable opportunities become available. If anyone has any expertise in fundraising for this purpose, our Founder and Chair would love to hear from you.

Descendants have support from the Leader of Ealing Council, Peter Mason, to take forward and establish an African and Caribbean Centre in the Borough of Ealing and we would like your support progressing the initiative. Caribbean people have been in Ealing for decades and there is nothing in the Borough of Ealing to recognise our contribution or as a cultural centre for Ealing’s Black community. Although we acknowledge and celebrate the recognition other communities have within our community, we are looking to establish a legacy for the future generations of African and Caribbean descent.

So far, we are very proud to have worked with the council in naming four buildings named after some of our inspirational elders (who are no longer with us, listed below) which should be unveiled in the coming year.

Mr Willis Wilkie, education and community activist and a supporter of Descendants Mrs Edna Wilkie, education and community activist
Mr Cuthbert Carter, education and community activist
Mrs Magdalen Carter, education and community activist
In the coming years, we anticipate the council naming a building in honour of Mollie Angelica Hunte, education and community activist.

Are you the hidden gem that can help us take this forward and see it to fruition? We’re waiting to hear from you.

PAGE 19

www.descendants.org.uk descendantscharity@gmail.com 020 8075 5241 | 077 4588 9521 | 078 1825 1138

Acton Gardens Community Centre Unit A, Munster Court, Bollo Bridge Road Acton, London, W3 8UU

THANK YOU TO OUR DONORS / SPONSORS / PARTNERS

Descendants Flnancral Ststements for the year ended 31 March 2023 Charity Number 1109057

Descendants INDEX TO THE FINANCIAL STATEMENTS 1 April 2022 to 31 March 2023 Gon¥flnty Members of the Board and profgsslonal advisers Rèceipt & Payment ACUnt io Slalement of Assets arKI Liabilrt 11 Notes to tha Financlal Statemants 12 Membats of th• Board and professional advlsgrn

Descendants Reglstfjr Charity Name Descendants Charlty Nurnbor 11057 Truslees Descendants Trusteeslcommittee Members . Margaret Noel- Directr Denlse Charfes- Chatr . Chantel Noel - Wice Chair . Janel Mitchell Amara - Secretary . Celgstina Uzoka- Vica Treasurer . Chanltl NO8M¢)ms- EdUCatn Advisor . Berenice Miles- Educaknon Advisof . Elaine Beresf(Kd- Safeguarding OffK8r . Colette Noel- IT Advisor . Carolene Hinds- Dance Dire¢tor Regl8tered Office Acton Gard•M Communlty G•ntr• Unrt A Munster Court BO1 Bridge Road London V13 8UU Bank•rty Lh)yds TSB 160 High Str8at London W3 Independent Examlner Sonla Debor•h Rl¢hard8, AAT London Communty Accountsncy Servlces Ltd 24 Ixworth Pla( London SW3 3PX

Descendants Flnanclal Report: Receipts & Payment Accounts Descendants Recelpts and Payments Accounts for year ended 31 March 2023 Notes 2023 2022 Opening Bank Balance-. 1.4.22 Cash at Bank I 49,197 26,896 Cash at Bank 2 13,000 62,197 26,896 Receipts.. Grants Tuck & Subs LBE Restricted Grant 5,000 16,143 AAC Awards 470.CK) John Lyons Charlty Donation/Book Sale Restrlcted Grant 30,250 37,500 16,240 7,363 Transfer from Savlngs Account Total Recelpts 51,490 61,476 Payments: SalarylENIC 15,931 22,069 Rent & Rates/Room Hire 4,339 3,477 Heat & Li8ht Telephone, Postage & Webslte Achievement Award5 Ceremony Offlce Printing/Stationery/Photo copyin8 Donations/RefundlBlack History Month Accountancy, AGM & Insurance Transport, Travel/ Trainin8 & Vol Exp 592 6,143 4,289 1,495 1.911 260 4.307 1,175 225 81 163

Descendants Other Expenses/ Paxton House 910 Computers, etc. 616 810 Petty Cash RefundlTransfers 20.Crf) Total Payment Net Receipts/ Ipaymentsl Balance Brought Forwards - 1.4.22 Balance Carried Forwards- 31.3.23 Closing Balances: 31.3.23 31.179 39,173 20.311 22.303 49.197 26,894 56,508 49,197 Cash at Bank I 56.508 49,197 Cash at Bank 2 13.0 Cash at Bank 69.508 49,197 Cash In Hand (Petty Cashl 69.508 49,197

Descendants Descendants Statement of Assets and Llabllltles As at 31 March 2023 Notes 2023 2022 Current Asset Cash at Bank 69,508 26,894 Debtors/Prepayment 69,508 26,894 Current Llabllltles Creditors- Accurals Accountancy Fees 5¢XJ 450 5t)) 450 Total Asset Less Current Llabilltles 69,OD8 26,444 Represented by Funds.. 69,008 26,444 Unrestrlcted Fund5

Descendants UN•Str R•strl¢l TotAI Fund 2023 Last Y•ar 2022 Dasc8nd8nts R8c•lpts & Payments For the Yeai 31 arch 2023 R8c•lpts: Grants Tuck & Subs LB of EIr0 Achiov8ments Award Cerem(Y John Lyon$ Chanty Don8ticx) / Book Sala Translor Irom Savlrgs Account Totsl R•IPlI 16.143 470 ,250 30.2 16,240 37.500 7,363 18.240 16.240 35.250 61.476 Paymenls.. Salary l NIC Rants & Ral88 l R(n Hk• Heot & Light TeleOne. Posi8g & Wèbsite Achievements AvMr¢s ceMonY oirice PrinTrg I Stsllorwy I Photrxopylng Donations l Rthnd l Black Hi6tory Month Accountarty. AGM & Insurance Transport. Travel l Tralnlftg & Vol Exp Other EXn8¢S Computers Petty Cash Refund l Transler Totsl P•ym•nts 15,931 4,339 1S.931 22.069 3,477 592 5.583 4.289 1.7C6 1.705 1.911 4.307 1.175 1,175 225 81 81 163 910 810 400 20 1(*J 1(M) Net R•c•lpt I (Patl Balance Brought Forw8rd- 1.4.23 B8lance Cathod Forward- 31.3.24 16,240 4.070 20.310 22.303 49,197 49.197 26.894 53,260 49,197 Closlng Bafftk Bal•K. . 31.3.24 Cash * Bank 1 Cash at Bank 2 49,197 13.CQO 13,1N)O Cash at Banks 1 & 2 Cash In HaThY (Petty Cashl Totsls 69,$08 49,197 69,508 49.197

Descendants Statsmont of ass•ts and Ilabllltles As al 31 March 2023 2022 2023 Cash a8s•ts Bank accounts Petty Cash 49197 69507 49197 69507 500 Creditors Advance recaipts 600 500 600 Note8 to the accounts For lh• year •nd•d 31 March 2023 1. R8cèlpt8 & payments ac¢ounts Receipts and payments accounts are slatements that summa@ the rTKJv8m8nt of cash into and out of the charity during the financial y&ar. In this conlext "cash" iThJudes cash equivalents. for example, bank accounts where cash can be readity withdrawn to pay for debts as Ih8y become due. 2. Grants & donaUon8 Runnlng Co81 Fund Membgrships 514SKJ 51490 Cr•dltorn Accountsncy Fee Advanc8 Recelpts l Ovetpayment 4. Trustses, remuneratlon Trustees received m expensgs, Tgmun8ratwJn or benefits In this periTrJ. 5. Related party tranuGdons There has been no related pty transaclicm during th8 wiod. Thesé financial slatemerrts were approved by the members of the committee and authorised for issue. Signed on behalf of the charity trustees". Margaret Noel, Trustee..... Date..-3111124..

DesndantS Independent Examinerfs report to the trustees of Descendants 1 April 2022 to 31 March 2023 I report on the a¢¢ounts of the charity. which are set wl on pe5 9 to 11. RMp•ctfvo rn•pon•lbllltlM of tru•t•o• and •xm5n•r The charty's trustees are reswnstble for the preparation of the accounts. The charty's trustses Conser that an audil is not r8quired for thts year under seclion 144{21 of the Charities Act 2011 (thè Charities Act). they have nevertheless concluded that an indeperthnt examinat is required. It Is my responsibilty to-. examine the aceounts under sect)n 145 of the Charities Ad 2011, lo follow the procedures laid dNn in the 9erral Dir0cln$ gwen by thè Charity CommisBion lunder $oction 14515llbl of the Charitw Act, and to state whether particular mattefa have rne to my attention. Ba818 of Indepondont oxamln•rf8 r•port My examination was camed out in accortsnce th general directDns grven by the Charity Commission. An examination includ66 a miew of the accounting record8 kept by the ch8rty and a eompanson of the accounts presented wrth those records. 11 also Includes consthron of any unusual items or disclosurgs in the accounts. and 8eaking explanations from Ihe tru8te88 concèming any Such matter8. The procedur88 undertaken do not provJe all the ev#Jence that wtsjhj b8 required in an audrt. and eonsoquently no opinion 1$ 9iv8n as lo whether the accounts present a 'lrue and fairf vW and the rep)rt limited lo tho88 matters t out in thé ststemenl belch¥. Ind•p•nd•nt •x•mln•tr• •lat•m•nt In ConneCtn wrth my examinats"on. no matter has come lo my attention whth gives me reasonable cause lo b•lieve that in, any material re¥*rt the requirements.. to keep accounting re¢ord$ in &cordarKe wrth sectn 130 of the ChaTrtth Act. and to pr8par8 accounts which accord with tho accounb.ng rKords and c¢)mply with the accounting requir•menls of the Charities A£t hove not beer¢ met., or lo whth, in my opinion. attention should te drawn in ordw to enabKry a proper understanding of the aeeounts to be reached. Sign Sonia Deborah Rlchard8. AAT London Communty h£CntanCY Services Lkl 24 Ixworth Place London Slm 3PX

Descendants Flnancral Ststements for the year ended 31 March 2023 Charity Number 1109057