Company registration number: 06031955 Charity registration number: 1117698
The Meeting House Arts Centre Limited
(A company limited by guarantee)
Annual Report and Financial Statements for the Year Ended 31 January 2025
Mitchams Chartered Accountants 1 Cornhill Ilminster Somerset TA19 0AD
The Meeting House Arts Centre Limited
Contents
| Reference and Administrative Details | 1 |
|---|---|
| Trustees' Report | 2 to 10 |
| Statement of Trustees' Responsibilities | 11 |
| Independent Examiner's Report | 12 to 13 |
| Statement of Financial Activities | 14 to 15 |
| Balance Sheet | 16 |
| Notes to the Financial Statements | 17 to 32 |
The Meeting House Arts Centre Limited
Reference and Administrative Details Chairman Mrs J A Manley Trustees Mr A Hyde Dr A Yates Mr J A Saw Mrs J A Manley Mrs G Arrowsmith Mrs B Wood Charity Registration Number 1117698 Company Registration Number 06031955 The charity is incorporated in England and Wales. Registered Office The Meeting House Arts Centre East Street Ilminster Somerset TA19 0AN Independent Examiner Mitchams Chartered Accountants 1 Cornhill Ilminster Somerset TA19 0AD Bankers Triodos Bank Brunel House 11 The Promenade Bristol BS8 3NN
Page 1
The Meeting House Arts Centre Limited
Trustees' Report
The trustees, who are directors for the purposes of company law, present the annual report together with the financial statements of the charitable company for the year ended 31 January 2025.
Chairman's report
Having carried out a thorough review of all income and expenditure in 2023/24 we have made some significant changes which the Board feel will have a positive impact on the Centre for the future. A space review has allowed for more hall rentals and higher market rate leasing of the cafe in the charity's wholly owned subsidiary, The Meeting House Cafe Limited, resulting in a donation to support the Arts Centre's expenses.
Our income levels have improved, being £121,061 compared to £116,425 last year. This is mainly due to increases in our charitable operating contribution with significant growth in most areas, except donations and fund raising which will be reviewed. More details on our achievements and outcomes are set out on the following pages.
While these results are promising, it remains essential to proactively seek additional income streams considering rising costs and significant energy expenses, as well as ongoing maintenance challenges.
Looking ahead, we are committed to building upon this momentum by seeking out new partnerships and exploring innovative programming. Strengthening community enjoyment remains at the heart of our mission and we will continue to support engagement in the arts through a wide range of activities including workshops, exhibitions and concerts.
The trustees would like to thank our manager Bryony and finance officer Kate for their commitment and ongoing contribution and of course our wonderful volunteers without whom we would not be able to operate.
On a personal level, I would like to thank the trustees for their continued help and support over the past year.
We look forward positively onto 2025/26 and will ensure that the Arts Centre remains a welcoming and dynamic hub of the community in what has been and remains a challenging time for the arts.
......................................... Mrs J A Manley Chairman
Page 2
The Meeting House Arts Centre Limited
Trustees' Report
Location and premises
The Meeting House Arts Centre is housed in the beautiful old Unitarian Meeting House, a Grade 2 listed building, close to the centre of Ilminster, Somerset. The building has an important place in the history of the town as it was built in 1710 ‘for worship by dissenters’ following the Act of Toleration. For this reason, it is a quiet resolve of the Arts Centre to keep the building open and available to the public. The local Tourist Information Centre operates from the premises April to October. The lease on the building expires in 2031.
This wonderful building has probably one of the best gallery spaces in the area and the acoustics in the main hall, with the intimacy of its atmosphere, make it possibly the best space for small concerts and chamber music in the whole of Somerset, Dorset and Devon.
Ilminster is an ancient market town midway between Taunton and Yeovil. The Art Centre’s catchment area encompasses not only other local market towns and the many villages around but also draws people from as far away as Cornwall, Devon and counties further afield.
Trustees and officers
The trustees and officers serving during the year and since the year end were as follows:
Trustees: Mr A J B Nares (resigned 31 July 2024) Mr A Hyde Mr N Tinson (resigned 31 July 2024) Dr W A Shepherd (resigned 31 July 2024) Dr A Yates Ms J A Rouse (resigned 31 March 2025) Mr J A Saw Mrs J A Manley Mrs G Arrowsmith (appointed 1 February 2024) Mrs B Wood (appointed 18 August 2025) Chairman: Mrs J A Manley
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The Meeting House Arts Centre Limited
Trustees' Report
Objectives and activities
Objectives and aims
The purpose of the charity is to educate the public in the studying and appreciation of the visual and performing arts by provision for the public benefit of exhibitions, displays, workshops, classes, groups, concerts, entertainments and in all other means which in the opinion of the trustees further the said aims.
Our mission is to develop Ilminster Arts Centre as a place for people of all ages to meet – a facility for the community and visitors, to raise their awareness of the arts – whether by taking part in a workshop, attending a concert, or just visiting the Arts Centre, browsing around an exhibition, the craft area or enjoying a coffee or lunch in our cafe.
Our vision is of an imaginative, adventurous and valued programme of arts and entertainment activities that meets the needs and develops the tastes and expectations of local people and visitors to the county. This will involve promoting understanding through involvement and education, developing community cohesion through participation in the arts and building relationships with artists and communities.
We aim to ensure that we work with high levels of accountability, inclusivity and sustainability. We actively encourage democracy and accessibility to decision-making and are keen to investigate more effective ways of doing this. We also wish to promote a clear and shared vision of the Centre’s aims and values.
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The Meeting House Arts Centre Limited
Trustees' Report
Objectives, strategies and activities
Performances:
The decision to widen our musical offering to include other genres has seen increased ticket sales and a new wider audience who have responded positively to the changes in programming. We have also continued our collaboration with Concerts in The West who provide our classical element introducing new young musicians.
Audiences are drawn from a wide area across the Southwest as well as our more local populace. Our concerts are seen locally as being a major attraction within the community and by musicians as one of the best venues they visit, some say it is their favourite venue at which to perform. As our performance events are a vital source of funding for the Arts Centre, we continually monitor and survey our audience demographic.
Workshops:
Our aim is to engage as many people as possible from our local community in the arts and host a varied programme ranging from one day to six week courses which are aimed at all levels from beginners to more advanced artists looking to improve their skills.
The Gallery:
The Gallery provides an opportunity for up to 12 exhibitions a year showcasing amazing work from leading artists, sculptors and craft makers. Additionally, we put together two mixed exhibitions of 10 artists unknown to each other, to give emerging artists the chance to display their artwork in a supportive environment. Exhibition space is also made available each year to local schools to exhibit the work of pupils and students. The age range is from young children in Reception Class to A level students in their final year.
Annually we hold an ‘Open Exhibition’ sponsored by Branston Ltd, a local firm. This is a judged exhibition giving West Country artists, in all mediums, the opportunity to exhibit and be chosen to participate in a prize winners’ exhibition to start off the New Year. The competition also gives visitors the chance to select their favourite artist to join other winners in the prize winners’ exhibition, as well as generating fundraising income.
At Christmas, for the month of December, the Gallery is used to display the creative work of West Country crafts people to provide an added opportunity to generate fundraising income from visitors shopping for Christmas gifts.
The craft display area:
The craft section of the Arts Centre provides a platform for local makers to showcase their expertise. We have a constantly changing display featuring around 50 makers, all from the Southwest. Their work includes pottery, wood, silk, jewellery, glass, organic soap and candles and much more. We also display the work of approximately 45 card artists.
The income generated from sales enables makers to survive and continue to develop their skills and techniques. Visitors to the Arts Centre are delighted to find unique handmade items whilst supporting our local artisans.
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The Meeting House Arts Centre Limited
Trustees' Report
Public benefit
In shaping our objectives for the year and planning our activities, the trustees have considered the Charity Commission’s guidance on public benefit, including the guidance ‘public benefit: running a charity (PB2)’. The Arts Centre relies on the income from fees and charges to cover its operating costs. Affordability and access to our activities is important to us and is reflected in our pricing policy, set out in detail later in this report.
We collaborate closely with various local organisations, businesses and community groups to ensure the widest possible benefit from our services. We have a strong relationship with Ilminster Town Council, hosting their monthly meetings and participating in local events such as the annual Town Criers event and Christmas Lights switch on.
In addition, we partner with local cultural groups such as Green Ilminster and the Ilminster Literary Society, providing our facilities for talks and events and hosting an annual concert in support of the literary festival.
The trustees confirm that they have complied with the requirements of section 17 of the Charities Act 2011 to have due regard to the public benefit guidance published by the Charity Commission for England and Wales.
Our pricing policy
Our pricing policy reflects our mission to create ‘a place for people of all ages to meet – a facility for the community and visitors, to raise their awareness of the arts’. There is no entrance charge to the Arts Centre, enabling all members of our community free access to our art exhibitions and craft display area, five days a week. The trustees strongly believe that the Arts Centre should be self-sufficient as far as possible, but in the changed post Covid world, they recognise the need to apply for grants to cover operating costs, where available.
Ticket prices to our concerts vary between £16 and £22. We host 8 classical concerts per year organised by Concerts in The West, which normally have a ticket price of £18 to £20.
Our adult workshops vary from £20 to £45 for a half day, or £30 to £60 for a full day. There are also six-week courses available. We also hold children's workshops during school holidays, which are non-profit making, but are considered to be a vital part of our inclusivity policy.
Artists exhibiting in our gallery pay a variable fee per exhibition, plus the Art Centre also receives 30% of the value of any sales of artwork. To view details of our programme and prices visit our website www.themeetinghouse.org.uk.
Use of volunteers
The Arts Centre is very involved in the community and relies heavily on voluntary help; over 60 volunteers help with welcoming visitors to the Arts Centre, stewarding the gallery and performances, setting up for concerts and running our bar, organising and hanging our exhibitions and managing our craft display area. We also have a team who maintain our gardens and outside areas. Our volunteer labour is essential to the continuing success and sustainability of the Arts Centre.
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The Meeting House Arts Centre Limited
Trustees' Report
Achievements and performance
Having reviewed and refreshed our income streams the previous year, we are seeing significant growth in most areas and will continue to monitor this to make sure it delivers what is needed in the community. We’re also grateful to all those who have helped us put on fundraising activities throughout the year such as our very popular quiz nights and fund-raising concerts and talks.
Charitable activities are reflected within the key income categories as follows:-
Performances:
£51,676 compared to £39,560 the previous year.
Gallery:
£16,420 compared to £12,163 the previous year.
Workshops:
£17,256 compared to £13,522 the previous year.
Craft shop and hall hire:
£15,442 compared to £12,765 the previous year.
Fundraising activities:
£1,638 compared to £4,692 the previous year.
Financial review
In 2024/25 the charity’s wholly owned subsidiary, The Meeting House Cafe Limited was able to make gift aid donations of £12,239 to the Arts Centre following a number of years where donations were unable to be made.
Policy on reserves
Reserves are needed to bridge the gap between the spending and receiving of income and to cover unplanned emergency repairs and other expenditure. The trustees consider that the minimum level of reserves as at 31 January 2025 would be £12,000.
The balance sheet shows net current assets of £11,261. The trustees have reviewed the circumstances of the Arts Centre and consider that adequate resources are available to fund activities into the future. The loan to the Meeting House Cafe has now been repaid and gift aid donations are now being made from the cafe to the Arts Centre.
Investment policy and objectives
Although the separate interest bearing deposit account was closed, the trustees, having regard to the liquidity requirements of operating the Arts Centre, have retained these funds within the main current account which is also interest bearing. Banking arrangements have been changed to reflect modern banking – internet and online access.
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The Meeting House Arts Centre Limited
Trustees' Report
Plans for future periods
Aims and key objectives for future periods
We are committed to fostering, nurturing and celebrating both established and emerging talent in the community. The Arts Centre’s mission is to support engagement in the arts, inspire creativity, make community connections and making the arts more visible and accessible.
We will continue to monitor our cost base and adjust accordingly, however the increasing cost of utility bills, insurance and a necessary increase in our staffing costs do present a challenge going forwards. The trustees are considering all areas where we can increase our income streams to sustain us into the future.
Our Arts Centre manager has brought a wealth of experience to the Centre with her background in the arts, heritage and community sector and has helped significantly with our development over the past year.
Our entire leadership team is passionately committed to the Centre’s mission and is equipped with the skills and experience needed to secure its future and ensure its growth and success.
Going concern
Despite the challenges faced with rising costs in electricity, gas, insurance and the maintenance and security of the building, the trustees have carefully managed the Arts Centre's financial position and with reserves close to £14,000, the trustees believe that the charity will remain viable.
Structure, governance and management
Nature of governing document
The Meeting House Arts Centre Limited is a company limited by guarantee (and not having a share capital) governed by its Memorandum and Articles of Association dated 18 December 2006 together with a resolution dated 20 March 2009. The charity currently has six trustees, each of whom agrees to contribute a maximum of £10 in the event of the charity winding up. It is registered as a charity with the Charity Commission.
In 1996 the Meeting House Arts Centre was set up as an unincorporated association with charitable status. On 1 February 2007, the legal status of the charity was changed to its current status in order to share the responsibility of the finances of the charity more widely between all the trustees (instead of the two named guarantors, as previously); this limits any potential risk and encourages the involvement of new trustees, who will bring fresh energy and new skills to the board.
Recruitment and appointment of trustees
As set out in the Articles of Association, the charity must have a minimum of three trustees but there is no maximum number. The chair of the trustees is nominated by the trustees. Appointment of new trustees requires a proposal from the potential trustee, signed by a current trustee to be presented to the trustees at least 14 days (and not more than 35 days) before the next management meeting.
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The Meeting House Arts Centre Limited
Trustees' Report
Induction and training of trustees
New trustees undergo an orientation day to brief them on their legal obligations under charity and company law, the Charity Commission guidance on public benefit and to inform them of the content of the Memorandum and Articles of Association, the management committee and decision-making processes, the business plan and recent financial performance of the charity. During the induction day they will meet key employees and other trustees. Trustees are encouraged to attend appropriate external training events where these will facilitate the undertaking of their role.
Arrangements for setting key management personnel remuneration
The directors consider the board of directors who are the charity’s trustees and the office administration team to be the key management personnel of the charity, who oversee directing and controlling, running and operating the Arts Centre on a day-to-day basis. All directors/trustees give their time freely and no director/trustee received remuneration or expenses in the year.
The pay of the office administration staff is reviewed annually and normally increased in line with Minimum Wage/National Living Wage increases.
Organisational structure
All trustees form the management committee and meet monthly. There are also sub-committees covering the gallery, performance and craft shop which meet more frequently. To facilitate day to day operations the office administration team have been delegated authority, within terms of delegation approved by the trustees, for day-to-day operational matters including finance, artistic related activities and visitor/customer related matters.
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The Meeting House Arts Centre Limited
Trustees' Report
Relationships with related parties
The Meeting House Cafe Limited
The charity's wholly owned subsidiary, The Meeting House Cafe Limited was established in 2004 to operate a cafe facility at the Arts Centre. Profits made by the cafe are donated to the Arts Centre under the gift aid scheme.
None of our trustees receive remuneration or other benefit from their work with the charity. Any connection between a trustee and a contracted performer, exhibitor or tutor must be disclosed to the full board of trustees in the same way as any other contractual relationship with a related party.
Major risks and management of those risks
Financial sustainability
Financial sustainability is the major financial risk for both the charity and its subsidiary.
A key element in the management of financial risk is a regular review of available liquid funds to settle debts as they fall due, regular liaison with the bankers and active management of trade creditor balances to ensure sufficient working capital is held by the Arts Centre and its subsidiary company.
Non financial
Attention has also been focussed on non-financial risks arising from fire, health and safety of artists, volunteers, staff and concert audiences, as well as management of performing rights.
These risks are managed by ensuring accreditation is up to date, having robust policies and procedures in place and regular awareness training for staff working in these areas. Insurance covers are regularly reviewed to ensure adequacy.
The trustees have a risk management strategy which comprises:
• An annual review of the principal risks and uncertainties that the charity and its subsidiary The Meeting House Cafe Limited face;
• The establishment of policies, systems and procedures to mitigate those risks identified in the annual review; and
• The implementation of procedures designed to minimise or manage any potential impact on the charity should those risks materialise.
Small companies provision statement
This report has been prepared in accordance with the small companies regime under the Companies Act 2006.
The annual report was approved by the trustees of the charity on 16 October 2025 and signed on its behalf by:
......................................... Mrs J A Manley Chairman and Trustee
Page 10
The Meeting House Arts Centre Limited
Statement of Trustees' Responsibilities
The trustees (who are also the directors of The Meeting House Arts Centre Limited for the purposes of company law) are responsible for preparing the trustees' report and the financial statements in accordance with applicable law and United Kingdom Accounting Standards (United Kingdom Generally Accepted Accounting Practice), including FRS 102 "The Financial Reporting Standard applicable in the UK and Republic of Ireland".
Company law requires the trustees to prepare financial statements for each financial year. Under company law the trustees must not approve the financial statements unless they are satisfied that they give a true and fair view of the state of affairs of the charitable company and of the incoming resources and application of resources, including its income and expenditure, of the charitable company for that period. In preparing these financial statements, the trustees are required to:
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select suitable accounting policies and apply them consistently;
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observe the methods and principles in the Charities SORP;
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make judgements and estimates that are reasonable and prudent;
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state whether applicable accounting standards, comprising FRS 102 have been followed, subject to any material departures disclosed and explained in the financial statements; and
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prepare the financial statements on the going concern basis unless it is inappropriate to presume that the charitable company will continue in business.
The trustees are responsible for keeping proper accounting records that can disclose with reasonable accuracy at any time the financial position of the charitable company and enable them to ensure that the financial statements comply with the Companies Act 2006. They are also responsible for safeguarding the assets of the charitable company and hence for taking reasonable steps for the prevention and detection of fraud and other irregularities.
The trustees are responsible for the maintenance and integrity of the corporate and financial information included on the charitable company's website. Legislation governing the preparation and dissemination of financial statements may differ from legislation in other jurisdictions.
Approved by the trustees of the charity on 16 October 2025 and signed on its behalf by:
......................................... Mrs J A Manley Chairman and trustee
Page 11
The Meeting House Arts Centre Limited
Independent Examiner's Report to the trustees of The Meeting House Arts Centre Limited ('the Company')
I report to the charity trustees on my examination of the accounts of the Company for the year ended 31 January 2025.
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.
Basis of independent examiner's statement
My examination was carried out in accordance with 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 explanations 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 no opinion is given as to 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
I have completed my examination. I confirm that no matters have come to my attention in connection with the examination giving me cause to believe:
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accounting records were not kept in respect of The Meeting House Arts Centre Limited as required by section 386 of the 2006 Act; or
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the accounts do not accord with those records; or
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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
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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.
Page 12
The Meeting House Arts Centre Limited
Independent Examiner's Report to the trustees of The Meeting House Arts Centre Limited ('the Company')
...................................... Miss Anna L Whaites FCA Institute of Chartered Accountants in England and Wales (ICAEW)
1 Cornhill Ilminster Somerset TA19 0AD
16 October 2025
Page 13
The Meeting House Arts Centre Limited
Statement of Financial Activities for the Year Ended 31 January 2025 (Including Income and Expenditure Account and Statement of Total Recognised Gains and Losses)
| Note Income and Endowments from: Donations and legacies 3 Charitable activities 4 Other trading activities 5 Investment income 6 Total Income Expenditure on: Raising funds 7 Charitable activities 7 Staff costs 7 Independent examiner’s remuneration 7 Other 7 Total Expenditure Net income Net movement in funds Reconciliation of funds Total funds brought forward Total funds carried forward 19 |
Unrestricted £ 18,455 100,794 1,638 174 121,061 (3,919) (35,591) (34,884) (4,496) (40,703) (119,593) 1,468 1,468 12,326 13,794 |
Total 2025 £ 18,455 100,794 1,638 174 |
|---|---|---|
| 121,061 | ||
| (3,919) (35,591) (34,884) (4,496) (40,703) |
||
| (119,593) | ||
| 1,468 | ||
| 1,468 12,326 |
||
| 13,794 |
The notes on pages 17 to 32 form an integral part of these financial statements. Page 14
The Meeting House Arts Centre Limited
Statement of Financial Activities for the Year Ended 31 January 2025 (Including Income and Expenditure Account and Statement of Total Recognised Gains and Losses)
| Note Income and Endowments from: Donations and legacies 3 Charitable activities 4 Other trading activities 5 Investment income 6 Total Income Expenditure on: Raising funds 7 Charitable activities 7 Staff costs 7 Independent examiner’s remuneration 7 Other 7 Total Expenditure Net expenditure Net movement in funds Reconciliation of funds Total funds brought forward Total funds carried forward 19 |
Unrestricted £ 33,593 78,010 4,692 130 116,425 (14,896) (27,744) (29,569) (3,868) (44,005) (120,082) (3,657) (3,657) 15,983 12,326 |
Total 2024 £ 33,593 78,010 4,692 130 |
|---|---|---|
| 116,425 | ||
| (14,896) (27,744) (29,569) (3,868) (44,005) |
||
| (120,082) | ||
| (3,657) | ||
| (3,657) 15,983 |
||
| 12,326 |
All of the charity's activities derive from continuing operations during the above two periods. The funds breakdown for 2024 is shown in note 19.
The notes on pages 17 to 32 form an integral part of these financial statements. Page 15
The Meeting House Arts Centre Limited
(Registration number: 06031955) Balance Sheet as at 31 January 2025
| Note Fixed assets Tangible assets 12 Investments 13 Current assets Stocks 14 Debtors 15 Cash at bank and in hand 16 Creditors: Amounts falling due within one year 17 Net current assets Net assets Funds of the charity: Unrestricted income funds Unrestricted funds Total funds 19 |
2025 £ 2,531 2 2,533 200 1,736 34,467 36,403 (25,142) 11,261 13,794 13,794 13,794 |
2024 £ 3,008 2 |
|---|---|---|
| 3,010 | ||
| 200 7,778 28,188 |
||
| 36,166 (26,850) |
||
| 9,316 | ||
| 12,326 | ||
| 12,326 | ||
| 12,326 |
For the financial year ending 31 January 2025 the charity was entitled to exemption from audit under section 477 of the Companies Act 2006 relating to small companies.
Directors' responsibilities:
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The members have not required the charity to obtain an audit of its accounts for the year in question in accordance with section 476; and
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The directors acknowledge their responsibilities for complying with the requirements of the Act with respect to accounting records and the preparation of accounts.
These financial statements have been prepared in accordance with the special provisions relating to companies subject to the small companies regime within Part 15 of the Companies Act 2006.
The financial statements on pages 14 to 32 were approved by the trustees, and authorised for issue on 16 October 2025 and signed on their behalf by:
......................................... Mrs G Arrowsmith Trustee
The notes on pages 17 to 32 form an integral part of these financial statements. Page 16
The Meeting House Arts Centre Limited
Notes to the Financial Statements for the Year Ended 31 January 2025
1 Charity status
The charity is limited by guarantee, incorporated in England and Wales, and consequently does not have share capital. Each of the trustees is liable to contribute an amount not exceeding £10 towards the assets of the charity in the event of liquidation.
The address of its registered office is: The Meeting House Arts Centre East Street Ilminster Somerset TA19 0AN
These financial statements were authorised for issue by the trustees on 16 October 2025.
2 Accounting policies
Summary of significant accounting policies and key accounting estimates
The principal accounting policies applied in the preparation of these financial statements are set out below. These policies have been consistently applied to all the years presented, unless otherwise stated.
Statement of compliance
The financial statements have been prepared in accordance with Accounting and Reporting by Charities: Statement of Recommended Practice (applicable to charities preparing their accounts in accordance with the Financial Reporting Standard applicable in the UK and Republic of Ireland (FRS 102)) (issued in October 2019) - (Charities SORP (FRS 102)), the Financial Reporting Standard applicable in the UK and Republic of Ireland (FRS 102) and the Companies Act 2006.
Basis of preparation
The Meeting House Arts Centre Limited meets the definition of a public benefit entity under FRS 102. Assets and liabilities are initially recognised at historical cost or transaction value unless otherwise stated in the relevant accounting policy notes.
Going concern
The financial statements have been prepared on a going concern basis.
The trustees assess whether the use of going concern is appropriate i.e. whether there are any material uncertainties related to events or conditions that may cast significant doubt on the ability of the charity to continue as a going concern. The trustees make this assessment in respect of a period of one year from the date of approval of the financial statements.
Exemption from preparing group accounts
The charity has taken advantage of the exemption in section 398 of the Companies Act 2006 from the requirement to prepare consolidated financial statements, on the grounds that it is a small sized group.
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The Meeting House Arts Centre Limited
Notes to the Financial Statements for the Year Ended 31 January 2025
Income and endowments
All income is recognised once the charity has entitlement to the income, it is probable that the income will be received and the amount of the income receivable can be measured reliably.
Donations and legacies
Donations are recognised when the charity has been notified in writing of both the amount and settlement date. In the event that a donation is subject to conditions that require a level of performance by the charity before the charity is entitled to the funds, the income is deferred and not recognised until either those conditions are fully met, or the fulfilment of those conditions is wholly within the control of the charity and it is probable that these conditions will be fulfilled in the reporting period.
Legacy gifts are recognised on a case by case basis following the grant of probate when the administrator/executor for the estate has communicated in writing both the amount and settlement date. In the event that the gift is in the form of an asset other than cash or a financial asset traded on a recognised stock exchange, recognition is subject to the value of the gift being reliably measurable with a degree of reasonable accuracy and the title to the asset having been transferred to the charity.
Grants receivable
Grants are recognised when the charity has an entitlement to the funds and any conditions linked to the grants have been met. Where performance conditions are attached to the grant and are yet to be met, the income is recognised as a liability and included on the balance sheet as deferred income to be released.
Deferred income
Deferred income represents amounts received for future periods and is released to incoming resources in the period for which, it has been received. Such income is only deferred when:
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The donor specifies that the grant or donation must only be used in future accounting periods; or
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The donor has imposed conditions which must be met before the charity has unconditional entitlement.
Gift aid
Incoming resources from tax reclaims are included in the Statement of Financial Activities at the same time as the gift to which they relate.
Expenditure
All expenditure is recognised once there is a legal or constructive obligation to that expenditure, it is probable settlement is required and the amount can be measured reliably.
Raising funds and charitable activities
These are costs incurred in attracting voluntary income and those incurred in trading activities that raise funds.
Staff costs
These are staff and administrative costs arising from the day to day running of the charity.
Independent examiner's remuneration and other
These are all other ancilliary costs incurred by the charity.
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The Meeting House Arts Centre Limited
Notes to the Financial Statements for the Year Ended 31 January 2025
Government grants
Government grants are recognised based on the accrual model and are measured at the fair value of the asset received or receivable. Grants are classified as relating either to revenue or to assets. Grants relating to revenue are recognised in income over the period in which the related costs are recognised. Grants relating to assets are recognised over the expected useful life of the asset. Where part of a grant relating to an asset is deferred, it is recognised as deferred income.
Taxation
The charity is considered to pass the tests set out in Paragraph 1 Schedule 6 of the Finance Act 2010 and therefore it meets the definition of a charitable company for UK corporation tax purposes. Accordingly, the charity is potentially exempt from taxation in respect of income or capital gains received within categories covered by Chapter 3 Part 11 of the Corporation Tax Act 2010 or Section 256 of the Taxation of Chargeable Gains Act 1992, to the extent that such income or gains are applied exclusively to charitable purposes.
Tangible fixed assets
Individual fixed assets are initially recorded at cost, less any subsequent accumulated depreciation and subsequent accumulated impairment losses.
Depreciation and amortisation
Depreciation is provided on tangible fixed assets so as to write off the cost or valuation, less any estimated residual value, over their expected useful economic life as follows:
| Asset class | Depreciation method and rate |
|---|---|
| Furniture and equipment | 25% reducing balance |
Fixed asset investments
Investments in subsidiaries and associates are measured at cost less impairment.
Stock
Stock is valued at the lower of cost and estimated selling price less costs to complete and sell, after due regard for obsolete and slow moving stocks. Cost is determined using the first-in, first-out (FIFO).
Trade debtors
Trade debtors are amounts due from customers for merchandise sold or services performed in the ordinary course of business.
Trade debtors are recognised initially at the transaction price. They are subsequently measured at amortised cost using the effective interest method, less provision for impairment. A provision for the impairment of trade debtors is established when there is objective evidence that the charity will not be able to collect all amounts due according to the original terms of the receivables.
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The Meeting House Arts Centre Limited
Notes to the Financial Statements for the Year Ended 31 January 2025
Cash and cash equivalents
Cash and cash equivalents comprise cash on hand and call deposits, and other short-term highly liquid investments that are readily convertible to a known amount of cash and are subject to an insignificant risk of change in value.
Trade creditors
Trade creditors are obligations to pay for goods or services that have been acquired in the ordinary course of business from suppliers. Accounts payable are classified as current liabilities if the charity does not have an unconditional right, at the end of the reporting period, to defer settlement of the creditor for at least twelve months after the reporting date. If there is an unconditional right to defer settlement for at least twelve months after the reporting date, they are presented as non-current liabilities.
Trade creditors are recognised initially at the transaction price and subsequently measured at amortised cost using the effective interest method.
Fund structure
Unrestricted income funds are general funds that are available for use at the trustees discretion in furtherance of the objectives of the charity.
There are also restricted funds allocated for kitchen expenditure, the car park and garden which will be used in future years as required.
Hire purchase and finance leases
Leases in which substantially all the risks and rewards of ownership are retained by the lessor are classified as operating leases. Rentals payable under operating leases are charged in the Statement of Financial Activities on a straight line basis over the lease term.
Pensions and other post retirement obligations
The charity operates a defined contribution pension scheme which is a pension plan under which fixed contributions are paid into a pension fund and the charity has no legal or constructive obligation to pay further contributions even if the fund does not hold sufficient assets to pay all employees the benefits relating to employee service in the current and prior periods.
Contributions to defined contribution plans are recognised in the Statement of Financial Activities when they are due. If contribution payments exceed the contribution due for service, the excess is recognised as a prepayment.
Page 20
The Meeting House Arts Centre Limited
Notes to the Financial Statements for the Year Ended 31 January 2025
Financial instruments
Classification
Financial assets and financial liabilities are recognised when the charity becomes a party to the contractual provisions of the instrument.
Financial liabilities and equity instruments are classified according to the substance of the contractual arrangements entered into. An equity instrument is any contract that evidences a residual interest in the assets of the charity after deducting all of its liabilities.
Recognition and measurement
All financial assets and liabilities are initially measured at transaction price (including transaction costs), except for those financial assets classified as at fair value through profit or loss, which are initially measured at fair value (which is normally the transaction price excluding transaction costs), unless the arrangement constitutes a financing transaction. If an arrangement constitutes a financing transaction, the financial asset or financial liability is measured at the present value of the future payments discounted at a market rate of interest for a similar debt instrument.
exists a legally enforceable right to set off the recognised amounts and the charity intends either to settle on a net basis, or to realise the asset and settle the liability simultaneously.
Financial assets are derecognised when and only when a) the contractual rights to the cash flows from the financial asset expire or are settled, b) the charity transfers to another party substantially all of the risks and rewards of ownership of the financial asset, or c) the charity, despite having retained some, but not all, significant risks and rewards of ownership, has transferred control of the asset to another party.
Financial liabilities are derecognised only when the obligation specified in the contract is discharged, cancelled or expires.
Fair value measurement
The best evidence of fair value is a quoted price for an identical asset in an active market. When quoted prices are unavailable, the price of a recent transaction for an identical asset provides evidence of fair value as long as there has not been a significant change in economic circumstances or a significant lapse of time since the transaction took place. If the market is not active and recent transactions of an identical asset on their own are not a good estimate of fair value, the fair value is estimated by using a valuation technique.
Page 21
The Meeting House Arts Centre Limited
Notes to the Financial Statements for the Year Ended 31 January 2025
3 Income from donations and legacies
| Donations and legacies; Gift aid donations from The Meeting House Cafe Limited Donations Memberships Grants, including capital grants; General grants Donations and legacies; Donations Memberships Grants, including capital grants; General grants |
Unrestricted funds General £ 12,239 5,457 400 359 18,455 Unrestricted funds General £ 5,214 593 27,786 33,593 |
Total 2025 £ 12,239 5,457 400 359 |
|---|---|---|
| 18,455 | ||
| Total 2024 £ 5,214 593 27,786 |
||
| 33,593 |
Page 22
The Meeting House Arts Centre Limited
Notes to the Financial Statements for the Year Ended 31 January 2025
4 Income from charitable activities
| Performances Gallery Workshops Craft shop Hall hire Performances Gallery Workshops Craft shop Hall hire 5 Income from other trading activities Events income; Other events income Events income; Other events income |
Unrestricted funds General £ 51,676 16,420 17,256 8,739 6,703 100,794 Unrestricted funds General £ 39,560 12,163 13,522 8,961 3,804 78,010 Unrestricted funds General £ 1,638 1,638 Unrestricted funds General £ 4,692 4,692 |
Total 2025 £ 51,676 16,420 17,256 8,739 6,703 |
|---|---|---|
| 100,794 | ||
| Total 2024 £ 39,560 12,163 13,522 8,961 3,804 |
||
| 78,010 | ||
| Total 2025 £ 1,638 |
||
| 1,638 | ||
| Total 2024 £ 4,692 |
||
| 4,692 |
Page 23
The Meeting House Arts Centre Limited
Notes to the Financial Statements for the Year Ended 31 January 2025
6 Investment income
| Interest receivable and similar income; Interest receivable on bank deposits Interest receivable and similar income; Interest receivable on bank deposits |
Unrestricted funds General £ 174 174 Unrestricted funds General £ 130 130 |
Total 2025 £ 174 |
|---|---|---|
| 174 | ||
| Total 2024 £ 130 |
||
| 130 |
Page 24
The Meeting House Arts Centre Limited
Notes to the Financial Statements for the Year Ended 31 January 2025
7 Expenditure on:
a) Raising funds
Unrestricted
| Sponsors, marketing, brochures and advertising Fundraising events Charitable activities Performances |
General £ 3,810 109 3,919 Unrestricted General £ 35,591 35,591 |
Total 2025 £ 3,810 109 3,919 Total 2025 £ 35,591 35,591 |
Total 2024 £ 14,679 217 |
|---|---|---|---|
| 14,896 | |||
| Total 2024 £ 27,744 |
|||
| 27,744 |
b) Charitable activities
c) Staff costs
Unrestricted
| Wages and salaries Staff pensions |
General £ 34,230 654 34,884 |
Total 2025 £ 34,230 654 34,884 |
Total 2024 £ 29,037 532 |
|---|---|---|---|
| 29,569 |
Page 25
The Meeting House Arts Centre Limited
Notes to the Financial Statements for the Year Ended 31 January 2025
d) Independent examiner's remuneration
Unrestricted
| Unrestricted | |||
|---|---|---|---|
| Accountancy and payroll fees Independent examiner's fee |
General £ 3,635 861 4,496 |
Total 2025 £ 3,635 861 4,496 |
Total 2024 £ 3,150 718 |
| 3,868 |
e) Other
Unrestricted
| Opening stock Closing stock Rent Water rates Light, heat and power Insurance Equipment repairs and renewals Telephone and fax Postage, stationery, photocopying and computer costs Subscriptions Hire of plant and machinery (Operating leases) Sundry expenses Cleaning Premises and other licences Website costs Bank charges Credit card charges Depreciation of fixtures and fittings |
General £ 200 (200) 15,000 129 4,105 5,890 1,307 1,552 1,919 126 2,429 57 4,606 387 349 208 1,795 844 40,703 |
Total 2025 £ 200 (200) 15,000 129 4,105 5,890 1,307 1,552 1,919 126 2,429 57 4,606 387 349 208 1,795 844 40,703 |
Total 2024 £ 200 (200) 15,000 126 8,061 4,369 2,267 1,544 1,791 - 2,380 319 4,386 714 - 197 1,848 1,003 |
|---|---|---|---|
| 44,005 |
Page 26
The Meeting House Arts Centre Limited
Notes to the Financial Statements for the Year Ended 31 January 2025
8 Trustees remuneration and expenses
No trustees, nor any persons connected with them, have received any remuneration from the charity during the year.
No trustees have received any reimbursed expenses or any other benefits from the charity during the year.
9 Staff costs
The aggregate payroll costs were as follows:
| Staff costs during the year were: Wages and salaries Pension costs |
2025 £ 34,230 654 34,884 |
2024 £ 29,037 532 |
|---|---|---|
| 29,569 |
The monthly average number of persons (including senior management / leadership team) employed by the charity during the year expressed as full time equivalents was as follows:
| 2025 | 2024 | ||
|---|---|---|---|
| No | No | ||
| 2 | 2 |
2 (2024 - 2) of the above employees participated in the Defined Contribution Pension Schemes.
Contributions to the employee pension schemes for the year totalled £654 (2024 - £532).
No employee received emoluments of more than £60,000 during the year.
10 Independent examiner's remuneration
| Examination of the financial statements Other fees to examiners All other services |
2025 £ 861 3,635 |
2024 £ 718 |
|---|---|---|
| 3,150 |
Page 27
The Meeting House Arts Centre Limited
Notes to the Financial Statements for the Year Ended 31 January 2025
11 Taxation
The charity is a registered charity and is therefore exempt from taxation.
12 Tangible fixed assets
| Cost At 1 February 2024 Additions At 31 January 2025 Depreciation At 1 February 2024 Charge for the year At 31 January 2025 Net book value At 31 January 2025 At 31 January 2024 |
Furniture and equipment £ 19,057 367 19,424 16,049 844 16,893 2,531 3,008 |
Total £ 19,057 367 |
|---|---|---|
| 19,424 | ||
| 16,049 844 |
||
| 16,893 | ||
| 2,531 | ||
| 3,008 |
Page 28
The Meeting House Arts Centre Limited
Notes to the Financial Statements for the Year Ended 31 January 2025
13 Fixed asset investments
| 13 Fixed asset investments | ||||
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Shares in group undertakings and participating interests Shares in group undertakings and participating interests Cost At 1 February 2024 At 31 January 2025 Net book value At 31 January 2025 At 31 January 2024 |
2025 £ 2 Subsidiary undertakings £ 2 |
2024 £ 2 |
||
| Total £ 2 2 2 2 |
||||
| 2 | ||||
| 2 | ||||
| 2 |
Details of undertakings
Details of the investments in which the charity holds 20% or more of the nominal value of any class of share capital are as follows:
| Country of | Proportion of voting rights | Proportion of voting rights | Principal | ||||
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Undertaking | incorporation | Holding | and shares held | activity | |||
| 2025 | 2024 | ||||||
| Subsidiary undertakings | |||||||
| The Meeting House Cafe | England and Wales | 2 | ordinary | 100% | 100% | Cafe | |
| Limited | shares | ||||||
| 14 Stock | |||||||
| 2025 | 2024 | ||||||
| £ | £ | ||||||
| Stocks | 200 | 200 |
Page 29
The Meeting House Arts Centre Limited
Notes to the Financial Statements for the Year Ended 31 January 2025
15 Debtors
| Trade debtors Prepayments Other debtors 16 Cash and cash equivalents Cash on hand Cash at bank 17 Creditors: amounts falling due within one year Trade creditors Other taxation and social security Deferred income Deferred income at 1 February 2024 Resources deferred in the period Amounts released from previous periods Deferred income at year end |
2025 £ 190 1,546 - 1,736 2025 £ 757 33,710 34,467 2025 £ 3,944 361 20,837 25,142 2025 £ 17,869 14,120 (11,152) 20,837 |
2024 £ - 2,221 5,557 |
|---|---|---|
| 7,778 | ||
| 2024 £ 1,095 27,093 |
||
| 28,188 | ||
| 2024 £ 8,840 141 17,869 |
||
| 26,850 | ||
| 2024 £ 14,237 12,121 (8,489) |
||
| 17,869 |
Deferred income includes 2025/26 membership subscriptions received prior to the year end, gallery deposits/ticket sales received in advance of the exhibition/performance and workshop deposits received in advance of the activity. It also includes grants received for specific restricted purposes that have not been spent by the year end.
18 Commitments
Capital commitments
Photocopier operating lease and rent of business premises.
The total amount contracted for but not provided in the financial statements was £97,894 (2024 - £115,323).
Page 30
The Meeting House Arts Centre Limited
Notes to the Financial Statements for the Year Ended 31 January 2025
| 19 Funds Balance at 1 February 2024 £ Unrestricted General 12,326 Balance at 1 February 2023 £ Unrestricted General 15,983 20 Analysis of net assets between funds Tangible fixed assets Fixed asset investments Current assets Current liabilities Total net assets 21 Analysis of net funds Cash at bank and in hand Net debt |
Incoming resources £ 121,061 Incoming resources £ 116,425 Unrestricted funds General £ 2,531 2 32,804 (21,543) 13,794 At 1 February 2024 £ 28,188 28,188 |
Resources expended £ (119,593) Resources expended £ (120,082) Restricted funds £ - - 3,599 (3,599) - Financing cash flows £ 6,401 6,401 |
Balance at 31 January 2025 £ 13,794 |
|---|---|---|---|
| Balance at 31 January 2024 £ 12,326 |
|||
| Total funds at 31 January 2025 £ 2,531 2 36,403 (25,142) |
|||
| 13,794 | |||
| At 31 January 2025 £ 34,589 34,589 |
Page 31
The Meeting House Arts Centre Limited
Notes to the Financial Statements for the Year Ended 31 January 2025
22 Related party transactions
During the year the charity made the following related party transactions:
The Meeting House Cafe Limited
(The Meeting House Arts Centre Limited owns 100% of the ordinary share capital of The Meeting House Cafe Limited)
The cafe is operated from the same premises as the Arts Centre and they share the same registered office. During the year ended 31 January 2025, £12,239 of gift aid donations were donated from the cafe profits to the Arts Centre. At the balance sheet date the amount due to The Meeting House Cafe Limited was £259 (2024 - £5,557 due from).
Page 32