Year End 2022
BLYTH ISABELLA COMMUNITY CENTRE ANNUAL REPORT
Isabella Community Association Ltd
Registered Charity 1119221 Company Number 5870104
www.theisabellacentre.org.uk
BLYTH ISABELLA COMMUNITY CENTRE ANNUAL REPORT
AGENDA
Isabella Community Association Ltd Annual General Meeting 21[st] March 2023
Welcome and Safety Information
Chairperson Address Apologies for Absence Minutes of 9[th] May 2022 Treasurers Report Nominations to Board Election of Directors Recognition of Funders Appointment of Auditors
BLYTH ISABELLA COMMUNITY CENTRE ANNUAL REPORT
CHAIRPERSON’S REPORT
It gives me great pleasure to present the Annual Report on behalf of the Isabella Community Association.
Objectives
The main purpose of the Association is to promote and encourage local residents to become involved with community activity as well as helping to improve the neighbouring area. The Association would like to thank our service users, training groups and customers who together assist in the continuity of the Centre. The Trustees have given regard to the Charity Commission’s guidance on public benefit.
Activities
The Centre is home to a well-established group of partners who use the Centre for various activities which include: zumba fitness and tone, karate, fit over 50 exercise class, boot camp, elderly day centre, fit-step, taichi, pre-school nursery, youth club sessions for 8 to 13 year olds, puppy training and dog activity classes, the women’s institute, a variety of adult art and craft groups: Lady Isabella Craft, Isabella Crop Circle, Lace Making and Hotchpatch. Rebecca Maxwell Tutoring, Little Kickers sporting activity for toddlers, Sport England Netball.
The activities of the Centre influence the lives of many, from all walks of life and age range. Many of whom have and continue to progress to further training/education or employment. The organisation is very proud of this achievement and we look forward, with optimism, to many more years of enabling local people to improve their social and economic circumstances through the provision and activities at our Centre.
It was a quiet start to the year as things started getting back to some normality after the Covid-19 pandemic. This was the perfect opportunity to refurbish one of our underused office/storage spaces in to a sensory room. We were awarded funding from the Hedley Foundation and the room was slowly converted during the year.
After the last annual gas inspection, we were informed that our old boiler had become very outdated and that some parts were now obsolete, a new boiler had become a priority. We were awarded funding from Banks Community Fund to purchase a brand new boiler which was installed in December.
In June we celebrated the Queen’s Platinum Jubilee, we had various stalls, fundraising raffles and tombolas, pizza making, face painting, bouncy castle, a ventriloquist and dance and karate demonstrations. We were grateful to receive funding from Northumberland County Council to help make the day a big success.
The community café struggled to generate enough income in 2021/2022, despite trialing different services, to sustain a full member of staff in the kitchen. It was therefore necessary to reduce the kitchen service to providing nursery dinners only however, after a long break away due to the pandemic the elderly day centre will be returning in 2023 and the kitchen will again start cooking daily hot dinners and gradually re-introduce hot meal collections to the community.
I would like to take this opportunity to thank the staff and volunteers at the centre for the hard work, loyalty and dedication they show, also the board members who make up the management committee who give their time freely to assist the centre to progress and provide as much as possible to the communities we serve.
Sue Townsend Chairperson
The Isabella Community Association Ltd is a non-profit run organisation and is supported by a number of funders and organisations. We appreciate both the general and financial assistance of all those who have found time and made the effort to become involved in their community.
BLYTH ISABELLA COMMUNITY CENTRE ANNUAL REPORT
Minutes of the Annual General Meeting of the Isabella Community Association held on Monday 9[th] May 2022 at 10.00am in the Isabella Community Centre.
1. Chair.
The Treasurer welcomed members to the meeting and gave domestic and safety advice. Copies of the Annual Report covering year period 2021 and the Annual Accounts for 2021 were distributed. Reference was made to the Chair’s written report. Still recovering from the pandemic but most groups were back up and running but not at full attendance. During last year there were no additions or resignations from the board. Staff members were thanked for their dedication to the Centre. 2. Present.
Ann Jenkinson, Lesley Jenkinson, John Potts, Natasha Townsend, Susan Townsend and Kelly Grey. 3. Apologies.
Richard Jenkinson and Niaomi Jones
4. Minutes.
The minutes of the AGM held on Tuesday 17[th] August 2021 were agreed a true record.
5. Matters arising not on the agenda.
Funding had begun to get a new boiler for the community centre. Due to the age of the boiler it was now high risk of problems occurring that could not be repaired due to obsolete parts. The boiler is working adequately enough for the time being until we can raise the funds. The fence surrounding the nursery requires repairs after severe storm damage. Enquiries were ongoing with the insurers if we could make a claim. Kelly provided details of the Jubilee fair, the event will be held on bank holiday Thursday 2[nd] June in celebration of the Queen’s Platinum Jubilee.
6. Treasurer’s report.
The treasurer, John Potts made reference to his written report and took members through the financial report. The main items highlighted were income of £110,478 and expenditure of £103,268 giving a surplus of £7,210. It was noted that this was not a full audit but an independent examiners report. The list of all grants received totaling £79,935. The majority of grants received were from the Government Covid grants and furlough scheme. The funders were thanked for their contributions. Staff numbers were now 7 (4 core staff and 3 sessional staff). The depreciation of assets was explained and that our fixed assets (solar panels) had now depreciated to nil. The more detailed report of income and expenditure was discussed. There were no further questions and the report was agreed.
7. Nominations for the Board.
The constitution stated that the Board should have a minimum of three and a maximum of twelve members. The current six board members, Ann Jenkinson, Richard Jenkinson, John Potts and Susan Townsend, Natasha Townsend and Niaomi Jones were prepared to continue to serve on the board and they were nominated.
8. Election of Directors.
The six nominees – Ann Jenkinson, Richard Jenkinson, John Potts, Susan Townsend, Natasha Townsend and Niaomi Jones.
9. Recognition of Funders, Partners and Service Users.
All the organisations in the report were thanked for their continued support.
10. Appointment of Auditors.
It was agreed to re-appoint Northumberland Accountants as auditors. 11. Close.
The annual general meeting closed 11.45am
BLYTH ISABELLA COMMUNITY CENTRE ANNUAL REPORT
TREASURER’S REPORT
Financial Review
We ended the year with a surplus of £7,210. The last two years have proved very difficult financially and we would have had a large deficit if it had not been for some national furlough payments and Covid grants from NCC. Some grant money was received in December 2021 and will be spent in 2022 so has been deferred to next year’s accounts.
Our total funds at yearend were £144,151. We rely on donations from other organisations to balance the books but securing funding remains difficult.
The property is leased from NCC at a peppercorn rent until 2028.
Our only other substantial fixed asset were the roof solar panels which we originally purchased for £21,000 but after ten years’ depreciation they are now valued at zero, but they do generate £4,000 income in a good year.
Principal Funding Sources
We continue to be reliant on grants from various organisations, for which we are grateful, and these are recorded in the accounts. Our income from grants was £79,935 which together with our other income generated from room hire and the provision of meals and other refreshments gave us a total income of £110,478. This was similar to the previous year.
Expenditure
Our employment costs were £67,074 which together with other expenditure gave us a total expenditure of £103,268. This was up slightly from the previous year. Our employees are the Centre Manager, Caretaker, Chef and four youth workers. We need to retain the staff to provide the service we offer. All the staff are paid on an NJC salary scale, which is increased annually, and are entitled to join the pension scheme.
Investment Policy
Aside from retaining a small amount in reserves each year, most of the charity's funds are spent in the short term so there are few funds available for long term investment and deposit interest rates remain very low.
Reserves Policy
Our long-term aim is to build enough reserves to cover one year’s expenditure through operating surpluses. The Board is aware that funding applications are torturous and time-consuming and during this difficult financial period our excellent applications are in competition with other organisations for limited resources.
Plans for the Future
The Board continues to monitor annual salaries to ensure that all expenditure is justified on our core staff. The services provided by the youth workers can only be funded if we can secure external resources as the Association is no longer able to meet these costs internally. We endeavour to reduce our running costs to control our expenditure. We are aware that the central heating system is now ten years old and needs replacing, and we are seeking grant aid for this. Recent storms also damaged our fencing which needs to be replaced. Office computer equipment also needs updating.
BLYTH ISABELLA COMMUNITY CENTRE ANNUAL REPORT
Over the previous two years the clients from Age UK have not been in attendance so we have lost substantial room hire and sale of meals. They have said they will return, but have not given us a date, so we currently retain the vacant room.
We continue to bank with Santander and there have been no issues. The online version of the Sage software package has been running successfully and use of emails cuts the postage costs.
The Management Committee
The directors of the company are also charity trustees and are known as members of the Management Committee. Under the requirements of the Memorandum and Articles of Association the members of the Management Committee are elected to serve for a period of one year and are elected at the A.G.M. The company shall have a minimum of three and a maximum of twelve members. All members of the Board give their time voluntarily and receive no financial benefits from the charity.
Director Induction and Training
Most Directors when they join the Board are already familiar with the services run by the charity; the staff employed; the volunteers and the layout of the building. Aspiring Directors are invited to attend meetings in an observer capacity. The main reference documents are the Memorandum and Articles, The Management Committee Members Handbook and the Annual Report.
Risk Management
Procedures are in place to ensure compliance with health and safety of staff, volunteers, clients and visitors to the Centre. Fire inspections and drills are held regularly. The welfare of the staff is encouraged by our involvement in activities such as the healthy living initiative. Systems have been established to mitigate the risks the charity faces in cash handling. We have a cash card policy and online banking security, and payments may be made electronically. We are also reviewing all our policies to ensure they are up to date. The updated data protection rules (GDPR) are in place.
Organisational Structure
In 2020 we sadly lost Olga Potts, our Vice Chair and in 2021 Joe Mee, the Chairman, resigned. Three new directors joined the Board. We have re-started regular committee meetings where members oversee the strategic direction and policies of the Centre. The Centre Manager who is also the company secretary provides a monthly report to the Board. The responsibility for the day to day provision of services is delegated to the Centre Manager as is the responsibility for staff supervision and good working practices. The annual accounts and Directors details are updated after the AGM on the Companies House and the Charities Commission website and are available for public inspection.
Councillor John R Potts
Treasurer.
BLYTH ISABELLA COMMUNITY CENTRE ANNUAL REPORT
Recognition of Funders, Partners and Service Users
The Chairperson of the Isabella Community Association Ltd wishes to thank the following;
Blyth Town Council Age UK Northumberland Northumberland High Sheriff Princess Louise Pre School Nursery Homes for Northumberland Blyth West Women’s Institute R W Mann Trust Isabella Craft Group The Barbour Foundation Karate Club Big Lottery Fund Zumba Fitness Charities Aid Foundation Hotchpatch Craft Christ’s Hospital in Sherburn Isabella Crop Blyth Valley CVA Lace Making Banks Community Fund Northumberland Adolescent Services Garfield Weston NECA The Rothley Trust College 4 Canines The Joicey Trust Sport England Northumberland County Council Fit over 50 Hadrian Trust Blyth Children Services Commissioner’s Trust Rebecca Maxwell Tutoring Community Foundation Little Kickers North East Northumberland CVA Hedley Foundation NHS Northumberland
BLYTH ISABEILA cOMMUy CENTRE ANNUAL REPORT Sensory Room
BLYTH ISABEILA cOMMUy CENTRE ANNUAL REPORT Queen's Platinum Jubilee .Ji 1111.i.i. fiiii 111
BLYTH ISABEILA cOMMUy CENTRE ANNUAL REPORT Queen's Platinum Jubilee 11 11
BLYTH ISABELLA COMMUNITY CENTRE ANNUAL REPORT
Isabella Centre – ‘working together to build a better community’
Isabella Community Association Ltd Company Limited by Guarantee Independent Examinerfs Report to the Trustees of Isabella Communlty Association Ltd Year ended 31 December 2022 I report lo the trustees on my examnation of the financial statements of Isabella Communty Association Ltd IY)e charity) for the year ended 31 December 2022. R•sponslbllltl8s and basls of report As the trustees of the MpaThY land also ils directors for the purposes of cornpany lawl you are responslble for the preparation of the fmanaal statements in acrdanCe the r9quiremenls of the Companies Act 2006 Ilhp 2006 Adl. Having satisfied myself Ihat the accounts of the company are not required lo be autjiled under Part 16 of the 2006 Act and are e1ible for independent examination. I report resp8cI of my examination ol the charitys accounts as carri&J out under sects" 145 of the Charities Act 2011 Ilhe 2011 Act'l. In carTring oul my examination I have followed the Directions given by the Charity Commission under section 14515)Ib} of the 2011 Acl. Indepènd&nt examlnrfs stst•rnent I have completed my examination. I confirni that no matters have come to my attention in connection th the examination giwng me cause to believe: accounliro records *re r1 kept in respect of the charity as iequired by section 386 of the 2006 Act: or the financial statements do nol accord vth those records; or the financial statements do not compty wrth the accounting requirements of se¢tK)n 396 01 the 2006 Act other than any requirement that the ac(unIS give a Irue and fairf view which is not a matter considered as part of an independent examination- or the financial statements have not been prepared in accordance with the methods and principles of the Ststement of Reccvnmended Praclio for accounting and repK)rting by charities applitsblè to charities preparing their accounts in a¢¢ordance with the Financial Repotting Standard applicable in the UK arKI Repubfic of Ireland IFRS 1021.
Isabella Community Association Ltd Company Limlted by Guarantee Independent Examlnerfs Report to the Trustees of Isabella Communlty Association Ltd fcontlnu8d) Year ended 31 December 2022 I have no concems and have come across no other matters in connection with the examinatSon lo Ythich attention should be diawn in this report in order lo enable a proper understanding of the accounts to b9 reached. Michael W Reed lThJependent Examiner Russell House Genwell Road Ajnwck Northumberl8nd NE66 1HB 13 Febwary 2023