. gemen 2021 ANNUAL REPORT cci¥ READING . PRIDE BLP, www.reading•ride.co.llJl
Message from the Chair MyUmbrella Legal and Administrative Information Profile of Reading Pride Trustees Statement from the Treasurer
Statement from the Independent Examiner
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Message from the Chair
The year 2021 was one that will not be forgotten, for a number of reasons. However, strength comes from marching forward and supporting one another in times of need.
The first thing you’ve probably noticed is that this document has been designed for display on computer screens, tablets or phones.
We also saw a more diverse range of attendees visiting our festival, which is based on survey data collected after the event. Around 49% of our attendees that visited the festival identified as gay or lesbian, 19% identified as straight and 18% identified as bisexual, which meant the remaining groups (16%) identified as other sexualities. This is a trend which is increasing from year to year.
Previously we had printed copies of the annual report, but as part of our ongoing commitment to reduce our environmental impact, we have optimised this for electronic viewing.
Following the tragedy in Reading in 2020 with the loss of James, Joe and David, and the COVID pandemic continuing into 2021, the prospect of holding Reading Pride was always in the balance.
We also saw a decrease in attendees identifying as cisgender, with a decrease from our 2019 event of 88% to 79% in 2021. I am speculating that creating a safe space for everyone and focussing on the “+” in LGBT+ is being translated into an increase attendance from genderfluid, transgender and non-binary individuals, and individuals who do not identify as cisgender.
While some preliminary planning was possible, the large scale planning that we normally undertake was very much off the table.
Following the roll-out of the vaccines and the relaxing of COVID measures the go-ahead for the event was received quite late in relation to the event, and it was all hands on deck.
We saw the introduction of Pride In U, which was an area run by the NHS focussing on mental health issues ,and the introduction of a kink and fetish area which provided information and education in this area.
However, the remarkable work of the committee meant that an event that is normally planned in detail over a 10 month or so period, was done in about 2 months. This is feat is remarkable in itself. Given the situation, this meant that costs were going up, and availability of equipment went down, as many organisations and festivals rushed to put on events in the remainder of 2021.
While Reading is still trying to heal from the tragedy that struck in 2020, and the COVID pandemic which hasn’t really gone away, the future is probably more unpredictable than either.
We remain proud that we are able to create an event which is free at the point of entry and allows everyone to attend as their true authentic selves.
What is even more remarkable, is that despite the immense pressures, competition and lack of time, Reading Pride still finished the financial year with a modest surplus, and created an event which was very much needed by the community.
We still managed to look at how we can bring the community together. In 2021, it was the first year that we invited Mayors from the neighbouring towns which lead to the parade being led for the first by a “Chain-Gang” of Mayors! We were also joined for the first time by The High Sheriff of the Royal County of Berkshire.
Paul Britt - Chair of Reading Pride
Message from the Chair MyUmbrella Legal and Administrative Information Profile of Reading Pride Trustees Statement from the Treasurer Statement from the Independent Examiner
MyUmbrella
MyUmbrella started the year with their annual Transgender Day of Remembrance Vigil. Due to the level of uncertainty and continued lock-downs we decided to do this a virtual event by putting together a 90 minute feature film premièred across social media.
We would like to thank Lucy Hewes and the Rock Choir for giving us access to their music library in order to facilitate the “Remembering our Dead” section of the vigil, a lot of the processes used were taken from Digital Together that took place a month before.
At this time we also decided to put a pause onto the Live podcast due to our limited human resources.
Between April and November we brought back our podcast “Under The Brolly” with new host Hannah Phillips, a popular trans activist and YouTuber in a new monthly pre-recorded format. The first three episodes were filmed over Zoom whilst we were still in the fourth lock-down, we then moved it to in-person on the fourth episode when it was safe to do so following all the required health and safety guidelines for video production.
We particularly would like to thank Reading International Solidarity Centre (RISC) and The Roseate Hotel for allowing us to film there for free in a COVID-19 secure manner.
The team decided not to attend any other Pride events due to a high number of cancellations and level of uncertainty in planning the logistics with the exception of our own. For this reason, the accounts will show a nil value for a number of items with the primary income coming in from the Love Unites festival and the online shop.
We would also like to thank the Wendy’s employees at the then newly opened Reading branch for nominating us for their “Community Giving Program” and for being chosen as the winning organisation, to which we received a $5,000 grant (£3,669 after exchange rate). Noticeably we were the only one based in the UK to win the grant. Plans are now underway for how we will make use of this grant, and we look forward to covering this in next year’s annual report.
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Christina Dearlove
Kerry Kleis
Project Team Leader Project Team Leader
Message from the Chair MyUmbrella
Legal and Administrative Information Profile of Reading Pride Trustees Statement from the Treasurer
Statement from the Independent Examiner
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Legal and Administrative Information
Legal Status
The organisation was incorporated as a company on 11 February 2004 and registered as a Charity on 2 July 2007.
Reading Pride has a Charity Number 1119891 and Company Number 05041291. Registered Address: South Street Art Centre, 21 South Street, Reading, Berkshire, England, RG1 4QU
Directors (who are also Trustees) served during the year: Paul Britt – Chair
Kirsten Bayes – Vice Chair
Andrew Adams - Secretary and Acting Treasurer (re-elected May 2021) Sarah Hacker - Trustee
Sophia James - Trustee (re-elected May 2021) Michael Russell – Trustee
Bankers:
Metro Bank,Broad Street Mall, 201 Broad St, Reading
RG1 7QA,
The Co-Operative Bank Plc, P O Box 250, Delf House, Southway, Skelmersdale, WN8 6NY
Independent Examiner: Rachel Eden, Holy Brook Associates
The financial year covered by this report runs from 1st November 2020 to 31st October 2021.
Financial Year:
Photography:
Thanks to Amelie Bee, Kerry Kleis, Pride Pics and Robbie Dee for the photos of our event used in this report.
Copyrights of images belong to their respective owners.
Copyright:
Message from the Chair MyUmbrella Legal and Administrative Information Profile of Reading Pride Trustees Statement from the Treasurer
Statement from the Independent Examiner
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Profile of Reading Pride Trustees
Paul Britt
Andrew Adams
Kirsten Bayes
Chair of Trustees
Vice-Chair of Trustees
Secretary of Trustees & Treasurer
Paul has been a trustee of Reading Pride since 2009, with a break in 2013. He works as an Associate Director in Global Regulatory Affairs for a large multi-national healthcare company and is also a signed
Kirsten joined Pride as a Trustee in 2016. She has been involved with LGBT+ groups for more than twenty years and is a former Deputy Leader of Reading Council.
Andrew has been involved in Reading Pride for over 10 years, leading the development of our parade into a new expanded format, joining the board as a Trustee in 2013 and taking up the role of Treasurer in 2017.
producer to Universal Music Europe. As a keen musician, composer and producer, he works on a variety of genres of music fusing pop with classical. He is very much an advocate for creating opportunities for new and emerging talent in the local area. He supported a member of the community to fulfil this vision, with the introduction of the Pride Alive stage, which gave a platform for local talent to perform.
Kirsten works as Local Outreach
Coordinator for Campaign Against Arms Trade (CAAT). Prior to joining CAAT, she worked in industry, in marketing and IT management, and as a business school lecturer. She is on the boards of several non-profits, including Reading-based Nuclear Information Service, for whom she is Vice Chair.
Having grown up in Northern Ireland, he studied at the University of Reading, serving Chair of the RUSU LGBT group for two years. Now working as a project manager in the rail industry, Andrew brings broad industry experience including regulatory compliance, Health and Safety management and event logistics.
Paul has been campaigning almost 25 years for equality, and equal rights for all, including the repeal of Section 28, marriage equality and equal age of consent. He is committed to ensuring that the equal rights in law are also reflected in society.
She is one of the founder members of Open Table at Reading Minster and is a Churchwarden at St Luke’s, in Redlands Parish, Reading.
Beyond Pride, Andrew is active in local politics and has been a parliamentary candidate, gaining significant experience in local government liaison and stakeholder engagement.
Sophia James
Sarah Hacker
Michael Russell
Trustee
Trustee
Trustee
Michael first got involved with Reading Pride as a volunteer at the 2007 festival and loved the event so much that he joined the committee in preparation for the 2008 festival. At first he managed the website but over the years this gradually included managing the social media, digital marketing and recently supporting the newly formed MyUmbrella committee. In 2017 Michael was also elected as a Trustee.
Sophia is the Lead Councillor for
Sarah has been patron of Reading Pride since 2016. She is a lifelong equality campaigner and ally to the LGBT+ community in Reading for many years both as a councillor and Mayor.
Neighbourhoods and Communities taking a lead on community safety and equalities issues across Reading.
She is a lifelong equality activist and
has been involved in a number of campaigns and projects
including LGBT History Month, Black History Month, Reclaim the Night and creating a Disability Equality Week at university. She also co-runs the LGBT Meet-Up Group and is part of the Reading Carnival organising committee.
As a trustee she will bring her energy, commitment and networks to help grow Reading Pride and ensure it represents all communities within Reading.
During a nine-month break in 2013 Michael continued to support the LGBT+ community through work with local charity Support U helping them put on important fund-raisers when they launched.
Sarah is also an active trade unionist and equality rep. She believes Prides should continue to be political events with active participation and support from trade unions and local parties. There is still a lot to fight for and, together, we will achieve equality for all the LGBT+ community.
In the past Sophia has served as a trustee of a students’ union and governor of a local school. She currently manages an outreach project at a local university.
Outside of volunteering, Michael has been involved in the web/ IT industry for over 15 years and is currently a PHP Developer for a Laravel development studio that delivers bespoke software to both industry and end-customers.
Message from the Chair MyUmbrella
Legal and Administrative Information Profile of Reading Pride Trustees Statement from the Treasurer
Statement from the Independent Examiner
Statement from the Treasurer
Objects
Reading Pride exists to champion diversity and inclusion with the Thames Valley and beyond. The running of our annual Parade & Festival accounts for the vast majority of income and expenditure. With no property assets or employees, running costs and overheads remain very low.
Reserves
Significant expenditure is required in advance of the Pride Festival to secure equipment and suppliers. It is the Trustee’s intention to continue to ensure
reserves of a minimum of 25% of annual turnover of the charity.
Risk Review
The COVID-19 pandemic did not have a significant financial impact on Reading Pride in 2020 due to our late position in the Pride calendar, having made no significant expenditure in relation to the 2020 festival. The ongoing management of the pandemic presents significant risks to be managed for the 2021 festival.
Looking ahead, the challenges of maintaining income from corporate and third sector sponsorship against a challenging economic background, and rising costs of equipment / suppliers for the festival with front-loaded costs, remains the principle risk. The charity continues to turnover the majority of income to expenditure within a yearly cycle, with solid reserves and no debt.
Trustee’s Responsibilities for the Financial Statements
Charity and Company Law require the Trustees, who are also the Directors of Reading Pride, to prepare financial statements for each financial year, which give a true and fair view of the state of affairs of the Charitable Company at the balance sheet date and of its incoming resources and application of resources, including income and expenditure for that period. In preparing those financial statements, the Trustees are required to:
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Select suitable accounting policies and apply them consistently.
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Make judgements and estimates that are reasonable and prudent.
• State whether applicable accounting standards have been followed, subject to any material departures disclosed and explained in the financial statements.
• Prepare the financial statements on the going concern basis, unless it is inappropriate to assume that the Charity will continue in business. The Trustees are responsible for keeping financial records, which disclose with reasonable accuracy at any time, the financial position of the Charity and that enable them to ensure that the financial statements comply with the Companies Act 2006. They are also responsible for safeguarding the assets of the Charity and hence must take reasonable steps for the prevention and detection of fraud and other irregularities. This report was approved by the Board on the 25 July 2022.
Respective Responsibilities of Trustees and Examiner
The charity’s trustees are responsible for the preparation of the accounts. The charity’s trustees consider that an audit is not required for this year under section 144 of the Charities Act 2011 (the Charities Act) and that an independent examination is needed. It is my responsibility to:
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examine the accounts under section 145 of the Charities Act,
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to follow the procedures laid down in the general Directions given by the Charity Commission (under section 145(5)(b) of the Charities Act, and
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to state whether particular matters have come to my attention.
Message from the Chair MyUmbrella Legal and Administrative Information Profile of Reading Pride Trustees Statement from the Treasurer Statement from the Independent Examiner
Statement from the Independent Examiner
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
In connection with my examination, no material matters have come to my attention which gives me cause to believe that in, any material respect,:
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the accounting records were not kept in accordance with section 130 of the Charities Act; or
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the accounts did not accord with the accounting records; or
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the accounts did not comply with the applicable requirements concerning the form and content of accounts set out in the Charities (Accounts and Reports) Regulations 2008 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.
I 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.
Rachel Eden
ACMA (Chartered Institute of Management Accountants)
Holy Brook Associates, Curious Lounge, 1st Floor, Pinnacle Building, Tudor Road, Reading, England,
RG1 1NH
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Message from the Chair MyUmbrella
Statement of Financial Activities
Profit and Loss for the year ended 31 October 2021
Legal and Administrative Information
Profile of Reading Pride Trustees Statement from the Treasurer Statement from the Independent Examiner
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2021 2020 2021 2020
Profile of Reading Pride Trustees
Turnover MyUmbrella Expense: Other Printing 18 0
Statement from the Treasurer
Income: Alcohol Tenders - STD Rated 7,442 0 MyUmbrella Expense: Podcast 26 0
Statement from the Independent Income: Bank Interest Received - EXEMPT 0 (1) Pride Cost: Back Stage Costs (Food, Chairs etc) 1,373 0
Examiner
Income: Corporate Donations 13,850 2,785 Pride Cost: Banners, Site Signage & Decorations - STD Rated 2,016 0
Statement of Financial Activities Income: Donations - EXEMPT 7,067 18,466 Pride Cost: BSL Interpretation 1,340 0
Income: Market Stall (Food Trader Pitch Rent) - STD Rated 3,000 0 Pride Cost: Entertainment Acts - STD Rated 14,396 0
Profit and Loss for the year ended
Income: Market Stall (Optional Extras) - STD Rated 1,597 0 Pride Cost: Fencing - STD Rated 3,542 0
31 October 2021
Income: Market Stall (Pitch Rent) - STD Rated 4,900 0 Pride Cost: First Aid Cover 950 0
Balance Sheet
Income: Membership Sales - EXEMPT 30 80 Pride Cost: General Expenses - STD Rated 966 8
Grants
Income: Pride Day Donations - EXEMPT 4,972 0 Pride Cost: Health & Safety - STD Rated 111 0
Declaration of Staff Costs
Income: Pride Plus - STD Rated 2,583 0 Pride Cost: Hire of Equipment 11,378 0
Trustee and Other Related Parties
Income: Sponsorship 29,218 3,995 Pride Cost: Insurance - STD Rated 1,804 0
Fixed Assets MyUmbrella Income: Donations - EXEMPT 244 443 Pride Cost: Licences 140 0
Investment Assets MyUmbrella Income: Sales 68 110 Pride Cost: Security - STD Rated 8,297 0
Total Turnover 74,970 25,879 Pride Cost: Stage & Sound 9,979 0
Movement in Equity
Pride Cost: Toilets & Facilities - STD Rated 5,495 0
Cost of Sales
Other Information
Cost of Generating Funds: Other - STD Rated 716 8 Pride Cost: Van / Trailer Hire - STD Rated 737 0
Notes
Cost of Sales: Merchandise - STD Rated 500 0 Pride Cost: Volunteer/Committee Costs Incl. Clothing 2,907 0
Thanks to Our Supporters
Donations to other Charities/Groups 1,000 [1] 571 Pride Cost: Waste Management 1,468 0
Expense: Advertising - STD Rated 494 93 Pride Cost: Website Running Costs 507 292
- STD Rated 104 0 Total Cost of Sales 70,394 1,317
Expense: Printing - Poster & Leaflets
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Gross Profit
PRIDE
MY UMBRELLA MyUmbrella Cost: Stall/Event 100 71
LGBT PLUS
MyUmbrella Cost: Stock & Supplies 27 101
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Message from the Chair
Balance Sheet
MyUmbrella
Legal and Administrative Information Profile of Reading Pride Trustees Statement from the Treasurer Statement from the Independent Examiner
Statement of Financial Activities
Balance Sheet
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2021 2020
Turnover
Bad Debt Expense 0 256
Expense: Accountancy & Audit Fees 602 600
Expense: Bank Charges or Fees 675 28
Expense: Company Administration - STD Rated 871 160
Expense: Food & Drinks Costs for other Events 1,183 0
MyUmbrella Expense: Travel & Accommodation 0 146
Total Administrative Costs 3,331 1,190
1,245 23,372
Operating Profit
1,245 23,372
Profit on Ordinary Activities Before Taxation
1,245 23,372
Profit after Taxation
Assets
Bank
Metro Bank Reading 38,907 45,233
MyUmbrella: Cash Float 223 20
PayPal 3,310 1,832
Petty Cash Account 32 221
SumUp 147 147
The Co-operative Bank 614 614
Total Bank 43,233 48,066
Current Assets
Trade Debtors 3,807 -452
Total Current Assets 3,807 -452
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| 2021 | 2020 | |
|---|---|---|
| Non-current Assets | ||
| Event Equip Deposit | 129 | 0 |
| Total Non-current Assets | 129 | 0 |
| Total Assets | 47,169 | 47,614 |
| Liabilities | ||
| Current Liabilities | ||
| Accruals Creditors control account Historical Adjustment Rounding VAT Total Current Liabilities Total Liabilities Net Assets Equity Current Year Earnings Forbury Fund Reserves: Unrestricted Funds Selwyn Project Funding |
300 3,689 26 -1 -5,421 -1,406 -1,406 48,576 1,245 15,978 31,352 0 |
300 0 26 -1 -41 284 284 47,330 23,372 15,978 7,980 571 |
Message from the Chair MyUmbrella
Legal and Administrative Information Profile of Reading Pride Trustees Statement from the Treasurer Statement from the Independent Examiner
Statement of Financial Activities
Grants
Declaration of Staff Costs
Trustee and Other Related Parties
Fixed Assets
Investment Assets
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Grants
The Charity made a donation during the financial year to Open Hand Open Space Ltd (charity number 1196484) to support ‘Beyond Otherness’. This exhibition project gave a platform to young BAME and LGBT+ artists. The ten-day exhibition gave recently graduated artists’ work the opportunity to address aspects of social practice related to their identities as BAME and LGBT+ artists and the relationship between art and activism, aesthetics and communication, and how ideas of intersectionality can enrich our understanding and inform our actions.
Declaration of Staff Costs
The Charity did not make any payroll payments during the financial year.
Trustee and Other Related Parties
No payments or reimbursements were made for out-of-pocket expenses to trustees. There were no related party transactions made by the Charity.
Fixed Assets
The Charity held no fixed assets at any time during the financial year-ended 30 October 2021.
Investment Assets
The Charity held no investment assets at any time during the financial yearended 30 October 2021.
Message from the Chair
Movement in Equity
MyUmbrella
Legal and Administrative Information Profile of Reading Pride Trustees Statement from the Treasurer Statement from the Independent Examiner
Statement of Financial Activities
| Movement in Equity | |||||
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Equity | 2021 | 2020 | 2019 | 2018 | 2017 |
| Opening Balance Current Year Earnings |
47,330 1,245 |
23,959 23,372 |
19,499 4,460 |
9,666 9,778 |
2,187 7,454 |
| Forbury Fund | 0 | 15,978 | 0 | 0 | 0 |
| Reserves: Unrestricted Funds | 0 | -15,407 | 0 | 0 | 0 |
| Selwyn Project Funding | 0 | -571 | 0 | 55 | 25 |
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Total Equity 48,576 47,330 23,959 19,499 9,666
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Other Information
The Charity does not have any material commitments not provided for in the accounts. The Charity has not given any guarantees to third parties. The Charity has not granted or been granted any loans. The Charity did not make any exgratia payments during the year.
Notes
Movement in Equity Other Information
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1 Grant to Open Hand Open Space Ltd (charity number 1196484) to support ‘Beyond Otherness’.
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Notes
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Message from the Chair MyUmbrella
Legal and Administrative Information
Profile of Reading Pride Trustees Statement from the Treasurer Statement from the Independent Examiner
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Thanks to Our Supporters
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Thanks to Our Supporters
We would like to thank and show appreciation to our sponsors and supporters for their help and financial support in making our event possible.