BOOK-CYCLE • Trustee Report 2023-2024 .ia"TafL Book-cycle Charitable Trust: 1127078 7 West Street, Exeter, Devon, United Kingdom ee to 3001405 34cL4 www.book-cycle.org Book-cycle Annual Trustee Report 2023-2024 Contents: Introduction Vision Chairman's Report. Personal Story Overseas Progress.. UK Progress Future Plans .13 18 23 Thanks -24 Figures Examiner's Report.. SOFA 25 27 28 Legal Info 31 Trustees: Anthony Mellin& Sakeenah Feghir, Jim Atherton. Welcome Introduction Book-cycle is a UK based volunteer run charity. We seek to empower children worldwide through the provision of free books and educational resources. We also help reforest England by offering trees and information on sustainability. Book-cycle works in communities throughout the UK, establishing projects to encourage self-reliance through home food growing, community gardening and promoting wildlife through the planting of trees. We also provide seed banks and host a variety of workshops. Books are read and some are donaled to Book-Cy¢le Books are published and sent to High street shops Choose what to pay for p to 3 books per day Trees are felled for paper With your donations we furnlsh school Ilhrarxes over8ea8 Saplxngs grow into trees We als• plant Izees and give away seeds and sapllngs Book-cycle Annual Trustee Report 2023-2024 2 Vision, Aims & Objectives Vision: Our vision is a world where everyone has the necessary tools for self-determination. Book-cycle believes education is a right and should not be a privilege. Likewise, education needs to be broadened to include our place in nature and how best we might learn from that. The Advancement of Education: To improve literacy and the love of learnin& by providing free access to books and information. The Planting of Trees: It seems only reasonable to balance our use of paper through the planting of trees. The Promotion of Perniaculture: To complete the circle of education and tree planting we hope to increase the awareness of our place within nature and how best we might use her wonderful designs. *X Overview Chairman's Report "When you educate a girli you educate a nation." African proverb A sentiment I first heard echoed by the late Christopher Hitchens, who remarked, "The cure for poverty has a name, in fact: it's called the empowerment of women." Over the past 17 years, I have had the privilege of meeting and working with most, if not all, of the Book-cycle volunteers. Although I am always incredibly humbled by the dedication of all those who come to help week in and week out, I am often struck by the realisation that most of them happen to be women. On reflection, since its inception, Book-cycle has been home to a host of determined women; pillars of the community who have been and continue to be foundational within our charity. Although men underpin many of our activities, we seem to be the exception rather than the rule. Since its founding, Book-cycle has been shaped and sustained by a community of remarkable women. They have been the backbone of our charity, contributing in countless ways to its growth and success. This reality was brought into sharp focus earlier this year with the passing of Henrietta, a long-standing volunteer at our original Exeter branch. A close friend and a constant presence, for me and many in Exeter, she became from the early days an integral part of Book-cycle's story. Her presence, as constant as the books on our shelves, embodied the quiet dedication that has characterised so many of our female volunteers. From my own mother, Joan, who with others travelled to build libraries in Ghana as well as becoming a cornerstone of the Wigan branches, to Angela who managed to cycle from Book-cycle Annual Trustee Report 2023-2024 Exeter to Rome to initiate our sister charity Book-cycle Italia, to one of our trustees; Sakeenah who has helped guide the charity from day one, and countless others, these women have become the indispensable and sometimes unseen architecture supporting our mission. Whilst reflecting on why women have been the primary driving force behind many of Book-cycle's achievements, I came across the work of Dr. James O'connell and Kristen Hawkes, at the University of Utah and their research on the "Grandmother Hypothesis" which suggests that grandmothers play a crucial role in human evolution. The prolonged lifespan of women beyond their reproductive years is believed to have evolved primarily to support and care for their grandchildren. This intergenerational support enhances survival rates by passing down valuable knowledge about food sources, medicinal plants, and survival skills, strengthening social bonds within families and communities. This phenomenon is only known in two other species; orcas and pilot whales. While national volunteering rates show only modest gender differences, Book-cycle's volunteer base is predominantly female, with women comprising approximately seventy percent of our dedicated team. This striking imbalance suggests something deeper than mere coincidence - perhaps an expression of biology and ancient wisdom that recognises the fundamental connection between women, education, and societal progress. Likewise, the impact of educating girls and ensuring they remain in school cannot be overstated. Although literacy rates for girls have improved significantly over the past Overview few decades, many challenges remain. According to UNESCO, 129 million girls worldwide are still out of school, and in some regions, fewer than 20 % of girls complete secondary education. Yet, the benefits of educating girls are profound and far-reaching. Studies show that for every additional year a girl stays in school, her future income increases by up to 20 %. Educated girls are more Iikely to marry later, have fewer children, and provide better healthcare and education for their families. Moreover, communities with higher rates of female literacy experience lower poverty rates, improved public health, and greater economic stability. Educated women are more likely to participate in decision-making processes, advocate for social change, and contribute to the development of their communities (OECD). In short, investing in girls, education creates a ripple effect that transforms societies. At Book-cycle, we are proud to play a small but meaningful role in this global effort. By providing access to books and educational resources, we help empower girls and women to reach their full potential to hopefully become part of that chain of knowledge custodians that our volunteers so clearly embody. By elevating Book-cycle's mission from a simple charitable endeavour to something profoundly significant: a continuation of humanity's oldest and most essential tradition-the passing of wisdom from one generation to the next. Guided by the steady hands and determined hearts of many women, we recognise that in educating others, we truly educate nations. Anthony Melling Chairman and Founder Book-cycle Annual Trustee Report 2023-2024 6 Personal Story The Role of Women within Book-cycle As noted above, the role of women in education appears to be foundational for our species. This is clearly reflected in the demographics of Book-cycle, where many women have taken leading roles within the organisation-perhaps not by chance. Though there are too many to mention, what follows is a very brief snapshot of just some of their stories and adventures. Personal Story We sadly lost several volunteers this year, one of whom was Henrietta. By all accounts, she had lived an exceptional life-having been part of Haight-Ashbury in the '60s, helping to smuggle Solzhenitsyn's manuscripts from behind the Iron Curtain, and even hosting Ian Dury as a lodger whilst living in London. Yet, she remained remarkably modest about these experiences. Over the years, Hetty became an integral part of the Exeter community and Book-cycle in particular, dedicating many years to the charity, driven by her love of books and her deep connection to our philosophy. This year also saw the first book consignments sent to Zimbabwe in over a decade-an effort inspired and facilitated by Henrietta's son, Ossian, who has strong ties to the country from their extensive travels together. Other notable figures from Book-cycle's inception include Bernie, the former proprietor of West Street, whose suggestion led to the establishment of our first shop. Likewise, the early years were significantly shaped by individuals such as Helen, Ari, Di Wandelt-one of our first trustees-and of course, Sakeenah, a trustee who remains a driving force within Book-cycle. Another unforgettable chapter-often referenced in trustee reports-is Angela's epic cycling journey from Exeter to Rome with Kiwi Craig. After years of assisting in the Exeter shop, they embarked on their adventure to Italy, eventually founding the sister charity, Book-cycle Italia. Their first base was "il Grande Cocomero" in Rome's San Lorenzo district before expanding to a beautiful shop in Torpignattara. Both locations continue to thrive, upholding the same ethos and mission as Book-cycle UK. Book-cycle Annual Trustee Report 2023-2024 r7 lll Iqctors Personal Story It is also worth highlighting the remarkable women and unique circumstances that came together to establish Book-cycle's second outlet over 13 years ago. At the time, Beech Hill Library was marked for closure, and the local community was given the chance to take over its operation. It happened to be the first library Anthony visited, brought there twice a week by his grandmother, who lived just a few streets away. Meanwhile, Book-cycle had already been successfully running its "free bookshop" in Exeter for several years when Anthony's mother, Joan, suggested that the organisation might be able to help. Over the following months, a dedicated group-including Joan Melling, Joan Edwards, Fiona Miles, Jacqui, and Denise, to name just a few-helped generate the momentum needed to establish what would become Book-cycle Beech Hill. Phyll Cullen, one of our most steadfast advocates, played a pivotal role in its opening and ongoing development. As a councillor, she ensured Book-cycle remained supported within her ward, and as Mayor, she inaugurated many of our Northern branches. Science teacher Hazel Duffy was instrumental in fostering connections between Rainford High and one of our longest-standing partner charities, Thrive Africa. Her contribution extended beyond fundraising-she played a key role in several international volunteer excursions, including our 2016 journey with 16 Book-cycle volunteers to Ghana. From Julie who helped to establish our online bookshop to Sue Winstanley who managed to secure ongoing Book-cycle Annual Trustee Report 2023-2024 10 contributions from The Body Shop and still helps with Macmillan coffee mornings, the women at Book-cycle Beech Hill are indicative of all our branches. i! Each Book-cycle has a strong cohort of women at the helm who, like their ancestral counterparts, are driven by an innate imperative to preserve and transmit knowledge, to nurture learning, and to strengthen the bonds of community through education. They are not just taking part in a charitable effort but actively contributing to a meaningful legacy of culknral preservation that resonates across generations. Personal Story 11 Up To... 3 BOOKS PER PERSON PER DAY O TO PIANTIN6 QL P{?<)<)<)" to keep accounting records in acmrdance with sec￿￿ 130 of the 2011 Irt" and to prepare accounts which accord with the accounting records and comply with the accounting requirements of the 2011 Art have not been met." or {21 to which, in my opinion, attentth)A should be drawn order to enable a proper UEKlerstanding of the accounts to be reached. Name: Alan G Kehoe Relevant professional qualification or body.. Accountant Address: 36 Gillibrand Street, Chorley, Lancs. PR7 2BZ Date: 27th January 2025 ## **Book-Cycle** ## **Receipts & Payments Account Year Ending 31 March 2024** |Other
Transport
Publicity
Equipment
Premises
Fundraising
Overseas
Trees
Add. UK Projects
Volunteers
Admin
Other
Net receipts for the year
Transfer Loans other Branches
**Cash & Bank balances 31 March 2024**
**Gross Receipts**
**Less Expenses**
Cash & Bank balances 1 April 2023
**Donations**|£
7,777
4,723
3,353
57,901
2,947
12,878
747
-
120
2,099
180|£
89,965
15,750
105,715
92,725
12,990
229,135
-
242,125| |---|---|---| ## **Statement of Assets & Liabilities Year Ending 31 March 2024** £ £ **Current Assets** Cash and bank balances 31 March 2024 Cash and bank balances 31 March 2024 242,125 242,125 **Net Assets** 242,125 **Capital Account** Balance at start of period 229,135 Transfer loans to other branches - Net receipts / (payments) 12,990 242,125 ## **Notes to the Accounts** ## **Receipts** **Donations** Receipts from Book-Cycle outlets, 'shelf-cycles', events & private donations **Other Income** Bank interest, book recycling, online book sales, refunds, storage fees and funding grants ## **Payments** **Transport** Vehicle purchase, tax, insurance, fuel, maintenance, parking / fines and volunteer travel, transport logisitics **Publicity** Website, printing (posters / leaflets etc), online ads, signage, BC clothing **Equipment** Shop sundries, stationery, cleaning supplies, DIY equipment (tools, paint, hardware etc), IT & Comms equipment and volunteer meetings **Premises** Rent & insurances, business rates & service charges, utilities, broadband & telephone, maintenance, Giffgaff, TRASH, fire safety checks & certificates **Fundraising** Event fees & equipment, signs, printing and online ads for events, provisions for food sales **Overseas** Shipping costs, courier and packaging costs, customs / port legal fees **Trees Projects Volunteers** Courses, training and certificates **Admin** Trustee meetings, public & employer's liabiity insurances & fees, postage **Other** Waste / recycling charges, bank charges **Restricted** Grants / specific project money **Funds Unrestricted Funds** Legal Information Charity Name: Registered Charity Number: Registered Address of Charity: Named Trustees: Book-cycle 1127078 7 West St, Exeter, Devon. EX1 1BB Mr. Anthony Melling Ms. Sakeenah Feghir Mr. James Atherton Governance and Structure. Constitution: Trust Deed dated 17th day of September 2008 Appointment of Trustees: (1) There shall be at least three Trustees. Every future trustee shall be appointed by a resolution of the trustees passed at a special meeting called under clause K. {2) In selecting persons to be appointed as trustees, the trustees shall take into account the benefits of appointing a person who is able by virtue of his or her personal or professional qualifications to make a contribution to the pursuit of the objects or the management of the Charity. {3) When any new trustee is appointed the trustees shall ensure that any land belonging to the Charity which is not vested or about to be vested in the Official Custodial for Charities or in a custodian trustee and all other property of the Charity which is not vested or about to be vested in the Official Custodian of Charities, a custodian trustee or a nominee is effectively vested in the persons who are the trustees following such appointment. (4) If for any reason trustees cannot be appointed in accordance with the forgoing positions the statutory power of appointing new or additional trustees shall be exercisable. Eligibility for Trustee: (1) No person shall be appointed as trustee- (a) unless he or she has attained the age of 18 years. or (b) in circumstances such that, had he or she already been a trustee, he or she would have been disqualified from office under the provisions of the following clause. (2) No person shall be entitled to act as a trustee whether on a first or on any subsequent entry into office until after signing in the minute book of the trustees a declaration of acceptance and willingness to act in the trusts of the Charity Determination of Trusteeship: A trustee shall cease to hold Offi￿ if he or she., {1) is disqualified from acting as a trustee by virtue of section 45 of the Charities Act 1992 (or any statutory re-enactment or modification of that provision)., (2) becomes incapable by reason of mental disorder, illness or injury of managing and administering his or her own affairs; (3) is absent without the permission of the trustees from all their meetings held within a period of six months and the trustees resolve that his or her office be vacated- {4) notifies to the trustees a wish to resign (but only if at least trustees will remain in office when the noti￿ of resignation is to take effect). Vacancies: If a vacancy occurs the trustees shall note the fact in their minute book at their next meeting. Any eligible trustee may be re-appointed. So long as there shall be fewer than two trustees none of the powers or discretions hereby or by law vested in the trustees shall be exercisable except for the purpose of appointing a new trustee or trustees. Powers & Restrictions of Trustees. Powers: In furtherance of the objects but not otherwise the trustees may exercise any of the following powers.. (i) to raise funds and invite and receive contributions. (li) to buy, take on lease or in exchange, hire or otherwise acquire any property necessary for the achievement of the objects and to maintain and equip it for use., (iii) subject to any consents required by law to sell, lease or otheNise dispose of all or any part of the propety comprised in the trust fund., (iv) to co-operate with other charities, voluntary bodies and statutory authorities operating in furtherance of the objects of similar charitable purposes and to exchange information and advi￿ with them. (v} to establish or support any charitable trusts, associations or institutions formed for the objects or any of them. (vi) to appoint and constitute such advisory committees as the trustees may think fit., (viii) to employ such staff (who shall not be trustees} as are necessary for the proper pursuit of the objects and to make all reasonable and ne￿SSary provision for the payment of pensions and superannuation to staff and their dependants- (ix) to set aside income as a reserve against future expenditure, but only in accordance with the written policy about reserves. {x} to delegate to any one or more of the trustees the transaction of any business or the performance of any act required to be transacted or performed in the execution of the trusts of the Charity and which is within the professional or business competence of such trustee or trustees,. Provided that the trustees shall exercise reasonable supervision over any trustee or trustees acting on their behalf under this provision and shall ensure that all their acts and proceeding are fully and promptly reported to them., (xi) to do all such other lawful things as are necessary for the achievement of the objects. The Trustees May Not: Buy goods or services from the charity. Sell goods or services or any interest in land or propety to the charity. Charge the whole or any part of the assets belonging to the Charity as security for repayment of money borrowed on behalf of the Charity. Borrow money on behalf of the Charity. Be employed by or receive any remuneration from the Charity except for reasonable expenses incurred when acting on behalf of the Charity. Lend money to the Charity.