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← Remus Memorial Horse Sanctuary

2023-12-31-accounts

REMUS MEMORIAL HORSE SANCTUARY

TRUSTEES’ ANNUAL REPORT & FINANCIAL STATEMENTS 31ST DECEMBER 2023

REMUS MEMORIAL HORSE SANCTUARY

FINANCIAL STATEMENTS

YEAR ENDED 31ST DECEMBER 2023

CONTENTS:

Page
Charity information 1
Trustees’ annual report 2
Independent examiner’s report 3
Statement of financial activities 4
Balance sheet 5
Notes 6
Detailed profit and loss account 7

REMUS MEMORIAL HORSE SANCTUARY

CHARITY INFORMATION

TRUSTEES: S. Burton E. Anderson E. Fordham R. O’Connor N. Walker (appointed 19.03.2024) BANKERS Santander 62, Hagley Road Birmingham B16 8PE National Westminster (RBS) 29, East Walk Basildon Essex SS14 1HD ACCOUNTANTS Peaty & Co 163-164, Moulsham Street Chelmsford Essex CM2 0LD SOLICITORS Talfourds Crown House 40, North Street Hornchurch Essex RM11 1EW CHARITY REGISTRATION NUMBER 1134951 SANCTUARY ADDRESS Little Farm Buttsbury Nr Ingatestone Essex CM4 9NZ COMPANY REGISTRATION NUMBER 07011376

1

REMUS MEMORIAL HORSE SANCTUARY

TRUSTEES’ ANNUAL REPORT

FOR THE YEAR ENDED 31ST DECEMBER 2023

The trustees submit their annual report and the financial statements for the year ended 31st December 2023

History, objectives and activities

Remus Memorial Horse Sanctuary also known as ‘Remus’ was founded in 1983 by Sue Burton and Pat Bacon following the plight of 100 horses left to die on the bleak flooded Rainham Marshes.

The Sanctuary aims to:-

Remus aims to be:-

A leading charity helping all neglected horses to live a full and dignified life

2a

REMUS MEMORIAL HORSE SANCTUARY

TRUSTEES’ ANNUAL REPORT (CONTINUED)

FOR THE YEAR ENDED 31ST DECEMBER 2023

Structure, management and governance arrangements

The name of the Charity is Remus Memorial Horse Sanctuary. The Charity formed in 1983 and is governed by trust deed. On 7th September 2009 it was incorporated as a company limited by guarantee. The Charity registration number, names of trustees and other information are shown on page 1.

The Trustees remain in office until they resign, retire or are removed. They can be replaced at General Meeting. The person responsible for the day to day running of the Sanctuary is Sue Burton.

The Trustees have continued their thorough over-view of all aspects of the Sanctuary to ensure its efficiency and effectiveness and will continue to do so to ensure that the Sanctuary is in a fit state to continue to operate effectively and efficiently in the long term and to meet the demands placed on it from an ever-changing world.

The Sanctuary also works very closely with other welfare organisations and sanctuaries where possible.

We employ the services of National Farmers Union to oversee that we have all the necessary Health & Safety requirements in place. We have very high standards of Health and Safety and expect everyone on site to assist in ensuring that the workplace is as safe as possible. We employ the services of Peninsula Business Service to oversee our Personnel issues and ensure that we have the correct paperwork / procedures in place.

Achievements and performance

With regard to the objects of the Charity:-

The Trustees are happy that this object is being sufficiently met. The Sanctuary is presently home to 64 horses, 8 donkeys, 2 mules, 8 cats, 12 goats and 13 sheep.

These animals will remain in the care of the Sanctuary for life and we are firmly committed to ensure that they have the best life we can give them ensuring all their needs are met.

We have an extremely synergistic approach to the care of the animals with a combination of professionals comprising staff, volunteers, species specific veterinary surgeons, a farrier, nutritionists and holistic care practitioners all working together to ensure the welfare and well-being of the animals. We continue to offer Enrichment for the animals – using toys, mirrors, games etc to enhance their lives and/or environment.

2b

REMUS MEMORIAL HORSE SANCTUARY

TRUSTEES’ ANNUAL REPORT (CONTINUED) FOR THE YEAR ENDED 31ST DECEMBER 2023

With regards to our welfare work we continue to respond to concerns regarding animals and continue to attend meetings with other like-minded organisations to ensure that we do not duplicate their work and to maintain relations where we can discuss problems and assist each other when necessary . We have been inundated with welfare calls over the last year and this is reflective of the equine crisis that exists in the UK at present. We are adequately equipped to deal with this increase in calls.

Advance the education of the public in the proper care and treatment of equines

The Trustees feel that this object is being met as we continue to run workshops on various topics of horse care and seminars regarding Elderly Horse Care. We also advise owners when we are on welfare calls. Our power point presentation is also a fundamental way of getting the message over to the public as to how we can reduce cruelty and care for our animals correctly.

This scheme has been on hold for the past year whilst we find people to run the powerpoint presentations.

This object is being met as we regularly give advice to horse owners over the phone and in person when on welfare calls. We have seen an increase in advice sought from the public. We receive a lot of calls from across the world asking for advice on feeding the elderly horse.

This object is being met by the Sanctuary on a daily basis as we constantly work to help animals in distress throughout Essex and work with other Organisations when necessary. We are in the midst of one of this Country’s largest ever horse welfare crisis with over 7,000 horses at risk at any one time. Every horse we rescue is just a drop in the ocean in the overall crisis but means the difference between life and death for that animal. We formed a Born to Die Campaign to bring attention to the issues and show people how they can help. We also aim to get the existing laws enforced as this is one of the biggest pit-falls in helping these poor creatures We have concerns due to the significant increase in the amount of Traveller horse issues, horses roaming loose for weeks and longer on roads and that of elderly horses where owners are not able to provide what horses need.

2c

REMUS MEMORIAL HORSE SANCTUARY

TRUSTEES’ ANNUAL REPORT (CONTINUED)

FOR THE YEAR ENDED 31ST DECEMBER 2023

40th year

This year saw the Sanctuary’s 40th anniversary. This was marked through a variety of methods, of which the highlight was a visit and lunch with our Patron, HRH The Duchess of Edinburgh. Her Royal Highness visited the Sanctuary on 27th June 2023, meeting our animal residents, staff and volunteers. We were then honoured to be able to hold a celebratory lunch at the home of Lord Petre, where the Duchess joined our Founder alongside other Trustees, the Petre family, the Lord Lieutenant and key supporters.

The event was also used to launch the Born To Die campaign, highlighting the ongoing need to do more to end the neglect of horses across the UK. The focus of the campaign is to untangle complex legislation which leaves equine care split between a range of laws, but with no clear accountability between where authority for enforcement comes from. The campaign also calls for greater education, and improved transparency on how legal protections are being used to reduce the number of horses, ponies, donkeys and mules at risk.

We also marked the 40th anniversary year with a range of other marketing, including across social media, and a special 40th anniversary logo. The Trustees marked their huge thanks to Sue Burton, Founder of the Sanctuary and Chair of the Board of Trustees, for her service and dedication over the past 40 years.

The Sanctuary

The animals at Remus remain the pivotal focus of our work. We have continued to be inundated over the last year by people wanting our help and have done our very best to help in all situations.

We continue to employ the services of three different Veterinary practices assuring species-specific veterinary care for the different animals here at the Sanctuary. We have a superb working relationship with our Vets which helps to create a highly professional service for our animals.

We continue to receive a high volume of calls from members of the public concerned about horses that are tethered. To this end we are always highlighting the plight of tethered horses where possible.

Volunteers

Our Volunteer numbers continue to increase and we now have nearly 30 volunteers who help with the workload at the Sanctuary. The Volunteer Scheme is closely monitored to help ensure that we are able to provide appropriate training for our Volunteers. We have a very robust team of Young Volunteers and Duke of Edinburgh youngsters who help on a Sunday and we regularly offer placement to school, college, University or Vet School students.

2d

TRUSTEES’ ANNUAL REPORT (CONTINUED)

REMUS MEMORIAL HORSE SANCTUARY

FOR THE YEAR ENDED 31ST DECEMBER 2023

Holistic Care

We have continued to provide Holistic Care to our animals and are lucky to have the very best of practitioners working with our animals. We are able to provide aromatherapy, self-selection herbs, shiatsu, reiki, and much more for our animals. The benefit that they get from it is immense and whilst it does not necessarily heal health issues it puts the animals in a much better emotional state to deal with the health problems that they do have. We also have a solarium area which is a vital part of our synergistic approach to equine rehabilitation from illness, injury or trauma. The heat has an enormous impact on the absorption of calcium and phosphates, which are essential for healthy bones.

It provides much needed help with joint and back pain caused by arthritis or severe injuries which many of them have suffered at the hands of their previous owners. Every stable has a heat lamp to provide the same effect and to provide warmth in the winter We are very proud to be the first UK Sanctuary to be part of the Shelter Animal Reiki Association programme.

Enrichment

We continue looking at Enrichment for the animals’ and their environment. Horses spend many hours in small paddocks and stables so we are actively looking at toys, logs, mirrors, games etc to try to find the best way to enhance their lives and environment.

Conservation

We continue on a small scale with our Conservation work on the land ensuring that we help nature where we can. Small corridors of land that we are unable to use are set aside where we can we plant bee attracting shrubs. We have seen the amount of insect and bird life grow from year to year. We have seen redwings, yellow hammers, woodpeckers, herons, king fishers, pheasants, partridge, swallows, wagtails, starlings, sparrow hawk, buzzard, spotted fly catchers, egrets, goldfinch, reed bunting, thrushes, robins, blackbirds, green finch, blue tits, peewits, huge flocks of field fare, little owl and our large laminitic barn plays home to a large colony of breeding sparrows. Our ponds continue to attract frogs, tadpoles, beetles, water snails and dragonflies, damselflies and demoiselles. We also have visiting bats that travel down from the local Church to eat the midges rain water is saved in butts to be reused. The recent inclusion of a small log pile has already resulted in its use by small lizards

Finances

The Trustees expected a very hard year financially and every year seems to get harder. We have noticed an immense decline in donations since the recession. The effect on us as a Charity is considerable and this will have a huge impact on the Sanctuary and its work. This at a time when everything we purchase is increasing in price is of concern to the Trustees.

The Trustees are overseeing that all efforts to reduce expenditure where possible and increase income are in place.

2e

REMUS MEMORIAL HORSE SANCTUARY

TRUSTEES’ ANNUAL REPORT (CONTINUED)

FOR THE YEAR ENDED 31ST DECEMBER 2023

We run as many fundraising events as we can to be bringing money in and we have regular auctions, Open Days, sponsor days, afternoon teas, curry lunches to name but a few of them.

At the Sanctuary we are working hard to drive down costs where we can but have again been hit by yet another minimum wage increase which has increased our wage cost by over 10%. Everything else continues to rise including feed, bedding , vet costs, fodder, medications, fuel, postage, paper etc yet we know that because of the present economic climate our donations are down significantly.

Financial review

During the year the Charity’s reserves decreased by £139,206 from £387,123 to £247,917 at 31st December 2023, consisting of tangible fixed assets of £123,565 and net current assets of £124,226.

The trustees have examined the requirements for reserves and have established a policy whereby the unrestricted funds, excluding amounts invested in tangible fixed assets, should be between 2 to 6 months expenditure. The reserves are needed to meet the working capital requirements of the charity, to be able to continue the current activities in the event of a significant drop in income and to cover any exceptional expenses.

Plans for the Future

The Trustees believe it is imperative that they constantly review how the Sanctuary is working and if it can be improved in any way. The Trustees want to ensure that the Sanctuary continues to thrive and go from strength to strength and to help ensure this we want to continue in the way that we have. The Trustees also need to look at new innovative ways of bringing revenue in.

Summary

The Trustees believe the Sanctuary continues to uphold its objects and to continue its work as initially intended. They believe it works openly and honestly to help achieve the very best that we can for the animals at the Sanctuary and those animals that we are able to help that do not come into the Sanctuary. We spend a lot of time working with people in the Community and helping to advise them re the needs of their horses.

The Trustees have concerns re the next few years and how the general trend in less people donating will affect the Charity. Bureaucracy and red tape take up a phenomenal amount of man hours and this is always a concern to the Trustees, as are constant rising costs, increasing NMW, postage, Pensions etc.

Overall though the Trustees are happy that the Charity is in line to continue into the future and to ensure its work to help animals – it has a huge team of people to ensure its success including professionals, trustees, staff, volunteers and members and supporters.

2f

REMUS MEMORIAL HORSE SANCTUARY

TRUSTEES’ ANNUAL REPORT (CONTINUED) FOR THE YEAR ENDED 31ST DECEMBER 2023

This report was approved by the board on 20th June 2024

Sue Burton Chair of the Trustees

2g

REMUS MEMORIAL HORSE SANCTUARY

INDEPENDENT EXAMINERS’ REPORT TO THE TRUSTEES OF REMUS MEMORIAL HORSE SANCTUARY

FOR THE YEAR ENDED 31ST DECEMBER 2023

Charity no: 1134951 Company no: 07011376

I report to the charity trustees on my examination of the accounts of the company, set out on pages 4 to 7, for the year ended 31st December 2023.

Responsibilities and basis of report

As the charity’s trustees of the Company (who are also directors of the company 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 for this year 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 Act.

Independent examiner’s statement

The charity’s gross income exceeded £250,000 and I am qualified to undertake the examination by being a qualified member of the Institute of Chartered Accountants in England and Wales.

I have completed my examination. I confirm that no material matters have come to my attention which gives me cause to believe that:

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.

L Ayling

L. Ayling FCA Peaty & Co Chartered Accountants 163-164 Moulsham Street Chelmsford Essex CM2 0LD

20th June 2024

3 REMUS MEMORIAL HORSE SANCTUARY

STATEMENT OF FINANCIAL ACTIVITIES FOR THE YEAR ENDED 31ST DECEMBER 2023

Note
Incoming resources
3
Income and endowments from:
Voluntary income
Grants
Activities for generating funds
Investment income

Total
Resources expended
4
Expenditure on:
Raising funds
Charitable activities
Other
Total
Net movement in funds
Reconciliation of funds:
Total funds brought forward
Total funds carried forward		 2023
2023
2022
Unrestricted
Total
Total
funds
funds
funds
£
£
£
302,800
302,800
418,511
5,800
5,800
1,000
75,049
75,049
83,095
161
161
4
_
_
_
383,810
383,810
502,610
_
_
_
14,198
14,198
9,803
507,732
507,732
487,294
1,086
1,086
1,303
_
_
_
523,016
523,016
498,400
_
_
_
(139,206)
(139,206)
4,210
387,123
387,123
382,913
_
_
_
247,917
247,917
387,123
_
_
_		 2022
Total
funds

4

REMUS MEMORIAL HORSE SANCTUARY

Fixed assets
Tangible assets
Current assets
Debtors
Cash at bank and in hand
Total current assets
Creditors: amounts falling
due within one year
Net current assets
Total net assets
Funds of the charity
Unrestricted funds		 BALANCE SHEET
AS AT 31ST DECEMBER 2023
Notes
2023
2022
£
£
8
123,565
130,897
9
1,000
1,000
134,376
268,689
_
_
135,376
269,689
10
11,024
13,463
_
_
124,352
256,226
_
_
247,917
387,123
_
_
247,917
387,123
_
_

The company was entitled to exemption from audit under s477 of the Companies Act 2006 relating to small companies.

The members have not required the company to obtain an audit in accordance with s476 of the Companies Act 2006.

The directors acknowledge their responsibilities for complying with the requirements of the Companies Act with respect to accounting records and preparation of accounts.

These accounts have been prepared in accordance with the provisions applicable to small companies subject to the small companies regime and in accordance with FRS102 SORP.

The financial statements on pages 4 to 7 were approved by the Trustees on 20th June 2024 and signed on its behalf by:

…………………………………………………………

S Burton

REMUS MEMORIAL HORSE SANCTUARY

NOTES TO FINANCIAL STATEMENTS 31ST DECEMBER 2023

1. Basis of preparation

(a) Basis of accounting

The accounts (financial statements) have been prepared under the historical cost convention with items recognised at cost or transaction value unless otherwise stated in the relevant note to these accounts. The financial statements have been prepared in accordance with the Statement of Recommended Practice: Accounting and Reporting by Charities preparing their accounts in accordance with the Financial Reporting Standard applicable in the United Kingdom and Republic of Ireland (FRS102) issued on 16th July 2014 and the Financial Reporting Standard applicable in the United Kingdom and Republic of Ireland (FRS102) and the Charities Act 2011.

The charity constitutes a public benefit entity as defined by FRS102.

(b) Going Concern

The trustees consider that there are no material uncertainties about the charity’s ability to continue as a going concern.

2. Accounting policies

(a) Income

6a

REMUS MEMORIAL HORSE SANCTUARY

NOTES TO FINANCIAL STATEMENTS 31ST DECEMBER 2023

2. Accounting policies (continued)

(a) Income (continued)

(b) Expenditure and liabilities

(c) Assets

3 . Analysis of income

Analysis of income
2023 2022
£ £
Voluntary income
Donations and membership subscriptions 210,339 214,833
Legacies 92,461 203,678
_ _
302,800 418,511
_ _

6b

REMUS MEMORIAL HORSE SANCTUARY

NOTES TO FINANCIAL STATEMENTS 31ST DECEMBER 2023

3. Analysis of income (continued)
2023 2022
£ £
Grants:
Grants 5,800 1,000
______ ______
Activities for generating funds:
Fundraising 65,126 46,364
Merchandise 6,565 12,876
Campaigns and appeals 3,358 23,855
______ ______
75,049 83,095
______ ______
Investment income
Bank interest 161 4
______ ______
4. Analysis of expenditure
2023 2022
£ £
Expenditure on raising funds:
Staging fundraising events 9,683 5,025
Merchandise for resale 4,515 4,778
______ ______
14,198 9,803
______ ______
Expenditure on charitable activities:
Staff and volunteer costs 186,650 174,771
Care of animals 170,950 151,970
Premises expenses 87,471 98,070
Administration expenses 44,669 42,633
Depreciation and loss on disposal of vehicle 17,992 19,850
_ _
507,732 487,294
_ _

6c

REMUS MEMORIAL HORSE SANCTUARY

NOTES TO FINANCIAL STATEMENTS 31ST DECEMBER 2023

4. Analysis of expenditure (continued)

4. Analysis of expenditure (continued)
2023 2022
£ £
Other:
Finance costs 1,086 1,303
______ ______
5. Fees for examination of the accounts
2023 2022
£ £
Independent examiner’s fee 1,068 1,020
______ ______

6. Trustees’ remuneration

During the year remuneration of £21,446 (2022 - £21,833) was paid to S Burton.

7. Staff costs

Staff costs
2023 2022
£ £
Salaries and wages 180,876 168,877
Social security costs 3,039 2,788
Pension costs (defined contribution scheme) 2,081 2,266
_ _
185,996 173,931
_ _
Fixed Assets
Buildings and Motor Plant and Computer
enclosures vehicles equipment equipment Total
Cost
At 1st January 2023 291,528 25,200 66,197
4,901		 387,826
Additions - - 11,490
970		 12,460
Disposals - - (1,500)
-		 (1,500)
_ ______ ______
_____		 _
At 31st December 2023 291,528 25,200 76,187
5,871		 398,786
_ ______ ______
______		 _

8. Fixed Assets

6d

REMUS MEMORIAL HORSE SANCTUARY

NOTES TO FINANCIAL STATEMENTS 31ST DECEMBER 2023

8. Fixed Assets (continued)

Buildings and Buildings and Motor Plant and Computer
enclosures vehicles equipment equipment Total
Depreciation
At 1st January 2023 184,505 11,025 58,117
3,282		 256,929
Charge 10,702 3,544 4,891
647		 19,784
Disposals - - (1,492)
-		 (1,492)
_ ______ ______
_____		 _
At 31st December 2023 195,207 14,569 61,516
3,929		 275,221
_ ______ ______
______		 _
Net book values
At 31st December 2023 96,321 10,631 14,671
1,942		 123,565
_ ______ ______
_____		 _
At 1st January 2023 107,023 14,175 8,080
1,619		 130,897
_ ______ ______
_____		 _
9. Debtors
2023 2022
£ £
Prepayments 1,000 1,000
_ _
10. Creditors: amounts falling due
within one year 2023 2022
£ £
Trade creditors 8,851 10,913
Accruals 1,068 1,020
Other creditors 1,105 1,530
_ _
11,024 13,463
_ _

6e

REMUS MEMORIAL HORSE SANCTUARY

DETAILED PROFIT AND LOSS ACCOUNT

FOR THE YEAR ENDED 31ST DECEMBER 2023

2023 2022 2022
£ £ £ £
INCOME
Subscriptions, donations, sponsorship and gifts 210,339 214,833
Grants 5,800 1,000
Legacies 92,461 203,678
Fundraising:
Income 65,126 46,364
Cost of fundraising 9,683 5,025
______ 55,443 ______
41,339
Merchandising:
Sales 6,565 12,876
Cost of sales 4,515 4,778
______ 2,050 ______
8,098
Campaigns and appeals 3,358 23,855
Interest 161 4
_ _
Total income 369,612 492,807
EXPENDITURE
Direct expenditure on care of animals
Wages and salaries 180,875 168,877
Social security costs 3,039 2,788
Pension costs 2,081 2,266
Staff and volunteer training and expenses 654 840
Hay, feed and straw 90,261 83,387
Vets’ fees 55,977 43,415
Farrier 9,112 9,354
Equipment and medical supplies 6,084 4,436
Clearances and waste 9,516 11,378
_ _
Total expenditure on animals 357,599 326,741
_ _

7a

REMUS MEMORIAL HORSE SANCTUARY

DETAILED PROFIT AND LOSS ACCOUNT

FOR THE YEAR ENDED 31ST DECEMBER 2023

2023 2022
£
£		 £
£
Overheads
Rent 5,000 5,000
Insurance 11,003 9,173
Utilities 4,005 6,002
Yard repairs and maintenance 67,463 77,895
Office supplies 8,917 5,869
Telephone, IT and internet 3,830 3,974
Marketing and promotion 11,142 11,725
Motor expenses 4,685 3,722
Legal and professional 14,625 16,042
Depreciation 19,784 19,850
Profit on disposal of equipment (1,792) -
Miscellaneous 1,471 1,301
Bank charges 1,086 1,303
_ _
Total overheads 151,219 161,856
_ _
Total costs 508,818 488,597
_ _
Net (deficit)/income for the year £ (139,206) £ 4,210
_ _

7b