BIRCH HILL DOG RESCUE REPORT AND FINANCIAL STATEMENTS YEAR ENDED 31 MAY 2024 CHARITY NO= 1136306 AZETS 1ST FLOOR, ST DAVID'S COURT UNION STREET WOLVERHAMPTON WV13JE BIRCH HILL DOG RESCUE CONTENTS Pa Reference and Administrative information Report of the Trustees Independent Examiners Report Receipts & Payments Account Statement of Assets and Liabilities Notes to the Financial Statements 9-10 BIRCH HILL DOG RESCUE REFERENCE AND ADMINISTRATIVE INFORMATION CHARITY NAME BIRCH HILL DOG RESCUE CHARITY NUMBER 1136306 TRUSTEES Mrs W A Watts Mrs L Millward Mrs T Cutler Mrs J WAlkes (appointed April 2024) (resigned November 2023) PRINCIPAL ADDRESS Birch Hill House Neen Sollars Kidderminster Worcestershire DY14 OAQ INDEPENDENT EXAMINER J L Swann BA (Hons) BFP FCA Azets 1st Floor, St David's Court Union Street Wolverhampton 113JE BANKERS Barclays Bank PLC TSB Bank PLC ## **BIRCH HILL DOG RESCUE ANNUAL REPORT YEAR ENDING 31 MAY 2024** ## **1. Structure, Governance & Management** _Constituted_ : Under Constitution document adopted 14 May 2010, and registered as a charity on 10 June 2010 _Trustee Selection_ _**:**_ By Appointment. New Trustees will be selected from individuals who already have some involvement with the charity and supported in their role by the current Trustees. ## _Additional Governance_ : The Trust consists of three Trustees all of whom are involved in the various aspects of the Trust activities. Mrs L Millward is responsible for dog welfare and provides support for the Trust’s activities, and Mrs W Watts is responsible for fund raising activities. Mrs T Cutler was appointed as a trustee in April 2024 and assists with dog welfare and fundraising. Sadly, Jo Wilkes passed away in November 2023. ## **2. Public Benefit** For the benefit of the public to relieve the suffering of dogs in need of care and attention; and to provide and maintain kennels or other facilities for the reception, care and treatment of these dogs. - To promote humane behaviour towards animals by providing appropriate care, protection, treatment and security for animals, which are in need of care and attention by reason of sickness, maltreatment, poor circumstances or ill usage; and - to educate the public in matters pertaining to animal welfare in general; and - the prevention of cruelty and suffering among animals. The main activities in order to carry out the Aim are: - Provide kennel facilities for dogs in need, under the circumstances; - To involve volunteers and the local community in the work of the charity; - To raise money and the Trust’s profile through fundraising activities. The Trustees have had regard to the Charity Commissions guidance on public benefit. ## **2.1 Donations and Legacies** Income received consists of regular monthly donations, together with other one-off donations. During the year we received legacies of £7,722. Trustees are guided by the criteria stated in note 2 above as well as ensuring that the money is used for the purpose intended and is in the best interest to the beneficiaries. ## **2.2 Volunteers** The Trust relies on the goodwill of a number of volunteers who assist in the day-to-day care of the rescued dogs and have helped in the fund-raising activities during the period. - 2 - ## **BIRCH HILL DOG RESCUE ANNUAL REPORT (CONTINUED) YEAR ENDING 31 MAY 2024** ## **2.3 Fundraising** Regular donations from the public are well received by the Trust but obtaining other donations and fundraising activities are the core of the charity’s income. Activities are developed in order that donations may be raised to help fund the Trust’s main activities. Without the support of the community and public the Trust would struggle to provide the facilities required. The aim of the fundraising is primarily to raise money to cover the cost of providing day-to-day care and kennel facilities, but also to make the public aware of the Trust’s existence and to promote the welfare and care of dogs. The Trustees are indebted to the generous support received throughout this period. Despite remaining a difficult economic climate, people continue to support directly through donations and by supporting the Trust at various fundraising events. ## **3. Achievements and Performance** Through donations and fund raising the Trust has been able to accommodate approximately 30–40 dogs each month. ## **Financial** The cost-of-living crisis still has its effect on us all, with a reduction in our sponsorship for one. Whilst some of our monthly sponsors have cancelled their support, one or two others have very kindly just reduced their amount rather than cancel altogether, this is much appreciated as we really do understand that people are finding it difficult to survive. Our charity shop has also suffered with customers popping in and carefully thinking about whether to buy something or not. It appears people are purchasing things that they need and not what they want. We are not the only charity shop finding this issue as are many others. Whilst we have lost some support, the number of requests to take in unwanted dogs increases day to day. Unfortunately, as much as we would like to, we can only take in so many once spaces become available. The number of adoptions has also slowed down a little. This year has seen a huge increase in vets bills. Sadly, a couple of our long stayers fell ill, in fact one we lost, we tried everything possible but, in the end, we had to let him go. Also, nearly every new dog we’ve taken in needed veterinary treatment, it was just one after another. ## **Fundraising** Due to the financial crisis, we booked up more fundraising events than ever before, that took place in the latter part of 2024. Luckily, we managed to gain one or two more volunteers to help at them all. We had a good turnout at our Annual Dog Show and whilst we raised a little over £3,000, we were down on the previous year, nevertheless we were very grateful for the support. We had a relatively good weekend on the Welland Steam Rally this year, in fact the best we have had since attending the event. We did extremely well on sales of pet stuff, particularly for dogs, and our Pirate Treasure Game went down well. - 3 - Our other main event was the Worcester Victorian Christmas Fayre. We made sure we have plenty of affordable Christmas presents for dogs and cats, and some 700+ Christmas crackers were made selling for £2 each. A very tiring four-day event, but we raised more than ever for the dogs in our care. ## **Achievements** Once again social media is an important outlet for the charity to liaise with the public. We have used this platform several times during the year to raise funds to help pay for the vets bills etc. and appeal for homes for the dogs. We have also built up a very good relationship with Shropshire Canine who have helped tremendously by giving the dogs days out and showcasing what such lovely dogs they are, especially the dogs we have had for a considerable time. Following an appeal, we were able to purchase a large kennel with a substantial run for Bentley, an elderly Akita who has been with the rescue for many years and sadly due to his temperament, we were unable to rehome him, however he loves everyone at the kennels, and they all love him in return. We wanted a larger space for him and a little quieter, in an area away from the main kennel block where he could see people coming and going. When Bentley is no longer with us, another longterm sanctuary dog will be able to move into it. ## **Future Plans** In the not-too-distant future, we are hoping to purchase a better heater for the main kennel block, the old one is temperamental and has broken down on several occasions, the last time being in the middle of winter. - 4 - BIRCH HILL DOG RESCUE ANNUAL REPORT (CONTINUEDI YEAR ENDING 31 MAY 2024 Financial Review Cash balances at the year-end were £16,482 (2023 - £32,752) 4.1 Core Fundraising As the Trust has no income from endowments or regular grants tt must rely primarily on donatior15 and event-based community fundraising for its income and promotional aclivrties. The charity is registered to receive Gift Aid on donations. The Trust reviews and evaluates each fundraising event and promotional activity to identify need and value for money. The fundraising expenses a￿ necessary to generate funds to fulfil the Trust's obligation to further charitable causes. Trustees are Gommitted to reduce expenses wherever possible. 4.2 Reserves Pollcy It is the policy of the Trust to maintain a fund balance lo sustain the Trust's operations and remain in a positiott to provi(ie funds to provide kennel and other f8cilitie5 over a 3-month period. The Trustees consider the cash reserve of £15.000 to be appropriate. and funds at the year end of 31 May 2024 were more than this amount. Plans for the future Trustees are- _ Committed lo raising as much income as possible to provide facilities for dogs in need. Supporting and encouraging people to donate or to support fundraising activities to provide fiJnd.s hiJt alqn tn p.ne.niiragp. volLJntp.p.r£ tn hp.lp with thp. day-t￿daY r.2rp. At thp. r.p.ntrp._ Tnjsiees are aware ihat many people volunteer their time to help wilh the care of the dogs as they like to feel involved in making a differen￿ to the lives of those less fortunate. Mrs W Watts Trustee 25 April 2025 ## **BIRCH HILL DOG RESCUE** ## **INDEPENDENT EXAMINER’S REPORT TO THE TRUSTEES YEAR ENDED 31 MAY 2024** I report to the charity trustees on my examination of the accounts of the charity for the year ended 31 May 2024, which are set out on pages 7 to 10. ## **Responsibilities and basis of report** As the charity’s trustees you are responsible for the preparation of the accounts in accordance with the requirements of the Charities Act 2011 (’the Act’). I report in respect of my examination of the charity’s accounts carried out under section 145 of the Act and in carrying out my examination I have followed all the applicable Directions given by the Charity Commission under section 145(5)(b) of the Act. ## **Independent examiner's statement** I have completed my examination. I confirm that no material matters have come to my attention in connection with the examination giving me cause to believe that in any material respect: - 1) accounting records were not kept in respect of the charity as required by section 130 of the Act; or - 2) the accounts do not accord with those records. 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. J L Swann BA (Hons) BFP FCA Azets 1[st] Floor, St David’s Court, Union Street, Wolverhampton, WV1 3JE. 29 April 2025 - 6 - **BIRCH HILL DOG RESCUE** ## **RECEIPTS AND PAYMENTS ACCOUNT FOR THE YEAR ENDED 31 MAY 2024** |**Notes**
**Receipts**
**:-**
Regular Donations
Other Donations
Legacies
Fund Raising Events
Shop income
Rehome
Gift Aid Donations
Bank interest received
Grants received
Loans received
**Total Receipts**
**Payments**
**:-**
Direct Charitable Expenditure
2
Charitable Activities to Furtherance
of Charitable Objectives
3
Fundraising and Publicity
4
Management & administration
of the Charity
5
Loans repaid
**Asset & Investment movements:-**
Fixed Asset purchases
Fixed Asset disposal
**Total Payments**
**Surplus/(deficit) of Receipts over Payments**
Transfers between funds
Brought forward Monetary Assets
Carried Forward Monetary Assets|**Restricted**
**Unrestricted**
**2024**
**2023**
**£**
**£**
**£**
**£**
-
17,097
17,097
15,499
-
46,176
46,176
25,798
-
7,722
7,722
90,000
-
11,999
11,999
13,727
-
46,343
46,343
55,584
-
4,275
4,275
3,270
-
17,977
17,977
15,484
-
104
104
108
-
11,000
11,000
-
-
6,574
6,574
-
-
169,267
169,267
219,470
-
145,543
145,543
137,826
-
1,758
1,758
1,721
-
2,578
2,578
4,656
-
28,866
28,866
33,530
-
4,540
4,540
8,000
-
183,285
183,285
185,733
-
2,585
2,585
13,999
-
(333)
(333)
-
-
185,537
185,537
199,732
-
(16,270)
(16,270)
19,738
-
-
-
-
5,000
27,752
32,752
13,014
5,000
11,482
16,482
32,752| |---|---| - 7 - 81RCH HILL DOG RESGUE STATEMENT ETS AND LIABILMES 8 AT 31 MAY 2024 2023 GASH FUNDb Cas+F * Bank Petty Cash 15.599 32.390 16.482 32,752 ASSETS R￿aINED FOR CHAR[￿ USE: 2024 2023 Cost Fun (A)tnputer Equipmellt Gazebo Va IndustrBI wall heater Shop as$8tS Shop StocJ( Digital Copier Printer Heatiw Systern FoUndat￿n for Trleet & Gree Kennd Runs Cabin'MeEt & GTeer Flooring'meet & Gr8ef Stone base House rernVat￿ costs Panelslgates Boiler. radiators & pipvNork Van EK68 EHW DesigrEI Kennels 421 421 500 5.875 unresI￿ted un￿1￿cted Unrestrict 2.242 2,242 2,982 670 Unrestricted VnrestriLted VnreslTK* 670 7.800 Unre5triGt&l un￿triCted ￿n￿$trI(￿ed Unrestrtded 5.966 5,11M) 10.850 5,100 10,850 1.346 1,308 5.510 6.600 Unrestrttgj Unresbicied Unrestricted 5,510 13.999 13,999 UThreslt REDttQRS: 2024 2023 Wage5 and pensions Tax aNI social security Ind8P8ndent eXan¥￿ fee 455 2.6LVJ 1750 10.( 9.550 LONG TERM CREDITORS: 21124 2023 Loan- A Jones LoaTh.W A Watts INo*e n (Note 7) 10,1)00 Awoved by the 8oaril ofTru8t88s ￿ 25 Awl 2025 and sored behalf ty. Mrs YI A Watt5- Trnstee **BIRCH HILL DOG RESCUE** ## **NOTES TO THE ACCOUNTS** ## **FOR THE YEAR ENDED 31 MAY 2024** ## **1) Principal Accounting Policies:-** ## a) **Accounting Policies:-** The financial statements have been prepared on a receipts and payments basis in accordance with Section 133 of the Charities Act 2011 and CC16 issued by the Charity Commission. ## b) **Payments:-** Direct charitable expenditure comprises of costs relating to the board and treatment of dogs under the care of the Charity during the period. |**2)**
**3)**
**4)**|**Direct Charitable Expenditure**
**:-**
Kennel Fees
Vet Fees
Shop Expenses
Wages and Salary
PAYE
**Charitable Activities to Furtherance of**
**Charitable Objectives:-**
Van Expenses
**Fundraising and Publicity**
**:-**
Event Fees & Stall Rents|**2024**
**2023**
**£**
**£**
21,687
23,376
14,378
7,493
27,935
31,841
76,142
70,075
5,401
5,041
145,543
137,826
1,758
1,721
1,758
1,721
2,578
4,656
2,578
4,656| |---|---|---| - 9 - **BIRCH HILL DOG RESCUE** ## **NOTES TO THE ACCOUNTS** ## **FOR THE YEAR ENDED 31 MAY 2024** |**5)**
**6)**|**Management and Administration of the Charity**
**:-**
Rent and rates
Insurance
Repairs and maintenance
Postage & Stationery
Telephone
Computer Expenses
Bank Charges
Sundry Expenses
Accountancy
Legal & professional
**Fund Balances**
**:-**
**Restricted**
Jean Sainsbury Trust|**Brought**
**Incoming**
**forward**
**resources**
5,000
-
5,000
-|**2024**
**2023**
**£**
**£**
13,769
13,308
555
520
261
8,011
3,168
1,495
1,066
1,245
3,093
3,166
288
279
1,255
966
4,089
3,584
1,322
956
28,866
33,530

**Resources**
**Carried**

**expended**
**forward**
-
5,000
-
5,000| |---|---|---|---| Jean Sainsbury Trust - A £5,000 grant was awarded towards the cost of the Kennel roof repairs. ## **7) Related Parties** The charity has a long-term outstanding loan to Mrs W Watts (trustee). The balance carried forward at the year end is £11,650 (2023 - £10,000). The trustee Mrs T Cutler received remuneration for services provided to the charity of £1,224 during the year. A Jones (an employee) loaned the charity £874 in the year and was repaid £490. The balance carried forward at the year end is £384. - 10 -