REPORT OF THE DIRECTORS AND
UNAUDITED FINANCIAL STATEMENTS FOR THE YEAR ENDED 31 MARCH 2025
FOR
GADDESDEN PLACE RDA CENTRE
GADDESDEN PLACE RDA CENTRE
CONTENTS OF THE FINANCIAL STATEMENTS for the Year Ended 31 March 2025
| Page | |
|---|---|
| Company Information | 1 |
| Report of the Directors | 2 |
| Independent Examiners Report | 5 |
| Statement of Financial Activities | 6 |
| Balance Sheet | 7 |
| Notes to the Financial Statements | 8 |
GADDESDEN PLACE RDA CENTRE
COMPANY INFORMATION for the Year Ended 31 March 2025
DIRECTORS:
Mrs C Baxter Mr R M Parker Ms C M Grieve Ms T Bradbury Mr C P Grant Ms J C M Macintyre
CHARITY NUMBER: 01140330
REGISTERED OFFICE:
Bridens Camp Hemel Hempstead Hertfordshire HP2 6EX
REGISTERED NUMBER:
07512961 (England and Wales)
ACCOUNTANTS:
Ad Valorem Accountancy Services Limited Chartered Certified Accountants 2 Manor Farm Court Old Wolverton Road Old Wolverton Milton Keynes MK12 5NN
Page 1
GADDESDEN PLACE RDA CENTRE
REPORT OF THE DIRECTORS for the Year Ended 31 March 2025
The directors present their report with the financial statements of the company for the year ended 31 March 2025.
STRUCTURE, GOVERNANCE AND MANAGEMENT
Gaddesden Place RDA Centre was incorporated on 1 February 2011 as a private company, limited by guarantee, and commenced operations on 1 April 2011, when it took over the operations of the previous unincorporated charity Gaddesden Place Riding & Driving for the Disabled. The company sought, and received, both charitable status and the agreement of RDA National to the takeover.
The charitable company was established under a standard Memorandum and Articles of Association, which are its governing documents, and which sets out the objectives of the group and the powers of the Directors.
PRINCIPAL ACTIVITY
The object of Gaddesden Place RDA Centre is to promote the objects of the Riding for the Disabled Association incorporating Carriage Driving, a charity registered under Charity Number 244108 ("the Association") by providing disabled people with the opportunity to ride and/or carriage drive to benefit their health and wellbeing in the local area.
DIRECTORS/TRUSTEES
The directors shown below have held office during the period from 1 April 2024 to 31 March 2025:
C Baxter (Secretary) S K I Double – resigned 31 October 2024 S Y Fagg R M Parker (Hon Treasurer) M A Keith (Chair) – resigned 29 August 2024 K Dabbagh – resigned 29 August 2024 T Bradbury – appointed 12 December 2024 C P Grant – appointed 12 December 2024
The following directors resigned after the year end but prior to the date of this report:
S Reid (Chair) – resigned 21 July 2025 A L Smiles – resigned 12 September 2025
Ms Reid has been a trustee of the charity for over 3 years and recently stood as Chair and Mrs A L Smiles was a trustee for over 6 years. Both have played a pivotal role in the success of the charity and are thanked for their contribution to its success.
Mrs Christina Grieve was appointed as trustee and Chair on 11th September 2025. Christina brings a wealth of RDA experience to the role. She spent 13 years as a trustee, firstly of the unincorporated Gaddesden Place Riding & Driving for the Disabled and from 2011 of Gaddesden Place RDA Centre Ltd, stepping down in 2018. She has also been an RDA Regional Coach, responsible for the training of 50 Groups in East Region for 9 years.
The Trustees/Directors meet several times a year to discuss fundraising and other issues concerning the management and running of the RDA Centre.
The charity continues to belong to the Association (RDA) and benefits from insurance cover, training advice and support.
New Trustees are normally recruited from our pool of volunteer helpers, or for specialist roles like Treasurer, from existing Trustees' wider network of associates. Potential Trustees are invited to attend a Trustee meeting to see what we do and to have the Trustee role explained to them. If they agree to be considered for a Trustee role a vote is taken by existing Trustees.
New Trustees are provided with the latest annual accounts of the charity, minutes of the last three meetings, our governing document and "CC3 - The Essential Trustee: What you need to know" from the Charity Commission website: www.charitycommission.gov.uk/publications/cc3.asp. Additional training is given depending on the nature of their role and experience.
Page 2
GADDESDEN PLACE RDA CENTRE
REPORT OF THE DIRECTORS for the Year Ended 31 March 2025
ACHIEVEMENTS AND PERFORMANCE
The Trustees have had due regard to guidance published by the Charity Commission on public benefit and the principles contained in the guidance are fully complied with.
In the previous financial year, we had a number of challenges with horses due to ill health and old age issues, which made them no longer suitable for RDA work. This had an impact on the number of activities we could provide to our users which, in turn, impacted upon our associated rider income. Trustees made a decision in the 2023/24 financial year to invest in replacing ponies with a view to bringing pony numbers back to the same level. This would allow us to optimise the number of rides available to our users while also improving long term financial stability. Ponies were purchased both in 2023/24 financial year and this financial year as part of that strategy. To support that strategy, a significant effort was put into grants, fundraising and donations and we especially thank Simon Double and Karen Gosen for their efforts. Simon and Karen organised a number of events including very successful ball and jazz evenings while Karen worked with our Treasurer to secure important grants to help cover our running costs.
Despite the investment in ponies, we remain well below the level of activities seen at peak pre-covid. At the same time, we have seen our costs to run the centre significantly increase, especially as a result of the cost of living crisis. Thanks especially to the generosity of our donors, we have managed to return a profit for the period. However, it is critical that the charity continues to explore opportunities to increase rides and mitigate increased operating costs to ensure our long term viability. We are exploring opportunities to increase both numbers of participants and the range of activities we offer. For example offering sessions to The Inclusion Project, Watford Football Club Dementia Project as well as local care homes and MENCAP but that does not fall within the period covered by these accounts.
The designated reserve policy adopted consistently over the past years has allowed the directors to continue to plan for the future. All necessary safeguards have been undertaken during the year.
The directors would like to thank all those involved in achieving the above and the Trustees and volunteers have worked extremely hard to keep the RDA Centre running. It takes a lot of commitment and time and we are very grateful to all our volunteers and helpers for their continued dedication and support to ensure that our participants can still benefit from what we do. In addition, our thanks are extended to our staff for their hard work, continued loyalty and co-operation through these difficult times.
FINANCIAL REVIEW
Through the generosity of donors and via facilities income a small revenue surplus (after depreciation) has been achieved. As a result, our cash reserves were improved and the charity’s cash position is strong and healthy.
The level of reserves was reviewed at the last Annual General Meeting and the recommendations agreed have been implemented. The review undertaken has provided for funds needed to continue our forward plans as well as maintain the fabric of the centre.
Maintenance of the centre has continued in order to provide a firm basis for the future.
The Trustees therefore have given consideration to all the above and have reviewed outgoings and financial needs for the foreseeable future, and in particular for the next financial year.
Reserves are reviewed and explained at every Annual General Meeting
Page 3
GADDESDEN PLACE RDA CENTRE
REPORT OF THE DIRECTORS for the Year Ended 31 March 2025
OTHER MATTERS
The Directors consider that the company is fully compliant with Safeguarding legislation and Fire Risk Assessments requirements and is compliant with the GDPR legislation.
This report has been prepared in accordance with the provisions of Part 15 of the Companies Act 2006 relating to small companies.
ON BEHALF OF THE BOARD:
........................................................................ Ms C Grieve - Director
Date: .............................................
Page 4
GADDESDEN PLACE RDA CENTRE
REPORT OF THE ACCOUNTANTS TO THE DIRECTORS OF GADDESDEN PLACE RDA CENTRE
I report to the charity trustees on my examination of the accounts of the company for the year ended 31 March 2025 which are set out on pages 6 to 11.
Responsibilities and basis of report
As the charity trustees of the company (and also its directors 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 under Part 16 of the 2006 Act and are eligible for independent examination, I report in respect of my examination of your company'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 2011 Act.
Independent examiner's statement
I have completed my examination. I confirm that no matters have come to my attention in connection with the examination giving me cause to believe that in any material respect:
-
accounting records were not kept in respect of the company as required by section 386 of the 2006 Act; or
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the accounts do not accord with those records; or
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the accounts do not comply with the accounting requirements of section 396 of the 2006 Act 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; or
-
the accounts have not been prepared in accordance with the methods and principles of the Statement of Recommended Practice for accounting and reporting by charities applicable to charities preparing their accounts in accordance with the Financial Reporting Standard applicable in the UK and Republic of Ireland (FRS 102).
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.
D R Kerins FCCA Ad Valorem Accountancy Services Limited 2 Manor Farm Court Old Wolverton Road Old Wolverton Milton Keynes MK12 5NN
Date: .............................................
This page does not form part of the statutory financial statements
Page 5
GADDESDEN PLACE RDA CENTRE
STATEMENT OF FINANCIAL ACTIVITIES (INCLUDING INCOME AND EXPENDITURE ACCOUNT) for the Year Ended 31 March 2025
| Income and Endowments from: Donations and legacies Other trading activities Investments Charitable activities Total Income and Endowments Expenditure on: Raising funds Charitable activities (note 4) Other (note 6) Total Expenditure Net Income/(Expenditure) Transfers between funds Net movements in funds Reconciliation of Funds TOTAL FUNDS BROUGHT FORWARD TOTAL FUNDS CARRIED FORWARD |
31.03.25 Unrestricted Funds £ 58,616 49,923 8,686 46,712 163,937 8,395 129,395 983 138,773 25,164 (9,450) 15,714 324,787 340,501 |
31.03.25 Restricted Funds £ - - - 16,475 16,475 - 20,590 - 20,590 (4,115) - (4,115) 55,936 51,821 |
31.03.25 Total Funds £ 58,616 49,923 8,686 63,187 180,412 8,395 149,985 983 159,363 21,049 (9,450) 11,599 380,723 392,322 |
31.03.24 Total Funds £ 52,576 25,530 4,808 57,879 |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| 140,793 | ||||
| 9,964 155,587 936 |
||||
| 166,487 | ||||
| (25,694) - |
||||
| (25,694) 406,417 |
||||
| 380,723 |
The notes form part of these financial statements
Page 6
GADDESDEN PLACE RDA CENTRE (REGISTERED NUMBER: 07512961)
BALANCE SHEET 31 March 2025
| Notes FIXED ASSETS Tangible assets 8 CURRENT ASSETS Debtors 9 Cash at bank CREDITORS Amounts falling due within one year 10 NET CURRENT ASSETS TOTAL ASSETS LESS CURRENT LIABILITIES RESERVES Restricted income funds Unrestricted funds |
31.3.25 £ 3,250 264,363 267,613 3,793 |
£ 128,502 263,820 392,322 51,821 340,501 392,322 |
31.3.24 £ 21,648 228,407 250,055 1,915 |
£ 132,583 248,140 380,723 55,936 324,787 380,723 |
|---|---|---|---|---|
The company is entitled to exemption from audit under Section 477 of the Companies Act 2006 for the year ended 31 March 2025.
The members have not required the company to obtain an audit of its financial statements for the year ended 31 March 2025 in accordance with Section 476 of the Companies Act 2006.
The directors acknowledge their responsibilities for:
-
(a) ensuring that the company keeps accounting records which comply with Sections 386 and 387 of the Companies Act 2006 and
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(b) preparing financial statements which give a true and fair view of the state of affairs of the company as at the end of each financial year and of its surplus or deficit for each financial year in accordance with the requirements of Sections 394 and 395 and which otherwise comply with the requirements of the Companies Act 2006 relating to financial statements, so far as applicable to the company.
The financial statements have been prepared in accordance with the provisions applicable to companies subject to the small companies regime.
The financial statements were approved by the Board of Directors and authorised for issue on ............................................. and were signed on its behalf by:
........................................................................ Ms C Grieve - Director
The notes form part of these financial statements
Page 7
GADDESDEN PLACE RDA CENTRE
NOTES TO THE FINANCIAL STATEMENTS for the Year Ended 31 March 2025
1. STATUTORY INFORMATION
Gaddesden Place RDA Centre is a private company, limited by guarantee, registered in England and Wales. The company's registered number and registered office address can be found on the Company Information page.
The presentation currency of the financial statements is the Pound Sterling (£).
2. ACCOUNTING POLICIES
Basis of preparing the financial statements
The charity constitutes a public benefit entity as defined by FRS 102. These accounts have been prepared under the historical cost convention and in accordance with the Statement of Recommended Practice applicable to charities preparing their accounts in accordance with the Financial Reporting Standard applicable to the UK and the Republic of Ireland issued in October 2020 - (Charities SORP (FRS 102) (second edition)); the Charities Act 2011 and the Companies Act 2006.
Recognition of income and expenses
Grants and donations are recognised on receipt, riding income on the basis of lessons given in the year and fundraising according to the date of the event. Where the charity incurs costs for fundraising, these are shown separately under “costs of generating funds”.
Tangible fixed assets
Tangible assets have been acquired from Gaddesden Place Riding & Driving for the Disabled at net book value, with additions at cost. Depreciation has been charged by reference to original cost at the following annual rates in order to write off each asset over its estimated useful life:
Short leasehold - over the remaining term of the lease Other equipment - varying rates from 10% to 33% on cost Ponies - 20% on cost Motor Vehicles - 20% on cost Intangible - 25% on cost
Tack and equipment
Tack and equipment purchased is not capitalised but is accounted for as expenditure as the cost is incurred.
Funds
Funds are designated in accordance with the Reserves Policy to cover the running costs should the charity be forced to cease its operations for reasons outside its control. Unrestricted funds can be used in accordance with the charitable objects at the discretion of the Trustees. Restricted funds can only be used for particular restricted purposes. The Trustees monitor and discuss the restricted funds to ensure the restricted expenditure is allocated accordingly.
3. EMPLOYEES AND DIRECTORS
The average number of employees during the year was 6 (2024 - 7).
No employee or director received in excess of £60,000 per annum during the current or previous year.
Trustees were paid travel expenses during the year of £125 (2024: £nil) and reimbursed for goods purchased of £3,216 (2024: £nil).
Page 8
GADDESDEN PLACE RDA CENTRE
NOTES TO THE FINANCIAL STATEMENTS - continued for the Year Ended 31 March 2025
4. CHARITABLE ACTIVITIES
| Stabling Stabling staff Shoeing Vets' fees Riding school running costs Tack and equipment Affiliation fees and insurance Depreciation of assets Loss on sale of fixed assets |
Year Ended 31.3.25 £ 16,355 79,394 830 3,950 18,131 3,845 3,449 24,032 - 149,985 |
Year ended 31.3.24 £ 27,491 55,147 1,660 9,421 18,910 1,880 4,342 23,276 13,460 155,587 |
|---|---|---|
5. TAXATION
The company is a registered charity and is exempt from taxation on its income and capital gains.
6. OTHER
A charge of £819 plus VAT (2024: £780) is made for the independent examination of the accounts and other operational expenses
7.
GOING CONCERN
The financial statements have been prepared on a going concern basis as the trustees believe that no material uncertainties exist. The trustees have considered the level of funds held and the expected level of income and expenditure for 12 months from the date of authorising these financial statements. The budgeted income and expenditure is sufficient with the level of reserves for the charity to be able to continue as a going concern.
8. TANGIBLE FIXED ASSETS
| COST At 1 April 2024 Additions Disposals At 31 March 2025 DEPRECIATION At 1 April 2024 Charge for year Eliminated on disposal At 31 March 2025 NET BOOK VALUE At 31 March 2025 At 31 March 2024 |
Short leasehold £ 12,163 - 12,163 12,163 - - 12,163 - - |
Other equipment £ 180,159 - - 180,159 66,633 16,362 - 82,995 97,165 113,526 |
Ponies £ 14,000 19,950 - 33,950 1,000 3,395 - 4,395 29,555 13,000 |
Motor vehicles £ 17,101 - - 17,101 11,044 4,275 - 15,319 1,782 6,057 |
Totals £ 223,423 19,950 - 243,374 90,840 24,032 - 114,872 128,502 132,583 |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
Page 9
GADDESDEN PLACE RDA CENTRE
NOTES TO THE FINANCIAL STATEMENTS - continued for the Year Ended 31 March 2025
8. TANGIBLE FIXED ASSETS - continued
The Riding School and Gallery was based on a property leased at a peppercorn rent for a period of 21 years to 23 June 2024. A new lease is in the process of being signed but has not been completed at the date of signing these financial statements.
9. DEBTORS: AMOUNTS FALLING DUE WITHIN ONE YEAR
| Trade debtors Other debtors 10. CREDITORS: AMOUNTS FALLING DUE WITHIN ONE YEAR Other creditors 11. MOVEMENT OF FUNDS Balance Income Expenditure 1 April 2024 £ £ £ Unrestricted funds General reserve 35,607 163,937 (138,773) Designated Reserve 120,000 - - Boulter Reserve 7,680 - - Roof Repair Fund 120,000 - - Building Works 11,500 - (9,450) Pony Purchase Capital Equipment Replacement 30,000 - - - - - Restricted funds Mechanical Horse - Grants 55,936 - (7,131) Operations Manager & Energy Grants - 16,475 (13,459) 380,723 180,412 (167,729) |
31.3.25 £ - 3,250 3,250 31.3.25 £ 3,793 3,793 Transfers £ 19,950 - - - - (19,950) - - - - |
31.3.24 £ 3,873 17,775 21,648 31.3.24 £ 1,915 1,915 Balance 31 March 2025 £ 80,719 120,000 7,680 120,000 2,050 10,050 - 48,805 3,016 392,322 |
|---|---|---|
Page 10
GADDESDEN PLACE RDA CENTRE
NOTES TO THE FINANCIAL STATEMENTS - continued for the Year Ended 31 March 2025
12. ANALYSIS OF FUNDS
| Unrestricted funds Accumulated fund Designated Reserve Boulter Reserve Roof Repair Fund Building Works Pony Purchase Restricted funds Mechanical Horse - Grants & donations Grants Operations Manager & Energy Grants As at 31 March 2025 Analysis of funds previous year Unrestricted funds Accumulated fund Designated Reserve Boulter Reserve Roof Repair Fund Building Works Pony Purchase Restricted funds Mechanical Horse - Grants & donations As at 31 March 2024 |
Fixed Assets £ 79,697 - - - - - 48,805 - 128,502 Fixed Assets £ 76,647 - - - - - 55,936 132,583 |
Debtors/ (Creditors) £ 694 - - - - - - (1,240) (543) Debtors/ (Creditors) £ 19,733 - - - - - - 19,733 |
Bank £ 327 120,000 7,680 120,000 2,050 10,050 - 4,256 264,363 Bank £ (60,929) 120,000 7,680 120,000 11,500 30,000 - 228,407 |
Fund Balances £ 80,719 120,000 7,680 120,000 2,050 10,050 48,805 3,016 392,322 Fund Balances £ 35,607 120,000 7,680 120,000 11,500 30,000 55,936 380,723 |
|---|---|---|---|---|
Page 11
The following donations have been received for which we are extremely grateful:
£16,475 from The National Lottery Community fund for Operations Manager and Energy Costs.
The following general-purpose donations:
| Herts Constabulary | £3,292 |
|---|---|
| Ann McLarty | £2,000 |
| Tesco | £1,500 |
| Richard Green | £1,060 |
| Charities Trust | £1,000 |
| Chesvale Dog Club | £1,000 |
| Margaret Keith | £1,000 |
| John Lewis | £833 |
| Gadebourne Lodge | £775 |
| Berkhamsted and Bulbourne Inner Wheel | £750 |
| Hemel Hempsteads Lion Club | £700 |
| Cartmell-Brock and Saddle Sales | £680 |
| Much Loved | £665 |
| Dunstable Downs Golf Club | £600 |
| Berkhamsted Rotary Santa Sleigh | £582 |
| D Hutton | £500 |
| Bartle Family Trust | £500 |
13. RELATED PARTY TRANSACTIONS
During the year the trustees made unconditional donations totalling £10,400 to the charity (2024: £10, 205).
There were no other related party transactions requiring disclosure.
Page 11