Charity Registration No. 1142550 Company Registration No. 7335791 (England and Wales)
THE EASTBOURNE SOCIETY
TRUSTEES' REPORT AND ACCOUNTS FOR THE YEAR ENDED 31 DECEMBER 2023
THE EASTBOURNE SOCIETY LEGAL AND ADMINISTRATIVE INFORMATION
| Trustees | Chris Leach | (Chairman) |
|---|---|---|
| Brian Murphy | (Treasurer) | |
| Richard Crook | ||
| Nicholas Howell | ||
| Sandra Medway | ||
| John Minnis | ||
| Terrie Rintoul | ||
| Colin Russell | ||
| John Swingland | ||
| Secretary | Colin Russell | |
| Charity number | 1142550 | |
| Company number | 7335791 | |
| Principal address | Eastbourne Heritage | Centre |
| 2 Carlisle Road | ||
| Eastbourne | ||
| East Sussex | ||
| BN21 4JJ | ||
| Registered office | Eastbourne Heritage | Centre |
| 2 Carlisle Road | ||
| Eastbourne | ||
| East Sussex | ||
| BN21 4JJ | ||
| Independent examiner | I D Pinder FMAAT | |
| 21 Astaire Avenue | ||
| Eastbourne | ||
| East Sussex | ||
| BN22 8UN | ||
| Bankers | Lloyds TSB | |
| Terminus Road | ||
| Eastbourne | ||
| East Sussex | ||
| BN21 3AH |
THE EASTBOURNE SOCIETY CONTENTS
| Page | |
|---|---|
| Trustees' Report | 1 - 3 |
| Independent examiner's report | 4 |
| Statement of financial activities | 5 |
| Balance sheet | 6 |
| Notes to the accounts | 7 - 13 |
| Appendices | 14 - 15 |
THE EASTBOURNE SOCIETY TRUSTEES' REPORT FOR THE YEAR ENDED 31 DECEMBER 2023
The Trustees present their report and accounts for the year ended 31 December 2023.
The accounts have been prepared in accordance with the accounting policies set out in note 1 to the accounts and comply with the charity's constitution, the Charities Act 2011 and "Accounting and Reporting by Charities: Statement of Recommended Practice applicable to charities preparing their accounts in accordance with the Financial Reporting Standard applicable in the UK and Republic of Ireland (FRS102).
Objectives and activities
The Society is a company limited by guarantee and a registered charity and is run in accordance with its Articles of Association, Article 4 of which sets down the Objects of the Society and Article 5 its powers. The charity's objectives are to encourage high standards of architecture and town planning in Eastbourne and surrounding areas; To stimulate public interest in and care for, the beauty, history and character of the town and its surroundings; To encourage the preservation, development, improvement and beautification of features of general public amenity or historic interest; To pursue these ends by means of meetings, exhibitions, lectures, publications or other forms of instruction and publicity and promotion of schemes of a charitable nature.
Structure, governance, and management
The Trustees, who are also the directors for the purposes of company law, and who served during the year were:
Chris Leach (Chairman) Peter Austin Brian Murphy (Hon. Treasurer) Richard Crook Nicholas Howell Colin Russell (Hon. Secretary) John Swingland Justine Dowsing Resigned 6 February 2024 Terrie Rintoul John Minnis Appointed 25 July 2023 Sandra Medway Appointed 12 December 2023
An overview of the year
We are pleased to report on a successful year for the Society. During 2023, changes to the board of trustees included Justine Dowsing stepping down due to moving home, and our Honorary Secretary, Colin Russell, having to step down through ill-health. The board is extremely grateful for the benefit of their knowledge and skills during the year.
New trustee John Minnis became our planning advisor representing us on the Conservation Area Advisory Group. We thanked Nicholas Howell for his contribution to our work in this area for many years and for his continued work as our graphic designer. We welcomed Sandy Medway to the board as trustee and Honorary Secretary. We also introduced a new logo and strapline: Guarding the Past - Guiding the Future.
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THE EASTBOURNE SOCIETY TRUSTEES' REPORT (continued) FOR THE YEAR ENDED 31 DECEMBER 2023
An overview of the year (continued)
Society membership remained high, at over 500 members, and to encourage younger people to join we introduced a new band of membership enabling those under 25 to join us by paying an annual subscription of £10.
Our monthly talks were well attended. Topics included Eastbourne’s lost Roman villa; Eastbourne and our part in recycling; the role of the Sussex Police and Crime Commissioner; the work of the Friends of Eastbourne Seafront; the history of schools in Meads; Eastbourne in the 1920s and 1930s; the work of Neighbourhood First and the RNLI in Eastbourne. We welcomed Stephen Holt, the newly elected leader of Eastbourne Borough Council, when he addressed the Society in November with his talk: Eastbourne – a vision for the next four years. Four editions of the Observer Magazine were also published. From a financial perspective the production costs of the magazine are significant which led the trustees to suggest that it should include advertisements to offset costs. This was accepted but unfortunately our appeal to the membership for a volunteer to help with its administration has been unsuccessful.
Work began on the Burlington Bower, our project to reconstruct the miniature temple in the grounds of the Devonshire Park. We are now focused on completing it in time for the park’s 150th anniversary in July 2024. Society trustee and architectural advisor Richard Crook spearheaded the project and its design has ensured it is aesthetically fitting for the 21st century. Fund raising various through applications to grant bodies and sponsors has been a regular feature of 2023 and we are particularly grateful to both the John Jackson and the Duke of Devonshire Charitable Trusts for their generous support.
The trustees responded to two major Borough Council initiatives: the Local Plan Growth strategy and the Corporate Plan consultation. Richard Crook worked closely with East Sussex Highways as adviser on the excellent work on repairs to the pavements and railings at South Cliff. We supported the plans for a new cultural hub at Black Robin Farm while raising concerns about potential problems with access and we also joined thousands of others by objecting to the proposed closure of station ticket offices.
The Heritage Centre
The Heritage Centre opened every weekend and bank holidays, plus other times by arrangement. Manned by a team of eleven volunteer stewards and led by co-ordinator Pauline Swift, they welcomed 1,018 members and visitors. A new exhibition ‘Are You Being Served?’ celebrating Eastbourne’s department stores, proved highly popular, including a sell-out talk given by local archivist Paul Jordan held in the centre’s cinema. Finally, we take this opportunity of thanking our stewards for giving their time so generously during the year.
Financial Review
The financial position of the Society is included in the statement of financial activities and balance sheet of these accounts.
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THE EASTBOURNE SOCIETY TRUSTEES' REPORT (continued) FOR THE YEAR ENDED 31 DECEMBER 2023
Reserves Policy
It is the policy of the Society that unrestricted funds which have not been designated for a specific use should be maintained at a level equivalent to between three and six month's expenditure. The trustees consider that reserves at this level will ensure that, in the event of a significant drop in funding, they will be able to continue the Society's current activities while consideration is given to ways in which additional funds may be raised. The level of reserves has been maintained throughout the year.
Trustees Remuneration and Expenses
The Trustees receive no remuneration for their services as Trustees.
Statement of Trustees' Responsibilities
The Trustees are responsible for preparing the Trustees' Report and the Accounts in accordance with applicable law and United Kingdom Accounting Standards (United Kingdom Accepted Accountancy Practice).
The Law applicable to charities in England and Wales requires the Trustees to prepare accounts for each financial period which give a true and fair view of the state of affairs of the Charity and of the incoming resources and application of resources of the Charity for that period.
In preparing those accounts, the Trustees are required to:
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select suitable accounting policies and then apply them consistently;
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observe the methods and principles in the Charities SORP;
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make judgements and estimates that are reasonable and prudent;
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state whether applicable accounting standards have been followed, subject to any material departures disclosed and explained in the accounts;
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prepare the accounts on the going concern basis unless it is inappropriate to presume that the company will continue in business.
The Trustees are responsible for keeping proper accounting records which disclose with reasonable accuracy at any time the financial position of the charitable company and enable them to ensure that the accounts comply with the Companies Act 2006. They are also responsible for safeguarding the assets of the charity and hence for taking reasonable steps for the prevention and detection of fraud and other irregularities.
Signed on behalf of the Trustees
18.9.24 ……………………………………………… Date …………………………… Brian Murphy
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THE EASTBOURNE SOCIETY INDEPENDENT EXAMINER'S REPORT TO THE TRUSTEES OF THE EASTBOURNE SOCIETY
I report on the accounts of the Eastbourne Society for the year ended 31 December 2023, which are set out on pages 5 to 15.
Respective responsibilities of trustees and examiner
The trustees (who are also directors of the company for the purposes of company law) are responsible for the preparation of the accounts. The trustees consider that an audit is not required for this year under section 144(2) of the Charities Act 2011 (the 2011 Act) and that an independent examination is needed. I am qualified to undertake the examination by being a qualified member of The Association of Accounting Technicians.
Having satisfied myself that the charity is not subject to audit under company law and is eligible for independent examination, it is my responsibility to:-
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examine the accounts under section 145 of the 2011 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 2011 Act; and
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to state whether particular matters have come to my attention.
Basis of independent examiner's report
My examination was carried out in accordance with the 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 you as 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 matter has come to my attention:
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(1) which gives me reasonable cause to believe that in any material respect the requirements:
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to keep accounting records in accordance with section 386 of the Companies Act 2006; and
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to prepare accounts which accord with the accounting records, comply with the accounting requirements of section 396 of the Companies Act 2006 and with the methods and principles of the Statement of Recommended Practice - Accounting and Reporting by Charities
have not been met ; or
- (2) to which, in my opinion, attention should be drawn in order to enable a proper understanding of the accounts to be reached.
I D Pinder FMAAT Dated: 18.9.24
21 Astaire Avenue Eastbourne East Sussex BN22 8UN
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THE EASTBOURNE SOCIETY STATEMENT OF FINANCIAL ACTIVITIES INCLUDING INCOME AND EXPENDITURE ACCOUNT FOR THE YEAR ENDED 31 DECEMBER 2023
----- Start of picture text -----
Unrestricted Restricted Total Total
funds funds 2023 2022
£ £ £ £
Notes
Incoming Resources from
generated funds
Donations and Legacies 27,576 4,155 31,731 20,235
Incoming resources from charitable
activities or grants 6,988 30,873 37,861 7,514
Investment income - - - -
Other incoming resources 508 - 508 229
Total incoming resources 2 35,072 35,028 70,100 27,978
Resources Expended
Charitable activities 3 11,331 37,782 49,113 13,696
Other expenditure 3 14,163 - 14,163 6,600
Total Resources expended 25,494 37,782 63,276 20,296
Net outgoing resources 9,578 (2,754) 6,824 7,682
before transfers
Gross transfers between funds - -
Net (expenditure)/income for 9,578 (2,754) 6,824 7,682
the year/Net movement in funds
Fund balances at 1 January 2023 29,202 9,646 38,848 31,166
Fund balances at 31 December 2023 38,780 6,892 45,672 38,848
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The statement of financial activities includes all gains and losses recognised in the year.
All income And expenditure derives from continuing activities
The statement of financial activities also complies with the requirement for an income and expenditure account under the Companies Act 2006.
A detailed breakdown of the comparative figures per Fund is shown on pages 14 to 15
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THE EASTBOURNE SOCIETY BALANCE SHEET FOR THE YEAR ENDED 31 DECEMBER 2023
----- Start of picture text -----
2023 2022
Notes £ £ £ £
Fixed assets
Tangible assets 6 - -
Current assets
Stocks - -
Debtors 7 2,446 4,012
Cash at bank and in hand 43,505 36,412
45,951 40,424
Creditors: amounts falling due
within one year 8 (279) (1,576)
Net current assets 45,672 38,848
Total assets less current liabilities 45,672 38,848
Income funds
Restricted funds 9 6,892 9,646
Unrestricted funds 9 38,780 29,202
45,672 38,848
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The charitable company is entitled to the exemption from the audit requirement contained in section 477 of the Companies Act 2006 for the year ended 31 December 2023. No member of the company has deposited a notice, pursuant to section 476, requiring an audit of these accounts.
The trustees' are responsible for ensuring that the charity keeps accounting records which comply with section 386 of the Act and for preparing accounts which give a true and fair view of the state of affairs of the company as at the end of the financial year and of its incoming resources and application of resources including its income and expenditure, for the 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 accounts, so far as applicable to the company.
The accounts were approved by the Trustees on XXXXXXXXX and were signed on its behalf by:Chris Leach ( Chairman) Brian Murphy (Treasurer) Trustee Trustee
Company Registration No. 7335791
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THE EASTBOURNE SOCIETY NOTES TO THE ACCOUNTS FOR THE YEAR ENDED 31 DECEMBER 2023
1 Accounting policies
1.1 Accounting convention
The accounts have been prepared in accordance with the charity's constitution, the Companies Act 2006, the Charities Act 2011 and "Accounting and Reporting by Charities: Statement of Recommended Practice applicable to charities preparing their accounts in accordance with the Financial Reporting Standard applicable in the UK and Republic of Ireland (FRS102). The charity is a public benefit entity as defined by FRS102.
The accounts are prepared in sterling, which is the functional currency of the charity.
1.2 Going concern
At the time of approving the accounts, the trustees have reasonable expectation that the Charity has adequate resources to continue in operational existence for the foreseeable future. Thus the trustees' continue to adopt the going concern basis of accounting in preparing the accounts.
1.2 Incoming resources
Donations, legacies and other foms of voluntary income are recognised as incoming resources when received. Life membership is included in the SOFA at 12.5% each year on a reducing balance.
Unrestricted funds are available for use at the discretion of the trustees in furtherance of the general objectives of the charity.
Restricted funds are subject to restrictions on their expenditure imposed by the donor.
1.3 Resources expended
Expenditure is recognised on an accruals basis as a liability is incurred.
Charitable expenditure comprises those costs incurred by the charity in the delivery of its activities and services for its beneficiaries. It includes both costs that can be allocated directly to such activities and those costs of an indirect nature necessary to support them.
Other expenditure includes those costs associated with meeting the constitutional and statutory requirements of the charity and include the accountancy fees and costs linked to the strategic management of the charity.
All costs are allocated between the expenditure categories of the SOFA on a basis designed to reflect the use of the resource. Costs relating to a particular activity are allocated directly; others are apportioned on an appropriate basis.
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THE EASTBOURNE SOCIETY NOTES TO THE ACCOUNTS (CONTINUED) FOR THE YEAR ENDED 31 DECEMBER 2023
1 Accounting policies (continued)
1.4 Tangible fixed assets and depreciation
Tangible fixed assets are stated at cost less depreciation. Depreciation is provided at rates calculated to write off the cost less estimated residual value of each asset over its expected useful life, as follows:
Improvements to property 10% on a straight line basis Fixtures, fittings and equipment 25% on a straight line basis
Fixed assets under £400 are not capitalised.
1.5 Leasing commitments
Rentals payable under operating leases are charged against income on a straight line basis over the period of the lease.
1.6 Stock
Stock is valued at the lower of cost and net realisable value.
1.7 Restricted fund
The funds are for specific projects within Eastbourne.
1.8 Cash and cash equivalents
Cash and cash equivalents include cash in hand, deposits held at call with banks, other short-term liquid investments with original maturities of three months or less and bank overdrafts. Bank overdrafts are shown within borrowings in current liabilities.
1.9 Financial insruments
Financial assets
Basic financial assets, which include debtors and cash and bank accounts, are initially measured at transaction price including costs and are subsequently carried at amortised cost using the effective interest method unless the arrangement constitutes a financing transaction, where the transaction is measured at the present value of the future receipts discounted at a market rate of interest. Financial assets classified as receivable within one year are not amortised.
Financial liabilities
Basic financial liabilities, including creditors and bank loans are initially recognised at transaction price unless the arrangement constitutes a financing transaction, where the debt instrument is measured at the present value of the future payments discounted at a market rate of interest. Financial liabilities classified as payable within one year are not amortised.
Debt instruments are subsequently carried at amortised cost, using the effective interest rate method.
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THE EASTBOURNE SOCIETY NOTES TO THE ACCOUNTS (CONTINUED) FOR THE YEAR ENDED 31 DECEMBER 2023
1 Accounting policies (continued)
1.9 Financial instruments (continued)
Derecognition of financial liabilities
Financial liabilities are derecognised when the charity's contractual obligations expire or are discharged or cancelled.
1.1 Critical accounting estimates and judgements
In application of the Charity's accounting policies, the Trustees are required to make judgements, estimates and assumptions about the carrying amount of assets and liabilities that are not readily apparent from other sources. The estimates and associated assumptions are based on historical experience and other factors that are considered to be relevant. Actual results may differ from these estimates.
The estimates and underlying assumptions are reviewed on an ongoing basis. Revisions to accounting estimates are recognised in the period in which the estimate is revised where the revision affects only that period, or in the period of the revision and future periods where the revision affects both current and future periods.
In the year ended 31 December 2023 the Trustees consider that there are no critical accounting estimates arising that require disclosure.
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THE EASTBOURNE SOCIETY NOTES TO THE ACCOUNTS (CONTINUED) FOR THE YEAR ENDED 31 DECEMBER 2023
2 Incoming resources
| Unrestricted Restricted funds funds £ £ Donations and legacies Donations & gifts 16,206 - Admissions and membership 9,874 - Temple Project - 4,155 Devonshire Park Appeal - - Gift Aid claim 1,496 - 27,576 4,155 Incoming resources from charitable activities or grants Grants - 30,873 Heritage Club 1,440 - Christmas lunch 1,360 - Trading income 4,188 - 6,988 30,873 Investment income Interest - - - - Other incoming resources Other income 508 - 508 - TOTAL INCOMING RESOURCES 35,072 35,028 |
Total 2023 £ 16,206 9,874 4,155 - 1,496 31,731 30,873 1,440 1,360 4,188 37,861 - - 508 508 70,100 |
Total 2022 £ 2,018 7,283 - 10,000 934 20,235 1,700 408 2,215 3,191 7,514 - - 229 229 27,978 |
|---|---|---|
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THE EASTBOURNE SOCIETY NOTES TO THE ACCOUNTS (CONTINUED) FOR THE YEAR ENDED 31 DECEMBER 2023
3 Total resources expended
| Unrestricted funds £ Charitable activities Heritage Club 467 Christmas lunch 1,504 Hospitality - Trading costs 1,792 Magazine costs 6,139 Monthly talks 1,429 Exhibition costs - East of Pier costs - Temple Project costs - Total charitable activities 11,331 Other expenditure Sum Up fees 69 Rent 300 Water rates 115 Insurance 1,067 Lighting & heating 2,942 Cleaning 150 Repairs & maintenance 4,322 Printing, postage & stationery 1,134 Telephone & fax 314 Equipment 2,205 Computer costs - Data Protection Fee 35 Grants and Donations 185 Sundry expenses 1,025 Depreciation Accountancy fees 300 Total other expenditure 14,163 TOTAL RESOURCES EXPENDED 25,494 |
Restricted funds £ - - - - - - - 1,386 36,396 37,782 - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - 37,782 |
Total 2023 £ 467 1,504 - 1,792 6,139 1,429 - 1,386 36,396 49,113 69 300 115 1,067 2,942 150 4,322 1,134 314 2,205 - 35 185 1,025 - 300 14,163 63,276 |
Total 2022 £ 540 2,288 - 241 4,883 1,025 2,065 - 2,654 13,696 53 300 84 1,033 702 - 1,892 612 684 - - 35 - 449 456 300 6,600 20,296 |
|---|---|---|---|
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THE EASTBOURNE SOCIETY NOTES TO THE ACCOUNTS (CONTINUED) FOR THE YEAR ENDED 31 DECEMBER 2023
4 Trustees
None of the trustees (or any persons connected with them) received remuneration or benefits from the charity during the year. One trustee received reimbursement for telephone calls made on the charity's behalf.
5 Employees
There were no employees during the year.
6 Tangible fixed assets
| Improvements £ Cost At 01 January 2023 13,343 Additions - At 31 December 2023 13,343 Depreciation At 01 January 2023 13,343 Charge for the year - At 31 December 2023 13,343 Net book value At 31 December 2023 - At 31 December 2022 - 7 Debtors Other debtors Prepayments and accrued income 8 Creditors Trade Creditors Accruals |
£ 6,646 - 6,646 6,646 - 6,646 - - 2023 £ - 2,446 2,446 2023 £ - 279 279 Fixtures, Fittings & equipment |
Total £ 19,989 - 19,989 19,989 - 19,989 - - 2022 £ - 4,012 4,012 2022 £ - 1,576 1,576 |
|---|---|---|
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THE EASTBOURNE SOCIETY NOTES TO THE ACCOUNTS (CONTINUED) FOR THE YEAR ENDED 31 DECEMBER 2023
9 Movement in funds
| Movement in funds | |||
|---|---|---|---|
| £ £ General Fund 29,202 35,072 Balance at 01 January 2023 Incoming resources |
£ (25,494) Movement in Resources expended |
£ £ 38,780 funds Balance at 31 December 2023 Transfers |
|
| Restricted Funds Temple Project 7,346 35,028 |
(36,396) | - 5,978 |
|
| East of the Pier 2,300 - |
(1,386) | - 914 |
|
| Total Funds 38,848 70,100 |
(63,276) | - 45,672 |
|
| Analysis of net assets between funds £ Fund balances at 31 December 2023 are represented by: Tangible fixed assets - Current assets 39,059 Creditors: amounts falling due within one year (279) Unrestricted funds |
Total £ £ - - 6,892 45,951 - (279) Restricted funds |
||
| 38,780 | 6,892 45,672 |
10 Analysis of net assets between funds
11 Commitments under operating leases
The Society has agreed a new 25 year lease on the Eastbourne Heritage Centre, 2 Carlisle Road which commenced on 01 January 2012.
12 Related party transactions
During the year, one trustee undertook the design, typesetting and production of the Society's magazine and received payments totalling £1,020 (2022 - £1,022) for this service.
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THE EASTBOURNE SOCIETY COMPARATIVE FIGURES FOR THE YEAR ENDED 31 DECEMBER 2022
Incoming resources - Year Ended 31 December 2022
| Unrestricted Restricted funds funds £ £ Donations and legacies Donations & gifts 2,018 - Admissions and membership 7,283 - Devonshire Park Appeal - 10,000 Gift Aid claim 934 - 10,235 10,000 Incoming resources from charitable activities or grants Grants 1,700 - Heritage Club 408 - Christmas lunch 2,215 - Trading income 3,191 - 7,514 - Investment income Interest - - - - Other incoming resources Other income 229 - 229 - TOTAL INCOMING RESOURCES 17,978 10,000 |
Total 2022 £ 2,018 7,283 10,000 934 20,235 1,700 408 2,215 3,191 7,514 - - 229 229 27,978 |
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THE EASTBOURNE SOCIETY COMPARATIVE FIGURES FOR THE YEAR ENDED 31 DECEMBER 2022
Total resources expended for the year ended 31 December 2022
| Unrestricted funds £ Charitable activities Heritage Club 540 Christmas lunch 2,288 Hospitality - Trading costs 241 Magazine costs 4,883 Monthly talks 1,025 DVD costs - Exhibition costs 2,065 Devonshire Park Appeal - Temple Project costs - Total charitable activities 11,042 Other expenditure Sum Up fees 53 Rent 300 Water rates 84 Insurance 1,033 Lighting & heating 702 Repairs & maintenance 1,892 Printing, postage & stationery 612 Telephone & fax 684 Equipment - Computer costs - Data Protection Fee 35 Advertising - Sundry expenses 449 Depreciation 456 Accountancy fees 300 Total other expenditure 6,600 TOTAL RESOURCES EXPENDED 17,642 |
Restricted funds £ - - - - - - - - 2,654 2,654 - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - 2,654 |
Total 2022 £ 540 2,288 - 241 4,883 1,025 - 2,065 - 2,654 13,696 53 300 84 1,033 702 1,892 612 684 - - 35 - 449 456 300 6,600 20,296 |
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