2025-03-31-accounts

CLEAR VILLAGE: Trustees Annual Report 2024/25

Report of the Trustees for the year ended 31 March 2025

Machno FC Archive photo courtesy of Ron Richards

CLEAR VILLAGE: Trustees Annual Report 2024/25

Report of the Trustees for the year ended 31 March 2025

The Trustees present their annual report and financial statements for the year ending 31 March 2025 and confirm they comply with the Charities Act 2011, the Trust Deed and the Charities SORP (FRS 102).

Reference and Administrative Information

Charity Name: CLEAR VILLAGE Charitable Trust Working name: CLEAR VILLAGE Registration: 1142779

Head Office

Small Works Victoria, Admin Office Block A Vauxhall Peabody Estate Vauxhall Bridge Road London SW1V 1TA

Trustees

CLEAR VILLAGE Trustee Limited

Primary Administrative Staff

Frank van Hasselt Mohan Rajaratnam

Independent Examiner

Michael Stone MA ACA Jamieson Stone LLP Windsor House 40/41 Great Castle Street London W1W 8LU

Bankers

The Co-operative Bank 1 Islington High Street London N1 9TR

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CONTENTS

1: MESSAGE FROM THE CHAIR

• 2: STRUCTURE, GOVERNANCE & MANAGEMENT

• 2.1 Governing document

• 2.2 Organisational structure

• 2.3 Trustees

3: OBJECTIVES AND ACTIVITIES

• 3.1 Objects of the charity

• 3.2 Public benefit statement

• 3.3 Main activities and public benefit

• 3.4 Projects in the 2024/25 financial year

• 4: ACHIEVEMENTS AND PERFORMANCE

• 4.1 Reserves policy

• 4.2 Details of any funds materially in deficit

• 4.3 Further financial review details

• 5: STATEMENT OF TRUSTEES’ RESPONSIBILITIES

• 6: CONTACT

• 7: STATEMENT OF INDEPENDENT EXAMINER

• 8: ACCOUNTS

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1: MESSAGE FROM THE CHAIR

The 2024/25 financial year has been a period of consolidation and reflection for CLEAR VILLAGE, marked by the completion of several significant strands of work and a careful assessment of the organisation’s future direction.

Most notably, this year saw the successful conclusion of Human Cities IV (SMOTIES), a four-year Creative Europe-funded programme that brought together partners from across Europe to explore placemaking in remote and small-scale contexts. CLEAR VILLAGE played a central role in this work, from delivering local activity in rural Wales to leading the development of a shared impact assessment framework. Completing this programme responsibly, with strong outputs and lasting partnerships, represents a major achievement for the organisation.

Alongside this, our work in Wales continued to deepen rather than expand. Oriel Machno strengthened its role as a community gallery and cultural hub in Penmachno, combining contemporary art, heritage, and participatory practice in ways that remained closely rooted in local life. The early phases of the Machno United project, together with groundwork undertaken at Manchester House, reflect CLEAR VILLAGE’s long-standing commitment to working patiently and collaboratively in places that are often overlooked.

This year also prompted the trustees to take stock of what CLEAR VILLAGE has learnt over more than a decade of activity. Not every project needs to scale to be successful, and not every form of impact is captured by growth alone. Finishing work well, stewarding relationships carefully, and being honest about capacity are all essential parts of responsible charitable practice.

As we look ahead, the trustees remain focused on ensuring that CLEAR VILLAGE’s work is approached with the same care, integrity, and sense of responsibility that has characterised the year now ended.

–––––––––––––––––––-

Thomas Ermacora CLEAR VILLAGE Founder and Strategic & Creative Director

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2: STRUCTURE, GOVERNANCE & MANAGEMENT

2.1 Governing document

CLEAR VILLAGE Charitable Trust is constituted as a charitable trust registered with the UK Charity Commission in July 2011 under charity number 1142779. It is governed by a Trust Deed dated 12th May 2010. The working name of the trust is CLEAR VILLAGE.

2.2 Organisational structure

In the course of the 2024/25 financial year, CLEAR VILLAGE had 5 members of staff: 2 members of staff were in charge of core operations, while 3 members of staff were assigned to CLEAR VILLAGE’S projects.

2.3 Trustees

The trustees of the charity are appointed by the trustees.

The trustee of CLEAR VILLAGE in the period and as at the date of approval of this report is CLEAR VILLAGE Trustee Limited, which is an incorporated company limited by guarantee.

CLEAR VILLAGE Trustee Limited is responsible for the management of the trust and for holding its assets. Any contract to be entered into by CLEAR VILLAGE Charitable Trust is entered into by CLEAR VILLAGE Trustee Limited, acting in its capacity as sole trustee of the trust.

In the period and as at the date of approval of this report, CLEAR VILLAGE Trustee Limited had 4 board members.

3: OBJECTIVES AND ACTIVITIES

3.1 Objects of the charity

The objects of the charity, as declared in the Trust Deed, are as follows:

To promote and develop the capacity and skills of members of socially, economically and ecologically disadvantaged rural, peri-urban and urban communities for the benefit of the public, in such a way that they are better able to identify and meet their needs by:

(a) bringing together professional expertise and the specific knowledge of local communities through participatory community projects,

(b) educating the public in matters associated with regeneration, community capacity building and sustainable solutions by conducting, supporting and publicising research into these topics, including but not limited to exhibitions, presentations, conferences, awards, publications and lectures in schools, colleges and universities,

(c) supporting students studying subjects associated with community capacity and skill building as well as well-being and sustainable solutions, at postgraduate level, or

(d) such other methods as the Trustees think fit.

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3.2 Public benefit statement

The trustees have complied with their duty under section 17 of the Charities Act 2011 to have due regard to the guidance on public benefit published by the Commission in exercising their powers or duties.

3.3 Main activities and public benefit

In the past year, CLEAR VILLAGE has undertaken a number of projects, summarised below, in furtherance of its charitable aims. In accordance with Section 17(5) of the Charities Act and the Charities (Accounts and Reports) Regulations 2008, the trustees have considered the Charity Commission’s guidance on public benefit throughout the planning and delivery of the projects mentioned. In particular, the guidance specifies community development as a statutory charitable purpose. Since community development and capacity-building is at the core of all the projects CLEAR VILLAGE delivered in the past financial year, the trustees believe that CLEAR VILLAGE has fully complied with the obligation to consider and achieve public benefit.

3.4 Projects in the 2024/25 financial year

3.4.1 Human Cities

2024/25 marked the successful conclusion of Human Cities IV (SMOTIES), a four-year Creative Europefunded programme focused on strengthening placemaking practices in remote and small-scale contexts across Europe. CLEAR VILLAGE played a central role throughout the project, both in delivering local placemaking activity in rural Wales and in leading the development of a shared impact assessment framework across the international partnership. Key milestones during the final year included the concluding transnational meetings in Graz and Tallinn, as well as the Journey Show exhibition hosted at Oriel Machno in September 2024. CLEAR VILLAGE completed and launched the SMOTIES Impact Assessment Dashboard, providing partners with a common tool for evaluating social, cultural, and creative impact. The final SMOTIES Methodological Toolbox and publication were also completed, capturing the learning and methodologies developed over the course of the four-year programme.

3.4.2 Oriel Machno

In 2024/25, Oriel Machno continued to build on its role as a community gallery and cultural hub in rural Wales, strengthening its local foundations while extending its national and international profile. The programme featured a diverse range of exhibitions, workshops, and participatory activities, alongside the development of new creative partnerships. During this period, CLEAR VILLAGE successfully secured National Lottery Awards for All funding for Machno United, a creative community project exploring the history and future of the village’s former football team. The project began with a community photo and video sharing event, laying the foundations for a growing archive and exhibition that will inform subsequent phases of work. Through these initiatives, Oriel Machno continued to foster creative exchange, heritage exploration, and collective reflection within the local community.

3.4.3 Manchester House

During the year, CLEAR VILLAGE made significant progress in developing Manchester House as a longterm base for cultural and community activity in Penmachno. An eight-year lease was secured with the private owners of the building, providing a stable foundation for future planning and investment. The team produced a detailed dossier outlining potential future uses and renovation options for Manchester House, designed to support fundraising and inform early-stage architectural work. Applications were submitted to a range of funding programmes, including the Clocaenog Wind Farm Fund, Conwy Community-Led Local Development Fund, and Eryri National Park Communities Fund. In parallel, a public questionnaire was developed to gather local views and priorities, ensuring that future proposals for the building are shaped by community input.

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3.4.4 Small Works

Small Works entered a transition phase in 2024/25, with a growing emphasis on strengthening the longterm sustainability and physical infrastructure of the space alongside continued community use. Work during the year focused on the regeneration and improvement of the Small Works space on Peabody’s Vauxhall Estate, supported by the development of an ambitious grant funding strategy. This approach resulted in successful funding awards from organisations including the Edward Harvist Trust and City Bridge, enabling investment in the future capacity of the space. Alongside this development work, Small Works continued to operate as a flexible community hub, supporting local residents, partners, and social enterprise activity, and maintaining its role as a platform for inclusive, community-led initiatives.

4: ACHIEVEMENTS AND PERFORMANCE

In the 2024/25 financial year, CLEAR VILLAGE took active steps to keep organisational costs at an acceptable level. With its current projects in stable condition, CLEAR VILLAGE is well positioned to pursue future opportunities for growth to improve its overall financial performance.

4.1 Reserves policy

As a young charity, CLEAR VILLAGE is exposed to certain financial risks. The CLEAR VILLAGE trustees have implemented a Reserves Policy to assist with financial planning and guard against these risks to ensure that in times of financial difficulty:

• staff can continue working, primarily to secure new funding;

• beneficiaries are supported; and

• CLEAR VILLAGE can continue to work toward its charitable objectives.

The Reserves Policy is designed to ensure that CLEAR VILLAGE is able to maintain operations over three months should any challenging circumstances – foreseen or unforeseen – arise.

4.2 Details of any funds materially in deficit

There are no funds materially in deficit

4.3 Further financial review details

During the financial period, CLEAR VILLAGE had net incoming resources of £ 1,100 (2024: £7,443) and had unrestricted reserves of £ 20,540 (2024: £19,440).

4.4 Further financial review details

Addressing the level of unrestricted reserves is a key financial priority. Thanks to tight financial management, overall expenditure remained relatively low. However, income growth is needed and the trustees are exploring ways to stabilize the organisation’s financial position going forward.

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5: STATEMENT OF TRUSTEES’ RESPONSIBILITIES

The charity trustees are responsible for preparing an annual report and financial statements in accordance with applicable law and United Kingdom Accounting Standards (United Kingdom Generally Accepted Accounting Practice).

The law applicable to charities in England and Wales requires the trustees of CLEAR VILLAGE to prepare financial statements according to suitable accounting policies and the Charities SORP (FRS102) taking into account the annual revenue of the charity and giving a fair and true view of its financial status.

The trustees are responsible for keeping proper accounting records that disclose with reasonable accuracy the financial position of the charity. For this purpose, CLEAR VILLAGE has contracted with the accountancy firm of Jamieson Stone LLP and has attached the current independently examined financial records for review.

The trustees for the purposes of charity law who served during the year and up to the date of this report are set out on the inside front cover of this report.

This annual report and the attached accounts have been approved by the trustees and signed on their behalf by:

–––––––––––––––––––––––––––––

Thomas Ugo Ermacora Chair of CLEAR VILLAGE Trustee Limited 14/01/2026

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6: CONTACT

CLEAR VILLAGE

Small Works Victoria, Admin Office Block A Vauxhall Peabody Estate Vauxhall Bridge Road London SW1V 1TA [phone] [e-mail]

Thomas Ermacora

Chairman and Founder Creative and Strategic Director [phone] [e-mail]

Frank van Hasselt Chief Executive [phone] [e-mail]

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INDEPENDENT EXAMINERS REPORT TO THE TRUSTEE OF CLEAR VILLAGE CHARITABLE TRUST FOR THE YEAR ENDED 31 MARCH 2025

Respective responsibilities of the trustees and examiner

The charity’s trustee is responsible for the preparation of the accounts in accordance with the Accounting and Reporting by Charities – Statement of Recommended Practice (SORP (FRS 102)), Accounting Standards and with the Charities Act 2011 (the Charities Act).

The charity trustee considers that an audit is not required for this period under section 144 of the Charities Act 2011 and that an independent examination is needed.

It is my responsibility to:

• Examine the accounts under section 145 of the Charities Act,

• To follow the procedures laid down in the general Directions given by the Charity Commission (under section 145(5)(b) of the Charities Act, and

• To state whether particular matters have come to my attention.

Basis of the 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 trustee concerning 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

I have completed my examination. I confirm that no material matters have come to my attention in connection with the examination which gives me cause to believe that, in any material respect: 1) accounting records were not kept in accordance with section 130 of the Act; or

2) the accounts did not accord with the accounting records; or

3) the accounts did not comply with the applicable requirements concerning the form and content of accounts set out in the Charities (Accounts and Reports) Regulations 2008 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.

I have no concerns and have come across no 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.

Michael Stone MA ACA Jamieson Stone LLP Windsor House 40/41 Great Castle Street London W1W 8LU

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CLEAR VILLAGE CHARITABLE TRUST STATEMENTS OF FINANCIAL ACTIVITIES FOR THE YEAR ENDED 31 MARCH 2025 (INCORPORATING THE INCOME AND EXPENDITURE ACCOUNT)

	Notes	Unrestricted	Restricted	2025	2024
		Funds	Funds	Total	Total
		£	£	£	£
INCOMING RESOURCES
Donations	2	86,500	-	86,500	69,600
Grant Income	2	-	24,321	24,321	48,024
Other Income	2	6,910	-	6,910	6,025
		---------	---------	---------	---------
Total incoming resources		92,410	24,321	116,731	123,649
		---------	---------	---------	---------
RESOURCES EXPENDED
Grant & Project Expenditure		89,810	48,024	114,706	140,369
Governance Costs		1,500	-	1,500	1,320
		---------	---------	---------	---------
Total resources expended		91,310	48,024	116,206	141,689
		---------	---------	---------	---------
Net incoming/(outgoing)
resources before transfers		1,100	-	1,100	7,443
Gross transfers between funds		-	-	-	-
		---------	---------	---------	---------
Net movement in funds		1,100	-	1,100	7,443
		---------	---------	---------	---------
Total funds at 1 April 2024		19,440	-	19,440	11,997
		---------	---------	---------	---------
Total funds at 31 March 2025		20,540	-	20,540	19,440
		---------	---------	---------	---------

All amounts relate to continuing operations. All gains and losses recognised in the year are included in the Statement of Financial Activities.

The accompanying notes on pages 13 to 15 form part of these financial statements

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CLEAR VILLAGE CHARITABLE TRUST BALANCE SHEET AS AT 31 MARCH 2025

	Notes			2025	2024
			£	£
CURRENT ASSETS
Debtors and prepayments		4	18,556	22,964
Cash at bank and in hand			13,878	1,272
			----------	----------
Total current assets			32,434	24,235
			----------	----------
CREDITORS
Amounts falling due within one year		5	11,894	4,795
			----------	----------
Net current assets				20,540	19,440
				----------	----------
NET ASSETS				20,540	19,440
				----------	----------
FUNDS OF THE CHARITY
Unrestricted funds				20,540	19,440
Restricted funds				-	-
				----------	----------
Total funds				20,540	19,440

The financial statements were approved by the trustees on 14th January 2026 and signed on their behalf.

………………………… ………………………… Thomas Ermacora Simon Parkinson

The accompanying notes on pages 13 to 15 form part of these financial statements

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CLEAR VILLAGE CHARITABLE TRUST NOTES TO THE FINANCIAL STATEMENTS (CONTINUED) FOR THE YEAR ENDED 31 MARCH 2025

1. BASIS OF PREPARATION

These accounts have been prepared on the accruals basis of historic cost (except that investments are shown at market value) in accordance with Accounting and Reporting by Charities – Statement of Recommended Practice (SORP (FRS 102)) and with Accounting Standards and with the Charities Act 2011.

2. ACCOUNTING POLICIES

Incoming Resources

Recognition of incoming resources: These are included in the Statement of Financial Activities (SoFA) when the charity becomes entitled to the resources; the trustees are virtually certain they will receive the resources; and the monetary value can be measured with sufficient reliability.

Incoming resources with related expenditure: Where incoming resources have related expenditure (as with fundraising or contract income) the incoming resources and related expenditure are reported gross in the SoFA.

Grants and donations: Grants and donations are only included in the SoFA when the charity has unconditional entitlement to the resources.

Tax reclaims on donations and gifts: Incoming resources from tax reclaims are included in the SoFA at the same time as the gift to which they relate.

Contractual income and performance related grants: This is only included in the SoFA once the related

goods or services have been delivered.

Gifts in kind: Gifts in kind are accounted for at a reasonable estimate of their value to the charity of the amount actually realised. Gifts in kind for sale or distribution are included in the accounts as gifts only when sold or distributed by the charity. Gifts in kind for use by the charity are included in the SoFA as incoming resources when receivable.

Donated services and facilities: These are only included in incoming resources (with equivalent amount in resources expended) where the benefit to the charity is reasonable quantifiable, measurable and material. The value placed on these resources is the estimated value to the charity of the service or facility received.

Volunteer help: The value of any volunteer help received is not included in the accounts.

Investment income: This is included in the accounts when receivable.

Investment gains and losses: include any gain or loss on the sale of investments and any gain or loss resulting from revaluing investments to market at the end of the period.

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CLEAR VILLAGE CHARITABLE TRUST NOTES TO THE FINANCIAL STATEMENTS (CONTINUED) FOR THE YEAR ENDED 31 MARCH 2025

2. ACCOUNTING POLICIES (CONTINUED)

Expenditure and Liabilities

Liability recognition: Liabilities are recognised as soon as there is legal or constructive obligation committing the charity to pay out resources.

Grants with performance conditions: where the charity gives a grant with conditions for its payment being a specific level of service or output to be provided, such grants are only recognised in the SoFA once the recipient of the grant has provided the specified service or output.

Grants payable without performance conditions: these are only recognised in the accounts when a commitment has been made and there are no conditions to be met relating to the grant which remain in the control of the charity.

Assets

Tangible fixed assets for use by charity: these are capitalised if they can be used for more than one year, and cost at least £500. They are valued at cost or a reasonable value on receipt.

Investments: Investments quoted on a recognised stock exchange are valued at market value at the period end. Other investment assets are included at trustees’ best estimate of market value.

Stock and work in progress: These are valued at the lower of cost or market value.

3. DETAILS OF CERTAIN ITEMS OF EXPENDITURE

		2025	2024
		£	£
Independent Examiner’s remuneration:
For reporting on the accounts		1,500	1,500
		--------	--------
4.	DEBTORS AND PREPAYMENTS	2025	2024
		£	£
Trade debtors		18,556	22,964
		--------	--------

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CLEAR VILLAGE CHARITABLE TRUST

NOTES TO THE FINANCIAL STATEMENTS (CONTINUED) FOR THE YEAR ENDED 31 MARCH 2025

5.	CREDITORS FALLING DUE WITHIN ONE YEAR
			2025		2024
		£		£
	Social security and other taxes		50		-
	Other creditors		204		2,979
	Accruals and deferred income		11,640		1,816
			--------		--------
			11,894		4,795
			--------		--------

6. RELATED PARTY TRANSACTIONS

No remuneration or benefits were paid to trustees in the period.

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