Blackpool Ice Drome Charities Association Charity Number: 1143903
Annual Report and Financial Statement for the Year Ending 31[st] March 2026
Chair
Clare Davies
22 Ladybower Lane
Poulton-le-Fylde, Lancashire FY6 7FY
Bank
Lloyds Bank, 94 Fishergate,
Preston, Lancashire PR1 2JB.
Accountant
Desiree Langan MAAT 339 Hawes Side Lane, Blackpool, Lancashire,
FY4 5AL
Contents
Annual Report Financial Statements Independent Examiners Report
Pages 1 - 6 Pages 7 - 8 Page 9
Blackpool Ice Drome Charities Association
Registered Charity Number: 1143903
Annual report for the Year Ending 31[st] March 2026
1. Administrative Information
BIDCA is the official charity name for Children Helping Children and is dedicated to the furtherance of ice sport and supporting Blackpool’s and the Fylde’s local sick, disabled or disadvantage children and has done since 1939.
The Committee includes the following full members:
Chair – Clare Davies
Secretary – Joanne Walsh
Treasurer – Louise Smith
Child Welfare Officer – Sarah Holyhead
Committee Member – Joanne Rata
Committee Member – Joanna Solanki
Committee Member – Anthony Swarbrick
Committee Member – Dudley Cox
Committee Member – Claire Mann
Committee Member – Kelly McGough
Committee Member – Emma Kerr
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2. Structure, Governance and Management
The method of appointment of BIDCA members is set out in the 2022 Charity Constitution. All full members are encouraged to nominate themselves for election on to the committee.
The trustees have the power to act as directed in the Constitution.
All trustees must read and sign a code of conduct and a confidentiality agreement before they are able to sit on the committee. They must also sign in the minute records that they are willing to act in the trusts of the charity. Trustees will have the opportunity to discuss their role with the chair.
BIDCA has policies in place for Safeguarding. All full members and trustees undergo enhanced DBS checks on joining and every three years thereafter.
The contents and obligations of the Equality Act 2010, Data Protection Acts 1988 and 2003 and GDPR 2018 are known and complied with to the best of the trustee’s ability.
It is considered that all trustees and any others who could be considered as having any management responsibilities in the running of BIDCA are deemed to be fit and proper persons under the terms of the Finance Act 2010.
3. Objectives and Activities
The Charity's objectives are:
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To advance the education of the general public in all aspect of ice skating.
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To provide facilities for ice skating in the interests of social welfare for children under 18 years of age through the provision of training, recreational and other leisure time occupation with the object of improving their conditions of life.
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To relieve, within the Fylde coast area of Lancashire, poverty, sickness and distress arising therefrom by the making of grants of money or monies worth to individuals under 18 years of age in conditions of need (‘the beneficiaries’) or organisations dealing with such beneficiaries so as to relieve such need.
4. Achievements and Performances
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We performed our annual Christmas show, ‘Aladdin: An Enchanted Tale on Ice’. 63 cast members performed 10 shows to a combined audience of 11,971 people at the Blackpool Ice Arena during December 2025. In addition, we performed our annual charity performance enabling around 1,300 representatives from children’s charities across Blackpool and the Fylde Coast to attend, the tickets were donated free of charge providing £18,200 benefit to the charities.
BIDCA made cash grants to support 4 skaters to attend the Ice-skating British Championships.
Despite Stage Works Worldwide Productions (SWWP) withholding payment we still managed to donate £10,000 to Brian House, this was funding by our Front of House takings.
5. Review of the Year (Chair)
Over the past year, our charity has continued its mission to support other local children’s charities in our local community and to promote ice skating. Our principal fundraising event - the annual Christmas show - remains at the heart of our efforts, combining community spirit and inclusion alongside vital fundraising. Our 2025 show was ‘Aladdin: An Enchanted Tale on Ice’ and I am delighted to report that 63 cast members with the required skating skills and enthusiasm put on an amazing show and performed to over 11,971 people over 10 performances.
A highlight of the year is the charity performance. We invited 1,300 representatives from local Children’s charities from Blackpool and the Fylde Coast. The atmosphere at the show was electric and reminds us just why we do what we do. Our skaters respond to the atmosphere created by the audience, and everyone had a memorable time. Prior to the charity show and throughout the show run we showed the ‘BIDCA: Who we are’ trailer to our cast and the audience – this was very well received and encouraged more donations at the end of the performance.
Throughout the year the members of the cast and their parent/carer volunteers came together to promote the charity, show and ice skating at the St Annes Gala, Lytham Club Day, at Houndshill and at Affinity.
This year we were really pleased to be able to support BIDCA skaters competing at the British ice-skating championships by making cash grants.
As I reflect on my first year as chair, I am immensely proud of the show’s success, which had fantastic reviews. With the participation of talented young skaters of all ages and abilities, and with a team of dedicated volunteers, the production showcased not only impressive performances, but also the confidence and joy of the children involved. Beyond fundraising, the ice skating production continues to serve as a platform for children to build skills on the
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ice, develop self-esteem, and experience a sense of achievement. Like last year, I am disappointed to report that all this great work has been overshadowed by a backdrop of significant financial pressure caused by SWWP withholding our 2025 show settlement of circa £80,000. I would like to reassure all trustees and members that monies are to be settled after the 31[st] March 2026.
6. Financial Review (Treasurer)
Our principal fundraising event, the Christmas Show at Blackpool Ice Arena, attracted 11,971 ticket sales. We increased our ticket prices in accordance with rising costs priced at £17, £15 and £10. The trustees took this approach to balance the need to cover our costs whilst ensuring our show provides good value and is accessible to as many people as possible. Despite having one show less than in 2024, we are really pleased with ticket sales and saw engagement from our audience increase.
Total income for 2025/26 was £128,393 an increase of £86,263 from the previous year.
Like last year, and as discussed in our 2024 AGM, we faced a significant financial challenge as Stage Works Worldwide Productions (SWWP) withheld our financial settlement of circa £80,000 from the 2025 production. 2024/25 Payments was received in 2025/26 accounts.
As mentioned above (5) we are in the same situation at the end of this financial year, with (SWWP) owing production income circa £80,000. We are confident that this income will be paid in the coming months and will be accounted for in the 2026/27 accounts. Despite this we managed to generate a surplus of £31,401. Communication with SWWP has improved greatly with the Chair having regular contact.
The front of house team was an absolute credit to the charity and were able to increase our sales and focus their efforts by selling just raffle tickets and programmes. This year saw an increase in raffle prize donations, which contributed to an increase in front of house income. The volunteer team was led well and the need for more volunteers remains an area of focus for future shows.
We also received £3,993 in gift aid from HMRC. All other income was in line with our forecast.
Total expenditure for 2025/26 was £96,993 which saw an increase of £9,557 of last year’s expenditure.
The overall position at the Year-End of March 2026 leaves BIDCA in a weakened position. We have our reserves policy in place, if we are unable to recover the outstanding money owed, it is unlikely that we will be able to perform a show in December 2026.
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Risk Assessment
BIDCA recognises that in relation to ‘Risk Assessment’, risk is defined as a ‘threat of any action or event which will adversely affect an organisation’s ability to achieve its objectives and execute its strategies’. It also accepts that the term ‘risk’ can include any circumstances that may, or do, have an adverse effect, and is wider than financial matters.
Risks relate not only to the negative consequences of a threat, but also to the impact of not taking advantage of opportunities.
BIDCA carries out Risk assessments for all its purposes and activities.
BIDCA has insurance policies to cover its activities as well as its commitments associated with its storage unit.
7. Reserves Policy
BIDCA has a requirement to maintain a cash reserve to cover its committed liabilities and any uninsurable risks. These include the non-insured risks costs associated with its storage unit and the risk of any short fall because of a lower-than-expected ticket sales that mean BIDCA is unable to cover the show production costs. In addition, this is also used to cover our financial liability should we not be able to perform our show due to external factors like the Covid Pandemic. BIDCA currently has allocated a minimum reserve fund of £100,000 to cover these liabilities. This will be reviewed on an annual basis by the Trustee’s.
8. Future Plans
The main focus for the Trustees is to recover the outstanding show settlement from SWWP. The next priority is assessing the risks associated with entering an agreement with SWWP for the 2026 show given their financial position. The Trustees will need to ensure they understand the risks and associated implications as well as their ability to produce a show. This is further complicated because all activities associated with the show production have been suspended until the financial situation has been resolved. In real terms, we have not been able to undertake the detailed show planning, cast auditions or sell any show tickets.
For and on behalf of the Trustees:
Treasurer
Dated: 6[th] May 2026
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Blackpool Ice Drome Association, Charity Commission Registration No. 1143903. Financial Statements for the year ended 31st March 2026
| Receipts and Payments Account. | Receipts and Payments Account. | 2026 | 2026 | 2025 | 2025 | |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| General Fund - Unrestricted. | £ | £ | £ | £ | ||
| Receipts | ||||||
| Show Income | 80,934 | - | ||||
| Cast Reg & Costume Contribution | 21232.75 | 16,898 | ||||
| Good Luck Messsages | 610 | 518 | ||||
| Donations | 4525 | 6,372 | ||||
| Raffle, Programme, Glow Sticks | 9,179 | 7,408 | ||||
| Gift Aid | 3,994 | 6,798 | ||||
| Hoodies / Tights | 2,731 | 1,264 | ||||
| DVD Sales | - | - | ||||
| Aftershow Party | 1421 | 1,020 | ||||
| Costume Rental/other income | 2,043 | 1,010 | ||||
| Bank Interest | 1724 | 843 | ||||
| Total Receipts | 128,393 | 42,130 | ||||
| Payments | ||||||
| Costumes | 11721.99 | 9,926 | ||||
| Wardrobe | 11,964 | 12,212 | ||||
| Show Production | 47,386 | 45,400 | ||||
| Aftershow Party | 1,922.6 | 1,630 | ||||
| Raffle Costs | 287.02 | |||||
| Props | 3,278 | 4,383 | ||||
| I/T Website | 976.45 | |||||
| Administration | 346.07 | 2,758 | ||||
| Hoodies | 2689.39 | 2,323 | ||||
| DVD | - | |||||
| Charity Donations | 10,490 | 1,000 | ||||
| DBS/CRB/CHAP LIC | 461.5 | 90 | ||||
| Insurance/Membership | 2276.89 | 2,147 | ||||
| Advertising, Flyers, Marketing | 3193.25 | 5,568 | ||||
| Total Payments | 96,993 | 87,436 | ||||
| Excess of Receipts over Payments | 31,401 | (45,306) | ||||
| Bank Accounts as at 1st. April 2025 | 81,625 | 122,406 | ||||
| Bank Accounts as at 31st. March | 2026 inc. | 113,026 | 31,401 | 77,100 | (45,306) | |
| 0 | Diff | (0) | Diff |
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Blackpool Ice Drome Association. Statement of Assets and Liabilities as at 31st March 2026
| Monetary Assets | 2026 General Fund | 2025 General Fund |
|---|---|---|
| Unrestricted | Unrestricted | |
| £ | £ | |
| Current | 6,752 | 4,525 |
| Account | ||
| Notice | 106,274 | 77,100 |
| Account | ||
| Fund | ||
| Raising | ||
| Account | ||
| Total at Bank | 113,026 | 81,625 |
| Cash in | ||
| hand | ||
| Total Funds | 113,026 | 81,625 |
| Debtors | 750 | 750 |
| Creditors | 0 | 300 |
| Other assets. | ||
| Props. | 25,000 | 25,000 |
| Wardrobe/costumes | 50,000 | 50,000 |
| Equipment | 5,000 | 5,000 |
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Notes. 1. The accounts have been prepared on the Receipts and Payments basis.
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No Trustee has received any remuneration for being a trustee of the charity.
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The valuation in respect of Props, Wardrobe/costumes and Equipment in based on the assumption that such items have a continuing worth for future productions.
Approved by the Trustees of the Blackpool Ice Drome Charities Association on 6th May and signed on their behalf by -
……………………………………………………………………………………………………………...
Louise Smith - Treasurer
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I ndependent Examiner’s Report to the Trustees of Blackpool Ice Drome Charities Association
I report to the charity trustees on my examination of the accounts of Blackpool Ice Drome Charities Association for the year ended 31st March 2026.
Responsibilities and basis of report
As the charity trustees of the charity, you are responsible for the preparation of the accounts in accordance with the requirements of the Charities Act 2011 (“the Act”). Under section 144(2) of the Charities Act an audit is not required this financial year, but the charity is eligible for an independent examination to which I have been appointed.
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 2011 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 which gives me cause to believe that in any material respect:
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accounting records were not kept in accordance with section 130 of the 2011 Act; or
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the accounts do not accord with the accounting records; or
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the accounts do 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 other matters in connection with the examination to which attention should be drawn in this report to enable a proper understanding of the accounts to be reached.
Desiree Langan MAAT
339 Hawes Side Lane, Blackpool, Lancashire, FY4 5AL
Date: 9th May 2026