THE DU MAURIER FESTIVAL SOCIETY (A Company Limited by Guarantee)
REPORT OF THE TRUSTEES AND UNAUDITED FINANCIAL STATEMENTS
FOR THE YEAR ENDED 31 JULY 2025
Company Number: 07719529 Charity Number: 1143916
THE DU MAURIER FESTIVAL SOCIETY
CONTENTS OF THE FINANCIAL STATEMENTS FOR THE YEAR ENDED 31 JULY 2025
| Page | |
|---|---|
| Charity Information | 1 |
| Report of the Trustees | 2 |
| Independent Examiner's Report | 5 |
| Statement of Financial Activities | 6 |
| Balance Sheet | 7 |
| Notes to the Financial Statements | 8 |
THE DU MAURIER FESTIVAL SOCIETY
CHARITY INFORMATION
FOR THE YEAR ENDED 31 JULY 2025
| BOARD OF TRUSTEES: | Paula Pearson | (Chair) |
|---|---|---|
| Delphine Barnes | - appointed 15 February 2026 | |
| Katherine Bennett | (Treasurer) | |
| Yvette Gamble | ||
| Lynn Goold | ||
| Amanda Hubbarde | - resigned 13 December 2024 | |
| Gail Mclean | - appointed 17 November 2024, | |
| resigned 28 November 2024 | ||
| Elizabeth Shaw | ||
| Elizabeth Wall | ||
| David Willmore | - resigned 31 July 2025 | |
| REGISTERED OFFICE | ||
| AND CHARITY ADDRESS: | 4 Quiller Couch Way | |
| Fowey | ||
| Cornwall | ||
| PL23 1DN | ||
| COMPANY NUMBER: | 07719529 | |
| CHARITY NUMBER: | 1143916 | |
| INDEPENDENT EXAMINER: | M C SmithBA (Hons) FCA | |
| Fawcetts LLP | ||
| Chartered Accountants | ||
| Windover House | ||
| St Ann Street | ||
| Salisbury | ||
| SP1 2DR | ||
| BANKERS: | HSBC | |
| 17 Boscawen Street | ||
| Truro | ||
| TR1 2QZ |
1
THE DU MAURIER FESTIVAL SOCIETY
REPORT OF THE TRUSTEES
FOR THE YEAR ENDED 31 JULY 2025
The trustees (who are also directors of the charitable company for the purposes of company law) present their annual report, together with the independently examined financial statements of the charity for the year ended 31 July 2025 and confirm that they comply with the Charities Act 2011, the governing document, and the Charities SORP 2019 (FRS 102).
Legal and administrative information set out on page 1 forms part of this report.
STRUCTURE, GOVERNANCE AND MANAGEMENT
The du Maurier Festival Society was incorporated on 27 July 2011. The company is registered with the Charity Commission for England and Wales (registration number 1143916). It is incorporated and registered in England and Wales as a company limited by guarantee and not having share capital (company number 07719529). The liability of the members in the event of a winding up is limited by guarantee to an amount not exceeding £10 per member. The charity is controlled by its governing document, the Articles of Association which were revised in September 2023.
Recruitment and appointment of new trustees
Trustees are selected to bring a wide range of experience of business, finance, community, education, and entertainment.
If a trustee 'resigns', or the board consider that additional experience, knowledge, and skills are required, then the position is notified and advertised across a broad range of formal and informal networks.
All trustees maintain overview and scrutiny of a specific aspect of the charity's affairs.
Organisation
The trustees meet monthly (or more often if required) with the primary purpose of ensuring the ethical and financial probity of the charity. Individual trustees maintain overview and scrutiny of a team and/or particular aspects of the charity's operations, appropriate to their skills and knowledge. They liaise with the volunteer teams, and help to develop the action plans and review them.
Risk management
The trustees accept that they are the body ultimately responsible for the conduct of the charity and have a duty to ensure that all major risks are assessed, and that appropriate policies and procedures are in place to minimise potential risk, and to respond to unforeseen events.
Objectives, Strategies, and Activities
The objective of the charity is to advance the education of the public in the Arts and, in particular but not exclusively in Literature; to include the provision of a festival and related events in and around Fowey (Cornwall), for the benefit of all residents of, and visitors to, the area.
The main activity is continued fundraising, organisation, and promotion of the annual, nine-day Fowey Festival of Arts and Literature, held in Fowey in May 2025. The festival events are attended by members of the public across the community and further afield.
Continued on page 3
2
THE DU MAURIER FESTIVAL SOCIETY
REPORT OF THE TRUSTEES FOR THE YEAR ENDED 31 JULY 2025
Continued from page 2
Achievements, Performance, and Financial Results
The May 2025 festival delivered a comprehensive and diverse programme with a wide range of performers and authors across talks, panel discussions, creative workshops, music events, and reading groups. During the festival period, 56 main events were supported by free community lunchtime sessions, the Secret Gardens Programme, and the Art Trail.
The second tranche of funding from Arts Council England enabled the continuation of the festival's schools outreach initiative. Through this support, authors and an artist visited primary and secondary schools within a 20-mile radius, providing interactive talks and workshops. These subsidised sessions engaged more than 650 pupils across four schools.
Throughout the year, the charity maintained a strong focus on fundraising, undertaking a range of activities designed to strengthen and diversify its income base.
Total income for the year was £62,058 (2024: £73,633) and total costs were £73,676 (2024: £68,477).
The costs included expenditure on the website (paid for partially by a grant) for which funds had been received in the prior year. Taking this into account, performance in the current year was similar to the prior year.
The deficit for 2025 was £11,618 (2024: Surplus £5,156). After inclusion of the opening reserves of £14,367, net cumulative funds carried forward at 31 July 2025 were £2,749.
Public Benefit
The trustees consider that the information above shows that the charity is acting in the spirit of and in accordance with its charitable objectives. The trustees confirm that they have complied with their duty to have due regard to the guidance on public benefit published by the Charity Commission in exercising their powers and duties.
Fundraising performance
The charity raises funds from the general public by a range of methods including a membership plan for the Friends of the Festival, charitable events, and functions.
The charity receives the voluntary assistance of individuals to prepare and run the festival. The charity maintains a protocol for utilising the services of these volunteers.
Financial review and results for the year
This annual report presents an informative account of the charity's financial performance. The charity reviews its financial controls annually.
Reserves policy
The charity as it continues to develop will determine a reserves policy based on unrestricted income levels which meet the needs of the charity to manage fluctuations in income, longer term commitments, and unforeseen events. The charity at present holds no long-term funds to invest.
Continued on page 4
3
THE DU MAURIER FESTIVAL SOCIEri REPORT OF THE TRUSTEES FOR THE YEAR ENDED 31 JULY 2025 Continued from page 3 Plan5 for future perlods The Society is managed by a board of volunteer trustees, and the festiwdl is curated and delivered by a part- time Festival Director. Additional tasks are carried out by volunteers, and the trustees are grateful to all the volunteers and other helpers, who make the festival possible. In total, it is estimated that more than I,O(KJ volunteer hours were devoted to the festlval in 2025 which we enwsage will increase in 2026 due to events out5Ide of the main festival and an increased volunteer tearn. Heartfelt thanks 80 once again to all the members of the festival board, with a special mention to our Songstanding Chalr. Lynn Goold. who has stood down, but remains a valued member of the commlttee. Our team of wlllin8 and supportSve volunteers delivered the 2025 festival responsibly and effic1entl¥ and we are extremely grateful for everything they do. In additloll. WE ?Te grateful for the support of the communlty In Fowey, and we will look to continue to develop these links and partnerships 85 we move forw?rd. With the appolntment of a new Chalr and in recognitlon of the Increased corrpetltion for grants and other funding in this sector. there wlll be a thorough review of the festival and the society post the 2026 festival. This will be an all-encompassln8 top to bottom revlew, Identlfyln8 efflciencies and improvements and a clear plan, ahead of our 30th festival in 2027. Thls report has been prepared in accordance wlth the provlslons of Part 15 of the Companles Act 2CM)6 relatln8 to small companies. ON BEHALF OF THE BOARD OF TRUSTEES- Paula Pearson Trustee and Chair Date: 17 Aprll 2026
INDEPENDENT EXAMINER'S REPORT TO THE TRUSTEES OF
THE DU MAURIER FESTIVAL SOCIETY
FOR THE YEAR ENDED 31 JULY 2025
I report to the charity trustees on my examination of the accounts of The Du Maurier Festival Society for the year ended 31 July 2025 which are set out on pages 6 to 14, which comprise the Statement of Financial Activities, the Balance Sheet, and the related notes.
Responsibilities and basis of report
As the charity's 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 charity'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 material matters have come to my attention which gives me cause to believe that:
-
Accounting records were not kept in respect of the charity as required by section 386 of the 2006 Act; or
-
The accounts do not accord with such records; or
-
The accounts do not comply with relevant accounting requirements under section 396 of the Companies Act 2006 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 Charities SORP (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.
Martyn Smith BA (Hons) FCA Fawcetts LLP Chartered Accountants Windover House St Ann Street Salisbury SP1 2DR
Date: 20 April 2026
5
THE DU MAURIER FESTIVAL SOCIETY
STATEMENT OF FINANCIAL ACTIVITIES (INCLUDING INCOME & EXPENDITURE ACCOUNT)
FOR THE YEAR ENDED 31 JULY 2025
| INCOME AND EXPENDITURE Unrestricted Note £ INCOME AND ENDOWMENTS FROM: Donations and legacies Donations, grants, and legacies 2 11,661 Literary Festival event activities 3 49,804 4 93 - 61,558 9 73,176 73,176 (11,618) - (11,618) at 1 August 2024 14,367 2,749 TOTAL INCOME Charitable activities EXPENDITURE ON: TOTAL FUNDS CARRIED FORWARD TOTAL EXPENDITURE RECONCILIATION OF FUNDS: NET MOVEMENT IN FUNDS NET (EXPENDITURE) / INCOME Transfers between funds Total funds brought forward Other Investments Charitable activities |
Restricted £ - 500 - - 500 500 500 - - - - - |
Total 2025 £ 11,661 50,304 93 - |
Total 2024 £ 28,601 44,959 73 - |
|---|---|---|---|
| 62,058 | 73,633 | ||
| 73,676 | 68,477 | ||
| 73,676 | 68,477 | ||
| (11,618) - |
5,156 - |
||
| (11,618) 14,367 |
5,156 9,211 |
||
| 2,749 | 14,367 |
Total recognised gains and losses
The charity has no recognised gains or losses other than the surplus or deficit for the current or previous year.
Continuing operations
None of the charity's activities were acquired or discontinued during the current or previous year.
The notes form part of these financial statements.
6
THE DU MAURIER FESTIVAL SOCIETY (REGISTERED NUMBER: 077195291 BALANCE SHE 31JULY 2025 2025 2024 Note CURRENT ASSETS: Debtors Cash at bank and in hand io 1,61 TOTAL CURRENT ASSETS 6,269 15,147 UABIUTIES Creditors.. Amounts due wlthin one year li NET CURRENT ASSETS TOTAL ASSEf5 LESS CuRRETr LIABILtnES 13 FUNDS Unrestricted funds.. general Re5tri¢ted funds 12 12 2,749 14.367 TOTAL CHARITY FUNDS For the financial year in question the company was entitled to exemption under Sertion 477 of the Companie5 Act 26 relating to small companies. No members have requlred the company to obtain an audit of Its accounts for the year In question in accordance wlth Sectlon 476 of the Companies Act 2(Xl6. The directots acknowledge their responsibility lor complyin8 Wlth the requirements of the Act with respert to accounting reeords and for thè preparation of actounts. These accounts have been prepared In accordance with the provislons applicable to companies subject to the small companies, regime. The financial statements were approved and authorised for issue by the Board of Trustees on 17 April 2026 and were signed on its behalf by: 0 6vvOfy I necCV(Clq Paula Pearson Trustee and Chalr The notes form part of these flnanclal statements.
THE DU MAURIER FESTIVAL SOCIETY
NOTES TO THE FINANCIAL STATEMENTS
FOR THE YEAR ENDED 31 JULY 2025
1. ACCOUNTING POLICIES
Accounting convention
The Du Maurier Festival Society is a company limited by guarantee incorporated and registered in England and Wales without share capital, the guarantors being the members to the extent of £10 each. The charity constitutes a public benefit entity as defined by FRS 102. The financial statements have been prepared in accordance with 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 United Kingdom and Republic of Ireland (FRS 102) (effective 1 January 2019) - (Charities SORP 2019 (FRS 102)), and the Charities Act 2011. The charity does not meet the definition of a larger charity under the Charities SORP and is therefore exempt from the requirement to prepare a cash flow statement.
The financial statements are prepared on a going concern basis. The trustees have considered the financial position of the organisation and believe that it is currently a going concern. The financial statements are prepared in Sterling (£) which is the functional currency of the charity. The significant accounting policies applied in the preparation of these financial statements are set out below. These policies have been consistently applied to all years presented unless otherwise stated.
Fund accounting
Unrestricted funds are available for use at the discretion of the trustees in furtherance of the general objectives of the charity and which have not been designated for other purposes. Designated funds comprise unrestricted funds that have been set aside by the trustees for particular purposes. The aim and use of each designated fund is set out in the notes to the financial statements.
Restricted funds are funds which are to be used in accordance with specific restrictions imposed by donors or which have been raised by the charity for particular purposes. The cost of raising and administering such funds are charged against the specific fund. The aim and use of each restricted fund is set out in the notes to the financial statements.
Income recognition
All incoming resources are included in the Statement of Financial Activities (SOFA) when the charity is legally entitled to the income after any performance conditions have been met, the amount can be measured reliably, and it is probable that the income will be received.
For donations to be recognised the charity will have been notified of the amounts and the settlement date in writing. If there are conditions attached to the donation and this requires a level of performance before entitlement can be obtained then income is deferred until those conditions are fully met or the fulfilment of those conditions is within the control of the charity and it is probable that they will be fulfilled.
No amount is included in the financial statements for volunteer time in line with the SORP (FRS 102).
Fixed asset gifts in kind are recognised when receivable and are included at fair value. They are not deferred over the life of the asset.
Expenditure recognition
All expenditure is accounted for on an accruals basis and has been classified under headings that aggregate all costs related to the category. Expenditure is recognised where there is a legal or constructive obligation to make payments to third parties, it is probable that the settlement will be required and the amount of the obligation can be measured reliably. The irrecoverable element of VAT is included within the item of expense to which it relates.
8
THE DU MAURIER FESTIVAL SOCIETY
NOTES TO THE FINANCIAL STATEMENTS
FOR THE YEAR ENDED 31 JULY 2025
1. ACCOUNTING POLICIES (continued)
Debtors
Debtors are measured at their recoverable amounts.
Creditors and provisions
Creditors and provisions are recognised where the charity has a present obligation resulting from a past event that will probably result in the transfer of funds to a third party and the amount due to settle the obligation can be measured or estimated reliably. Creditors and provisions are normally recognised at their settlement amount after allowing for any trade discounts due.
2. DONATIONS AND LEGACIES
| Unrestricted funds 2025 £ Donations, grants and legacies Friends 3,320 Appeals and donations 5,616 Gift Aid receivable 725 Grants - Arts Council England 2,000 Grants - other - Total 11,661 |
Restricted funds 2025 £ - - - - - - |
Total Total funds funds 2025 2024 £ £ 3,320 3,420 5,616 4,167 725 2,514 2,000 18,000 - 500 11,661 28,601 |
|---|---|---|
3. CHARITABLE ACTIVITIES
| Unrestricted funds 2025 £ Literary Festival event activities Ticket sales 32,413 Young writers and artists sponsor - Book sales commission 1,486 Fundraising 7,857 Programme adverts 2,402 Sale of drinks at events 3,146 Sponsorship 2,500 Total 49,804 |
Restricted funds 2025 £ - 500 - - - - - 500 |
Total Total funds funds 2025 2024 £ £ 32,413 33,188 500 860 1,486 1,600 7,857 4,580 2,402 1,265 3,146 3,466 2,500 - 50,304 44,959 |
|---|---|---|
9
THE DU MAURIER FESTIVAL SOCIETY
NOTES TO THE FINANCIAL STATEMENTS
FOR THE YEAR ENDED 31 JULY 2025
4. INCOME FROM INVESTMENTS
All of the charity’s income from investments arises from interest bearing deposit accounts.
5. TAXATION
The charity is an exempt charity within the meaning of Schedule 3 of the Charities Act 2011 and is considered to pass the tests set out in Paragraph 1 Schedule 6 Finance Act 2010 and therefore it meets the definition of a charity for UK corporation tax purposes.
6. TRUSTEES' AND KEY MANAGEMENT PERSONNEL REMUNERATION AND EXPENSES
The trustees neither received nor waived any remuneration during the year (2024: £Nil).
The charity considers its key management personnel comprise the trustees. Key management personnel are not remunerated.
The trustees did not have any expenses reimbursed during the year (2024: £Nil).
7. EMPLOYEES
There were no employees during the year (2024: None) and consequently there were no staff costs for the year ended 31 July 2025 nor for the year ended 31 July 2024.
8. NET (OUTGOING) / INCOMING RESOURCES
Net (outgoing) / incoming resources are stated after charging:
Independent examiner's fees
----- Start of picture text -----
2025 2024
£ £
1,020 840
----- End of picture text -----
10
THE DU MAURIER FESTIVAL SOCIETY
NOTES TO THE FINANCIAL STATEMENTS
FOR THE YEAR ENDED 31 JULY 2025
9. CHARITABLE ACTIVITIES EXPENDITURE
| 9. CHARITABLE ACTIVITIES EXPENDITURE |
||
|---|---|---|
| Direct costs Literary Festival event direct costs Support costs Consultancy - Festival Director Printing, post, and stationery Sundry and other costs Travel and subsistence Website costs Event management marketing Art Trail costs Accountancy - Independent examiner's fee Grants funding projects 10. DEBTORS Prepayments and accrued income 11. CREDITORS: AMOUNTS FALLING DUE WITHIN ONE YEAR Accruals and deferred income |
2025 £ 25,004 19,250 3,642 3,210 6,883 10,706 631 80 1,020 3,250 48,672 73,676 2025 £ - - 2025 £ 3,520 3,520 |
2024 £ 27,056 |
| 22,750 2,411 2,569 4,532 2,940 974 1,155 840 3,250 |
||
| 41,421 | ||
| 68,477 | ||
| 2024 £ 1,600 |
||
| 1,600 | ||
| 2024 £ 780 |
||
| 780 |
11
THE DU MAURIER FESTIVAL SOCIETY
NOTES TO THE FINANCIAL STATEMENTS
FOR THE YEAR ENDED 31 JULY 2025
12. MOVEMENT OF FUNDS
| Balance at 01/08/2024 Incoming resources £ £ Unrestricted funds General free reserves 14,367 61,558 Unrestricted fixed assets - - 14,367 61,558 Restricted funds - 500 - 500 Total funds 14,367 62,058 Comparative balances for the year ended 31 July 2024: £ £ Unrestricted funds General free reserves 9,211 73,633 Unrestricted fixed assets - - 9,211 73,633 Restricted funds - - - - Total funds 9,211 73,633 Balance at 01/08/2023 Incoming resources |
Outgoing resources £ (73,176) - (73,176) (500) (500) (73,676) £ (68,477) - (68,477) - - (68,477) Outgoing resources |
Transfers £ - - - - - - £ - - - - - - Transfers |
Balance at 31/07/2025 £ 2,749 - |
|---|---|---|---|
| 2,749 | |||
| - | |||
| - | |||
| 2,749 | |||
| £ 14,367 - Balance at 31/07/2024 |
|||
| 14,367 | |||
| - | |||
| - | |||
| 14,367 |
UNRESTRICTED FUNDS:
General
This represents funds which have been accumulated for the general purposes of the charity.
Unrestricted fixed assets
This represents unrestricted funds held as fixed assets and are not readily available.
RESTRICTED FUNDS:
Restricted funds represents monies received for the Schools and Young Writers and Artists programme.
12
THE DU MAURIER FESTIVAL SOCIETY
NOTES TO THE FINANCIAL STATEMENTS
FOR THE YEAR ENDED 31 JULY 2025
13. ALLOCATION OF THE CHARITY NET ASSETS
The net assets are held for the various funds as follows:
| Unrestricted funds: general Restricted funds Total |
Fixed Assets £ - - - |
Net Current Assets £ 2,749 - 2,749 |
Long-term Liabilities £ - - - |
Total £ 2,749 - |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| 2,749 |
Prior year net assets held for the various funds were as follows:
| Unrestricted funds: general Restricted funds Total |
Fixed Assets £ - - - |
Net Current Assets £ 14,367 - 14,367 |
Long-term Liabilities £ - - - |
Total £ 14,367 - |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| 14,367 |
14. RELATED PARTY TRANSACTIONS
There were no related party transactions during the year (2024: None).
13
THE DU MAURIER FESTIVAL SOCIETY
NOTES TO THE FINANCIAL STATEMENTS
FOR THE YEAR ENDED 31 JULY 2025
15. PRIOR YEAR COMPARATIVE STATEMENT OF FINANCIAL ACTIVITIES
| INCOME AND EXPENDITURE Note INCOME AND ENDOWMENTS FROM: 2 Investments 3 TOTAL INCOME 8 Literary Festival event activities EXPENDITURE ON: Charitable activities Total funds carried forward at 31 July 2024 TOTAL EXPENDITURE NET INCOME Transfers between funds NET MOVEMENT IN FUNDS RECONCILIATION OF FUNDS: Total funds brought forward at 1 August Charitable activities Donations, grants, and legacies Donations and legacies |
Unrestricted £ 28,601 44,959 73 73,633 68,477 68,477 5,156 - 5,156 9,211 14,367 |
Restricted £ - - - |
Total 2024 £ 28,601 44,959 73 |
|---|---|---|---|
| - | 73,633 | ||
| - | 68,477 | ||
| - | 68,477 | ||
| - - |
5,156 - |
||
| - - |
5,156 9,211 |
||
| - | 14,367 |
14