Annual Report and Accounts Year ended 31st August 2023
Contents
| Company and Charity Information | 3 |
|---|---|
| Chairman's Introduction | 4 |
| Aims and Objectives | 5 |
| Structure, Governance and Management | 7 |
| Activities and Achievements | 10 |
| Raising the Roof and Future Proofing the Centre | 15 |
| Balance Sheet | 16 |
| Income and Expenditure Account | 17 |
| Financial and Accounting Policies | 18 |
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Company and Charity 01 Information
SOUTH BRENT OLD SCHOOL COMMUNITY CENTRE Ltd
Registered Company Number: 7593522 Registered Charity Number: 1146269
The company was incorporated on 06 April 2011 at which point it took over the activities of the previously unincorporated organisation of the same name (which had managed the Centre from its commencement in 1997)
The company was registered with the Charity Commission on 02 March 2012 and is governed by its Articles of Association adopted April 2011.
| Registered Office: | Website: |
|---|---|
| South Brent Old School Community Centre | www.theoldschool.org.uk |
| Totnes Road | e-mail: |
| South Brent | info@theoldschool.org.uk |
| Devon | Tel.: |
| TQ10 9BP | 07707 723637 |
Independent Examiner: Hania Lee
Bank: Lloyds Bank PLC
The Directors have adopted the provisions of the Statement of Recommended Practice (SORP) “Accounting and Reporting by Charities” issued in 2005 in preparing the annual report and financial statement of South Brent Old School Community Centre. This report has been prepared with the provisions relating to small companies within Part 15 of the Companies Act 2006.
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Chairman's 02 Introduction
Welcome to the annual report for the year 2022/2023
The Centre continues to be a vibrant and important part of village life. The hub, warm space and community fridge have been well received and are a testament to the ongoing relationships with our key partners – Sustainable South Brent and South Brent and District Caring. They, along with Art House, have a continuing and essential presence in the building, making it a welcoming and open access environment. A recent analysis of footfall in the centre showed that these initiatives, along with all the other activities on offer in the centre, contributed to a figure of well over 800 visits to the centre each week.
With this success come new challenges in running an increasingly busy and complex operation. During the year our manager, Rowena, stepped down – trustees and centre users are grateful for her hard work and welcoming manner during her time with the centre. Rowena was replaced at short notice and on a temporary basis by Poppy Morgan and Bridie Kennerley – we are very grateful to them both for stepping in and filling the gap so ably (both have now moved on and we welcome a new, permanent manager – Michelle Parton). We do urgently need volunteers to support the manager and trustees in the running of the centre. This might be as simple as setting up a room for an incoming group or more complex – for example helping with contractors or supporting with our digital and social media presence. New trustees are also always welcome! Please do help if you can spare a little time.
The centre is in a sound and viable place financially, with a healthy reserve to insulate us from known and unknown problems in the future. We’ve also managed to raise (and protect in a restricted fund) over £36,000 towards our Raise the Roof fund. But this remains a major challenge – the entire roof will need replacing sustainably in the foreseeable future. 2022/23 saw us take significant steps towards this essential work, with clear plans and costs being produced, along with appropriate surveys to allow us to understand what replacing the roof actually entails and how we might maximise energy generation through photo-voltaic arrays. As part of this, trustees have looked at the wider rejuvenation of the centre and this will form a key focus for work and consultation in the coming year.
When the Old School Centre was saved by the community in 1997, and before any charity was formed, the ownership was held originally by a number of local residents and more latterly by the Charity Commission on behalf of the local community. The current trustees are now looking to change the ownership over to the Old School Charity itself and legal work is underway to achieve this.
Thank you all,
Rik Meek, Chair - South Brent Old School Community Centre
Aims and 03 Objectives
The Old School Community Centre is a charity that has two primary objectives
1
ESTABLISH A COMMUNITY CENTRE AND MAINTAIN AND MANAGE IT, WHETHER ALONE OR WITH OTHERS
2
JOIN IN A COMMON EFFORT TO PROVIDE FACILITIES IN THE INTEREST OF SOCIAL WELFARE AND FOR RECREATION AND LEISURE TIME OCCUPATION WITH THE OBJECT OF IMPROVING THE CONDITIONS OF LIFE FOR RESIDENTS OF SOUTH BRENT AND ITS SURROUNDING AREA
The Old School was acquired in 1997 to meet the initial objective. This followed a village wide consultation in 1996 which generated 95% support towards purchasing the vacated Primary School from Devon County Council. The consultation also identified the wide range of facilities and activities that residents wanted to see provided at the Centre.
The feedback identified the need for a library, facilities for fitness, adult education, a meeting place for all, computer and IT training and a place for young people. Facilities for local history, a place for music and a range of other activities were identified.
The response to the consultation gave the initial trustees the confidence, mandate and momentum to push forward with the acquisition and to raise the funds to rejuvenate and open the centre.
In the intervening 27 years the Old School Community Centre has delivered on the second objective of providing facilities with ambition, confidence and with a sense of fun. The charity has provided a very wide range of educational and ... ..recreational facilities and opened the doors to every group and individual in ..... ..the village and local area. The full range of activities and achievements ....... .....are summarised in section 5 .
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Aims and Objectives
In 2017 the Trustees undertook a review of the activities of the charity under the title “Reaching out to everyone” . This recognised that, with the Centre well established, the focus should move to widening the ambition to grow opportunities for everyone to enjoy, and be supported by, the charity.
The review established the following seven aims which have guided the charity’s work since then:
GROW MEMBERSHIP AND VOLUNTEERING 1
WORK WITH OTHER GROUPS 2
FOSTER NEW ACTIVITIES 3
INVITE EVERYONE IN 4
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A HOME FOR OTHER GROUPS AND ORGANISATIONS
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5
REJUVENATING THE CENTRE 6
MARKETING THE CENTRE AND IMPROVING COMMUNICATION 7
This annual report updates on activity in 2022-2023 whilst setting this in the context of continued growth and activity when measured against the charity’s aims and objectives.
The Centre is more than a conventional bookable space – it has a vibrancy and warmth that provides a welcome for all.
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Structure, Governance and 04 Management
The South Brent Old School Community Centre is a charity that is also registered as a limited company. This double designation serves two distinct purposes:
The Charitable status means that the organisation must always act in the public benefit and that all funds (including any surplus) are spent for public benefit.
The Limited Company status means that members (and thus trustees) have a limited personal liability of £1 should the organisation fail (as long as it has acted responsibly). This protects individuals who support the work of the charity.
The Old School is a member-based organisation. This means that it’s a genuine community organisation that is managed and supported by the very people who benefit from it. There are currently over 100 members, and it’s these members who can become trustees and can attend and vote at the Annual General Meeting (AGM). There is individual, family and life membership available.
There is currently also a category of “Friends” for those who wish to support the work of the charity but not become formal members with voting rights.
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Structure, Governance and Management
The work of the charity and the overall management of the Centre is undertaken by trustees. These trustees are selected from the membership and can either be elected at the AGM or co-opted at other times. There can be up to 18 Trustees, and in recent years there has been a core of 8 – 10 trustees.
New trustees are always welcome.
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Elected Trustees at the AGM – up to 13
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Nominated by user groups – at any time – up to 2 Co-option at any time – up to 3
The organisation is managed in accordance with the “Articles” which establish, amongst other matters:
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The Objects (normally termed the aims and objectives)
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Powers, income and property.
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Membership, Trustees and meetings
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Administrative arrangements
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Structure, Governance and Management
Since its opening, the day-to-day management of the Centre has been undertaken by a Centre Manager. The manager supports the trustees and manages the facilities and activities based in the centre. During the 2022-23 year, Rowena Cairns resigned as manager and, following a period of interim support, we now have a new manager - Michelle Parton.
The Trustees are very ably supported by Chris Morgan who provides essential support as minutes secretary. A number of the facilities are delivered directly by the charity, with invaluable volunteer support – not least Lyn Dent (library management), Sue Ifould (The Corridor Gallery) and Steph Bradley (The South Brent Archive).
Trustees in the accounting year
Rik Meek: Chair
David MacDiarmid: Vice-Chair
Ross Kennerley Martin Sibley Mike Baines David Kinross Jane Wellens Sally Fairman Christina Cross
Company Secretary: Ross Kennerley
Minutes Secretary: Chris Morgan
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Activities and 05 Achievements
The Old School delivers a wide range of activities, but most importantly provides the space and facilities for a much wider range of groups and organisations to undertake their activities. When added together this shared approach drives and delivers community cohesion and community development in South Brent in a way that no single organisation can deliver alone.
Most weekdays see a range of activities overlapping and generating a vibrant and lively buzz to the Centre. To help understand the breadth and depth of the benefits the charity delivers, the activities are summarised on the following pages.
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Activities and Achievements
The facilities we provide
Day to day activity at the Centre takes place in the following spaces which are bookable for educational activities, events, meetings, training and private use 7 days a week.
The largest room and suitable for meetings, talks, The Hall concerts and classes. A large former classroom widely used for educational activity and events. Joining double doors allow the The Aune Room Aune Room to link to the Hall for large scale social events. Hosts the library and archive but available at other The Beacon Room times as a quiet meeting room with a more formal atmosphere. A small meeting room suitable for private meetings, The Study counselling and one to one discussions.
In combination these spaces were booked for 3,580 hours of use during 2022/23. Long established users include Totnes School of Dance, Recorder Group, Shuffle the Deck dance group, Wild Harmony Choir, South Brent Women Together and also Karate/Kickboxercise, Spanish, Yoga and Textiles classes.
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Activities and Achievements
The public services we host
The Centre hosts and supports a wide range of public services. Some of these are long term fixtures in the centre whilst others make regular appearances as part of a busy calendar of community support. There is something available for everyone.
South Brent Library - The volunteer-run library opens 4 days a week to provide the only lending facility in the village. The Centre has been the home of the library since its establishment in 1997. Run by Centre volunteers.
South Brent Post Office - Following the announcement of the closure of the Post Office in 2017, the charity campaigned for its retention in the village and offered a long term home to ensure this vital service remained in South Brent. It opens 3 days a week.
Lloyds Bank - When the bank branch closed in 2017, the charity provided space for the mobile bank to visit the village on a weekly basis. In combination with the Post Office, this continues providing vital financial services in the village.
Shareshed - The mobile shed arrives every week offering residents the chance to borrow a wide range of home and garden equipment. This encourages sharing and communal use and there is a ‘locker’ drop off / collection point within the Centre. Shareshed is an independent charity.
The Corridor Gallery - As a Victorian primary School there is no shortage of wall space suitable for art displays. The gallery hosts monthly exhibitions.
South Brent Archive - Situated in the Library, the archive draws together a wide range of donated materials charting the history of South Brent. Volunteers manage and celebrate this archive.
Community computer, photocopier and laminator - Available for all during opening hours and widely used by many in the village.
South Brent Community Fridge - A service that allows food that would otherwise be wasted to be shared from a fridge that is managed by volunteers so that food is available for all. Run by Sustainable South Brent.
South Brent Bike Bank - Bikes are stored and can be booked for use at any time. Supported by ..............Sustainable South Brent.
The Servery - A space for sitting, chatting, reading and having a warming drink.
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Activities and Achievements
The partners we work with
The Old School Centre is increasingly used as a base by other organisations to deliver their activities. Hosting these organisations allows the Old School Charity to support those that deliver public benefit well outside the school gates and reach into all parts of the community. These organisations include:
South Brent and District Caring - Originally nurtured and supported by the Old School Centre SB&DC is now a thriving independent charity providing direct support to vulnerable and disadvantaged residents of all ages. SB&DC has a base in three rooms in the centre, one of which hosts a warm space. The charity holds the Queen’s Award for Voluntary Service.
Art House - The Centre has always been a base for the arts and the recent establishment of Art House CIC, and their occupation of three rooms in a self contained rooms in the centre, has really consolidated the centre as a place for creativity. Activities include events, classes and exhibitions.
Moor Trees - A long-established charity that pioneered the creation of woodlands across Dartmoor. A member and volunteer-based organisation, Moortrees is leading the way in the research and activity that supports the expansion of woodlands in the parish and beyond.
Sustainable South Brent - A charity committed to activities that support the long-term sustainability of the parish working across environmental, social and economic projects. SSB has opened a Sustainability Hub in the Centre as a base for education and public engagement.
South Brent Community Energy Society - SBCES has their charity base at the Centre. SBCES established, and manages, the South Brent Community Wind Turbine, recirculating surplus income to community energy projects.
The South Brent Community Land Trust - SBCLT has the Centre as its base. SBCLT is engaged in a 13 house local needs housing project in the village.
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Activities and Achievements
The combined activities of these partner organisations provide comprehensive support for groups and individuals across South Brent.
The Charity’s aim is to seek further opportunities to draw other charities and organisations into the Centre.
The businesses we work with
When the charity acquired the Old School, it also took on the Old Headmaster’s House. This has been converted to 6 offices/work spaces now used by local businesses, individual and other charities as their base in the village. The income from these offices allows the charity to employ the manager, grow its activity and be so much more than a passive letting space.
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Raising the Roof and Future Proofing 06 the Centre
As far as we are aware the Old School Centre is still protected from the elements by the roof that was put in place when the school was built in 1876. This has clearly served residents of South Brent very well for nearly 150 years; however it is now reaching the point where replacement of both timbers and slates is needed.
Relevant reports (including wildlife) have been commissioned and detailed drawings and costings produced. These will guide trustees as they finalise plans and launch a consultation on the future of the building itself. Plans are in preparation that will include three distinct elements:
- Replacement of the roof Incorporation of energy generation and energy saving Linked refurbishment within the centre maximising space and future proofing for energy use
Fundraising has been underway for over three years with now over £36,000 held in a reserve account. This demonstrates a significant commitment by the South Brent community and once plans are finalised Trustees will be seeking the significant funds we’ll need for the approximately £400,000 simply to replace and future proof the roof, including significant solar generation capacity.
Signature:
Date: 22/01/2024
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07 Balance Sheet Swth Brent Old School C<xnmunlty Certre Ltd Balance Sheel As 31, 2023 Unrestrlcted FunJ$ Restrlcted Income Funds Total 22123 Tal 21122 Flxed Asset Tanglble assels Tcal Flxed Assel 545.692.21 £ 545.692.21 545.692.21 545,692.co £ 545.692.21 £545.692. Current Assets Debtors Cash at bank and In hand Trtal Current Assets 12.566.22 12.566.22 2.598.lyJ 31.353.37 35.857.70 67.211.07 60.612.00 43,919.59 £ 35,857.70 £ 79,777.29 £ 63,210.(M) Current Llabllllles Credtors: amourts falllrwJ due wlthln one year Deferred In¢ome T(al Current LIa11111eS 0.00 9,083 $0 9,083.50 -74.C 9.083 50 9.083.50 £ 0.00 £ 74.00 Net current assets Illabllltles) 34.836.09 £ 35.857.70 £ 70.693.79 £ 63.136. Tal assets less current Ilabllltles T11 net assets {Ilabllltte$) £ 580.528.30 £ 35,857.70 £ 010,380.00 £008,828. £ 580,528.30 £ 35,857.70 £ 616,386.00 £608,828.IyJ Charlty funds Funds tyfwd SurplusllDefidll T(Xal Charfty fund5 808,828.14 7.557.86 £ 610.380.00 £ 808,828.14 803,797.Ci) 7.557.86 5.031 IXI o.IXI £ 016,386.00 £608,828.1N) Page 16
08
Income and Expenditure Account
Signature:
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Date: 22/01/2024
Financial and 09 Accounting Policies
Basis of preparation of accounts: The financial statements have been prepared in accordance with the Statement of Recommended Practice: Accounting and Reporting by Charities (SORP 2005) and applicable accounting standards. The Trustees have availed themselves of paragraph 4(1) of schedule 1 of the large and medium size companies and groups (accounting and reporting) regulations 2008 and adapted the Companies Act 2006 formats to reflect the special nature of the Charity’s activities.
Income resources: All income resources are included in the SOFA when the Charity is legally entitled to the income and the amount can be quantified with reasonable accuracy. Grants received are included in the accounts when the appropriate amount has been quantified. Grants in respect of fixed assets are credited to income. No amounts are included in the financial statement for services donated by volunteers. When the donors of income resources specify that the funds must be used in future accounting periods or donors’ conditions have not been fulfilled, then the income is deferred. The income from fundraising is shown gross, with the associated costs included in fundraising costs.
Resources expended: Resources expended are included in the Statement of Financial Activities on an accruals basis, inclusive of any VAT, which cannot be recovered. Expenditure, which is directly attributable to specific activities, has been included in these cost categories. Where costs are attributable to more than one activity, they have been apportioned across the cost categories on a basis consistent with the use of these resources.
Reserves Policy: The Charity operates a reserve policy. This seeks to retain 6 months of operating costs (and at least a minimum of 3 months) in the reserve.
Restricted Funds: Where income is allocated to a specific use it will be held in restricted reserves and reflected as such in the annual accounts.
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.
Taxation: Based on its status as a registered Charity and the use of funds for charitable purposes, South Brent Old School Community Centre Limited is exempt from corporation tax.
Fixed assets and depreciation: Freehold Property was valued at £538,003 by the Directors, on 1 September 2011. There is no depreciation or appreciation of the freehold property, furniture, equipment or refurbishment costs.
Trustees and emoluments: The Trustees receive no remuneration and were reimbursed no expenses during the year.
Status and Control: The Company is limited by guarantee and is controlled by its Trustees and Directors.
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CHARY((Jsw Ind9•nt •x•mlngrf• r•port on t1 OrE2We
li SOUTH BRENT OLD SCHOOL COMMUNITY CENTRE
Annual Report and Accounts 2023
South Brent Old School Community Centre Limited Totnes Road, South Brent. DEVON TQ10 9BP
07707 723637
info@theoldschool.org.uk www.theoldschool.org.uk
South Brent Old School Community Centre Ltd. Registered Charity Number 1146269 A Company Limited By Guarantee Number 7593522