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2024-12-31-accounts

Company Registration Number: 06959661 Charity Registration Number: 1146726

The Witham Hall Ltd

Financial Statements For the Year Ending 31 December 2024

JANE ASCROFT ACCOUNTANCY LIMITED

Chartered accountants Enterprise House Harmire Enterprise Park Barnard Castle County Durham DL12 8XT

The Witham Hall Ltd

Financial Statements

Year Ended 31 December 2024

Page
Trustees' Annual Report (Incorporating the Directors’ Report) 1
Independent Examiner's Report to the Trustees 8
Statement of Financial Activities (Including Income and Expenditure Account) 9
Statement of Financial Position 10
Statement of Cash Flows 11
Notes to the Financial Statements 12
The Following Pages Do Not Form Part of the Financial Statements
Detailed Statement of Financial Activities 26

The Witham Hall Ltd

Trustees' Annual Report (Incorporating the Directors’ Report)

Year Ended 31 December 2024

The trustees, who are also the directors for the purposes of company law, present their report and the unaudited financial statements of the charity for the year ended 31 December 2024.

Chair's report

This has been my first year as Chair of the Witham. So far, the role has been both a challenge and an honour. The Witham is a wonderful place and unique in its offer and its place in our community, but the reality of financial insecurity is present, both historically and today, impacting on all that we do, and all the things that we aspire to do. Therefore we have worked hard as a board and as a team to build a strategy that will enable the Witham to grow and develop income streams that will make us sustainable over time, and enrich the communities that we serve. We are very conscious of the need to manage the risks associated with running an arts and creative hub within a Listed Building that never ceases to need maintenance, repairs and capital works. To that end we ensure that there is a review of our Risk Register at every meeting of the Board.

The best news that I can report on for 2024 is the simply terrific growth trajectory that the Witham has seen in its core activity and in its levels of engagement with our community in Barnard Castle, and beyond, During 2024 income generated by events increased by almost £41,500. The number of shows grew from 91 during 2023 to 126 in 2024. In addition, the change in the programme brought larger audiences into the building, spending more as they came. Our Funny Way To Be partner has arranged a further 33 shows, eight more than the previous year. The average spend on ticket price has increased from £13.54 to £16.89; bigger and 'better' shows can command a higher price.

The number of attendances this year has grown by 7000 to 32,000, of which 21,000 came to live performances, screenings and films; a further 11,000 attendees enjoyed participating in classes and community activities. Our café and bar sales increased by £31,000 - a 16% increase on the previous year - reflecting the increase in volume and price which were necessary to reflect the cost rises in relation to food ingredients and higher wages for our excellent staff.

All of this data shows the effort of the small, highly professional team that not only keeps the Witham running, but is constantly reviewing practice and coming up with bright new ideas to broaden our appeal.

The Board membership has changed during the year, with the loss of some highly valued and longstanding Trustees. During 2025 we will bring new Trustees on board to bring fresh perspectives and challenge to our thinking. We will also spend time in 2025 reviewing the role that our Members can play. We are testing everything that we do against what value it adds to our community, how we can broaden our appeal to new groups, and how we can be sure that everyone feels welcome when they visit the Witham, and that they have a sense of ownership. We are confident that this is the right approach, evidenced by the upsurge to our ticketed sales and attendances mentioned above, and we have basked in the warmth of the community reaction to our wanting to play a greater role. There are lots of examples of our increased visibility and impact in the report that follows, and I hope that you enjoy reading it.

My foreword cannot end without reference to the previous Chair, Shelagh Avery, and the years of commitment that she put into making the Witham the place it is in 2024. My thanks go to Shelagh for the warm handover she gave to me, and her excellent induction into the way the Witham works, and the journey it has travelled. She has now resigned from the Board, but remains a good friend to the Witham, continuing to attend events, and being a willing and able volunteer - thank you Shelagh, you are missed, and always welcome!

1

The Witham Hall Ltd

Trustees' Annual Report (Incorporating the Directors’ Report) (continued)

Year Ended 31 December 2024

Objectives and Activities

The objects of The Witham Hall Limited are:

To promote the benefit of the inhabitants of the area of benefit without distinctions of sex, political, religious or other opinions, by associating with local authorities, voluntary organizations and the inhabitants in a common effort to advance education, promote science, art, literature and the spread of knowledge and to provide facilities for meetings, lecture and classes and other forms of recreation and leisure time occupation with the object of improving the conditions of life for the inhabitants.

The above charitable objects are identical to those of the Barnard Castle Mechanics' Institute and Witham Hall Community Association which owns the land and the buildings occupied by the Witham Hall Ltd.

In setting the objectives and planning the activities of the Trust, the Trustees have carefully considered the Charity Commission's general guidance on public benefit. Everything that we do is governed by our Vision that the Witham is recognised as a valued, accessible community asset that enables meaningful social change through its thriving Arts Centre in the heart of Barnard Castle and this is reflected in the many activities which are listed below.

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The Witham Hall Ltd

Trustees' Annual Report (Incorporating the Directors’ Report) (continued)

Year Ended 31 December 2024

Achievements and Performance

2024 has seen a step change in the pace and scope of the activities happening at, in and outside the Witham. Our extended offer has reflected our charitable objectives and mission as we have made a concerted effort to be more community focused and engaged with the people, stakeholders, and other organisations in the town as well as with our loyal customer and volunteer base.

Our Centre Director and her small team have taken the business forward with enthusiasm, commitment and sheer hard work. During 2024 we appointed a new Operations Manager to work closely with our volunteers, a new Catering Supervisor to build up the café offer, and a Social Media Co-ordinator and Content Creator, who has developed our ability to engage with new audiences, communicating swiftly and with huge impact.

Since our Social Media Coordinator started on 10th June 2024, our social media presence has improved on many different platforms, as clearly demonstrated by our analytics for Facebook during the period of this review when our Facebook views reached over 1 million. Our content is reaching a significant audience via their individual accounts, and shows how we are addressing out strategic theme of 'Reach'. Our content engagement too has increased with people talking more about The Witham on social media. Instagram has seen an increase in all analytics, including reaching 29.3k unique accounts. This shows consistent audience growth, including 333 new followers on Instagram and 733 new followers on Facebook.

Our LinkedIn account and follower activity remains modest, although the number of LinkedIn members has now reached 3591. We have also started to use TikTok, posting 222 times and receiving 12k likes.

It is very clear to see that there has been impressive growth across all our social media metrics, particularly on Facebook and Instagram - reach, engagement, and clicks have increased substantially, with numbers from Google Analytics showing an upward trend of people visiting our website. People are engaging more with posts across all platforms, which is helping us build stronger brand awareness and always contributing to our reach.

The role of social media co-ordinator was created with some caution as to cost and potential return. The metrics explained above show the activity being generated by the role holder. However, the real impact of this social media activity in terms of reaching new audiences, taking feedback from our visitors, and advertising all our activities has been proved by a significantly improved footfall. We are delighted that after just a few months the post has proved itself to have real impact, demonstrating a quantifiable return on the investment, and maybe more importantly opened our virtual doors a little wider. We were extremely grateful for the grant from Point North to support this activity in 2025.

The café has continued to be a hub for our regular customers and provides space for pre- and post-event hospitality. This space has its challenges though and as we have seen footfall increase with the enhanced programme of events it has become clear that the servery is no longer fit for purpose with long queues, spaces that are too small for serving, and limited space for customers enjoying refreshments. The imperative to make a new and better space has become much more real with plans for a new Dispensary area at the front of the Witham Hall. We remain indebted to Teesdale Action Partnership for their support.

The refurbishment of Teesdale Leisure Centre gave us the opportunity to offer space for their exercise classes across multiple rooms. This enabled us to open our doors to new customers as well as supporting Teesdale Leisure Centre. This has had a short term but significant impact on our income for 2024. In 2025, we are hoping to have further contributions to income by providing services and facilities needed by the town, such as a Banking Hub, as we consolidate our position on the main street, working in partnership, as an actively good neighbour.

During 2024, the Board has worked on its Strategy towards 2030 incorporating seven themes into the

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The Witham Hall Ltd

Trustees' Annual Report (Incorporating the Directors’ Report) (continued)

Year Ended 31 December 2024

plan, with a clear mission and vision in line with our charitable objects, with progress against the strategic plan to be measured by KPIs. We have also developed a marketing strategy building on previous recommendations to ensure that we maximise the opportunities available to grow the business and develop our brand across and beyond our local geography. Whilst the strategy is underpinned by our Mission and Vision, the themes running throughout build on our ability to be financially viable, sustainable and confident of success, as well as putting the different communities we serve at the heart of all we do. Financial success is key to our being able to look after the wonderful building which houses our increasingly diverse offer. Relevance to our visitors, and to new audiences will ensure that ticketed programmes continue to bring revenue in at the levels our business model demands. However, the strategy also articulates the reality that the Witham needs to generate income streams from appropriate funding bodies and benefactors who will bridge the gap between commercial income and ever rising costs, particularly with respect to our estate. We recognise the need to spend time and energy in pursuing both small and large scale grant funding, as well as encouraging donations and legacy giving from our friends and supporters.

We have enjoyed much entertainment at the Witham during 2024 and 2025, with highlights including live music and theatre, conversations with artists and performers, films and national theatre streamings. Our comedy offer has been wide and varied with an array of comedians filling the house, along with a number of very well-received tribute acts. We are very proud to host both the Castle Players and the Barnard Castle Brass Band who remain popular and generous supporters of the Witham.

Building on the success of previous years, the Summer Festival of 2024 has been the most successful to date. We acted on lessons learned to change the offer on Saturday mornings to focus on family activities. We were delighted to host some 800 visitors to our gardens and indoor spaces (when the weather turned against us), attracted by Wetheriggs Animal Farm, Archery and the amazing Samba Band.

We hosted a Mini Brass Bash as part of Durham Brass's activity, bringing some 200 people into our garden to see three amazingly different brass bands perform. The Crepe van that was also present also played a part in attracting people to the garden!

We are delighted that our relationship with the Influence Church, the University of the Third Age, the Womens Insitute and with Barney Wellbeings continue to be strong, with a regular presence in the Hall from all of these local groups. Our other partnerships, additional to those already mentioned include Barnard Castle School, the Barnard Castle Band, the Teesdale Operatic Society, the Castle Players, Barnard Castle Christmas Lights, and the Royal Northern Sinfonia.

During Pride week we hosted a programme of activities to boost attendance from the LGBTQIA+ audiences, including entertainment from Baga Chipz.

We also attracted family audiences with family film & family friendly shows including science, magic and comedy - and wrestling! The newly named Witham Youth Theatre continued to be very popular and of course the Pantomime concluded the year in its usual engaging fashion - oh yes it did!

Our physical position in the Town meant that our building was used as a central meeting and leaving point for The Christmas Lights switch on night parade organised by TCR Hub. We were able to collaborate with stakeholders and fellow businesses to bring an amazing community event.

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The Witham Hall Ltd

Trustees' Annual Report (Incorporating the Directors’ Report) (continued)

Year Ended 31 December 2024

Achievements and Performance (continued)

Grants, Funding and our Estate

As already stated, fundraising in all its forms remains a key activity for the Centre Director. During 2024 contributions were received from Durham County Council (DCC), Durham Community Action, the Arts Council (for capital works), Teesdale Action Partnership (TAP) and Point North. All these contributions were vital support for our ongoing operation. Trustees recognize that fundraising and income generation continues to be a priority and this is an important part of our strategy as it helps assure our financial sustainability and enables us to feed the voracious appetite of a listed building and all its needs.

Examples of works required during 2024 to keep the Witham Hall safe and in good order include repairing of the lift, repairs to the boiler, roofing repair works. However, we have to run to stand still in relation to our buildings maintenance and to this end, in 2025, we will introduce an optional charge (a 'Buildings Levy') on ticket sales to generate ring-fenced maintenance funds.

Donations

All donations are hugely appreciated and vital as the Witham receives 100% of any donations received. These include contributions made in donation boxes, rounding up by ticket purchases, funds from book sales and the contributions made by individuals through Just Giving. Regular contributions such as standing orders have been especially helpful because these are predictable and can help us to prove to funding bodies that we have local support. No contribution is too small but of course, larger amounts were greatly appreciated. Donations - like so many of our activities - rose from almost £12,000 in 2023 to more than £21,500 in 2024. This was the total of all donations, plus Gift Aid, and fund-raising events. We are deeply grateful for every penny received, and we hope that we will be able to count on our donors to keep up their active - and vital - financial support for the Witham.

We were kindly donated enough books to hold a book sale, which resulted in additional income of more than £1000. We also received a one-off donation of £300 simply given by a very generous customer who wanted to show us their support. Special thanks must go to Chris Foote-Wood and the Barnard Castle Band who so generously held fund raising events, donating all the income to the Witham.

Financial Review

The financial statements show what the Trustees consider to be a satisfactory performance for the year.

Total income generated was £525.7k (up £95.4k) and expenditure for the year was £542.0k (up £87.9k), a net deficit on all funds of £16.4k which was a reduction of £7.5k on the previous year. Income from our charitable activities increased by £93k but related costs such as café and bar stock, and wages and salaries, increased by £78.6k. Our establishment increased with the appointment of the social media co-ordinator.

The Trustees set an annual budget and monitor variances closely. Our aim is to eliminate the deficit through a combination of ticket sales and refreshments, classes and room hire, donations and fundraising. Our policy is to seek to ensure sufficient reserves for our operation and the continued care of the heritage building.

Reserves Policy

The company has a formal reserves policy which required the company to hold reserves equivalent to three months operating costs excluding depreciation. This is currently estimated at approximately £65,000 based on an assessment by trustees. The trustees have decided to hold designated funds of £100,782 as detailed in note 21. Therefore, excluding these designated funds, the company had free reserves amounting to £91,467 as at 31 December 2024.

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The Witham Hall Ltd

Trustees' Annual Report (Incorporating the Directors’ Report) (continued)

Year Ended 31 December 2024

Plans for Future Periods

As well as building on the many successes we have seen during 2024, we must increase the number and range of skills and experience offered to the Witham by our Board. We will also review the role of the Members to ensure that we are properly focussed on our communities. We must continue to seek funding creatively and bravely, to ensure that our future is secure. We must concentrate on ensuring that our hard working team is supported, rewarded and enabled to continue to do their work ensuring that the Witham prospers and grows.

The focus and energy of the team will continue to not only meet the challenges of boosting income, bidding for funding and expanding the programme, but also to explore more commercial avenues that will enable us to balance the budget and meet unexpected costs, without detriment to the offer to all of our diverse customers and communities.

Structure, Governance and Management

The Witham Hall Limited is an incorporated charity, registered with Companies' House on 11 July 2009 and as a charity with the Charity Commission on 30 March 2012.

The Articles of Association of WHL require a minimum of three Directors with no maximum number specified. New Directors may be appointed by the existing Directors at any General Meeting, or may be proposed to the Directors by any Member. The Membership of WHL comprises all of the Directors and all those whose former membership of the Barnard Castle Mechanics' Institute and Witham Hall Community Association was transferred to WHL at 1 January 2013. In March 2022 the widening of the membership scheme was approved to include membership through payment of subscription, and by invitation through contribution of expertise or donations, including donating time as volunteers.

The Management Committee of WHL comprises of all Directors and the Executive Director of the organisation. Organisation and governance Trustees are appointed at the Annual General Meeting (AGM) for a fixed period of three years by nomination by a voting member or recommendation by the existing Trustees, followed by a vote of agreement by a majority. Trustees may serve a further term, if duly appointed at the AGM.

At the AGM 2024, Liz Bromley was appointed as Chair, and Mr Chris Armstrong and Mr Kenny Walker were appointed as new trustees in early 2025. Hazel Spencer resigned in late 2024 after many years of generous service to the Witham and to the Youth Theatre. She will be greatly missed. Our Chair for a number of years, and very longstanding supporter, Shelagh Avery, resigned in December, leaving an impressive legacy of strong management of the Witham, and ongoing leadership following the appointment of the Director.

Barnard Castle Mechanics' Institute (BCMI)

In April 2022, under a scheme approved by the Charity Commission, the Witham Hall Ltd was appointed a sole trustee of the Barnard Castle Mechanics Institute (BCMI). The BCMI is now a special trust of the registered charity the Witham Hall Ltd (1146726). For all purposes WHL is the trustee of BCMI. WHL will manage and administer BCMI as a separate charity with its objects and assets, and report on it separately within the WHL accounts and formal reports. All the land and buildings form the permanent endowment for the BMCI, managed by the Witham Hall Ltd as the sole trustee.

The BCMI had no financial transactions during the year. The Witham Hall Ltd, as sole trustee, managed the land and buildings which form the permanent endowment of the BCMI. All costs associated with the land and buildings are included in the accounts of the Witham Hall Ltd.

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The Witham Hall Ltd

Trustees' Annual Report (Incorporating the Directors’ Report) (continued)

Year Ended 31 December 2024

Reference and Administrative Details

Registered charity name The Witham Hall Ltd Charity registration number 1146726 Company registration number 06959661 Principal office and registered 3 Horsemarket office Barnard Castle County Durham DL12 8LY The Trustees Mrs N M Grace Ms H E Spencer (Resigned 1 November 2024) Ms S Avery (Resigned 20 January 2025) Mr N P Hodges Mr G A Duffy-McGhie Mr I W Smith Mrs J M Turnbull Mr C E Armstrong (Appointed 27 January 2025) Ms A E Bromley (Appointed 22 April 2024) Mr K Walker (Appointed 27 January 2025) Independent Examiner Jane Ascroft FCA MA (Cantab) Enterprise House Harmire Enterprise Park Barnard Castle County Durham DL12 8XT

Small Company Provisions

This report has been prepared in accordance with the provisions applicable to companies entitled to the small companies exemption.

The trustees' annual report was approved on 28 April 2025 and signed on behalf of the board of trustees by:

Ms A E Bromley Trustee

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The Witham Hall Ltd

Independent Examiner's Report to the Trustees of The Witham Hall Ltd

Year Ended 31 December 2024

I report to the trustees on my examination of the financial statements of The Witham Hall Ltd ('the charity') for the year ended 31 December 2024.

Responsibilities and Basis of Report

As the trustees of the company (and also its directors for the purposes of company law) you are responsible for the preparation of the financial statements 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 the 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

Since the charity’s gross income exceeded £250,000 your examiner must be a member of a body listed in section 145 of the 2011 Act. I confirm that I am qualified to undertake the examination because I am a member of the Institute of Chartered Accountants in England and Wales (ICAEW), which is one of the listed bodies.

I have completed my examination. I confirm that no matters have come to my attention in connection with the examination giving me cause to believe:

  1. accounting records were not kept in respect of the charity as required by section 386 of the 2006 Act; or

  2. the financial statements do not accord with those records; or

  3. the financial statements do not comply with the accounting requirements of section 396 of the 2006 Act 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

  4. the financial statements have not been prepared in accordance with the methods and principles of the Statement of Recommended Practice for accounting and reporting by charities applicable to charities preparing their accounts in accordance with the Financial Reporting Standard applicable in the UK and Republic of Ireland (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.

Jane Ascroft FCA MA (Cantab) Independent Examiner

Enterprise House Harmire Enterprise Park Barnard Castle County Durham DL12 8XT

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The Witham Hall Ltd

Statement of Financial Activities (including income and expenditure account)

Year Ended 31 December 2024

2024 2023
Unrestricted Restricted
funds funds Total funds Total funds
Note £ £ £ £
Income and endowments
Donations and legacies 5 54,934 39,778 94,712 99,306
Charitable activities 6 423,117 423,117 329,776
Investment income 7 7,822 7,822 1,171
───────── ──────── ───────── ─────────
Total income 485,873 39,778 525,651 430,253
═════════ ════════ ═════════ ═════════
Expenditure
Expenditure on charitable activities 8,9 528,508 13,548 542,056 454,115
───────── ──────── ───────── ─────────
Total expenditure 528,508 13,548 542,056 454,115
═════════ ════════ ═════════ ═════════
───────── ──────── ───────── ─────────
Net expenditure (42,635) 26,230 (16,405) (23,862)
═════════ ════════ ═════════ ═════════
Transfers between funds 20,089 (20,089)
───────── ──────── ───────── ─────────
Net movement in funds (22,546) 6,141 (16,405) (23,862)
Reconciliation of funds
Total funds brought forward 251,592 32,119 283,711 307,573
───────── ──────── ───────── ─────────
Total funds carried forward 229,046 38,260 267,306 283,711
═════════ ════════ ═════════ ═════════

The statement of financial activities includes all gains and losses recognised in the year. All income and expenditure derive from continuing activities.

The notes on pages 12 to 24 form part of these financial statements.

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The Witham Hall Ltd

Statement of Financial Position

31 December 2024

2024 2023
Note £ £
Fixed Assets
Tangible fixed assets 16 36,797 39,100
Current Assets
Stocks 17 7,236 6,622
Debtors 18 34,362 12,725
Cash at bank and in hand 304,369 352,161
───────── ─────────
345,967 371,508
Creditors: amounts falling due within one year 19 115,458 126,897
───────── ─────────
Net Current Assets 230,509 244,611
───────── ─────────
Total Assets Less Current Liabilities 267,306 283,711
───────── ─────────
Net Assets 267,306 283,711
═════════ ═════════
Funds of the Charity
Restricted funds 38,260 32,119
Unrestricted funds 229,046 251,592
───────── ─────────
Total charity funds 21 267,306
═════════
283,711
═════════

For the year ending 31 December 2024 the charity was entitled to exemption from audit under section 477 of the Companies Act 2006 relating to small companies.

Directors' responsibilities:

These financial statements have been prepared in accordance with the provisions applicable to companies subject to the small companies' regime.

These financial statements were approved by the board of trustees and authorised for issue on 28 April 2025, and are signed on behalf of the board by:

Mrs N M Grace Trustee

The notes on pages 12 to 24 form part of these financial statements.

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The Witham Hall Ltd

Statement of Cash Flows

Year Ended 31 December 2024

2024 2023
£ £
Cash Flows from Operating Activities
Net expenditure (16,405) (23,862)
Adjustments for:
Depreciation of tangible fixed assets 12,769 13,964
Other interest receivable and similar income (7,822) (1,171)
Loss on disposal of heritage assets 602
Accrued (income)/expenses (6,167) 8,517
Changes in:
Stocks (614) (2,656)
Trade and other debtors (21,637) 23,242
Trade and other creditors (5,272) 48,530
──────── ────────
Cash generated from operations (45,148) 67,166
Interest received 7,822 1,171
──────── ────────
Net cash (used in)/from operating activities (37,326) 68,337
════════ ════════
Cash Flows from Investing Activities
Purchase of tangible assets (10,466) (44,604)
Proceeds from sale of tangible assets 602
Proceeds from sale of heritage assets (602)
──────── ────────
Net cash used in investing activities (10,466) (44,604)
════════ ════════
Net (Decrease)/Increase in Cash and Cash Equivalents (47,792) 23,733
Cash and Cash Equivalents at Beginning of Year 352,161 328,428
───────── ─────────
Cash and Cash Equivalents at End of Year 304,369 352,161
═════════ ═════════

The notes on pages 12 to 24 form part of these financial statements.

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The Witham Hall Ltd

Notes to the Financial Statements

Year Ended 31 December 2024

1. General Information

The charity is a public benefit entity and a private company limited by guarantee, registered in England and Wales and a registered charity in England and Wales. The address of the registered office is 3 Horsemarket, Barnard Castle, County Durham, DL12 8LY.

2. Statement of Compliance

These financial statements have been prepared in compliance with FRS 102, 'The Financial Reporting Standard applicable in the UK and the Republic of Ireland', the 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 (FRS 102) (Charities SORP (FRS 102)) and the Companies Act 2006.

3. Accounting Policies

Basis of Preparation

The financial statements have been prepared on the historical cost basis, as modified by the revaluation of certain financial assets and liabilities and investment properties measured at fair value through income or expenditure.

The financial statements are prepared in sterling, which is the functional currency of the entity.

Going Concern

There are no material uncertainties about the charity’s ability to continue.

Judgements and Key Sources of Estimation Uncertainty

The preparation of the financial statements requires management to make judgements, estimates and assumptions that affect the amounts reported. These estimates and judgements are continually reviewed and are based on experience and other factors, including expectations of future events that are believed to be reasonable under the circumstances. The trustees consider that there are no significant estimates or judgements affecting these financial statements.

Fund Accounting

Unrestricted funds comprise those funds which can be used in accordance with the charitable objectives at the discretion of the trustees.

Restricted funds are funds that can only be used for particular restricted purposes within the objects of the charity. Restrictions arise when specified by the donor or when funds are raised for particular restricted purposes.

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The Witham Hall Ltd

Notes to the Financial Statements (continued)

Year Ended 31 December 2024

3. Accounting Policies (continued)

Income

All income is included in the statement of financial activities when the charity is entitled to the income, any performance related conditions attached have been met or are fully within the control of the charity, the income is considered probable and the amount can be quantified with reasonable accuracy. The following specific policies are applied to particular categories of income:

Donations and legacy income is received by way of donations, legacies, grants and gifts and is included in full in the Statement of Financial Activities when receivable. Where legacies have been notified to the charity but the criteria for income recognition have not been met, the legacy is treated as a contingent asset and disclosed if material. Grants, where entitlement is not conditional on the delivery of a specific performance by the charity, are recognised when the charity becomes unconditionally entitled to the grant.

Donated services and facilities are included at the value to the charity, being the amount the charity would have been willing to pay to obtain services or facilities of equivalent economic benefit on the open market.

Investment income is included when receivable.

Income from charitable trading activity is accounted for when earned.

Income from grants, where related to performance and specific deliverables, are accounted for as the charity earns the right to consideration by its performance.

Expenditure

Expenditure is recognised on an accruals basis as a liability is incurred. Expenditure includes any VAT which cannot be fully recovered, and is reported as part of the expenditure to which it relates:

Costs of raising funds comprise the costs associated with attracting donations, grants and legacies and the costs of trading for fundraising purposes.

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 all expenditure that is neither related to raising funds for the charity nor part of its expenditure on charitable activities.

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, as set out in the notes to the accounts.

Tangible Assets

Tangible assets are initially recorded at cost, and subsequently stated at cost less any accumulated depreciation and impairment losses. Any tangible assets carried at revalued amounts are recorded at the fair value at the date of revaluation less any subsequent accumulated depreciation and subsequent accumulated impairment losses.

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The Witham Hall Ltd

Notes to the Financial Statements (continued)

Year Ended 31 December 2024

3. Accounting Policies (continued)

Depreciation

Depreciation is calculated so as to write off the cost or valuation of an asset, less its residual value, over the useful economic life of that asset as follows:

Website - 20% straight line Fixtures and fittings - 20% reducing balance Floodlights - 20% reducing balance Equipment - 25% reducing balance & 33% straight line Kitchen and catering - 20% reducing balance equipment

Historical Interest Assets are not depreciated as their value is not considered to be impaired with the passing of time.

Impairment of Fixed Assets

A review for indicators of impairment is carried out at each reporting date, with the recoverable amount being estimated where such indicators exist. Where the carrying value exceeds the recoverable amount, the asset is impaired accordingly. Prior impairments are also reviewed for possible reversal at each reporting date.

Stocks

Stocks are measured at the lower of cost and estimated selling price less costs to complete and sell. Cost includes all costs of purchase, costs of conversion and other costs incurred in bringing the stock to its present location and condition.

Financial Instruments

The charity only has financial assets and liabilities of a kind that qualify as basic financial instruments. Basic financial instruments are initially recognised at transaction value and subsequently measured at their settlement value.

Defined Contribution Plans

Contributions to defined contribution plans are recognised as an expense in the period in which the related service is provided. Prepaid contributions are recognised as an asset to the extent that the prepayment will lead to a reduction in future payments or a cash refund.

When contributions are not expected to be settled wholly within 12 months of the end of the reporting date in which the employees render the related service, the liability is measured on a discounted present value basis. The unwinding of the discount is recognised as an expense in the period in which it arises.

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The Witham Hall Ltd

Notes to the Financial Statements (continued)

Year Ended 31 December 2024

Debtors

Trade and other debtors are recognised at the settlement amount due after any trade discount offered. Prepayments are valued at the amount prepaid net of any trade discounts due.

Accrued income and tax recoverable is included at the best estimate of the amounts receivable at the balance sheet date.

Cash at Bank and in Hand

Cash at bank and cash in hand includes cash and short term highly liquid investments with a short maturity of three months or less from the date of acquisition or opening of the deposit or similar account.

Creditors

Creditors 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 are normally recognised at their settlement amount after allowing for any trade discounts due.

Taxation

The company is considered to pass the tests set out in Paragraph 1 Schedule 6 of the Finance Act 2010 and therefore it meets the definition of a charitable company for UK corporation tax purposes. Accordingly, the company is potentially exempt from taxation in respect of income or capital gains received within categories covered by Chapter 3 Part 11 of the Corporation Tax Act 2010 or Section 256 of the taxation of Chargeable Gains Act 1992, to the extent that such income or gains are applied exclusively to charitable purposes.

4. Limited by Guarantee

The company is limited by guarantee. At 31 December 2024 there were seven (2023 - seven) directors, each of whom had undertaken to contribute an amount not exceeding £1 in the event of a winding up.

15

The Witham Hall Ltd

Notes to the Financial Statements (continued)

Year Ended 31 December 2024

5. Donations and Legacies

Unrestricted Restricted Total Funds
Funds Funds 2024
£ £ £
Donations
Donations 19,859 2,296 22,155
Grants
Durham Community ACB Energy Efficiency Grant 5,000 5,000
Durham Community Action Community Buildings
Grant Scheme 9,253 9,253
Teesdale Action Partnership 1,000 1,000
Durham County Council 30,000 2,008 32,008
County Durham Community Foundation (Point North) 9,360 9,360
Arts Council England Capital project 10,861 10,861
Subscriptions
Turret Subscriptions 5,075 5,075
──────── ──────── ────────
54,934 39,778 94,712
════════ ════════ ════════
Unrestricted Restricted Total Funds
Funds Funds 2023
£ £ £
Donations
Donations 11,123 1,364 12,487
Grants
Teesdale Action Partnership 36,000 36,000
National Lottery Heritage Fund 10,000 10,000
Durham County Council 30,000 30,000
Other grants 520 1,500 2,020
Subscriptions
Turret Subscriptions 8,799 8,799
──────── ──────── ────────
50,442 48,864 99,306
════════ ════════ ════════

16

The Witham Hall Ltd

Notes to the Financial Statements (continued)

Year Ended 31 December 2024

6. Charitable Activities

Unrestricted Total Funds Unrestricted Total Funds
Funds 2024 Funds 2023
£ £ £ £
Events income 95,750 95,750 54,309 54,309
Income from gallery and artists 1,611 1,611 837 837
Cafe and bar sales 227,189 227,189 196,228 196,228
Room hire and studio rental 68,733 68,733 55,579 55,579
Visitor information and shop income 14,028 14,028 13,595 13,595
Other charitable income 15,806 15,806 9,228 9,228
───────── ───────── ───────── ─────────
423,117 423,117 329,776 329,776
═════════ ═════════ ═════════ ═════════

7. Investment Income

Unrestricted Total Funds Unrestricted Total Funds
Funds 2024 Funds 2023
£ £ £ £
Bank interest receivable 7,822 7,822 1,171 1,171
═══════ ═══════ ═══════ ═══════
8. Expenditure on Charitable Activities by Fund Type
Unrestricted Restricted Total Funds
Funds Funds 2024
£ £ £
Educational, Cultural & Entertainment Activities 233,301 3,900 237,201
Support costs 295,207 9,648 304,855
───────── ──────── ─────────
528,508 13,548 542,056
═════════ ════════ ═════════
Unrestricted Restricted Total Funds
Funds Funds 2023
£ £ £
Educational, Cultural & Entertainment Activities 192,708 4,172 196,880
Support costs 244,526 12,709 257,235
───────── ──────── ─────────
437,234 16,881 454,115
═════════ ════════ ═════════
9. Expenditure on Charitable Activities by Activity Type
Activities
undertaken Total funds Total fund
directly Support costs 2024 2023
£ £ £ £
Educational, Cultural & Entertainment
Activities 237,201 303,655 540,856 452,915
Governance costs 1,200 1,200 1,200
───────── ───────── ───────── ─────────
237,201 304,855 542,056 454,115
═════════ ═════════ ═════════ ═════════

17

The Witham Hall Ltd

Notes to the Financial Statements (continued)

Year Ended 31 December 2024

10. Analysis of Support Costs

Total 2024 Total 2023
£ £
Staff costs 155,021 116,751
Premises 60,416 50,857
General office 10,449 10,260
Governance costs 1,200 1,200
Other costs 65,000 63,003
Depreciation 12,769 13,964
───────── ─────────
304,855 256,035
═════════ ═════════

11. Net Expenditure

Net expenditure is stated after charging/(crediting):

Net expenditure is stated after charging/(crediting):
2024 2023
£ £
Depreciation of tangible fixed assets 12,769 13,964
Loss on disposal of fixed assets 602
════════ ════════
Independent Examination Fees
2024 2023
£ £
Fees payable to the independent examiner for:
Independent examination of the financial statements 1,200 1,200
═══════ ═══════

12. Independent Examination Fees

13. Staff Costs

The total staff costs and employee benefits for the reporting period are analysed as follows:

2024 2023
£ £
Wages and salaries 238,167 183,917
Social security costs 10,274 6,391
Employer contributions to pension plans 3,394 2,461
───────── ─────────
251,835 192,769
═════════ ═════════
The average head count of employees during the year was 27 (2023: 20). The average The average head count of employees during the year was 27 (2023: 20). The average number
of full-time equivalent employees during the year is analysed as follows:
2024 2023
No. No.
Leadership team 2 2
Events, business support & cafe 7 6
──── ────
9 8
════ ════

No employee received employee benefits of more than £60,000 during the year (2023: Nil).

18

The Witham Hall Ltd

Notes to the Financial Statements (continued)

Year Ended 31 December 2024

14. Trustee Remuneration and Expenses

The trustees received neither remuneration nor expenses during the current or previous year.

15. Transfers Between Funds

During the year £20,089 was transferred from restricted to unrestricted funds. This comprised:

2024
£
Restricted grants used to fund capital costs 10,466
Turrets grant used to fund Turrets' costs 4,000
Contribution to overheads by projects 5,623
────────
20,089
════════

16. Tangible Fixed Assets

New kitchen
Fixtures and and catering
Website
fittings
Floodlights Equipment equipment Total
£ £ £ £ £ £
Cost
At 1 Jan 2024 10,060
16,837
17,320 41,974 13,223 99,414
Additions
740
9,726 10,466
Disposals
(500)
(2,815)
(3,315)
────────
────────
──────── ────────
────────
─────────
At 31 Dec 2024 10,060
17,077
17,320 48,885 13,223 106,565
════════
════════
════════ ════════
════════
═════════
Depreciation
At 1 Jan 2024 8,886
6,184
3,464 39,135 2,645 60,314
Charge for the
year 1,174
2,484
2,771 4,224 2,116 12,769
Disposals
(500)
(2,815)
(3,315)
────────
────────
──────── ────────
────────
─────────
At 31 Dec 2024 10,060
8,168
6,235 40,544 4,761 69,768
════════
════════
════════ ════════
════════
═════════
Carrying amount
At 31 Dec 2024
8,909
11,085 8,341 8,462 36,797
════════
════════
════════ ════════
════════
═════════
At 31 Dec 2023 1,174
10,653
13,856 2,839 10,578 39,100
════════
════════
════════ ════════
════════
═════════

17. Stocks

Café, bar and shop stock

2024 2023
£ £
7,236
═══════
6,622
═══════

19

The Witham Hall Ltd

Notes to the Financial Statements (continued)

Year Ended 31 December 2024

18. Debtors

2024 2023
£ £
Trade debtors 12,088 7,877
Accrued income 22,274 2,886
Other debtors 1,962
──────── ────────
34,362 12,725
════════ ════════
Creditors: amounts falling due within one year
2024 2023
£ £
Trade creditors 22,862 33,761
Accruals 6,752 12,919
Social security and other taxes 24,204 14,248
Deferred income 59,851 64,016
Credit card creditor 442 1,953
Other creditors 1,347
───────── ─────────
115,458 126,897
═════════ ═════════

19. Creditors: amounts falling due within one year

20. Pensions and Other Post Retirement Benefits

Defined contribution plans

The amount recognised in income or expenditure as an expense in relation to defined contribution plans was £3,394 (2023: £2,461).

20

The Witham Hall Ltd

Notes to the Financial Statements (continued)

Year Ended 31 December 2024

21. Analysis of Charitable Funds

Unrestricted funds

Unrestricted funds
At
At 1 January 31 December
2024 Income Expenditure Transfers 2024
£ £ £ £ £
General funds 105,731 485,873 (511,260) 11,123 91,467
Cyclical Building Works 44,000 44,000
Stainthorpe Fund 12,261 (4,479) 7,782
Cultural Programme 5,500 (1,500) 4,000
Capital Funds 39,100 (12,769) 10,466 36,797
Centre Manager fund 45,000 45,000
───────── ───────── ───────── ──────── ─────────
251,592 485,873 (528,508) 20,089 229,046
═════════ ═════════ ═════════ ════════ ═════════
At
At 1 January 31 December
2023 Income Expenditure Transfers 2023
£ £ £ £ £
General funds 97,443 381,389 (423,270) 50,169 105,731
Cyclical Building Works 44,000 44,000
Stainthorpe Fund 14,814 (2,553) 12,261
Cultural Programme 8,000 (2,500) 5,500
Capital Funds 9,062 (13,964) 44,002 39,100
Centre Manager fund 45,000 45,000
───────── ───────── ───────── ──────── ─────────
218,319 381,389 (437,234) 89,118 251,592
═════════ ═════════ ═════════ ════════ ═════════

Purpose of designated funds

Cyclical Building Works - To cover the future required expenditure for cyclical building works; Stainthorpe Fund - To support live theatre and drama;

Cultural Programme - To support emerging artists in the local area.

21

The Witham Hall Ltd

Notes to the Financial Statements (continued)

Year Ended 31 December 2024

21. Analysis of Charitable Funds

Restricted funds At
At 1 January 31 December
2024 Income Expenditure Transfers 2024
£ £ £ £ £
DCC Witham Capital
Funding 663 (663)
ACE Capital Building Up
the Witham 10,861 (395) (10,466)
DCC Energy Efficiency 5,000 5,000
DCC Fun and Food 2,008 (2,008)
TAP Best Foot Forward 3,296 (3,900) 604
Point North Social Media
support 9,360 9,360
Durham Community
Action Community
Buildings Grant Scheme 9,253 (9,253)
DCC Capital Works 441 (441)
Community Activities
Fund 3,115 (3,115)
Covid Recovery
Sustainability 18,200 18,200
Cultural Programme 5,000 5,000
TAP Turrets 4,000 (4,000)
NLHF Project 700 700
──────── ──────── ──────── ──────── ────────
32,119 39,778 (13,548) (20,089) 38,260
════════ ════════ ════════ ════════ ════════
At
At 1 January 31 December
2023 Income Expenditure Transfers 2023
£ £ £ £ £
DCC Witham Capital
Funding 1,363 (700) 663
Other 500 970 (1,470)
TAP Best Foot Forward 900 1,894 (3,700) 906
DCC Capital Works 441 441
DCC Resilience 37,500 (37,500)
Community Activities
Fund 7,600 (4,485) 3,115
DCC Community
Building Sustainability 5,000 (5,000)
Covid Recovery
Sustainability 30,950 (12,750) 18,200
Cultural Programme 5,000 5,000
TAP Turrets 6,000 (2,000) 4,000
TAP Capital
improvements 10,000 (10,000)
TAP Enhance the
Appeal 20,000 (3,181) (16,819)
NLHF Project 10,000 (9,300) 700
──────── ──────── ──────── ──────── ────────
89,254 48,864 (16,881) (89,118) 32,119
════════ ════════ ════════ ════════ ════════

22

The Witham Hall Ltd

Notes to the Financial Statements (continued)

Year Ended 31 December 2024

21. Analysis of Charitable Funds (continued)

Details of restricted funds

DCC Witham Capital Funding - To fund remedial and maintenance work;

Arts Council Capital Building Up the Witham - Capital projects to improve sustainability; DCC Energy Efficiency grant - To fund LED lights;

DCC Fun & Food - To fund out of school activities in holidays; TAP Best Foot Forward - to support dance & movement classes for the over 65s; Point North - to fund support for social media activities in 2025;

Durham Community Action Community Buildings Grant Scheme - To fund remedial works to the fabric of the building;

DCC Capital Works - To fund remedial and maintenance work 2019-2021;

DCC Resilience - To support cultural and wellbeing activities;

Community Activities Fund - To support community engagement;

DCC Community Building Sustainability - To fund building improvements; Covid Recovery Sustainability- to support sustainability post Covid 19; Cultural programme - to support the delivery of the programme; Other - To fund other smaller projects. TAP Turrets - To support Turrets' workshops; TAP Capital Improvements - To fund kitchen improvements and acoustic curtains; TAP Enhance the Appeal - To fund floodlighting and Witham room improvements; NLHF Project - To fund business consultancy on future sustainability.

23

The Witham Hall Ltd

Notes to the Financial Statements (continued)

Year Ended 31 December 2024

22. Analysis of Net Assets Between Funds

Unrestricted Restricted Total Funds
Funds Funds 2024
£ £ £
Tangible fixed assets 36,797 36,797
Current assets 307,707 38,260 345,967
Creditors less than 1 year (115,458) (115,458)
───────── ──────── ─────────
Net assets 229,046 38,260 267,306
═════════ ════════ ═════════
Unrestricted Restricted Total Funds
Funds Funds 2023
£ £ £
Tangible fixed assets 39,100 39,100
Current assets 339,389 32,119 371,508
Creditors less than 1 year (126,897) (126,897)
───────── ──────── ─────────
Net assets 251,592 32,119 283,711
═════════ ════════ ═════════

23. Barnard Castle Mechanics' Institute (BCMI)

The BCMI had no financial transactions during the year. The Witham Hall Ltd, as sole trustee, managed the land and buildings which form the permanent endowment of the BCMI. All costs associated with the land and buildings are included in the accounts of the Witham Hall Ltd.

24. Analysis of Changes in Net Debt

At
At 1 Jan 2024 Cash flows 31 Dec 2024
£ £ £
Cash at bank and in hand 352,161 (47,792)
304,369
═════════ ════════ ═════════

24

The Witham Hall Ltd

Management Information

Year Ended 31 December 2024

The Following Pages Do Not Form Part of the Financial Statements.

25

The Witham Hall Ltd

Detailed Statement of Financial Activities

Year Ended 31 December 2024

2024 2023
£ £
Income and endowments
Donations and legacies
Donations 22,155 12,487
Durham Community ACB Energy Efficiency Grant 5,000
Durham Community Action Community Buildings Grant Scheme 9,253
Teesdale Action Partnership 1,000 36,000
National Lottery Heritage Fund 10,000
Durham County Council 32,008 30,000
County Durham Community Foundation (Point North) 9,360
Arts Council England Capital project 10,861
Other grants 2,020
Turret Subscriptions 5,075 8,799
──────── ────────
94,712 99,306
──────── ────────
Charitable activities
Events income 95,750 54,309
Income from gallery and artists 1,611 837
Cafe and bar sales 227,189 196,228
Room hire and studio rental 68,733 55,579
Visitor information and shop income 14,028 13,595
Other charitable income 15,806 9,228
───────── ─────────
423,117 329,776
───────── ─────────
Investment income
Bank interest receivable 7,822 1,171
─────── ───────
───────── ─────────
Total income 525,651 430,253
═════════ ═════════

26

The Witham Hall Ltd

Detailed Statement of Financial Activities (continued)

Year Ended 31 December 2024

2024 2023
£ £
Expenditure
Activities undertaken directly
Cafe, bar and shop stock 89,532 73,316
Wages and salaries 96,814 76,018
Card fees 9,011 6,881
Freelance Tech Costs 7,755 6,783
PRS/PPL & recorded music costs 7,562 5,272
Workshops and Turrets costs 18,065 22,447
Other costs 536 363
Cost of events 7,926 5,800
───────── ─────────
237,201 196,880
───────── ─────────
Support costs
Wages and salaries 141,353 107,899
Employer's NIC 10,274 6,391
Pension costs 3,394 2,461
Rates & water 1,320 1,638
Light & heat 22,238 18,917
Repairs & maintenance 24,874 19,316
Insurance 6,475 6,269
Other premises costs 5,509 4,717
Legal and professional fees 19,803 15,873
Bookkeeping costs 17,985 14,682
Office costs 10,449 10,260
Depreciation 12,769 13,964
Loss on disposal of assets 602
Other costs 2,136 3,895
Equipment purchase and leasing 4,536 6,417
Staff recruitment, training and expenses 1,962 1,413
Advertising 10,171 9,778
Irrecoverable VAT 8,407 11,198
Bad debts 345
───────── ─────────
303,655 256,035
───────── ─────────
Governance costs
Accountancy fees 1,200 1,200
─────── ───────
───────── ─────────
Total expenditure 542,056 454,115
═════════ ═════════
───────── ─────────
Net expenditure (16,405) (23,862)
═════════ ═════════

27