# **The Isle of Wight Society for the Blind**
**Annual Report and Accounts For the Year ended 31[st] March 2023**
**Known as Sight for Wight and Wight Sense Registered Charity 1149415 Company Limited by Guarantee Number 6240404**
|**Contents**||
|---|---|
|Welcome from our Chair, Sue Bungey|3|
|Welcome from our CEO, Lisa Hollyhead|4 - 8|
|Trustees’ Report|9 - 10|
|The Whole Team|11 – 32|
|Wight Sense|32 - 37|
|The Real Level of Sight Loss on the Island|37|
|Financial Review|38 - 49|
|Our Trading Company|50 - 51|
|Structure, Governance and Management|52 - 56|
|Independent Examiner’s Report|57 - 58|
|Statement of Financial Activities|59|
|Balance Sheet|60 - 61|
|Notes to the Financial Statements|62 - 75|
|Contact Details|76|
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## **Welcome from our Chair, Sue**
A warm welcome to everyone. We present our annual report and accounts for the Isle of Wight Society for the Blind, known as Sight for Wight and Wight Sense.
Established in 1865, we are the oldest Isle of Wight charity offering help, support and advice to people living with all levels of Sight Loss and, from 1 April 2022, rehabilitation services for those living with both Hearing and Sight loss.
During this, my fifth year as Chair of the Board of Trustees, we began the fulfilment of our Isle of Wight Sensory Contract offering Holistic Care Act assessments to anyone living with Sight and or Hearing Loss under our new second brand, Wight Sense.
Sight for Wight offers lifelong support to just under 700 Visually Impaired Island residents with members having varied levels of sight loss; each at differing stages of their sight loss journey. Embedding our 2020 strategy, we treat each member as an individual and their own goals are put at the forefront of everything we do.
Without the commitment of our team of volunteers, staff and trustees, the generous ongoing donations from our supporters and the direct feedback from our members, we would not be able to offer the breadth and extent of service that we do.
Thank you to every person who has, and will, contribute to us.
**Sue Bungey - Chair of the Trustees**
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## **Welcome from our CEO, Lisa**
My third year as CEO of this historic Charity, I am honoured to be at the helm as our services expanded to include rehabilitation services for both Hearing and Visually Impaired Isle of Wight Residents.
We took over the Sensory Contract on the 1[st] April 2022 welcoming the team from the previous contract holder, the RNID. As CEO I wanted to ensure that both Sight and Hearing Impaired clients were welcomed equally into the Service from the very outset so we needed a name that represented everyone equally. To this end, Wight Sense was born.
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## **WIGHT SENSE**
In our first year, we completed just over 2,600 interactions with our clients which included 492 referrals resulting in 289 home-based assessments, 631 follow-up visits and 398 onward referrals. In addition, we answered 793 queries from other individuals.
## **SIGHT FOR WIGHT**
With members nearly reaching 700 at the year end, the number of interactions we have with members has increased beyond any expectations. Our weekly and monthly activity program has expanded over the year with new faces appearing as the new sessions began. We have been very lucky that our volunteer base continues to expand to cover the growing need and, in particular, offering door-to-door transport which, every time we survey, our members come out as a vital need.
We received a grant this year to set up an accessible IT Suite from the Awards for All Lottery program. This gives our members the chance to have one-on-one training in how to set up IT equipment to suit their own accessibility needs. The grant allowed us to purchase laptops, iPads, Tablets and 70” screens to offer this individual training and group training too. We welcomed, for example, Age UK’s own IT volunteers and give them a series of training on setting up and using accessibility features on Laptops.
The Suite meant a bit of a physical move around at our centre, the by product of which, was a new equipment room being made from a storage room which has proved a huge bonus to the IT suite project.
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We also received **a grant from GKN** to purchase a specialised laptop with software to continue the roll out of our ‘Hello Everyone’ QR Codes.
As well as our member activities our other projects continued throughout the year including:
**A Friend in Need** , our telephone befriending scheme which still exceeds the predicted number of service users and continues to recruit both volunteers and new service users every month.
**Our Alexa Sight for Wight skill** which has now been expanded to include SCAM warnings and a new What’s On section. This is in addition to the weekly Talking News, the quarterly Newsletter and Meet the Staff and Team sections.
**Hello Everyone QR Codes;** their roll out continues, notably with 31 Gift To Nature Island Sites being added during the year. This roll out is of particular note as all of these sites are nature trails and therefore presented quite a new ask of our Audible Codes. We again used our trusted Blind and Partially sighted members to walk out the
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routes offering a perspective from both long cane and Guide Dog users. The sites have all had numerous people scan and listen to the codes and new sites are planned for 2023.
The use of the codes has far outreached our original thoughts; they were an audible guide to allow a visually impaired person unaided access to a building. In reality, we were finding so many different groups of people were using them, people living with dementia, people using mobility aids and those living with anxiety for example. We therefore expanded the codes to include a full video for these additional groups’ use.
**Our Newsletter** ; this publication, which is sent out in nine different formats to just under 900 people per issue, continues to receive heartfelt feedback from its readers. Written by our members for our members, it really is designed to help real people with real day-today things.
**Our Education program** , this teaches Island primary school children about avoidable sight loss and good eye health, has flourished. For the second year to celebrate Summer Solstice being the longest day in the year, we produced a second video to introduce the concept of the program and to teach children the dangers of sunlight.
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With the **Audio Library** celebrating 53 years and the **Talking News** celebrating 1,488 editions, they continue to attract new users proving their value, be it that more and more of these are online users for the Talking News rather than the traditional USB sticks.
Our working partnerships continue to expand as we 100% believe if someone else is doing it well; signpost, do not replicate. We all have limited resources and time and following our principle objectives, we need “to employ all resources efficiently and effectively.“
During the year, I worked very closely with four other Island organisations to write a full policy with practical advice on how to interact with all people when setting up surveys and research, a very thorough project which I look forward to being rolled out in 2023/24.
In summary, the year to March 2023 has been an exceptionally busy year with not only the introduction of the Wight Sense rehabilitation service but a large increase in the number of interactions we have with Sight for Wight members on a daily basis. Our staff, volunteers and Trustees remain faithful to our beloved Charity and I know, without them, the Charity plans and aspirations would not be able to keep on growing; thank you.
Having lived with 88% sight loss since birth and with progressive hearing loss, I naturally use my own “living” experience, but I know fundamentally every single person, regardless of whether or not they are living with sight loss, is an individual and deserves to be treated as one.
## **Lisa Hollyhead - Chief Executive Officer**
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## **Trustees’ Report – A Strategic Approach**
The Trustees are pleased to present their Annual Directors’ Report, together with the financial statements of The Isle of Wight Society for the Blind for the year ending 31 March 2023.
We have increased our range of services to meet the strategic aims identified in our 2020 Strategy and monitored our progress against this strategy. A full three years will be completed next year to look at the longer and medium term goals set.
We have reached out with an Islandwide collaborative approach to provide the best possible services to our members with efficient use of resources.
It is a strong belief of the Trustees that working with the wider community will produce the best results for our members. We should all play to our strengths and allow others to fulfil our weaker areas.
Our core aims are:
- To identify the needs of people living with and affected by Sight Loss.
- Develop an Isle of Wight network to fulfil them.
- To raise funds, sufficient to maintain service in the long-term, and deploy all resources efficiently and responsibly.
- To invest in our team of staff, volunteers and members for long-term benefit to everyone involved.
As detailed last year, the Trustees asked the CEO to tender for the Isle of Wight Sensory Service Contract commencing 1 April 2022.
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The contract was won and has been very successfully fulfilled in the first year of this five-year contract. The additional knowledge gained by Sight for Wight Staff on hearing impairment, helping our dual sense members has been, as hoped, very beneficial.
To ensure our sustainability, we have continued a rigorous financial review of all expenditure, and whilst the attached financial statements show a negative reduction to reserves, this was a planned decision by the Trustees to utilise a legacy received during the year ended 31 March 2022.
The Trustees have charged the CEO with implementing a Grant based strategy for the year to 31 March 2024 and onwards to continue to address the flexibility of the Charity’s income; this said, our local fundraising and awareness continues to grow with the Charity going from strength to strength.
The Trustees continue to monitor the Charity’s reserves, ensuring their low-risk strategy is adhered to and including a review of the portfolio manager.
The Board of Trustees wish to thank each and every member of staff, volunteers, supporters and, most importantly, charity members for their support, help and honest feedback on services. This makes it possible for Sight for Wight to continue to support people on an individual basis throughout their sight loss journey.
**Sue Bungey Chair of Trustees**
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## **The Whole Team**
We are here to help people from their diagnosis until they reach a point where they can live safely, confidently and independently. There is no minimum level of sight loss anyone needs to access our service, no referral form, no tests or medicals, just a yes, I would like to join.
Firmly embedded into the philosophy of Sight for Wight is our strategic aim namely _**to invest in our team of staff, Trustees volunteers and members for the long-term benefit to everyone involved.**_
## **STAFF**
Our team of staff has doubled in the year as the Wight Sense Team came over from the RNID as part of the Sensory Service contract.
We all have our roles, but everyone in our team knows what everyone else does; this ensures members get consistent and responsive communication and the training undergone in the year really has meant that our advice is clear, current and correct.
In addition to refresher training with our associate organisations, this year we have all undergone training with our local Wight Care, Mental Health First Aid and Deafblind UK.
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Our CEO also sits on several local and national Boards ensuring the voice of the Charity and our members we represent, is heard as far and wide as possible. This includes The Age Friendly Island, The Isle of Wight Opticians Society, Optometry First, Hampshire and Isle Wight VI Board, Hover User Group, Solent Micro Mobility and The Accessible Island.
The staff all understand that, without the feedback of members and the tireless support of volunteers, we simply could not offer the level and diverse nature of support and activities that we do, therefore every piece of feedback and every minute a volunteer gives is very much appreciated.
## **VOLUNTEERS – OUR TRUSTEES**
Sight for Wight’s team of Trustees worked tirelessly attending our quarterly main board meetings, supporting individual staff on specific projects, advising on lobbying, making new introductions and both raising awareness and vital funds.
The Board includes two severely sight impaired Trustees and one deaf Trustee but, all the Board have a personal experience of the day-to-day reality of living with a sensory impairment through a close family member or friend giving true empathy towards our members.
## **ONE TRUSTEE STORY – MEET RUTH HOLLINGSHEAD**
_Being a member of Sight for Wight lets me take advantage of all the exciting social activities we offer, being a volunteer lets me use my experience of sight loss to inform and support others, and being a Trustee means I can give something back to the charity by using my extensive knowledge to help shape service provision._
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_I would say a huge heartfelt thank you to all the staff and volunteers, as well as the members, who make Sight for Wight such an amazing charity which I am proud to be a part of._
## Ruth Hollingshead
## **VOLUNTEERS**
With a small staff team, much of what we do can only be achieved with the tremendous support, so generously given, by our volunteers. They support all areas of our operations in facilitating and delivering member activities, education, fundraising, administration and governance.
Whilst we sadly have to say goodbye to people, we always celebrate the work they have done for us and thank all volunteers for their continued help and support. Equally, we welcome new people who bring fresh ideas and experiences.
Our usual annual summer celebration to thank volunteers was extremely well attended with almost half of our volunteers there. The weather this year did mean it was all inside but the smiling faces more than made up for that.
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At the start of the year, our volunteer numbers were 82 and, by the end of the year, had increased this to 102, 15 below pre-pandemic numbers and certainly a different mix with many volunteers working remotely but every person giving so much to us.
## **ONE VOLUNTEER STORY - MEET TERRY PEARSON**
_I have been a volunteer at Sight for Wight for over fifteen years, my interest having been fostered originally by my mother’s visual impairment in her later years, and my own glaucoma diagnosis when I was in my mid-fifties._
_Over the years, I have worked on the Charity’s stalls at various fetes and, for several years, was the quizmaster for quizzes held in Millbrooke House._
_I was also active in the introduction of the original ‘boom boxes’, which enabled members for the first time to hear the Talking News on a memory stick, instead of the less versatile cassette-tapes._
_For a long time, I was one of the Talking News studio readers, before moving, filling a gap on the recorder’s rota, which involved me in recording, editing and copying readings onto memory sticks, in preparation for distribution to the Society’s members._
_Since the start of the first lockdown, I have regularly recorded news articles at home and, as some of you will probably be aware, I sometimes contribute to the Society’s wonderful newsletter with “Terry’s Twenty Teasers” ~ so now you know who to blame!!_
Terry Pearson
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## **MEMBERS**
Serving our members is at the forefront of everything we do; it is why we are here. So, let’s celebrate our members by looking at activities they have taken part in and some of their own experiences.
Our number of weekly activities has grown steadily throughout the year as have the number of people attending them.
April 2022 opened with our first Members’ holiday in many years; the group of twenty including Volunteers, Trustees, Members and Staff had a thoroughly enjoyable time and the wonderful feedback received just makes the whole thing worthwhile. Two members subsequently booked to go back independently on short breaks as we gave them the confidence to book; the perfect outcome.
Our Members’ Manager said, “ _The best three working days of my career seeing every single person join in with Archery, Rifle Shooting and Axe throwing whilst using the leisure facilities, such as the pool and attending the evening entertainment and being the ones on the front row seats each evening. I have never seen so many people go through such an emotional change from arrival to departure; we will definitely come back.”_ And we did in October 2022.
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**Some of our regular groups include:**
**Swimming** – We hire the local pool for our members once a week, offering door-to-door transport, we understand the freedom water gives our members and are delighted to support this activity in its 25[th] year of running.
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**Coffee and Chat** numbers have sorn from single figures to regularly over 25 people attending. The room is filled with laughter and chat. This group offers a genuine time for peer-to-peer support for our members when tips are passed on, suggestions for island wide attractions others have visited and, when needed, a shoulder to cry on.
**Riding and Bowling** – Started in 2022 with members enjoying these new activities rekindling long lost hobbies for some and starting a new sport for others.
**Striders and Strollers** ; this is our walking group; when people join, it is obvious who is living with a visual impairment and who the volunteers are.
Within three months it is impossible to tell; strollers walk for 1-3 miles and striders for 4-6 miles. Watching people’s confidence grow brings a tear to everyone’s eye, every time.
**Book Club** – Finally, back to face-to-face meetings each month, this group listens to a book and then, like any other book, discusses it; it is always, however, accompanied by tea and cake!
**Yoga Club** – New for 2022 one of our volunteers kindly runs this class with no prior experience needed and chair options available for those who prefer it. Thank you Trish, for giving up your time.
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**Golf** – Continuing for another year, our group of golfers receiving free training from the club’s resident professional player, the group is small but steady and they have all become very firm friends.
**Tandem Bikes** – A new one-off activity we tried this year was tandem bike riding; five members came forward and filled all the trial slots within hours. They enjoyed it so much we have decided to look at running an annual fundraising event based around it. “ _I cannot believe I am back on a bike; it was so amazing there; are no words!”_
**Wet Days out** – Sailing and other water-based activities are an absolute hit with some of our members; this year we attended Wet Wheels, Scott Bader and the RVYC Open Day.
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**Dry Days out** – We took members to the theatre; it was a long night with the ferries, but everybody loved it, enjoying the touch tour and audio description of the Lion King at The Mayflower.
We enjoyed a very special day with 86 members at our **Jubilee party** held at Wendes Hall; the Island’s High Sheriff attended. Well done your Majesty.
Our **Christmas Lunch** this year was held in January; we were so busy leading up to Christmas, we decided to postpone the Christmas lunch until January. We filled up the available seats within a day and we all enjoyed the three course meal cooked by our local College Students.
Once again, our members were given their own time at the Isle of Wight Christmas “try a sport event. ” This event signifies the turning on of the Christmas Lights here on the Island. Our members took to their skates this year and in fact ended up holding up some of our volunteers!!
And to round off 2022 members, volunteers and staff enjoyed **Mince Pies and Mulled Wine** at our centre.
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Finally, our Thursday **Mix and Mingle Group** for our more senior members, who most commonly live with age related hearing and sight loss, enjoyed a variety of topics throughout the year including:
- Cuddles with two newborn lambs.
- Easter party including bonnet making.
- Bring the beach to Millbrook Day making clay decorations with shells and driftwood.
- A day at Wimbledon where we enjoyed strawberries and cream although the members took the balloon tennis rather too seriously.
- Decorating eyes and sunglasses for our carnival entry which we placed inside the minibus, and they also gave us ideas for our entry which was great to include them in our making. We won best dressed entry.
- Several sing along events with local musicians including volunteers Maurice and John.
- Day trips to the Donkey Sanctuary and Zoo.
- Bring and Buy table top sales, raffles and quizzes.
- Tabletop sales allowing Christmas Shopping for the Grand Kids!
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## **MEET MIX AND MINGLE VOLUNTEER - Maurice Kachuk**
_When I arrived on the Island, I looked for some volunteering which I saw as a way to meet new friends and Sight for Wight was advertising for readers for their Talking News._
_I thought, I can do that, and so I came to Millbrooke House to meet Susan and Chris and I was soon in the studio reading the news._
_This led to me performing my cabaret act at one of the garden parties and a couple of other functions run by the Charity._
_Susan asked if I could perform my act for her Mix Mingle Group, knowing so many of these more senior citizens only leave their house once a week and that is to this group, I gladly accepted._
_The whole team and members at Sight for Wight have made me feel so very welcome, for which I will always be grateful. I have met and made some great friends._
## Maurice Kachuk
## **Open days**
During the year we held an Isle of Wight Society for the Blind Open Day; these days are designed for two purposes:
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- Allow people to trial equipment first hand from other companies.
- Introduce new people into our services and other organisations who can help.
We welcomed 82 new people that day and 40 of our own members trying out equipment; we have plans to add further local charities next time we hold this event to broaden the variety of hobbies and interests on offer.
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## **MEMBER SUPPORT OFFICER**
The Board of Trustees took very seriously the real impact of COVID and released some reserves to pay for a new Member Support Officer in June 2021. This role was clearly needed as someone who can just visit members in their homes and help with whatever one-toone support they need and so the Trustees have continued to fund this from reserves into 2022/23. Part of this was helping people get back outside, not mobility training but confidence building. One of our describes a member’s their experience:
_I went to see a gentleman who had lost his sight very recently, to the degree where he was no longer able to drive. He had been, up to this point, very independent and spent most weekends away fishing across the country. I attended for a simple form filling but got chatting to the gentlemen and soon understood how much confidence he had lost and was no longer going out at all in reality, as he had never used public transport before._
_I explained to him about a symbol cane that showed others he had sight loss and he agreed to give it a go. A few weeks later I followed up with him, and he pointed to the symbol cane on the table and said, “That cane you gave me has changed my life, I feel 100% more confident. People have come up to me to help, cars have stopped for me to cross the road and I am not bumping into people in the street. I cannot thank you enough.“ He is now looking to book a coach holiday and will be taking his symbol cane with him._
## **OUR NEWSLETTER**
With previous funding ending we reverted back to four editions a year instead of six, the need to dissipate information quickly, due to changing pandemic issues, had also subsided. We regularly get feedback on our newsletter, so we understand how much it is appreciated and so, we went out to advertisers to help fund costs.
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## **Every issue contains –**
- All activities groups and social meetings
- A volunteer story and a member story
- Tips from members for daily living hacks
- Update from every member of staff
- Terry’s twenty teasers
- How to dress for your size and shape
## **Example of articles included this year:**
- Art Exhibition Podcast
- How to look after your feet and get help when you need it
- 999 BSL service
- Blind Parents UK
- Ryde Library Audio Group
- Living Well With Sight Loss course
- Taxi Law explained
- Hovertravel - Try before you Fly
- 195 - 1471 - 1571 Services - They all could be free
- Swan Advocacy Network
- Having An Eye Test what happens
- The PARES service
- Vision loss after a Stroke
- Auditory Processing Disorder
- Cost of Living
- Accessibility Grants
- IOW Council Training online
The reach of the publication is now nearly 900 for each newsletter.
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## **BEFRIENDING SERVICE**
The lottery funding we received in 2020 allowed our befriending service to be born. The difference with our service was that we actively engaged VI members to be the volunteer callers. Matching people with similar living experience, conditions and age clearly worked with the service attracting 65 members by the year end of the first year against a projected target of 40.
Out of the 280 people identified as potentially needing the service, this equates to 23% take up. By the end of March 2023 numbers had dropped to 49 every week with a further 9 receiving fortnightly calls. We are delighted some people feel able to leave the service as they have become more active and welcome all our new service users in.
## **Our Audio Services**
The Lottery Funding also allowed us to write and set up our own Alexa Skill which was awarded an Amazon Excellence award upon launch. We have added to the Newsletter and the weekly Talking News with SCAMS and What’s On this year and monitor the use of the service and are so pleased to see it continually grow.
## **OUR BUYING SERVICE**
We continue offering our ‘we will help you buy things’ online service. As identified in our survey, many people struggled with online ordering for specific items, so we do it for them; it really is that simple.
They tell us what equipment they are looking for; we use our Amazon, RNIB and Cobolt account with returns always available.
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This service includes the large print diaries from VIP diaries, watches from Cobolt and daylight lamps from Amazon, for example. Further, when needed, our Member Services Officer will visit the member at home and install it for them. _**A little extra help is often all people need.**_
**LIVING WELL WITH SIGHT LOSS COURSE** We delivered five Living Well with Sight Loss courses this year supported by the RNIB and Thomas Pocklington Trust. These courses offer a very broad insight to the reality of living with Sight Loss which we are then able to follow with more detail at the person’s own pace. The courses will continue into next year.
The broad areas covered are:
- **Part One** - ‘Starting Out’ – The certificate of visual impairment process, should you register, how do you register and what are the other main eye care services.
- **Part Two** ‘In the Home’ – looking at how to regain independence in Daily Living, the aids and Technology available.
- **Part Three** ‘Out and About’ – Talking about independent mobility, using transport and the concessions available.
- **Part Four** ‘Looking after ourselves’ – General help on eye health, your own wellbeing, local social and leisure activities and your next step.
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## **FEEDBACK AND CATCH UP**
Formerly the Members Forum, we thought changing the name would better represent this as the two way meeting it is; members feedback to us and catchup on the latest news from us.
Aiming to get a good cross section of age, sight loss diagnosis, experience and congenital v acquired sight loss conditions, the group meet quarterly, and all action points are cleared by the following meeting.
We plan to expand this in 2023 / 2024 to add a second Wight Sense group to further engage feedback from the service users.
## **PROMOTING AVOIDABLE SIGHT LOSS**
Sight for Wight aims to promote avoidable Sight Loss through our Education Project. This year saw the program finally being rolled out after a very delayed COVID start. We went to 11 schools during the year of the 37 Primary schools, teaching our program to 1,499 children. The program has three versions, Reception, Key Stage 1 and Key Stage 2 and aims to teach children:
- About different eye conditions.
- What sight impaired means.
- How to keep your eyes healthy and look after their future.
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## **HELLO EVERYONE, QR CODE**
The ‘Hello Everyone’ codes have two main functions:
## **Entry into a building**
These codes offer an audible guide covering:
- How to enter a building; e.g. pull or push.
- A mind’s eye view of the room.
- Where to find the Reception desk.
We want people to be able to enter any building unassisted with confidence. We have now added a feature to change the language into 10 pre-defined options, together with a written version to allow people’s own devices to freely translate. We maintain that the key to the code’s success is that they are written by VI people for VI people, and they sell for an average of £75, including 3 years’ hosting.
We are very aware that there are other systems emerging and, indeed, technology will improve but, for now, we are genuinely helping people in the here and now, allowing them to use their own navigation skills, just telling them where to aim for.
## **LOBBY FOR THE VOICE OF OUR MEMBERS**
One of our core aims is to ensure, as much as we can, that the needs of our members are taken into account in everyday life. This year’s examples include:
We successfully worked with Wight Fibre who supply thousands of homes here on the Island with telephone, internet and TV packages. Previously the free BT directory enquires service had not been available on their network but we are delighted to report it is.
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Our previous work with the RNIB to give the right to a **confidential vote** to our members has been enhanced this year by us engaging with our own council with whom we are now working.
We want to ensure members know what devices they can and can’t take with them into the voting booth and continue to work towards confidential voting for everyone.
2021 saw the issuing of a **new style of PDQ** machine which has no tactile buttons. Although the obvious answer is to use contactless, the reality is, every four to six transactions, the machine will ask you to input your number, a simple but impossible task if you do not know where the buttons are on the screen.
We contacted the distributor / manufacture and local PDQ providers and found, in fact, machines had been issued with an overlay to add a tactile guide for users and many were equipped with a sound based VI system. Sadly, no training is given to the establishment, so the guides are never added, and the audible option not understood.
We continue to work to change this.
The work we started in 2020 with **BERYL scooters** continued and we have now formed a Solent Micro Mobility board as the emergence of electric bikes has arrived and, of course, there is the overall issue with silent electric cars.
**Surveys, making them accessible.**
Last year we started work with the Isle of Wight Council after receiving a survey intended entirely for VI people to complete in an
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entirely inaccessible format. Working with Age UK, the RNID, People Matter and three other local groups we formed a board and worked together to produce guidelines on what is an accessible survey. This group established a detailed guide for the IW Council to use when producing all research and surveys and led to:
This led to four strands of work:
- **Audit Tool** : This audit tool is designed for departments who design and deliver services, such as Commissioners. Designed for external public facing consultations. Internal and external audit.
- **Training modules** : a specifically developed set of three modules that can be delivered as part of the Age Friendly Island training or on their own. Organisations can request AFI Training and add Accessible Consultation to their package.
- **Briefing for elected members** : The leaflet will support elected members when working with Isle of Wight Council Officers.
- **Leaflet for members of the public** : The leaflet will enable members of the public to know how to ask for access to consultations that affect them.
We will continue to work with anyone and everyone we can to take this forward.
## **Finally, our promise to our members remains as:**
- Strive to empower, providing the best possible services.
- Provide professional, expert support, guidance and skills.
- Communicate with a unified voice, ensuring individuals receive consistent messages in their preferred format.
- Always be honest and transparent.
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## **MEMBER STORIES - Meet Member, John,**
_I was registered as severely sight impaired at the beginning of 2021, but I’m so pleased to be part of the wonderful organisation ‘Sight for Wight’. I attend ‘Mix and Mingle’ on a Thursday: a typical morning is coffee, chat, a raffle, some sort of craft (right up my street), more chat, lunch, more chat, a talk from a volunteer. So far, I’ve been to the Zoo (The Wildheart Animal Trust ), out with the lunch club and I am booked on a theatre trip. These activities have totally changed my life and therefore I am interested in any outings that my health will allow._
_All the staff and volunteers are extremely caring – they know each of us by name and understand our limitations. So that’s a bit about me …. I’m looking forward_ to next Thursday, the highlight of my week.
John sadly passed away this year.
## **MEMBER STORIES - Meet Member, Pat,**
_My Dry AMD was diagnosed about 20 years ago and the first ten years were very slow in deterioration. I was always an avid reader and crossword fanatic, so now I rely on the Talking News, Audio Library and my print reader._
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_Michael and I enjoy coming to the Coffee & Chat on Wednesday mornings at Sight for Wight and go swimming with the group on Mondays at Medina. We really enjoyed the Christmas lunch at the College and especially the Jubilee Tea Party recently._
_The staff and volunteers at Sight for Wight (and the members) are a great bunch of people; so friendly, welcoming and helpful. Thanks to them all._
## **WIGHT SENSE**
Started on the 1[st] April 2022 during the year the service grew from strength to strength as the Sight for Wight Team and Wight Sense Team grew to work together very quickly sharing knowledge and experiences as individual cases arose.
The team of assessors visit people in their homes and talk to them as individual people with their own needs, expectations and life experiences. No two people with the same condition will have the same wishes and desires and will certainly have had different life experiences which will influence these.
Whilst a physical Care Act Assessment must be completed for all the clients to ensure eligibility, the way that the visits actually work in reality is a conversation. Our assessors get to know each person and then put a plan in place to help them live safely, confidently and independently by offering training, equipment and referrals to other organisations.
Goals, aims and targets are agreed mutually and a plan to achieve the set.
Page **32** of **76**
Sight
Wight
Wight Sense
Wight Sense is the Rehabilitation Service offered to all Isle of
Wight Residents living with a sense loss that affects their daily
INing. Anyone can be referred to the Service, either by
themselves or through any other person involved in their lives. A
simple phone call starts the process, no complicated forms and
certainly no expectations. One of our team of assessors will
make contact and start a conversation of how we can help.
The Wight Sense team is made up of:
Caron (that's Caron with a C!) our Vision Specialist
Caron, like all our assessors, will visit you at home; you
can then chat about what it is you want to do and now
finding more difficult; she will visit you at a time that
works for you and stay as long as you need her to.
Karen (that's Karen with a Kl) our Deafblind Specialist
Once you have had your first visit, you will agree your
goals with your assessor and we can discuss what
free loan equipment we can offer you to start to help
achieve those goals.
Paula our Hearing Specialist
We will then follow up with further visits to help you
achieve what you want to and refer you on to other
people to ensure you succeed.
This could indude Pete our Mobility and Daily Living
Skills trainer; he is there to give you the confidence to
get out and at)out as much as you would like to.
Page 33 of 76
We think the best way to illustrate this is by looking how we helped a few individual members:
## **Mrs S who lives with a dual sensory impairment**
_Mrs S was referred to the Wight Sense Sensory Service for support and, at her home visit, it was identified that Mrs S was living with loneliness and social isolation. During the visit, the staff member provided Mrs S with a welcome pack from Sight for Wight, which detailed a number of social activities that she could take part in and crucially offered door-to-door transport._
_Co-incidentally, Mrs T, who also has a dual sensory impairment, and lives in the same town as Mrs S, was referred to the Wight Sense Sensory Service for support at the same time and further, her visit identified the same isolation and loneliness._
_Both ladies were further assessed for practical help, training and equipment which they both received._
_Mrs S and Mrs T now regularly attend the Sight for Wight weekly ‘Mix and Mingle’ group and, as both ladies were picked up together to go to this group in the same vehicle, they quickly struck up a friendship._
_Both Mrs S and Mrs T have found a new lease of life and are regularly socialising with each other outside of Sight for Wight activities as they live in the same town. They now go out for coffee and also have lunch together every week._
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_The families of both Mrs S and Mrs T have noticed the change in their personalities and demeanour, reporting they are both much happier and brighter now and feel they have something to live for._
## _**Mr C who is Visually Impaired**_
_He was referred to the Wight Sense Sensory Service for support. He suffers from glaucoma, which has caused his field of vision to become seriously reduced. As a result of the deterioration in his condition, Mr C felt he could no longer go to the local shops, walk his dog on his own or carry out simple domestic tasks such as make a cup of tea or prepare a meal._
_A visit followed at his home address at which it was established it was a lack of confidence not physical capability which had convinced Mr C he could not do these things._
_During subsequent visits from the Rehabilitation Officer, Mr C was taught again how to make a hot drink, cook a simple meal and use domestic appliances such as a microwave in a new way, taking account of his reduced vision. In addition, Cane mobility sessions followed, designed to improve his cane skills in the local area allowing him to learn how to identify hazards, level changes and, hence, gain the confidence to go to the shops and enjoy leisure activities once again._
_At the end of his rehab training, Mr C said, “I feel 20 years younger; my whole confidence has been lifted, not only in the new skills I have learnt but in everything else too; thank you that is all I can say, thank you. “_
Page **35** of **76**
_He now visits his local on a regular basis, and is back at the seafront with his dog, all unaided on his own._
_**Finally, Ms AB a lady living with progressive hearing loss.** Ms AB is a lady in her early 50’s who had a hearing loss at birth that wasn’t discovered until she was well into her schooling. She was given hearing aids in her youth which helped her enormously._
_Over the last 1-2 years Ms AB has been undergoing intensive treatment for cancer and this has impacted her hearing even more._
_She has, relatively recently, been given some new NHS hearing aids which have helped. However, not all the hearing issues can be addressed with hearing aids; for example, Ms AB is still not able to hold an effective conversation over the phone, so email, letter or text messages are more appropriate means of communication for her._
_An appointment was made to visit her which resulted in alerting equipment being installed in her home, to ensure her safety from fire and to make her aware of visitors to her home. Additionally, she needed a clock that would guarantee she woke in time for her numerous hospital appointments and TV listening equipment to ensure the volume of her TV does not interfere with her neighbours as she lives in a terraced property._
Page **36** of **76**
_The TV listening system, a Signolux system, incorporates a clock receiver, portable receiver, smoke alarm transmitter, vibrating pillow alert and a bell push transmitter. This integrated system gives both protection in the day with the portable receiver and at night too with the pillow vibrating alert._
_Ms AB said, “The TV listener is just wonderful because it has taken away the worry and anxiety that I might, unknowingly be causing a problem for my neighbours with the TV volume.”_
_Ms AB couldn’t believe how much support there was available to her and was so very grateful for everything Wight Sense had done._
## **The Real Level of Sight Loss on the Island**
- More than 6,680 people on the Island are living with registerable Sight Loss.
- 48% of all cases of sight loss are avoidable.
- 1,282 people are registered as Sight Impaired and Severely Sight.
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## **Financial review**
## **FUNDRAISING**
The remit of the CEO is to consider the overall **fundraising** policy and strategy, and to oversee all fundraising activities.
Alongside this, the Local Fundraising Committee meet quarterly and plans out the year’s local events and awareness campaign. These events included:
## **Annual Story Writing Competition**
Started some 13 years ago by Sight for Wight patrons, RC Bridgestock, international crime writing authors, the theme this year was The Sea.
As we do each year, the theme is deliberately broad to allow people to interpret it as they wish; some stories were about creatures living in the Sea, events that happened near the Sea and how the Sea had changed people‘s lives.
Entries grew again as they have done year-on-year and finally, we returned to a face-to-face awards ceremony. It never fails to amaze the calibre of celebrities Chris attracts to read the stories:
RICHARD CADELL MARK SIMMONS BETHANNIE HARE DOMINIC MINGHELLA
Page **38** of **76**
## **The category winners were:**
Scarlett Maddison-Wigg Katy Trafford Rachel Lambert Juliet Bell
‘The Dangerous Sea’ (under 8’s) ‘The Sea Maze’ (8 - 11’s) ‘The Sea’ (12 - 17s) ‘Cometh The Hour’ (18+)
## **Murder at Millbrooke**
We were finally able to hold our murder night postponed four times due to COVID. Islanders gathered to unveil who killed Lord Millbrooke but was he dead? The plot thickened as the evening progressed. Could there be that fatal twist at the end. A truly enjoyable evening was had by all and, of course, funds raised to support the services we offer.
## **Island Carnivals**
During the year we entered both the Newport Carnival and the Newport Illuminated Carnival. Distributing our little bugs; members, volunteers and staff all dressed up and showed the Charity off to anyone and everyone.
Page **39** of **76**
As a direct result we received a £2,300 grant from **GKN** who were so impressed with how many members were involved and we chatted to them about the services provided.
Page **40** of **76**
## **Member Led Fundraising**
One of our members, John, took it upon himself to swim a sponsored swim in aid of the Charity and raised plenty of awareness and funds in his gallant efforts.
## **Rex and Jackie walk the Island.**
Whilst at School, Rex heard all about looking after his eyes and about different eye conditions and their causes as part of our Education Program; he was so inspired by this he decided to walk all the way around the Isle of Wight to raise funds for the Charity.
He completed it very successfully and our CEO went to the School to receive the monies enjoying his presentation on the adventures he encountered on the way.
**Nicola** completed the Southampton Marathon all in aid of Sight for Wight; her Dad is a very active member of Sight for Wight and she wanted to do her bit to raise some funds; what a performance, she was so pleased when she crossed the finish line.
## **KNITTING**
We always believe the best way to fundraise is to involve the people who benefit so, again, this year we have got our knitters working!
Page **41** of **76**
This project was twofold:
Firstly, to produce the handmade knitted items. Secondly, equally important, to remind members that just because their sight is failing, they can knit just as well and quickly as they ever have with a few minor changes to their set up.
The range of goods included Easter Chicks, Christmas Bath Bombs, Halloween Bats and Pumpkins, Dog Ball faces, Tissue Covers, Mobile Cases and Smiling Bath Bombs. With funds raised, well exceeding 4 figures, everyone was delighted.
Our **100 Club** is just £2 per month to stand a chance of winning £60.
Numbers continued to grow throughout the year but there are some numbers left if you would like to join.
Members are always attracted at the mention of **pudding** and when we added a **quiz,** we found a winning formular. Now a regular event, members, volunteers and staff alike join us at Millbrooke House for our fun nights.
The final way members actively supported us was by entering our annual raffle. Made possible by the generosity of so many individual and company prize donations raising well over £1200.
Page **42** of **76**
## **Local Island shows and coffee mornings.**
This year, shows opened up again on the Island and we attended Riverfest and Wolverton. Whilst sometimes these shows do not raise a huge amount in funds, they are very much equally there as awareness raising events.
## **Online campaigns**
We were very generously donated an enormous Teddy Bear, we went out online, and set up a Square Raffle to see who the lucky winner would be. Audrey is pictured here holding the her prize, the bear, before it finds its way to a Grand Child, but which one!!
## **Donations by Individuals and companies**
The Isle of Wight Society for the Blind is an independent local charity that depends on income from legacies, fundraising and donations and the many people who devote their time to helping us. A significant part of this fundraising comes from help from Island Companies and organisations who choose us as their Charity of the year, grant us one-off funds or send regular donations.
Page **43** of **76**
**We want to celebrate them:**
**ASDA Jubilee Party**
**Calbourne Car Boot Sale**
**Barratt Homes Southampton**
**Vectis Sunrise Rotary Waitrose**
**Cowes Lions Club**
Page **44** of **76**
**----- Start of picture text -----**
ASDA Bucket
Collections
**----- End of picture text -----**
**Edgar Ralph Dore Trust Misses Ward Trust**
**----- Start of picture text -----**
Tesco Community
G
R3d51ght
**----- End of picture text -----**
**----- Start of picture text -----**
Bedales School
**----- End of picture text -----**
**Shanklin Methodist Church** Page **45** of **76**
And a huge thank you to our Story Writing competition sponsors and prize givers.
**Donations** Newport Parish Council Margaret Dilley Sandown Town Council Janice Ferguson Chale Parish Council **Prizes Donated** - Sandham Office Services (Julie) ASDA Clare Jones - Sharon Gritt Dinosaur Isle Sue Wilkins - Tesco Jan Gibson Appley Manor Ventnor Botanic Garden (William) ComiCoffee WBS Wight Business Services The Entertainer Wight Computers Ltd (Andrew) Garlic Farm Hovertravel (Neil) Red Funnel
## **Final Bequests**
Finally, but by no means least, we want to thank those who have chosen to remember us in their **final Will** . These gifts bring us such joy because it means we truly have helped that person enough for them to think we are a worthy recipient of their life’s work. Thank you,
All legacies are extremely valuable, and we have thanked each and every family for their loved one’s bequests.
We were also extremely pleased to be remembered, in lieu of flowers, at several of our member’s life celebrations; again, such a kind gesture and very much valued.
Page **46** of **76**
## **INCOME AND EXPENDITURE**
Sight for Wight’s total income for the year stood at £263,669 compared to £202,285. Whilst the income appears stable, last year legacies were received to the value of £129,676 and this year income from the Wight Sense rehabilitation contract was received totalling £195,000.
After total expenditure of £339,076 (2022: £182,118) and loss on investments of £21,648 (2022 surplus £9,063) the deficit for the year amounted to £97,056 (2022: surplus £29,230).
Towards the very end of the year the Trustees completed the purchase of 57 Pyle Street. The shop was purchased as an investment due to the poor overall performance of the Charles Stanley portfolio and the markets behind it. Millbrooke Enterprises were renting a shop for the trade of Dress for Less and Trustees, after much deliberation, decided to purchase this unit.
Charity Commission permission was sought for the purchase and the implementation of the lease at Market Value. The lease has been written so that. should the trade of Dress for Less not succeed once a full year has passed, then the unit can be rented out to another tenant at a higher rate of return than if the money had been left in the portfolio.
Expenditure is higher due to the Wight Sense contract, all of which were covered by the income received. The costs on the Wight Sense contract came in on budget as agreed with the Isle of Wight Council, including contribution to the core costs of the Charity, such as heat, light, power and administrative support.
Page **47** of **76**
## **Total Funds and Reserves**
The total movement in funds and the net reserves of the Charity is £(97,056). The charity’s summary of reserves, including future plans can be summarised as follows:
|**Total Funds per Accounts**|735,532|
|---|---|
|Less Restricted Funds|-|
|Fixed Assets|-493,235|
|General Funds|**242,297**|
|**Designated Funds**||
|Millbrooke House maintenance|-30,000|
|Hello Everyone QR Codes|-26,000|
|Renovation of purchased Retail unit|-20,000|
|2020 Education Outreach Program|-12,000|
|**Free reserves**|**£154,297**|
Fixed assets are tied up in Millbrooke House, 57 Pyle Street and equipment that we need to deliver our services and activities. Funds are designated to ensure that there is adequate contingency in respect of both Millbrooke House and 57 Pyle Street maintenance. £154,297 equates to seven months working-capital based on the new year’s budget.
The Charity utilised legacies received during the year to 2022/2023 to fund Charitable activities in the year.
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The Restricted Funds relate to the activities that the donors have specified. The Trustees have set aside the free reserves necessary for day-to-day working capital and to cover potential identifiable financial risks in accordance with the Charity Commission’s recommendations and guidance.
## **Investment Policy**
The performance of the investment portfolio is regularly reviewed by the Trustees and during the year lost value in the volatile markets. The Trustees have confirmed to the investment manager their inexperience in financial markets and therefore given discretion to manage the portfolio within an agreed risk profile. The investment manager submits quarterly progress reports and performance is reviewed accordingly.
It holds designated funds not immediately required, in the expectation of providing a better return than that available from bank or savings accounts. The objective is to produce a balance between capital growth and income. Within the policy remit, the Isle of Wight Society for the Blind has imposed an ethical restriction not to directly invest in any company if a major part of their business could adversely affect visual impairment.
The market value of the portfolio as of 31 March 2023 was £150,995 (2022: £224,821). This takes account of £50,000 withdrawal from the fund to aid the purchase of 57 Pyle Street.
## **PENSION FUND**
The Charity runs its own NEST pension scheme for current employees for which all contributions are up-to-date and paid.
**Lisa Hollyhead - CEO**
Page **49** of **76**
## **Our Trading Company Millbrooke Enterprises CIC**
Millbrooke Enterprises CIC, established in 2015, currently generates revenue from Dress for Less, our charity boutique dress agency from St James Street, Newport with a planned move to the new premises, 57 Pyle Street, by June 2023.
The first full year of trading returned after COVID restrictions were finally lifted. The shop sells pre-loved immaculate ladies clothing and accessories by taking in items to sell on client’s behalf on a 50/50 basis. All items are inspected for their style, quality and condition before being put out for sale ensuring every customer receives a perfect garment.
Outside of direct Shop sales, Facebook and eBay are used with the former growing hugely in popularity with 1,200 followers by the year end.
The Trustees are very aware that any retail business must now have an online presence to survive, and this is being worked on for future plans. This year has also seen a rise in donated items from customers which has seen a steady increase in excess income over costs.
**Future Plans -** The future of the shop is continuously analysed as it exists entirely to support the Charity and must do just that; produce a worthwhile income. This said, it also acts as window into the charity, supports its own volunteers and provides an outlet for some of the handmade goods produced for the Charity.
Page **50** of **76**
During the year we managed to not only retain the majority of volunteers but also increase a further two into the team. Without our volunteers the agency would not be possible; a very sincere thank you to everyone, not only for giving up their time but for tirelessly spreading the word and letting everyone know where they could find us.
Millbrooke Enterprises CIC, again, generated an excess of income over expenditure during the financial year ended 31 March 2023 noting that all salary costs of the Retail Manager, employed by Sight for Wight, undertaking work on behalf of Dress for Less are recovered. For the year 31.03.2023 £10,310 was donated to the Charity. (2022 £13,212)
Full accounts for the Millbrooke Enterprises CIC, Company Number 10017281, are separately reported.
**Debbie Durbridge Retail Manager**
Page **51** of **76**
## **Structure, Governance and Management**
**OUR TRUSTEES, ADVISORS AND MANAGEMENT** Our Board of eight trustees is made up as follows:
## **Registered Office**
Millbrooke House, 137 Carisbrooke Road, Newport, PO30 1DD **Company / Charity registration number** 6240404 / 1149415 **Accountants and Independent Examiner - Morris Crocker** Station House, 50 North Street, Havant, Hants PO9 1QU **Bankers - Co-operative Bank PLC** PO Box 101, 1 Bolton Street, Manchester, M60 4EP **Investment Managers - Charles Stanley and Co. Ltd** Vadatech House, Hounsdown Business Park Southampton SO40 9LR **Our Chief Executive Officer -** Lisa Hollyhead F.C.A. BA(Hons)
Page **52** of **76**
## **OUR GOVERNANCE**
**The Charity’s objects** (“the Objects”) are the support of (i) blind and partially sighted persons and (ii) persons with other sensory loss, resident in the Isle of Wight in such ways as the Directors from time to time think fit and in particular but without prejudice to the generality of the foregoing in the following ways:
(a) the provision of facilities for education, recreation, training and employment;
(b) the promotion of the wellbeing of such persons including the financial assistance of those in need;
(c) in promoting the awareness of the needs of such persons amongst the general public.
The Isle of Wight Society for the Blind is a registered charity and a company limited by guarantee, not having a share capital and governed by its Memorandum and Articles of Association. The liability of each Guarantor Member in the event of winding up is limited to £10. The Trustees are Guarantor Members of the Charity, but this entitles them only to voting rights. The Trustees have no legal beneficial interest in the Charity. It is registered as a charity with the Charity Commission.
The Directors of the charitable company are its Trustees for the purposes of charity law and throughout this report are collectively referred to as the Trustees. New Trustees are recruited through an open recruitment process, against a role description / skills matrix to ensure they have the skills to undertake their role and during the year Linda Wright and Tony Spalding were appointed as Trustees at the AGM on 6[th] December 2022. Further during the year Christina Conroy resigned as a Trustee effective 30[th] March 2023.
Page **53** of **76**
Trustees nominate the Chair as set out in the merged Memorandum and Articles of Association. Trustees have the power to co-opt further members to fill specialist roles or to appoint to fill vacancies that occur between Annual General Meetings.
Trustees are appointed for three years and may stand for re-election by all Guarantor Members at the Annual General Meeting and serve for a further three years before seeking re-election. The Board of Trustees must number at least seven and is not subject to any maximum.
Between April 2022 and March 2023, it met formally eight in addition to the AGM held in December 2022. All meetings were quorate. There is a sub-committee for human resource that meets as required, but at least annually to review the pay policy for staff.
## **Trustee Induction and Training**
New Trustees have an induction programme to ensure familiarity with The Isle of Wight Society for the Blind’s services and policies. This includes a briefing on their legal obligations under Charity and Company Law; Charity Commission Guidance on governance and the content of Sight for Wight’s Memorandum and merged Articles of Association. Induction also offers the opportunity to meet key employees, explore committee and decision-making processes and review the strategic plan and financial performance of the Charity.
Trustees are offered opportunities to enable them to develop in their governance role through internal and external training events. An Annual Skills audit review is undertaken and Trustee personal qualities review, and vacant Trustees positions are then recruited for.
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The Board of Trustees complete an annual review of the CEO along with the Chair. Pre-written questions are used to ensure all human resources, strategic and tactical points are covered.
## **Delegation**
The Trustees delegate the day-to-day management, the development of strategy and overall leadership of the Charity to the CEO. To facilitate effective operations, the Chief Executive Officer has delegated authority, within the terms approved by the Trustees, for operational matters including finance and employment.
## **Related Parties**
None of the Trustees receive remuneration or other benefit from their work with the Charity. They give their time freely. Any connection between Trustee or senior personnel of the Charity and a related party must be disclosed to the full Board of Trustees. In the current year, no such related party transactions were reported. Conflicts of interest are monitored through a record of interests and declarations at each Trustee meeting.
## **Principle Risks**
The Trustees reviewed the major risks to which the Charity is exposed. A wider risk register was established in August 2017 and is reviewed annually in August and, where appropriate, systems and procedures have been established to mitigate the risks the Charity faces.
The risk management process itself is periodically reviewed to ensure it continues to meet the needs of the Charity. Risks are minimised by the implementation of internal controls with procedures for authorisation of all transactions and projects. External risks to the anticipated decline in donations received through legacies have led to the plans to diversify income generation.
Page **55** of **76**
**Diversity of the Board** Having a range of perspectives and living experiences on the board, helps the board to remain innovative, relatable and agile to adapt to changing environments. A diverse board contains a broader mix of skills, knowledge and experience which should give it greater flexibility to overcome challenges. With the board, having already committed to building inclusive cultures and practices, follows these stated Equality, Inclusion and Diversity principles.
- Developing trust and respect, when there's a opinion difference.
- • Prioritise active listening.
- Chair completes and takes time during onboarding and completes annual reviews with each Trustee.
- Regular reviews of skills and diversity on our board. This does involve monitoring protected characteristics, such as age, gender and ethnicity as well as other characteristics such as living with experience for example.
- Being accountable for performance against Budgets, Strategy and other performance goals.
During the annual review of our Governance, it was decided to add for 2024 a review of our Chair by all Trustees.
This year saw the retirement of a longstanding Trustee, Paul Rutherford and the Chair wishes to express her sincere thanks to him for his decade of service to the Charity. Further, our Chair celebrated a milestone birthday, and a party was held in her honour.
The Trustees thank every supporter, volunteer, staff member and every person involved in the Charity, leading the Isle of Wight’s oldest Charity is nothing less than a privilege.
**Chairman Sue Bungey**
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## **INDEPENDENT EXAMINER’S REPORT**
## **TO THE TRUSTEES OF ISLE OF WIGHT SOCIETY FOR THE BLIND FOR THE YEAR ENDED 31 MARCH 2023**
I report to the Charity Trustees on my examination of the accounts of the company for the year ended 31 March 2023 which are set out on pages 47 to 63.
## **Responsibilities and Basis of Report**
As the Charity 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 company’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 matters have come to my attention in connection with the examination giving me cause to believe that in any material respect:
1. accounting records were not kept in respect of the Company as required by section 386 of the 2006 Act; or
2. the accounts do not accord with those records; or
Page **57** of **76**
3. the accounts 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 accounts 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.
**Paul Underwood – Director** Dated: 14[th] December 2023 For and on behalf of Morris Crocker, Station House, 50 North Street, Havant, PO9 1QU
Page **58** of **76**
## **STATEMENT OF FINANCIAL ACTIVITIES INCORPORATING INCOME AND EXPENDITURE ACCOUNT FOR THE YEAR ENDED 31 MARCH 2023**
|**Income and endowments from:**
Incoming resources from generated funds
Voluntary income
2
Activities for generating funds
Fundraising Income
3
Income from charitable activities
6
Investment income
5
**Total Income**
**Expenditure on:**
Costs of generating funds
Fundraising costs
7
Charitable Activities
8
**Total expenditure**
**Net income/(expenditure)**
**Other recognised gains/(losses)**
Gains/(losses) on investment assets
**Net movement in funds**
18
Total funds brought forward at 1 April 2022
Total funds carried forward at 31 March 2023|**Year to 31 March**
**2023**
**£**
26,571
16,075
212,288
8,735
263,669
49,641
289,435
339,076
(75,407)
(21,649)
**(97,056)**
832,588
735,532|**Year to 31**
**March 2022**
**£**
150,434
12,128
32,443
7,280|
|---|---|---|
|||202,285|
|||49,424
132,694|
|||182,118|
|||20,167
9,063|
|||**29,230**|
|||803,358|
|||832,588|
The notes on pages 62 to 75 part of these accounts
Page **59** of **76**
## **BALANCE SHEET AS AT 31 MARCH 2023**
For the finanical year in question, the company was entitled to exemption under Section 477 of the Companies Act 2006 relating to small companies. No members have required the company to obtain an audit of its accounts for the year in question in accordance with Section 476 of the Companies Act 2006.
|**Notes**
**Fixed assets**
Tangible asset
13
Fixed asset investments
14
Investments
15
**Current assets**
Stock
Debtors
16
Cash at bank and in hand
**Current liabilities**
Amount falling due in less than one year
17
**Net current assets**
**Total assets less current Liabilities**
**Net Assets**
**Charity funds**
**Unrestricted**
General funds
18
Designated funds
18
**Total Unrestricted funds**
Restricted funds
19
**Total Funds**|**31 March 2023**
**£**
493,235
150,995
1
**644,231**
1,425
32,557
74,881
**108,863**
(17,562)
**91,301**
**735,532**
**735,532**
647,532
88,000
735,532
-
**735,532**|**31 March 2022**
**£**
358,408
224,821
1|
|---|---|---|
|||583,230|
|||1,804
54,980
199,222|
|||**256,006**
(6,648)|
|||**249,358**
**832,588**
**832,588**|
|||707,588
125,000|
|||832,588
-|
|||**832,588**|
Page **60** of **76**
## **BALANCE SHEET (CONTINUED) AS AT 31 MARCH 2023**
The company is entitled to exemption from audit under Section 477 of the Companies Act 2006 for the year ended 31 March 2023.
The members have not required the company to obtain an audit of its financial statements for the year ended 31 March 2023 in accordance with Section 476 of the Companies Act 2006.
The Trustees acknowledge their responsibilities for:
- (a) ensuring that the company keeps accounting records which comply with Sections 386 and 387 of the Companies Act 2006 and,
- (b) preparing financial statements which give a true and fair view of the state of affairs of the company as at the end of each financial year and of its profit and loss for each financial year in accordance with the requirements of Sections 394 and 395, and which otherwise comply with the requirements of the Companies Act 2006 relating to financial statements, so far as applicable to company.
Approved by the Board of Trustees on 15[TH] December 2023 and signed on its behalf by:
…………………………………………..
Sue Bungey (Chairman)
The notes on pages 62 to 75 part of these accounts
Page **61** of **76**
## **NOTES FORMING PART OF THE FINANCIAL STATEMENTS FOR THE YEAR ENDED 31 MARCH 2023**
## **1. Summary of significant accounting policies**
## **(a) General information and basis of preparation**
Isle of Wight Society for the Blind is a charitable company limited by guarantee registered in England. In the event of the charity being wound up, the liability in respect of the guarantee is limited to £10 per member of the charity. The address of the registered office is given in the charity information on page 52 of these financial statements. The nature of the charity’s operations and principal activities are described on page 53.
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 UK and Republic of Ireland (FRS 102) issued in October 2019, the Financial Reporting Standard applicable in the United Kingdom and Republic of Ireland (FRS 102), the Charities Act 2011, the Companies Act 2006 and UK Generally Accepted Practice as it applies from 1 January 2019.
The financial statements are prepared on a going concern basis under the historical cost convention, modified to include certain items at fair value. The financial statements are prepared in sterling which is the functional currency of the Charity and rounded to the nearest £1.
The charity also manages the assets held within an unincorporated charity (registered number 1149415), the assets of which were the subject of a scheme of management by the Charity Commission. The assets of that charity were amalgamated in 2013 with the assets of this Charitable company, and are reported as one entity in these accounts.
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.
## **(b) Funds**
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.
Page **62** of **76**
## **NOTES FORMING PART OF THE FINANCIAL STATEMENTS (Continued) FOR THE YEAR ENDED 31 MARCH 2023**
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.
## **(c) 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.
Donated facilities and donated professional services are recognised in income at their fair value when their economic benefit is probable; it can be measured reliably, and the Charity has control over the item. Fair value is determined on the basis of the value of the gift to the Charity. For example, the amount the Charity would be willing to pay in the open market for such facilities and services. A corresponding amount is recognised in expenditure.
No amount is included in the financial statements for volunteer time in line with the SORP (FRS 102). Further detail is given in the Trustees’ Annual Report.
Where practicable, gifts in kind donated for distribution to the beneficiaries of the Charity are included in stock and donations in the financial statements upon receipt. If it is impracticable to assess the fair value at receipt or if the costs to undertake such a valuation outweigh any benefits, then the fair value is recognised as a component of donations when it is distributed, and an equivalent amount recognised as charitable expenditure.
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.
Income from trading activities includes income earned from fundraising events and trading activities to raise funds for the charity. Income is received in exchange for supplying goods and services in order to raise funds and is recognised when entitlement has occurred.
Page **63** of **76**
## **NOTES FORMING PART OF THE FINANCIAL STATEMENTS (Continued) FOR THE YEAR ENDED 31 MARCH 2023**
Income from grants is recognised at fair value when the charity has entitlement after any performance conditions have been met; it is probable that the income will be received, and the amount can be measured reliably. If entitlement is not met, then these amounts are deferred.
Investment income is earned through holding assets for investment purposes such as shares and property. It includes dividends, interest and rent. Where it is not practicable to identify investment management costs incurred within a scheme with reasonable accuracy the investment income is reported net of these costs. It is included when the amount can be measured reliably. Interest income is recognised using the effective interest method and dividend and rent income is recognised as the charity’s right to receive payment is established.
Other income includes the conversion of endowment funds into income which arises when capital funds are released to an income fund from expendable endowments or when a charity has authority to adopt a total return approach to its permanent endowment fund. It also includes other income such as gains on disposals of tangible fixed assets.
Fundraising costs are those incurred in seeking voluntary contributions and do not include the costs of disseminating information in support of the charitable activities.
## **d) 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. It is categorised under the following headings:
- Costs of raising funds includes events;
- Expenditure on charitable activities includes lettings and functions, car parking, grounds costs, house preservation, and grants; and
- Other expenditure represents those items not falling into the categories above.
Irrecoverable VAT is charged as an expense against the activity for which expenditure arose.
## **(e) Support costs allocation**
Support costs are those that assist the work of the Charity but do not directly represent charitable activities and include office costs, governance costs, administrative payroll costs. They are incurred directly in support of expenditure on the objects of the charity and include project management.
Page **64** of **76**
## **NOTES FORMING PART OF THE FINANCIAL STATEMENTS (Continued) FOR THE YEAR ENDED 31 MARCH 2023**
carried out at Headquarters. Where support costs cannot be directly attributed to particular headings, they have been allocated to cost of raising funds and expenditure on charitable activities on a basis consistent with use of the resources. Premises and other overheads have been allocated in a similar basis.
Fundraising costs are those incurred in seeking voluntary contributions and do not include the costs of disseminating information in support of the charitable activities.
The analysis of these costs is included in note 9 to these accounts.
## **(f) Tangible fixed assets**
Tangible fixed assets are stated at cost (or deemed cost) or valuation less accumulated depreciation and accumulated impairment losses. Cost includes costs directly attributable to making the asset capable of operating as intended.
Depreciation is provided on all tangible fixed assets, at rates calculated to write off the cost, less estimated residual value, of each asset on a systematic basis over its expected useful life as follows:
|Freehold property|2% straight line|
|---|---|
|Fixtures and Fittings|10%, 15% and 25% reducing balance|
|Motor vehicles|25% reducing balance|
The Charity's assets consist of land and property originally conveyed by gift to the Local Authority in 1929 and were passed to this charity by a scheme of management. The Grounds are managed in permanent endowment, and these assets are held at nil cost.
## **g) Investment properties**
Investment properties for which fair value can be measured reliably without undue cost or effort are measured at fair value at each reporting date with changes in fair value recognised in ‘net gains / (losses) on investments’ in the SoFA. The Lodge property is held with a view to being relet at market rent, and is included at market value with no amortisation.
## **(h) Investments**
Investments are recognised initially at fair value which is normally the transaction price excluding transaction costs. Subsequently, they are measured at fair value with changes recognised in ‘net gains / (losses) on investments’ in the SoFA if the shares are publicly traded or their fair value can otherwise be measured reliably. Other investments are measured at cost less impairment.
Page **65** of **76**
## **NOTES FORMING PART OF THE FINANCIAL STATEMENTS (Continued) FOR THE YEAR ENDED 31 MARCH 2023**
Current asset investments are short-term highly liquid investments and are held at fair value. These include cash on deposit and cash equivalents with a maturity of less than one year.
## **(i) Debtors and creditors receivable / payable within one year**
Debtors and creditors with no stated interest rate and receivable or payable within one year are recorded at transaction price. Any losses arising from impairment are recognised in expenditure.
## **(j) Impairment**
Assets not measured at fair value are reviewed for any indication that the asset may be impaired at each balance sheet date. If such indication exists, the recoverable amount of the asset, or the asset’s cash generating unit, is estimated and compared to the carrying amount. Where the carrying amount exceeds its recoverable amount, an impairment loss is recognised in profit or loss unless the asset is carried at a revalued amount where the impairment loss is a revaluation decrease.
## **(k) Employee benefits**
When employees have rendered service to the Charity, short-term employee benefits to which the employees are entitled are recognised at the undiscounted amount expected to be paid in exchange for that service.
The Charity operates a defined contribution plan for the benefit of its employees. Contributions are expensed as they become payable.
## **(l) Tax**
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
## **(m) Going concern**
The Trustees have considered the level of funds held and the expected level of income and expenditure for 12 months from authorising these financial statements. The Trustees have also considered the impact of Covid-19 on income forecasts for 2022 and 2023 and its effect on the Charity’s activities. With the stated free reserves at the year-end of £154,297 (2022 - £187,717), and the support of programmes to mitigate the financial effects of the pandemic, the Charity’s forecasts and budgets have been amended. The Trustees are confident that it remains appropriate to prepare financial statements on a going concern basis.
Page **66** of **76**
## **NOTES FORMING PART OF THE FINANCIAL STATEMENTS (Continued) FOR THE YEAR ENDED 31 MARCH 2023**
## **(n) Cash flow statement**
The Company has taken advantage of the exemption in Financial Reporting Standard No. 1 from producing a cash flow statement.
## **(o) Trading subsidiary**
The accounts are not consolidated but a summary of the trading company figures are shown in note 4.
## **2. Donations and legacies**
|**Donations and legacies**|||
|---|---|---|
||**Total**|**Total**|
||**Funds**|**Funds**|
||**Year to**|**Year to**|
||**31 March**|**31 March**|
||**2023**|**2022**|
||**£**|**£**|
|Gifts and donations|9,116|6,217|
|Legacies (see below)|5,000|129,676|
|Collecting boxes|2,145|1.329|
|Donation from trading subsidiary|10,310|13,212|
||26,571|150,434|
||======|======|
Of the comparative figure £150,434, £10,000 was restricted income. **Legacies received included in the above, are as follows:**
|**Donor**|**2023**|**2022**|
|---|---|---|
|Mr Lane|5,000||
|Mrs E D L Arendorffe||2,201|
|Douglas Henry Jones||120,166|
|Legacey||2,096|
|Phyllis Wright||2,190|
|Roy Joliffe||2,023|
|Betty Rayner||500|
|Sylvia Damant||500|
||**£5,000**|**£129,676**|
Page **67** of **76**
## **NOTES FORMING PART OF THE FINANCIAL STATEMENTS (Continued) FOR THE YEAR ENDED 31 MARCH 2023**
|||**Year to**|**Year to**|
|---|---|---|---|
|||**31/03/2023**|**31/03/2022**|
|||**£**|**£**|
|**3.**|**Fundraising income**|||
||Fundraising events|4,360|4,907|
||Room hire|1,930|710|
||Other|9,785|6,511|
|||**£16,075**|**£12,128**|
|||=====|=====|
## **4. Subsidiary Trading Company**
The Charity also has a trading subsidiary company, which is itself limited by guarantee, but which operates functions within the House for the Charity. The accounts are not consolidated, but reflect the monies due from the profits of the Trading Company. A summary of the trading results of the Company is set out below:
|Company is set out below:|||
|---|---|---|
||**Year to**|**Year to**|
||**31/03/2023**|**31/03/2022**|
|**Summary Profit and loss**|**£**|**£**|
|Gross Income|48,612|44,406|
|Costs|(38,302)|(31,194)|
|Profit|10,310|13,212|
||======|======|
|**Summary of Reserves**|||
|Accumulated of reserves|1|1|
|Profit for the year|10,310|13,212|
|Donated surplus to the charity|(10,310)|(13,212)|
|Accumulated profits Carried forward|1|1|
|**Net assets**|1|1|
||======|======|
Page **68** of **76**
## **NOTES FORMING PART OF THE FINANCIAL STATEMENTS (Continued) FOR THE YEAR ENDED 31 MARCH 2023**
|**5. Investment income**
Income from listed investments
**6. Income from Charitable Activities**
Income from brailing
Sensory Support Rehabilitation
Income from aids and equipment
Income from activities
**7.**
**Fundraising costs**
Investment management costs
Fudraising event costs
Saff cost
Allocation of support costs|**Total**
**Total**
**Funds**
**Funds**
**31/03/2023 31/03/2022**
**£**
**£**
8,735
7,280
=====
=====
**Total**
**Total**
**funds**
**funds**
**31/03/2023 31/03/2022**
**£**
**£**
1,388
820
194,600
-
2,500
603
13,800
31,020
212,288
32,443
=======
======
**Total**
**Total**
**Funds**
**Funds**
**Year to**
**Year to**
**31/03/2023 31/03/2022**
**£**
**£**
2,216
2,126
1,722
2,266
24,748
24,936
20,955
20,096
49,641
49,424
=====
=====|
|---|---|
Page **69** of **76**
## **NOTES FORMING PART OF THE FINANCIAL STATEMENTS (Continued) FOR THE YEAR ENDED 31 MARCH 2023**
## **8. Charitable activities costs**
||**Total**|**Total**|
|---|---|---|
||**Funds**|**Funds**|
||**Year to**|**Year to**|
||**31/03/2023**|**31/03/2022**|
||**£**|**£**|
|Charitable activities costs|50,922|22,144|
|Staff cost|189,619|63,660|
|Allocation of support costs|48,894|46,890|
||289,435|132,694|
||======|======|
## Of the comparative total, £400 was in respect of restricted activity expenditure.
**9. Support and Governance costs**
||**Year to**|**Year to**|
|---|---|---|
||**31/03/2023**|**31/03/2022**|
||**£**|**£**|
|Staff costs|16,454|28,942|
|Premises|11,282|6,120|
|Insurance|4,676|3,282|
|Management and professional support|24,211|14,556|
|Depreciation|11,366|12,284|
||67,989|65,184|
|**Governance:**|||
|Independent examiners remuneration|1,800|1,800|
|Accountancy and support|60|0|
||69,849|66,984|
||=====|=====|
|**Allocation of Support and Governance costs:**|||
|Fundraising costs|20,955|20,095|
|Charitable activities cost|48,894|46,889|
||69,849|66,984|
||=====|=====|
Page **70** of **76**
## **NOTES FORMING PART OF THE FINANCIAL STATEMENTS (Continued) FOR THE YEAR ENDED 31 MARCH 2023**
The allocation of support and governance costs are pro-rata based on the expenditure of each cost heading to the overall expenditure in the year. Non support staff costs have been allocated directly, and as a result the comparative has been amended for comparability.
## **10. Net incoming/(outgoing) resources**
Net resources are stated after charging/(crediting):
||**Year to**|**Year to**|
|---|---|---|
||**31/03/2023**|**31/03/2022**|
||**£**|**£**|
|Independent examiners fee|1,800|1,800|
|Depreciation – owned assets|11,366|12,284|
||=====|=====|
## **11. Trustees’ remuneration, benefits and expenses**
There were no trustees that received any remuneration for their services and expenses were reimbursed during the year of £Nil (2022 - £Nil)
## **12. Staff costs**
|**12. Staff costs**|||
|---|---|---|
||**Year to**|**Year to**|
||**31/03/2023**|**31/03/2022**|
||**£**|**£**|
|Wages and salaries|235,402|139,407|
|Employers pension costs|3,470|1,900|
|Social security costs|11,944|9,129|
||250,816|150,436|
||=====|=====|
|The average monthly number of employees during the year was:|||
|Total individuals employed by the charity|15|11|
|Full time equivelant staff|9.4|6.3|
No employees received emoluments in excess of £60,000.
Page **71** of **76**
## **NOTES FORMING PART OF THE FINANCIAL STATEMENTS (Continued) FOR THE YEAR ENDED 31 MARCH 2023**
## **13. Tangible fixed assets**
|Cost at 1 April 2022
Additions
As at 31 March 2023
Depreciation at 1 April 2022
Charge for the period
At 31 March 2023
Net Book Value at 31 March 2023
Net Book Value at 31 March 2022|**Freehold**
**Property**
**£**
400,000
146,138
546,138
======
57,021
_8,000
65,021
======
481,117
======
342,979
======|**Fixtures &**
**Fittings**
**£**
144,258
-
144,258
======
138,259
_953
139,212
======
5,046
======
5,999
======|**Motor**
**Vehicle**
**£**
19,133
19,133
======
9,703
___2,358
12,061
======
7,072
======
9,430
======|**Total**
**£**
563,391
146,138
709,529
======
204,983
11,311
216,294
======
493,235
======
358,408
======|
|---|---|---|---|---|
The original cost of the premises was £572,293 and has been subject to impairments to current market value in 2012 and 2015.
## **14. Fixed asset investments**
|**Fixed asset investments**|||
|---|---|---|
||**2023**|**2022**|
||**£**|**£**|
|Market value at 1 April 2022|217,167|201,777|
|Additions|24,156|13,737|
|Disposals|(90,557)|(7,409)|
|Change in value of investments|(21,667)|9,063|
|Market value investments at 31 March 2023|129,099|217,168|
|Cash funds, held by investment managers|21,896|7,653|
|**Total investment portfolio**|150,995|224,821|
||======|======|
Page **72** of **76**
## **NOTES FORMING PART OF THE FINANCIAL STATEMENTS (Continued) FOR THE YEAR ENDED 31 MARCH 2023**
The following individual investments outlined above represent more than 5% of the portfolio’s total market value:
|market value:|||
|---|---|---|
||**2023**|**2022**|
|Schroder Unit trust|9.76%|6.10%|
|Black Rock Fund managers Ltd|7.06%|7.23%|
|Artemis fund managers|12.08%|7.51%|
|Temple Bar investment Trust|8.95%|5.14%|
|Bankers Investment Trust|7.82%|7.25%|
|M&G securities Limited|0.0%|7.26%|
|RIT Capital partners|7.440%|5.67%|
|HICL infrastructure Plc|0.0%|4.75%|
|Ninetyone fund manager UK Ltd|0.0%|7.41%|
|Rathbone Ethical Bond Fund|6.39%|0.00%|
## **15. Investments**
|**Investments**|||
|---|---|---|
||**31/03/2023**|**31/03/2022**|
||**£**|**£**|
|Investment in subsidiary company|1|1|
||**==**|**==**|
The Charity owns the entire issued share capital consisting of 1 ordinary share of £1 of the trading subsidiary, Millbrooke Enterprise CIC. Millbrooke Enterprises CIC was incorporated on 20 February 2016 and trades in support of the Isle of Wight Society for the Blind.
## **16. Debtors: amounts falling due within one year**
|**Debtors: amounts falling due within one year**|||
|---|---|---|
||**31/03/2023**|**31/03/2022**|
||**£**|**£**|
|Trade debtors|7,894|-|
|Amounts owing from trading subsidiary company|21,803|47,748|
|Other debtors and prepayments|2,860|7,232|
||32,557|54,980|
||=====|=====|
|**Creditors: amounts falling due within one year**|||
||**31/03/2023**|**31/03/2022**|
||**£**|**£**|
|Trade creditors|3,220|2,908|
|Taxation and social security|12,542|1,940|
|Other creditors and accruals|1,800|1,800|
||17,562|6,648|
||=====|=====|
## **17. Creditors: amounts falling due within one year**
Page **73** of **76**
## **NOTES FORMING PART OF THE FINANCIAL STATEMENTS (Continued) FOR THE YEAR ENDED 31 MARCH 2023**
## **18. Movement in funds**
|**Unrestricted funds**
**Designated funds:**
Maintenance (Millbrooke House)
Retail Unit
**Aspirational designated funds for**
Hello Everyone QR code
2020 education programme
**Total designated funds**
General unrestricted funds
**Total Funds**|**At**
**01/04/2022**
**£**
£50,000
£170,000
£27,000
£24,000
£271,000
£561,588
£832,588|**Net**
**movement**
**in funds**
**£**
-
-
-
-
-
£(97,056)
£(97,056)|**Transfers**
**between**
**funds**
**£**
£(20,000)
£(150,000)
£(1,000)
£(12,000)
£(183,000)
£183,000
-|**At**
**31/03/2023**
**£**
£30,000
£20,000
£26,000
£12,000|
|---|---|---|---|---|
|||||£88,000
£647,532
£735,532|
Restricted funds are provided by way of donations to assist with funding of equipment to assist the visually impaired.
## **19. Related party transactions**
The charity is under the control of the Trustees. During the year the Charity’s held a working capital loan with the trading company with expenses paid by the Charity for and on behalf of the trading company of £26,771 (2022 £34,536). Millbrooke Enterprises CIC made a distribution in the period to the parent charity of £10,310 (2022: £13,212), and the balance outstanding at the year end was £21,803 (2022: £47,748.)
There were no other related party transactions.
Page **74** of **76**
## **NOTES FORMING PART OF THE FINANCIAL STATEMENTS (Continued) FOR THE YEAR ENDED 31 MARCH 2023**
## **20. Comparative Statement of Financial Activities**
In line with the Charity Commission’s Statement of Recommended Practice, presented below is the full comparative Statement of Financial Activities.
||**Total Funds**|
|---|---|
||**31 03 2022**|
||**£**|
|**Income and endowments from:**||
|Incoming resources from generated funds||
|Voluntary income|150,434|
|Activities for generating funds||
|Fundraising Income|12,128|
|Income from charitable activities|32,443|
|Investment income|7,280|
|**Total income**|202,285|
||**======**|
|**Expenditure on:**||
|Fundraising costs|49,424|
|Charitable activities|132,694|
|**Total expenditure**|182,118|
||**======**|
|Net income/(expenditure)|20,167|
|**Other recognised gains/(losses)**||
|Gains/(losses) on investment assets|9,063|
|**Net movement in funds**|**29,230**|
|**Reconciliation of Funds**||
|Total funds brought forward at 1 April 2022|803,358|
||======|
|**Total funds carried forward 31 March 2023**|832,588|
||======|
Page **75** of **76**
## **WIGHT SENSE**
01983 240222 -info@wightsense.org.uk
**SIGHT FOR WIGHT** 01983 522205 - enquiries@iwsb.org.uk ~~Millbrooke House~~
137 Carisbrooke Road
Website: www.sightforwight.org.uk
Facebook: www.facebook.com/sight4wight/
**DRESS FOR LESS** 01983 523197 - retail@iwsb.org.uk 114 St James Street
Newport Isle of Wight PO30 5HB
Facebook: search for Dress for Less Group
Page **76** of **76**