Annual Report 2023/24
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Coquet Shorebase Trust Ltd
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Annual Report for year ending 31 [st] Jan 2025
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Management Committee (Trustees)
James Gibson (Chair) Liz Lowder (Vice Chair) Linda Pooley (Hon. Secretary) Vic Brown (Hon. Treasurer) Sue Belshaw Stephen Gibson Aaron Hobb Trevor Hobb Richard Sill Ian Ridley Chris Robinson Rebecca Walker
Company Secretary
Linda Pooley
Registered Office: Coquet Shorebase, The Braid, Amble NE65 0WU
Coquet Shorebase Trust Limited. Annual Report 2024 – 2025
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Registered Company no: 06577073 Registered Charity no: 1150215 Auditor : Shona Walker CIPFA Windscarth, Hillside, Rothbury NE65 7PT Solicitor : Richard Twyford O’Neill Richmond Law Firm Ltd 25A Bridge Street Morpeth NE61 1PE
Coquet Shorebase Trust Ltd is a not-for-profit Charitable Company limited by Guarantee.
Aims and Objectives
Our aims are to provide affordable watersports activities and training for the local community, to encourage people to get afloat safely, to learn new skills and make friends in a supportive environment. Getting involved in these activities can change lives in so many ways. We welcome people of all ages and abilities and help them to participate at their own level of enjoyment.
A key objective for this year was to source funding to deliver free/ low-cost sessions to local community groups or charities.
Chairman’s Report
We raise money to support our aims and objectives through grants and income from affordable activities such as equipment hires, river tours and training courses.
This year has been quite challenging for raising funds, as last summer’s poor weather conditions meant income was down from past years, but we still are achieving our goals.
Despite the drop in income, we still remain in a good financial position. We plan recruiting more part-time staff for the summer season, and staff training will be a priority in the spring.
We retired our old van and replaced it with a people carrier, which is more flexible for general use.
Wee replaced our old van with a people carrier which gives us more flexibility.
Grant applications continue to be submitted to various authorities, bearing fruit in getting even more people on the water.
Our marketing sub-committee are busy looking at new ideas, the finance committee maintain a financial balance, and we benefit from Pro Bono legal advice through contacts of Aaron Hobb.
Our affiliated clubs help us to deliver the objectives of delivering affordable access to regular watersport activities.
The Canoe Club thrives with extensive use of both the lake and the Braid facilities. There are regular Sunday kayak sessions at the Braid as well as trips on both sea and rivers.
Coquet Shorebase Trust Limited. Annual Report 2024 – 2025
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The club has taken part in trips to the Greek Islands, Catalonia, the Western Islands of Scotland with more upcoming trips to the Summer Isles, and camping trips to the Scottish Borders, Loch Lomond and the great glen. I fact as I write, there is a group paddling in Catalonia.
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The Sailing Club continues to do well, but it is with a heavy heart that I have to report the sad loss of Peter White, who was both an active member of the Canoe Club and a staunch supporter of Andrew in his development of the Sailing Club.
He was always such a cheery, helpful chap and will be sadly missed by all that knew him.
Amble Coastal Rowing Club have been based in our compound and regularly go out training and racing.
Unfortunately, the Windsurfing Club remains rather dormant at the moment but I have every confidence this will change.
I feel confident that the Trust has a bright future thanks to all the work from everyone involved, from each individual on the Trust, to all the staff and volunteers, without your support and commitment we would not be where we are without you, and I thank you all for it.
James Gibson, Chairman
Manager’s Report
Activities and Clubs
Overall activity sessions were marginally up on the previous year despite a relatively poor summer, which led to some cancellations. RYA course delivery increased, primarily due to a rise in powerboat courses, while sailing and windsurfing provision remained stable. Hire takings continued to decline, showing a shortfall of £6,000 compared to the previous season. Hire figures indicate a 30% decrease from last season. Estuary tours maintained similar participation levels, and revenue remained steady.
Overall footfall for the season increased by approximately 28% compared to the previous year. Provision for disability groups significantly improved, with attendance rising from 45 to 155. Total sales income decreased by 2.7%, despite increased participation. This was likely due to the prioritization of funded and discounted group sessions, which aligns with our mission but limited our ability to offer higher-revenue hires and tours due to staff and equipment constraints.
Due to a substantial rise in pool hire costs, winter pool sessions were not feasible, as they would likely have resulted in a financial loss. Tynemouth Sailing Club continued their Frostbite race series at the lake during winter. Only two sessions were cancelled due to adverse weather, with up to 26 dinghies participating over 20 weeks. Support was provided for the Geordieman triathlon event in August, assisting with mark laying, course measurement, and safety cover. However, we no longer supported an earlier triathlon as the organizers were unwilling to cover costs. The Round the Island Kayak Race was successfully held with 32 paddlers participating.
The canoe club remained well-supported, hosting 110 events with 671 attendances from 85 members. The sailing club, run solely under Andrew's leadership, held 46 sessions with 183 attendances from 18 members. Amble Coastal Rowing Club is now established at the Shorebase and has been running sessions and training throughout the year. Coquet Windsurfing Club continues to decline, but still ran the annual Northeast Race event at the lake in June.
Coquet Shorebase Trust Limited. Annual Report 2024 – 2025
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Grants and Funding
Funding from the Ventient Sisters and North Steads Windfarm Community Benefit Fund enabled us to resume free watersports activity sessions for local primary schools (Red Row, Broomhill, Ellington, and Grangeview) in 2024. The Saturday Kids Club was not held this season due to inconsistent attendance in the previous year. Instead, the funding was redirected to support additional sessions for Hadston House Youth Club and Amble Youth Project during school holidays. However, Hadston's attendance was disappointing, as they did not attend all allocated sessions.
Amble Town Council provided a donation towards staff training costs, allowing us to certify two former workexperience students as Paddlesport Instructors to assist during the season. Lottery/Sport England funding enabled us to run weekly sessions over 30 weeks for Vision Northumberland, supporting the visually impaired community. Although greatly appreciated, attendance was lower than expected. A donation from Morrisons through Sported helped purchase a replacement training dinghy, replacing the damaged RS Vision. Our thanks go to all our supporters.
Coquet Shorebase Trust Limited. Annual Report 2024 – 2025
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Staff and Volunteers
Despite early-season recruitment efforts, staffing was again a challenge, particularly for managing large groups, hires, and tours simultaneously. Staffing difficulties were due to competing commitments, including exams, family holidays, and part-time work. Additionally, experienced freelancers were less willing to work with groups of children. The season was managed with relatively inexperienced instructors who required continuous supervision.
Andrew earned his RYA Senior Instructor award at the start of the season, allowing him to supervise sailing sessions independently. Neale Brown joined as a freelance instructor. A retired teacher from Alnwick with extensive paddlesport coaching experience, he was a valuable addition, assisting at short notice when available.
Special recognition goes to volunteers, especially Chris Robinson, who supported Andrew and me with the majority of the Vision Northumberland sessions and enlisted his son Tom as a hire assistant during peak times. Thanks also to canoe club members Hamish, Linda, Sue, and Richard for their contributions to Estuary tours and paddlability sessions.
Manager's Reflections
This past season was both enjoyable and challenging. It was disappointing to finish the year with a small financial loss despite efforts to minimize costs. My primary goal was to secure funding and establish partnerships to enable disadvantaged and local community groups to participate in our activities. While attendance could have been higher, progress was made, and the upcoming season's program is shaping up well.
Looking ahead, I remain committed to expanding accessibility while ensuring financial sustainability. I appreciate the hard work of our staff, volunteers, and supporters, whose contributions make our activities
possible. Tim Stuart
Finance Report
Compared to the previous year, income was broadly the same, with the exception of hires, which were down around £6K, due to a combination of poor weather and staff shortages at weekends. Expenditure was up around £3K, which included includes ~~—-~~ £1.5K for staffing costs, £1K for vehicles and £1K for the contribution to weed clearing at the Lake,
Overall for this year we had a net loss of £20,987 (of. ( which includes £13,327 ~~isf~~ or due to depreciation).
At end of year: Current Assets: £104,900 ( Down from £129,248 in previous year.) This is broadly due to the drop in hire income (£6K) and the purchase of a new vehicle to replace our elderly van (£20K),
We have identified Allocated Reserves (£85K) as follows:
To cover expenses incurred should the Trust wind up the company (eg redundancy payments); £35,000 To cover any need to make unexpected purchases of (for example) safety equipment; £20,000 Other reserves as identified by committee, eg reserves to support salaries of staff should income be less than expenditure. £30,000
Vic Brown, Hon. Treasurer
Coquet Shorebase Trust Limited. Annual Report 2024 – 2025
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Coquet Shorebase Trust Limited Annual Accounts 01/02/2024 to 31/01/2025 Charity no. 1150215 Company no. 6577073 Note 5 Analysis of Income
| Analysis | 2024/25 | 2024/25 | 2024/25 | 2023/24 | |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Unrestricted | Restricted | £ | £ | ||
| Donations, legacies and Grants (Note 8) |
Grants- publicly funded | 1,540 | 1,540 | 3,240 | |
| Grants- private foundations/ charities | 9,135 | - | 9,135 | 7,600 | |
| Membership Affiliation | 600 | - | 600 | 600 | |
| CST/CCC membership | 250 | 250 | 580 | ||
| Other Donations | 900 | - | 900 | 151 | |
| Total | 12,425 | - | 12,425 | 12,171 | |
| Fees for charitable services |
Activity sessions | 45,066 | 45,066 | 44,266 | |
| Fees from associated clubs | 3,812 | 3,812 | 3,169 | ||
| Boat &Equipment hire | 24,992 | 24,992 | 31,050 | ||
| Total | 73,870 | 73,870 | 78,486 | ||
| Sales &Misc | Certificates & logbooks | 12 | 12 | ||
| Premises Hire | 800 | 800 | 842 | ||
| Equipment sales | 2,240 | 2,240 | 600 | ||
| Other | 187 | 187 | 725 | ||
| Total | 3,239 | 3,239 | 2,167 | ||
| Interest and dividends | Interest and dividends Total |
1,888 | 1,888 | 460 | |
| 1,888 | 1,888 | 460 | |||
| TOTAL INCOME | 91,421 | - | 91,421 | 93,284 | |
| Note 6 Analysis of Expenditure | |||||
| 2024/25 | 2023/24 | ||||
| Unrestricted Restricted |
£ | £ | |||
| Wages, salaries, pensions and NI, and staff related costs |
Employee costs | 62701 | - | 62,701 | 59,601 |
| Sessional staff - |
2280 | 2,280 | 1,946 | ||
| Staff Training | 904 | - | 904 | 82 | |
| Total | 65,885 | - | 65,885 | 61,629 | |
| Fees, Affiliation and Insurance |
Affiliation and membership | 323 | - | 323 | 1,122 |
| Harbour and marina fees | 1,690 | - | 1,690 | 1,530 | |
| Pool Hire | 192 | 192 | 592 | ||
| Insurance | 4,560 | - | 4,560 | 4,869 | |
| Invoiced Instructors | 3,340 | 3,340 | 6,123 | ||
| Total | 10,105 | - | 10,105 | 14,236 | |
| Equipment, Repairs and maintenance |
Repairs & maintenance: Boats & other equt | 3,117 | - | 3,117 | 2,985 |
| Vehicle running costs | 3,162 | - | 3,162 | 2,062 | |
| Total | 6,279 | - | 6,279 | 5,046 |
| Premises/ facilities costs | Druridge Bay premises | 2,866 | - | 2,866 | 1,260 |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Amble Braid | 6,693 | - | 6,693 | 6,454 | |
| Total | 9,559 | - | 9,559 | 7,714 | |
| Administration costs | Advertising | 260 | - | 260 | 664 |
| telephone, broadband and computing | 1,518 | - | 1,518 | 1,470 | |
| office | 233 | - | 233 | 179 |
Coquet Shorebase Trust Limited Charity no. 1150215
Annual Accounts 01/02/2024 to 31/01/2025
| Charity no. 1150215 | |||||
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Company no. 6577073 | |||||
| Card payment expenses | 1,482 | 1,482 | 1,006 | ||
| Travel | 118 | - | 118 | 227 | |
| Certificates/logbooks | 557 | - | 557 | 532 | |
| Volunteer support | 381 | - | 381 | 367 | |
| Refunds | 2,529 | - | 2,529 | 2,040 | |
| Not for profit purchases | 176 | - | 176 | 220 | |
| Total | 7,252 | 7,252 | 6,705 | ||
| Depreciation | Equipment | 8,327 | - | 8,327 | 8,087 |
| Amortisation of leasehold premises | 5,000 | - | 5,000 | 5,000 | |
| Total | 13,327 | - | 13,327 | 13,087 | |
| Charitable Activites Direct |
Satellite Clubs | 150 | |||
| Sports England Together Fund | - | - | 597 | ||
| Total | - | - | - | 747 | |
| - | - | - | |||
| TOTAL EXPENDITURE | 112,408 | - | 112,408 | 109,164 |
Coquet Shorebase Trust Limited Annual Accounts 01/02/2024 to 31/01/2025 Charity no. 1150215 Company no. 6577073
| Coquet Shorebase Trust Limited Charity no. 1150215 Company no. 6577073 Annual Accounts 01/02/2024 to 31/01/2025 |
||
|---|---|---|
| 2024/25 2023/24 £ £ 63,532 60,159 1,449 1,388 64,981 61,547 Total staff costs These figures include costs of £2280 (2023/24 £1946) for sessional staff who work on a casual basis. Gross wages, salaries and benefits in kind Pension costs Employer’s National Insurance costs |
2024/25 | 2023/24 |
| £ | £ | |
| 63,532 | 60,159 | |
| 1,449 | 1,388 | |
| 64,981 | 61,547 |
7.2 Average number of full-time equivalent employees in the year
| 7.2 Average number of full-time equivalent employees in the year | 7.2 Average number of full-time equivalent employees in the year | ||
|---|---|---|---|
| Theparts of the charity in which the employees work | 2024/25 | 2023/24 | |
| FTE | FTE | ||
| Administration | 1.5 | 1.5 |
|
| Sessional Coaching | 0.3 | 0.3 |
|
| Watersports Instructors | 0.7 | 0.5 |
|
| Total | 2.5 |
2.3 |
| Note 8 | Grants | ||||
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| 2024/25 | 2023/24 | ||||
| Unrestricted Income £ |
Restricted Income £ |
Total £ | £ | ||
| Amble Town Council | 540 | - | 540 |
Annual Accounts 01/02/2024 to 31/01/2025
Coquet Shorebase Trust Limited Charity no. 1150215
Company no. 6577073
| Charity no. 1150215 |
|||||
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| ompany no. 6577073 Grants from Public Bodies Grants from Private concerns & other bodies |
Sports Foundation Grant | 1000 | - | 1,000 | 3,240 |
| Sport England Together Fund | - | - |
- | - | |
| 1,540 | - | 1,540 | 3,240 | ||
| Windfarm Community Grants | 5,325 | 5,325 | 4,320 | ||
| Ballinger Trust | - | - | 1,000 | ||
| Lottery Funding | 3,810 | 3,810 | 2,280 | ||
| Total All Grants | 9,135 | - | 9,135 | 7,600 |
Note 9 Donated goods, facilities and services
a. Premises are provided by the Local Authority for the running of activities and storage of equipment used within those activities. Rate relief at 100% is also provided on these facilities, and facilities at Druridge Bay
b.General, managerial and technical advice and support is provided by Trust members and supporters. This is unpaid and is not included as an expense.
Independent examiner's report on the accounts
Section A Independent Examiner’s Report
Report to the Coquet Shorebase Trust Limited trustees/directors/ members of
On accounts for the year 31 January 2025 ended
Charity no.: 1150215 Company no.: 6577073
Set out on pages Profit and Loss Account and Balance Sheet
Respective responsibilities of trustees and examiner
The trustees (who are also the directors of the company for the purposes of company law) are responsible for the preparation of the accounts. The charity’s trustees consider that an audit is not required for this year under section 144 of the Charities Act 2011 (the Charities Act) and that an independent examination is needed. [I am qualified to undertake the examination by being a qualified member of the Chartered Institute of Public Finance and Accountancy].
It is my responsibility to:
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examine the accounts under section 145 of the Charities Act,
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to follow the procedures laid down in the general Directions given by the Charity Commission (under section 145(5)(b) of the Charities Act, and
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to state whether particular matters have come to my attention.
Basis of independent examiner’s statement
My examination was carried out in accordance with general Directions given by the Charity Commission. An examination includes a review of the accounting records kept by the charity and a comparison of the accounts presented with those records. It also includes consideration of any unusual items or disclosures in the accounts, and seeking explanations from the trustees concerning any such matters. The procedures undertaken do not provide all the evidence that would be required in an audit, and
consequently no opinion is given as to whether the accounts present a ‘true and fair’ view and the report is limited to those matters set out in the statement below.
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IER
Independent examiner's In connection with my examination, no matter has come to my attention to statement indicate that:
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accounting records have not been kept in accordance with section 386 of the Companies Act 2006;
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the accounts do not accord with such records:
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there is any matter which the examiner believes should be drawn to the attention of the reader to gain a proper understanding of the accounts.
Date: Signed: 28 May 2025 ~~—_~~ Name: Shona E Walker Relevant professional Chartered Institute of Public Finance and Accountancy qualification(s) or body (if any): ~~Oo~~ Address: Windscarth, Hillside Rothbury, Northumberland NE65 7PT ~~—<—<~~ Section B Disclosure
There are no items of concern
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IER