EVELOFMEN TRUST Annual Report 2024-2025 Cirencester Community Development Trust Limited Annual Report: Year ended 30 April 2025 Executive Summary & Mission The Cirencester Community Development Trust Ltd (CCDT) was originally formed as a Company in 2012. Its articles of association were subsequently amended in January 2013 to satisfy the requirements of becoming a registered Charity. The Articles of Association empower CCDT to undertake actions in support of (i) the youth of Cirencester; (i) the arts; (iii) educating residents about Cirencester's history and heritage; (iv) the relief of unemployment; and (v) most significantly, the urban and rural regeneration in areas of social and economic deprivation in general, and in the wards of Chesterton, Beeches and Watermoor in particular. Our mission CCDT exists to support projects and initiatives for the benefit of Cirencester and the surrounding area. CCDT's key aims To help make Cirencester a great place to live and work To advance the arts and culture in the town - To share the history and heritage of the town To promote inclusivity in all activities we support - To add to the vitality and viability of the town. How do we provide support? Providing management and funding opportunities to local projects and events Where appropriate, initiating our own projects 1| Page
Working with individuals and groups to create projects - Providing a forum for culture, heritage and tourism providers to exchange ideas. Governance CCDT is both a Charity, registered with the Charities Commission, (4) and a Company limited by guarantee. (-) CCDT is managed by a Board of Directors. Our funding Historically CCDT core costs were supported by the Cirencester Town Council (CTC) through an annual grant. Over the course of the reporting period, the Board did not actively seek additional contributions to the core funds. Chair's Report 2024/25 It gives me real pleasure to present my second Annual Report as Chair of the Cirencester Community Development Trust. Overall, I believe this was a very positive year for Cirencester, and for CCDT. One of the primary outcomes of the 2023 AGM was the appointment of a new Board, able to both manage the transition and chart a way forward. For many different reasons, the establishment of the Board took significantly longer than anticipated, and was only finalised in early 2025, shortly before the delayed 2024 AGM. Consequently, whilst the forging of a cohesive team and development of our strategic direction took longer than anticipated, demonstrable progress is evident. I am very grateful to all Board members - both outgoing and incoming - for their different contributions through the year. In particular, from a governance perspective, I was very pleased that we were able to make significant progress in addressing the long-standing policy and administrative gaps in CCT's toolbox, which will be finalised in the first half of the new year. Following up on issues identified in last year's report, one of the most important outcomes in this reporting period has been the marked improvement in our relationship with the Town Council, our primary partner and - historically - our primary funder. This was not achieved through a single event or meeting, but through consistent interaction with different parts of the administration characterised by constructive collaboration, open and honest exchanges, mutual accountability and improved outcomes. For this I am grateful to Andrew Tubb and his team members for their positive engagement and support over the past year. Against this background, two events stand out for CCDT. The first was another very successful Phoenix Festival, all the more significant for the participatory manner in which it was organised. The shift from the expert project management under Glen Moorman to the shared responsibility amongst the volunteers organised by Andy Brown and Paul Hutton was both seamless and very effective. Both systems worked, and the Cirencester public enjoyed a professional and fun festival in both instances. The second was the extraordinary process through which a proposal tabled at a CHAT meeting at the beginning of the year was transformed into Cirencester's diverse, comprehensive and exciting 'Registered Charity 1150810 2 Company 08022457 2| Page
inaugural History Festival by late October. It demonstrated how quickly the convening power of the CHAT group could be transformed into mobilising the skills and capacity of so many individuals and organisations to underwrite the festival's success. In retrospect, it also showed that the admirable appetite for risk was fully justified. Finally, in the context of increasingly bleak global and national outlooks, I believe that local actions and leadership will become increasingly significant and important. While this is a topic for a much more detailed discussion, I hope and believe that, over the next few years, CCDT will be better positioned to both initiate and contribute to a range of new initiatives for Cirencester and surrounding areas. William Cobbett: Chair William ( Collett 26 January 2026 3| Page
Contents Executive Summary & Mission Chair's Report 2024/2025 Governance and Membership Reference and Administration Trustees Annual Report Culture, Heritage and Tourism The Phoenix Festival 2024 Cirencester History Festival 2024 Cirencester Community Awards 2024 Bands In The Park Cirencester Community Light Railway Project Cotswold Henhouse City of Bathurst Friendship Initiative Financial Review Statement of Trustees' Responsibilities Independent examiner's report to the Trustees Statement of Financial Activities Balance Sheet Notes to the Financial Statements 4| Page PAGE 1 2-3 5 6 7 8 9 10 11 12 12 13 14-15 16 17 18 19 20-25
Governance and Membership Notwithstanding changes agreed at the 2023 AGM on 2n" October, it still took a significant amount of time, and a few efforts, for the new CCDT Board to be reconstituted and stabilised. Of three new Directors appointed at the AGM itself, the Treasurer resigned before attending the first meeting, while a second Director resigned shortly after the beginning of FY2024-25. Under these circumstances, the CCDT Board was fortunate to be able to call upon Justine Norman to act both as Vice-Chair and Treasurer. Prior to her appointment, the previous Treasurer, Andrew Lennard, had been very gracious in continuing to cover the role he had held for a number of years. The CCDT Board welcomes the fact that Andrew will continue to act as Treasurer for the Phoenix Festival, a role with which he is both closely and actively involved. The Board was noticeably strengthened with the appointment of Vicki Foster at the AGM, who brought her significant experience in corporate governance to guide CCDT in adressing a range of issues long overdue for review. Under her direction the CCDT Board commenced an internal Re-Set exercise in late 2024, which identified a range of governance and organisational issues for review and update. These included re-examining the existing CCT portfolio, including legacy projects as well as more recent activities, and adopting a suite of policies essential for the proper management of CCDT as a Charity. At the 2023 AGM, there was a noticeable level of confusion as to who was or was not a member of CCDT, and who had voting rights. While this was adequately and pragmatically resolved for the purposes of the AGM, it was clear that this was a governance challenge requiring further thought and planning, not least on the actual role and composition of the membership. Accordingly, one of the more important decisions taken by the Board this year has been to delay the preparation and adoption of a new policy on CCDT membership until it completes its organisational Re-Set in early 2026. These internal reviews were conducted against a final set of changes to the Board structure, which commenced with Justine Norman's announcement of her resignation, vacating the roles of Vice-Chair and Treasurer. Her departure was eased by the appointment of Clare Wheatley, both as Secretary for the Culture, Heritage and Tourism (CHAT) group, as well as Company Secretary. Clare's role is all the more important as there has been a noticeable shift in the balance between retired and employed members of the Board Prior to the AGM the Board was delighted to welcome Anne Buffoni and her extensive knowledge of Cirencester in general, and the education system in particular. At the delayed 2024 AGM, Gaynor Hutton of Numbercrunchers was elected Treasurer, while Nick Hunt of Cotswold Lakes Brew Co. also joined the Board. These welcome additions greatly strengthened the Board, bringing a wide range of local knowledge, private sector and entreprenurial experience. The AGM completed the Board with the appointment of Vicki Foster as Vice-Chair. 5 | Page
Reference and Administration Charity Commission Number: Companies House Registration Number: 1150810 08022457 CCDT Board of Directors: May 2024 -April 2025 Chair: Vice-Chair: Treasurer: Directors: William Cobbett Vicki Foster Gaynor Hutton (from 12*h Feb, 2025) Andy Brown Derek Callanan Nick Hunt (from 12"h Feb, 2025) Anne Buffoni (from 21s Jan, 2025) Claire Walmsley-Moss (resigned 13th May 2024) Company Secretary: Clare Wheatley Registered Address: Independent Examiner: Cirencester Town Council Bingham House 1 Dyer Street Cirencester Gloucestershire GL7 2PP Burton Sweet Ltd, Chartered Accountants The Clock Tower 5 Farleigh Court Old Weston Road Flax Bourton Bristol BS48 1UR 6| Page
The CCDT Portfolio For the first time, the CCDT portfolio is presented in two sections: The first section (A) presents those activities in which CCDT is an active participant, involved in the governance and strategic direction of the project or programme. This is typically through a member of the Board, and/or through the Company Secretary. The second section (B) records activities that are hosted and partially administered by CCDT, but where the Board is not involved in the strategic direction or decision-making of the programme or project. This arises when CCDT is asked to act as a host Charity and/or hold and administer funds on behalf of the project. This includes a number of legacy projects. A) CCDT Projects. (i) Culture, Heritage and Tourism (CHAT) Group The Culture, Heritage and Tourism (CHAT) group has become an established representative and well- attended fixture of the Cirencester calendar, meeting in the Winstone Room at the Corinium Museum every second month. The submission of short written reports in advance allows time for larger presentations and more strategic discussions, as well as time for effective networking. The CHAT meeting provides a credible platform for a wide range of organisations to express opinions and provide a quick response to an opportunity or challenge. It was for this reason that the Cirencester History Festival proposal was brought to the first CHAT meeting of 2024. As discussed in more detail below, it was both the strength and the unanimity of the response that provided the necessary confidence to CCT to initiate the process that would lead to Cirencester's inaugural History Festival later that year. CHAT is also the platform where events are announced, plans circulated for comment, and support requested. Besides providing a platform for the History Festival, the CHAT group also received regular reports on preparations for the annual Phoenix Festival, as well as updates from a diverse range of organisations. Regular groups attending include Cotswold Tourism, Cirencester Civic Society, Cirencester Archaeological and Historical Society, Daniel Bingham Foundation, Corinium Museum, New Brewery Arts, The Churn Project, Bingham Library Trust, Cirencester Town Council, Cirencester College, the Living Memory Historical Association, Cirencester Open Air Swimming Pool, the Parochial Church Council, Stratton Association, Bathurst Estate, Rotary Club, Cirencester Radio, Barn Theatre, AQIVA, and Monastery & Co?. CHAT meetings start and end on time, typically last an hour and a half, and are characterised by an informal and friendly atmosphere, with excellent networking opportunities. The CHAT group was pleased to welcome Clare Wheatley as Secretary during the course of the year. (ii) The Phoenix Festival Phoenix Festival: 24th and 25th August. 3 Now trading as The Old Department Store. 7| Page
Now in its 12th Year, the 2024 Festival was the first to be managed under a new set of organisational arrangements. However, the 2024 Festival retained and expanded upon its long-established core values and practices and was once again recognised as an extraordinary success. Highlights include: • The Friday night pre-Festival reception on the 23'd August was a great improvement on previous years, celebrating the organisers and - in particular - the volunteers that are so essential to the Festival's continued success; • Despite challenging weather on both days, the Festival was extremely well attended, with a very positive, festive attitude displayed by both wet and dry participants; • The increased number of stalls contributed to the festive atmosphere, with many more activities provided for families. The spread of age groups was very striking; • In particular, the change in the security company was noticeable, and participants benefitted from courteous, effective and visible security; • In keeping with its tradition, the Festival is both professionally run yet remains free for entry, thanks to months of dedicated fund-raising and the spontaneous generosity of the public. While the Phoenix Festival is rightly and successfully marketed as a free Festival, it nonetheless typically costs around £80,000 or more to deliver, with no compromises allowed for the fact that public access is free and only restricted by the capacity of the Abbey Grounds. It is the months of planning and organisation that precede the Festival - which are largely hidden from the public - that are the key to its success. The legal and organisational platform for the Festival is provided through the different contributions of the partnership between the Cirencester Town Council (CTC) and the Cirencester Community Development Trust (CCDT). The signal success of the 2024 Festival was arguably in its' organisation and preparation. Following the decision of Glen Moorman to stand down, the entire organisational process was re-conceptualised and re-made under the leadership of CCDT Trustee Andy Brown, Paul Hutton and an extraordinary group of dedicated volunteers. Meeting every Thursday night over six or more months at the Bingham Hall this group of volunteers broke the Festival down to its component parts: security, food and drink, music, logistics, parking, sound and staging, fundraising etc and allocated roles to different teams and team leaders. Besides extraordinary levels of commitment and dedication, this close-knit team has a high level of responsibility and mutual accountability that is central to the Festival's success and sustainability. This year's approach to fundraising was particularly creative, with a range of new activities - raffles, crowd funding, pub quizzes - essential in replacing some of the corporate funding that was clearly more restricted in 2024 and, in so doing, broadening the reach of the Festival more generally. If anything, the 2024 version consolidated the Phoenix Festival on Cirencester's annual calendar. However, in the post-Festival review meeting between the Phoenix Organisers and the Town Council, a number of important conclusions emerged. These include: • The need for improved communication and co-ordination between the Phoenix organisers and the Town Council; and Improved clarity on the various roles and responsibilities between the parties. 8 | Page
From CCT's perspective, the Phoenix Festival has become an annual showcase of community participation, underscored by the collaboration with the Town Council, the engagement of the local private sector and the goodwill of Cirencester's residents. However, little did we know that there was both space and appetite in Cirencester for two Festivals a year: (iii) The Inaugural Cirencester History Festival In early 2024, following preparatory discussions with the Cotswold District Council, CCT, and the Gloucester History Festival, the Corinium Museum initiated a discussion about a possible Cirencester History Festival to the CHAT Group. It soon transpired that the idea of a History Festival had been around for some time but never attempted. Early deliberations scoping out the mechanics of running a festival were assisted by expert input from Sarah Smyth, Curator of the Gloucester History Festival. Based on the enthusiastic responses from members of the CHAT group, and conscious that such events have extremely long lead times and require a significant amount of time and dedicated effort, a Festival Committee was created. Chaired by CCDT, the Committee included the Corinium Museum, Civic Society, and Jess Yarrow, who had already been identified as Festival Producer. Within a short space of time, strong and consistent expressions of interest and support convinced the Committee to proceed, with curatorial support from the Gloucester History Festival, and seed funding from CCDT. The Festival dates were not difficult to finalise, with the annual Winstone Talk on the 2nd November, curated by the Gloucester History Festival, providing both programmatic coherence and a useful highlight of the week. Further momentum was delivered when Dame Fiona Reynolds accepted the invitation to be President of the Festival. Notwithstanding demand and support, Cirencester nonetheless provides an interesting mix of opportunities and challenges in hosting a dedicated event over a week or more. The most obvious of these was the absence of a dedicated venue, such as the Blackfriars Priory which anchors the History Festival in Gloucester. This was one of many challenges that had to be overcome and, indeed, turned into opportunity. The lack of a single, dominant venue encouraged the organisers to explore a range of options in different parts of the town, which eventually resulted in the Festival offering more than 40 talks and activities in no less than 17 very diverse venues, from the grandeur of the medieval Parish Church, through the Barn Theatre, Bingham Hall, and Corinium Museum, to an Indian Restaurant. With only a modest financial contribution from CCT to start the engine, the Festival organisers received rapid and very positive responses to their search for individual and corporate patrons to donate £500 apiece, which was more than matched by a very generous donation from a local family trust. Amongst the multiple reasons for the success of Cirencester's inaugural History Festival, a few particular factors stand out: • The first must be the quality of the Festival Programme itself. Curated under overall direction of Jess Yarrow, it was an extraordinary, creative and diverse range of offerings, all the more remarkable for being developed within such a short lead-time; 9| Page
• The second was the quality, enthusiasm and dedication of what gradually emerged as the Operations Team, an excellent example of learning by doing. This combination of volunteers, and professionals working for small tokens of appreciation, provided the core around which the Festival was built and managed; • Third, there is no doubt that a combination of curious interest, and extremely well- connected members of the town, were instrumental in attracting recognised names to come to Cirencester and participate and, finally; • The combination of low prices, excellent PR and communications, the extensive distribution of an attractive programme, the active support of a wide range of public, private and charitable organisations, and sustained community goodwill all contributed to the success of the Festival. Held during the half-term week between the 26t October and 3d November, the Festival sold 99% of the 3500 tickets on sale and was widely acclaimed as a total success. However, Festival organisers were also aware that many events had sold out extremely quickly, often through a combination of the attraction of the particular event as well as the limited size of the venue. The organisers were also conscious that attempts to use schools to encourage young participants will need further work. Immediately following the conclusion of the Festival, CCDT commissioned an internal review to reflect on the lessons of the inaugural festival, in order to learn essential lessons and guide the planning for the 2025 Festival. Maybe the ultimate accolade is the fact that the Cirencester History Festival has become an annual event after just one appearance. (iv) The Cirencester Community Awards The second Cirencester Community Awards event, jointly organised by Cirencester Radio and CCDT, took place on Wednesday 30 April 2025. Hosted at the Baptist Church, the Awards were attended by some 150 delegates, drawn from a range of charities, community groups, organisations and individuals. Although the model established in 2023 was broadly followed, the 2024 Awards introduced a Community Market-place which provided an opportunity for participating organisations to showcase their work. As a free event, the Community Awards rely on contributions from the two host organisations, as well as the generosity of private sector sponsors and the enthusiastic support of volunteers. The event itself was extremely lively and enjoyable, with John Lawrence - Cirencester's iconic Town Crier-announcing the winners in his inimitable style. The awards themselves were presented by Julie Kent, High Sheriff of Gloucestershire. Nominations and applications were reviewed by an independent panel of judges, including representatives of the Town Council as well as the Chamber of Commerce. Three finalists, and overall winners, were announced in each of the four main categories: / Team • Sustainability • Special Projects • Cirencester Champion. In addition, the 2024 Awards added an award for the outstanding Young Community Entrepreneur. 10 | Page
The Awards ceremony was captured by two volunteers from the Cirencester Camera Club, with a video of the Award's highlights available online: Cirencester Community Awards 2025 (v) Bands in the Park Every summer, the Town Council and CCDT join forces to support a series of free concerts at the Bandstand in the Abbey Grounds. On a Sunday afternoon the chance to enjoy live music in a relaxed outdoor environment, often with a picnic, is a town tradition that is eagerly anticipated every year and enjoyed by local residents and visitors alike. The programme showcases local brass and silver bands, paying them a modest fee to perform. In 2024 the performances were generally lucky with the weather and attracted a wide audience of all ages. The programme was opened and closed by Cirencester Band. Other bands participating included Malmesbury Band, Metz Big Band, Gloucestershire Concert Chamber Band, Big Brunch Band, Chedworth Silver Band, Cirencester Salvation Army Band, Jazz Friday, and Gloucester Brass. The repertoire performed covered a wide range of genres, including symphonic music, show tunes, jazz and seasonal pieces. "The Bands in the Park programme is very well supported in Cirencester and we receive many positive comments from our audiences. These are often people who find it difficult to access live music and really appreciate being able to listen for free and share the experience with others in the relaxed surroundings of the park." Cirencester Band Chair 11 | Page
B) Activities hosted and/or administered by CCDT Cirencester Community Light Railway Project The Cirencester Community Railway has been hosted by CCDT since 2017. Its' primary goal is to give Cirencester a sustainable transport option by re-opening the old railway line to Kemble Mainline Station. The project team focused on three main activities during the year: i. In order to progress formal negotiations with landowners, planners and funders, a ommunity Interest Company has been created, called the Cotswold Community Railwa IC. This has six directors who are also its members and have been running the project The CIC was launched at Kemble Station, and the press release published in the Wilts and Glos Standard and Ciren Scene. CCR-CIC inauguration ceremony at Kemble. ii. To avoid duplication of effort and repetition, the Strategy Steering Group meeting was merged into the quarterly Stakeholders' Meeting, the first combined meeting taking place on the 28th April 2024. The Management Team meets on Monday mornings. ili. The Cirencester Community Rail Project continued to take every opportunity to press CDC to include a reference to the CCR project in the Local Plan, even if only as a commitment to protect the route from other development. The CIC actively continues to pursue overall funding sources for the project. Cotswold Henhouse Between May 2024 and April 2025, Henhouse delivered 27 events across the Cotswolds, spanning craft sessions, self-defence workshops, walks and a range of wellness and wellbeing classes. A number of these events were delivered in collaboration with local businesses including florists, yoga studios and independent cafés and restaurants, helping to support the local economy while broadening the offer and reach of our events. 12 | Page
Following the establishment of its relationship with CCT, Henhouse began offering a free community space at every event, enabling people from minority backgrounds or those experiencing economic hardship to attend. This commitment to accessibility sits alongside our desire to run events across the Cotswolds, with events held across Cheltenham, Cirencester, South Cerney, and Swindon. While some sessions were one-off events, others were delivered as longer-term courses, including a recurring yoga series. In addition, Henhouse launched a new monthly book club in Cirencester, which continues to run regularly and has become a core part of our offering. Cirencester and the City of Bathurst Friendship Initiative The Cirencester and the City of Bathurst Friendship was originally established to help promote awareness and opportunities between Cirencester and Bathurst in New South Wales in Australia across commerce, education, sports, and tourism. This connection is based on a shared history, with the City of Bathurst being named after the third Earl Bathurst in 1815. A civic Friendship Agreement exists between Cirencester Town Council and Bathurst Regional Council and was signed in 2021. The Cirencester Bathurst Friendship Incorporated Association was launched in Bathurst on 29 January 2025 to coordinate the Friendship's activities in Australia and serve as a central body for fundraising, collaboration, and signposting ways to get involved with the Friendship. The association is managed by the Australian Friendship Committee. Commerce The Friendship continues to support economic development, such as the collaboration between the Cirencester Chamber of Commerce and Bathurst Business Chamber. This includes organising and facilitating a joint Chambers' meeting to increase the awareness of the two business communities and explore possibilities of working together. Education The Friendship has been proud to support a Young Person's Exchange, which provides support and funding for young individuals to live, work, and experience the opposite region. The Australian Friendship Committee is investigating the possibilities of expanding the Young Person's Exchange in Bathurst to provide further support and funding for future individuals to come to Cirencester. On 11 May 2024, the inaugural Bathurst Cycling Festival event took place simultaneously in Cirencester and Bathurst. The festival included several rides to inspire young people to get active and give locals an opportunity to participate at an affordable cost. The Festival was livestreamed on YouTube to mark the start of the Cirencester half of the Festival, which welcomed 299 participants to Cirencester Park. Cirencester welcomed many visitors from Bathurst and the wider Central West NSW region over the course of the year. For more information about the Friendship and how to get involved, visit the Friendship's website www.cirencesterbathurst.org 13 | Page
Financial Review Income In 2024-25 the total income for CCDT was £182,424 which was a substantial uplift (increase of 87%) from the 2023-24 total income of £97,531. This was predominantly due to the income from the inaugural Cirencester History Festival, which accounted for £62,384 of the total income, coming second in terms of income to the Phoenix Festival which contributed £92,555 to the overall income in the year. The Water Symposium contributed a further £22,771 with grants of f15,000 and Benefits in Kind of £5000 also being received from Cirencester Town Council. CCDT Income 2024-25 • The Phoenix Festival 2024 • Cotswold Henhouse - Cirencester History Festival 2024 • Friends of Gumstool Brook • Water Symposium/Partnership Expenditure The expenditure during the year totalled £135,075, very much in line with the prior year (2023-24 £136,936) with the larger projects incurring the largest expenditure, (Phoenix £82,511, History Festival £35,309 and Water Symposium £11,012) The overheads of the charity for the year were much reduced at £5,234 (2023-24 £14,726) as detailed in the note on Charitable activities in the Financial Statements CCDT Expenditure 2024-25 • The Phoenix Festival 2024 - Cirencester History Festival 2024 • Water Symposium/Partnership • Accounts and Insurance • Cotswold Henhouse • Friends of Gumstool Brook • City of Bathurst - Secretarial, computer, etc. 14 | Page
Balance Sheet The Reserves of the Charity are principally represented by cash balances of £137,998 (2023-24 £91,324) with small non cash adjustments for prepayments of £3,810 and liabilities of £6,172. Total funds at year end were £135,636 (£88,287 in 2023-24) of which £90,319 (£38,950 in 2023-24) are restricted (i.e. Ring fences to be spent of specific projects), leaving £45,317 (£49,337 in 2023-24) of unrestricted funds ("the free reserves") which Trustee may allocate as they feel appropriate. Sustainability The Trustees have established a policy whereby the free reserves held by the Charity should enable the Charity to operate and support ongoing projects for at least 12months. At 30th April 2025, the unrestricted reserves were £45,317. The unrestricted estimated costs for operating the Charity for 12months is £20,000 which is the total of the average overheads for the Charity over the last two years plus an estimate of the cost of supporting any ongoing projects at the year end. At this level, the Trustees feel they would be able to continue the current activities of the organisation in the event of a significant drop in funding. It would obviously be necessary to consider how the funding would be replaced, or activities changed accordingly. 15 | Page
Statement of Trustees' Responsibilities The trustees (who are also directors of The Cirencester Community Development Trust for the purposes of company law) are responsible for preparing the Trustees' Report (incorporating the strategic report and directors' report) and the financial statements in accordance with applicable law and United Kingdom Accounting Standards, including Financial Reporting Standard 102: The Financial Reporting Standard applicable in the UK and Republic of Ireland (United Kingdom Accepted Accounting Practice). Company law requires the trustees to prepare financial statements for each financial year which give a true and fair view of the state of affairs of the charitable company and of the income and expenditure, of the charitable company for that period. In preparing these financial statements, the trustees are required to: • select suitable accounting policies and then apply them consistently; • observe the methods and principles in the Charities SORP; make judgments and accounting estimates that are reasonable and prudent; • state whether applicable UK Accounting Standards have been followed, subject to any material departures disclosed and explained in the financial statements; and prepare the financial statements on the going concern basis unless it is inappropriate to presume that the charitable company will continue in business. The trustees are responsible for keeping adequate accounting records that disclose with reasonable accuracy at any time the financial position of the charitable company and enable them to ensure that the financial statements comply with the Companies Act 2006. They are also responsible for safeguarding the assets of the charitable company and hence for taking reasonable steps for the prevention and detection of fraud and other irregularities. These accounts were approved by the trustees on Willian Cabbett William Cobbett Chair of The Trustee Board 26 January 2026 16 | Page
Independent Examiner's Report to the Trustees Independent examiner's report to the trustees of The Cirencester Community Development Trust ('the Company') I report to the charity trustees on my examination of the accounts of the Company for the year ended 30 April 2025. Responsibilities and basis of report As the charity's trustees of the Company (and also its directors for the purposes of company law) you are responsible for the preparation of the accounts in accordance with the requirements of the Companies Act 2006 (the 2006 Act). Having satisfied myself that the accounts of the Company are not required to be audited under Part 16 of the 2006 Act and are eligible for independent examination, I report in respect of my examination of your charity's accounts as carried out under section 145 of the Charities Act 2011 (the 2011 Act). In carrying out my examination I have followed the Directions given by the Charity Commission under section 145(5) (b) of the 2011 Act. Independent examiner's statement I have completed my examination. I confirm that no matters have come to my attention in connection with the examination giving me cause to believe: 1. accounting records were not kept in respect of the Company as required by section 386 of the 2. 4. 2006 Act; or the accounts do not accord with those records; or 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 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. Joshua kingszon Joshua Kingston BSc (Hons) FCA Burton Sweet Limited, Chartered Accountants The Clock Tower 5 Farleigh Court Old Weston Road Flax Bourton Bristol BS48 1UR Date: 26 January 2026 17 | Page
THE CIRENCESTER COMMUNITY DEVELOPMENT TRUST LTD STATEMENT OF FINANCIAL ACTIVITIES (Including Income and Expenditure Account) YEAR ENDED 30 APRIL 2025 Income from: Donations & Legacies Investments income Total Income Expenditure on: Charitable Activities Total expenditure Net income/(expenditure) Net movement in funds Total funds brought forward Total funds carried forward Note 1 3 4 11 11 Unrestricted Restricted Funds Funds 1,214 1,214 5,234 5,234 (4,020) (4,020) 49,337 45,317 181.210 181,210 129,841 129,841 51,369 51,369 38,950 90,319 Total Funds Total Funds 2025 2024 181,210 1,214 182,424 135,075 135,075 47,349 47,349 88,287 135,636 96,244 1,287 97,531 136,936 136,936 (39,405) (39,405) 127,692 88,287 The charity has no recognised gains or losses other than the results for the period as set out above. All of the activities of the charity are classed as continuing. Prior year fund comparative movements are as shown in note 7. The notes on pages 20 to 25 form part of these financial statements. 18
THE CIRENCESTER COMMUNITY DEVELOPMENT TRUST LTD BALANCE SHEET YEAR ENDED 30 APRIL 2025 Company number: 08022457 2025 2024 Fixed assets Tangible fixed assets Current assets Debtors Cash at bank and in hand Note 8 - - Current assets Creditors: Amounts falling due within one year Net current assets Net assets 3,810 137,998 141,808 (6,172) 135,636 135,636 1,963 91,324 93,287 (5,000) 88,287 88,287 Funds Restricted Unrestricted Free Reserves 11 11 90,319 45,317 135,636 38,950 49,337 88,287 For the year ended 30 April 2025, the charitable company was entitled to exemption from audit under section 477 of the Companies Act 2006 relating to small companies. The members have not required the charitable company to obtain an audit of its accounts for the period in question in accordance with section 476 of the Act. The directors acknowledge their responsibilities for complying with the requirements of the Companies Act 2006 with respect to accounting records and the preparation of accounts. These accounts have been prepared in accordance with the provisions applicable to companies subject to the small companies These financial statements were approved by the Trustees on 26 Januar...... nd are signed on their William illiam Cobbe air of the Trustee Boa shot The notes on pages 20 to 25 form part of these financial statements. 19
THE CIRENCESTER COMMUNITY DEVELOPMENT TRUST LTD NOTES TO THE FINANCIAL STATEMENTS YEAR ENDED 30 APRIL 2025 1 a) b) c) d) e) (f) g) h) i) j) k) 1) m) Accounting policies The financial statements have been prepared under the historical cost convention and in accordance with applicable United Kingdom Accounting Standards, the Companies Act 2006, the Charities Act 2011, FRS 102 and the Charities Statement of Recommended Practice (FRS 102). The charity is a Public Benefit entity. Income from donations is included as income when these are receivable, except as follows: i) When donors specify that donations given to the charity must be used in future accounting periods, the income is deferred until those periods ii) When donors impose conditions which have to be fulfilled before the charity becomes entitled to use such income, the income is deferred until the pre-condition have been met. Fees receivable and charges for services are accounted for in the period in which the service is provided. Grants, including grants for fixed assets, are recognised within the accounts as they become receivable. Grants received in the accounting period in respect of future accounting periods are deferred until those periods. All material grants are disclosed in accordance with the Statement of Recommended Practice. Gifts in kind received are included in the accounts at an estimate of the value of goods or service to the charity. Most expenditure is directly attributable to charitable activities and has been included in that cost category. Support costs have been included entirely under the heading Charitable Activities. Governance costs include those costs associated with meeting the constitutional and statutory requirements of the charity and include costs linked to the strategic management of the charity. Any fixed assets purchased are capitalised at cost. Depreciation is calculated so as to write off the cost of an asset, less its estimated residual value, over the useful life of that asset as follows: Equipment - 25% straight line Trade and other debtors are recognised at the settlement amount due after any trade discount offered. Prepayments are valued at the amount prepaid net of any trade discounts due. Cash at bank and cash in hand includes cash and short term highly liquid investments with short maturity of three months or less from the date of acquisition or opening of the deposit or similar account. Creditors are recognised where the charity has a present obligation resulting from a past event that will probably result in the transfer of funds to a third party and the amount due to settle the obligation can be measured or estimated reliably. Creditors are normally recognised at their settlement amount after allowing for any trade discounts due. Unrestricted funds can be used in accordance with the charitable objects at the discretion of the trustees. - Free funds represent the free reserves of the charity - Designated funds represent the net book value of fixed assets. Restricted funds can only be used for particular restricted purposes within the objects of the charity. Restrictions arise when specified by the donor or when funds are raised for particular restricted purposes. Expenditure which meets these criteria is charged to the fund, together with a fair allocation of management and support cots. Further explanation of the nature and purpose of each fund is included in the notes to the financial statements.
THE CIRENCESTER COMMUNITY DEVELOPMENT TRUST LTD NOTES TO THE FINANCIAL STATEMENTS YEAR ENDED 30 APRIL 2025 2 Income from: Donations and legacies Unrestricted Funds Donations Gifts in kind Grants receivable - Restricted Total Funds Funds 2025 152,210 24,000 152,210 24,000 181,210 181,210 The gifts in kind relate to office services provided by Cirencester Town Council. The trustees have valued these at the value the Trust would have expected to pay. Prior Year Donations Gifts in kind Grants receivable 3 Expenditure on: Charitable activities Unrestricted Funds 5,000 10,000 15,000 Unrestricted Funds E Phoenix Festival 2024 - Ground Hire (BIK) Phoenix Festival 2024 - Other costs Water Symposium Costs City of Bathurst Costs Bands in the Park Community Awards Friends of Gumstool Brook Henhouse Cotswold History Festival 2024 Consultancy fees Bookkeeping Insurance Sundry IT services Cash Collection Fees Governance Costs Independent examiner's fees 876 1,000 : 285 725 1,197 53 487 (1,011) 1,622 5,234 Restricted Total Funds Funds 2024 68,744 5,000 7,500 68,744 10,000 17,500 81,244 96.244 Restricted Total Funds Funds 2025 5,000 77,511 11,012 257 - - 122 630 35,309 - 129,841 5,000 77,511 11,012 257 876 1,000 122 630 35,309 285 725 1,197 53 487 (1,011) 1,622 135,075 21
THE CIRENCESTER COMMUNITY DEVELOPMENT TRUST LTD NOTES TO THE FINANCIAL STATEMENTS YEAR ENDED 30 APRIL 2025 3 Expenditure on: Charitable activities (continued) Prior Year Phoenix Festival - Ground Hire (BIK) Phoenix Festival - Other costs Water Symposium Costs City of Bathurst Costs Cirencester Community Railway Costs Abbey 900 Costs Bands in the Park Consultancy fees Insurance Sundry Advertising and PR Website IT services Rent and rates Project management and admin support Other Governance Costs Independent examiner's fees Unrestricted Funds . 820 1,825 1,200 201 3,680 360 500 3,000 1,500 1,640 14,726 Restricted Total Funds Funds 2024 5,000 76,248 10,917 4,000 25,436 609 5,000 76,248 10,917 4,000 25,436 820 1,825 1,200 201 3,680 360 3,000 1,500 122,210 1,640 136.936 4 Net Income/(expenditure) This is stated after charging: Independent examiner's fees - For independent examination - For Accounts Preparation 2025 € 1,622 1,622 2024 1,200 440 1,640 5 6 Trustees' remuneration and related party transactions No remuneration was paid to any of the trustees during this or last year. No Trustees were reimbursed of expenses this year (2024: £101). Taxation The charity is exempt from Corporation Tax on its charitable activities. 22
THE CIRENCESTER COMMUNITY DEVELOPMENT TRUST LTD NOTES TO THE FINANCIAL STATEMENTS YEAR ENDED 30 APRIL 2025 7 Prior year fund comparatives 8 9 Income from: Donations and legacies Gifts in Kind Grants Receivable Investment Income Total Income Expenditure on: Charitable activities Total expenditure Net income/(expenditure) Transfers between funds Total Funds brought forward Total funds carried forward Tangible Fixed Assets Cost At 1 May 2024 and 30 April 2025 Depreciation At 1 May 2024 and 30 April 2025 Net Book Value At 1 May 2024 and 30 April 2025 Debtors Unrestricted Restricted Total Funds Funds Funds € 2024 € 5,000 10,000 1,287 16,287 68,744 5,000 7,500 68,744 10,000 17,500 1,287 81,244 97.531 14,726 14,726 1,561 (2,295) 50,071 49,337 122,210 122,210 (40,966) 2,295 77,621 38,950 136,936 136,936 (39,405) - 127,692 88,287 Equipment 480 480 Prepayments and accrued income 10 Creditors: Amounts falling due within one year Creditors Accruals and deferred income 3,810 3,810 2025 € 6,172 6,172 2024 1,963 1,963 2024 € 3989 5,000 23
THE CIRENCESTER COMMUNITY DEVELOPMENT TRUST LTD NOTES TO THE FINANCIAL STATEMENTS YEAR ENDED 30 APRIL 2025 11 Movement in funds Restricted funds Phoenix Festival 2024 Abbey 900 City of Bathurst/Friendship Initiative Cirencester Community Railway VE 75 Cotswold Henhouse Cirencester History Festival 2024 riends of Gumstool Brook Nater Symposium/Partnershi At 01 May 2024 425 6,641 1,374 20,823 3,605 Unrestricted funds Free Reserves Total funds 6,082 38,950 49,337 49,337 88,287 Income Expenditure Transfers 92,555 : 2,000 62,384 1,500 22,771 181,210 1,214 1,214 182,424 (82,511) (257) : (630) (35,309) (122) (11,012) (129,841) (5,234) (5,234) (135,075) - - At 30 Apr 2025 10,469 6,641 1,117 20,823 1.005 27,075 1,879 90,319 45,317 45,317 135,636 Restricted fund descriptions Phoenix Festival 2024 - Every year the flagship project is the Phoenix Festival, a two day free festival put on in the Abbey Grounds, a large open space behind the Market Place owned by the Town Council. The CCDT cover the cost of the festival y fund-raising through Grants, sponsorship and various fund raising events. Another 'benefit in kind" provided by CT i 5,000 deemed to be market value of the 'free' hire of the Abbey Grounds for the Phoenix Festival Abbey 900 - The Abbey 900 initiative funds are being used for improving the Abbey Grounds. City of Bathurst/Friendship Initiative - Funds were raised from businesses in Cirencester to further relations with the Australian City of Bathurst (named after a predessor of Cirencester resident). VE 75 - This fund supports celebrations of VE day by organising special events and activities to enable communities to come together to honour the sacrifices of older generatins who secured our freedom. Cotswold Henhouse - The Henhouse is a Cotswold based community for younger women aimed at developing friendships in the locality by organising events and outings to appeal specificically to 20-40year old women. Cirencester History Festival 2024 - The aim of the Cirencester History Festival is to educate a wide audience on Cirencester's rich heritage and history. It does so by attracting big names and organising a wide variety of history based events to appeal to all ages and audiences throughout the duration of the festival which is run over several weeks in local venues around Cirencester Friends of Gumstool Brook - This fund supports activities aimed at improving the environmental and water conditions of Cirencester's Gumstool Brook and its associated streams. The group provide information and reports on a variety of relevant issues including flooding, groundwater monitoring and incident reporting. Water Symposium/Partnership - The fund supports projects and initiatives to raise awareness and promote discussion of flood awareness, low flow and drought issues in the Churn catchment with a focus on nature-based solutions in the Upper Churn catchment above Cirencester. 24
THE CIRENCESTER COMMUNITY DEVELOPMENT TRUST LTD NOTES TO THE FINANCIAL STATEMENTS YEAR ENDED 30 APRIL 2025 11 Movement in funds (Continued) Free Reserves These funds represent the free reserves of the charity. Prior Year Comparative Restricted funds Phoenix Festival Abbey 900 City of Bathurst Cirencester Community Railway VE75 Water Symposium Unrestricted funds Free Reserves At 01 May 2023 15,169 7,250 5,374 46,223 3,605 77,621 50,071 50,071 127,692 At 30 Apr 2024 Income 64,209 36 - 16,999 81,244 16,287 16,287 97,531 Expenditure Transfers € (81,248) (609) (4,000) (25,436) (10,917) (122,210) (14,726) (14,726) (136,936) 2,295 2,295 (2,295) (2,295) 425 6,641 20374 3,605 6,082 38.950 49,337 49,337 88,287 12 Total funds Company limited by guarantee The company is limited by guarantee and as such has no issued share capital. In the event of the company being wound up the liability of the members is limited to £1 each 25