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
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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
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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
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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
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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.
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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
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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.
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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.
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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;
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• 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.
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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
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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.
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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
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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.
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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.
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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
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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