2022-12-31-accounts

GRAPEVINE ESSEX FOR PEOPLE WITH LEARNING DISABILITIES

ANNUAL REPORT 2022

Contents

Contents
Our Purpose, our Values, our Services	4
Structure and Governance	5
We Listen, We Act, We Care	6
Chair’s Annual Review	7
President’s Report	8
Club Grapevine	9
Dance Group	10
Performance Overview	11
What People Say…	12
Our Benefactors	14
Treasurer’s Report	15
Independent Examiner’s Report	16
Accounts for the Year 2022	17
Grapevine Essex Word Search	18
Membership Forms	19
Gift Aid Form	21

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“Dance like nobody's watching; love like you've never been hurt. Sing like nobody's listening; live like it's heaven on earth. ” William Watson Purkey

To make an impact on the lives of adults with learning disabilities by providing the necessary tools for change to enable them to lead active and purposeful lives.

Grapevine Essex is committed to providing an excellent and professional service to adults with learning disabilities; comprising affordable, confidence building and educational opportunities that teach life skills, support independent living and improve employability.

The supported outings and activities provided ensure valuable

respite to parents and carers, in addition to raising acceptance and awareness of adults with learning difficulties within the general public.

Most of all, we are dedicated to ensuring our members have fun, develop friendships and enhance their lives within a safe, supportive and friendly environment.

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Structure and Governance

Grapevine Essex was founded in January 2012 and achieved charity status as a Charitable Incorporated Organisation in March 2013 with the registered Charity Number 1151261. Our governing document is the CIO Constitution, which was also agreed in 2013 and is reviewed on a regular basis.

events during the Easter, Summer and Christmas holidays. These can include trips to historical venues, theme parks, theatres, outdoor activity centres, wildlife parks and residential mini-breaks to name just a few.

In term time, we hold two weekly evening clubs - a Dance Group, and Club Grapevine, which is a social club providing organised activities. Both are very well attended.

In accordance with Charity Commission regulations, we have an elected Board of Trustees, who are responsible for the governance of the group. Charity trustees are elected on the basis of the relevant skills and attributes they possess that enable them to perform important functions within the charity. Trustees who were elected at the Annual General Meeting on 28 May 2022 are:

Adults with learning disabilities can lead sedentary and sheltered lives and are at a particular disadvantage in our society with relation to involvement in leisure and social activities. This may be due to communication difficulties, a lack of confidence, qualified help and support or financial restrictions. People who are intellectually disadvantaged can be socially marginalised and isolated. Some of our members live in segregated settings, with few, if any, social relationships within the wider community.

Mrs Jackie Holland Mrs Monika Kelly Mrs Vanessa Hellier Mrs Jane Crossman Mrs Sue Johns Mrs Mary Schultz Mr Peter Schultz

Chair Treasurer Secretary Trustee Trustee Trustee Trustee

Belonging to Grapevine Essex helps to motivate our members and improve their quality of life by providing exciting opportunities to get involved with, alongside some regular and familiar activities too. Members form relationships and make friends; and belonging to the ‘Grapevine Family’ becomes an important part of their lives.

Grapevine Essex was formed to meet the need locally for adults with learning disabilities to join a club where they can experience opportunities via our extensive activity programme that would not otherwise be available to them. Grapevine provides over 40 outings and

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Grapevine Essex was founded in January 2012 by Jackie Holland and Vanessa Hellier and we have over 150 members. We are honoured to have Peter Turrall MBE as our President, and Lord Petre, 18th Baron Petre KCVO as our Patron.

Adults, level 3 (Higher Distinction) and Autism Awareness.

Adrian Heighes is a Support Assistant for people with complex needs. He is currently studying for a BSc Hons in Health and Social Care and holds the following qualifications: QCF/NVQ Level Two: Health & Social Care; NVQ Level Three: Employment Law; Understanding Autism, Fire Safety, Health & Safety, Nutrition & Wellbeing, Infection Control & Prevention, Safeguarding Vulnerable Adults, level 3 (Higher Distinction); Dementia Awareness, Makaton, The Autism Act 2009, Manual Handling; First Aid at Work and is qualified to administer Buccal Midazolam.

Jackie’s role as Chair of the Board of Trustees and Charity Manager includes planning and organising all the activities and events for members, managing the accounts and overseeing the general running of the charity. Jackie holds qualifications in Emergency First Aid at Work; Risk Assessment and Safeguarding Vulnerable Adults, level 3 (Higher Distinction). Jackie manages the charity from her home in St Osyth.

Simon Jones is a qualified SEN teacher and actively works teaching adults with alternative needs across a broad spectrum at a local Essex College. He holds the following qualifications, DETS / LV5 (teaching diploma), HND in Early Childhood studies and BTEC Level 3 Social Care. Simon has been working within the SEN sector for over fifteen years and is an experienced behaviour support manager, personal assistant, classroom assistant and manager and qualified teacher. In a nutshell, Simon loves his job!

Vanessa’s role as Member Support Manager involves organising the support for members and supervising the volunteer team. She also runs our two weekly clubs during term times: Club Grapevine and the Dance Group. Vanessa holds qualifications in First Aid at Work; Risk Assessment; Safeguarding Vulnerable Adults, level 3 (Higher Distinction); Epilepsy Awareness; Autism Awareness and is qualified to administer Buccal Midazolam.

Mary Schultz works alongside Vanessa in providing support for members and also organises the Art and Craft Workshops. Mary holds qualifications in Emergency First Aid At Work; Risk Assessment; Safeguarding Vulnerable

Other support staff and volunteers are offered ‘Emergency First Aid at Work’ training. All members of the Grapevine Team have enhanced Disclosure and Barring Service (DBS) clearance where required.

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Chair’s Annual Review 2022

In January 2022, we had our 10[th] anniversary, which we celebrated with a gala dinner at Mulberry House. We had a wonderful evening with a closeup magician, live music and lots of dancing. Among our special guests were some old faces that members were delighted to see including Jenni Walkling (nee Stratford); Josh Stratford and Debbie Holdsworth.

Throughout the rest of the year, we had so many wonderful trips and events with members. My favourite outing was going to the UK Sailing Academy at the Isle of Wight where participants gained so much confidence on the water. We were complimented on what a lovely group Grapevine were - polite and helpful and willing to give anything a try. We were all so proud of our members and their considerable achievements.

The trustees and I were delighted to welcome Simon Jones to the Grapevine

Team in April. He works as a SEN teacher at a local college in term time and supports Grapevine members at our events during the holidays. Simon is a valuable addition to the team and a pleasure to work with.

Regrettably, this year has seen the biggest increase in our costs since we started 10 years ago and we’ve had no choice but to pass these costs onto members in our fees. Believe it or not, coach prices have doubled in the last few years! We are so grateful to our benefactors who made such generous donations but if we are to continue offering the same service, we will need to work really hard on grant funding applications and more fundraising events.

Jackie Holland Chair & Charity Manager

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President’s Report

It is always my pleasure to read the list of activities which Grapevine Essex present to our Members. I feel sure these are the best that any organisation can offer and this is entirely due to the hard work of our Chairman Jackie and her Committee.

varied and interesting Summer programme. I know how members look forward to these events and especially the residential ones.

The AGM is a very important aspect of our organisation and I am pleased that most of the Committee are putting themselves up for re-election. Congratulations are due to them and our Chairman Jackie as many hours are devoted by this Committee to sorting out weekly and monthly programmes and taking part in the organised events. They deserve our utmost support.

Unfortunately I was unable to take part in any of the organised events over the past year but I hope during the Summer programme I will be able to join you on the odd occasion. Hopefully the weather will stay fine and that many of you will support the organisers of the

With very best wishes for the coming year.

Peter A.T. Turrall MBE President

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Club Grapevine

Tuesdays 6:30pm-8:30pm, term time only Moulsham School, Brian Close, Chelmsford CM2 9ES Contact: [e-mail] / 07976 578868

I would like to show my appreciation to all the Club Grapevine volunteers: Jane, Karen, Adrian, Sarah, Grace, Emma for all their support and help. I would also like to thank Mary for organising and preparing Arts and Crafts evenings and Eileen and Trish for helping and Tom for taking on our quiz nights and preparing the questions. Thanks to DJ JoJo, Jan and Denis for doing the disco, film night and Karaoke each term. A big, big thank you to all the carers that bring the members to Club each

week and help us all out.

Club Grapevine continues to carry on growing with new members each year. I’d like to thank all the members that are able to pay up front for the activities, as this makes it much easier for us in collecting fees. We now have an average of 60-65 members most weeks. Bowling and Disco will always be the most popular activities. Unfortunately, City Bowl is still not open, but fingers crossed we can get back there soon. I hope everyone enjoys all the Club nights and if you have any suggestions for other activities we could offer, then please let me know.

In memory of Colin Gooday, who was a very big part of Club Grapevine and Grapevine Essex, we introduced the Colin Gooday Kindness Award. This is awarded annually to someone who the Committee feels has those same qualities of being kind and looking out for others. This year the award was presented to Robbie Howchin. Well done, Robbie.

Sadly, regular Club attendee Ian Roberts passed away earlier in the year. His mum Anne wanted to set up a special award recognising the great pleasure that Ian took in joining the art workshops. So, in memory of Ian, the Art and Craft Award 2022 was presented to Alex El-Holiby for his dedication to his artwork. Well done, Alex.

Vanessa Hellier, Club Grapevine Manager

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Dance Group

Mondays 7:00pm-8:00pm, term time only The Boswells School, Burnham Road, Chelmsford CM1 6LY Contact: Vanessa Hellier - [e-mail] / 07976 578868

So, yet another year has come to an end! I am pleased that we have 70% of our members paying in advance for the whole term, it would be great if more could do this, as it makes it a lot easier when collecting fees.

The Grapevine Essex Dance Group continue to meet regularly at The Boswells School, Chelmsford on Monday evenings. We have successfully participated in the following events:-

I would like to give a big thank you to Jean Hunter for teaching the classes and coming up with new dances when needed. I would like to thank our volunteer team Lynne, Lesley and Gail for supporting our dancers every week.

This year, The Katie Whalley Dance Achievement Award was given to Danielle Kelly for the help she gives to other members at the dance classes. Well done Danielle!

The Boswells Community Dance Shows in April and July 2022.

The Chelmsford Day of Dance in the town centre, June 2022

We look forward now to performing soon at Columbus College, the Chelmsford Carnival, and the next Boswells show in 2023.

Jean Hunter, Dance Teacher

Vanessa Hellier, Dance Group Manager

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Performance Overview 2022

Grapevine Essex provides educational and recreational activities for adults with learning disabilities living in Essex. Our priority is to support our members’ wellbeing by increasing their confidence, so they feel valued and able to contribute meaningfully to society and live more fulfilled lives.

We haven’t analysed our attendance figures since 2019 as 2020-2021 were not representative of Grapevine’s main focus. However 2022 figures show that we still have some way to go to get back to prepandemic levels of attendance. The reasons for this are multi-layered with many people still being very wary of the risks of catching

Covid but also the cost of living crisis has had a big impact. Disappointingly, figures for 2022 show a 25% decrease in attendance levels when compared to 2019 (see Fig.1). Our efforts to draw members back and start to build their confidence again are severely hampered by the huge price increases that affect every part of our charity’s work.

A review of the type of events offered shows the varied split of activities available: Life Enhancing - e.g. theatre trips Educational - e.g. historic venues Creative - e.g. art and craft Fitness and Exercise - e.g. dance Life Skills - e.g. cooking (see Fig.2).

Fig 1

Fig 2

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What People Say...

Aaron and me enjoy every trip we go on. Every trip is well-organised and the meals are always great. Without Grapevine, we would never go out anywhere. Long live Grapevine. Well done Mary, Jackie, Vanessa,

Adrian and Simon.

Paul Bibby (Aaron’s Dad)

Louan loves going to see his friends and especially the trips away. David Moore (Louan’s carer)

I absolutely love volunteering for Grapevine and find it incredibly rewarding. I previously taught many members and it’s wonderful to see their development, especially in terms of social skills and making friends. Belonging to Grapevine clearly helps motivate members and improves their quality of life, whilst having fun and trying new opportunities within a safe and familiar environment.

Emma Wyatt, Volunteer

Jill loves her time on Tuesday evenings at Club but loves the many outings even more, especially Fishing!

Cathy Knight (Jill’s sister)

Emel loves Tuesday evenings and the variety of activities: Tickled Pink, bingo, disco etc. She loves her friends she has made and enjoys going out in the evening.

Caroline Curran (Emel’s Mum)

Grapevine Essex was good last year. I liked art and outside activities and had happy times in 2022.

Thomas Turrall

I have such a good time with Grapevine and enjoy going on the outings. My favourites are Legoland, Crazy Golf at Rascal Bay, Colchester Castle

and Museums, Christmas at Hever Castle, Elf the Musical, seeing Maisie Smith In Strictly Ballroom and Back to the Future. I’m looking forward to future trips.

Ellen Schultz

Another fun packed year, going to some wonderful places and getting to see our members enjoy themselves, this is the most important thing. Over Summer last year, we had 15 trips, all brilliant in their own way but my favourites were UKSA Isle of Wight and the London Walking Tour with Dr Aaron Hunter. It never ceases to amaze me how daring our Grapeviners are, plunging into water, kayaking and just having fun. Although, I was born and brought up in London, Dr. Hunter has opened it up a lot more for me and it is a joy to see how he interacts with everyone, sharing all his little secrets. I am amazed at how much history people know and how they interact with Aaron. At Xmas, The Lion, the Witch and the Wardrobe, Christmas at Hever Castle and Back to the Future were definitely my favourites. Exploring the Light Trail in the grounds of Hever Castle in the rain did not put some of us off and we had a great time.

I do not know how Jackie continuously comes up with new ideas for outings, we

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are all very grateful to her and Vanessa for their time and effort.

Mary Schultz (Trustee and Ellen’s Mum)

Every week at Club we share a lovely evening with our members. Some have been coming for years and we have new ones joining each term. They enjoy all the activities, especially bingo, arts and crafts, quizzes and discos. Good times!

Jane Crossman (Trustee)

The summer activities and residential were extremely good. The Curve Water sport activity was a real challenge for most of the Grapevine visitors It was really great to see them all have so much fun and try new things. The joy on some of their faces when they completed a challenging journey across the very wobbly and wet course was amazing to watch. Isle of Wight was

absolutely fantastic. The accommodation was clean and new, the food was good (DO BRING YOUR OWN CUP). There were many activities that were tried by many. Some people

overcame some fears and were rightly very proud of themselves. Paul managed to paddle-board standing up and get back on by himself when he fell off. Tim tried many activities, he had not tried before and was very good at them, much to his own surprise. I would like to thank the Grapevine organisers, staff and volunteers for this wonderful opportunity for Grapevine members to experience new things and a chance to socialise in a safe and caring environment. It is such a relief as a Parent to know that your child (even

though they are an adult) is safe, happy and well looked after.

Monika Kelly, Trustee Treasurer (Danielle’s Mum)

My favourite place is Harry Potter, we saw loads of things and you could walk through Harry Potters house. I would love to go again. At The Curve, I got across loads of the paths on the course and did not fall in very much. We had a lot of fun and were laughing a lot. The Isle of Wight trip was really good, we shared rooms and could talk before going to sleep. I drove a boat all by myself and went in a canoe. There were lots of fish in the water. We played pool in the bar. We got Adrian wet and he fell in the water. YAY

Danielle Kelly

As a new member of the team I am overwhelmed by the warm welcome I’ve received.

Grapevine offers exceptional trips and social experiences to members, giving them opportunities that are well structured, organised and most importantly fun.

Simon Jones, Support Worker

I had a good day at Southend theatre seeing Snow White with Grapevine 10/10 Joshua Beaumont

I feel Grapevine has something to offer for everyone; from relaxing and informative trips to adventurous and confidencebuilding activities. It’s great to see members challenge themselves, and with the fantastic knowledge from staff and volunteers, they walk away from a trip with a massive sense of achievement and stronger social skills. Adrian Heighes, Support Worker

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With special thanks to all our benefactors

Arnold, Mrs. A. Grieg, Mr. J. Billericay & District Angling Club Hammond, L. Billericay Lions Head, M. Birt, Mrs. M. Hector, Mrs. B. Bolton, Mr. R. Hellier, Mrs. V. Chelmer Lodge 342 Ian Roberts’ Memorial Donations Chelmsford Newsagents’ Magic Little Grant customers Matthams, Mr. P. Chelmsford Tangent Paypal Giving Fund Elford, Mr. J. & Mrs. T. Roberts, Mr. D. & Mrs. J. Essex Community Foundation Roberts, Mrs. A. Forward, Mr. G. September, Mrs. E. Friends of Grapevine Essex Tilsley, Mr. J Fun Walk Sponsors Turrall, Mr. P & Bonus Pot contributors Wilkinson, Mrs. S. Green, Mr. R. & Mrs. P. Willy, Mr. G.

“I previously taught many Grapevine members and it’s wonderful to see their development, especially in terms of social skills and making friends” Emma Wyatt, Volunteer

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Treasurer’s Report

Charities with an annual income of less than £1million are not required to have their accounts audited but must be inspected by an Independent Examiner.

Mr. Robert Andrews is registered with the Association of Charity Independent Examiners (ACIE) and has inspected the Annual Accounts. A report on his findings is provided on page 16.

Grapevine is not in receipt of any government funding; the income is composed of fundraising, grants, donations and members’ fees.

The principal on-going risk to the future of the charity is a reduction in the income

required to pay the staff that manage the charity and organise the events, which are enjoyed by the majority of our members, as well as the rising energy and cost of living increases, which affect transport costs and entrance fees.

At the end of 2022, Grapevine Essex is in a sound financial position. There is a bank balance of £19,407 and cash-in-hand of £140.

We were delighted to receive grants and donations of £9,960, The Benefactors are listed on Page 14. Gift Aid of £421 was recovered on donations received in the 2021-2022 period.

Regular fundraising activities - namely the Barn Dance, the Fun Walk and the Quiz Night raised a total of £2703 after costs. We are very pleased that these events continue to be well supported in the local community. If you would like to discuss any potential grants or donations, fundraising or sponsorship opportunities, please get in touch.

Reserves Policy: Due to the rising costs, we need to increase our reserves. Grapevine Essex plans to retain a minimum of £7,000 as free reserves this year, representing the average expenditure for one series of events.

Monika Kelly, Treasurer

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Inde endent Examiner’s Re ort p p

I report on the accounts of Grapevine Essex charity no 1151261, which are set out on page 17.

Respective responsibilities of trustees and examiner

The charity's trustees are responsible for the preparation of the accounts in accordance with the requirements of the Charities Act 2011 (“the Act”).

The charity’s trustees consider that an audit is not required for this year under section 144 of the Act and that an independent examination is needed.

It is my responsibility to:

• examine the accounts under section 145 of the Charities Act,

• to follow the applicable Directions given by the Charity Commission (under section 145(5)(b) of the Act, and

• to state whether particular matters have come to my attention

Basis of independent examiner’s statement

My examination was carried out in accordance with general Directions given by the Charity Commission. An examination includes a review of the accounting records kept by the charity and a comparison of the accounts presented with those records. It also includes consideration of any unusual items or disclosures in the accounts, and seeking explanations from the trustees concerning any such matters. The procedures undertaken do not provide all the evidence that would be required in an audit, and consequently no opinion is given as to whether the accounts present a ‘true and fair’ view and the report is limited to those matters set out in the statement below.

Independent examiner's statement

In connection with my examination, no material matters have come to my attention which gives me cause to believe that, in any material respect:

• accounting records were not kept in accordance with section 130 of the Charities Act or

• the accounts do not accord with the accounting records

I have no concerns and have come across no other matters in connection with the examination to which attention should be drawn in order to enable a proper understanding of the accounts to be reached.

Relevant Professional Qualification:

Fellow of the Association of Charity Independent Examiners

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Accounts for the Year 2022

Grapevine Essex Registered charity no: 1151261

Receipts & Payments for the year ended 31 December 2022

Receipts Income from members Membership fees Activities Dance Group fees Club Grapevine fees Outings & events Transport contributions Fundraising Fundraising events Sale of merchandise Grants & donations Gift Aid recovered on donations Other income Total receipts Payments Activities Dance Group operating costs Club Grapevine operating costs Club Refunds Outings & events Outings & Events refunds Transport Fundraising Fundraising events Cost of merchandise Staff and volunteers Salaries Training Expenses reimbursed Sundry staff & volunteer costs Administration Stationery, website, postage, printing Insurance Equipment & supplies Subscriptions Bank charges & interest Sundry expenditure Total payments Surplus (deficit) for the year Cash balances 1 January 2022 Cash balances 31 December 2022 Statement of assets and liabilities Bank account Petty cash Club Grapevine petty cash Grapevine Dance Group petty cash Money owed to Grapevine Essex Money owed by Grapevine Essex	2022 £ 1,570 5,179 11,362 40,776 414 3,881 362 9,960 421 95 74,020 £ 3,055 6,557 75 34,508 625 10,012 1,178 813 17,377 1,196 386 148 2,606 742 199 96 224 326 80,123 (6,103) 23,479 17,376 19,407 50 40 50 540 (2,711) 17,376	2021 £ 219 1,219 2,355 20,501 219 1,436 81 10,083 778 471 37,362
		£ 1,130 2,031 - 18,457 122 4,089 111 96 8,777 15 154 - 3,395 748 177 146 - 175 39,623
		(2,261) 25,740 23,479
		24,956 - 50 50 110 (1,687) 23,479

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Grapevine Essex Theatre Trips

DIRTY DANCING	LET IT BE	ROCKY HORROR
ELF	LION KING	SHOW
FROZEN	MAMMA MIA	SISTER ACT
GREASE	MATILDA	THE SNOWMAN
HIGH SCHOOL ROCK	MOTOWN	WE WILL ROCK YOU
KINKY BOOTS		WIZARD OF OZ

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Membership Application 2023 K. Y￿r detalls tlè (Mr, Mrs, Miss} Name Address Postcode Date of &"rth Tel No Mobile No Email Address Dlagnosls or descrfption of dlsabilty Where did you hear about us? melli￿rST11p Fee Annual Metnbership Feè.. £10 l.com Ime GRAPEVIIVEESSEY Members have the 0￿P.ortunrt￿ to partiopate in apPr0￿mate￿ 35 speoal oryanised and supported recreatr.onal and educational events per year at subsidised prices. Members are also entrded to parb"apate in the weekjy terni time groups: Grawwine E55ex Dance Tea￿ (Monday evenings at The Boswe115 School. Chelmsfoid) and aub Grapevinrf {Tuesday evenings at b19utsJw Sthool. Chelmsfoid)- Please retum thls form wth your payment to: Grape￿ne Essex . clo Tulip Hal • 31 aarton Road • St Owh • Essex • CJ116 8PA Info ra evinee55ex.or ra ewnee55ex.or 19

Friends of Grapevine Essex 2023 Friends of Grapevine Essex membership 15 available to anyone who wishes to help SUPPOrt the valuaNe work of our tharity. As a Friend of Grapevine Essex, you will be emailed regular updates on piogres5 and events. If you do not Vlish to receNe emails from us. please b.ck here ra ewneessex.or Registered tharty Number 1151261 Your details Title (Mr. Mis. Miss) Name Address Postcode Tel No / Mobile No Email Address £10 £15 £20 a￿Unt £ Hease treat as Gift Aid donations alt qUaIrf￿ng grfts of money tnade Today El in the past 4 years D in the future El I confvm I h•4e or ¥Yl pw rat￿ andlN GwrsTaK each taxye {6I4d tD 5 Awdl at least apja ts) thE rflaKthat al the IhaitiE5 QYCASC5 that I knate to redavn on Id15fr￿thrt￿￿}￿. l Unde￿knd thttdhu L£ VATMd Counol Tax do quthfy. "gnature please return this fonn your pasThert to: Grapevine E55ex" clo Tulip Hal • 31 (Jacton Road • St Osyth C016 8PA 20

Glft Ald declaratlon - for past, present & future donations I I￿ past 4 yoats El A) Ihtt fkn Cl Tax lax ￿ {6 Apnl lo 5 al basl W lots (CASCS) to il f￿18￿￿ on my trwt thx ￿ l urthts that cther taxes swh as VAT Cwnol Tax (k> quathfy I il feclam 28p of tax on every £1 that I lo 5 2(th w• red￿ 2$> of lex cm every £1 Ihal I gNe or aftw 6 *4xI 21XB. Fk•i 21

Grapevine Essex

Registered address: c/o Tulip Hall 31 Clacton Road St Osyth Essex CO16 8PA Registered Charity Number 1151261

www.grapevineessex.org.uk www.facebook.com/GrapevineEssex www.twitter.com/GrapevineEssex www.instagram.com/grapevine_essex/

Jackie Holland, Chair & Charity Manager Tel: [phone] Email: [e-mail]