The Net North Shields Registered Charity No. 1151677 Trustees. Report and Financial Statement for the year ended 31 December 2024 Legal and Administrative Information Name: The Net North Shields Charity no: Structure: 1151677 Unincorporated association governed by a constitution. Trustees: D Hodgson LKay B Tavernor C Brown JC Nolan S Barlow R Chapman S Tempest Trustees are elected by the membership at each Annual General Meeting. Principal Office: The Old Low Light Clifford Fort North Shields Tyne & Wear NE30 1JA Bankers: HSBC 110 Grey Street Newcastle upon Tyne NE16JG Independent Examiner: Mark Thompson MAAT VODA Spirit of North Tyneside Wing 2nd Floor, Wallsend Community Hub & Library 16 The Forum Wallsend NE28 8JR The Net North Shields Trustees Report: for the year ended December 2024 We are pleased to report that 2024 has been a positive and productive year for the Old Low Light Heritage Cenlre, with more than 130 events and activities delivered and close to 30,000 visilors welcomed through our doors. Despite continued financial challenges facing small charities, we remained focused on our core objectives.. preserving and sharing the rich heritage of North Shields and the Fish Quay, engaging and educaling the Community. and providing an inclusive, welcoming spa¢e for people of all ages and backgrounds. We are proud to say that we continued to deliver againsl all of these aims throughout the year. 1. Charitable ObJect5ves and Publlc Benefit The Old Low Light's charitable objectives focus on heritage education, community engagement, and public benefit through cultural programming. These were reflected in our 2024 activities, which included.. A well-attended Merchanl Navy exhlbltlon, praised by visitors and helping to interpret Ihe region's marilime history. Over 130 publlc events, including heritage talks, live music, exhibitions, workshops, guided walks, and community gatherings. A varied and expandingtalks programm8, including Saturday and Tuesday sessions. Active school engagement, with hundreds of local children visiting for heritage and history activilies. Ongoing support for FLOW. a group supporting adults with additional needs through creative activity. Conlinued use of the centre as a 'warm space,. providing comforl and community lo those who need il. Our events and exhibitions continue lo support education. reflection. and c81ebralion of the area's rich local history, helping meet our charitable purpose. 2. Flnanclal Management and Sustainabillty In 2024, we continued to manage our finances prud8nlly, responding to inflationary pressures and balancing income and expenditure wherever possible. Core funding was received from.. The National Lottery Community Fund Imulli-year granl) Garfleld Weston Trust Communlty Foundatlon Slr James Knott Trust- £10,000 per year confirmed for the next three years Alongside granl funding, we raised a slgnificant portion of our income through charitable Iradlng activities Including our ¢afé, shop, events. membership scheme, and room hire. Additional measures included.. Increasing membership fees and introducing half-price talks for members (helping reduce 'no shows, and improve attendance rates) Running plant sales and a five4ay art exhibition (raising funds through a 250/0 donation on sales) Careful cost managemenl and regular review of spending This combination of grant funding, earned income, and financial controls has allowed us to remain operational and plan confidently for our tenth anniversary year in 2025. 3. Activities and Achievemenls Highlights of the year included.. . A full programme of heritage and cultural events- over 130 in total Llve music concerts, including the successful trial of Saturday afternoon performances . An increase in guided walks, with new routes covering Preston Village and Tynemouth alongside our coastal Wi - A series of art5 and crafts workshops. including ceramics and willow weaving. attracting new audiences and providing additional income Ongoing collaboration with local schools and community groups Strengthened partnerships with local organisations and new collaboration with l Love North Shlelds, a monthly cultural magazine Physical improvements to the building. including external decoratlon and use of the David W Bavaird Community Room for a growing number of workshops and hires 4. Volunteerlng and Communlty Support Our achievements in 2024 would not have been possible without our dedicated volunteers, who continue lo give their lime, skills, and energy lo keep the centre running and welcoming. We were pleased to welcome new volunteer$ to our team in 2024, helping io build capacity and ensure continuity. The plant salés, regular guided walks. and support for exhibitions all benefited from community contributions and goodwill, demonstrating the value the local public places on the cenlre. 5. Looklng Ahead to 2025 As we approach the 101h annlversary of our offSclal oponlng, we are preparing a range of activities to commemorate Ihis milestone and lo mark the 800th annlversary of the foundlng of North Shlelds in 2025. Plans for 2025 include.. New dlsplay boards and exhibitions telllng the story of North Shields from ils founding to the present day . Themed talks. walks, and events linked to the 800th anniversary Conlinued partnership with local organisations and the council to deliver a community-wide celebration Much-needed bullding repalr8 and Improvements, forwhich we will continue to seek funding In Summary 2024 has been a strong year for the Old Low Light. We have remained true to oui objectives. enhanced our programming, stabilised our finances, and built new relationships. Thanks to the tireless efforts of our volunteers, the generosity of oui funders, and the continued support of the community. we look ahead to 2025with excitement and determination. Trustees. responslbllltles In relatlon to the flnancial slatoments Charity Law requires the Trustees lo prepare financial slalemenls for each financial year which comply with the regulations sel out in the Charities Act 1993. The Trustees have elected to lake advantage of Ihe provisions that apply to small ¢harilies and have prepafed a Receipts and Payments Account and Statement of Assets and Liabilities. Signed.. .Chair, on behalf of the Trustees, date.. 11 lo££ INDEPENDENT EXAMINER'S REPORT Report to the trustees of The Net North Shields On accounts for the year ended 31 December 2024 Charity no 1151677 Respective responslbillties of trustees and examiner The trustees of the organisation are responsible for the preparation of accounts. they consider that an audit is not required for this year under section 144(2) of the Charities Act 2011 and that an Independent Examination is needed. It is my responsibility to examine the accounts (under section 145 of the 2011 Act), follow the procedures laid down in the General Directions given by the Charity Commission (under section 145(5)(b) of the Act), and state whether particular matters have come to my attention. Basls of Independent examiner's statement My examination was carried out in accordance with General Directions given by the Charity Commissioners. 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 I do not express an audit opinion on the accounts. Independent examiner's statement In the course of my examination, no matter has come to my attention.. 1 . which gives me reasonable cause to believe that in, any material respect, the trustees have not met the requirements to ensure that: proper accounting records are kept (in accordance with section 130 of the Act). and accounts are prepared which agree with the accounting records and comply with the accounting requirements of the Act.. or 2. to which, in my opinion, attention should be drawn in order to enable proper understanding of the accounts to be reached. Signed: Date: 20 October 2025 Name.. Address". Mark Thompson MAAT VODA Spirit of North Tyneside Wing 2nd Floor, Wallsend Community Hub & Library 16 The Forum Wallsend NE28 8JR The Net North Shields Receipts and payments account for the period 1 January to 31 December 2024 Notes 2024 2024 Unrestrlcled Restricted 2024 Total 2023 Total Income Donations Charitable Activties Other Trading Activities Investment Income {2) (3) (4) 15669 13245 113564 155 24391 40060 13245 113564 155 55923 11333 106675 163 Total Income 142633 24391 167024 174094 Expenditure Cost of Trading Activities Charitable Activities Depreciation (5) (6) 22827 138759 1500 23369 24327 162128 22910 145979 Total Expenditur• 161586 24869 186455 168889 Surplus for the period -18953 478 -19431 5205 Transfers Between Funds Balance at l January 2024 23400 5034 28434 23229 Balance al 31 December 2024 4447 4556 9003 28434 The Net North Shields Balance Sheet at 31 December 2024 2024 2023 Fixed Assets Current Assets Debtors Prepayments Stock Cash at Bank & in Hand 1145 894 10897 2976 456 28723 Total Cash Balances 12936 32155 Current Llabilities 3933 3721 Net Current Assets 9003 28434 Net Assets at 31 December 2024 9003 28434 Represented By: Restricted Funds Unrestricted Funds 4556 4447 5034 23400 9003 28434 Total 9003 28434 The financial statements were approved by the following members of the Management Committee . Signed Position Position s