Tll6 fLYinG SEAGVLL PROJECT ANNUAL REPORT 2023-24
The Trustees present their report and accounts for the year ended 28 February 2024. The accounts have been prepared in accordance with the accounting policies set out in note one to the accounts, and comply with the Charity’s Memorandum and Articles of Association, the Companies Act 2006 and “Accounting and Reporting by Charities; Statement of Recommended Practice applicable to charities preparing their accounts in accordance with the Financial Reporting Standard applicable in the UK and Republic of Ireland (FRS102)” (as amended for accounting periods commencing from 1 January 2016).
| Trustees | Mr S Wynne | Principal address | Unit 1 |
|---|---|---|---|
| Ms N F Brierclife | Aldbury Farm Hatfeld Broad Oak |
||
| Mr B McAlinn | Bishop’s Stortford | ||
| Ms D Yay | CM22 7JX | ||
| Mr D Robinson Ms C Sullivan Ms S Henell (appointed 1 July 2024) |
Registered ofce | Unit 1 Aldbury Farm Hatfeld Broad Oak Bishop’s Stortford |
|
| CM22 7JX | |||
| Chief Executive | Mr A Perrin | ||
| Independent | John Caladine FCCA CTA FCIE | ||
| Charity number | 1152433 | examiner | Caladine Limited Chantry House |
| 22 Upperton Road | |||
| Company number | 08404014 | Eastbourne East Sussex |
|
| BN21 1BF |
Contents
Trustees’ report .......................................................................................................1 — Welcome to our annual report .............................................................1 — A message from Ash ...................................................................................2 — Statement from the Chair of the Board of Trustees .............3 — Our mission .........................................................................................................5 — 2023-24 at a glance ......................................................................................6 — New initiatives in 2023-24 ........................................................................9 — Our other international projects in 2023-24 ............................. 19 — Our other UK national projects in 2023-24 ...............................27 — How we monitor and evaluate ..........................................................33 — Safeguarding ..................................................................................................34 — Our Board of Trustees ..............................................................................35 — Our base camp team ...............................................................................36 — Our delivery team .......................................................................................37 — Thank you to our valued donors and supporters ...............39 — Future plans ....................................................................................................40 — Public benefit .................................................................................................40 — Financial review .............................................................................................41 Statement of Trustees’ responsibilities .............................................43 Independent examiner’s report .............................................................44 Statement of financial activities .............................................................46 Statement of financial position ...............................................................47 Statement of cash flows ..............................................................................49 Notes to the financial statements ........................................................50
Welcome to our annual report
Through music, circus, clowning, theatre, dance, magic and art, The Flying Seagull Project brings laughter and happiness to children in crisis. We work in refugee camps, care homes, hostels, hospitals, temporary accommodation centres, refuges, food banks and community centres in the UK, the Middle East and across Europe.
Annual report 2023-24 | 1
----- Start of picture text -----
Annual report 2023-24 | 2
----- End of picture text -----
A message from Ash
For the past few years, we have put an incredible amount of effort into consolidating and making sustainable all of our practices, in terms of delivery but also fundraising, safeguarding, and all the things that make an organisation effective, impactful, and trustworthy. The result is that, without doubt, this has been the single most productive year since the Seagulls began 16 years ago. The increases in our income as a result of the fundraising efforts were significant, which allowed an increase in delivery. We were able to deliver to this increased potential as a result of a bigger team. Due to a focus on training and a more robust creative support structure within the team, we were able to deliver to a higher standard, with a broader range of activities, and a more skilled team. Most importantly, all of these efforts and all this growth meant that we were able to meet more children facing difficult and often brutal circumstances, sharing moments of magic and safety. Everything we have done since we began 16 years ago still holds that single focus, that the only growth we want is one that supports more children having access to quality play, music, movement and creative activities, feeling valued and special and having an actual childhood.
As always I take this opportunity to offer a huge amount of gratitude to everyone involved with the flying seagull project: both the team but also those who support us in a myriad of ways. Though they don’t seem quite enough, as two very short words, I say to everybody involved, thank you.
Ash Perrin CEO, founded The Flying Seagull Project in 2008
Statement from the Chair of the Board of trustees
If you’ve only got five minutes to read this report, forget the words. You might even disregard the numbers (although 1,310 sessions delivered in 2023/4 is a big one and we are very proud of it.) Please look at the pictures.
First the children. Even with pixelated faces you get a sense of the fun. Then the performers; all energy and passion. Last, the scene beyond: The ramshackle buildings and the tatty tents crowded close together.
This is the Flying Seagulls. We work and play with children in crisis across the world. Many are fleeing from danger and living fraught, frugal lives, constantly in turmoil. Others are stuck in transition camps, not designed for permanent residence but still the only home they’ve ever known. Some are in temporary accommodation here in the UK, hospitals, community centres, SEND support groups. Everywhere, our mission is the same: to share a little happiness with children who don’t often get to feel valued and special, but will do today.
It’s a privilege to be Flying Seagull, even a grounded one. As trustees our job is to provide sound governance, supervise the finances and oversee all the processes of a responsible organisation. We guide, and we also lead, working with our staff on planning and strategic direction.
Last year the Seagulls reached more children in more places than ever before. I am grateful to everyone who made that possible – the team both out in the field and in base camp, the volunteers including my co-trustees, the funders, and, above all, grateful to all of the children who have welcomed us into their lives to share moments of magic. Thank you all.
David Robinson Chair of the Board of Trustees
Annual report 2023-24 | 3
jl. Annual r
our mission
We share joy worldwide through music, art, circus and dance. Working with vulnerable, abandoned, displaced and poorly people, we run creative sessions to help build confidence, aid childhood development and strengthen communication.
We believe...
everyone has the right to laugh, socialise and enjoy their life, no matter their financial, physical, psychological or societal situation.
every child should have the right to e play fre ly without risk or threat.
play, creativity and laughter is essential to a child’s development and therefore to the community as a whole.
Annual report 2023-24 | 5
1,310 sessions
----- Start of picture text -----
2023-24
----- End of picture text -----
7 countries
42,316 smiles shared
International projects
Middle east Medley playtime poland Balkan laughathon March to May ’23 March to May ’23 April ’23 October to December ’23 October to November ’23
Fantastic Attica talking turkey October to December ’23 November to December ’23
Annual report 2023-24 | 7
national projects in the uK
emergency laughter relief
Skills Share Circus Clubs
laugh ‘n’ play uK
February ’23 to July ’23 September ’23 to February ’24
March ’23
April, May, June, October & December ’23, February ’24
Chuckles and Cheer summer camps
Summer Sunshine roadshow
emergency laughter relief residencies
July to September ’23
August ’23
October to December ’23
Annual report 2023-24 | 8
new initiatives in 2023-24
This year we added five new projects, with two new international projects and three new national projects in the UK ...
Annual report 2023-24 | 9
emergency laughter relief residencies
Weeklong residencies through the year, sharing play, circus and games with children seeking refuge who are living in temporary accommodation. These new residencies involved visiting kids in temporary accommodation like hotels for a full weeklong play programme each time.
All our residency teams spoke about the powerful impact of this longer format, which meant we could build a deeper rapport and trust with the kids and share a wider variety of activities.
You make him happy. It has been a long time not happy and you make him happy.
the children stay in the room. You make them come out. You give them happy, fun times.
– two mothers of children at a hotel we visited
This impact was most noticeable in the way that these residencies were really participant-led, where the kids got a chance to decide what their favourite activities were and shape the weeklong play programme around their interests.
56 912 sessions total attendance
Annual report 2023-24 | 10
Chuckles and Cheer summer camps
Full-week Seagull residencies at hotels accommodating children seeking refuge, sharing smile relief during the long periods of isolation and activity that these children face during the school summer holiday.
34 1,333 sessions total attendance
Annual report 2023-24 | 11
“We just wanted to thank you again for a wonderful week of children’s activities. the children had a great time and I could see that it helped them in many ways. the banners are still up on the walls and we will add to them as the weeks go on.
“please thank the rest of your team for their hard work, they were such good fun to be with.”
⸺– Family Liaison at a hotel housing displaced people seeking refuge
“This was the first time we’d run this project and it was fantastic. We could really see the difference it made, not only to have activities in the summer holidays when there is no school to provide structure, stimulation and socialisation, but also how much it meant and how much we were able to achieve by being there for the whole week instead of just a day.”
– ⸺Izzy, Seagull National Director
Annual report 2023-24 | 12
Fantastic Attica
Our fantastic Greek-led crew delivered a full schedule of Seagull activities in community education centres for child refugees, shelters for unaccompanied minors seeking refuge, support groups for children and adults with disabilities, Roma communities, and children living alone in state care.
22 1,125 sessions total attendance
Annual report 2023-24 | 13
“they loved the show and they were impressed that we visited them because as they say, ‘no one comes here, especially for something like this.’
“What you are doing is very important and meaningful for the whole community, thank you!”
⸺– Angela Lecatsa, mediator in Roma communities
“For many years we have supported refugee groups and families and community groups in crisis across Greece. the issue now is that access to the camps has been reduced or removed entirely. “there are more than 30 roma communities in the Athens district alone, and all of them are in severe situations of poverty, food scarcity, and with zero positive activities for the children.
“Also, high levels of financial destitution and an extremely damaged economy in Greece has meant many decades of reduced spending on social care. Additionally, the special education, shelter and facilities for children and adults with additional needs is sorely underfunded, meaning many children and adults have little to no actual life, rather an existence.
“these are therefore the areas we have focused our efforts and attention this year.”
– ⸺Ash, Seagull founder and CEO
Annual report 2023-24 | 14
Summer Sunshine roadshow
A new UK summer tour, we visited new partners in London and the south-east and across north-west England and Wales, sharing smiles at lunch clubs, outof-schools services, community centres, SEND support groups, and hotels and community groups supporting displaced people. We also partnered with Monmouthshire Council to deliver a play programme in local areas facing high levels of hardship.
I loved the show, especially the bit when I got to perform on stage!
– Isla, eight, participant at a SEND support group in Monmouthshire
28 sessions
786 total attendance
Annual report 2023-24 | 15
kA' 71.-
talking turkey
Our first-ever project in Turkey was launched in November, to share emergency play relief with children and families who remained displaced after the terrible earthquake that affected the region earlier in February. In addition to shows and sessions in the “container cities” housing those displaced by the earthquake, we also worked with young Syrian refugees and visited schools for children with disabilities, and schools and community centres in areas with local hardships.
64 7,266 sessions total attendance Annual report 2023-24 | 17
“the activities helped our disabled children who receive special education support and their families feel good and valued, and they had a very enjoyable time.”
⸺– Beril Erkan, psychologist at Elazığ Active Children Special Education and Rehabilitation Centre
“It is impossible to imagine what the population here went through, even after seeing all destroyed cities, the tens of thousands of people living in container camps and after meeting and talking to the ones affected by the disaster. “everyone has lost someone they knew among the more than 60,000 casualties. thousands of buildings were destroyed or made unsafe, and this means the loss of homes, hospitals, schools, businesses and futures. rebuilding life as it was is an unreachable dream for most, since the economic situation of most families is also in ruins.
“In this environment we met children and families with a great need to play, laugh, be silly and think about something else. play and humour brings a sense of normality and maybe even some hope. Whether it was a camp for families displaced by the earthquake or a refugee camp, the needs are similar: children need fun, play and positive energies.”
– Bendik, Seagull team leader
Annual report 2023-24 | 18
our other international projects in 2023-24
This year we expanded three of last year’s international projects ...
Annual report 2023-24 | 19
(IFe UNHC Annua rt 2023-24 | 20
Middle east Medley
In our first international project of 2023, we returned to Lebanon and Jordan to continue our work with children who’ve sought refuge from Syria. This year, we expanded the project to include play and laughter sessions in disability support groups and with communities affected by the deepening economic and social challenges in Lebanon and Jordan.
177 11,526 sessions total attendance
“We feel strongly that this was an incredibly powerful project. Both in lebanon and Jordan there were far more children than we had the time to see. While still meeting so many and making a big impact, we are left with the feeling that there were so many more that we did not see. this gives us great motivation for the next project here.”
– Pieter, Seagull team leader
Annual report 2023-24 | 21
We have been receiving lots of gratitude from the women at the centre about the impact the Flying Seagulls had on their kids. A lot of the kids that come to our centre have a range of abilities. the women have explained that they struggle to support their range of needs. The Flying Seagulls made it possible for their kids to feel empowered, important, and that they are capable.
on this day, we saw our very quiet and timid kids have a new sense of wonder and confidence that we haven’t seen before. We saw our kids with disabilities have surprised faces by being able to do the activities that they didn’t think they could do. We saw the staff, volunteers, and women overwhelmed with emotions of happiness and gratitude for the effort of meaningful inclusion and participation of every kid.
We are truly grateful for the efforts and compassion shown by the Flying Seagulls. There was so much laughter and love that filled the centre this day. thank you again, Flying Seagulls!
– Thea, Circle of Wellbeing
Annual report 2023-24 | 22
playtime poland
Last year we responded to the invasion of Ukraine by launching our first Playtime Poland project, focussing our efforts on supporting Ukrainian children in orphanages and institutional care, who’d had to flee war without even a parent there to provide comfort and reassurance.
280 6,265 sessions total attendance Annual report 2023-24 | 23
“the places where we work in poland are places where many of the basic needs like food, clothing and a place to live are met.
“But vital elements like warmth, safety and encouragement seem to be lacking. In two of the centres, this seemed even worse then half a year ago, with the caretakers being even more distant then we had seen them before.
“A Seagull session filled with ‘bravos!’, where we create a space where bullying is not allowed and everyone gets to join in equally, makes a visible impact on the children.”
⸺– Katie, Seagull team leader
“When are you coming back? this has been so much fun … to play with my friends is the best, and you are all so funny.” – ⸺teenager, Protection Hub Rzeszow
----- Start of picture text -----
Annual report 2023-24 | 24
----- End of picture text -----
Balkan laughathon
Bulgaria’s location near the border of the EU means large numbers of people arrive there seeking refuge. Combined with the fact that the country remains one of the poorest in Europe, this results in children – many of whom have experienced terrible hardships – growing up in refugee camps with some of the most difficult conditions we’ve seen.
The need for proper play, creative enrichment and moments of real joy also extends beyond refugee camps and shelters, to places like orphanages and centres for people with disabilities.
72 2,242 sessions total attendance
Annual report 2023-24 | 25
“Bulgaria is economically challenged and as such there is widespread poverty and instability in social support structures.
“As we have seen from day one with the Seagulls, when the purse is empty the provision of play is understandably low on the priorities list. However, many times we saw a hunger for interaction, play, noise: a break from the monotony of struggle.”
⸺– Faidra, Seagull team leader
“the children have absolutely loved every second of the Flying Seagull project’s visit, from group games and free play circus skills, to magic shows, crafting and spontaneous dance sessions: so much so that children would wait by the entrance of the camp for the Seagulls to return each day!
“the children have all formed such happy memories over the last two weeks — and positive memories are so incredibly important for refugee children. It is like shining a bright light into a very dark period of their lives. I’m sure these memories will last a lifetime.”
– Sadie, Harmanli refugee camp
Annual report 2023-24 | 26
our other uK national projects in 2023-24
This year we expanded three of last year’s national projects in the UK ...
Annual report 2023-24 | 27
emergency laughter relief
Emergency Laughter Relief is our year-round project of play support for children who are seeking refuge in the UK and are living in temporary accommodation. Over the summer session of this project, we also continued working with two schools who had recently taken in large numbers of children who’ve been granted asylum in the UK, helping all the kids to make new friends, and making sure that joining a new school was the positive experience for all that it should be.
these sessions are more important than ever. As the environment becomes ever more inhospitable, these families need to know that they are not forgotten and that there is a safe place for them to be children. We continue to get requests from hotels through word of mouth and recommendations, asking us to visit and saying that the children are desperate for something to do.
– Izzy, Seagull National Director
439 sessions
7,494 total attendance
Annual report 2023-24 | 28
Skills Share Circus Clubs
Our Skills Share Circus Clubs offer a programme of regular, longterm sessions and workshops tailored for groups of young people with specific needs.
Since we launched this project in January 2022, we’ve seen that sharing regular, structured play sessions and workshops over a longer period of time has helped improve mental health, confidence and participation among the children and young people we’ve worked with.
In the 2023–24 reporting period we delivered this project at Simmons House, an in-patient psychiatric unit for young people between 13 and 17 with emotional and mental health problems, and at South London Refugee Association, who support child refugees living in hotels, temporary accommodation and foster care.
“each workshop has been brilliantly thoughtout and planned, while always allowing space for change and adaptation depending on the young people’s abilities and needs. It has worked really well that each workshop is slightly different, allowing each young person to try something new. It continues to be a wonderful space where the young people can learn and have fun with relaxed but exciting facilitators.”
- teacher at Simmons House
Annual report 2023-24 | 29
Annual report 23 | 30
laugh ‘n’ play uK
Now into its fourth consecutive year, Laugh ‘n’ Play UK is a regular fixture of our Seagull calendar.
Every school holiday we send teams out across the country, partnering with community centres, disability support organisations, food support groups, hotels accommodating refugees, out-of-school services, and refuges, to make sure children and families, regardless of their circumstances, get to share a really memorable day of play, games and big belly-laughs.
In December, we deliver this holiday programme with a seasonal twist as the Festive Cheer Up.
I don’t even know how to explain the amazing impact this session had not only on the children but the grownups. the two ladies who came were out of this world at making the children feel relaxed and included. I’ve recommended them to anyone who will listen. they went above and beyond any of our other service providers.
– Anne Doyle, Volunteer Manager at Alder Hey Children’s Hospital
134 3,289 sessions total attendance
Annual report 2023-24 | 31
“I have never seen the children all so actively engaged together in one activity, the Flying Seagulls managed to keep them all enthralled throughout the performance. It’s also a massive help to me and the team of volunteers that we can concentrate on cooking food while the children are entertained. Many of the children have never seen circus or shows before so it was a real treat.”
– ⸺Amy Goodwin, Project Manager at All Saints Family Cafe
“the importance and impact of laugh ‘n’ play has been well established. the cost of living crisis is causing even more families to drop below the poverty line and services are stretched to the limit. partners have been in contact, very keen to book us and bring some light and an event to look forward to for their families. the sessions we have run have been very well received and the team have commented on the need.”
“the sessions were extremely well received by the host venues and parents/guardians as a vital outlet for children during the holiday period. the Flying Seagulls had children gripped by the performances and overjoyed with the circus activities. their performances and activities are accessible for a broad spectrum of children with varying needs and abilities. their interaction with the children before, during and after the performances made it memorable for all who attended.”
⸺– Izzy, Seagull National Director
Annual report 2023-24 | 32
How we monitor and evaluate
We want to accurately, sensitively and effectively tell the story about the difference our projects make for children and families around the world. We are realistic about the impact and outcomes we make. We are creative in the way we gather and share our stories. We are brave about how we relate our work in ways that are genuine and meaningful.
We gather audience and partner feedback, we share reallife data and stories and we record and measure the impact of what we do through case studies, partner feedback, audience and family feedback, numbers attending the shows, photographs, videos, interviews with attendees and partners, and quotes. We believe our team’s insights and stories, gathered after every session under the three headings of wellbeing, skills and community, evidence the real importance of play for children and families in times of crisis.
We are proud to be able to report that our sessions improve communication, confidence, mood, self-esteem, peer relations, trust, resilience, perseverance and the ability to regulate emotions.
----- Start of picture text -----
Annual report 2023-24 | 34
----- End of picture text -----
Safeguarding
We are committed to ensuring that the safety and wellbeing of everyone who interacts with our services is of the highest importance and maintained to the best standards.
Working with vulnerable children and families around the world, we uphold quality and replicable practices for our own delivery and insist that our partners have their own up-to-date, appropriate safeguarding policies and that they formally adhere to our own policies and practices.
With safeguarding training and expertise represented across our organisation, from our dedicated Boardlevel safeguarding lead through our paid teams and volunteers, every person taking part in our delivery has to undergo our detailed safeguarding training, delivered by our trained Designated Safeguarding Officer.
Our Safeguarding Policy can be found at the following adress.
https://www.theflyingseagullproject.com/wp-content/ uploads/2023/05/Child-Protection-Policy-Mar-23.pdf
our Board of trustees
Bringing a broad range of skills including legal, accountancy, safeguarding, broadcasting, creative training and third sector experience, our fantastic Trustee Board is responsible for our overall governance and oversight.
----- Start of picture text -----
David Bala naomi Catherine Steve Donna
Sofie
robinson McAlinn Briercliffe Sullivan Wynne Yay Henell
Chair of the (appointed 1 July
Board of 2024)
Trustees
----- End of picture text -----
Annual report 2023-24 | 35
our base camp team
Our base camp team is headed up by chief clown and CEO Ash Perrin, and now consists of our Executive Director, Tania, who has been with us since 2020 and our Communications Manager. Martin, who has been with us since 2018.
This year we also recruited three new roles: Philippa, our Finance Manager, who joins us with many years’ experience; Ciara, our Projects Coordinator, is in charge of all project bookings, partnerships, logistics and team plannings and briefings; and Rachel, our Volunteer Manager, is making sure that our team of fantastic volunteers are welcomed, trained, briefed and supported.
We were sad to say goodbye to our valued and long-term Seagull Isobel Wolff, who, after 10 years, decided to move on to explore other opportunities. We would like to thank Izzy for her commitment, passion and love, and wish her all the best in her new ventures.
Ash tania Martin Ciara rachel philippa perrin Skae platais Connell lochhead Ghosh
Annual report 2023-24 | 36
our delivery team
We have a phenomenal team of skilled and experienced play practitioners who, in spite of the difficult challenges and environments we operate in, work tirelessly with full energy, grit and grace to deliver our magical projects. Delivering both internationally and nationally, they bring the highest quality music, arts and entertainment with dignity and respect for every child, to make sure everyone we meet feels included, special and valued. We run a range of training and apprentice programmes to support our team’s development in the organisation.
Annual report 2023-24 | 37
ffLYm ir •• }111
thank you to our valued donors and supporters
We would like to share a huge, heartfelt thank you to our donors and supporters for believing in our work and in the power of play. Thank you to everyone who follows us, shares our work, paints our vans, sends us letters, joins us on the field, cycles the length of the country to raise sponsorship, checks our HR processes, supports us with legal work, films our performers, edits our videos, holds fundraisers, bake sales, comedy nights and 100’s of other acts of support and to all the amazingly generous, compassionate children who raise funds and donate their pocket money to support our work- we are continually blown away and immensely touched and grateful for every effort you all make to help keep us flying.
To all our major donors, family foundations and regular givers, your trust in us to provide unrestricted funding is a vital lifeline that allows us to plan and deliver projects where we see the most need, being nimble and agile so we can respond to crises and emergencies very quickly and for this we are eternally grateful.
Thank you also to our valued and long term partners Choose Love for believing in us and continuing to support our work with displaced people internationally and in the UK.
Together with you all we can and do change the worlds of young people and families and spread hope, love and friendship.
Annual report 2023-24 | 39
Future plans
As our income has grown, so have our plans and ambitions to reach more children with quality play around the world. During the 2022-23 reporting year, we made a strategic commitment to invest in our core “base camp” team, which included recruiting a new Finance Manager, Volunteer Manager, and Projects Coordinator.
In line with this strategic commitment, our plans for the year ahead will see us:
1. Train more team. We want to increase our delivery capacity by training more crew, so that we can deliver more projects at any one time. We will run a global training programme, led and delivered by Ash, our CEO, to train up existing team to lead projects and to recruit new team with strong prior experience.
2. Deliver more projects. We intend to run new projects in Turkey, Greece, the Middle East, the Balkans, England and Wales.
3. Improve our planning and logistics. We replaced our dedicated UK National Director role with an International Projects Coordinator, to manage all our bookings, partnerships and opportunities across both national and international programmes. This will enable us to plan and deliver the high number of projects that we have in the pipeline in the most efficient ways, and help us better support our team.
Public benefit
The Trustees have paid due regard to guidance issued by the Charity Commission in deciding what activities the Charity should undertake.
Annual report 2023-24 | 40
Financial review
The unrestricted surplus for the year was £24,833. £76,475 of restricted funds were carried forward at the end of the year. At the year end, total unrestricted funds were £323,053 (2023: £298,220) and restricted funds were £ 141,749 (2023: £65,274).
reserves
The Charity seeks to set aside at least six to nine months’ operating expenditure as a suitable reserve sum. Based on the current annual activity and future development plans, the Board of Trustees have determined to hold £150k in unrestricted funds for this purpose, referred to as Minimum Operating Reserves in the following financial statements.
In addition, at the year ending February 2024, the board further designated unrestricted funds to support the delivery of work within our charitable aims:
-
Needed but Not Known - £60,000 Funds to work in areas where we are desperately needed but that are often unknown or are difficult to fundraise for. In addition, there can be a need to quickly respond to events and the Board wish to hold funds, to ensure that those in crisis are supported in line with our mission. It is anticipated that where we have the resources this will be a rolling designation for the Charity.
-
Fleet & Equipment: Maintenance, Development and Innovation - £35,000 Funds to enable us to meet the additional vehicle maintenance costs and replacements moving towards a more environmentally friendly fleet. Along with resources to replace equipment as necessary, we want to continue innovating equipment to offer access to those with disabilities. It is expected that this will be a rolling designation whilst ever we hold vehicles and equipment within the Charity.
The Trustees have assessed the major risks to which the Charity is exposed and are satisfied that systems are in place to mitigate exposure to these.
Annual report 2023-24 | 41
Statement of trustees’ responsibilities
The Trustees, who are also the directors of The Flying Seagull Project for the purpose of Company Law, are responsible for preparing the Trustees’ Report and the financial statements in accordance with applicable law and United Kingdom Accounting Standards (United Kingdom Generally 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 Charity and of the incoming resources and application of resources, including the income and expenditure, of the charitable company for that year.
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 judgements and 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.
-
Prepare the financial statements on the going concern basis unless it is inappropriate to presume that the Charity will continue in operation.
The Trustees are responsible for keeping adequate accounting records that disclose with reasonable accuracy at any time the financial position of the Charity 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 Charity and hence for taking reasonable steps for the prevention and detection of fraud and other irregularities.
Annual report 2023-24 | 43
Independent examiner’s report
I report to the Trustees on my examination of the financial statements of The Flying Seagull Project (the Charity) for the year ended 29 February 2024.
responsibilities and basis of report
As the Trustees of the Charity (and also its directors for the purposes of company law) you are responsible for the preparation of the financial statements in accordance with the requirements of the Companies Act 2006 (the 2006 Act).
Having satisfied myself that the financial statements of the Charity 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 the Charity’s financial statements carried out under section 145 of the Charities Act 2011 (the 2011 Act). In carrying out my examination I have followed all the applicable Directions given by the Charity Commission under section 145(5)(b) of the 2011 Act.
Independent examiner’s statement
Since the Charity’s gross income exceeded £250,000 your examiner must be a member of a body listed in section 145 of the 2011 Act. I confirm that I am qualified to undertake the examination because I am a member of the Association of Chartered Certified Accountants, which is one of the listed bodies. 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 that in any material respect:
-
accounting records were not kept in respect of the Charity as required by section 386 of the 2006 Act; or
-
the financial statements do not accord with those records; or
-
the financial statements 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 financial statements 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).
Annual report 2023-24 | 44
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 financial statements to be reached.
John Caladine FCCA CTA FCIE
Caladine Limited Chantry House 22 Upperton Road Eastbourne East Sussex BN21 1BF
Dated: ........................................
Annual report 2023-24 | 45
Statement of financial activities including income and expenditure account for the year ended 29 February 2024
| Notes Unrestricted funds 2024 £ Restricted funds 2024 £ Income and endowments from: Donations and legacies 3 335,684 310,877 Charitable activities 4 - - Investments 5 17,745 - Other income 6 - - Total income 353,429 310,877 Expenditure on: Raising funds 7 52,466 - Charitable activities 8 254,187 256,345 Total expenditure 306,653 256,345 Net income 46,776 54,532 Transfers between funds 18 (21,943) 21,943 Net movement in funds 10 24,833 76,475 Reconciliation of funds: Fund balances at 1 March 2023 298,220 65,274 Fund balances at 29 February 2024 323,053 141,749 |
Total 2024 £ Unrestricted funds 2023 £ Restricted funds 2023 £ 646,561 294,703 245,227 - 1,350 - 17,745 - - - 5,403 - 664,306 301,456 245,227 52,466 35,965 20,000 510,532 171,592 143,209 562,998 207,557 163,209 101,308 93,899 82,018 - 70,528 (70,528) 101,308 164,427 11,490 363,494 133,793 53,784 464,802 298,220 65,274 |
Total 2023 £ 539,930 1,350 - 5,403 546,683 55,965 314,801 370,766 175,917 - 175,917 187,577 363,494 |
|---|---|---|
The statement of financial activities includes all gains and losses recognised in the year. All income and expenditure derive from continuing activities. The statement of financial activities also complies with the requirements for an income and expenditure account under the Companies Act 2006..
Annual report 2023-24 | 46
Statement of financial position
As at 29 February 2024
| Notes Fixed assets Property, plant and equipment 13 Investments 14 Current assets Trade and other receivables 15 Cash at bank and in hand Current liabilities 16 Net current assets Net assets The funds of the Charity Restricted income funds 18 Unrestricted funds |
£ 2024 9,245 442,428 451,673 (9,585) |
£ 22,713 1 22,714 442,088 464,802 141,749 323,053 464,802 |
£ 2023 12,930 336,331 349,261 (13,372) |
£ 27,604 1 27,605 335,889 |
£ 27,604 1 |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| 363,494 | |||||
| 65,274 298,220 |
|||||
| 363,494 |
Annual report 2023-24 | 47
The company is entitled to the exemption from the audit requirement contained in section 477 of the Companies Act 2006, for the year ended 29 February 2024.
The directors acknowledge their responsibilities for complying with the requirements of the Companies Act 2006 with respect to accounting records and the preparation of financial statements.
The members have not required the company to obtain an audit of its financial statements for the year in question in accordance with section 476.
The financial statements were approved by the Trustees on 21 November 2024.
Mr D Robinson Ms C Sullivan Trustee Trustee
Company registration number 08404014 (England and Wales)
These financial statements have been prepared in accordance with the provisions applicable to companies subject to the small companies regime.
Annual report 2023-24 | 48
Statement of cash flows For the year ended 29 February 2024
| Notes £ 2024 Cash fows from operating activities Cash generated from operations 23 Investing activities Purchase of property, plant and equipment (8,818) Proceeds from disposal of property, plant and equipment - Investment income received 17,745 Net cash generated from/(used in) investing activities Net increase in cash and cash equivalents Cash and cash equivalents at beginning of year Cash and cash equivalents at end of year |
£ £ 2023 97,170 (32,198) 15,750 - 8,927 106,097 336,331 442,428 |
£ 184,429 (16,448) 167,981 168,350 |
|---|---|---|
| 336,331 |
Annual report 2023-24 | 49
Notes to the financial statements For the year ended 29 February 2024
1. Accounting policies
Company information
The Flying Seagull Project is a private company limited by guarantee incorporated in England and Wales. The registered office is Unit 1, Aldbury Farm, Hatfield Broad Oak, Bishop’s Stortford, CM22 7JX.
1.1 Accounting convention
The financial statements have been prepared in accordance with the Charity’s Memorandum and Articles of Association, the Companies Act 2006 and “Accounting and Reporting by Charities: Statement of Recommended Practice applicable to charities preparing their accounts in accordance with the Financial Reporting Standard applicable in the UK and Republic of Ireland (FRS 102) (effective 1 January 2019)”. The Charity is a Public Benefit Entity as defined by FRS 102.
The financial statements are prepared in sterling, which is the functional currency of the Charity. Monetary amounts in these financial statements are rounded to the nearest £.
The financial statements have been prepared under the historical cost convention. The principal accounting policies adopted are set out below.
1.2 Going concern
At the time of approving the financial statements, the Trustees have a reasonable expectation that the Charity has adequate resources to continue in operational existence for the foreseeable future. Thus the Trustees continue to adopt the going concern basis of accounting in
preparing the financial statements.
1.3 Charitable funds
Unrestricted funds are available for use at the discretion of the Trustees in furtherance of their charitable objectives.
Restricted funds are subject to specific conditions by donors or grantors as to how they may be used. The purposes and uses of the restricted funds are set out in the notes to the financial statements.
1.4 Income
Income is recognised when the Charity is legally entitled to it after any performance conditions have been met, the amounts can be measured reliably, and it is probable that income will be received.
Grant income received for projects is deferred to the balance sheet and recognised in the statement of financial activities when the work is undertaken.
Cash donations are recognised on receipt. Other donations are recognised once the Charity has been notified of the donation, unless performance conditions require deferral of the amount. Income tax recoverable in relation to donations received under Gift Aid or deeds of covenant is recognised at the time of the donation.
Legacies are recognised on receipt or otherwise if the Charity has been notified of an impending distribution, the amount is known, and receipt is expected. If the amount is not known, the legacy is treated as a contingent asset.
Annual report 2023-24 | 50
1.5 Expenditure
Expenditure is recognised once there is a legal or constructive obligation to transfer economic benefit to a third party, it is probable that a transfer of economic benefits will be required in settlement, and the amount of the obligation can be measured reliably.
Expenditure is classified by activity. The costs of each activity are made up of the total of direct costs and shared costs, including support costs involved in undertaking each activity. Direct costs attributable to a single activity are allocated directly to that activity. Shared costs which contribute to more than one activity and support costs which are not attributable to a single activity are apportioned between those activities on a basis consistent with the use of resources. Central staff costs are allocated on the basis of time spent, and depreciation charges are allocated on the portion of the asset’s use.
Expenditure is recognised when there is an obligation to make a payment to a third party, it is probable that settlement will be required and the amount of the obligation can be measured reliably. Expenditure is classified under the appropriate heading and includes irrecoverable VAT.
1.6 Property, plant and equipment
Property, fixtures and equipment are initially measured at cost and subsequently measured at cost or valuation, net of depreciation and any impairment losses. Fixtures and equipment costs above £2,500 are capitalised.
Depreciation is recognised so as to write off the cost or valuation of assets less their residual values over their useful lives on the
following basis: Fixtures, fittings & equipment 25% straight line Motor vehicles 25% straight line
The gain or loss arising on the disposal of an asset is determined as the difference between the sale proceeds and the carrying value of the asset, and is recognised in the statement of financial activities.
1.7 Non-current investments
Fixed asset investments are initially measured at transaction price excluding transaction costs, and are subsequently measured at fair value at each reporting date. Changes in fair value are recognised in net income/(expenditure) for the year. Transaction costs are expensed as incurred.
A subsidiary is an entity controlled by the Charity. Control is the power to govern the financial and operating policies of the entity so as to obtain benefits from its activities.
1.8 Impairment of non-current assets
At each reporting end date, the Charity reviews the carrying amounts of its tangible assets to determine whether there is any indication that those assets have suffered an impairment loss. If any such indication exists, the recoverable amount of the asset is estimated in order to determine the extent of the impairment loss (if any).
1.9 Cash and cash equivalents
Cash and cash equivalents include cash in hand, deposits held at call with banks, other short-term liquid investments with original maturities of three months or less, and bank overdrafts. Bank
Annual report 2023-24 | 51
overdrafts are shown within borrowings in current liabilities.
1.10 Financial instruments
The Charity has elected to apply the provisions of Section 11 ‘Basic Financial Instruments’ and Section 12 ‘Other Financial Instruments Issues’ of FRS 102 to all of its financial instruments.
Financial instruments are recognised in the Charity’s balance sheet when the Charity becomes party to the contractual provisions of the instrument.
Financial assets and liabilities are offset, with the net amounts presented in the financial statements, when there is a legally enforceable right to set off the recognised amounts and there is an intention to settle on a net basis or to realise the asset and settle the liability simultaneously.
Basic financial assets
Basic financial assets, which include trade and other receivables and cash and bank balances, are initially measured at transaction price including transaction costs and are subsequently carried at amortised cost using the effective interest method unless the arrangement constitutes a financing transaction, where the transaction is measured at the present value of the future receipts discounted at a market rate of interest. Financial assets classified as receivable within one year are not amortised.
Basic financial liabilities
Basic financial liabilities, including trade and other payables and bank loans are initially recognised at transaction price unless the arrangement constitutes a financing transaction, where the debt
instrument is measured at the present value of the future payments discounted at a market rate of interest. Financial liabilities classified as payable within one year are not amortised.
Debt instruments are subsequently carried at amortised cost, using the effective interest rate method.
Trade payables are obligations to pay for goods or services that have been acquired in the ordinary course of operations from suppliers. Amounts payable are classified as current liabilities if payment is due within one year or less. If not, they are presented as non-current liabilities. Trade payables are recognised initially at transaction price and subsequently measured at amortised cost using the effective interest method.
Derecognition of financial liabilities
Financial liabilities are derecognised when the Charity’s contractual obligations expire or are discharged or cancelled.
1.11 Employee benefits
The cost of any unused holiday entitlement is recognised in the period in which the employee’s services are received.
Termination benefits are recognised immediately as an expense when the Charity is demonstrably committed to terminate the employment of an employee or to provide termination benefits.
1.12 Retirement benefits
Payments to defined contribution retirement benefit schemes are charged as an expense as they fall due.
Annual report 2023-24 | 52
1.13 Foreign exchange
Transactions denominated in foreign currencies are recorded at the rate ruling at the date of the transaction.
2. Critical accounting estimates and judgements
In the application of the Charity’s accounting policies, the Trustees are required to make judgements, estimates and assumptions about the carrying amount of assets and liabilities that are not readily apparent from other sources. The estimates and associated assumptions are based on historical experience and other factors that are considered to be relevant. Actual results may differ from these estimates.
The estimates and underlying assumptions are reviewed on an ongoing basis. Revisions to accounting estimates are recognised in the period in which the estimate is revised where the revision affects only that period, or in the period of the revision and future periods where the revision affects both current and future periods.
3. Income from donations and legacies
| Unrestricted funds 2024 £ Restricted funds 2024£ Donations and gifts 290,684 4,175 Grants 45,000 306,702 335,684 310,877 Donations and gifts Donations and gift aid 272,939 4,175 Donations from Trading Subsidiary 17,745 - 290,684 4,175 |
Total 2024 £ Unrestricted funds 2023 £ Restricted funds 2023 £ 294,859 269,703 5,892 351,702 25,000 239,335 646,561 294,703 245,227 277,114 269,703 5,892 17,745 - - 294,859 269,703 5,892 |
Total 2023 £ 275,595 264,335 539,930 275,595 - 275,595 |
|---|---|---|
Annual report 2023-24 | 53
4. Income from charitable activities
| ncome from charitable activities | ||
|---|---|---|
| Unrestricted | Unrestricted | |
| funds | funds | |
| 2024 | 2023 | |
| £ | £ | |
| Party, Theatre Show and Workshop Income | - | 1,350 |
5. Income from investments
| ncome from investments | ||
|---|---|---|
| Unrestricted | Unrestricted | |
| funds | funds | |
| 2024 | 2023 | |
| £ | £ | |
| Distributions from trading subsidiary | 17,745 | - |
6. Other income
| Other income | ||
|---|---|---|
| Unrestricted | Unrestricted | |
| funds | funds | |
| 2024 | 2023 | |
| £ | £ | |
| Net gain on disposal of tangible fxed assets | - | 5,403 |
Annual report 2023-24 | 54
7. Expenditure on raising funds
| Unrestricted funds 2024 £ Restricted funds 2024 £ Fundraising and publicity Other fundraising costs 16,017 - Staf costs 36,449 - 52,466 - |
Total 2024 £ Unrestricted funds 2023 £ Restricted funds 2023 £ 16,017 - - 36,449 35,965 20,000 52,466 35,965 20,000 |
Total 2023 £ - 55,965 |
|---|---|---|
| 55,965 |
Annual report 2023-24 | 55
8. Expenditure on charitable activities
Expenditure on charitable activities |
||
|---|---|---|
| Direct costs Staf costs Depreciation and impairment Projects expenditure Consultancy fees Share of support and governance costs (see note 9) Support Governance Analysis by fund Unrestricted funds Restricted funds |
Total 2024 £ 96,830 13,709 294,629 14,655 419,823 87,709 3,000 510,532 254,187 256,345 510,532 |
Total 2023 £ 27,683 11,504 185,771 15,167 |
| 240,125 71,676 3,000 |
||
| 314,801 | ||
| 171,592 143,209 |
||
| 314,801 |
Annual report 2023-24 | 56
9. Support costs allocated to activities
Support costs allocated to activities |
|||
|---|---|---|---|
| Staf costs Insurance Sundry expenses Bookkeeping Charity administration expenses Consultancy Marketing and PR Governance Governance costs comprise: Accountancy Independent examination |
Total 2024 £ 53,537 1,453 39 3,000 23,076 955 5,649 3,000 90,709 2,050 950 3,000 |
Total 2023 £ 32,766 1,299 - 15,900 17,799 - 3,912 3,000 |
|
| 74,676 | |||
| 2,050 950 |
|||
| 3,000 |
Annual report 2023-24 | 57
| 10. | Net movement in funds | 2024 | 2023 |
|---|---|---|---|
| £ | £ | ||
| The net movement in funds is stated after charging/(crediting): | |||
| Depreciation of owned property, plant and equipment | 13,709 | 11,504 | |
| Loss/(proft) on disposal of property, plant and equipment | - | (5,403) |
Annual report 2023-24 | 58
11. Employees
The average monthly number of employees during the year was:
| 2024 | 2023 | |
|---|---|---|
| Number | Number | |
| Charitable Activities | 3 | 2 |
| Admin | 2 | 1 |
| Total | 5 | 3 |
| Employment | 2024 | 2023 |
| costs | £ | £ |
| Wages and salaries | 171,402 | 107,545 |
| Social security costs | 12,902 | 6,935 |
| Other pension costs | 2,512 | 1,934 |
| 186,816 | 116,414 |
The number of employees whose annual remuneration was more than £60,000 is as follows:
| 2024 | 2023 | ||
|---|---|---|---|
| Number | Number | ||
| £60,000 | - £70,000 | 1 | - |
Annual report 2023-24 | 59
11. Employees (Continued)
Remuneration of key management personnel
| Remuneration of key management personnel | ||
|---|---|---|
| 2024 | 2024 | |
| £ | £ | |
| Aggregate compensation | 55,000 | 29,445 |
During the year a salary was paid to Mr A Perrin, as disclosed above. Mr Perrin is a Director of the subsidiary company, The Flying Seagull Trading Company Ltd.
None of the Trustees (or any persons connected with them) received any remuneration or benefits from the Charity during the year.
12. Taxation
The charity is exempt from taxation on its activities because all its income is applied for charitable purposes.
Annual report 2023-24 | 60
13. Property, plant and equipment
14. Fixed asset investments
| Fixtures, fttings & equipment £ Motor vehicles £ Cost At 1 March 2023 33,947 64,008 Additions - 8,818 At 29 February 2024 33,947 72,826 Depreciation and impairment At 1 March 2023 30,852 39,499 Depreciation charged in the year 3,095 10,614 At 29 February 2024 33,947 50,113 Carrying amount At 29 February 2024 - 22,713 At 28 February 2023 3,095 24,509 |
Total £ 97,955 8,818 106,773 70,351 13,709 84,060 22,713 27,604 Other investments £ Cost or valuation At 1 March 2023 & 29 February 2024 1 Carrying amount At 29 February 2024 1 At 28 February 2023 1 Other investments comprise: Notes 2024 £ 2023 £ Investments in subsidiaries 22 1 1 |
Total £ 97,955 8,818 106,773 70,351 13,709 84,060 22,713 27,604 Other investments £ Cost or valuation At 1 March 2023 & 29 February 2024 1 Carrying amount At 29 February 2024 1 At 28 February 2023 1 Other investments comprise: Notes 2024 £ 2023 £ Investments in subsidiaries 22 1 1 |
|---|---|---|
| 1 | ||
| 1 | ||
| 2023 £ 1 |
Annual report 2023-24 | 61
15. Trade and other receivables
| Amounts falling due within one year: Trade receivables Amounts owed by subsidiary undertakings Other receivables |
2024 £ - 9,245 - 9,245 |
2023 £ 750 9,405 2,775 |
|---|---|---|
| 12,930 |
17. Retirement benefit schemes
| etirement beneft schemes | ||
|---|---|---|
| Defned contribution schemes | 2024 | 2023 |
| £ | £ | |
| Charge to proft or loss in respect of defned contribution schemes |
2,512 | 1,934 |
The Charity operates a defined contribution pension scheme for all qualifying employees. The assets of the scheme are held separately from those of the Charity in an independently administered fund.
16. Current liabilities
| Other taxation and social security Trade payables Accruals and deferred income |
2024 £ 5,109 1,476 3,000 9,585 |
2023 £ 4,541 5,831 3,000 |
|---|---|---|
| 13,372 |
Annual report 2023-24 | 62
18. Restricted funds
The restricted funds of the charity comprise the unexpended balances of donations and grants held on trust subject to specific conditions by donors as to how they may be used.
| onors as to how they may be used. | |||||
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| At 1 March | Incoming | Resources | Transfers | At 29 | |
| 2023 | resources | expended | February 2024 | ||
| £ | £ | £ | £ | £ | |
| Austen Steers Charitable Trust - LnP | - | 18,992 | - | - | 18,992 |
| ELR Choose Love | - | 25,000 | (25,000) | - | - |
| Miscellaneous | - | 4,175 | (4,175) | - | - |
| National Lottery | - | 68,467 | (68,467) | - | - |
| Anon - Playtime Poland | 50,000 | 50,000 | (50,000) | - | 50,000 |
| Anon - Balkan Laughathon | (6,968) | 15,000 | (29,975) | 21,943 | - |
| Choose Love | 22,242 | 45,000 | (25,045) | - | 42,197 |
| SBHL - ELR UK | - | 44,243 | (32,288) | - | 11,955 |
| Choose Love - Turkey | - | 40,000 | (21,395) | - | 18,605 |
| 65,274 | 310,877 | (256,345) | 21,943 | 141,749 |
Annual report 2023-24 | 63
| Previous year: At 1 Refugee Support Fund ELR Choose Love Arts Council - workshops & festivals Miscellaneous Anon Mark Leonard Trust Anon - Playtime Poland Anon - Balkan Laughaton Choose Love |
March 2022 £ Incoming resources £ Resources expended £ Transfers £ At 28 February 2023 £ 39,582 - (4,788) (34,794) - 14,042 267 (19,465) 5,156 - - 21,341 - (21,341) - 160 13,619 (44,230) 30,451 - - 50,000 - (50,000) - - 45,000 (45,000) - - - 50,000 - - 50,000 - 5,000 (11,968) - (6,968) - 60,000 (37,758) - 22,242 53,784 245,227 (163,209) (70,528) 65,274 |
March 2022 £ Incoming resources £ Resources expended £ Transfers £ At 28 February 2023 £ 39,582 - (4,788) (34,794) - 14,042 267 (19,465) 5,156 - - 21,341 - (21,341) - 160 13,619 (44,230) 30,451 - - 50,000 - (50,000) - - 45,000 (45,000) - - - 50,000 - - 50,000 - 5,000 (11,968) - (6,968) - 60,000 (37,758) - 22,242 53,784 245,227 (163,209) (70,528) 65,274 |
|---|---|---|
| 65,274 |
Annual report 2023-24 | 64
18. Restricted Funds (Continued)
Refugee Support Fund - A fund to provide assistance and support for running costs during the pandemic. The £10,000 income in 2021-22 was earmarked for a project in Greece and was all spent in the year.
ELR Choose Love - This fund is to provide Emergency Laughter Relief (ELR) sessions to refugees and displaced people living in temporary accommodation in the UK.
Arts Council - workshops and festivals - This funding from the Arts Council is for community festivals and workshops in the UK.
National Lottery - This funding is to cover work in the UK throughout the year along with a contribution to project management, advocacy and development.
Miscellaneous - This fund includes small donations for specific projects.
Anon - Funding to cover salaries and purchase of a new Showmobile vehicle.
Mark Leonard Trust - This is restricted funding towards salaries of some of the staff.
Anon - Playtime Poland Fund - this fund includes grants given specifically to shows that will be undertaken in Poland.
Anon - Balkan Laughathon Fund - this fund contains monies given to us to work in Bulgaria, primarily with refugees. There was an overspend on this fund in the year, but additional funding has been received in 2023/24 which will cover this, therefore the fund has been left with a negative balance.
Choose Love - This fund is for work with refugees in Poland.
Austen Steers Charitable Trust LNP - Laugh and Play are sessions delivered around the UK during school holidays. This funding was specifically for Easter 2024.
Annual report 2023-24 | 65
19. Unrestricted funds
The unrestricted funds of the charity comprise the unexpended balances of donations and grants which are not subject to specific conditions by donors and grantors as to how they may be used. These include designated funds which have been set aside out of unrestricted funds by the trustees for specific purposes.
| At Fixed asset fund Minimum Operating Reserves Needed but not known Fleet & equipment: Maintenance, Development & Innovation General funds |
1 March 2023 £ Incoming resources £ Resources expended £ Transfers £ At 29 February 2024 £ 27,604 - - - 27,604 150,000 - - - 150,000 60,000 - (27,835) 27,835 60,000 35,000 - - - 35,000 25,616 353,429 (278,818) (49,778) 50,449 298,220 353,429 (306,653) (21,943) 323,053 |
1 March 2023 £ Incoming resources £ Resources expended £ Transfers £ At 29 February 2024 £ 27,604 - - - 27,604 150,000 - - - 150,000 60,000 - (27,835) 27,835 60,000 35,000 - - - 35,000 25,616 353,429 (278,818) (49,778) 50,449 298,220 353,429 (306,653) (21,943) 323,053 |
|---|---|---|
| 323,053 |
Annual report 2023-24 | 66
19. Unestricted Funds (Continued)
| Previous year: | At 1 March | At 1 March | Incoming | Resources | Transfers | At 28 |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| 2022 | resources | expended | February 2023 | |||
| £ | £ | £ | £ | £ | ||
| Fixed asset fund | - | - | - | 27,604 | 27,604 | |
| Minimum Operating Reserves | - | - | - | 150,000 | 150,000 | |
| Needed but not known | - | - | - | 60,00 0 | 60,000 | |
| Fleet & equipment: | ||||||
| Maintenance, Development & | ||||||
| Innovation | - | - | - | 35,000 | 35,000 | |
| General funds | 133,793 | 301,456 | (207,557) | (202,076) | 25,616 | |
| 133,793 | 301,456 | (207,557) | 70,528 | 298,220 |
Fixed asset fund - the trustees have decided to designate the value of the fixed assets. This reflects the charity’s need to retain these assets in order to be able to operate. They therefore do not represent free reserves.
Minimum operating reserves - The trustees have set aside at least six to nine months’ operating expenditure as a suitable reserve sum. Based on current annual activity and future development plans, the Board have determined to hold £150k in unrestricted funds for this purpose. (In the Annual Report and Unaudited Financial Statements for the year ended 28 February 2023, the minimum operating reserves were designated “operation and winding up”.)
Annual report 2023-24 | 67
Needed but Not Known - Funds to work in areas where we are desperately needed but that are often unknown or are difficult to fundraise for. In addition there can be a need to quickly respond to events and the Board wish to hold funds, to ensure that those in crisis are supported in line with our mission.
It is anticipated that where we have the resources this will be a rolling designation for the Charity.
Fleet & Equipment: Maintenance, Development and Innovation - Funds to enable the charity to meet additional vehicle maintenance costs, and replacements, moving towards a more environmentally friendly fleet. Along with resources to replace equipment as necessary, the charity wishes to innovate equipment to offer access for those with disabilities.
It is expected that this will be a rolling designation whilst ever we hold vehicles and equipment within the Charity.
20. Analysis of net assets between funds
| Unrestricted funds 2024 £ Designated funds 2024 £ Restricted funds 2024 £ Fund balances are represented by: Property, plant and equipment - 22,713 - Investments 1 - - Current assets/(liabilities) 78,283 222,056 141,749 78,284 244,769 141,749 |
Total 2024 £ Unrestricted funds 2023 £ Designated funds 2023 £ Restricted funds 2023 £ 22,713 - 27,604 - 1 1 - - 442,088 25,615 245,000 65,274 464,802 25,616 272,604 65,274 |
Total 2023 £ 27,604 1 335,889 |
|---|---|---|
| 363,494 |
Annual report 2023-24 | 68
21. Related party transactions
Transactions with related parties
During the year the Charity entered into the following transactions with related parties:
At the balance sheet date, the subsidiary company, The Flying Seagull Trading Company Ltd, owed the Charity £9,245 (2023: £9,405).
22. Subsidiaries
Details of the Charity’s subsidiaries at 29 February 2024 are as follows:
| Name of undertaking | Registered ofce | Nature of business | Class of shares held | % Held | ||
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Direct | Indirect | |||||
| The Flying Seagull Trading | ||||||
| Company Ltd | England | Recreation | Ordinary | 100.00 |
During the year to 28 February 2024, the trading company made profit of £10,734 (2023: £12,330) and had closing reserves of £12,779 (2023: £19,789).
Annual report 2023-24 | 69
| 23. Cash generated from operations 2024 £ Surplus for the year 101,308 Adjustments for: Investment income recognised in statement of fnancial activities (17,745) Gain on disposal of property, plant and equipment - Depreciation and impairment of property, plant and equipment 13,709 Movements in working capital: Decrease in trade and other receivables 3,685 (Decrease)/increase in trade and other payables (3,787) Cash generated from operations 97,170 |
2023 £ 175,917 - (5,403) 11,504 1,490 921 |
|---|---|
| 184,429 |
24. Analysis of changes in net funds
The Charity had no material debt during the year.
Annual report 2023-24 | 70
www.theflyingseagullproject.com
The Flying Seagull Project is a registered charity no. 1152433, incorporated in England and Wales, and is a company limited by guarantee no. 8404014. Address: Unit 1, Aldbury’s Farm, Bishop’s Stortford, Hertfordshire, CM22 7JY.