## **Eighton Banks Village Hall Trust** Trustees’ Annual Report for the year ended 30 April 2025 ## **1. Reference and administrative details** |**Charity name**|**Eighton Banks Village Hall Trust**| |---|---| |**Legal form**|Charitable Incorporated Organisation(CIO)| |**Registered charity number**|1152464| |**CIO(company) number**|CE000483| |**Principal office / registered address**|Black Lane, Eighton Banks, Gateshead, NE9
7UP,UK| |**Website/ social media**|Eighton Banks@Facebook| Trustees who served during the year: - Dr Leslie Burns, Chair - Mrs Pamela Warneford, Treasurer - Mrs Mary Burns , Secretary Trustees - Mrs Lavinia Hurst - Mr Ben Wilkie - Miss Joan Wilson - Mrs Tracey Wilkie - Mrs Marilyn Cornish - Mrs Marguerita Patterison - Mrs Elsie Tate Key advisers: Gateshead Council ## **2. Structure, governance and management** Eighton Banks Village Hall Trust is a Charitable Incorporated Organisation (CIO) registered in England & Wales. The charity is governed by its constitution [2013]. Trustee recruitment, appointment and training Trustees are appointed in accordance with the constitution. New trustees receive an induction covering governance, safeguarding, finance and building compliance. Management and staffing/volunteering The hall is managed by the trustees with the support of volunteers. No trustees received remuneration during the year. Reasonable expenses may be reimbursed where incurred. Related parties The charity works with local community groups and Gateshead Council. There were no related party transactions in the year (other than those disclosed in the accounts), if any. Compliance and property management The charity operates under Gateshead Council’s Community Asset Transfer (CAT) framework, which supports ongoing building compliance (e.g., statutory inspections and certificates). Risk management The trustees maintain a risk register covering health & safety, safeguarding, financial controls, volunteer capacity and income diversification. Mitigations include regular checks, safeguarding training, and prudent reserves. Safeguarding We maintain robust safeguarding policies for children and adults at risk, DBS checks where appropriate, and clear reporting procedures. ## **3. Objectives and activities (including public benefit)** Charitable purposes To manage Eighton Banks Village Hall for the benefit of the community by providing facilities to advance education, health, social welfare and recreation. Main activities during the year - Pre-school and youth groups (ages 6–16) - Support sessions for individuals with mental or physical challenges - Affordable Food day(s) - Creative arts, dance and martial arts classes - Activities for older residents - Dog obedience classes - Social and fundraising events, councillor surgeries and wider community use Public benefit statement Eighton Banks Village Hall exists to serve the local community by providing an accessible, welcoming space for social, educational, and recreational activities. The hall hosts a range of events and groups that promote health, well-being, and lifelong learning, while reducing isolation and fostering community cohesion. It is available for use by individuals and community organisations at affordable rates, ensuring inclusivity and equal access. By maintaining this facility as a charitable asset, we aim to strengthen local networks, support vulnerable residents, and enhance the quality of life for people in the surrounding areas. The trustees confirm that they have had regard to the Charity Commission’s public benefit guidance and that the activities above further the charity’s purposes for the public benefit. Access is open to the general public or a sufficient section of the public through low-cost or free community provision. ## **4. Achievements and performance** In the year, the hall provided a consistent, affordable and accessible venue for a wide program - Pre-school and youth groups (ages 6–16) - Support for individuals with mental or physical challenges - Affordable Food day - Creative arts, dance, and martial arts classes - Activities for the elderly - Dog obedience classes - Social and fundraising events, - Coffee Mornings - Councilor surgeries ## **5. Financial review** Total income: £12255 Total expenditure: £32995 Net movement in funds (surplus/deficit): -20740 Reserves policy The trustees aim to hold free reserves equivalent to [e.g., 3 months] of core operating costs to manage cash flow and risk. At year end, free reserves were 68,000 against a target of 2600. Going concern The trustees consider the charity to be a going concern based on secured bookings, prudent cost control and expected grant income. Fundraising and income sources Income is derived from hall hire, community events and small grants. The charity does not undertake high-risk fundraising and complies with the Code of Fundraising Practice. ## **6. Plans for future periods** - Maintain and expand community programme (youth, older residents, wellbeing) - Develop Affordable Food provision and explore a warm space offer subject to funding - Strengthen volunteer base and training - Secure small capital grants for hall improvements and energy efficiency - Build unrestricted reserves towards target level ## **7. Statement of trustees’ responsibilities** The trustees are responsible for preparing the trustees’ annual report and the financial statements in accordance with applicable law and the Charities SORP (FRS 102) where applicable. They are responsible for keeping proper accounting records and for safeguarding the assets of the charity and taking reasonable steps for the prevention and detection of fraud and other irregularities. ## **8. Approval and signature** Approved by the trustees on 12 December 2025 and signed on their behalf by: Name: Dr Lesle Burns Signature: 1024 Ir4CO Hall Rerrta15 AwBrd%l tlt 175 3291 2041 1758 Xmas hoDI H*re Mpnib•rship 75 140 Total 3210 627 917 2145 PropErty vniknteThort* W4sTt 423 2$83 913 2n an Evenrs •tty Cash &knJTI•s TOTAL EXPENDm*e Y2 99S io INCOME -10 740 35 NEf P4POVEMtItt Iw RES&7IfftS No¢ Inwm* .2D7dO J576 15 7(J 861 276 95A2 Gt5h In ha zi E8VH Atythl 25