HHCR, Basingstoke Community Radio
REPORT AND ACCOUNTS
FOR THE YEAR ENDED 31 JULY 2025
Charity Registration Number 1153159
REGISTERED AND PRINCIPAL OFFICE
The Clock Tower Suite 4 Chineham Shopping Centre Basingstoke Hampshire RG24 8BQ
HHCR, Basingstoke Community Radio Registered Charity Number 1153159 Year Ended 31[st] July, 2025
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HHCR, Basingstoke Community Radio INDEX TO THE ACCOUNTS
Page
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3 Reference and Administrative Information
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4 - 7 Trustees’ Report
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8 Independent Examiner's Report
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9 Receipts and Payments Accounts
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11 Statement of Assets and Liabilities
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12 - 14 Notes forming part of the Accounts
HHCR, Basingstoke Community Radio Registered Charity Number 1153159 Year Ended 31[st] July, 2025
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HHCR, Basingstoke Community Radio Charity Registration Number 1153159
The Trustees of HHCR Basingstoke Community Radio CIO, present to the members its annual report for the year ended 31 July, 2025, which were approved by the Committee on 18[th] November, 2025 in accordance with Section 162 of the Charities Act 2011.
The Charity changed its name from Helping Hands for the Blind to HHCR, Basingstoke Community Radio on 1[st] October, 2022.
REFERENCE AND ADMINISTRATIVE INFORMATION
The current Board of Trustees:
CHAIR & TRUSTEES
David Chatten-Smith Chairperson, Appointed 14 May, 2013 Richard Francis Pearson Appointed 25 August, 2022 Jef Powel Appointed 25 August, 2022 Michael Iles Appointed 11[th] July, 2023 Jim McArthur Appointed 10[th] April, 2024 Julian Ricketts Appointed 10[th] April, 2024 Stephen Cobbett Appointed 22[nd] July, 2025
BANKERS Metro Bank Chiswick House Unit 1 Festival Way Basingstoke Hampshire RG21 7LD
INDEPENDENT EXAMINER
Mrs Claire Watts 87 St. James Street Newport Isle of Wight PO30 1LB
HHCR, Basingstoke Community Radio Registered Charity Number 1153159 Year Ended 31[st] July, 2025
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HHCR, Basingstoke Community Radio TRUSTEES’ REPORT FOR THE YEAR ENDED 31[st] JULY 2025
STRUCTURE, GOVERNANCE AND MANAGEMENT
Our Vision, Mission and Values
Vision
We work to enjoy a world where community radio provides a way to build stronger communities through giving a voice to all sectors of society and through the promotion of the arts.
Mission
Basingstoke Community Radio Mission Statement:
Our Mission is to develop Basingstoke Community Radio to its full potential as a vibrant Community Radio station whose management and programming is based on community access and participation, and which reflects the special interests and needs of the listenership of the Basingstoke and the surrounding areas community that the Station is licensed to serve.
Objectives
Basingstoke Community Radio provide an outlet to:
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promote local community, arts, cultural and sporting groups and events
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support local musicians, writers and poets
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promote the history of the region
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cater for alternative musical tastes
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support the indigenous community
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provide a voice for the disabled
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promote education and learning as a lifetime experience
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enable multicultural access
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highlight local social areas of concern
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promote tourism in the region
Values
We value radio because it is easy to produce, free to consume, and accessible to more people than any other mass media. We believe in Basingstoke Community Radio because it is a proven tool for community engagement and cultural expression. We will always be a friendly media organisation – accessible to all, inclusive, honest and fun-loving. We will ensure that we are securely and prudently run, but we will never do anything purely for the money.
Our Objectives and Activities
HHCR, Basingstoke Community Radio is a charitable incorporated organisation (CIO) recognised by the Charity Commission in April 2012. We use community radio to support communities, promote the arts and provide educational opportunities across Basingstoke and
HHCR, Basingstoke Community Radio Registered Charity Number 1153159 Year Ended 31[st] July, 2025
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Deane. Our principal activity is to manage Basingstoke Community Radio – a volunteer-run, community radio station, broadcasting on the internet and DAB+ from our base in Basingstoke. Basingstoke Community Radio was launched on 6 June 2019. Our goals include: developing our digital broadcast capacity, creating employment courses based on broadcasting and production skills, becoming a voice for young and local artists and performers and supporting voluntary organisations by promoting their work in the community.
The Charity’s objects are the following:
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(a) to relieve the needs of blind and partially sighted people in Basingstoke and the surrounding areas through the provision of support, education and practical advice;
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(b) to advance the education of the general public in all areas relating to blindness and visual impairment;
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(c) the promotion of social inclusion among blind and partially sighted people who are socially excluded from society, or parts of society, as a result of being blind or visually impaired by:
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a. providing education and information
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b. raising public awareness of the issues affecting blind and visually impaired people both generally and in relation to their social exclusion.
Our Structure, Governance and Management
Type of governing document
HHCR Basingstoke Community Radio is a CIO based on the Charitable Incorporated Organisation – Foundation Constitution with amendments.
Membership is open to:
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anyone over 16 years of age who lives, works or studies in Basingstoke and surrounding areas;
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anyone who volunteers with HHCR Basingstoke Community Radio;
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• and organisations closely associated with the aims of Basingstoke Community Radio.
The CIO is managed by a Board of Trustees elected from the membership or co-opted by the Board.
Trustee recruitment and appointment
HHCR, Basingstoke Community Radio was founded by four Trustees who then recruited primarily from within the volunteers and membership. The Trustees conduct an annual review
HHCR, Basingstoke Community Radio Registered Charity Number 1153159 Year Ended 31[st] July, 2025
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of board skills with a view to informing the skills and experience required to be both an effective charity Trustee and complement the existing Board composition.
Our people
As set out in the Charity’s governing document, the Committee shall consist of not less than three and up to twelve individuals members. Every trustee, replacement, additional and reappointed, must be appointed by a resolution passed at a properly convened meeting of the Charity’s Trustees.
Changes to Trustees since the last annual general meeting were:
Stephen Cobbett Co-opted 22[nd] July, 2025 Nicholas Scott Burnett Resigned 20[th] November, 2025 Vikki Fox Appointed 22[nd] July, 2025 Resigned 30[th] August, 2025
Public Benefit
The Charity is a public benefit entity.
We review our aims, objectives and activities each year. This review looks at what we have achieved and the outcomes of our work in the previous 12 months. The review looks at the success of each key activity and the benefits they have brought to those groups of people we are set up to help.
This review also helps us ensure our aim, objectives and activities remain focused on our stated purpose. We have referred to the guidance contained in the Charity Commission's general guidance of public benefit when reviewing our aims and objectives and in planning our future activities. In particular the Trustees consider how planned activities will contribute to the aims and objectives they have set.
ACHIEVEMENTS AND PERFORMANCE
Our sixth year of operation was full of challenges which the Trustees and volunteers met headon. The period of recovery from COVID impact is enduring and remains with us to this day. However, a boost came from an offer of some free office space for the station, which was welcomed for the charity.
Since we moved our operations into the clock tower, Chineham shopping centre back in 2023, the station has managed to secure a number of extra rooms to grow and build on the station's great reputation as the only radio station serving Basingstoke. The station now has taken possession of: Main reception, to greet visitors, 4 studios, including a podcasting studio, a live music space for local bands to perform live on the radio, a staff room and small kitchen area, and a dedicated training room, that is used for the station's Beacon project and volunteer training.
We currently manage 34 volunteers, which include one that joined us after doing a week's work experience with us.
HHCR, Basingstoke Community Radio Registered Charity Number 1153159 Year Ended 31[st] July, 2025
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Basingstoke Community Radio continues to produce the local talking news service for anyone in the community that has a print disability. This service has seen a digital change over the past year, with all content being available online only, and the stopping of a USB stick or cassette option. This service currently serves approx. 172 subscribers each week, and is produced with only 3 volunteers: Talking news reader, talking news sport reader, and a talking news social content reader.
The station continues to promote itself within the community as much as it can, as public awareness is still an ongoing matter.
Future Plans
In light of COVID-19 impact on commercial income across the board for all charities, Basingstoke community radio will continue to seek out advertising opportunities for the station and offer affordable advertising to local businesses to help fund the station's yearly running costs. However, with the current financial climate, it is proving to be a difficult task.
The station is due to sell its current outside broadcast trailer and branded radio car, and replace it with a single vehicle: a MERCEDES-BENZ SPRINTER High-top / LWB. This will be fitted out to provide a mobile studio and storage for everything that we use as a station when doing any outside event. Doing this will reduce the volunteer commitment and will make it easier for the station to help with community events.
Responsibilities of the Committee
The Trustees are responsible for keeping proper accounting records which disclose with reasonable accuracy at any time the financial position of the Charity to enable them to ensure that the accounts comply with the Charities Act 2011. The Trustees 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.
This Report was approved on 18[th] November, 2025 by the Committee and signed on its behalf by:
- David Chatten Smith
David Chatten-Smith (Feb 13, 2026 09:45:59 GMT)
Signed on behalf of the charity trustees: David Chatten-Smith Chairperson 18[th] November, 2025
HHCR, Basingstoke Community Radio Registered Charity Number 1153159 Year Ended 31[st] July, 2025
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Independent Examiner's Report to the Trustees of HHCR, Basingstoke Community Radio
I report to the Trustees on my examination of the accounts of HHCR, Basingstoke Community Radio (the Charity) for the year ended 31[st] July, 2025, which are set out on pages 9 to 14.
Responsibilities and basis of report
As the Charity’s Trustees you are responsible for the preparation of the accounts in accordance with the requirements of the Charities Act 2011 (“the Act”).
I report in respect of my examination of the Charity’s accounts carried out under section 145 of the Act and in carrying out my examination I have followed all the applicable Directions given by the Charity Commission under section 145(5)(b) of the Act.
Independent Examiner's Statement
I have completed my examination. I confirm that no material matters have come to my attention in connection with the examination giving me cause to believe that in any material respect:
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1) the accounting records were not kept in accordance with section 130 of the Act; or
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2) the accounts do not accord with those records
I have no concerns and have come across no other matters in connection with the examination to which attention should be drawn in this Report in order to enable a proper understanding of the accounts to be reached.
Claire Watts
Claire Watts (Feb 13, 2026 13:15:16 GMT)
Mrs Claire Watts 11[th] February, 2026
87 St. James Street Newport Isle of Wight PO30 1LB
HHCR, Basingstoke Community Radio Registered Charity Number 1153159 Year Ended 31[st] July, 2025
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HHCR, Basingstoke Community Radio RECEIPTS AND PAYMENTS ACCOUNT FOR THE YEAR ENDED 31 JULY, 2025
| Last year £ A1 Receipts 3,497 Donations Received 20,969 Grants - government 3,000 Grants - others 671 HHCR Lottery income 1,363 Advertising income 5,250 Other income 34,750 Sub total (Gross income) A2 Asset and investment sales 34,750 Total receipts A3 Payments 60 Production Costs 7,216 Radio expenditure 2,500 Other direct costs 169 Welfare 0 Motor expenses 2,773 Light and Heat 746 Telephone and fax 200 Website Costs 0 Stationery and printing 156 Postage and Courier services 180 Subscriptions 745 Insurances 4,153 Equipment expenses 556 Storage and removal costs 0 Repairs and maintenance 997 Network and IT Costs 482 Sundry expenses 50 Independent examinations 480 Accountancy fees 0 Legal and professional 0 Consultancy fees 500 Advertising and PR 5,000 Temporary advances from trustees repaid 193 Licenses |
Unrestricted funds £ 5,517 316 362 863 9,858 505 17,421 17,421 840 6,374 0 743 961 3,343 787 0 71 156 180 990 1,199 411 200 0 0 50 480 100 0 247 0 238 |
Restricted funds £ 0 9,215 0 0 0 0 9,215 9,215 455 11,043 0 0 0 0 0 0 109 0 179 0 0 0 0 0 0 0 0 0 219 2,394 0 0 |
Total funds £ 5,517 9,531 362 863 9,858 505 |
|---|---|---|---|
| 26,636 | |||
| 26,636 1,295 17,417 0 743 961 3,343 787 0 180 156 359 990 1,199 411 200 0 0 50 480 100 219 2,641 0 238 |
HHCR, Basingstoke Community Radio Registered Charity Number 1153159 Year Ended 31[st] July, 2025
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| 27,156 Sub total A4 Asset and Investment purchases 7,000 Plant purchases 7,000 Sub total 34,156 Total payments 594 Net receipts / (payments) A5 Transfer between funds 14,066 A6 Cash funds last year end 14,660 Cash funds this year end |
17,370 0 0 17,370 51 (1,687) 4,095 2,459 |
14,399 0 0 14,399 (5,184) 1,687 10,565 7,068 |
31,769 0 |
|---|---|---|---|
| 0 | |||
| 31,769 | |||
| (5,133) | |||
| 0 14,660 |
|||
| 9,527 |
The notes on pages 12 to 14 form part of these accounts
HHCR, Basingstoke Community Radio Registered Charity Number 1153159 Year Ended 31[st] July, 2025
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HHCR, Basingstoke Community Radio STATEMENT OF ASSETS AND LIABILITIES AS AT 31[st] JULY, 2025
| Last year £ B1 Cash funds 14,066 Bank Current Account 14,066 Sub total B2 Other monetary assets 750 Other debtors 750 Sub total B4 Assets retained for own use 10,000 Plant (Cost) 3,000 Furniture (Cost) 13,000 Sub total B5 Liabilities 530 Other Creditors 530 Sub total |
Unrestricted funds £ 2,459 2,459 395 395 10,000 3,000 13,000 555 555 |
Restricted funds £ 7,068 7,068 0 0 0 0 0 0 0 |
Total funds £ 9,527 |
|---|---|---|---|
| 9,527 395 |
|||
| 395 10,000 3,000 |
|||
| 13,000 555 |
|||
| 555 |
The Charity’s governing document does not require the Charity to obtain an audit of its financial statements for the year ended 31[st] July, 2025 and in accordance with Section 145 of the Charities Act 2011 the Charity Trustees have elected to have the accounts independently examined.
The Trustees confirm they have provided all information and explanations to the Independent Examiner in accordance with Section 33 of The Charities (Accounts and Reports) Regulations 2008.
These financial statements were approved by the Trustees on 18[th] November, 2025 and have authorised the Chair to sign them on their behalf.
David Chatten-Smith (Trustee)
HHCR, Basingstoke Community Radio Registered Charity Number 1153159 Year Ended 31[st] July, 2025
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HHCR, Basingstoke Community Radio NOTES TO THE ACCOUNTS FOR THE YEAR ENDED 31[st] JULY, 2025
1. Accounting Policies
a) Basis of Accounting
The Charity’s gross income in the financial year does not exceed £250,000 and the Charity Trustees have therefore elected to prepare –
a) a receipts and payments account, and b) a statement of assets and liabilities
in accordance with Section 133 of The Charities Act 2011.
The principal policies of the Charity are set out as follows.
b) Financial Statements
The content and format of these financial statements are compliant with recommendations provided by the Charity Commission.
c) Reserves Policy
The Trustees have reviewed the Charity’s need for reserves in line with the guidance issued by the Charity Commission and has agreed that the cash reserve should ideally not fall below a level consistent with enabling the Charity to fund approximately twelve months core operational costs and provide sufficient financial flexibility. The Trustees report that after making full provisions for designated expenditure the current free reserves of £2,459 (2024: £14,660) represent an approximate one and a half month (2024: 6½) of the estimated twelve months’ running costs.
d) Funds Structure Policy
Restricted funds are subject to restrictions on their expenditure by the donor. Unrestricted funds are available for use at the discretion of the Committee in furtherance of the general objectives of the Charity. Designated funds are general funds that have been earmarked for a particular purpose.
2. Staff costs and trustee remuneration
During the year loan repayments were made by Graham Hardy. The circumstances of the loan was explained in a prior Trustees’ Report. No members of the Committee received any remuneration during the year and no employees had emoluments in excess of £60,000. No expenses were claimed.
HHCR, Basingstoke Community Radio Registered Charity Number 1153159 Year Ended 31[st] July, 2025
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3. Value Added Tax
The Charity is not registered for VAT and thus any VAT incurred is wholly irrecoverable and is charged to the specified activity for which it was incurred.
4. Taxation
The Charity is a registered charity and as such is exempt from tax on its income under Section 505 of the Income and Corporation Taxes Act 1988, as long as its income is applicable and applied for charitable purposes only. During the year all of the income was applicable and applied towards charitable purposes.
5. Assets retained for Charity’s own use
At the year end the Charity had the following assets:
| 2024 | 2025 | |||
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Cost | Book Value |
Cost | Book Value |
|
| £ | £ | £ | £ | |
| Plant | 10,000 | 10,000 | 10,000 | 10,000 |
| Furniture | 3,000 | 3,000 | 3,000 | 3,000 |
| Totals | 13,000 | 13,000 | 13,000 | 13,000 |
6. Other monetary assets
| 2024 | 2025 | |
|---|---|---|
| £ | £ | |
| Loan advances outstanding | 750 | 395 |
7. Liabilities
| Independent examiner's fee Bookkeeping services |
2024 £ 50 480 530 |
2025 £ 75 480 |
|---|---|---|
| 555 |
HHCR, Basingstoke Community Radio Registered Charity Number 1153159 Year Ended 31[st] July, 2025
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8. Analysis of movement in Charity Funds
Restricted funds arise when the donor gives funds for a specific purpose. The Charity monitors the income and expenditure ensuring that sufficient cash reserves are maintained. On completion of the project any surplus funds are transferred to unrestricted reserves where allowed under the terms of the donation. With the change in the Charity’s objectives the brought forward restricted reserves are now no longer designated as such. The following table shows the analysis and movement in funds during the year:
| Restricted funds Beacon Connecting Communities Fund Strengthening Communities Fund Total restricted funds Unrestricted funds General Total unrestricted funds Total funds |
B / fwd 01-Aug-24 £ 3,815 0 6,750 10,565 4,095 4,095 14,660 |
Receipts £ 0 2,465 6,750 9,215 17,421 17,421 26,636 |
Payments £ 5,502 1,102 7,795 14,399 17,370 17,370 31,769 |
Transfers £ 1,687 0 0 1,687 (1,687) (1,687) 0 |
C / fwd 31-Jul-25 £ 0 1,363 5,705 |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| 7,068 | |||||
| 2,459 | |||||
| 2,459 | |||||
| 9,527 |
Restricted funds purpose
Basingstoke and Dean Borough Council have provided funds for the following projects:
Beacon
This is a radio training workshop project that will run every 6 weeks and will give students the skills to present a radio program/ podcast.
Connecting Communities Project
Further funding to help the station become self sustainable by allowing us to gain the skills of a freelance fundraiser / marker.
Strengthening Communities Project
Further funding to help the station become self sustainable by allowing us to gain the skills of a freelance fundraiser / marker.
HHCR, Basingstoke Community Radio Registered Charity Number 1153159 Year Ended 31[st] July, 2025
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HHCR Basingstoke Community Radio Accounts 2025
Final Audit Report
2026-02-13
Created: 2026-02-10 By: David Fields (dave@daybooks.com) Status: Signed Transaction ID: CBJCHBCAABAArkOwUOLISfxQZj08RrJrAWTEV-fFB9A9
"HHCR Basingstoke Community Radio Accounts 2025" History
Document created by David Fields (dave@daybooks.com)
2026-02-10 - 10:22:23 AM GMT- IP address: 109.146.228.168
Document emailed to David Chatten-Smith (info@basingstokecommunityradio.org.uk) for signature 2026-02-10 - 10:22:28 AM GMT
Email viewed by David Chatten-Smith (info@basingstokecommunityradio.org.uk) 2026-02-10 - 8:46:22 PM GMT- IP address: 172.226.183.11
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Agreement completed.
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