2025-12-31-accounts - The Alde And Ore Association

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THE ALDE & ORE ASSOCIATION

Your Voice – Your Estuary

THE THIRTY FIFTH

ANNUAL GENERAL MEETING OF THE ALDE AND ORE ASSOCIATION

will be held on

Thursday 23rd April 2026 at 5.30pm for 6pm

THE OLD GENERATOR STATION KINGS FIELD ALDEBURGH IP15 5HY

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Drinks can be bought at the bar

6pm AGM Business

followed by

‘Developments in the roll out of the Alde & Ore Estuary Plan’

If you wish to attend, please let us know on info@aldeandore.org. This is not essential but will help ensure smooth arrangements.

The Association, a Charitable Incorporated Organisation, exists to preserve for the public benefit the Alde, Ore and Butley rivers and their banks from Shingle Street to their tidal limits and such of the land adjoining them or upstream as may be considered to affect them, together with the features of beauty and or historic or public interest in that area .

Registered Charity No. 1154583

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NOTICE OF ANNUAL GENERAL MEETING

Notice is hereby given that the Annual General Meeting of the Alde and Ore Association will be held on Thursday 23rd April 2026 at 6pm at the Old Generator Station, Aldeburgh.

AGENDA

Apologies
To approve as a correct record the minutes of the AGM held on 24[th] April 2025
Trustees Report for the year ended 31[st] December 2025
Accounts of the Association for the year ended 31[st] December 2025
Election of Trustees
a) The following Trustee is due to retire having served a three-year term and offers himself for re-election:
- Keith Martin
b) At every AGM, one third (or as nearest one-third as possible) of the charity trustees shall retire from office (but may offer themselves for re-election). The following Trustees have been longest in office since their election and offer themselves for re-election:
- Mervyn Hall
- Bernadette Gilbert
Any other business

Followed by:

‘Developments in the roll out of the Alde & Ore Estuary Plan’

Note: Anyone wishing to become a Trustee or nominate a person is invited to get in touch with the Chairman, Alison Andrews (email: aldeblackburn@aol.com). Applications should be made initially to the Chairman who will be able to explain the work of the Committee and responsibilities of Trustees.

It is important to renew Trustee energy and interests whether in planning, marketing, website matters, newsletter publication, organising fun events, commenting on formative government and other policy consultations or a fresh approach. Please consider using your particular skills for the benefit of safeguarding the Alde and Ore estuary area and helping provide ways to enjoy: this would be most welcome. Terms of office run for three years and can be renewed.

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Minutes of the Annual General Meeting of the Alde and Ore Association held at 6.00pm on Thursday 24th April 2025 at the Old Generator Station, Aldeburgh

PRESENT:

Committee: Alison Andrews (Chairman), Bernadette Gilbert (Treasurer), Celia Bell (Honorary Secretary), Monica Allen, Mark Goyder, Miv Hall, Keith Martin, Roy Truman and Kim Puttock

Members: approx. 65 members attended.

1. APOLOGIES

Received from: Colin Chamberlain. Amanda Bettinson, David Bettinson, Frances Charlesworth, Rodney Charlesworth, John Haresnape, Sue Haresnape, Glynis Robertson, Derek Wyatt.

2. TO APPROVE AS A CORRECT RECORD THE MINUTES OF THE AGM HELD ON 20th APRIL 2024

The minutes of the previous AGM of the Alde and Ore Association held on 20th April 2024 were approved.

3. TRUSTEES’ REPORT FOR THE YEAR ENDED 31st DECEMBER 2024

The Chair noted that members already had the Annual Report and Accounts and the 2025 Spring Newsletter, and so she would be bringing the meeting up to date with the latest news, chiefly the current position with progressing the improvement of the estuary embankments.

Estuary Embankments:

In January 2023, approval and a grant of over £11 million were given to the first phase of the estuary plan, to improve embankments in the four flood cells in the Upper Estuary: Snape, Snape Village, Aldeburgh and Iken. Plans were also being developed for Phase 2 of the project, to undertake repair of the river walls in the rest of the estuary, from Ferry Point opposite Slaughden Quay through Orford and down to Shingle Street. The work needs to be completed for the whole estuary as it is an integral entity, with adjacent flood cells affecting those up and downstream from each other.

Since then, detailed preparatory work has been completed, including surveys and ground investigations and an update to the original costings included with the project application submission in 2021/2. While the original costings had included good allowances for inflation, the new estimates revealed that there had been a large increase in costs resulting, not just from some redesigns such as needing a 1:4 rather than 1:3 back slope in places, but also from general increased costs stemming from the impact of national and international circumstances, including rising energy costs, the Ukraine war, and the impact of Sizewell C on local labour supplies.

The updated costings left a choice as to whether to start work now at the top of the estuary, as modelling shows work has to start at the top, or risk losing the significant grant pot in hand while seeking to raise more money. The decision has been made to start the estuary project by completing the work in Flood Cells (FC) 6 and 7 (Snape Maltings and Snape Village), provided that the Environment Agency gives permission for the reshaped project to go ahead with the funding awarded so far plus an additional amount which the AOET have arranged to be covered. In this way FC 6 and 7 should be completed by the end of 2027.

While that work is underway, planning for the wider estuary will be proceeding to see how best to improve defences and what costs will be, starting with FC10 (Aldeburgh Town Marsh) and FC5 (Iken). In the light of the current estimates, about £4 million will be needed to complete river defences in FC10 and £11 million for FC5, but the thinking is that alternative ways of delivering flood protection should be explored.

Sources of money will still include government grants, allocated on the basis of points such as possible loss of life, of homes and other factors such as agricultural land, infrastructure and businesses. The AOET are also facing a new challenge to raise further funds, as under earlier plans the Trust expected to meet 10-20% or so through community contribution. They have charged their fund-raising consultants to prepare a new strategy.

The Chair had heard concerns voiced about possible increased flood risk elsewhere if FC6 and 7 are competed first. The East Suffolk Water Management Board (ESWMB) have explained that, to get approval, the work has to be done in such a way that the risk of flooding to properties outside FC 6 and 7 has to be avoided or mitigated.

Minutes of the Annual General Meeting of the Alde and Ore Association held at 6.00pm on Thursday 24th April 2025 at the Old Generator Station, Aldeburgh (continued)

AOA Economic Survey:

The Chair noted the value to fund raising of the Association’s economic survey (results reported in the recent Newsletter). The survey was undertaken by Risk and Policy Analysts Ltd who advise the ESWMB on all matters relating to grant applications anywhere in the estuary and this ensures that the report will be used to the full. Also, its findings will be useful when challenging some assumptions of energy proposals.

Water Monitoring:

The Chair congratulated the work of the Water Quality Monitoring Team, some 30 people strong led by Bobby Rusack and Miv Hall. Currently, the plan is to continue the work to complete 5 years of data. To do this, support has been sought from interested organisations and for this year £600 is being donated by Aldeburgh Town Council, and it is hoped that NOTT will contribute again. Some other parish councils are offering smaller amounts and we have two other larger requests in the pipeline. The Chair is happy to report that, except on extremely rare occasions the quality of the water in the estuary meets the Environment Agency's excellent standard for bathing waters.

Energy Construction Projects:

The latest on the energy construction projects will be covered under Agenda Item 6. To note that the time for individuals to sign up for registration for the DCO consultation of SeaLink is approaching and the SEAS website will have all the details.

Lastly, the Chair thanked her fellow Trustees for all they do to help the cause of looking after our rivers and adjoining landscape; Roy Truman for the ferry which continues to go from strength to strength; Monica Allen for newsletters, each one really excellent; Keith Martin on a great range of planning and policy matters; Colin Chamberlain for legal advice and leading on the annual barbecue (this year on 10 August); Mark Goyder on his outreach work to other organisations where we can share and make common cause; Miv Hall leading expertly on water monitoring and Bernie Gilbert who has taken over the Treasurer's reins. Thanks were also extended to Roger Baxter for his many years of work on the annual river defences survey. He has stepped down from the leading that but is still doing some of the flood cells. The Chair noted that she would love to find someone to take up his lead role. She also emphasised that, if anyone would like to help the Association in some way, whether as a Trustee, or volunteer on surveys, or organising walks, the AOA would love to hear from them.

The Chair opened the floor to questions. There were none.

4. ACCOUNTS OF THE ASSOCIATION FOR THE YEAR ENDED 31st DECEMBER 2024

Bernadette Gilbert, Treasurer, presented the accounts for the year ended 31st December 2024. The Treasurer noted that her report would be brief as the accounts were self-explanatory but drew attention to two major variances from the previous year; the expenditure required to support repairs for the Butley Ferry and the cost of the economic survey. She also noted that the independent examiners report to the Trustees of the AOA has not yet been completed but this will be done before the accounts are submitted to the Charities Commission.

The Treasurer opened the floor to questions.

Questions:

Ian Robson returned to a question that he asked the previous year relating to the AOA continuing to hold the Andren bequest, expressing his concerns over perception, firstly that it makes the AOA appear very well funded and also that, as the AOA have not passed the funds to the Alde & Ore Estuary Trust [AOET], it might suggest lack of trust in the AOET.

The Treasurer responded that it is clear in the accounts that these are restricted funds, with the money ring fenced for a particular purpose and not money that can be utilised by the trustees on their day-to-day activities.

The Chair responded that there was not much to add to her response at last year’s meeting, except to say that the Association and Trust are working in complete cooperation and the Trust knows that the Association is holding the bequest and can get it with the right arrangements when there is a need to demonstrate matched funding for grants. She noted that the estuary plan has taken time to roll out and that it seems better to be protecting David Andren’s wishes and heritage, with a view to encouraging others to also consider donating, in particular when the work in Orford might be becoming more imminent. The Chair agreed to consider the issue of perception and thanked Ian for his comment.

Minutes of the Annual General Meeting of the Alde and Ore Association held at 6.00pm on Thursday 24th April 2025 at the Old Generator Station, Aldeburgh (continued)

5. ELECTION OF TRUSTEES

a) The following Trustees are due to retire having served a three-year term and offer themselves for re-election:

This agenda item was led by Bernadette Gilbert (Treasurer). Under the constitution, a number of Trustees had to retire by rotation having served a three-year term. They offer themselves for re-election:

Alison Andrews
Monica Allen
Colin Chamberlain
Roy Truman

The committee proposed all four for re-election and were seconded by Birgitta Bostrom. The vote in favour was unanimous.

b) The following person, currently appointed pending election as trustee, is standing for election:
Kim Puttock

The Chair was delighted to be adding to the numbers of trustees and noted that Kim Puttock had been a trustee before becoming too busy with work but has now found time for the Association again. With her expertise on Internet membership websites, management, and governance she will be a valuable asset and the Trustees are delighted that she wants to return.

The Committee proposed her and was seconded by Chris Gill. The vote in favour was unanimous.

6. THE ASSOCIATION’S APPROACH TO THE ENERGY COAST ISSUES

This topic was introduced by the Chair who indicated that she wished to sound out the membership about the AOA approach to Energy Coast issues. She noted that the AOA approach had been not to get involved in energy policy as such, unless proposals could have a direct impact on the rivers, estuary and surrounding landscape, keeping in line with the Associations objectives. The Association has, over a number of years, submitted oral and written comments on all power supply proposals and consultations on that basis, including covering the impact on access to the area and on the local economy. To that end, the AOA and others can use the new economic survey, as well as the 2013 one, to support their case. In addition, in newsletters and publications, the AOA has directed members to the energy policy expert organisations such as SEAS, SASES and Stop Sizewell C.

However, the Chair noted that there is much to be done in working with others, and invited Mark Goyder, the AOA outreach Trustee, to say more on this topic and invite views from the membership.

Mark Goyder noted that it is understandable that there will be different views within the Association; while one member had asked why more was not being done on this issue, another had commented at the previous AGM that the Association should limit its efforts to matters concerning the estuary and its conservation. The trustees have tried to strike the right balance, one that reflects the focus of the AOA on the rivers and the surrounding landscape while respecting the fact that there are other organisations who have a specific focus on energy infrastructure issues, such as SEAS and Stop Sizewell C.

To this aim, he has worked to make the dialogue with those organisations stronger and reported that, for example, SEAS have indicated how valuable they feel the AOA economic survey would be as SEAS prepares to make its representations to the imminent and critical hearing about the planning DCO for Sea Link. He also noted the erosion of the position that the original planning inquiry intended, with the now cumulative impact of multiple planned projects impacting on the area at Friston, Saxmundham and beyond, making this latest planning inquiry pivotal.

In the light of the cumulative impact of these multiple projects on the Suffolk coast, the AOA consider it vital that we know what members think about how far this Association should be involved in these discussions that are so critical to the future of this landscape.

Mark Goyder opened to the floor for questions and views on whether the Trustees are on the right track.

Minutes of the Annual General Meeting of the Alde and Ore Association held at 6.00pm on Thursday 24th April 2025 at the Old Generator Station, Aldeburgh (continued)

Questions/Feedback

Richard Keane stated that he did not think that the AOA should be involved in energy matters. As a founder member of the Association in the 1990s he recollected that the objectives of the association were debated in some detail and were clearly narrowed down. He emphasised the importance of the AOA not acting ultra vires of its charitable objectives.

MG agreed that the charitable purposes needed to be respected but did not consider that it is as simple as looking at the legal terms of reference and ending the debate. His view is that the AOA must conscientiously keep looking at the terms of reference and considering where to draw the line given the connectedness of issues.

Susie Bridges noted that the size and scale of the National Grid infrastructure projects were on a par with the historical Bentwaters proposals which the AOA had been active in opposing, along with the Suffolk Preservation society. She noted that available information suggests that the proposed energy structures in Saxmundham will be able to be seen from the river.

The Chair responded that she had been involved in the opposition to Bentwaters, based on the long term protection of the special peace and tranquillity of the estuary. She considered that the current proposals are different, with Sizewell C and other energy projects not having the same potential impact directly to the estuary in the long term. She noted that the AOA has been commenting where appropriate, including on the impact of the proposed energy projects on the roads, access and the local economy. While the infrastructure proposed at Friston and Saxmundham is large, she was not aware that the buildings could be seen from the river. The Chair agreed that she and MG would explore this issue.

Simon Barrow commented that all realise the importance of the AOA being primarily focused on the estuary. He raised the issue of the impact of road usage, noting his sympathy for those whose property and land would be impacted. He did not think it appropriate to close our minds to the issues or reduce our close relationship with those who are trying to modify the outcomes. However, his view was that this must not be at the expense of our main purpose, the river. He followed up by asking what proportion of the membership live close to the river.

The Chair noted that she did not have data on membership postcodes but noted that, while a high proportion live all around this area, some are also second homeowners. She noted the point that we must reach out to others but must also stay true to our focus and that MG was actively involved in this aspect of the Association’s work.

Jane Maxim noted that National Grid works were impacting widely and reminded the Chair of a planning notice found stating that the five estuaries project was to use the Haul Road to bring in shingle and other materials. If the notice had not been seen NG might have done ‘goodness knows what’. This illustrated the point that the Association is enormously important in keeping an eye on what is happening and letting people know about anything of concern.

The Chair responded that this was a point well made. As the notice had been seen, the Chair was able go directly to the right people and point out that the road proposed to be used was not actually a road and is eroding. This resulted in the plan being removed prior to any consultation.

She noted that eyes and ears of all are important and if a member thinks something is not quite right, for instance the concern identified by Susie Bridges that the Friston/Saxmundham developments might be seen from the river due to their height, it is important to tell the Trustees.

Johnny Dawson commented that our country needs more electricity and suggested that putting solar farms over land such as Orford Ness and some of the marshland could bring economic benefit to support rebuilding of the river walls. He encouraged all not to be ‘NIMBY’ and to consider something more creative, noting that all the energy coast development will be finished in 20 years. He agreed that for us it is about protecting the estuary, with the river walls the main thing to protect. He acknowledged that his views might place him in the minority but considers that we need to think beyond ourselves.

The Chair commented that ‘we like positive thinking’.

The Chair concluded the agenda item, noting her gratitude to the membership for the points raised and the useful discussion. She was glad that the agenda item had allowed views to be expressed as the Trustees wish to ensure they are representing the membership properly. She also noted the importance of working with other organisations. If many organisations with different terms of reference and different sets of expertise are all challenging a single issue, it gives the challenge more power. The Trustees, in particular Mark Goyder will carry on liaising and working with the pressure groups involved in energy coast issues.

Minutes of the Annual General Meeting of the Alde and Ore Association held at 6.00pm on Thursday 24th April 2025 at the Old Generator Station, Aldeburgh (continued)

7. ANY OTHER BUSINESS

No other business was raised.

The Meeting moved on to a talk on the Wildlife of Shingle Street.

We thank Jeremy Mynott for his engaging and beautifully illustrated talk. He introduced the audience to the community vision for Shingle Street as “a wild and natural place, where biodiversity is protected and enhanced, and where people can respectfully experience this unique environment”. Jeremy reminded us that Britain’s wildlife is currently threatened as never before and how important it is for local communities to document and celebrate the biodiversity of the areas in which they live.

We were introduced to the comprehensive survey of the flora and fauna of the Shingle Street area undertaken in 2015 with the aim of demonstrating its great biodiversity and establishing its importance as a rich and sensitive environment to be conserved and protected. More specific regular surveys of the rare flowers and vegetation on the shingle banks, undertaken to monitor the effects of environmental changes and visitor footfall are continuing and the community are now working on longer-term initiatives to enhance the environment. They have now acquired an adjacent field, with the overall aim to protect what is already there and to restore the biodiversity of local species lost over the years though re-wilding and the creation of a wetland.

THE ALDE & ORE ASSOCIATION

Your Voice – Your Estuary

The Trustees' Annual Report and Accounts

for the year to 31st December 2025

Registered Charity No. 1154583

Annual Report of the Alde and Ore Association including accounts for the year ending 31[st] December 2025

Report of the Trustees

The Trustees present their Report and the Accounts of the Charity for the year to 31st December 2025.

A. REFERENCE AND ADMINISTRATION DETAILS

The Alde and Ore Association Charity Registration No 1154583

Correspondence Address

19 Lee Road, Aldeburgh, IP15 5HG

Email address

info@aldeandore.org

Names of Charity Trustees

THE COMMITTEE at 31st December 2025

Officers Alison Andrews Chairman Bernadette Gilbert Treasurer Other Trustees Colin Chamberlain Legal Adviser Mark Goyder Outreach Keith Martin Planning, SCAR Kim Puttock Membership Secretary and Webmaster Roy Truman Butley Ferry Monica Allen Newsletter Editor Mervyn Hall Water monitoring Co-opted members Celia Bell Honorary Secretary Vacancy River Defence Committee

B. STRUCTURE, GOVERNANCE AND MANAGEMENT

Governing document

The Alde and Ore Association (The Association) was founded in 1991. On 1st January 2014, the charitable status was changed to a Charitable Incorporated Organisation (CIO) which assumed all the assets and liabilities of The Association.

Organisational structure

The Charity Trustees constitute a committee which manages the affairs of the CIO and for that purpose exercises the powers of the CIO.

Recruitment and appointment of Trustees

Trustees are elected at the Annual General Meeting of The Association, in accordance with Clause 13 of the Constitution. One third of the Trustees must retire each year but are eligible for re-election, those to retire being the ones who have been longest in office.

The Trustees' Annual Report and Accounts

Annual Report of the Alde and Ore Association including accounts for the year ending 31[st] December 2025

C. OBJECTIVES AND ACTIVITIES

Objectives

The objects of The Association are to preserve and protect for the public benefit the Alde, Ore and Butley rivers and their banks from Shingle Street to their tidal limits and such of the land adjoining them or upstream as may be considered to affect them together with the features of beauty and historic or public interest in the area. We confirm that the Trustees have had regard to the Charity Commission's guidance on public benefit.

Activities

The main activities undertaken towards achieving The Association’s objectives during the year have been to:

continue to help to ensure that river defences are upgraded in order to sustain the Alde and Ore and Butley rivers within their landscape to safeguard all the activities, places of interest and wildlife habitats contained within this unique area. This includes very active participation in the work of The Alde and Ore Community Partnership (AOCP).
work to safeguard the estuary by commenting on planning developments or other proposals which might either detract from or enhance the area.
assess, photograph and report on the state of the river walls. This has been done through The Association’s River Defence Committee.
provide activities to encourage enjoyment or use of the area through the provision of the Butley Ferry. Other activities including organised walks and the annual barbecue.
consider initiatives and support research relating to projects dealing with the river defences and the natural landscape, including commissioning and conducting the third ten yearly economic study of the Alde-Ore area.
promote communication with members: two Newsletters have been published and circulated to members and members are kept up to date by emails and through the website.
work on encouraging a broader membership and, critically, the recruitment of new trustees and volunteers including by conducting a members’ survey.
members’ survey conducted in 2023.

Contributions

Donations of £466 were received.

D. ACHIEVEMENTS AND PERFORMANCE

The Role of The Association

The Association continued to work to achieve its aim to preserve the rivers and adjoining land which may The objects of the Association are “ To preserve and protect for the public benefit the Alde, Ore and Butley rivers and their banks from Shingle Street to their tidal limits and such land adjoining them or upstream as may be considered to affect them together with the features of beauty and of historic or public interest in the area ”. Put more succinctly the role of the Association is to take care of our rivers and landscape today and tomorrow , to preserve their unique natural beauty, heritage and biodiversity.

To do this the Trustees continue to meet regularly, both in person and by Zoom. As a steward or guardian, The Association seeks to take care by keeping track of proposals, developments and ideas which may affect the estuary and its surrounding landscape either positively or adversely so as to be able to act in the interest of the continued life of the estuary today and tomorrow; it seeks to provide a voice on the Alde and Ore Community Partnership (AOCP); provide information about the value of the rivers and landscape; and to be in touch with members about matters affecting the estuary overall.

In carrying out its work to take care of the rivers and surrounding landscape The Association has, over the years, contributed significantly to the preservation, protection and enjoyment of the Alde, Ore and Butley rivers area.

The Trustees' Annual Report and Accounts

Annual Report of the Alde and Ore Association including accounts for the year ending 31[st] December 2025

Working with the Alde and Ore Community Partnership on the river defences

During 2025 the Association continued to support, through its representation on the Alde & Ore Community Partnership, the several actions to implement the Upper Estuary embankment improvement project. Just before the end of 2025, the AOCP had to conclude that the project that had been approved and allocated a grant of £11.9 million, could not be taken forward. In the course of the project’s first 18 months of implementation essential surveys were carried out and changes to some of the planned bank construction, but at the same time, nationally, construction costs soared because of factors such as energy prices and the Ukraine War and in the Alde area costs rose additionally because of the extra market demand for the soil moving resources needed by the Sizewell C site preparations. As a result, the original cost of the project more than doubled.

The project was amended with a view to at least undertaking half of it but, unfortunately, updating modelling of river flows showed that by dealing with only two, not four, flood cells, there would be greater flooding possibility in one of the excluded cells.

The AOCP undertook to review how the Estuary Plan might be implemented differently across the estuary to achieve sound river walls. The process was just starting at the end of 2025. Sound river defences are an integral part of maintaining the homes, economy, recreation and environment with its large range of flora and fauna in the Alde and Ore area. The Association will continue to assist the Partnership in a review of the Estuary Plan and to find a way forward to enable the estuary river defences, landscape and its homes, work and environment to be sustained.

The Association continued to keep members informed about the estuary plans through its newsletters and, where members have given permission to The Association to use their emails, via email.

Protection of the landscape

Planning

2025 was a quiet year for residential planning applications. We were happy to see that the 2024 application by Iken Canoes was approved with appropriate conditions, and we hope that business flourishes and that the public are able to enjoy the upper Alde estuary in controlled conditions. The awaited Local Plan review, due in 2025, has not started yet as East Suffolk Council has deferred action until planning guidance from the new government is published. This is apparently under way but not yet available. The Marine Management Organisation has started a review of the East Marine Plan; this covers English tidal waters along most of the English East coast down to the Essex border and out to the economic limit of British waters. It is not expected to affect the estuary, but the MMO has indicated the intention of being more site specific in this new plan, so we are monitoring progress in case any proposals affect the estuary. The MMO is also planning a survey of smelt breeding activity over the next few years, and we have encouraged them to keep clear of boating routes during this process.

The main area of concern remains the various proposals for major infrastructure projects in the east Suffolk region. While the several projects are not going to cross the estuary area directly, one may be visible on the skyline from the estuary which is part of the Suffolk National Landscape. However, the increase in the volume and weight of traffic and extent of construction activity in the wider region are leading to major changes in the local economy. Longer term, any impact of the projects on the stability of the coastline and sediment flow along the coastline is harder to predict and The Association has pointed this out. We continue to liaise with the other interest groups in respect of these proposals.

Major Infrastructure Projects

As before, The Association has continued to watch over the continuing succession of energy project proposals which are affecting this Suffolk coast area. A year ago, in the Annual Report, there was the warning that:

‘the cumulative effect of one or several of them will cause significant extra and large traffic on the roads and so affect access to and around the area and impact the local economy, discouraging people from coming to enjoy the area.’

This impact is now being felt, with the latest figures suggesting a reduction in tourism in 2025 of over 15%. The Association has continued to contribute its voice to local dialogues and official meetings where the impact has relevance to its members and especially to the wellbeing and enjoyment of the estuary. Its Chair, Alison Andrews, submitted representations and spoke at the National Strategic Infrastructure Planning inquiry hearings in November 2025 about the Sea Link project for bringing renewable energy ashore near The Scallop in Aldeburgh. An article in the Association’s Autumn 2025 newsletter by trustee Mark Goyder described the cumulative impact of this and other projects and explained the implications of the plans. The article warned that the risk is that the cumulative consequence of these projects will be the industrialisation of our precious coastline.

The Trustees' Annual Report and Accounts

Annual Report of the Alde and Ore Association including accounts for the year ending 31[st] December 2025

Water Quality Monitoring Group

Now into its fourth year, the Water Quality Group continues the sampling and testing of river water from 13 sites on the Butley, Fromus and Alde rivers on a weekly basis. The Group has over 20 volunteers responsible for the field collection and the laboratory testing of water samples.

The project is scheduled to run until 2027 and has been successful in gaining sponsorship and grant aid from a number of local and national institutions.

The results form a valuable data set against which improvements in plant nutrient (phosphorus) output from the sewage treatment plant at Benhall and, longer term, the reduction of nitrate levels in line with improved agricultural practices can be measured.

Measurements of water borne E. coli bacteria confirm that there is no systemic sewage pollution in the tidal waters of the Alde. Much work has been done to produce an accessible format for the results, and these will be incorporated into a dedicated area on the updated website soon.

River Defence Committee

The River Defence Team continued annual surveys in most parts of the river and completed reports which were submitted to the Environment Agency. Team members also regularly sent photographs of the shoreline along Sudbourne Beach to the Environment Agency to assist the Coastal Committee’s continual monitoring of the coastline.

We are very grateful to the volunteers for their time and effort in producing reports on the state of the river walls in the spring after the Spring Equinox which provide a regular update to the running benchmark on the state of the walls.

Enjoyment of the area

The Association’s Annual Barbecue was held this year along the shoreline below Blackheath House with many thanks to Lady Hopkins who again made the Association very welcome. It was held in August on a day with a very full high tide enabling both those who wished to sail to land easily and for everyone giving amazing view over the sparling estuary waters. Salter and King again provided the excellent hog roast at cost so that a donation could be made to the Alde and Ore Estuary Trust towards the funds to improve the river embankments to reduce flooding for future generations.

A wonderful walk was arranged in the upper non- tidal Alde Valley around White House Farm and, with many thanks to Jason Gaythorne Hardy, enabled nearly 30 people to see an amazing jigsaw of hill and lower lying lands, woods, both conifer and deciduous, hedgerows, parkland and pastures culminating with seeing how a new wetland was being developed. Members are encouraged to come forward if they had a good walk they would like to share and organise a walk, as these walks are very popular.

Another year has passed without final details from the Government on the route of the English Coastal Path (now nationally called the King Charles III England Coastal Path) in our area from Bawdsey to Aldeburgh, but the official map states ‘’Approved in whole but not yet open, establishment works planned or in progress’’. Once the details are finalised there may be some new paths around the Butley River.

The Butley Ferry

In 2025 Butley Ferry carried exactly 900 passengers, 200 down on last year. This appears to be down to the very hot days in the early summer when people chose not to walk too far. This resulted in an income of £3,088, considerably down on the previous season. We lost only two days to bad weather due to a storm in October.

When the King Charles III coast path is officially opened in our section, it will create a 6-mile-long circular route using the ferry. The shortest at the moment is about 11 miles. The new route will create a much more manageable walk for many people, and this may have an impact on the number of people using the ferry.

Planned repairs were carried out on the Capel jetty. The lower section had collapsed due to shipworm. An inspection of the jetty revealed that the two levels above this were also in need of replacement. This will be carried out in the summer of 2026 and, like all new work, will be done using worm-proof recycled plastic.

The Ferrymen’s Lunch was again held at The Froize. As we now operate with two volunteers on duty each day, we have 20+ people at our annual get together. The cost of this would represent a large chunk of annual income so the ferrymen unanimously agreed again to contribute personally to the cost to ensure that they could meet, eat and celebrate in a manner which I feel they richly deserve. John Grayburn became the first ferryman to receive the ‘Ferryman of the year’ Award for a second time due to his willingness to take midweek bookings, often at short notice.

The Trustees' Annual Report and Accounts

Annual Report of the Alde and Ore Association including accounts for the year ending 31[st] December 2025

I would like to thank all of our ferrymen and their assistants for their willingness to go the extra mile when dealing with our customers. A large amount of their time is spent talking to, and explaining to, the customers about the local area, its history and wildlife. Volunteering at the ferry is so much more than just rowing a boat.

Research commissioned

The Association has commissioned further work form Professor Pye to update his 2016 report on “Geomorphological Assessment of SMP2 Coastal Management Area ORF15.1: Martello Tower to Orford Ness, Suffolk”, often referred to as Sudbourne Beach. The aim is to get a deeper understanding of the likely resilience of the clay berm that lies under the shingle shoreline and contributes to holding the shingle shoreline along that stretch. His original report assessed that it would be two or more decades before the sea might cut through the shoreline if no action was taken.

Communication with members

The Annual General Meeting was held on 24th April 2025, with approximately 65 members in attendance and with 14 members sending apologies. The main business was dealt with. There was then an important discussion on the approach to energy projects that the Association was taking or might take. The comments by members indicated that the Trustees were travelling on the right road. After that, Jeremy Mynott, a member from Shingle Street, gave an excellent talk on the Wild Life of Shingle Street and changes over time both seasonally and over the years, brilliantly illustrated with amazing photographs.

As ever, two Newsletters were produced. These continued to be almost double the length of those a few years earlier and with more illustrations; the articles explored a wide range of history, wildlife, leisure and policies all relating to the unique estuary landscape. The article providing a very helpful overview and summary of the several infrastructure power projects under construction and in planning for implementation in the area just north of the Alde and Ore River was much appreciated by members. The newsletters continue to be produced on recycled paper.

Emails were sent on more urgent matters and to enable members and guests to join in events such as the Annual barbecue.

The website was kept up to date and provides links to organisations with shared interests. Much of the year was taken up with developing a new website look with refreshed content introducing a more flexible format and new pages, in particular to make water monitoring results accessible. The new look site should be launched in spring.

The Trustees’ work on promotion of The Association

Following up the action identified from responses to the 2023/4 survey, of continuing to improve communications with members, Trustees wrote to members setting out the Association’s proposed approach to the several infrastructure power projects being installed or proposed for the coast just to the north of the Alde and Ore Estuary. The Trustees have been responding to the national planning consultations on these projects, providing comments to ensure that potential impacts on the estuary were realised and not ignored, such as the long-term impacts of coastal constructions affecting the estuary, and the impact on the life of residents and visitors of having several large projects taking place simultaneously, as well as on the costs of refurbishing the estuary walls. At the AGM, an agenda item was set aside to hear views on this approach balancing the impact on the area and how far to comment on energy projects per se.

The Association attended the Orford Flower Show in 2025, in particular providing information and insight to the water monitoring programme and successfully recruiting at least one more volunteer to that team. The Association also worked there with the Alde and Ore Estuary Trust and Alde and Ore Community Partnership to explain progress with the Estuary Plan and answer any questions.

Membership Update

We will shortly be making an important change to the way we manage memberships by moving our membership administration to a new online system called Membermojo .

This change will help us manage subscriptions more efficiently, keep information secure, and improve the way we communicate with you.

For now, you don’t need to take any action. Further updates and guidance will be provided before we go live.

What are the benefits?

Once the new system is in place, members can expect:

The Trustees' Annual Report and Accounts

Annual Report of the Alde and Ore Association including accounts for the year ending 31[st] December 2025

Easier joining and renewal processes
Secure handling of personal information and payments
Timely reminders and clearer communication

We believe this change will make membership simpler, safer and more effective for everyone.

E. Financial Review

The Association has a Reserves Policy of building its reserves without significant increases in membership fees whilst continuing to maintain existing services to members.

The Association’s total Income to the 31st December 2025 was £51,241 (2024 £55,520) with expenditure for the year ended 31st December 2025 of £20,092 (2024: £35,294). The net income for the year was £31,149 (2024 £20,266). The Association’s main source of income is its membership fees (there are currently over 2,000 members in total, including members enrolled by reason of their membership of the Aldeburgh Yacht Club).

The Association expects to have to use its reserves to employ consultants, advisers and possibly even contractors to ensure the objectives of The Association in preserving the Alde and Ore Estuary for the benefit of the public are met. The Association might also give grants to other charitable organisations in order to achieve its aims.

Both unrestricted as well as restricted reserves of The Association are currently held in savings deposit accounts with CCLA and current accounts at Barclays Bank.

Statement of Trustees’ responsibilities

Members of The Association’s Committee are responsible for preparing the Charity’s annual report and financial statements in accordance with the law applicable to charities and UK Accounting Standards (United Kingdom Generally Accepted Accounting Practice).

The law requires that the report and financial statements give a true and fair view of the state of affairs of the Charity.

In preparing the financial statements, the Trustees are required to:

select suitable accounting policies and apply them consistently;
observe the methods and principles in the Charities Statement of Recommended Practice (SORP);
make judgments and estimates that are reasonable and prudent;
state whether applicable accounting standards have been followed, subject to any material departures disclosed and explained in the financial statements and
prepare the financial statements on a ‘going concern’ basis unless it is inappropriate to presume that the Charity will continue in business.

The Trustees are responsible for keeping proper accounting records which disclose with reasonable accuracy at any time the financial position of the Charity and which enable them to ensure that the financial statements comply with the Charities Act 2011, the Charity (Accounts and Reports) Regulations 2008 and the provisions of the Constitution. They are also responsible for safeguarding the assets of the Charity and taking reasonable steps for the prevention and detection of fraud and other irregularities.

The Trustees, for the purposes of charity law, who served during the year and up to the date of this report, are set out on page 1.

Approved by the Trustees on 17th February 2026

……………………………

Lady Andrews, OBE, Chair of the Trustees

The Trustees' Annual Report and Accounts

Annual Report of the Alde and Ore Association including accounts for the year ending 31[st] December 2025

Statement of financial activities for the year ending 31st December 2025

For general comments see Note 1. Notes Income 2 Membership fees and donations Other Trading Activities Investment income Total Income Expenditure 3 Raising funds Charitable activities Total Expenditure Net income/(expenditure) Reconciliation of funds: Fund balances brought forward Net movement in funds Fund balances carried forward	Unrestricted funds £ Restricted funds £ *2025* *Total funds* £ *2024* *Total funds* £ 9,454 3,330 12,784 10,897 6,733 - 6,733 7,255 2,330 29,394 31,724 37,368
	18,517 32,724 51,241 55,520
	5,581 - 5,581 4,450 13,205 1,306 14,511 30,844
	18,786 1,306 20,092 35,294

	(269) 31,418 31,149 20,226
	65,233 703,318 768,551 748,325 (269) 31,418 31,149 20,226
	64,964 734,736 799,700 768,551

The Trustees' Annual Report and Accounts

Annual Report of the Alde and Ore Association including accounts for the year ending 31[st] December 2025

Balance sheet as at 31st December 2025

Notes Fixed Assets Tangible assets Intangible assets Investments Total Fixed Assets Current Assets Debtors - Interest earned Accrued Income Cash at bank and in hand Total Current Assets Liabilities and Credits Due in less than a year 4 Net Assets	Unrestricted funds £ Restricted funds £ *2025* *Total funds* £ *2024* *Total funds* £ - - - - - - - - - - - -
	- - - -
	183 2,337 2,520 2,966 1,000 - 1,000 4,352 65,291 732,399 797,690 768,229
	66,474 734,736 801,210 775,547
	1,510 - 1,510 6,996
	64,964 734,736 799,700 768,551

Approved by the Trustees on 17th February 2026.

…………………………… …………

Lady Andrews, OBE Chair of the Trustees

The Trustees' Annual Report and Accounts

Annual Report of the Alde and Ore Association including accounts for the year ending 31[st] December 2025

The notes on pages 10 to 12 form part of these financial statements

1. Accounting Policies

Basis for preparing the financial statements

The financial statements have been prepared in accordance with the Statement of Recommended Practice: Accounting and Reporting by Charities preparing their accounts in accordance with the Financial Reporting Standard applicable in the UK and Republic of Ireland (FRS 102) and the Charities Act 2011.

In preparing the accounts, the trustees have considered whether in applying the accounting policies required by FRS 102 and the Charities SORP FRS 102 a restatement of comparative items was needed. No restatements were required.

The charity constitutes a public benefit entity as defined by FRS 102.

The Trustees have assessed that the charity is a going concern and that the accounts can be prepared on that basis. The Trustees have also given consideration to post balance sheet events and consider that the charity has sufficient reserved to be able to meet the planned expenditure and continue its activities throughout the next twelve months.

Fund accounting

The Charity has restricted income funds to account for situations where a donor requires that a donation must be spent on a particular purpose, or where funds have been raised for a particular purpose. All other funds are unrestricted.

Incoming resources

Annual memberships are recognised in the Statement of Financial Activities in the period to which they relate. Memberships received in advance are deferred and included in creditors.

Legacies and donations are recognised once the Charity has entitlement to the resources, it is certain that the resources will be received, and the monetary value of grants can be measured with sufficient reliability. Legacies can be categorised as either pecuniary (specific cash amount) or residuary (share of an estate). Pecuniary legacies are recognised as receivable once probate has been granted and notification has been received. Residuary legacies are recognised as receivable once probate has been granted and where they can be measured reliably.

Income from sales of publications is recognised as earned as the related goods are provided.

Investment income is credited to income on the accrual’s basis, with daily accrual of interest calculated by reference to the distribution dates.

Resources Expended

All expenditure is recognised once there is a legal or constructive obligation to make a payment to a third party, it is probable that settlement will be required, and the amount of obligation can be measured reliably. Expenditure is accounted on an accruals basis and has been classified under headings that aggregate all costs related to the category.

Taxation

The Association is a registered charity, so there is no charge for taxation.

The Trustees' Annual Report and Accounts

Annual Report of the Alde and Ore Association including accounts for the year ending 31[st] December 2025

Notes to the accounts (continued)

2. Income Income from membership fees and donations Membership fees Membership fees from Aldeburgh Yacht Club Gift Aid Refund Donations and legacies Water monitoring donations and Grants Total income from membership fees and donations Income from other trading activities BBQ Butley Ferry Total income from other trading activities Income from investments Interest on cash deposits Total income from investments Total income	Unrestricted funds £ Restricted funds £ *2025* *Total funds* £ *2024* *Total funds* £ 4,738 - 4,738 5,365 3,231 - 3,231 3,252 1,019 - 1,019 1,100 466 - 466 450 3,330 3,330 730
	9,454 3,330 12,784 10,897
	3,645 - 3,645 3,358 3,088 - 3,088 3,897
	6,733 - 6,733 7,255
	2,330 29,394 31,724 37,368
	2,330 29,394 31,724 37,368

	18,517 32,724 51,241 55,520

The Trustees' Annual Report and Accounts

Annual Report of the Alde and Ore Association including accounts for the year ending 31[st] December 2025

Notes to the accounts (continued)

3. Expenditure

Cost of raising funds BBQ Butley Ferry Total cost of raising funds Cost of Charitable Activities Newsletter Website costs Postage/Stationary Miscellaneous (photography competition) Water Testing Program Survey Donations and grants by A&O AGM Independent Examination of Accounts and tax returns Insurance Total cost of charitable activities Total expenditure	Unrestricted funds £ Restricted funds £ *2025* *Total funds* £ *2024* *Total funds* £ 2,470 - 2,470 2,362 3,111 - 3,111 2,088
	5,581 - 5,581 4,450
	6,302 - 6,302 4,693 1,260 - 1,260 178 478 - 478 145 - - - 186 - 1,306 1,306 2,167 - - - 18,551 1,000 - 1,000 1,000 2,446 - 2,446 2,999 1,254 - 1,254 510 465 - 465 415
	13,205 1,306 14,511 30,844

	18,786 1,306 20,092 35,294

The Trustees' Annual Report and Accounts

Annual Report of the Alde and Ore Association including accounts for the year ending 31[st] December 2025

Notes to the accounts (continued)

4. Liabilities Liabilities Survey Butley Ferry Donation to AOET Examination of accounts Total Liabilities 5. Funds Restricted funds David Andren Bequest Total restricted funds Unrestricted funds General funds Total unrestricted funds Total funds	*at 1st* *January 2025* £ *Incoming* *resources* £ 703,318 32,724	*at 31st* *December 2025* £ *at 31st* *December 2024* £ - 4,986 - 500 1,000 1,000 510 510
		1,510 6,996
		*Outgoing* *resources* £ *at 31st* *December 2025* £ 1,306 734,736
	703,318 32,724	1,306 734,736
	65,233 18,517	18,786 64,964
	65,233 18,517	18,786 64,964

	768,551 51,241	20,092 799,700

Purpose of restricted funds

The bequest from David Andren has been described in the Accounts for the sake of identification as 'restricted funds’. They are held by The Association to be applied as The Association sees fit and The Association has determined it will do so having regard to the wishes expressed in David Andren’s will as follows: for the purposes of encouraging the community to help finance actions which will preserve the unique charm of the estuary, and in hope that the funds should be used to improve walls around Orford.

Purpose of general funds

General funds are those which are unrestricted and not designated for any other purpose. The balance on the general fund will be used to cover the excess of expenditure over incoming resources aims and mission.

Ultimate Controlling Party

The ultimate controlling party is the membership of the Charity.

The Trustees' Annual Report and Accounts

Annual Report of the Alde and Ore Association including accounts for the year ending 31[st ] December 2025

INDEPENDENT EXAMINER'S REPORT TO THE TRUSTEES OF THE ALDE & ORE ASSOCIATION FOR THE YEAR ENDED 31 DECEMBER 2025

I report to the trustees on my examination of the accounts of The Alde & Ore Association for the year ended 31 December 2025.

Responsibilities and basis of report

As trustees of the Charity, 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 2011 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 which gives me cause to believe that in any material respect:

i. the accounting records were not kept in accordance with section 130 of the Act; or
ii. the accounts did not accord with those accounting records; or
iii. the accounts did not comply with the applicable accounting requirements concerning the form and contents of accounts set out in the Charities (Accounts and Reports) Regulations 2008 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.

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.

Helen Rumsey FCA Ensors

Blyth House Rendham Road Saxmundham Suffolk IP17 1WA

Date: 29 May 2026

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