2021-07-31-accounts - Bridgnorth Community Trust

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BRIDGNORTH COMMUNITY TRUST Registered Charity Number 1154617

ANNUAL REPORT AND ACCOUNTS

for the year ending

315t JULY 2021

CONTENTS

Trustees Report

Trustees Report pages 2to5 Independent Examiner’s Report page 6 Statement of Financial Activities pages 7 to 8

BRIDGNORTH COMMUNITY TRUST

THE TRUSTEES’ ANNUAL REPORT FOR THE PERIOD ENDING 31* JULY 2021

Objectives and Activities

The objects of the CIO are for the benefit of the people of Bridgnorth and the surrounding areas, and in such other parts of the United Kingdom or the world as the trustees may from time to time think fit:-

a) To relieve poverty, sickness and distress
b) To advance education by such means as the trustees may consider appropriate including by means of establishing and operating any educational establishment or establishments.
c) To advance the Christian faith

In pursuing these objects the trustees make reference to the guidance in the Charity Commission’s general guidance on public benefit when reviewing aims and objectives and in planning future activities

Principal Activities

The CIO came into existence in November 2013 when it was registered by the Charity Commission. It has been created to provide a vehicle for charitable projects to be run by local Christians and others for the benefit of the local community, within the terms of its objects as stated above and in its constitution.

Each project is required to have a committee or board which is responsible for the day to day running of the project. It is a requirement that each such committee or board includes at least one trustee of the CIO. This enables the appropriate level of oversight to be maintained in the conduct of each project. Each project is required to operate entirely within the objects of the CIO, and to operate within the operating guidelines of the CIO.

During the period covered by this report the following projects have been part of the CIO:

Together at Christmas

This project brings together volunteers from across the community to provide a Christmas Day lunch for those who would otherwise be on their own or unable to provide for themselves.

Bridgnorth Food Bank

The principal purpose of the Bridgnorth Food Bank is the provision of emergency food and related assistance to people in need, and the alleviation of poverty, predominantly within Bridgnorth town and the surrounding villages. The Food Bank has its own website - www.bridgnorthfoodbank.co.uk where further information is available. It also has a Facebook page providing regular information.

Bridgnorth Youth and Schools Project

The Project works with The Bridgnorth Dry Bar Trust, local churches and secondary schools in Bridgnorth to support and encourage young people in their social, emotional and spiritual development through a range of educational services and activities. The Project employs a part-time Manager, a full-time youth worker, a part-time administrator, and also has trainee youth workers and trained volunteers working as part of the team within the Project. The Project manages the Bridge Youth Centre on behalf of the Bridgnorth Dry Bar Trust, as well as delivering educational services in the local secondary and primary schools. The Project has its own website where further information is available. www.[bridgnorthyouthandschoolsproject.co.uk]

BRIDGNORTH COMMUNITY TRUST

THE TRUSTEES’ ANNUAL REPORT FOR THE PERIOD ENDING 31°t JULY 2021 - continued

Achievements during the Year

Together at Christmas

Becauseofthe restrictions imposed by the COVID pandemic the Christmas lunch normally provided at the Castle Hall was delivered on Christmas Day 2020 to about 130 people in their own homes, together with a ‘goody bag’ containing various Christmas items, biscuits, crackers, etc. The lunch was prepared and cooked by the staff at Mike & Sarah’s butchers in Whitburn Street, Bridgnorth and a group of approximately 40 volunteers were involved in the distribution and delivery of the meals. The same approach was again followed for Christmas 2021.

Bridgnorth Food Bank

During the year to 31* January 2021 the Food Bank provided support to 181 adults and 136 children from 129 different families and individuals. In addition 93 emergency food parcels were distributed to families in urgent need. In total approximately 61,000 food and non-food items were distributed to those in need. Thankfully the Food Bank has not seen the dramatic increase in demand during the COVID pandemic which many city food banks have experienced. We are thankful to the many individuals, schools, churches and businesses which continue to support the Food Bank with donations of food and also gifts of money, making the continuation ofthis vital project possible.

Bridgnorth Youth and Schools Project

The Youth and Schools Project completed its 10‘ year in July 2021 and it continues to impact many young people, although COVID had a major effect on the project’s ability to meet with young people face-to-face. A number of innovative services were developed and delivered on-line.

Just 4 lessons were taught in local secondary schools, but several lessons were also recorded and distributed to schools for use in RE lessons.

140 young people were taught in primary school workshops in person or on-line. 17 young people attended secondary school lunch clubs

14 students received 1-1 support from student support workers. Over 100 young people viewed STIR Gatherings on-line. 89 young people attended The Bridge Youth Centre in the months when the Centre was able to be open, otherwise young people were supported online by the team. A more detailed report is available on the Project's website - www. bridgnorthyouthandschoolsproject.co.uk

Financial Review

Currently most of the Trust’s income is restricted, in that it is given specifically in support of one or other of the projects run by the Trust. Total income for the year was £105,629 and expenditure totalled £93,416 leaving an increase in reserves of £12,213 The total reserves stand at £47,098 at the end of the reporting year, which the trustees consider to be adequate for the trust’s current operations. The Together at Christmas and Food Bank projects are funded by donations from the public and various supporting organisations, and income continues to exceed expenditure. Bridgnorth Youth and Schools Project is funded by local churches, the Bridgnorth Dry Bar Trust, Torchbearers Trust, Bridgnorth Parish Charity, and donations from individuals. The Project currently has a commitment from Torchbearers Trust to fund any shortfall in income, so although the Project only has small reserves this is not in any way a threat to the continuation ofthe Project. in summary the trustees are therefore confident that the trust can continue as a going concern.

BRIDGNORTH COMMUNITY TRUST

THE TRUSTEES’ ANNUAL REPORT FOR THE PERIOD ENDING 31° JULY 2021 - continued

Structure, Governance and Management

Governing Document

Bridgnorth Community Trust is a Charitable Incorporated Organisation (CIO). It is governed by its constitution dated 4" April 2013 and was registered as a charity by the Charity Commission on 18th November 2013.

Appointment of Trustees

Appointment oftrustees is governed by the constitution. The trustees are authorised to appoint new trustees by resolution at a meeting of the trustees. In selecting individuals to act as trustees the existing trustees will always have regard to the skills, knowledge and experience needed for the effective administration of the CIO.

Trustee Induction and Training

New trustees are given an introduction to the role of trustee and the workings of the CIO through discussion with existing trustees and by reference to relevant documents, as follows:

The role and responsibilities of a trustee — by reference to the relevant Charity Commission publications. 2. The Constitution — a copy is provided to each new trustee
Current Financial Position — through availability of a copy of the latest published accounts and subsequent management accounts.
Future plans and objectives are discussed before appointment and at each trustee meeting.

Organisation Structure The members of the CIO are its charity trustees for the time being. The only persons eligible to be members of the ClO are its charity trustees.

The trustees who have served during the year are as follows:

Keith Bowley	Chairman
Rev Simon Cawdell	Trustee
Robert Andrews	Trustee
DonovanGibbons	Trustee

The trustees act in a voluntary capacity and do not receive any remuneration in their capacity as trustees.

The number of meetings held each year is at the discretion of the trustees, but their intention is to hold a minimum of two meetings each year. In practice they normally meet three times each year.

Reference and Administration Details

CIO Name Bridgnorth Community Trust

Charity Registration Number 1154617 Registered Office 64 Dunval Road Bridgnorth Shropshire WV16 4NB

BRIDGNORTH COMMUNITY TRUST

THE TRUSTEES’ ANNUAL REPORT FOR THE PERIOD ENDING 31* JULY 2021 - continued

Statement of trustees’ responsibilities

The trustees are responsible for complying with the requirements of the Charities Act 2011 with regard to the keeping of accounting records, the preparation and scrutiny of statements of account, and the preparation of annual reports and returns.

Investment Powers

The constitution gives wide investment powers to the trustees in pursuit of the objects of the CIO. In practice the funds of the CIO are such that no investments have been made. Funds are currently held in bank current and savings accounts so that they are immediately available.

Reserves Policy

The assets of the CIO are relatively small and consequently a reserves policy is not yet required.

Approval

This report was approved by the trustees on 26" May 2022 and signed on their behalf

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Keith Bowley, Chair of Trustees

BRIDGNORTH COMMUNITY TRUST

Independent Examiner's Report to The Trustees of Bridgnorth Community Trust

| report on the accounts of Bridgnorth Community Trust for the year ended 31° July 2021 which are set out on pages 7to8

Respective Responsibilities of Trustees and Examiner

The charity’s trustees are responsible for the preparation of the accounts. The charity’s trustees consider that an audit is not required for this year under section 144(2) of the Charities Act 2011 (the 2011 Act) and that an independent examination is needed.

It is my responsibility to:

e examine the accounts under section 145 of the 2011 Act;
° follow the procedures laid down in the general Directions given by the Charity Commission under section 145(5)(b) of the 2011 Act; and
° state whether particular matters have come to my attention.

Basis of Independent Examiner's Report

My examination was carried out in accordance with the general Directions given by the Charity Commission. An examination includes a review of the accounting records kept by the charity and a comparison of the accounts presented with those records. It also includes consideration of any unusual items or disclosures in the accounts, and seeking explanations from you as trustees concerning any such matters. The procedures undertaken do not provide all the evidence that would be required in an audit and consequently no opinion is given as to whether the accounts present a “true and fair view” and the report is limited to those matters set out in the statement below.

Independent Examiner's Statement

In connection with my examination, no matter has come to my attention:

1 which gives me reasonable cause to believe that, in any material respect, the requirements:
° to keep accounting records in accordance with section 130 of the 2011 Act; and
e to prepare accounts which accord with the accounting records and comply with the accounting requirements of the 2011 Act have not been met; or
2 to which, in my opinion, attention should be drawn in order to enable a proper understanding of the accounts to be reached.

Stanton Ralph & Co Ltd

The Old Police Station

Whitburn Street

Bridgnorth

Shropshire WV16 4QP

26 May 2022

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BRIDGNORTH COMMUNITY TRUST

Registered Charity Number 1154617

Section A Receipts and payments for year ending 31st July 2021

		Unrestricted funds	Unrestricted funds	Restricted funds	Total Funds	Total Funds
					2021	2020
		to the nearest	£	to the nearest £	to the nearest £	to the nearest £
Receipts
Donations Received - Individuals				43,011	43,011	26,632
Grants				5,291	5,291	0
Git Aid Tax Reclaimed				3,429	3,429	3,402
Donations Received -Organisations				53,781	53,781	55,420
Fund Raising Activities FeesforTripsand Events				0 110	0 110	1,502 462
Interest				7	7	23
	TotalReceipts		—_—O			105,629
Payments
Grants and Donations Paid				6,671	6,671	2,007
Costs of Charitable Activities			35	86,710	86,745	75,760
Fund Raising Costs			0	0	0	a)
Total Payments				93,381	93,416	77,167
Net movement in funds	foryear			12,248	12,213	9,674
Reconciliation of Funds
Cash funds last yearend		2,752		32,133	34,885	25,211
Cashfundsthisyearend		2,717		44,381	47,098	34,885

BRIDGNORTH COMMUNITY TRUST

Registered Charity Number 1154617

Section B Statement of assets and liabilities at 31st July 2021

		Unrestricted	Restricted
		funds	funds
		to the nearest £	to the nearest £
	Barclays Current
Cash Funds	Account	2717	25681
	Barclays Savings
	Account		11613
	Lloyds BYSP
	Account		6777

Assets retained forCIO'sown use		[i	[i
			Date ofApproval
	_
Signedon behalfof all thetrustees		Keith Bowley	26/05/22
NotestotheAccounts

The Bridgnorth Community Trust has not given any guarantees of any description
The Bridgnorth Community Trust does not owe any debts secured or otherwise at 31/7/2021