BRIDGNORTH COMMUNITY TRUST Registered Charity Number 1154617 ## ANNUAL REPORT AND ACCOUNTS ## for the year ending 315 JULY 2023 CONTENTS Trustees Report pages 2to5 Independent Examiner’s Report page 6 Statement of Financial Activities pages 7to8 1 _ ## BRIDGNORTH COMMUNITY TRUST ## THE TRUSTEES’ ANNUAL REPORT FOR THE PERIOD ENDING 31° JULY 2023 ## 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 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 one 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 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 ## CAP Bridgnorth CAP Bridgnorth provides help for those who are struggling with debt problems. It employs a Debt Centre Manager who meets with clients to assist them in resolving debt issues. The actual debt advice is provided by the national head office of Christians Against Poverty (CAP), based in Bradford, which performs all the regulated activity of providing debt advice. 2 BRIDGNORTH COMMUNITY TRUST ## THE TRUSTEES’ ANNUAL REPORT FOR THE PERIOD ENDING 31° JULY 2023 - continued ## Achievements during the Year ## Together at Christmas For Christmas 2022 we were able to return to providing a sit-down lunch together again, after all the disruption of the pandemic. Meals were also delivered to a number of local people who were unable to come to the central venue. For Christmas 2023 Mark Triggs has taken over from Derek Bartlett as the leader of this project. ## Bridgnorth Food Bank During the year to 31°January 2023 the Food Bank provided support to 232 adults and 145 children from 167 different families and individuals. In addition 33 emergency food parcels were distributed to families in urgent need. In total approximately 73,000 food and non-food items were distributed to those in need. We are thankful for 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 12" year in July 2023 and it continues to impact many young people. 92 secondary students attended RE conferences The manager led a whole school Easter assembly at Oldbury Wells school for the first time, as well as 17 primary school assemblies. 7 young people were mentored. 126 primary school children attended transitions workshops. 15 young people attended a STIR group and 10 went with their leaders to the Satellites Festival in the summer. Up to 15 young people attended each of 3 STIR Gatherings in Telford. The ‘Anchored’ Holiday Club was run again in October and was attended by 29 young people. 159 young people attended The Bridge Youth Centre, which is managed and run by the Project. A more detailed report is available on the Project’s website - www. bridgnorthyouthandschoolsproject.co.uk ## CAP Bridgnorth The CAP Bridgnorth project joined the Trust in August 2022. It is providing invaluable help and assistance to 2 new clients each month, helping them to resolve their debt problems and become debt free. ## 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 £141,882 and expenditure totalled £119,816 leaving an increase in reserves of £22,066 The total reserves stand at £48,211 at the end ofthe[reporting][year,] which[the][trustees][consider][ to] be adequate[for] the trust’s current operations. The Together at Christmas, Food Bank, and CAP Bridgnorth 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 BYS Project currently has a commitment from Torchbearers Trust to fund any shortfall, so although the Project only has small reserves this is not in any way a threat to the continuation of the Project. In summary the trustees are therefore confident that the Trust can continue as a going concern. 3 BRIDGNORTH COMMUNITY TRUST ## THE TRUSTEES’ ANNUAL REPORT FOR THE PERIOD ENDING 31" JULY 2023 - 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 of trustees 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 ClO. ## Trustee Induction and Training New trustees are given an introduction to the role of trustee and the workings of the ClO through discussion with existing trustees and by reference to relevant documents, as follows: 1. 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 3. Current Financial Position — through availability ofa copy of the latest published accounts and subsequent management accounts. 4. 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 (resigned 30/9/22)| |Robert Andrews|Trustee| |Donovan Gibbons|Trustee| |GeorgeHirsch|Trustee(appointed15/2/23)| 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 ClO Name Bridgnorth Community Trust Charity Registration Number 1154617 Registered Office 64 Dunval Road Bridgnorth Shropshire WV16 4NB 4 ## BRIDGNORTH COMMUNITY TRUST ## THE TRUSTEES’ ANNUAL REPORT FOR THE PERIOD ENDING 31° JULY 2023 - 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 15" April 2024 and signed on their behalf Keith Bowley, Chair of Trustees 5 ## 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 2023 which are set out on pages 7 to8 ## 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; - e 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 ° 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. Shaw ay. whe lal Stanton Ralph & Co Ltd The Old Police Station Whitburn Street Bridgnorth Shropshire, WV16 4Q 15" April 2024 6 ; ## BRIDGNORTH COMMUNITY TRUST ## Registered Charity Number 1154617 ## Section A Receipts and payments for year ending 31st July 2023 ||Unrestricted
funds|Restricted
funds|Total
Funds|Total
Funds| |---|---|---|---|---| ||||2023|2022| ||to the nearest £|to the nearest £|to the nearest £|to the nearest £| |Receipts||||| |Donations Received - Individuals||45,327|45,327|31,829| |Grants||0|0|0| |Git Aid Tax Reclaimed||8,561|8,561|)| |Donations Received - Organisations||86,522|86,522|63,216| |Fund Raising Activities||0|0|0| |Fees forTrips and Events||1,379|1,379|570| |Interest||93|93|1| |TotalReceipts||—_—_—i||141,882|141,882|95,616| |Payments||||| |Grants and Donations Paid||11,520|11,520|8,235| |Costs of Charitable Activities||108,296|108,296|108,334| |Fund Raising Costs||0|0)|0| |TotalPayments||i|119,816|119,816|116,569| |Netmovement infundsforyear|f|22,066|22,066|-20,953| |Reconciliation of Funds||||| |Cash funds lastyearend|2,461|23,684|26,145|47,098| |Cashfundsthisyearend|2,461|45,750|48,211|26,145| 7 ## BRIDGNORTH COMMUNITY TRUST ## Registered Charity Number 1154617 ## Section B Statement of assets and liabilities at 31st July 2023 **----- Start of picture text -----**
Unrestricted Restricted
funds funds
to the nearest £ to the nearest £
Barclays Current
Cash Funds Account 2,461 3,055
Barclays Savings -
Account 31,707
Lloyds BYSP Account | | —_—O| 4,746
Lloyds CAP Account | 5,921
|
Other monetary assets Po} Lo
Investment Assets Po} Lo
Assets retained for CIO's own use [| [| ;
Liabilities [of Lo]
Date of
Approval
Signed on behalf of all the trustees Kall Bade Keith Bowley 15/4/2024
Notes to the Accounts
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1. The Bridgnorth Community Trust has not given any guarantees of any description 2. The Bridgnorth Community Trust does not owe any debts secured or otherwise at 31/7/2023 8