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BRIDGNORTH COMMUNITY TRUST Registered Charity Number 1154617
ANNUAL REPORT AND ACCOUNTS
for the year ending
315t JULY 2024
CONTENTS
Trustees Report pages 2to5 Independent Examiner’s Report page 6 Statement of Financial Activities pages 7 to 8
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BRIDGNORTH COMMUNITY TRUST
THE TRUSTEES’ ANNUAL REPORT FOR THE PERIOD ENDING 31* JULY 2024
Objectives and Activities
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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.
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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 runningofthe 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 ClO, 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, and trained volunteers working as part of the team within the Project. Until 31% August 2023 the Project managed 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. He is supported by a fully trained volunteer Debt Coach. 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.
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BRIDGNORTH COMMUNITY TRUST
THE TRUSTEES’ ANNUAL REPORT FOR THE PERIOD ENDING 315t JULY 2024 - continued
Achievements during the Year
Together at Christmas For Christmas 2023 we again provided a sit-down lunch fpr over 100 guests. Meals were also delivered to a number of local people who were unable to come to the central venue. For Christmas 2023 the organising team was led by Mark Triggs.
Bridgnorth Food Bank
During the year to 31% January 2024 the Food Bank provided support to 266 adults and 155 children from 195 different families and individuals. In addition 50 emergency food parcels were distributed to families in urgent need. in total approximately 87,000 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 of this vital project possible.
Bridgnorth Youth and Schools Project The Youth and Schools Project completed its 13" year in July 2024 and it continues to impact many young people. The manager led 26 primary school assemblies and 14 secondary school assemblies (including a whole school Christmas Assembly). 7 young people were mentored. 389 primary school children attended transitions and other workshops. 155 pupils attended secondary school workshops 53 young people attended the Lego lunch club at Oldbury Wells School 23 young people attended a STIR group and 14 went with their leaders to the Satellites Festival in the summer. The ‘Anchored’ Holiday Club was run again in November and was attended by 25 young people. 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. During the year an additional volunteer Debt Coach was added to the team which will enable the Project to handle 3 new clients each month. Financial Review[income][is][restricted,][in][ that][it][is][given][specifically][in][support][of][ one][or][ other][of][the] Currently most of[the][ Trust’s] projects run by the Trust. Total income for the year was £126,310 and expenditure totalled £112,958 leaving an increase in reserves of £13,352 The total reserves stand at £61,563 at the end of the 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, 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.
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BRIDGNORTH COMMUNITY TRUST
THE TRUSTEES’ ANNUAL REPORT FOR THE PERIOD ENDING 315t JULY 2024 - 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 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:
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The role and responsibilities of a trustee — by reference to the relevant Charity Commission publications.
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The Constitution —a copy is provided to each new trustee 3. Current Financial Position — through availability of a copy of the latest published accounts and subsequent management accounts.
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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 |
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| 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
CIO Name Bridgnorth Community Trust Charity Registration Number 1154617 Registered Office 64 Dunval Road Bridgnorth Shropshire WV16 4NB
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BRIDGNORTH COMMUNITY TRUST
THE TRUSTEES’ ANNUAL REPORT FOR THE PERIOD ENDING 31° JULY 2024 - continued
Statement of trustees’ responsibilities
The trustees are responsible for complying with the requirements ofthe 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 8" April 2025 and signed on their behalf
Kuth Bode
Keith Bowley, Chair of Trustees
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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 2024 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:
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° examine the accounts under section 145 of the 2011 Act;
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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
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e 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:
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1 which gives me reasonable cause to believe that, in any material respect, the requirements:
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e to keep accounting records in accordance with section 130 of the 2011 Act; and
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° to prepare accounts which accord with the accounting records and comply with the accounting requirements of the 2011 Act have not been met; or
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2 to which, in my opinion, attention should be drawn in order to enable a proper understanding of the accounts to be reached.
Shue dy. ol US
Stanton Ralph & Co Ltd
The Old Police Station Whitburn Street
Bridgnorth Shropshire, WV16 4QP
gth April 2025
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Registered Charity Number 1154617
BRIDGNORTH COMMUNITY TRUST
Section A Receipts and payments for year ending 31st July 2024
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|Unrestricted|Restricted|||Total|Total|
|funds|funds|Funds|Funds|
|2024|2023|
|to|the|nearest|£|to|the|nearest|£|to|the|nearest|£|to|the|nearest|£|
|Receipts|
|Donations|Received|-|Individuals|||56,125|56,125|45,327|
|Grants|||0|0|0|
|Git|Aid|Tax|Reclaimed|0|0|8,561|
|Donations|Received|-|Organisations|66,803|66,803|86,522|
|Fund|Raising|Activities|0|0|0|
|Fees|for Trips|and|Events|2,371|2,371|1,379|
|Interest|1,011|1011|93|
|Total|Receipts|||126,310|126,310|141,882|
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|Payments|||
|Grants|and|Donations|Paid|12,000|12,000|11,520|
|Costs|of Charitable|Activities|306|100,652|100,958|108,296|
|Fund|Raising|Costs|0|0|0|
|Total|Payments|112,652|112,958|119,816|
|Net movement|in|funds|for year|||-306|13,658|13,352|22,066|
|Reconciliation|of|Funds|
|Cash|funds|last|year end|2,461|45,750|48,211|26,145|
|Cash|funds|this|year end|2,155|59,408|61,563|48,211|
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BRIDGNORTH COMMUNITY TRUST
Registered Charity Number 1154617
Section B Statement of assets and liabilities at 31st July 2024
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Unrestricted Restricted
funds funds
to the nearest £ to the nearest £
Barclays Current
Cash Funds Account 2,155 58
| Barclays Savings
| Account 28,142
Lloyds BYSP Account | [| ——_—iO| 5,259
Lloyds CAP Account a) 2,153
Lloyds CAP Deposit | 23,550
| [of] |2 |
Other monetary assets [oo] Lo
Investment Assets [oo] Lo]
Assets retained for ClO's own use [| [|
[[|]
Liabilities [ [o}] Date of
Approval
Signed on behalf of all the trustees Kell bindu Keith Bowley 08/04/2025
aw;
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Notes to the Accounts
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The Bridgnorth Community Trust has not given any guarantees of any description
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The Bridgnorth Community Trust does not owe any debts secured or otherwise at 31/7/2024
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