EAST MANCHESTER COMMUNITY BOAT PROJEcr REPORT AND UNAUDITED ACCOUNTS FOR THE YEAR ENDED 31 MARCH 2025 (Registered Charity Number 11559761
EAST MANCHESTER COMMUNITY BOAT PROJECT Contents Legal and Administrative Infomiation Trustees Report Independent Examinerfs Report Statement of Financial Activities io Balance Sheet 11 Notes 12-14
EAST MANCHESTER COMMUNITY BOAT PROJEcr LEGAL AND ADMINISTRATIVE INFORMATION Trustees: President Mr N Anderson Chair Drj W Stephens CBE Treasurer Mr J A Strudwick Secretary Ms S E Steventon Trustees Mr K Glover Mr D Gardener Mrsj Bailey Mrs A Cartledge Mr J Fletcher Mr P Malor Prlnclpal Offlce c/0 Portland Basin Marina Lower Alma Street Dukinfield Cheshire SK16 4SQ Accountants Topping Partnership (Accountants) LimFted Incom House Waterside Trafford Park Manchester M17 IWD Bankers HSBC Bank plc 24 St Ann's Square Manchester M2 7HD
EAST MANCHESTER COMMUNITY BOAT PROJECT ANNUAL REPORT FOR THE YEAR TO 31 MARCH 2025 The Trustees present their report and the unaudited financial statements of the charity for the year ended 31 March 2025. Referen and Admlnlstrative Details Reference and administration details are shown in the Schedule of Members of the Board and Professional Advisers on page l of the Financial Statements. The Trustees The trustees who served in the year were: Mr N Anderson Ms S E Steventon Mr KGlover Mr D Gardener Mrs A Cartledge Dr J W Stephens Mr J A Strudwick Mr J Fletcher Mrs J Bailey Mr P Malor The trustees are appointed according to the constitution structure. governance and management and their responsibilities are contained in the constitution. The Committee meets six times a year and is bound by the rules of conduct contained in the constitution. The Committee is subject to election at the Annual General Meeting. The principal office of the company is Portland Basin Marina, Lower Alma Street, Dukinfield, Cheshire, SK16 4SQ. Objectives and Artivities The charitls objects are: To provide or assist in the provision of facilities, in the interests of social welfare, for recreation, education or other leisure time, occupation of persons mainly in the East of Manchester and Greater Manchester areas, who have need of such facillties by reason of their disability. In the event of spare capacity, to also Include persons who are dlsadvantaged by social and economlc circumstances with the object of improving and enhancing their conditions of life. The trustees, when deciding on the charity's activities for the year, are mindful of the Charity Commission's Guidance on Public Benefit. The facilities are available to all regardless of 8ender, faith or personal circumstances. The trustees and members are custodians of a narrowboat, a full description of which is given on page 7. Activities and Achievements The activities and achievements for the year are shown in the message from the Chair.
EAST MANCHESTER COMMUNITY BOAT PROJECT ANNUAL REPORT FOR THE YEAR TO 31 MARCH 2025 Financial Review The trustees have no formal policy to maintain a level of reserves, however, they are conscious of their responsibilities and monitor the level of the resenies to ensure the charity holds a minimum of one yearfs full running costs as a reserve fund, in addition to allowing for general maintenance costs. At the start of the year the charity had £134,822 of reserves. This decreased during the year and at 31 March 2025 the charity had £135,839 of reserves. Respon5ibilitie5 of the trustees The trustees are responsible for ensuring proper accounting records that disclose with reasonable accuracrf at any time the financial positlon of the project. The trustees are also responsible for safeguarding the assets and for taking reasonable steps for the prevention and detection of fraud and other irregularities. SIGNED BY ORDER OF THE BOARD ee Date
EAST MANCHESTER COMMUNITY BOAT PROJECT ANNUAL REPORT FOR THE YEAR TO 31 MARCH 2025 Message from the Chalr l am always grateful for the privilege of continuing to serve as the Chair of Trustees for this wonderful East Manchester charity. I never take for granted the trust that our members place in me to ensure that the project continues to be led with probity, integrity and robust governance. l am well supported in my.role by a fantastic team of enthusiastic, knowledgeable, innovative and highly committed volunteer trustees. Following last yearfs AGM Peter Marlor joined us as a trustee and he is a most valuable addition to our team. Our President, Nigel Anderson, is constantly seeking new opportunities for us to grow and for us to develop our positive community vision. Nigel's driving energy has never abated for over thirty years. It was great to be able to recognise the incredible commitment of both Nigel and our secretary, Sue Steventon, at our celebration dinner. Our electrlc-powered narrowboat is still something of a novelty on the canal work. It stands as a symbol of our forward-thinking, entrepreneurial approach. This charity is sustained by our absolute commitment to our charitable objects and our proactive, strategic planning for the future. In many years of remarkable achievements, there were some outstanding events in 2024125. In April th 2024 we recorded our 50,000 passenger, Clive Green, who was President of Tameside Pulmonary Fibrosis Support Group, one of our regular groups. Sadly, Clive died in March this year but his incredible energy and drive live on through the legacy of the fantastic work that he and his wlfe Sue led. IVS a real honour that Clive was our milestone passenger. In May we were honoured indeed to welcome Her Royal Highness The Princess Royal. Accompanied by the Lord Lieutenant, Princess Anne arrived in Portland Basin on Community Spirit 2 and was then presented to our volunteers, some passenger groups, sponsors and supporters. It was a truly memorable day for us all and a fitting tribute to all, past and present, who have contributed to our charity. The Princess Royal was delighted to hear about the work of the project and commended the dedication of everyone involved. In November we celebrated our 30th Anniversary with a spectacular gala dinner at Gorton Monastery. It was great to bring together so many people who have contributed to the success of our charity whilst also raising funds in an iconic local venue.
Our bookings for the year tell the story of our successful community outreach. Day trips - 158 Crew training and maintenance days - 37 Days spent on CCBM training courses- 6 Sail With Santa days- 7 Total number of passengers on board- 1,603 (of which 457 via Sail with Santa) Passenger donations - £2,947.00 Sail with Santa contribution - £3,017.40 The impact data is all the more impressive given that the boat wa5 Out of service for repair for 9 weeks duringthe year. It's great to see the balance between training days and trips. Training and familiarity with the boat are so important. But they are also important in enabling volunteers to get to know one another, work as a team and enjoy each othels company. The feedback from passengers has been extremely positive. This is a great testament to the sustained high quality of our volunteer5. l am, as always, incredibly appreciative of my colleague trustees who continue to give outstanding and loyal support to the project as well as wise counsel and strong leadership. We sometimes have to take tough or unpopular decisions but we do so after careful consideration of all views and perspectives. At all times we put the health, safety and well-being of passengers and volunteers first and we take serlously our guardianship of the vision and longevity of the project. The project benefits from very strong, open and transparent governance. Trustees are always solution-focused and have continued to undertake their oversight of EMCBP with great care. In expressing my profound gratitude to our talented and committed trustees I must single out our President, Nigel Ander50n. He continues to provide a guiding vision coupled with drive and determination. He 15 relentless in the pursuit of continuous improvement and his skilful fundraising has enabled us to grow and thrive in our important community misslon. We have continued to receive wonderful support from so many individuals and organisations. I would particularly like to record, once again, our thanks to Michael Sellars at Elcometer Limited. The on-golng generous support that we recelve from Mlchael and the company is a huge benefit to us. We also benefrt greatly from a partnership with Jigsaw Housing. The Reach Hotel have provided generous sponsorship and in-kind support throughout the year. Our accountants, Topping Partnership, have, once again, prepared and scrutinized our accounts. l am really grateful for their highly professional and expert work. We continue to benefit enormously from the support of all our benefactors.
Most importantly, I would like to record my personal thanks to all our volunteers, whatever role they undertake. They bring so many skills and qualities, friendship and kindness. The project benefits enormously from all that our brilliant team brings, through the good times as well as the challenges. I am confident that we will continue to work together to ensure that our outstanding charity offers nothing less than the best for all those whom we Serve. Dr John Wm Stephens CBE OStJ Chair of Trustees
EAST MANCHESTER COMMUNITY BOAT PROJECT ANNUAL REPORT FOR THE YEAR TO 31 MARCH 2025 rhe Boat The boat is 57ft long and 6ft wide. The hull is made completely from steel, the bottom 15 Iomm thick, the sides and cabin are 6mm thick and the top is 4mm thick. The boat weighs about 18 tons. The narrowboat is now powered by two electric motors with additional leisure batteries replenished by solar panels. Both systems are plugged into a wall mounted charger on mooring. It has large folding ramps at the bow to allow easy and comfortable wheelchair and passenger boarding and a scissor lift to transfer wheelchair passengers from the front deck to the cabin. The boat can accommodate up to two electric and four standard wheelchairs, has a wider entrance door for ease of boarding. It has open-plan flexible seating, lower and larger viewing windows, central heating, a small galley and a toilet/wash room with wheelchair access. It is also equipped with an intruder alarm and a defibrillator. Fresh water is carried in the bow of the boat and fuel is carried at the stern. It is registered to carry a total of 15 people. It is a day boat and is not designed for overnight use. The boat has two bow-thrusters and 15 Steered from the stem using a traditional tiller. Under supervision, all passengers are encouraged to steer the boat and the remote steering facility allows wheelchair users to steer the boat from the front deck. Buoyancy aids for wheelchair-bound passengers and children up to the age of 11 are available together with two infantg life jackets. Auto-inflating life jackets are carried on board and are worn by crew members, they are also available to all passengers. The boat holds a current Boat Safety Scheme Certificate BSS Examination Report number BSSER401680120 (displayed on the boat) which 15 valid until 18 November 2026.
EAST MANCHESTER COMMUNITY BOAT PROJEcr ANNUAL REPORT FOR THE YEAR TO 31 MARCH 2025 Volunteers ond Trolnlng Programme The committee will continue to recruit volunteers from the community to help crew the boat. Qualified trainers will take volunteers through the National Community Boat Association's Certificate in Community Boat Management as standard. For those who just want to come along and help, we will run informal training days which will include low-key fire fighting, operating locks, general boat maintenance, acting 35 a guide, rules of the canal- indeed, anything that could affect the day-to-day operation of the boat. Trustees continually review their skills and knowledge base and wlll seek to recruit new trustees with specific areas of expertise in order to expand. The project's 2025 Vision commits to focus on six main areas," membership, training, finance, cllents. website and marketing . The trustees are making steady progress towards achieving their goals. First Aid, fire, man overboard and evacuation drills will be compulsory for all volunteers, and will be repeated on a regular basis- as necessary. A training log will be kept for all volunteers. Fund Raising The committee are indebted to those companies, organisations and individuals who donate time, expertise, advice and funds to the project. The committee will continue to seek out new ways to raise general awareness of, and further funding for, the project.
EAST MANCHESTER COMMUNITY BOAT PROJECT INDEPENDENT EXAMINER'S REPORT TO THE TRUSTEES OF EAST MANCHESTER COMMUNITY BOAT PROJEcr I report to the Trustees on my examination of the flnanclal statements of East Manchester Communlty Boat Project (the Charity) for the year ended 31 March 2025. Responslbilitles and basis of report As the Trustees of the Charity you are responsible for the preparation of the financial statements in accordance with the requirements of the Charities Act 2011 (the 2011 Act). I report in respect of my examination of the Chariws financial statements carried out under section 145 of the 2011 Act. In carrying out my examination I have followed all the applicable Direction5 given by the Charity Commission under section 145{5llbl of the 2011 Act, Independent examlner's statement Your attention is drawn to the fact that the charity has prepared financial statements in accordance with Accounting and Reporting by Charities preparing thelr accounts in accordance with the Financlal Reporting Standard applicable in the UK and Republic of Ireland {FRS 1021 in preference to the Accounting and Reporting by Charities: Statement of Recommended Practice issued on l April 2005 which is referred to in the extant regulations but has now been withdrawn. l understand that this ha5 been done in order for financial statements to provlde a true and falr vlew in accordance with Generally ACpted Accounting Practice effective for reportlng periods beginning on or after l January 2015. I have completed my examination. I confirm that no matters have come to my attention In connection with the examination giving me cause to believe that in any material resped: accounting records were not kept in respect of the Charity as Tequired by section 130 of the 2011 Act; or the financial staternents do not accord with those records; or the financial statements do not comply with the applicable requirements concerning the form and content 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 financial statements to be reached. Topping Partnership (Accountants) Limited Susan Wilcod( FCCA Independent Examiner Incom House Waterside Trafford Park Manchester M17 IWD Dated: </ Li> z<
EAST MANCHESTER COMMUNITY BOAT PROJEcr STATEMENT OF UNAUDrrED FINANCIAL ACTIVITIES FOR THE YEAR ENDED 31 MARCH 2025 Note 2025 2025 Restrirted Unrestricted Funds Funds 2025 Totsl Funds 2024 2024 Restricted Unrestrirted Funds Funds 2024 Total Funds Incomlng resources Donations and subscriptions Interest Gift Aid 15,058 14 934 15,058 14 934 10,685 3,190 8,106 io 402 loo 8,106 io 402 4,(X)O th 30 Anniversary Event Fund Raisin8 10,685 3,900 3,190 Total incoming resource5 £10,685 £19,196 £29.881 £3,9CX) £8,618 £12,518 Resources expended Charitable activity Governance 13,790 12,943 2,130 26,733 2,130 6,035 8,560 1,076 14,595 1,076 Total resources expended £13,790 £15,073 £28,863 £6,035 £9,636 £15,671 Net incomlng/(outgolng) Resources (3,1051 (2,1741 68,426 4,124 1,018 {2,135) 11.0181 (3,153) Movement in Fund5 Funds brought forward 2,174 66,395 134,822 69,910 68,065 137,975 Funds at 31 March 2025 £63,147 £72,692 £135.839 £67,775 £67,047 £134,822 io
EAST MANCHESTER COMMUNITY BOAT PROJECT UNAUDITED BALANCE SHEET AS AT 31 MARCH 2025 Note 2025 2025 Restricted Unrestricted Funds Funds 2025 Total Funds 2024 2024 Restrirted Unrestricted Funds Funds 2024 Total Funds Flxed Assets 63,147 36,222 99,369 66,854 38,353 105,207 Current Assets Cash at bank and in hand 36,470 36,470 1,572 28,042 29,614 £63, 147 £72,692 £135,839 £68,426 £66,395 £134,821 Represented bv Reserve for boat repairs 5,000 5,000 5,000 Non-designated funds 67,692 67,692 61,395 61,395 Restricted funds 63,147 63,147 68,426 68,426 £63,147 £72,692 £135,839 £68,426 £66,395 £134,821 Trustee Date li
EAST MANCHESTER COMMUNITY BOAT PROJECT NOTES FORMING PART OF THE UNAUDITED FINANCIAL STATEMENTS FOR ThE YEAR ENDED 31 MARCH 2025 I PRINCIPAL ACCOUNTING POLICIES (a) General information The charity is a public benefit entity and a registered charity in England and Wales and is unincorporated. The add$$ of the principal office is c/0 Portland Basin Marina, Lower Alma Stet, Dukinfield, Cheshire, SK16 45Q. (b) Ac¢ountin£ convention The financial ststements are prepared in accordance with Receipts and Payments Account and the Charities Act 2011. The financial statements are prepared in sterling, which is the functional currency of the entty. Ic) Investment income Investment income is accounted for in the period in which it is reived. {d) Donations received Donations received are accounted for in the period in which they are received. (e) Resources expended Expenditure is included on a payment basis. (n Fund accounting Details of the nature and purpose of each fund is set out in note 2. (g) Going concern There are no material uncertainties about going concern. {h) Income tax The charity is exempt from incorne tax. (i) Depreciation The boat is to be written off over 25 years. 2 FUNDS Unrestricted Funds Comprise those funds which the trustees are free to use in accordance with the charitable objects. Restricted Funds Comprise those funds which have been given for particular purposes and projects. 3 TRUSTEE REMUNERATION No trustees have received any remuneration or expenses in the year12024: £Nil) 4 RELATED PARTY DISCLOSURES There are no related party transactions to be disclosed.
EAST MANCHESTER COMMUNITY BOAT PROJECT NOTES FORMING PART OF THE UNAUDITED FINANCIAL STATEMENTS FOR THE YEAR ENDED 31 MARCH 2025 5 INVESTMENT INCOME 2025 Unrestricted Funds 2024 Unrestrirted Funds Bank interest received 14 10 6 STAFF COSTS No staff were employed by the charity during the year. 7 FIXED ASSErs Boat- Community Spirit 2 Restricted Costs Unrestricted Costs Total Cost b/f Additions Disposals 82,501 53,269 135,770 Cost clf £82,501 £53,269 £135,770 Depreciation b/f Charge Disposals 15,647 3,707 14,916 2,131 30.563 5.838 Depreciation c/f £19,354 £17,047 £36,401 NBV 31.03.25 £63,147 £36,222 £99,369 NBV 31.03.24 £66,854 £38,353 £105,207 The Trustees have decided to write the boat off over 25 years on a straight line basis. 13
EAST MANCHESTER COMMUNITY BOAT PROJECT NOTES FORMING PART OF THE UNAUDITED FINANCIAL STATEMENTS FOR THE YEAR ENDED 31 MARCH 2025 ANNUAL REPORT 2025 2024 Charitable Activity Unrestricted Mooring and licence fees Maintenance Fuel/Pump Repairs and renewals Fundraising Insurance Depreciation 2,391 6,613 2,267 1,456 854 122 40 1,690 2,131 261 1,040 507 2,131 £12,943 £8.560 Charitable Activity Restricted Depreciation 30th Anniversary Event Insurance 3,707 8,833 1,250 3,707 2,328 £13,790 £6,035 Governance Unrestricted Postage Telephone Website Sundry Bank charges 40 631 li 1,348 loo 373 li 600 92 £2,130 £1,076 14