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 AC￿pted 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 St￿et,
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 re￿ived.
{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