## **WHAT IS D.F.H.A.?** Downend Folk House Association was founded in 1970 by a group of local people and is a registered charity. It serves the residents of Downend and the neighbouring areas irrespective of sex or religious, political or other opinions. ## **MISSION STATEMENT** Its purpose is to improve the quality of life of the local community by advancing education and providing facilities in the interests of social welfare, recreation and leisure ## **HOW WE ARE FUNDED** We receive no funding of any kind from any source and so our running costs have to be covered by income raised through our own efforts. Membership Fees: £10.00 per adult. Paid before September 1[st] 2022 £5 For those aged 13 -17yrs: £2.50 per annum. Club & Class Fees: — these vary, see the Prospectus for details Fund-raising events: — see our Prospectus and our website for details. External Hirings : our facilities are available for private functions at competitive rates. Details from our Office Administrator. ## **MANAGEMENT COMMITTEE** **Chairman** : Mrs Eileen Bendrey **Vice-Chairman:** Mrs Merle Hosking **Treasurer:** Mr Mel Brown **Secretary:** Mrs Christine Bilella **Chairman Social & Fundraising Committee:** Merle Hosking. Elected representatives serving on the Management Committee Joyce Bishop, Andrew Clements, Julia Kennett, Bruce Gibbs. Cllr Janet Biggin who also attends as a representative of the Downend & Bromley Heath Parish Council. The Management Committee usually meets on the first Monday of each month. ## **CHAIRMAN'S REPORT** ## AGM Chairman’s report October 28th 2022 This year we have been trying to recover from Covid and not all of our clubs and classes felt able to return. However we took the opportunity to have the front and back doors of the Barn repainted and the window in Grace Room repaired. We also put shelving and a false floor in the Boiler Room. In the Office we have replaced the Office Manager’s desk, our laptop and the 3 computers and also replaced the washing machine. With the increasing cost of energy we had the building examined using a thermal imaging camera to identify areas of greatest heat loss. Consequently panels have been fitted to the areas under the windows in the kitchen, Jubilee and Concorde to reduce heat loss. In October Joan Wheadon retired from the Office. Joan has been replaced by her deputy, Zoe Tanner and we now have Martin Bailey as our Deputy Manager. As we have very few Office Volunteers we have taken on Jane Faithfull and Derek Whitchurch as part -time day staff for the morning shift. We have also employed Adam Tanner as our gardener and you may have noticed an improvement to some of our garden areas. To bolster our Barn Funds we held a successful Table Top Sale earlier in the year. Louise Hooper agreed to work with Bruce Gibbs to update our Facebook page, since when we have had lots of hits. In conclusion I would like to thank Zoe Tanner and Bruce Gibbs who have produced our Barn News, which takes quite a long time to collate and print. I should like to thank Phil Abbott, our maintenance volunteer, our Office Manager and the small, stalwart group of volunteers who man the office for us, which is a great help. More volunteers are still required so if you feel able to offer the occasional help please contact the office. I must of course thank Mel Brown our Treasurer. He sorts out all kinds of problems for us involving the Barn, which is strictly outside the duties of a Treasurer. Finally I should like to thank our Secretary Christine Bilella and all the members of the Management Committee for all the help and support they have given me throughout the year. ## **Eileen Bendrey** ## **BARN NEWS & PROSPECTUS** The Barn News continues to be an important channel for members to keep in touch with the Association and each other. It is issued to members three times a year, with distribution largely completed at Club and Class meetings, and Coffee Mornings. Copies of the magazine can be found in the foyer and outside the Office in racks. The Summer Term copies are always more difficult to distribute as fewer members tend to visit the Barn regularly at this time of year. However, those on our summer excursions received their copies on the coach, and many other members come to the Barn to collect their copies. A stamped-addressed envelope may be left in the office for those who would like a copy posted to them. Thanks are again due to Zoe Tanner and Bruce Gibbs who have taken on the job of editing the Barn News which entails dealing with advertisers, organising the layout and helping to produce copies. We also thank Zoe and the office staff who produce many copies of each edition. Our Prospectus was assembled this year by Zoe Tanner and Janet Hanlon and again produced "in-house" which enabled us to keep production costs well below commercial printing rates. It is distributed to local surgeries, libraries and similar locations. It is also available on our website. All those who contributed to the major task of producing and distributing this year's Prospectus deserve our sincere thanks. ## **SOCIAL & FUND RAISING** During the 2021/2022 year the Social and Fund Raising Committee has been reduced to two people. This has meant that Social activities within The Barn during this past year have been rather quiet. Trips this year have included Theatre, Salisbury Cathedral for the Festival of Flowers, a boat trip with a cream tea, and some monthly speaker mornings. There was a Christmas Market in November, and a table top sale in April. Cleeve singers gave a Christmas Concert. Our activities our displayed on our Facebook page as well as our Website. Over the last couple of months, we are delighted to say that we have had two members contact the S&FR committee with offers to help run the Christmas Market in November and perhaps other functions in the coming year. If anyone else would be interested in coming forward and joining this group, please contact the Management Committee. ## **Merle** ## **Hosking** ## **MEMBERSHIP** The amount taken in membership fees up to 1st September 2022 was £1,451 with some members paying at the discounted figure and some at the full price. ## **CLUBS & CLASSES** As in past years, our main aims were to produce a balanced programme designed to provide the local community with as many varied activities as could be arranged. To create opportunities for the resumption of friendships or the forging of new ones here at the Barn. To encourage the wider age-band of membership which we see as vital to the sustained vigour and financial health of the Association. The established Clubs and Classes continue to thrive. We get many enquiries from private hirers wanting run activities in our premises and new groups. Anyone wanting to join these privately run groups can find contact numbers in our prospectus or on our web site. Guests and visitors to the Barn are impressed by the range of activities on offer here, although they are often surprised to learn that, in the absence of any kind of external funding, the successful running of most of our Club activities is largely due to the personal effort and enterprise of a relatively small number of volunteers. ## **PROPERTY MANAGEMENT** This year the Barn premises have been as much in demand throughout the year as ever and as before the main challenge has been to maximise Class, Club and associated activities for our members while, at the same time, generating that flow of revenue from private hirings upon which we have become increasingly dependent. That income is vital in enabling us to meet our increasing costs. We have had a lot of work done to keep our premises in good condition. This year we have had extensive redecoration in Jubilee Hall. There has been insulation done on panels below windows in Jubilee, Concorde and the kitchen to help with heat loss. Unfortunately there were a few roof leaks which had to be addressed. As before there has been a frequent need for repairs and maintenance of some kind throughout the year. Aaron Mitchell is our Property Manager and he has responded promptly to calls from the Office Manager. Our garden borders and large trees are taking shape thanks to our new gardener Adam Tanner. We now have three volunteers to help with maintenance and we are very grateful to Phillip Abbott, Peter Smithson and Adrian Helps for their time and expertise and for their help with looking after the grounds and some interior work. Any help that members can give, using their skills and experience, would save the Association considerable expenditure and would be much appreciated. Finally, it is necessary to repeat our annual appeal to our members, to remain vigilant and security-conscious in and around the building since a quick response from the Police cannot be taken for granted. It is essential that we should support each other in an effort to keep crime and hooliganism at bay. ## **ADMINISTRATION** It is the face or voice of the Office Volunteer on duty which is often the first point of contact with this Association for many enquirers. As stated in previous years, we are very fortunate to have a team of agreeable and experienced, volunteer Office staff at the Barn, to support our day-to-day activities. As we no longer close down when the schools are shut the demands on the Office have greatly increased, and more volunteers are always needed. Our band of office volunteers include Melinda Gunnion, Janet Hanlon, Maureen Walker. They deserve praise and admiration for the efficient, polite and patient way they dealt with enrolments for classes, bookings for outings, and telephone calls, queries, the occasional dissatisfied member and much more. A "thank-you" to them is always welcome. May we take this opportunity to state that any verbal abuse will not be tolerated from DFHA members towards the Office Staff. Members found guilty of such actions will be banned from The Barn. The premises are cleaned by an outside company, Mrs Bucket. They are responsible for keeping the building in a tidy and hygienic condition, and this has enabled our members and hirers to enjoy their chosen activities in a clean and safe environment. Those who join our "behind the scenes" operation for the first time are usually amazed at the amount and variety of work involved in running this Association. It is for this reason that new recruits are always welcomed, especially those who are willing to serve in a back-up capacity on an occasional basis, since they can give the team an added strength at times of enrolment, fund-raising events and when tickets are on sale for the various events. Additional pairs of hands are especially welcome whenever an event is being held. Setting up and clearing up afterwards are an integral part of the event itself and many hands certainly make lighter work. Members are reminded to keep the office informed of any changes of address or telephone numbers so that if necessary they can be contacted with information pertaining to clubs and classes or social events. DOWNEND FOLK HOUSE ASSOCIATION Charf No 1157237 Receipt8 and Paym•nts Aceounts For the pgrlod 1st September 2021 to 31st August 2022 RfjJthc*a Fyxts 1£) EnknTr*nl Last yew 1£> l£} IE) Al R•E•lp IT*is Club Fo8s 1,451 1e,151 1.01D 18 751 220 4,110 91g 47 2fi2 fj01 3247 nt&for 2022r2023 Cotsri Hrr• ol Mi8cellarEtsJ8 IIAIC Inlw OorffdWS a￿J￿•S Grants 910 56.472 2,272 28 591 1.oe2 28? 31 434 3247 2.957 S¥￿T0111 Tol•1 st OF F￿1*8 32.113 26 394 7 182 iiJ 26 394 7182 715 Ir&Muintenp 14,9¥2 5.30$ 282 7,",4S Pionelln*rn Eab'o Bank ¢14r 732 424 424 261 162 8,014 17.622 17 622 Pia rou 1.1 177 IT Su CIIJD ov* 134* 89 1.635 3,573 w￿0 T* A6 funth lutyv•r asb f und• Ilbi& yèaf •n zzzz Detsill 1£) Funds (£1 Fund81£1 61 fund¥ 23.JTJ 1fyJ.743 Dep05rt Aeeount Petty Cash Total CW Funds 82 Othw rnonetary assets LW FLr•J tt) *t Cts Triv Clwrrty Ihe Duthlirig Sc¥ulh Gkx cou￿1[. all of hwe naghgble value to*tKh D•tai None lo 85 Liabil•t*s Ime ol b¢h4W ￿ au the trystees Mel Brty* ## **Independent examiner's report on the accounts** **Section A Independent Examiner’s Report Report to the trustees/** Charity Name Downend Folk House Association **members of On accounts for the year** 31 August 2022 **Charity no** 1157237 **ended (if any) Set out on pages** CC16a Sections A & B (remember to include the page numbers of additional sheets) I report to the trustees on my examination of the accounts of the above charity (“the Trust”) for the year ended 31 August 2022. - **Responsibilities and** As the charity trustees of the Trust, you are responsible for the preparation **basis of report** of the accounts in accordance with the requirements of the Charities Act 2011 (“the Act”). I report in respect of my examination of the Trust’s accounts carried out under section 145 of the 2011 Act and in carrying out my examination, I have followed the applicable Directions given by the Charity Commission under section 145(5)(b) of the Act. **Independent** I have completed my examination. I confirm that no material matters have **examiner's statement** come to my attention in connection with the examination which gives me cause to believe that in, any material respect: - accounting records were not kept in accordance with section 130 of the Act or - the accounts do not accord with the accounting records I have no concerns and have come across no other matters in connection with the examination to which attention should be drawn in order to enable a proper understanding of the accounts to be reached. _._ **Date: Signed:** 6/12/2022 **Name:** Susan Rickerby **Relevant professional** ACA **qualification(s) or body (if any): Address:** 118 High Street Staple Hill Bristol BS16 5HH **October 2019** 1 **IER** **Section B** ## **Disclosure** Only complete if the examiner needs to highlight matters of concern (see CC32, Independent examination of charity accounts: directions and guidance for examiners). **Give here brief details of any items that the examiner wishes to disclose** . **October 2019** 2 **IER** DOWNEND FOLK HOUSE ASSOCIATION Charf No 1157237 Receipt8 and Paym•nts Aceounts For the pgrlod 1st September 2021 to 31st August 2022 RfjJthc*a Fyxts 1£) EnknTr*nl Last yew 1£> l£} IE) Al R•E•lp IT*is Club Fo8s 1,451 1e,151 1.01D 18 751 220 4,110 91g 47 2fi2 fj01 3247 nt&for 2022r2023 Cotsri Hrr• ol Mi8cellarEtsJ8 IIAIC Inlw OorffdWS a￿J￿•S Grants 910 56.472 2,272 28 591 1.oe2 28? 31 434 3247 2.957 S¥￿T0111 Tol•1 st OF F￿1*8 32.113 26 394 7 182 iiJ 26 394 7182 715 Ir&Muintenp 14,9¥2 5.30$ 282 7,",4S Pionelln*rn Eab'o Bank ¢14r 732 424 424 261 162 8,014 17.622 17 622 Pia rou 1.1 177 IT Su CIIJD ov* 134* 89 1.635 3,573 w￿0 T* A6 funth lutyv•r asb f und• Ilbi& yèaf •n zzzz Detsill 1£) Funds (£1 Fund81£1 61 fund¥ 23.JTJ 1fyJ.743 Dep05rt Aeeount Petty Cash Total CW Funds 82 Othw rnonetary assets LW FLr•J tt) *t Cts Triv Clwrrty Ihe Duthlirig Sc¥ulh Gkx cou￿1[. all of hwe naghgble value to*tKh D•tai None lo 85 Liabil•t*s Ime ol b¢h4W ￿ au the trystees Mel Brty* ## **Independent examiner's report on the accounts** **Section A Independent Examiner’s Report Report to the trustees/** Charity Name Downend Folk House Association **members of On accounts for the year** 31 August 2022 **Charity no** 1157237 **ended (if any) Set out on pages** CC16a Sections A & B (remember to include the page numbers of additional sheets) I report to the trustees on my examination of the accounts of the above charity (“the Trust”) for the year ended 31 August 2022. - **Responsibilities and** As the charity trustees of the Trust, you are responsible for the preparation **basis of report** of the accounts in accordance with the requirements of the Charities Act 2011 (“the Act”). I report in respect of my examination of the Trust’s accounts carried out under section 145 of the 2011 Act and in carrying out my examination, I have followed the applicable Directions given by the Charity Commission under section 145(5)(b) of the Act. **Independent** I have completed my examination. I confirm that no material matters have **examiner's statement** come to my attention in connection with the examination which gives me cause to believe that in, any material respect: - accounting records were not kept in accordance with section 130 of the Act or - the accounts do not accord with the accounting records I have no concerns and have come across no other matters in connection with the examination to which attention should be drawn in order to enable a proper understanding of the accounts to be reached. _._ **Date: Signed:** 6/12/2022 **Name:** Susan Rickerby **Relevant professional** ACA **qualification(s) or body (if any): Address:** 118 High Street Staple Hill Bristol BS16 5HH **October 2019** 1 **IER** **Section B** ## **Disclosure** Only complete if the examiner needs to highlight matters of concern (see CC32, Independent examination of charity accounts: directions and guidance for examiners). **Give here brief details of any items that the examiner wishes to disclose** . **October 2019** 2 **IER**