**REGISTERED CHARITY NUMBER: 1159890** 

## **REPORT OF THE TRUSTEES AND** 

**FINANCIAL STATEMENTS FOR THE YEAR ENDED 30 JUNE 2025** 

**FOR** 

**READING FORCE** 

Carter & Coley Chartered Accountants 3 Durrant Road Bournemouth Dorset BH2 6NE 



## **READING FORCE** 

## **CONTENTS OF THE FINANCIAL STATEMENTS FOR THE YEAR ENDED 30 JUNE 2025** 

||**Page**|
|---|---|
|**Report of the Trustees**|1 to  8|
|**Independent Examiner's Report**|9|
|**Statement of Financial Activities**|10|
|**Balance Sheet**|11 to  12|
|**Notes to the Financial Statements**|13 to  21|
|**Detailed Statement of Financial Activities**|22 to  23|





## **READING FORCE** 

## **REPORT OF THE TRUSTEES FOR THE YEAR ENDED 30 JUNE 2025** 

The trustees present their report with the financial statements of the charity for the year ended 30 June 2025. The trustees have adopted the provisions of Accounting and Reporting by Charities: Statement of Recommended Practice applicable to charities preparing their accounts in accordance with the Financial Reporting Standard applicable in the UK and Republic of Ireland (FRS 102) (effective 1 January 2019). 

## **OBJECTIVES AND ACTIVITIES Objectives and aims** 

Our constitution states that the purposes of Reading Force are: 

1. To advance education by encouraging families to read together for pleasure and talk about a book by providing advice and assistance and materials to support shared reading activities. 

2. To promote and protect good health by using reading as a means of mitigating stress and increasing communication and good family relationships following separation due to training, deployment, postings and mobility. 

The activities carried out for the public benefit of the charity are for all British Armed Forces families and their children, including reservists, veterans and injured personnel, living in the UK and overseas. 

The trustees always ensure that the strategies and activities we undertake are in line with our charitable objects and aims. Our long-term aim that shapes our annual activities is to extend and deepen the relationship we have with Forces personnel and families, to ensure our project reaches the awareness of all and invites them to become involved. We seek to support the social, emotional and mental wellbeing of the Forces community through shared-reading and effective communication. 

## **How we work** 

Strategies we employ to achieve the charity's aims and objectives are to: 

- Work with support workers of Forces families: schools; welfare and community organisations and other agencies and charities devoted to the support of the Forces 

- Reach Forces families themselves to explain the benefits of Reading Force and support participation 

- Influence policy makers and those offering financial and administrative support to the Forces community 

- Act as a lobbying force to ensure the particular needs and issues of Forces families remain in the forefront of public consciousness 

We offer and provide: 

- Advice on the benefits of involvement in reading for pleasure 

- Materials to support families taking part in Reading Force 

- Related activities such as author tours in schools and weekend/holiday workshops in approved activity centres 

- Related advice on policy through presentations at key forums and conferences 

## **Public benefit** 

The trustees have had regard to the guidance issued by the Charity Commission on public benefit in planning these activities for the year and reviewed the guidance at trustee meetings. 

Page 1 



## **READING FORCE** 

## **REPORT OF THE TRUSTEES FOR THE YEAR ENDED 30 JUNE 2025** 

## **OBJECTIVES AND ACTIVITIES Achievement and performance** 

Reading Force has had a busy year. 

We have continued to deliver our planned core service: providing family shared-reading initiatives for the tri-service Forces community (serving, veterans, reservists, injured personnel, bereaved families), proven to enhance the emotional, social, and mental wellbeing of Forces families.  We get ongoing feedback that so many charities and other military facing organisations limit their support to those serving, or extend it for only a prescribed period after leaving. They may offer it only for current families, excluding those divided by relationship breakdown or divorce and those bereaved. Reading Force includes the whole military community, and the ongoing nature of what we offer is much appreciated.  Military families are marked by the experience whatever their current situation, and we are proud to support them. Family requests to take part in Reading Force have been rising, largely due - we observe- to rising uncertainty within the military community.  World instability and the potential role of 'boots on the ground' within a 'coalition of the willing' have led military families to worry about what may happen to them, both those serving and their wider connections.  They have, in increasing numbers, turned to us for support and encouragement- and access to the resources we provide.  It is satisfying that our most common source of new applicants is now recommendation by other Forces families, which shows the extent to which we are reaching the military community. 

## **How many military families we reach** 

This financial year we hit the milestone of reaching 250,000 Reading Force scrapbooks sent, worldwide. Over the previous year we saw an overall increase in engagement from 30,000 (2023) to 32,500 (24/25), which is slightly below our projected target of 39,500 (which was based on application figures during the previous year). 

## **External grants were used to fund:** 

Production of bespoke materials (scrapbooks, teen journals, adult reading records, leaflets, letters, posters). 

Distribution of over **6,000 children's books** (babies to age 18) with scrapbooks/journals for shared-reading, via online/postal requests, outreach events, competitions and prizes. 

Distribution of **over 16,000 scrapbooks and teen journals** via 200+ welfare settings, charities and schools, and RF Ambassador outreach events and activities. The number of welfare settings involved with us is particularly impressive, as each centre represents an opportunity to reach their whole population of beneficiaries. 

Provided **over 1,000 adult reading records** to veterans, spouses, and book club members to support reflection, thought processing, communication, and overall wellbeing. 

Established **31 Reading Force book clubs** for nearly 400 Armed Forces community members 

Page 2 



## **READING FORCE** 

## **REPORT OF THE TRUSTEES FOR THE YEAR ENDED 30 JUNE 2025** 

## **OBJECTIVES AND ACTIVITIES Activities delivered:** 

Delivered **three 'Introduction to Memoir Writing' events** with guest speakers, held in military museums across the UK, attended by c.100 beneficiaries (with further noting/sharing on related social media); providing guidance and inspiration to develop their own work for entry into our 2025 memoir writing competition. 

This involvement, a new activity for Reading Force, drew on the research of our director, whose academic work on self-publishing and writing has identified significant benefits in wellbeing and positive mental health, for  those involved. The three events organised were varied in geographical location (Winchester, London and Belfast). We are encouraged by the positive response from the community we serve, and keen to continue - possibly seeking related grants. 

Established **31 accessible book clubs** (our highest total to date) online/in-person for nearly 400 Armed Forces community members (children, youth, veterans, spouses/partners). The clubs provide meaningful engagement, reduce isolation and increase wellbeing. 

Ongoing monitoring of the book clubs has revealed them to be a particularly effective way of developing our beneficiaries. Feedback from questionnaires has shown that, unlike most people who join book clubs in civilian life, our joiners are not particularly keen on reading, and in general have not belonged to a book club before. They are far more motivated by a desire to connect with other/former military personnel. 

**Ambassadors attended national and local events to showcase services,** build networks, and reach new beneficiaries, such as military family days before a unit is deployed. We have built up a reputation for being reliable and available, and extremely inclusive - all of which are much appreciated. We have sharpened our data monitoring through transferring information to a CRM system which enables better record-keeping and beneficiary contact, within the provisions of Data Protection Legislation. 

**New publication of a Reading and Wellbeing Journal.** This was an updated and significantly expanded version of the Individual Reading Record produced in consultation with veterans in NI. Again working with the military community, we produced a new version that has won positive attention from both those involved in the process and those who have since received a copy. 

## **Number of People Worked With** 

## **Estimated total beneficiaries:** 

**Over 5,100 children** received storybooks (29% repeat users) and shared-reading resources, extending impact to an estimated **15,300 individuals** including parents, siblings and extended family. 

**Over 16,000 additional beneficiarie** s supported through distributed scrapbooks and journals via over 200 welfare services, schools and organisations, and outreach events. We estimate a third of resources are used by an average of three people. 

**Over 1,000 adults** (veterans and spouses/partners) received reading records, with 322 also participating in book clubs to support their wellbeing and foster social connection. 

Page 3 



## **READING FORCE** 

## **REPORT OF THE TRUSTEES FOR THE YEAR ENDED 30 JUNE 2025** 

## **FINANCIAL REVIEW** 

## **Financial Position** 

Our results are in line with budget, total income was £437,592 (previous year: £231,793) an increase of 89% from the previous year with expenditure £291,250 (previous year £303,542) consistent with the previous year. This additional planned increase in income has allowed the charity to increase its reserves in line with its aim to provide stability for its future operations. 

## **Reserves policy** 

The Charity aims to retain sufficient unrestricted reserves to enable it to carry out its activities for a period of six months in the unlikely event that no new funds become available. 

With circumstances now being far more challenging to raise income, the charity has recently improved reporting to monitor expenditure according to income received (or in the pipeline).  As part of the management reporting there is a three-year strategy forecast, an annual budget and monthly management reports. This allows the Trustees to measure the performance of the Charity and allow for any change of strategy on a timely basis. 

Page 4 



## **READING FORCE** 

## **REPORT OF THE TRUSTEES FOR THE YEAR ENDED 30 JUNE 2025** 

## **FINANCIAL REVIEW Budgets and Forecasts** 

Management reporting is vital to supporting the charity in achieving its goals; the adopted reports are part of the formal review process. The charity aims to retain sufficient unrestricted reserves to enable it to carry out its activities for a period of six months in the unlikely event that no new funds become available. 

Currently the charity has £64,155.26 of free reserves, representing approximately three months of operating expenditure, within the unrestricted fund totals shown in these accounts. The intention is to maintain this level of headroom, but this depends on results in the year ahead and the difficult climate for fundraising, 

## **Learning from the Past Year** 

We are finding that all the grant giving bodies are reporting the same thing: significantly increased demand (with many applications written by AI but still requiring a response) and real difficulty in allocating funding. 

We have increased efforts in looking more broadly for funding: from corporate sponsorships, philanthropic relationships, and public fundraising, including securing two London Marathon spots for the next four years. 

Demand continues to rise; by end of Q1, our expenditure slightly exceeded forecast. We have adjusted our processes by limiting families to one request every six months to ensure fair distribution. 

Rising costs (two postage increases in 2024 and increases in paper costs impacting publishers and packaging merchants) emphasised the need to build reserves for financial stability. 

## **Significant Changes in Organisation or Beneficiaries** 

We responded to a significant demand due to global instability (e.g. Ukraine) and cost-of-living crisis affecting Forces families, most of whom are single-income households due to the service partner's mobility. Books are often an unaffordable luxury. Receiving a book that the child knows is theirs alone is particularly appreciated, and has been shown (within wider sector research) to correlate with an increased likelihood of getting involved in reading). 

Responded to a significant rise in requests to set up book clubs (providing training to coordinators and three books per member), allocating additional budget to deliver double the planned number of clubs; high demand continues with a waiting list for new clubs. 

Despite an increase in beneficiary numbers, the total fell short of forecast due to budget redistribution towards book clubs, as well as unexpected increases in delivery and book costs. In addition to improved tracking systems that now enable us to more accurately report on beneficiary usage. 

We were joined by Lucy Fryer, as Veterans Ambassador, who is from a Naval background. Whereas we have always been tri-service, the recruitment an experienced individual from within the Naval community has led to an increased reach within Naval families and supporting organisations. 

## **Achievements and awards** 

For the second year running we were shortlisted for the **NI Veterans Awards Project of the Year** securing the **Bronze Award.** 

Shortlisted for **Military Family Charity of the Year** by 'Celebrating Forces Families'. 

Page 5 



## **READING FORCE** 

## **REPORT OF THE TRUSTEES FOR THE YEAR ENDED 30 JUNE 2025** 

## **FINANCIAL REVIEW** 

Our founder and director received an **MBE for services to military charities** which she accepted on behalf of the charity as a whole. 

**Invited to contribute to advisory panels** , advocating for beneficiaries based on their needs and feedback (e.g. we were asked to be on the advisory panel for the Armed Forces Covenant Award funded 'In Our Shoes' report; we were invited to be founder members of the Cobseo Children and Young People's Forum). 

## **Anticipated Income and Expenditure for Coming Year** 

The budget set for 2025-26 is in line with this year and already we have secured over sixty per cent of our income required. This will help us plan for the future. 

## **Key Priorities for the Coming Year** 

Sustain core project services for military families. 

Ensure fair distribution of resources to military families. 

## **Additional Activities** 

Delivering a three-year AFCFT-funded project supporting military families on the move, with book clubs facilitating connection and networking (six new P/T staff delivering in three UK areas). 

## **Articles and feedback** 

We have had extensive coverage in the military press, including the Armed Forces families journals, BFBS (various stations) and other media. We get continuous feedback that what we do is appreciated and valued. 

"I've said it many times before but will keep saying it. Setting up our book club with you guys has been phenomenal - it is still going strong and has had quite a profound effect on the members. Thank you." **RAF Widows.** 

This reflects a wider situation that many clubs continue to run independently after our initial support so sustainability of our efforts is strong. 

Page 6 



## **READING FORCE** 

## **REPORT OF THE TRUSTEES FOR THE YEAR ENDED 30 JUNE 2025** 

## **STRUCTURE, GOVERNANCE AND MANAGEMENT Governing document** 

Reading Force was registered as a Charitable Incorporated Organisation in 2015 and is governed by its Constitution. 

## **Safeguarding policy** 

Reading Force exists to support the well-being of tri-service British Forces children and families through shared-reading and increased communication. We believe that a child or young person should never experience abuse of any kind in any situation. We have a responsibility to promote the welfare of all children and young people and to keep them safe. We are committed to practice in a way that protects them. We are committed to anti-discriminatory practice and give equal priority to keeping all children and young people safe regardless of their age, disability, gender, race, religion or belief, sex or sexual orientation. Our child protection and safeguarding policy relates to all children up to and including age 18, and applies to all Reading Force staff, volunteers, and anyone working with the charity. 

## **Organisational structure** 

The Board of Trustees currently has a membership of eleven people, one of whom acts as Chair. The Board is in regular communication and meets as required. The Board is responsible for the strategic direction and policy of the organisation and for robust governance and rigorous financial management. The Director holds the day-to-day responsibility for the operational management of the organisation. Team Managers are responsible for the day-to-day provision of services. Recommendations by the Director and Team Managers are referred to the full Board meeting for decision. 

## **Risk management** 

The trustees have a duty to identify and review the risks to which the charity is exposed and to ensure appropriate controls are in place to provide reasonable assurance against fraud and error. Where particular risks are identified and recorded, the Board oversee and review such matters and determine any appropriate actions. The following are deemed to be key risks for the Charity: 

## **Reliance on external funding** 

The charity relies on the donations and grants provided by external funders and donors in order to continue to operate and provide its charitable services. 

## **Working with children** 

The trustees recognise the possibility that as a charity working with children any risk of harm would need to be reported. Appropriate mitigations are in place as demonstrated in the Safeguarding policy section above. 

## **REFERENCE AND ADMINISTRATIVE DETAILS Registered Charity number** 

1159890 

## **Principal address** 

10 Homersham Road Kingston Upon Thames Surrey KT1 3PN 

Page 7 



## **READING FORCE** 

## **REPORT OF THE TRUSTEES** 

## **FOR THE YEAR ENDED 30 JUNE 2025** 

**Trustees** Rev'd Prof A M Baverstock MBE L Taylor N W N Jones The Rt. Hon. the Lord Blunkett L J Titcomb (resigned 31/12/2024) S Azeem C Flynn-MacLeod A Hill M Khokar P Collard (appointed 1/4/2025) A Rowley (appointed 25/3/2025) 

**Independent Examiner** Andrew A Clark Carter & Coley Chartered Accountants 3 Durrant Road Bournemouth Dorset BH2 6NE 

Approved by order of the board of trustees on 26 February 2026 and signed on its behalf by: 

N W N Jones - Trustee 

Page 8 



**INDEPENDENT EXAMINER'S REPORT TO THE TRUSTEES OF READING FORCE** 

## **Independent examiner's report to the trustees of Reading Force** 

I report to the charity trustees on my examination of the accounts of Reading Force (the Trust) for the year ended 30 June 2025. 

## **Responsibilities and basis of report** 

As the charity trustees of the Trust you are responsible for the preparation 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 Act and in carrying out my examination I have followed all applicable Directions given by the Charity Commission under Section 145(5)(b) of the Act. 

## **Independent examiner's statement** 

Since your charity's gross income exceeded £250,000 your examiner must be a member of a listed body. I can confirm that I am qualified to undertake the examination because I am a member of the Institute of Chartered Accountants in England and Wales, which is one of the listed bodies. 

I have completed my examination. I confirm that no material matters have come to my attention in connection with the examination giving me cause to believe that in any material respect: 

1. accounting records were not kept in respect of the Trust as required by Section 130 of the Act; or 

2. the accounts do not accord with those records; or 

3. the accounts 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 accounts to be reached. 

Andrew A Clark 

Carter & Coley Chartered Accountants 3 Durrant Road Bournemouth Dorset BH2 6NE 

26 February 2026 

Page 9 



## **READING FORCE** 

## **STATEMENT OF FINANCIAL ACTIVITIES FOR THE YEAR ENDED 30 JUNE 2025** 

|**2025**<br>Unrestricted<br>Restricted<br>Total<br>fund<br>funds<br>**funds**<br>Notes<br>£<br>£<br>**£**<br>**INCOME AND ENDOWMENTS FROM**<br>Donations and legacies<br>2<br>**259,357**<br>**169,457**<br>**428,814**<br>Other trading activities<br>3<br>**7,387**<br>**-**<br>**7,387**<br>Investment income<br>4<br>**1,330**<br>**-**<br>**1,330**<br>Other income<br>**61 **<br>**-**<br>**61 **<br>**Total**<br>**268,135**<br>**169,457**<br>**437,592 **<br>**EXPENDITURE ON**<br>Raising funds<br>5<br>**23,342**<br>**-**<br>**23,342**<br>**Charitable activities**<br>6<br>Main purpose<br>**143,158**<br>**124,750**<br>**267,908**<br>**Total**<br>**166,500**<br>**124,750**<br>**291,250**<br>**NET INCOME/(EXPENDITURE)**<br>**101,635**<br>**44,707**<br>**146,342**<br>**RECONCILIATION OF FUNDS**<br>Total funds brought forward<br>**40,505**<br>**44,027**<br>**84,532**<br>**TOTAL FUNDS CARRIED FORWARD**<br>**142,140**<br>**88,734 **<br>**230,874 **|2024<br>**Total**<br>funds<br>£<br>219,021<br>11,480<br>1,292<br>-<br>231,793<br>13,672<br>289,870<br>303,542<br>(71,749)<br>156,281<br>84,532|
|---|---|



The notes form part of these financial statements 

Page 10 



## **READING FORCE** 

## **BALANCE SHEET 30 JUNE 2025** 

|**2025**<br>Unrestricted<br>Restricted<br>Total<br>fund<br>funds<br>**funds**<br>Notes<br>£<br>£<br>**£**<br>**FIXED ASSETS**<br>Tangible assets<br>11<br>**1,267**<br>**-**<br>**1,267**<br>**CURRENT ASSETS**<br>Cash at bank<br>**145,966**<br>**88,734**<br>**234,700**<br>**CREDITORS**<br>Amounts falling due within one year<br>12<br>**(5,093)**<br>**-**<br>**(5,093)**<br>**NET CURRENT ASSETS**<br>**140,873**<br>**88,734 **<br>**229,607**<br>**TOTAL ASSETS LESS CURRENT**<br>**LIABILITIES**<br>**142,140**<br>**88,734**<br>**230,874**<br>**NET ASSETS**<br>**142,140**<br>**88,734 **<br>**230,874 **|2024<br>**Total**<br>funds<br>£<br>1,924<br>90,333<br>(7,725)<br>82,608<br>84,532<br>84,532|
|---|---|



The notes form part of these financial statements 

Page 11 



## **READING FORCE** 

## **BALANCE SHEET - continued 30 JUNE 2025** 

|**FUNDS**<br>13<br>Unrestricted funds:<br>General fund<br>Restricted funds:<br>Aggie Weston - Storybook Waves<br>Annington - FM Role<br>Veterans' Foundation - England & Wales<br>Lest We Forget Association - Book clubs<br>Armed Forces Covenant Fund Trust -<br>Serving Families On The Move<br>National Lottery NI<br>Veterans' Foundation - grants<br>Veterans' Foundation - Veterans<br>Ambassador<br>Lest We Forget - Ambassador<br>Bolt Burdon Kemp - Competition<br>Annington Scotland Ambassador<br>Hugh Fraser - Scotland Core Activities<br>BFBS Big Salute<br>**TOTAL FUNDS**|**142,140**<br>**1,000**<br>**-**<br>**5,661**<br>**3,289**<br>**13,865**<br>**-**<br>**12,500**<br>**10,842**<br>**-**<br>**1,000**<br>**27,577**<br>**8,000**<br>**5,000**<br>**88,734 **<br>**230,874 **|40,505<br>-<br>6,919<br>-<br>-<br>-<br>7,108<br>-<br>20,000<br>5,000<br>5,000<br>-<br>-<br>-<br>44,027<br>84,532|
|---|---|---|



The financial statements were approved by the Board of Trustees and authorised for issue on 26 February 2026 and were signed on its behalf by: 

L Taylor - Trustee 

N W N Jones - Trustee 

The notes form part of these financial statements 

Page 12 



## **READING FORCE** 

## **NOTES TO THE FINANCIAL STATEMENTS FOR THE YEAR ENDED 30 JUNE 2025** 

## **1. ACCOUNTING POLICIES** 

## **Basis of preparing the financial statements** 

The financial statements of the charity, which is a public benefit entity under FRS 102, have been prepared in accordance with the Charities SORP (FRS 102) 'Accounting and Reporting by Charities: Statement of Recommended Practice applicable to charities preparing their accounts in accordance with the Financial Reporting Standard applicable in the UK and Republic of Ireland (FRS 102) (effective 1 January 2019)', Financial Reporting Standard 102 'The Financial Reporting Standard applicable in the UK and Republic of Ireland' and the Charities Act 2011. The financial statements have been prepared under the historical cost convention. 

## **Financial reporting standard 102 - reduced disclosure exemptions** 

The charity has taken advantage of the following disclosure exemptions in preparing these financial statements, as permitted by FRS 102 'The Financial Reporting Standard applicable in the UK and Republic of Ireland': 

- the requirements of Section 7 Statement of Cash Flows; 

- the requirement of paragraph 3.17(d); 

- the requirements of  paragraphs 11.42, 11.44, 11.45, 11.47, 11.48(a)(iii), 11.48(a)(iv), 11.48(b) and 11.48(c); 

- the requirements of paragraphs 12.26, 12.27, 12.29(a), 12.29(b) and 12.29A; 

- the requirement of paragraph 33.7. 

## **Income** 

All income is recognised in the Statement of Financial Activities once the charity has entitlement to the funds, it is probable that the income will be received and the amount can be measured reliably. 

## **Expenditure** 

Liabilities are recognised as expenditure as soon as there is a legal or constructive obligation committing the charity to that expenditure, it is probable that a transfer of economic benefits will be required in settlement and the amount of the obligation can be measured reliably. Expenditure is accounted for on an accruals basis and has been classified under headings that aggregate all cost related to the category. Where costs cannot be directly attributed to particular headings they have been allocated to activities on a basis consistent with the use of resources. 

## **Tangible fixed assets** 

Depreciation is provided at the following annual rates in order to write off each asset over its estimated useful life. 

Fixtures and fittings 

-  33% on cost 

## **Taxation** 

The charity is exempt from tax on its charitable activities. 

## **Fund accounting** 

Unrestricted funds can be used in accordance with the charitable objectives at the discretion of the trustees. 

Restricted funds can only be used for particular restricted purposes within the objects of the charity. Restrictions arise when specified by the donor or when funds are raised for particular restricted purposes. 

Page 13 



## **READING FORCE** 

## **NOTES TO THE FINANCIAL STATEMENTS - continued FOR THE YEAR ENDED 30 JUNE 2025** 

## **1. ACCOUNTING POLICIES - continued** 

## **Fund accounting** 

Further explanation of the nature and purpose of each fund is included in the notes to the financial statements. 

## **Pension costs and other post-retirement benefits** 

The charity operates a defined contribution pension scheme.  Contributions payable to the charity's pension scheme are charged to the  Statement of Financial Activities in the period to which they relate. 

## **2. DONATIONS AND LEGACIES** 

|Donations<br>Grants<br>Grants received, included in the above, are as follows:<br>General<br>Army Central Fund<br>Chelford House Fellowship - books<br>NI Veterans<br>Scotland & NE Ambassador<br>Reading Record redesign<br>Events at the NAM and Winchester<br>Office Administrator<br>Competition<br>Garfield Weston<br>Annington<br>ABF<br>Lest we forget<br>National Lottery<br>Stafford Trust<br>Tim Wates|**2025**<br>**£**<br>**53,157**<br>**375,657**<br>**428,814**<br>**2025**<br>**£**<br>**169,457**<br>**15,000**<br>**3,000**<br>**-**<br>**-**<br>**-**<br>**-**<br>**-**<br>**-**<br>**20,000**<br>**25,000**<br>**18,000**<br>**94,000**<br>**25,950**<br>**3,250**<br>**2,000**<br>**375,657**|2024<br>£<br>328<br>218,693<br>219,021<br>2024<br>£<br>87,250<br>-<br>-<br>49,909<br>25,000<br>20,000<br>10,000<br>21,534<br>5,000<br>-<br>-<br>-<br>-<br>-<br>-<br>-<br>218,693|
|---|---|---|



Page 14 



## **READING FORCE** 

## **NOTES TO THE FINANCIAL STATEMENTS - continued FOR THE YEAR ENDED 30 JUNE 2025** 

|**3.**<br>**OTHER TRADING ACTIVITIES**<br>Sponsorships<br>Charitable activities<br>**4.**<br>**INVESTMENT INCOME**<br>Deposit account interest<br>**5.**<br>**RAISING FUNDS**<br>**Raising donations and legacies**<br>Grant applications<br>Evaluations<br>**6.**<br>**CHARITABLE ACTIVITIES COSTS**<br>Main purpose|Direct<br>Costs<br>£<br>**64,576**|**2025**<br>**£**<br>**6,500**<br>**887**<br>**7,387**<br>**2025**<br>**£**<br>**1,330**<br>**2025**<br>**£**<br>**11,671**<br>**11,671 **<br>**23,342**<br>Support<br>costs (see<br>note 7)<br>£<br>**203,332 **|2024<br>£<br>10,643<br>837<br>11,480<br>2024<br>£<br>1,292<br>2024<br>£<br>10,683<br>2,989<br>13,672<br>Totals<br>£<br>**267,908**|
|---|---|---|---|



Page 15 



## **READING FORCE** 

## **NOTES TO THE FINANCIAL STATEMENTS - continued FOR THE YEAR ENDED 30 JUNE 2025** 

|**7.**<br>**SUPPORT COSTS**<br>Management<br>£<br>Main purpose<br>**180,860**|Other<br>£<br>**22,472 **|Totals<br>£<br>**203,332 **|
|---|---|---|



## **8. TRUSTEES' REMUNERATION AND BENEFITS** 

There were no trustees' remuneration or other benefits for the year ended 30 June 2025 nor the year ended 30 June 2024. 

During the year one Trustee was reimbursed for properly incurred expenses totalling £63 on behalf of the Charity. (2024 - nil). 

## **9. STAFF COSTS** 

|Staff costs|2025|2024|||
|---|---|---|---|---|
||£|£|||
|Total|199,716|195,033|||
|Less Direct costs|52,863|71,216|||
||---------<br>|---------|||
|Net staff costs|146,853|123,817|||
||----------|----------|||
|Average monthly staff numbers -|||||
|administration|8|7|||
|**COMPARATIVES FOR THE STATEMENT**|**OF FINANCIAL ACTIVITIES**||||
||Unrestricted|||Restricted|
|||Total|||
||fund|funds||funds|
||£|£||£|
|**INCOME AND ENDOWMENTS FROM**|||||
|Donations and legacies|82,578|136,443||219,021|
|Other trading activities|11,480||-|11,480|
|Investment income|1,292||-|1,292|
|**Total**|95,350|136,443||231,793|
|**EXPENDITURE ON**|||||
|Raising funds|13,672||-|13,672|
|**Charitable activities**|||||
|Main purpose|103,783|186,087||289,870|
|**Total**|117,455|186,087||303,542|
|**NET INCOME/(EXPENDITURE)**|(22,105)|(49,644)||(71,749)|



## **10. COMPARATIVES FOR THE STATEMENT OF FINANCIAL ACTIVITIES** 

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## **READING FORCE** 

## **NOTES TO THE FINANCIAL STATEMENTS - continued FOR THE YEAR ENDED 30 JUNE 2025** 

|**10.**|**COMPARATIVES FOR THE STATEMENT OF FINANCIAL ACTIVITIES -**|**COMPARATIVES FOR THE STATEMENT OF FINANCIAL ACTIVITIES -**|**COMPARATIVES FOR THE STATEMENT OF FINANCIAL ACTIVITIES -**||
|---|---|---|---|---|
||**continued**||||
|||Unrestricted||Restricted|
||||Total||
|||fund|funds|funds|
|||£|£|£|
||**RECONCILIATION OF FUNDS**||||
||Total funds brought forward|62,610|93,671|156,281|
||**TOTAL FUNDS CARRIED**||||
||**FORWARD**|40,505|44,027|84,532|
|**11.**|**TANGIBLE FIXED ASSETS**||||
|||||Fixtures|
|||||and|
|||||fittings|
|||||£|
||**COST**||||
||At 1 July 2024|||**4,219**|
||Additions|||**800**|
||At 30 June 2025|||**5,019**|
||**DEPRECIATION**||||
||At 1 July 2024|||**2,295**|
||Charge for year|||**1,457**|
||At 30 June 2025|||**3,752 **|
||**NET BOOK VALUE**||||
||At 30 June 2025|||**1,267**|
||At 30 June 2024|||1,924|



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## **READING FORCE** 

## **NOTES TO THE FINANCIAL STATEMENTS - continued FOR THE YEAR ENDED 30 JUNE 2025** 

|**12.**<br>**CREDITORS: AMOUNTS FALLING DUE WITHIN ONE YEAR**<br>Trade creditors<br>Taxation and social security<br>Other creditors<br>**13.**<br>**MOVEMENT IN FUNDS**<br>At 1/7/24<br>£<br>**Unrestricted funds**<br>General fund<br>**40,505**<br>**Restricted funds**<br>Aggie Weston - Storybook Waves<br>**-**<br>Annington - FM Role<br>**6,919**<br>Veterans' Foundation - England &<br>Wales<br>**-**<br>Lest We Forget Association - Book<br>clubs<br>**-**<br>Armed Forces Covenant Fund Trust -<br>Serving Families On The Move<br>**-**<br>National Lottery NI<br>**7,108**<br>Veterans' Foundation - grants<br>**-**<br>Veterans' Foundation - Veterans<br>Ambassador<br>**20,000**<br>Lest We Forget - Ambassador<br>**5,000**<br>Bolt Burdon Kemp - Competition<br>**5,000**<br>Annington Scotland Ambassador<br>**-**<br>Hugh Fraser - Scotland Core Activities<br>**-**<br>BFBS Big Salute<br>**-**<br>**44,027**<br>**TOTAL FUNDS**<br>**84,532 **|**2025**<br>**£**<br>**1,263**<br>**1,970**<br>**1,860**<br>**5,093**<br>Net<br>movement<br>in funds<br>£<br>**101,635**<br>**1,000**<br>**(6,919)**<br>**5,661**<br>**3,289**<br>**13,865**<br>**(7,108)**<br>**12,500**<br>**(9,158)**<br>**(5,000)**<br>**(4,000)**<br>**27,577**<br>**8,000**<br>**5,000**<br>**44,707**<br>**146,342**|2024<br>£<br>3,896<br>1,970<br>1,859<br>7,725<br>At<br>30/6/25<br>£<br>**142,140**<br>**1,000**<br>**-**<br>**5,661**<br>**3,289**<br>**13,865**<br>**-**<br>**12,500**<br>**10,842**<br>**-**<br>**1,000**<br>**27,577**<br>**8,000**<br>**5,000**<br>**88,734 **<br>**230,874 **|
|---|---|---|



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## **READING FORCE** 

## **NOTES TO THE FINANCIAL STATEMENTS - continued FOR THE YEAR ENDED 30 JUNE 2025** 

## **13. MOVEMENT IN FUNDS - continued** 

Net movement in funds, included in the above are as follows: 

|**Unrestricted funds**<br>General fund<br>**Restricted funds**<br>Aggie Weston - Storybook Waves<br>Annington - FM Role<br>Veterans' Foundation - England &<br>Wales<br>Lest We Forget Association - Book<br>clubs<br>Armed Forces Covenant Fund Trust -<br>Serving Families On The Move<br>National Lottery NI<br>Veterans' Foundation - grants<br>Veterans' Foundation - Veterans<br>Ambassador<br>Lest We Forget - Ambassador<br>Bolt Burdon Kemp - Competition<br>Annington Scotland Ambassador<br>Armed Forces Day<br>Hugh Fraser - Scotland Core Activities<br>BFBS Big Salute<br>**TOTAL FUNDS**|Incoming<br>resources<br>£<br>**268,135**<br>**1,000**<br>**-**<br>**25,000**<br>**6,000**<br>**19,000**<br>**24,955**<br>**25,000**<br>**-**<br>**-**<br>**-**<br>**50,000**<br>**5,502**<br>**8,000**<br>**5,000**<br>**169,457**<br>**437,592 **|Resources<br>Movement<br>expended<br>in funds<br>£<br>£<br>**(166,500)**<br>**101,635**<br>**-**<br>**1,000**<br>**(6,919)**<br>**(6,919)**<br>**(19,339)**<br>**5,661**<br>**(2,711)**<br>**3,289**<br>**(5,135)**<br>**13,865**<br>**(32,063)**<br>**(7,108)**<br>**(12,500)**<br>**12,500**<br>**(9,158)**<br>**(9,158)**<br>**(5,000)**<br>**(5,000)**<br>**(4,000)**<br>**(4,000)**<br>**(22,423)**<br>**27,577**<br>**(5,502)**<br>**-**<br>**-**<br>**8,000**<br>**-**<br>**5,000**<br>**(124,750)**<br>**44,707**<br>**(291,250) **<br>**146,342**|
|---|---|---|



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## **READING FORCE** 

## **NOTES TO THE FINANCIAL STATEMENTS - continued FOR THE YEAR ENDED 30 JUNE 2025** 

## **13. MOVEMENT IN FUNDS - continued** 

## **Comparatives for movement in funds** 

|**Unrestricted funds**<br>General fund<br>**Restricted funds**<br>Annington - FM Role<br>Armed Forces Covenant Fund Trust -<br>Serving Families On The Move<br>National Lottery NI<br>Annington Outward Bound Trust<br>Veterans' Foundation - grants<br>Veterans' Foundation - Veterans<br>Ambassador<br>Lest We Forget - Ambassador<br>Bolt Burdon Kemp - Competition<br>**TOTAL FUNDS**|At 1/7/23<br>£<br>62,610<br>-<br>29,140<br>24,955<br>2,076<br>7,500<br>20,000<br>10,000<br>-<br>93,671<br>156,281|Net<br>movement<br>in funds<br>£<br>(22,105)<br>6,919<br>(29,140)<br>(17,847)<br>(2,076)<br>(7,500)<br>-<br>(5,000)<br>5,000<br>(49,644)<br>(71,749)|At<br>30/6/24<br>£<br>40,505<br>6,919<br>-<br>7,108<br>-<br>-<br>20,000<br>5,000<br>5,000<br>44,027<br>84,532|
|---|---|---|---|



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## **READING FORCE** 

## **NOTES TO THE FINANCIAL STATEMENTS - continued FOR THE YEAR ENDED 30 JUNE 2025** 

## **13. MOVEMENT IN FUNDS - continued** 

Comparative net movement in funds, included in the above are as follows: 

|**Unrestricted funds**<br>General fund<br>**Restricted funds**<br>Annington - FM Role<br>Bolt Burdon Kemp - writing<br>competition<br>Armed Forces Covenant Fund Trust -<br>Serving Families On The Move<br>National Lottery NI<br>Annington Outward Bound Trust<br>Veterans' Foundation - grants<br>Veterans' Foundation - Veterans<br>Ambassador<br>Lest We Forget - Ambassador<br>National lottery heritage<br>Bolt Burdon Kemp - Competition<br>**TOTAL FUNDS**|Incoming<br>resources<br>£<br>95,350<br>25,000<br>5,000<br>1,534<br>49,909<br>-<br>20,000<br>20,000<br>-<br>10,000<br>5,000<br>136,443<br>231,793|Resources<br>Movement<br>expended<br>in funds<br>£<br>£<br>(117,455)<br>(22,105)<br>(18,081)<br>6,919<br>(5,000)<br>-<br>(30,674)<br>(29,140)<br>(67,756)<br>(17,847)<br>(2,076)<br>(2,076)<br>(27,500)<br>(7,500)<br>(20,000)<br>-<br>(5,000)<br>(5,000)<br>(10,000)<br>-<br>-<br>5,000<br>(186,087)<br>(49,644)<br>(303,542)<br>(71,749)|
|---|---|---|



## **14. RELATED PARTY DISCLOSURES** 

There were no related party transactions for the year ended 30 June 2025. 

## **15. RESTRICTED FUNDS** 

All restricted funds have conditions on their use defined by the organisation making the grant.  These conditions are complied with by the charity and the movements on these funds are disclosed in these financial statements. 

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## **READING FORCE** 

## **DETAILED STATEMENT OF FINANCIAL ACTIVITIES FOR THE YEAR ENDED 30 JUNE 2025** 

|**INCOME AND ENDOWMENTS**<br>**Donations and legacies**<br>Donations<br>Grants<br>**Other trading activities**<br>Sponsorships<br>Charitable activities<br>**Investment income**<br>Deposit account interest<br>**Other income**<br>Other income<br>**Total incoming resources**<br>**EXPENDITURE**<br>**Raising donations and legacies**<br>Grant applications<br>Evaluations<br>**Charitable activities**<br>Distribution and delivery<br>Sundries<br>Books<br>Production of materials<br>Events<br>Competition<br>Raising awareness and marketing|2025<br>£<br>**53,157**<br>**375,657**<br>**428,814**<br>**6,500**<br>**887**<br>**7,387**<br>**1,330**<br>**61 **<br>**437,592**<br>**11,671**<br>**11,671 **<br>**23,342**<br>**15,985**<br>**101**<br>**20,762**<br>**13,367**<br>**-**<br>**1,833**<br>**12,528**<br>**64,576**|2024<br>£<br>328<br>218,693<br>219,021<br>10,643<br>837<br>11,480<br>1,292<br>-<br>231,793<br>10,683<br>2,989<br>13,672<br>23,789<br>-<br>21,097<br>38,639<br>272<br>1,709<br>5,029<br>90,535|
|---|---|---|



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## **READING FORCE** 

## **DETAILED STATEMENT OF FINANCIAL ACTIVITIES FOR THE YEAR ENDED 30 JUNE 2025** 

|**Support costs**<br> **Management**<br>Wages<br>Pensions<br>Professional fees<br>Depreciation of tangible and heritage assets<br> **Other**<br>Telephone<br>Postage and stationery<br>Travel and subsistence<br>Total resources expended<br>**Net income/(expenditure)**|2025<br>£<br>**174,604**<br>**1,770**<br>**3,029**<br>**1,457**<br>**180,860**<br>**8,241**<br>**3,592**<br>**10,639**<br>**22,472 **<br>**291,250**<br>**146,342**|2024<br>£<br>181,361<br>-<br>2,017<br>1,181<br>184,559<br>5,283<br>3,098<br>6,395<br>14,776<br>303,542<br>(71,749)|
|---|---|---|



This page does not form part of the statutory financial statements 

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