Charity number: 1159965
THE WATSON FAMILY CHARITABLE TRUST
UNAUDITED
TRUSTEES' REPORT AND FINANCIAL STATEMENTS
FOR THE YEAR ENDED 31 MARCH 2025
THE WATSON FAMILY CHARITABLE TRUST
| CONTENTS | |
|---|---|
| Page | |
| Reference and Administrative Details of the Charitable incorporated organisation, its | 1 |
| Trustees and Advisers | |
| Trustees' Report | 2 - 4 |
| Independent Examiner's Report | 5 |
| Statement of Financial Activities | 6 |
| Balance Sheet | 7 |
| Notes to the Financial Statements | 8 - 17 |
THE WATSON FAMILY CHARITABLE TRUST
REFERENCE AND ADMINISTRATIVE DETAILS OF THE CHARITABLE INCORPORATED ORGANISATION, ITS TRUSTEES AND ADVISERS FOR THE YEAR ENDED 31 MARCH 2025
| Trustees | Mr Ian Watson |
|---|---|
| Mrs Claire Watson | |
| Mr Mark Watson | |
| Mr Craig Watson | |
| Mr Max Watson | |
| Mr Hugh Welch | |
| Charity registered number 1159965 Principal office 3 Keel Row The Watermark Gateshead NE11 9SZ Accountants Ryecroft Glenton Chartered Accountants 32 Portland Terrace Jesmond Newcastle upon Tyne NE2 1QP Bankers Handelsbanken Second Floor, Earl Grey House 75-85 Grey Street Newcastle upon Tyne NE1 6EF Solicitors Muckle LLP Time Central 32 Gallowgate Newcastle upon Tyne NE1 4BF Investment managers UBS Wealth Management 3 Finsbury Avenue London EC2M 2AN |
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THE WATSON FAMILY CHARITABLE TRUST
TRUSTEES' REPORT FOR THE YEAR ENDED 31 MARCH 2025
The Trustees present their annual report together with the financial statements of the charitable incorporated organisation for the year 1 April 2024 to 31 March 2025.
Objectives and activities
Policies and objectives
The objectives of the charitable incorporated organisation ("CIO") are derived from the objects within its constitution. These are for the public benefit in the United Kingdom and elsewhere for such charities or such charitable purposes under the laws of England and Wales in each case as the Trustees may from time to time determine, including by providing grants, loans or other financial support.
The CIO achieves its objectives through making grants and donations to organisations and individuals for charitable purposes.
Strategies for achieving objectives
The CIO is not restricted to making payments out of income generated alone, and may make grants from its investment capital also. It is the current intention of the Trustees not to restrict themselves to making grants only out of income.
Grant-making policies
The CIO is not restricted on activities or geographical areas. The CIO is willing to receive external applications and may also make one-off grants to undertakings within its charitable objects. Applications should be made to the CIO's registered office. All applications that support the public benefit and are in accordance with the CIO's stated objectives in the UK and abroad will be considered.
Main activities undertaken to further the charity's purposes for the public benefit
The CIO provides assistance by way of grants to a variety of individuals and organisations working both locally in the north east of England and overseas with a particular emphasis on supporting young people and helping them overcome disadvantage.
Achievements and performance
Key performance indicators
The Trustees have regard only to financial performance of the CIO's investments including investment fluctuations. They note that the performance of investments for the year has increased with gains of £543.
The Charity’s investment portfolio is managed by UBS on a full discretionary basis.
The charity has investment income of £5,827 and donations received of £139,147 (including shares donated of £135,847), investment management fees of £735, grants paid or committed of £159,124 and governance and other costs of £7,609. The CIO incurred a deficit in the year of £22,494 before the investment gain, resulting in an overall reduction in funds of £15,601. This is detailed in the statement of financial activities and accompanying notes.
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THE WATSON FAMILY CHARITABLE TRUST
TRUSTEES' REPORT (CONTINUED) FOR THE YEAR ENDED 31 MARCH 2025
Achievements and performance (continued)
Review of activities
The CIO was established in 2015 with a donation of £1 million from Mr Ian Watson, a Trustee. The Board met two times during the period but also corresponded by email and spoke regularly to agree the payment of grants that are the subject of these financial statements. The grants were made to benefit local communities and for humanitarian purposes overseas. These totalled £159,124, and are detailed in note 5 to these financial statements.
Investment policy and performance
The investment objective of the fund is to generate income and capital growth through active management of a diversified portfolio, with a moderate level of risk. Funds held on bank deposit provide absolute liquidity which is very low risk.
Financial review
Going concern
The CIO has cash and investment resources and no requirement for external funding. Almost all the CIO's expenditure is discretionary and only incurred if the CIO has sufficient resources to do so. Therefore, the Trustees have a reasonable expectation that the CIO has adequate resources to continue in operational existence for the foreseeable future.
Reserves policy
The Trustees do not currently intend to adopt a reserves policy as they may decide to expend capital in the short and medium term as they see fit. The CIO does not set itself grant targets as it does not wish to restrict itself in any way to make grants as the Trustees see fit in future periods. Unrestricted reserves at the year end amount to £210,150.
Principal risks and uncertainties
The CIO is open to risks from poor investment performance and ineffective grant-making policies.
Poor investment performance is mitigated by retaining expert investment advisors who maintain a diversified investment portfolio, and who have full discretion to invest to maximise investment return.
Ineffective grant-making policies are mitigated by appointing experienced Trustees to the board who undertake proper due diligence in assessing applications.
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THE WATSON FAMILY CHARITABLE TRUST
TRUSTEES' REPORT (CONTINUED) FOR THE YEAR ENDED 31 MARCH 2025
Structure, governance and management
Methods of appointment or election of Trustees
The management of the CIO is the responsibility of the Trustees who are elected and co-opted under the terms of the Constitution. There must be at least three Trustees and there is no maximum number of Trustees. With the exception of the first Trustees of the CIO (Mr Ian Watson, Mrs Claire Watson and Mr Mark Watson), Trustees are appointed for a three year term and may serve for three consecutive terms.
Trustees will be appointed by the current Board as the need arises, having regard to the skills, knowledge and experience needed for effective administration of the CIO.
Plans for future periods
The Trustees are committed to the continued operation of the CIO. Ian Watson, who made the initial £1m donation to the CIO in 2015, intends to provide further donations to the CIO in future periods, to maintain the CIO's activities.
Statement of Trustees' responsibilities
The Trustees are responsible for preparing the Trustees' Report and the financial statements in accordance with applicable law and United Kingdom Accounting Standards (United Kingdom Generally Accepted Accounting Practice).
The law applicable to charities in England & Wales requires the Trustees to prepare financial statements for each financial which give a true and fair view of the state of affairs of the charitable incorporated organisation and of its incoming resources and application of resources, including its income and expenditure, for that period. In preparing these financial statements, the Trustees are required to:
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select suitable accounting policies and then apply them consistently;
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observe the methods and principles of the Charities SORP (FRS 102);
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make judgments and accounting estimates that are reasonable and prudent;
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state whether applicable UK Accounting Standards (FRS 102) have been followed, subject to any material departures disclosed and explained in the financial statements;
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prepare the financial statements on the going concern basis unless it is inappropriate to presume that the charitable incorporated organisation will continue in business.
The Trustees are responsible for keeping adequate accounting records that are sufficient to show and explain the charitable incorporated organisation's transactions and disclose with reasonable accuracy at any time the financial position of the charitable incorporated organisation and enable them to ensure that the financial statements comply with the Charities Act 2011, the Charity (Accounts and Reports) Regulations 2008 and the provisions of the . They are also responsible for safeguarding the assets of the charitable incorporated organisation and hence for taking reasonable steps for the prevention and detection of fraud and other irregularities.
Approved by order of the members of the board of Trustees and signed on their behalf by:
Mr Ian Watson Chairman Date: 29 January 2026
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THE WATSON FAMILY CHARITABLE TRUST
INDEPENDENT EXAMINER'S REPORT FOR THE YEAR ENDED 31 MARCH 2025
Independent Examiner's Report to the Trustees of The Watson Family Charitable Trust ('the charitable incorporated organisation')
I report to the charity Trustees on my examination of the accounts of the charitable incorporated organisation for the year ended 31 March 2025.
Responsibilities and Basis of Report
As the Trustees of the charitable incorporated organisation you are responsible for the preparation of the accounts in accordance with the requirements of the Charities Act 2011 ('the 2011 Act').
I report in respect of my examination of the charitable incorporated organisation'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 2011 Act.
Independent Examiner's Statement
Your attention is drawn to the fact that the charitable incorporated organisation has prepared the accounts in accordance with 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) in preference to the Accounting and Reporting by Charities: Statement of Recommended Practice issued on 1 April 2005 which is referred to in the extant regulations but has been withdrawn.
I understand that this has been done in order for the accounts to provide a true and fair view in accordance with the Generally Accepted Accounting Practice effective for reporting periods beginning on or after 1 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 respect:
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accounting records were not kept in respect of the charitable incorporated organisation as required by section 130 of the 2011 Act; or
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the accounts do not accord with those records; or
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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.
This report is made solely to the charitable incorporated organisation's Trustees, as a body, in accordance with Part 4 of the Charities (Accounts and Reports) Regulations 2008. My work has been undertaken so that I might state to the charitable incorporated organisation's Trustees those matters I am required to state to them in an Independent Examiner's Report and for no other purpose. To the fullest extent permitted by law, I do not accept or assume responsibility to anyone other than the charitable incorporated organisation and the charitable incorporated organisation's Trustees as a body, for my work or for this report.
Deborah Graham FCA Ryecroft Glenton Chartered Accountants 32 Portland Terrace Jesmond Newcastle upon Tyne, NE2 1QP
29 January 2026
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THE WATSON FAMILY CHARITABLE TRUST
STATEMENT OF FINANCIAL ACTIVITIES FOR THE YEAR ENDED 31 MARCH 2025
| Note Income from: Donations and legacies 2 Investments 3 Total income Expenditure on: Investment management 4 Charitable activities: Grants paid / committed in the year Governance costs Other Travel costs Bank charges Total expenditure Net expenditure before net gains on investments Net gains on investments Net movement in funds Reconciliation of funds: Total funds brought forward Net movement in funds Total funds carried forward |
Unrestricted funds 2025 £ 139,147 5,827 144,974 735 159,124 3,000 1,896 2,652 61 167,468 (22,494) 6,893 (15,601) 225,751 (15,601) 210,150 |
Total funds 2025 £ 139,147 5,827 144,974 735 159,124 3,000 1,896 2,652 61 167,468 (22,494) 6,893 (15,601) 225,751 (15,601) 210,150 |
Total funds 2024 £ - 10,577 10,577 1,272 305,462 2,760 1,559 - 200 311,253 (300,676) 17,533 (283,143) 508,894 (283,143) 225,751 |
|---|---|---|---|
The Statement of Financial Activities includes all gains and losses recognised in the year.
The notes on pages 8 to 17 form part of these financial statements.
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THE WATSON FAMILY CHARITABLE TRUST
BALANCE SHEET AS AT 31 MARCH 2025
| Note Fixed assets Investments 11 Current assets Cash at bank and in hand Current liabilities Creditors: amounts falling due within one year 12 Net current assets / liabilites Total assets less current liabilities Total net assets Charity funds Unrestricted funds 13 Total funds |
15,575 15,575 (5,985) |
2025 £ 200,560 200,560 9,590 210,150 210,150 210,150 210,150 |
21,882 21,882 (39,632) |
2024 £ 243,501 243,501 (17,750) 225,751 225,751 225,751 225,751 |
|---|---|---|---|---|
The financial statements were approved and authorised for issue by the Trustees on 29 January 2026 and signed on their behalf by:
Mr Ian Watson Chairman
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THE WATSON FAMILY CHARITABLE TRUST
NOTES TO THE FINANCIAL STATEMENTS FOR THE YEAR ENDED 31 MARCH 2025
1. Accounting policies
1.1 General Information
The Charitable Incorporated Organisation (CIO) is registered with the Charity Commission for England and Wales, number 1159965.
The CIO is a grant-making charity.
1.2 Basis of preparation of financial statements
The financial statements 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), the Financial Reporting Standard applicable in the UK and Republic of Ireland (FRS 102) and the Charities Act 2011.
The financial statements have been prepared to give a 'true and fair' view and have departed from the Charities (Accounts and Reports) Regulations 2008 only to the extent required to provide a 'true and fair' view. This departure has involved following the Charities SORP (FRS 102) published on 16 July 2014 rather than the Accounting and Reporting by Charities: Statement of Recommended Practice effective from 1 April 2005 which has since been withdrawn.
The Watson Family Charitable Trust meets the definition of a public benefit entity under FRS 102. Assets and liabilities are initially recognised at historical cost or transaction value unless otherwise stated in the relevant accounting policy.
1.3 Going concern
The CIO has cash and investment resources and no requirement for external funding. Almost all the CIO's expenditure is discretionary and only incurred if the CIO has sufficient resources to do so. Therefore, the Trustees have a reasonable expectation that the CIO has adequate resources to continue in operational existence for the foreseeable future. They continue to believe the going concern basis of accounting to be appropriate in preparing these financial statements.
1.4 Income
All income is recognised once the charitable incorporated organisation has entitlement to the income, it is probable that the income will be received and the amount of income receivable can be measured reliably.
Income tax recoverable in relation to donations received under Gift Aid or deeds of covenant is recognised at the time of the donation.
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THE WATSON FAMILY CHARITABLE TRUST
NOTES TO THE FINANCIAL STATEMENTS FOR THE YEAR ENDED 31 MARCH 2025
1. Accounting policies (continued)
1.5 Expenditure
Expenditure is recognised once there is a legal or constructive obligation to transfer economic benefit to a third party, 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 on raising funds includes all expenditure incurred by the charitable incorporated organisation to raise funds for its charitable purposes and includes costs of all fundraising activities events and non-charitable trading.
Expenditure on charitable activities is incurred on directly undertaking the activities which further the charitable incorporated organisation's objectives, as well as any associated support costs.
Grants payable are charged in the year when the offer is made except in those cases where the offer is conditional, such grants being recognised as expenditure when the conditions attaching are fulfilled. Grants offered subject to conditions which have not been met at the year end are noted as a commitment, but not accrued as expenditure.
All expenditure is inclusive of irrecoverable VAT.
1.6 Interest receivable
Interest on funds held on deposit is included when receivable and the amount can be measured reliably by the charitable incorporated organisation; this is normally upon notification of the interest paid or payable by the institution with whom the funds are deposited.
1.7 Investments
Fixed asset investments are a form of financial instrument and are initially recognised at their transaction cost and subsequently measured at fair value at the Balance Sheet date, unless the value cannot be measured reliably in which case it is measured at cost less impairment. Investment gains and losses, whether realised or unrealised, are combined and presented as ‘Gains/(Losses) on investments’ in the Statement of Financial Activities.
1.8 Fund accounting
General funds are unrestricted funds which are available for use at the discretion of the Trustees in furtherance of the general objectives of the charitable incorporated organisation and which have not been designated for other purposes.
Investment income, gains and losses are allocated to the appropriate fund.
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THE WATSON FAMILY CHARITABLE TRUST
NOTES TO THE FINANCIAL STATEMENTS FOR THE YEAR ENDED 31 MARCH 2025
2. Income from donations and legacies
| Unrestricted funds 2025 £ Donations 3,300 Donation of shares 135,847 139,147 |
Total funds 2025 £ 3,300 135,847 139,147 |
Total funds 2024 £ - - - |
|---|---|---|
3. Investment income
| Unrestricted funds 2025 £ Dividends received on investments 5,174 Interest receivable 653 Total 2025 5,827 Unrestricted funds 2024 £ Dividends received on investments 9,717 Interest receivable 860 Total 2024 10,577 |
Total funds 2025 £ 5,174 653 5,827 |
|---|---|
| Total funds 2024 £ 9,717 860 10,577 |
4. Investment management costs
| Unrestricted | Total | |
|---|---|---|
| funds | funds | |
| 2025 | 2025 | |
| £ | £ | |
| Investment management fees | 735 | 735 |
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THE WATSON FAMILY CHARITABLE TRUST
NOTES TO THE FINANCIAL STATEMENTS FOR THE YEAR ENDED 31 MARCH 2025
4. Investment management costs (continued)
| Investment management fees 5. Grants to institutions Grants, Direct costs Grants, Direct costs |
Unrestricted funds 2024 £ 1,272 Grants to Institutions 2025 £ 159,124 Grants to Institutions 2024 £ 305,462 |
Total funds 2024 £ 1,272 |
|---|---|---|
| Total funds 2025 £ 159,124 |
||
| Total funds 2024 £ 305,462 |
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THE WATSON FAMILY CHARITABLE TRUST
NOTES TO THE FINANCIAL STATEMENTS FOR THE YEAR ENDED 31 MARCH 2025
6. Anaysis of grants to institutions
The charitable incorporated organisation has made or committed to the following grants to institutions during the year:
| 2025 | 2024 | |
|---|---|---|
| £ | £ | |
| Name of institution | ||
| Little Sisters of St. Francis (Kenya) | 66,036 | 99,054 |
| Jessica's Sarcoma Awareness | 5,000 | - |
| Hadrian School | 3,000 | - |
| Gosforth Project | 2,000 | 9,739 |
| Recruitment Junction | - | 17,000 |
| Dry Eye Research | - | 17,850 |
| Mikwano Childrens Trust Uganda | 3,000 | - |
| St George's Church Jesmond for the community of Jesmond | 8,469 | 7,687 |
| St George's Church Jesmond | 2,000 | - |
| Whickham School and Sports College | 2,000 | - |
| Gibside school bus | 20,000 | - |
| Jesmond Project | 4,619 | 12,395 |
| World Vision | 12,000 | 101,737 |
| Success 4 All | 5,000 | 10,000 |
| Percy Hedley Foundation | 5,000 | 20,000 |
| Acts 435 | 1,000 | - |
| Clean Slate | 5,000 | 10,000 |
| Community Foundation | 5,000 | - |
| Love Burundi | 3,000 | - |
| Whickham Community Garden | 2,000 | - |
| Providence Home, Uganda | 5,000 | - |
| 159,124 | 305,462 |
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THE WATSON FAMILY CHARITABLE TRUST
NOTES TO THE FINANCIAL STATEMENTS FOR THE YEAR ENDED 31 MARCH 2025
7. Support costs
| Unrestricted funds 2025 £ Accountancy fees - governance 3,000 Travel costs 2,652 Sundry costs 1,896 Bank charges 61 Total 2025 7,609 Unrestricted funds 2024 £ Accountancy fees - governance 2,760 Sundry costs 1,559 Bank charges 200 Total 2024 4,519 |
Total funds 2025 £ 3,000 2,652 1,896 61 7,609 |
|---|---|
| Total funds 2024 £ 2,760 1,559 200 4,519 |
8. Analysis of charitable activities
| Charitable activities Charitable activities |
Grant funding activities 2025 £ 159,124 Grant funding activities 2024 £ 305,462 |
Support costs 2025 £ 4,957 Support costs 2024 £ 4,519 |
Total funds 2025 £ 164,081 |
|---|---|---|---|
| Total funds 2024 £ 309,981 |
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THE WATSON FAMILY CHARITABLE TRUST
NOTES TO THE FINANCIAL STATEMENTS FOR THE YEAR ENDED 31 MARCH 2025
9. Independent examiner's remuneration
| 2025 | 2024 | |
|---|---|---|
| £ | £ | |
| Fees payable to the charitable incorporated organisation's independent | ||
| examiner for the preparation and independent examination of the charitable | ||
| incorporated organisation's annual accounts, inclusive of VAT | 3,000 | 2,760 |
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THE WATSON FAMILY CHARITABLE TRUST
NOTES TO THE FINANCIAL STATEMENTS FOR THE YEAR ENDED 31 MARCH 2025
10. Trustees' remuneration and expenses
During the Year, no Trustees received any remuneration or other benefits (2024 - £NIL) .
During the Year ended 31 March 2025, no Trustee expenses have been incurred (2024 - £NIL) .
11. Fixed asset investments
| Cost or valuation At 1 April 2024 Additions Disposals Revaluations At 31 March 2025 Net book value At 31 March 2025 At 31 March 2024 12. Creditors: Amounts falling due within one year Other creditors Accruals and deferred income |
Listed investments £ 242,425 135,847 (180,853) 543 197,962 197,962 242,425 |
Cash held for re- investment £ 1,076 1,522 - - 2,598 2,598 1,076 2025 £ 2,880 3,105 5,985 |
Total £ 243,501 137,369 (180,853) 543 200,560 200,560 243,501 2024 £ 36,627 3,005 39,632 |
|
|---|---|---|---|---|
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THE WATSON FAMILY CHARITABLE TRUST
NOTES TO THE FINANCIAL STATEMENTS FOR THE YEAR ENDED 31 MARCH 2025
13. Statement of funds
Statement of funds - current year
| Balance at | ||||||
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Balance at 1 | Gains/ | 31 March | ||||
| April 2024 | Income | Expenditure | (Losses) | 2025 | ||
| £ | £ | £ | £ | £ | ||
| Unrestricted funds | ||||||
| General Funds | 225,751 | 144,974 | (167,468) | 6,893 | 210,150 | |
| Statement of funds - prior year | ||||||
| Balance at | ||||||
| Balance at | Gains/ | 31 March | ||||
| 1 April 2023 | Income | Expenditure | (Losses) | 2024 | ||
| £ | £ | £ | £ | £ | ||
| Unrestricted funds | ||||||
| General Funds | 508,894 | 10,577 | (311,253) | 17,533 | 225,751 |
14. Analysis of net assets between funds
Analysis of net assets between funds - current year
| Unrestricted funds 2025 £ Fixed asset investments 200,560 Current assets 15,575 Creditors due within one year (5,985) Total 210,150 |
Total funds 2025 £ 200,560 15,575 (5,985) 210,150 |
|---|---|
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THE WATSON FAMILY CHARITABLE TRUST
NOTES TO THE FINANCIAL STATEMENTS FOR THE YEAR ENDED 31 MARCH 2025
14. Analysis of net assets between funds (continued)
Analysis of net assets between funds - prior year
| Fixed asset investments Current assets Creditors due within one year Total |
Unrestricted funds 2024 £ 243,501 21,882 (39,632) 225,751 |
Total funds 2024 £ 243,501 21,882 (39,632) 225,751 |
|---|---|---|
15. Related party transactions
During the year the charity received a loan from Mr I Watson, a trustee, of £2,880. This loan was repaid after the year end.
The charity was donated shares valued at £135,846 by Mr I Watson, a trustee, on 31 March 2025.
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