**CHARITY NUMBER: 1161190** 

**THE SABRE TRUST** 

**RECEIPTS AND PAYMENTS ACCOUNT FOR THE YEAR ENDED 31 MARCH 2021** 



## **THE SABRE TRUST** 

Charity Registration Number: 1161190 

## **TRUSTEES** 

Mrs Phillipa Farmer Mr Kevin Masters Miss Vivien Mills Ms Katrin Moon Mr John Chambers Mr Kenneth Jamieson Mr William Porter 

## **INDEPENDENT EXAMINER** 

Simon Webber BA DChA FCA , Kreston Reeves LLP, 9 Donnington Park, 85 Birdham Road, Chichester, West Sussex, PO20 7AJ 

## **BANKERS** 

Santander UK PLC, 15 North Street, Chichester, West Sussex, PO19 1LB 



## **THE SABRE TRUST** 

## **ANNUAL REPORT AND UNAUDITED ACCOUNTS** 

## **FOR THE YEAR ENDED 31 MARCH 2021** 

||PAGE|
|---|---|
|Trustees' Report|1-4|
|Independent Examiner's Report|5|
|Receipts and Payments Account|6|
|Statement of Assets and Liabilities|7|





## **THE SABRE TRUST** 

## **TRUSTEES' REPORT** 

## **FOR THE PERIOD ENDED 31 MARCH 2021** 

The Trustees present their report and examined financial statements of the charity for the year ended 31 March 2021. The trustees have adopted the provisions of the Statement of Recommended Practice (SORP) “Accounting and Reporting by Charities” (FRS 102) in preparing the annual report and financial statements of the charity. 

The financial statements have been prepared in accordance with the accounting policies set out in the notes to the accounts and comply with the charity’s governing document, The Charity’s Act 2011 and 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 published on 16 July 2014, as amended by Bulletin 1. 

## **Reference and administrative details** 

The Sabre Trust is a Charitable Incorporated Organisation, and its registration with the Charity Commission under number 1161190 was approved on 7th April 2015. The company registration number is CE003857. 

The trustees acting during the year were: Mrs Phillipa Farmer (Chair) Mr Kevin Masters (Treasurer) Miss Vivien Mills Ms Katrin Moon Mr Ken Jamieson Mr John Chambers Mr William Porter 

## **Structure, governance and management** 

The governing document of the Trust is a Constitution and the governing body is made up of seven Trustees, who are the only voting members of the organisation. 

The six original Trustees were hand-picked by the Founding Trustee, based on her knowledge of each individual through their work together as volunteers for the Prince’s Trust. Three new Trustees were appointed by the Board in accordance with the Constitution. Six of the Trustees perform the task of assessing the grant applications. The purpose of selecting the Trustees is to provide an unbiased and independent assessment of each applicant for funds. This process ensures fairness and openness. The assessors check the integrity of each application but also add value to the process by using their years of experience dealing with young people to make suggestions or offering other support to the applicants. All applications are discussed at regular meetings, when decisions are made about which applications should be approved and for how much. 

When the need arises alternative or additional trustees will be appointed in accordance with the Constitution. New Trustees will be appointed by a vote at a Board meeting. Trustees will be sought to add value by their skill base and knowledge. A Member of the Executive Committee wishing to resign during the term of their appointment could do so by notifying the Secretary in writing, and their resignation took effect from the date their resignation was received by the Secretary. In the event of a casual vacancy among the Honorary Officers or Additional Members of the Executive Committee, the Executive Committee could appoint another eligible person to act for an appropriate period but not beyond the next Annual General Meeting. 

1 



## **THE SABRE TRUST** 

## **TRUSTEES' REPORT** 

## **FOR THE PERIOD ENDED 31 MARCH 2021** 

## **Objectives and activities** 

The objects of the CIO are, for the public benefit, the advancement of amateur sport, in particular, but not exclusively, by providing funds to assist disabled athletes to participate, coach and train in the sport of wheelchair fencing. 

## Our Vision 

The Sabre Trust’s mission is to help disabled persons to access a positive fencing experience and so enhance their quality of life. 

## Our Culture and Values 

We have recognised that in order to achieve our vision we must continually improve the way we communicate with the disabled community using a variety of means. 

The Sabre Trust is a registered charity, and our volunteer network is critical to our success in all we do. Our goals and vision are set out above and below. We are clear that we need to engage with:- 

## •Disabled people who are currently engaged in fencing; 

•Disabled people who would like to fence. 

- •Disabled people who would like to be involved in fencing as a coach or official; 

## And our stakeholder are:- 

•British Fencing and British Disability Fencing; 

- •Any sponsors we may have; 

- •our celebrity supporters; 

•our suppliers. 

The principles apply to each and all of the above. Inevitably there may be differences of approach to and for the specific groups identified, but they are all of major importance to The Sabre Trust. 

## Our Mission 

We will always be “people centered” concentrating our efforts and resources where we think we can make a significant difference. We are committed to the values of honesty, integrity and helpfulness. 

We recognise we live in an increasingly diverse society and will endeavor wherever practical to carry out Grant Application assessments in a manner so as not to disadvantage through socio economic backgrounds. 

We have as a primary focus, disabled people interested in fencing, so have a duty of care to make reasonable adjustments to the way we communicate so that people with all disabilities are able to access the organization through the Grant Application process. We are also committed to sharing information that is within our knowledge regarding aspects of daily life that may benefit the disabled people we deal with. 

The way we relate to one another, with key partners and the wider community, will be characterised by a respect for the views of others and the integrity of our approach. We will treat people with fairness and equality at all times. 

## Public Benefit Statement 

The Trustees confirm that they have referred to the guidance contained in the Charity Commission’s guidance on public benefit when reviewing the Trust’s aims and objectives and in planning future activities 

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## **THE SABRE TRUST** 

## **TRUSTEES' REPORT** 

## **FOR THE PERIOD ENDED 31 MARCH 2021** 

## **Achievements and performance** 

In March 2020 the Government was forced to declare a pandemic and all services and facilities, businesses, schools, education and sports facilities were forced to close their doors to visitors and to people wishing to undertake business or leisure activities. The lockdown continued in various stages until July 2021, so all the activities of British Disability Fencing and British Fencing, such as competitions, training camps and visits were postponed until further notice. During the lockdown, contact was maintained with disabled fencers via video link and through emails and phone calls. 

Some contact was maintained with the spinal injury units via the charity Spinal Injuries Association, which ran a series of online “coffee lounge” sessions on a Wednesday. Numerous organisations connected to sport and leisure, ran workshops which were attended by representatives of The Sabre Trust. 

The lockdown period was also used to improve administrative practices and to enhance links with, and influence through government departments, such as DCMS. The process was particularly useful in pursuing an issue of discrimination against disabled pupils at secondary schools, whereby the list of included sports for pupils studying the GCSE and A level PE is disproportionately favoured towards non-disabled pupils, who can choose three sports from a list of fifty-two, whereas the disabled pupil chooses three sports from a list of eight. Fencing and wheelchair fencing are sports excluded from both lists. 

## The matter is still ongoing 

For the fun fencers and those wishing to start the sport, there were unfortunately no opportunities to provide any activity. All the training camps had to be cancelled, as were the competitions. 

For the elite athletes, under certain conditions they were permitted to recommence training in certain specific locations, from the beginning of July 2020. Although not ideal, it provided some opportunities for training, albeit, not full contact, and activity at a distance, but not sparring. The training was only available to elite athletes, so those lower down the Pathway and wanting to improve their skills were not included in training sessions. 

There was, however an opportunity for the wider fencing audience to learn about disability fencing through a series of virtual workshops organized and conducted by the international federation (IWAS) 

There were also awards from British Fencing for the top wheelchair fencer of the year, a former recipient of a grant from this Charity, and for the Founder of The Sabre Trust and BDF Secretary, the award of British Fencing’s Volunteer of the Year, and also England Fencing’s award of the Gold Medal for services to England Fencing. 

## Marketing and Communications 

We have improved our website and produced a newsletter (Cut and Thrust). Most recently we have produced a sequel children’s book (Wheelchair Musketeers: Pret) which is being prepared for publication. We are committed to meeting the needs of customers in a professional manner and we have developed a Customer Charter to show that commitment. 

## Engaging our Partners and Stakeholders 

The Sabre Trust has worked alongside a number of stakeholders in an effective manner, and will continue to do so to deliver this plan over the next year. We continue to work closely with British Fencing and British Disability Fencing. 

3 



## **THE SABRE TRUST** 

## **TRUSTEES' REPORT** 

## **FOR THE PERIOD ENDED 31 MARCH 2021** 

## **Financial review** 

Income for the year amounted to £5,989, an increase of around £3,657 on the previous twelve-month period. The main source of income during the year was donations £5,989 

Expenditure for the year amounted to £4,476, a decrease of around £870 on the previous twelve-month period. This resulted in a profit for the year of £1,513. 

The Trustees established that funds would remain capped at £500 per person for this financial year.  The figure will be reviewed at the beginning of the next financial year, because of the need for the athletes qualified for the Tokyo Paralympics to increase their training nearer to the competition, and the need to renew and or upgrade their equipment. 

## **Reserves Policy** 

The executive committee will confirm and review on an annual basis the policy in respect of the reserves held by The Sabre Trust and to ensure that these are normally maintained at a minimum level equivalent to the essential activities of the organisation for a minimum three months, should all other income, including but not limited to: grants, donations and sponsorship fail to materialise. The trustees believe that the level of free reserves is necessary in order to safeguard the future of the charity. The trustees aim to keep at least one year’s average general expenditure, equivalent to around £5,000. 

## **Plans for the future** 

1. To review the objects of the charity following the decision by the International Wheelchair and Amputee Sports Federation (IWAS) to change the name of the sport from wheelchair fencing to Para Fencing, thereby enabling athletes with a visual impairment to partake in a form of fencing. 

2. Increase the available resources to assist people with all disabilities who would like to take up the sport of fencing. 

3. Secure funds to help pay for new wheelchairs for talented athletes who want to become international wheelchair fencers. 

4. Improve the IT for the charity, - the website, e-Newsletters and GDPR compliant emails. 

5. Improve communication to the disabled community via e-Newsletters and the book. 

6. To help and support several visually impaired fencers who have approached The Sabre Trust for assistance. 

Approved by the Trustees and signed on their behalf by: 

## **Miss Vivien Mills** 

**Date:** 

4 



## **INDEPENDENT EXAMINER'S REPORT** 

## **TO THE TRUSTEES OF THE SABRE TRUST** 

I report to the charity's Trustees on the examination of the accounts of the charity for the year ended 31 March 2021 which are set out on pages 4 to 5. 

## **Respective responsibilities of trustees and examiner** 

The charity’s Trustees are responsible for the preparation of the accounts.  The charity’s Trustees consider that an audit is not required for this year under section 144(2) of the Charities Act 2011 (the 2011 Act) and that an independent examination is needed. 

It is my responsibility to: 

- examine the accounts under section 145 of the 2011 Act; 

- follow the procedures laid down in the general Directions given by the Charity Commission under section 145(5)(b) of the 2011 Act; and 

- state whether particular matters have come to my attention. 

## **Basis of independent examiner's statement** 

My examination was carried out in accordance with general Directions given by the Charity Commission.  An examination includes a review of the accounting records kept by the charity and a comparison of the accounts presented with those records.  It also includes consideration of any unusual items or disclosures in the accounts, and seeking explanations from you as trustees concerning any such matters.  The procedures undertaken do not provide all the evidence that would be required in an audit, and consequently no opinion is given as to whether the accounts present a “true and fair view” and the report is limited to those matters set out in the statement below. 

## **Independent examiner's statement** 

In connection with my examination, no material matters have come to my attention: 

1. which gives me reasonable cause to believe that, in any material respect, the requirements: 

   - to keep accounting records in accordance with section 130 of the 2011 Act; and 

   - to prepare accounts which accord with the accounting records 

have not been met; or 

2. to which, in my opinion, attention should be drawn in order to enable a proper understanding of the accounts to be reached. 

**Simon Webber BA DChA FCA Kreston Reeves LLP 9 Donnington Park 85 Birdham Road Chichester West Sussex PO20 7AJ** 

**Date:** 

5 



## **THE SABRE TRUST** 

## **RECEIPTS AND PAYMENTS ACCOUNT** 

## **FOR THE YEAR ENDED 31 MARCH 2021** 

|**2021**<br>**Unrestricted**<br>**Total**<br>**Funds**<br>**Funds**<br>**£**<br>**£**<br>**RECEIPTS**<br>Donations<br>5,989<br>5,989<br>**Total receipts**<br>5,989<br>5,989<br>**PAYMENTS**<br>Grants made<br>3,300<br>3,300<br>Insurance<br>-<br>-<br>Just giving charges<br>216<br>216<br>Subscriptions<br>-<br>-<br>Legal and professional fees<br>960<br>960<br>**Total payments**<br>4,476<br>4,476<br>**Net (payments)/receipts**<br>1,513<br>1,513<br>Cash and bank deposits at 1 April 2020<br>7,363<br>7,363<br>Cash and bank deposits at 31 March 2021<br>8,876<br>8,876<br>Income for the year amounted to donations of £6,938 and a total of £4,549 was paid in grants to individuals. The<br>**Reconciliation of funds:**<br>**Total funds brought forward**<br>**7,363**<br>**7,363**<br>**Net (payments)/receipts**<br>**1,513**<br>**1,513**<br>**Total funds carried forward**<br>**8,876**<br>**8,876**|2020<br>Total<br>Funds<br>£<br>2,332|
|---|---|
||2,332|
||3,435<br>291<br>216<br>216<br>1,188|
||5,346|
||(3,014)<br>10,377|
||7,363|
||Trust made a<br>10,377<br>(3,014)|
||7,363|



The Sabre Trust has not acquired or discontinued any fundamental activities during the above financial year. The Charity has no recognised gains and losses other than those included in the above Receipts and Payments Account. Therefore no separate statement of total recognised gains and losses is needed. 

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## **THE SABRE TRUST** 

## **STATEMENT OF ASSETS AND LIABILITIES** 

## **AT 31 MARCH 2021** 

|**ASSETS**<br>Current Account<br>**REPRESENTED BY**<br>General Fund<br>Restricted Fund<br>**MOVEMENT OF FUNDS**<br>Balance at 1 April 2020<br>Excess of receipts over payments<br>Transfer of funds<br>Balance at 31 March 2021||**2021**<br>**£**<br>**8,876**<br>**8,876**<br>**8,876**<br>**-**<br>**8,876**<br>**7,363**<br>**1,513**<br>**-**<br>**8,876**|2020<br>£<br>7,363|
|---|---|---|---|
||||7,363|
||||7,363<br>-|
||||7,363|
||||10,377<br>(3,014<br>-|
||||7,363|



These accounts were approved by the Trustees on ………………………… and signed on its behalf by: 

## **Miss Vivien Mills Trustee** 

7 

