2023-03-31-accounts

MATLOCK CIVIC ASSOCIATION

TRUSTEES’ ANNUAL REPORT FOR FINANCIAL YEAR April 2022–March 2023 (extended to September 2023)

MCA had another busy year on projects, on planning applications and many other matters. We continued to meet almost every month, although average numbers were still down post-Covid and attendance averaged 9 members per meeting. However I am pleased to report that membership remains at 21 full members and 6 friends. Sadly we have to record the passing in June 2022 of Tottie Holden - a founder member and stalwart of MCA over very many years. As far as Trustees are concerned Jerry Drew resigned as a Trustee and member following ill health, whilst Dave Puxley, our new Treasurer, produced his first set of Accounts, which continued to be very healthy. In the light of increasing interest rates, Dave reviewed, and with approval, implemented our investments which are set out in the separate financial report. Ken Parker, Richard Walker, David Smith and Tony Symes continue as Trustees with Dave Puxley our newest Trustee.

A major project was the enhancement of the War Memorial Stone in Hall Leys Park by the addition of four powder-coated steel black cut out figures representing each of the three services and the Women`s Voluntary Service together with a plaque explaining the ‘Together’ theme. The scheme was supported by a whole range of organisations and was officially recognised at the 2022 Remembrance Ceremony. It was funded by the bequest from David Barker, who was a founder member of MCA and a great supporter of the Service Organisations – so a very appropriate first use of his Bequest.

After years of slow progress, Kens dormant Ashtons Tree project suddenly took off with funding from the Environment Agency. It was unveiled in March 23 as the Queen`s Oak and sits on a much improved island triangle complete with grassed area and, of course, obligatory plaque. Local resident Ian Grant (a Friend of MCA) has taken on the grass cutting on behalf of the Town Council while the completed scheme has been adopted by the County Council.

Richard devised and designed the 48 page ‘Jitties of Matlock’ Booklet (no.3) of five walking trails with detailed directions, relevant information and an enclosed large map. 400 copies were printed and will retail at £5 each. Richard organises the distribution of the booklets and a very successful early take up meant a second edition of 200 copies have been printed. Richard presented the whole project at the 2022 AGM. Whilst we have retained a small number of Trail Booklets 1 and 2, slow sales meant that the vast majority have been passed to Highfields school for project purposes.

With so many parties involved, the Station (ugly) Footbridge Project has regrettably been dragging on for years and has now been taken over by Ken. Chris Addison has been selected as a new supplier of the large locomotive cut out and associated lectern/plaque after competitive quotes including Twiggs. The conditions attached to the necessary licences and approvals are now resolved. Details of the information plaque are being finalised and planters (which will be supplied by TDP of Wirksworth to match other recently installed planters in the town) have also been agreed. We look forward to implementation of this complex project in the reasonably near future.

There has been no further progress on the Smedley Memorial Hydro-Heritage feature proposed for Park Head, or the proposed East Bank Trail to Matlock Bath, or on the proposed viewpoint at Artists’ Corner. In all these cases the difficulty of securing Local Authority commitment to take ownership of a completed project implemented by MCA is proving difficult to overcome at a time of severe pressure on Local Authority resources.

In a very welcome development MCA have been specifically consulted on applications for both the large Hall Dale Quarry scheme and the former RBS bank. The development of Hall Dale Quarry has been approved in outline for years, but MCA, led by Richard, have made extensive comments on design etc. on the new detailed proposals for this site. Similarly on the RBS conversion to apartments we have been involved in detailed discussions with the Architect.

We initially opposed the application for 75 dwellings off Quarry Lane as it was a greenfield site, but once outline approval was given we then commented on design, layout and materials. The large scheme at Gritstone Road is still under consideration and we continue to object as it is a greenfield site and also has major drainage and traffic issues.

Thanks to Peter Wild we are pleased to report that four more blue plaques have been commissioned, in this case all for former hydros, with others under consideration. Ken and Tony have continued to represent MCA on Matlock Community Vision seeking a redevelopment of the Bakewell Road site, but due to substantial post-Covid cost pressures the scheme has been diluted to a two-screen cinema and a food and beverage unit and as yet several rounds of tendering have not produced a quote within budget. Additionally Ken has been in discussion with the Environment Agency on the detail of their Riverside Flood Wall Rebuilding project and has secured significant improvements. However he was unable to achieve the creation of a new public viewpoint (apparently for legal reasons the Agency could not secure the necessary agreements from the neighbouring properties – an opportunity lost). A big thank-you to Brian Wood for auditing the Accounts and for organising cleaning of the mural on national Civic Day in June. Also to Dave Puxley for continuing to maintain the MCA website which now includes a selection of old postcards donated to the Association.

The administration of Charity Commission reporting, renewal of insurance etc continued as usual.

Behind almost all these activities Ken has produced report after report, ably assisted by Richard and David, of detailed information and recommendations plus of course producing regular minutes. We are very grateful to Ken as he continues to be the mainstay of our organisation. Finally thanks to those members who are able to, and do, attend our monthly meetings and to all our other Members and Friends for their continued support.

Drafted by Tony Symes (Chaiman MCA). Revised by Trustees on 18 Oct 2023.

Approved at AGM 13 Nov2023

MCA1487A

– ACCOUNTS FOR MATLOCK CIVIC ASSOCIATION FOR 1.4.2022 31.3.2023

OPENING BALANCE AS AT 1.4.2022
Melton Building Society		£84283.90
Mansfeld Building Society		£84509.56
HSBC Bank Account		£38363.12
Pety Cash		£ 148.29
		__
TOTAL OPENING BALANCE		£207304.87
INCOME FOR 1.4.2022–31.3.2023
Membership / donatons		£ 470.00
Friends membership		£ 60.00
Bank refund		£ 40.00
Old trails booklet sales		£ 80.00
Jity booklet sales		£ 982.00
Rail artwork contributons		£ 2000.00
Building Society interest		£ 1207.00
		__
TOTAL INCOME		£ 4839.50
		__
EXPENDITURE FOR 1.4.2022–31.3.2023
Bank charges		£ 68.40
Sundry expenses (web site, wreath, CV membership)		£ 102.50
Insurance		£ 158.68
Jity trail booklet producton		£ 2970.53
War memorial artwork		£ 11443.60
Rail footbridge artwork		£ 255.30
Informaton boards		£ 108.30
		__
TOTAL EXPENDITURE		£ 15107.31
DIFFERENCE (between income & expenditure)	-	£ 10267.81
CLOSING BALANCE AT 31.3.2023		£197037.06
FUNDS AT 31.3.2023
Melton Building Society		£ 84494.61
Mansfeld Building Society		£ 85505.85
HSBC Bank Account		£ 25353.81
Lloyds Bank Account		£ 1622.79
Pety Cash		£ 60.00
TOTAL FUNDS AT 31.3.2023		£197037.06

Prepared by D. Puxley Audited by B. Wood 18.05.2023 Approved by A.G.M 13.11.23 MCA1493A

Explanatory Notes (added since audit)

1. The annual running expenses of MCA, largely made up of insurance, bank charges (latter should largely disappear in the next financial year), remembrance wreath, website domain and Civic Voice membership) are more than matched by membership fees. Therefore, there is no need to dip into savings (or any of the David Barker bequest) to subsidise these. Neither is there any need to increase membership fees.

2. The major projects this year have been the War Memorial Artwork, which was entirely financed by the bequest and the Jitty Trail booklet & Map. The latter ran at a slight loss but proved very popular and has gone into a second print run. The small shortfall was financed from MCA funds.

3. In view of the major positive impact that the David Barker bequest has had upon MCA funds, we have decided to keep a running account to show how that money has been / will be used to the benefit of the people of Matlock.

David Barker Bequest

Total monies received by MCA from estate administrator £193,213.25 (as per estate accounts from Lovedays) War Memorial Artwork project - £11,443-60

TOTAL REMAINING £181, 769.65

Brian Wood Amberley 298 Smedley Street Matlock DE4 3LH Tel.. [phone] E Mail.. brian.wood500 btinternet.com D Puxley Hon Treasurer - Matlock Civic Association 29 Cavendish Road Matlock t)E4 3J8 th 18 May 2023 Dear Dave Matlo¢k Civic Association Accounts 01.04.2022 - 31.03.2023 r conf irm that the Independent Examination of the Income and Expenditure accounting records presented to me agreed with the Bank Re¢onciliatlQh for the period 01.04.2022 - 31.03.2023 in the sum of £197037.06. A signed copy of the Examiners Report to the Trustees is enclosed. Yours sincerely Brian Wood

Examiner's Report to the Trustees of the MATLOCK CIVIC ASSOCIATION- CHARITY NO 1161566 I report on the accounts of the Charity for the year ended 31 March 2023. Respective responsibilities of trustees and examiner As the char((y's trustees you are responsible for the preparation of the accounts, you consider that the audit requirement of Section 43121 of tho Ch8rilie$ Act 1993 Ilhe Act) does not apply. It is my responsibility lo examine the accounts under Section 43131 of the Act and lo slate. on the basis of procedures specified in the General Directions given by the Charity Commissioners under Section 43171 Ibl of the Act, whether particular matters have come lo my attention. Basis of examinerfs report My examination was carried out in accordance with the General Directions given by the Charity Commissioners. 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 consideratlDn of any unusual items or disclosures in the accounts, and seeking explanations from you as trustees concerning any such matters. The prO￿dureS undertaken do not provide all the eviden￿ that would be required in an audit, and consequently I do not express an audit opinion on the view given by the accokn'nls. Independent Examinerfs statement In connection wth my examination, no matter has come lo my attention.. 1. which gives me reasonable cause to believe that in any material respect the requirements lo keep accounting words in a¢¢ordance wth Section 41 of the Act and lo prepare accounts which accord with the accounting records and lo comply with the accounting requirements of the Act have not been met, or 2. to which, in my opinion, attention should be drawn in order lo enable a proper understanding of the accounts to be reached. (Signed) (Brian W¢x)d I Qualrficatiofi". D.M.A. Address.. Amberley, 298 Smedley Street. Mallock, DE4 3LH 18.05.2023 Date..