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2021-07-31-accounts

York & District LGBT Forum

Charitable Incorporated Organisation (Charity Number: 1162234)

Trustees Annual Report & Financial Statements for the year ended

31st July 2021

Charity accounts preparation & independent examination service

York & District LGBT Forum

Contents
Index Page
Trustees annual report 1
Independent examiner's report 5
Receipts & payments accounts 6
Statement of assets and liabilities 7
Notes to the accounts 8

Trustees' Annual Report

From: 01/08/2020 Charity's full name Registered Charity number 1162234

To: 31/07/2021

York LGBT Forum

Objectives and activities

Summary of the purposes of the charity set out in its governing document

  1. To promote equality and diversity for the public benefit by:

  2. The elimination of discrimination in relation to lesbian, gay, bisexual, trans, intersex, queer, questioning (LGBT) and allies and associates living within the city of York and its environs;

  3. Challenging homophobia, biphobia, transphobia, or any associated negative attitudes and behaviour within society;

  4. Working with partners and organisations, public and private, in developing initiatives that will enhance and safeguard LGBT people’s lives, ensuring their inclusion in all aspects of life, and that their human rights are protected; and by

– Advancing education, raising awareness and promoting a culture based on equality and diversity.

  1. To promote social inclusion for the public benefit by preventing lesbian, gay, bisexual, trans, intersex, queer, questioning people (LGBT) and allies and associates from being socially excluded from society on the grounds of sexual orientation and gender identity; and

  2. To further any other purpose which is charitable according to the law of England and Wales for the public benefit as the trustees see fit from time to time.

These aims and objectives are achieved in a number of ways, including through casework, advocacy, policy and advisory work, mapping local crime analysis, training, projects, outreach and through schools and education.

The Forum believes that where barriers exist, there is inequality!

The diversity within the LGBT community enriches all aspects of life and should be encouraged and promoted. This is why the York LGBT Forum strives to improve the social inclusion of LGBT people in the area.

The Forum actively promotes awareness and understanding of LGBT people’s needs to enable full participation in society and works with many others to reduce the fear of crime and bullying, particularly in schools. It also encourages greater participation in the prevention and detection of homophobic, transphobic and biphobic discrimination.

Summary of the main activities in relation to those purposes for the public benefit, in particular, the activities, projects or services identified in the accounts

Changes in structure

This year we reviewed our current structure and the membership decided that we would look at creating two overarching themes. These two themes are Community Outreach and Communities of Identity. One of the main reasons for this change was that although the subgroup coordinator format worked when the York LGBT Forum was small, since its growth it has been hard to manage this aspect of the organisation. This new structure will help to streamline our activities and we hope there will be less pressure on individual volunteers to deliver on these projects. Additionally, we are working hard to increase our freelance pool of workers as we recognise that certain areas of the Forum are too demanding for volunteers to manage Eventually we wish to employ the following: Chief Executive, Administrator, Activities and Volunteer Coordinator and a Finance Officer.

COMMUNITY OUTREACH

1 to 1 support

During a year of unprecedented pressures on the mental health of us all, this has particularly taken its toll on those who were already struggling. Whilst some of our members have actually coped better with time alone and away from the business of public spaces and the necessity to socialise, many have found the time of enforced isolation to be an unhealthy time to dwell on one’s own thoughts. For others, it was a time when they were forced to be ‘shut away’ with families who were either hostile towards them, ignored them or simply didn’t know how to cope, often with matters relating to gender and sexuality. During the past 12 months we have vastly increased our level of one-to-one support, sometimes helping members through times of emergency (to find safe housing, counselling or mental health support), but more often just being someone who was ‘there’ when they needed someone to reach out to.

Some of our support has gone the extra mile (quite literally) to deliver essential items or collect medication and, during December and January, we were able to post out weekly ‘pick-me-up’ packs to some of our more isolated members and those who we hadn’t been able to reach via the regular online events. We are proud of all our team of volunteers, not just those whose role was designated to provide this support, but to the countless (often unseen) peers who simply noticed someone in need and responded accordingly – together, we are an amazing community.

Vocal 1 to 1s

We have continued to deliver vocal 1 to1s, virtually, throughout lockdown. These have had a significant impact on participants, most notably on the work we have done on vocal dysphoria. This work will be included in future funding applications.

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Archives

The York LGBTQ+ Archives project was created following the AGM in October 2020 to ensure the preservation of material important to the community in York. A partnership has been formed between the Forum and Explore York Archives to create a LGBTQ+ archive which can house material from the Forum, as well as from other local LGBT organisations and community members. In the future we hope to run activities with Explore York to enable Forum members to engage with archives and York’s LGBT past.

Gallery

The Forum has partnered with York Art Gallery on the Queering the Gallery project which aims to broaden the stories being told in the gallery’s collections to improve LGBTQ+ visibility, inclusion, and engagement. Working with Creative Learning Producer, Sas Yates, as well as staff from York Museums Trust, members of the Forum are providing critical input to support the gallery in sensitively and meaningfully diversifying its collections and audiences in the build-up to its exhibition on the Bloomsbury Group in 2022.

Forum members are helping to create new gallery labels which better reflect the queer themes portrayed in the gallery’s works, as well as the diverse genders and sexualities of its collectors, artists, and craftspeople. Events and workshops hosted as part of this project throughout the remainder of 2021 and into 2022 will provide opportunities for members of the LGBTQ+ community in York to engage with arts and heritage.

Queer Arts and Choir

During the COVID-19 lockdown QueerArts has managed and delivered virtual creative projects within York and across the UK. These have included the following courses: Queerful Xmas Carolling, Queerful Xmas Strings, Guitar for Beginners, Music Theory and Poetry 101. The most successful out of these were the Xmas courses which averaged around 10 participants per session. We also produced a music video with Colours of the Rainbow choir that featured Divina De Campo, a leading UK drag queen as seen on Ru Paul’s Drag Race UK season one. The video reached over 14,000 views on our social media platform as well as being featured in local newspapers. Finally, we also continued the choir until the end of June, virtually, weekly which has now been put on hold until we get back to face-to-face delivery. We have an anticipated September date where we will resume the choir. The choir has now become one of York LGBT Forum’s core projects with the recognition of the reach and impact that this group has on its members as well as the wider community in York and across the UK. The choir is also planned to be included in a publication due for release in 2022. It was agreed by the board of Trustees that QueerArts would separate out into its own entity. QueerArts will be set up as a community interest company (CIC) where Colours of the Rainbow choir will be delivered in partnership with York LGBT Forum.

Coffee Socials

Our coffee socials have been online owing to the pandemic. We have worked with over 80 different individuals, with an average attendance of 15. It should be noted we also hosted a coffee social on Christmas Day and Boxing Day. This was very much welcomed by those who do not have a family. The coffee socials in York and Northallerton both focus on wellbeing and confidence building. We were lucky to be funded by the following: JRHT, Hambleton District Council, Broadacres and National Lottery.

Additionally, we are working with the Lunar Café (York’s first LGBTQ+ Café) and Yorkshire Mesmac to bring back our groups face to face.

Northallerton and North Yorkshire

Like many of our groups this past year, this has been greatly impacted by the pandemic. All monthly sessions have taken place via zoom on the second Monday evening of each month throughout the year. This has had both benefits and disadvantages: the disadvantage of not being able to join together in person, but the benefit of supporting the Northallerton LGBTQ+ members in linking with the wider online community across York and North Yorkshire. Numbers remained static during the majority of the lockdown but have reduced somewhat since the restrictions have eased. It is our intention to explore a return to live meetings as soon as we are able as this is a smaller and localised group with a greater option of venues in Northallerton to choose from.

Hate Crime

Hate Crime is increasing in York especially transphobia. We are members of the Police Independent Advisory Group (IAG) and we have been asked if the York LGBT Forum would like to become a hate crime reporting centre. At this time, we cannot commit as we need more people to help us with this project.

Social Media

Our social media was more important than ever this year owing to the pandemic. Meetup 609 members (increase from 554) Instagram 788 followers (increase from 482) Facebook 2759 page likes (increase from 2221) Twitter 2510 followers (increase from 2411) Total: 6,666

Training

Jake and Neil delivered a LGBTQ+ awareness training session to the North Yorkshire County Council’s Dementia and Autism social care team. From this, Jake was asked to help the council to create an e-learning package based on this training. This has now been successful and is used by all social care staff in North Yorkshire!

Mental Health

This year we have really struggled to deliver on our partnership with the mental health peer support group. This was owing to Covid-19 and the group struggling to adjust to online services.

Mental Health has been a rising issue within our membership and many of our new members also report having mental ill-health. Most of this additional need has been covered by 1 to 1 work by our freelance workers, as well as key volunteers and trustees. In the middle of the pandemic we had 14 members on one day saying they were struggling with their mental health.

We highlighted December and January as two months where mental health can worsen. One of our projects was to deliver care kits. We supported 15 people over this period including one person in hospital.

We still attend and take part in City of York Council’s Suicide Prevention, York Mental Health Forum and the Multiple Complex Needs

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COMMUNITIES OF IDENTITY

Bisexual

During the pandemic we had to stop our Bi Socials but we are looking to start these again probably later in the year. Children and Young People

This work was put on hold during the COVID-19 pandemic. We did, however, receive funding to have one of our service providers act as a System Representative on a panel commissioned by Two Ridings. The intent of this work was to act as a voice for LGBTQ+ young people and help tackle multiple and intersectional disadvantage currently faced by young people. This work has been named ‘Together with Young People’ and will be officially launched in September. Disabled

This year we wanted to focus on the Forum becoming more accessible. We were lucky to have a volunteer who helped and guided us on our projects. We have also supported the York Disability Rights Forum as we are increasingly concerned about disabled people’s rights in York especially around access to the city centre. Interfaith

Following the success of our LGBTQ+ People of Faith event for LGBT History Month in February 2020, we managed to secure funding from LGBT Consortium’s Intersection Fund to enable us to establish our support network for the faith community of York and North Yorkshire. We oversee the Yorkshire LGBTQ+ People of Faith group on Facebook and currently have 113 members from a wide section of the local faith community. Through this group we have run bi-monthly events via zoom throughout the past 12 months, including linking with the national LGBTQ+ People of Faith event in May and hosting the Interfaith discussions around LGBT literature as part of Leeds LGBT Literature Festival in early July.

The zoom sessions have incorporated guest speakers from varying faith groups, included interfaith meditative reflections and helped to connect isolated LGBTQ+ people from Muslim, Jewish, Pagan, Christian, Buddhist, Sikh and Hindu backgrounds. Our Christian representation has included Church of England, Methodist, Catholic, Quaker, Jehovah’s Witness and Mormon people and some in-depth support and encouragement has been administered for individuals who carry much hurt from their own previous experiences. Through this group, we have worked with All Saints Church in Northallerton to help establish North Yorkshire’s first Open Table LGBT Christian worship which takes place on the first Thursday evening of each month in Northallerton.

International

We have become increasingly concerned about LGBTQ+ rights across the world. This coupled with our own government’s stance on asylum has made us alarmed for LGBTQ+ asylum seekers. We have written letters and supported our partners Time to be Out in lobbying for changes on asylum.

We continue to support projects in Kenya, Uganda and Nepal. Jake has also been in contact with LGBTQ+ people in Poland.

Older People

Free to be Me in Care

Training remains freely accessible on the Forum website.

There have been no bookings between August 2020 and July 2021 with Covid-19 taking such a toll on care homes. Our hearts go out to all the staff and residents we have engaged with over past years.

Free to be Me in the Workplace

LGBT awareness training of a similar nature is being covered by working-age members of the Forum – eg Jodi M Burn and Jake Furby. Opening the Closet Door on Dementia.

This is a new 90-minute awareness-raising presentation on dementia and how it affects LGBT individuals. Neil Cutler shares how dementia affected his long-time partner and how they coped until his death. Sue Lister and Ann Murray tell the story of a lesbian in a care home (Paper Bag People) and provide the opportunity for staff to talk to her in order to gain her trust – will she feel able to remove her paper bag mask? Dying Matters Week 14 May 21 on Zoom – 4 attendees

Dementia Action Week 19 May 21 on Zoom – 10 attendees

Royal British Legion – Lister House, Ripon 2 June 21 in person – 10 attendees: £100 donation Talk on LGBT and dementia by Neil Cutler

Alzheimer’s Society Dementia Friends Champions webinar for Pride Month to raise LGBT awareness – 101 attendees from all over the country! These new initiatives during the pandemic have been warmly received and very much appreciated. New contacts have been made and we look forward to future bookings.

Neil is now a Trustee of Dementia Forward, a charity supporting people living with dementia in York and North Yorkshire. Neil holds the LGBT portfolio. Neil is also actively involved in helping to create a support tool for all health care organisations to provide respectful, timely and effective care for all members of the LGBT community and especially those living with dementia. “Rainbow PATHS” is being led by Nottingham University under a respected Research Psychologist, Claudio di Lorito, and has the support of the York LGBT Forum, Dementia Forward and the Royal British Legion among others. AWOC York (ageing without children)

AWOC York is a partner organisation. Bear in mind that the majority of the LGBT community and millions in the straight community will age without children by choice, circumstance, infertility, estrangement, bereavement or distance. Check the national charity for the full story: www.awoc.org.uk.

At AWOC York monthly meetings continued on the LGBT Forum Zoom until AWOC York bought its own version in May 21. Warmest thanks for Forum support! We started hybrid meetings at Spark in July 21 and thoroughly enjoyed getting together once more – 5 online and 8 in person. Follow up email and post with copious speaker notes and resources go to c.160 awocs including two at universities in South Carolina and one in Virginia! Monthly dates and speaker details can be found at www.awocyork.org.uk.

Weekly Zoom socials will continue with around 8-12 attending each week to share news and views, including Jigidi.com jigsaws! AWOC York’s event in the York 50+ Festival 2020: OPPS (Older People’s Peer Support). 15 people attended the online workshop to mark International Older Person’s Day on 1st October. Nine local and national peer support groups run by and for older people took part. A lively sharing of peer empowerment and networking. A recording can be found on YouTube – browse “ListerInteractions”.

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Research into LGBT ageing without children. Five UK university student and lecturer researchers have contacted our group over the past year – gradually the visibility of awocs is rising and the importance of the LGBT factor is being realised. Two theatre groups have been in touch and even a 3-D housing design company seeking our input.

So, don’t feel cut off as you grow older or are alone. All awocs are welcome! Contact Sue at hello@awocyork.org.uk or through the website at www.awocyork.org.uk where you will find a list of speakers and topics – just let me know if you’d like a Zoom link. NB We also host an online social on Christmas Day – don’t be left out…..

The trustees consider that they have complied with their duties to have due regard to the public benefit guidance published by the Charity Commission.

Achievements and performance

Summary of the main achievements of the charity, identifying the difference the charity’s work has made to the circumstances of its beneficiaries and any wider benefits to society as a whole. See above

Financial review

Review of the charity’s financial position at the end of the period

The York LGBT Forum has had an excellent year despite Covid-19. However, there is a risk that most of our funding are from grants. This risk is being monitored and plans are being put in place to diversify the portfolio, including training, fundraising and the start of corporate engagement.

Statement explaining the policy for holding reserves stating why they are held

York LGBT Forum exists to promote social inclusion for the public benefit by preventing lesbian, gay, bisexual, trans, intersex, queer, questioning people (LGBT) and allies or associates from being socially excluded from society on the grounds of sexual orientation and gender identity.

The organisation is a voluntary led registered charity and currently has no employees or fixed property assets.

This Reserves Policy exists is to maintain sufficient level of reserves to enable normal operating activities to continue should a shortfall in income occur and to take account of potential risks and contingencies that may arise from time to time.

Excluded from the Reserves Policy is income associated with restricted project funds (earmarked income).

Therefore, in order to demonstrate transparency, accountability and sound financial management, this Reserves Policy clearly justifies the amount of reserves to be kept back.

The Trustees have considered the risks in respect of expenditure, unrestricted income and where appropriate restricted income. Also taken into consideration is any external identified potential risks to income and expenditure during the year under consideration.

A risk assessment has been undertaken for the period 2016/17 and the level of reserve required by the Forum has been agreed to cover basic operating costs encompassing insurance, accounting and any administration costs that may fall due.

York LGBT Forum should hold in reserve approximately 6 months operating capital.

Our reserves will be monitored and reviewed annually or in the event of any significant change to the organisation’s circumstances.

Amount of reserves held £6,310 Reasons for holding zero reserves N/A Funds materially in deficit N/A

Explanation of any uncertainties about the charity continuing as a going concern There are no uncertainies about the charity continuing.

Structure, governance and management

Description of the charity's trusts Type of governing document Constituion How the charity is constituted CIO with Membership Trustee selection methods including details Election to post at AGM. Trustees who are elected not at the of any constitutional provisions e.g. election AGM are ratified at a Forum Members meeting and is then to post or name of any person or body raitifed at the next year AGM. entitled to appoint one or more trustees

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Reference and administration details

Charity's full name York LGBT Forum Other names the charity is known by N/A Charity’s principal address York LGBT Forum York CVS 15 Priory Street, York Postcode YO1 6ET

Names of the trustees who manage the charity

Trustee name Office (if any) Dates acted if not for
wholeyear
Name of person (or body)
entitled to appoint trustee
Sue Lister
Jodi M Burn
Ian Holdsworth
Chair
Jake Furby
08/04/2021
Emily Roach
25/11/2020
Neil Cutler
Name of trustees holding title toproperty belonging to the charity Name of trustees holding title toproperty belonging to the charity Name of trustees holding title toproperty belonging to the charity
Trustee name Dates acted if not for wholeyear
Funds held as custodian trustees on behalf of others
Description of the assets held in this
capacity
Name and objects of the charity on
whose behalf the assets are held and
how this falls within the custodian
charity’s objects
Details of arrangements for safe custody
and segregation of such assets from the
charity’s own assets
Names and addresses of advisers(OPTIONAL) Names and addresses of advisers(OPTIONAL) Names and addresses of advisers(OPTIONAL)
Type of adviser Name Address
Name of chief executive or names of senior staff members
Independent Examiner
Karen Wood ACMA
Bankers
Hiscox Building, Peasholme Green
York, YO1 7PR
Outsource Accounting Services & Independent
Examinations
N/A
Declaration
The trustees declare that they have approved the Trustees Annual Report and Accounts
Signed on behalf of the charity's trustees
Position
Signature
Date
Full Name
Jake Furby
Trustee
06/03/2022

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Independent examiner’s report to the trustees of York & District LGBT Forum

I report on the accounts of: York & District LGBT Forum for the year ended: 31st July 2021 which are set out on pages 7 to 10.

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 Charity's accounts carried out under section 145 of the 2011 Act and in carrying out my examination I have followed all the applicable Directions given by the Charity Commission under section 145(5)(b) of the Act.

Independent examiner's statement

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:

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.

Karen Wood (ACMA) Outsource independent examination service The Hiscox Building Peasholme Green York YO1 7PR

06/03/2022

Date:

6

York & District LGBT Forum

Receipts & Payments Accounts for theyear ended:
31st July 2021
Receipts & Payments Accounts for theyear ended:
31st July 2021
Receipts & Payments Accounts for theyear ended:
31st July 2021
Receipts & Payments Accounts for theyear ended:
31st July 2021
Funds returned
Balance carried forward
Net of receipts/(payments)
Total payments
Payments
Insurance
Facilitation of activities &
Transfers between funds
Stall & event costs
Volunteer travel & expenses
Balance brought forward
Independent examination fee
Website
Training materials & care kits
AGM & annual report costs
Equipment & IT support
Consultancy
Room hire, venue & rent
Administration & office costs
Marketing (banners, leaflets etc)
Total receipts
Receipts
Grants
Fundraising & sundry income
Donations
Training & fee income
Unrestricted
funds
£
500
5,109
259
1,394
7,262
691
2,017
400
75
-
588
-
-
479
-
1,455
86
-
5,791
1,471
1,806
3,033
6,310
Restricted
funds
£
95,185
443
-
310
95,938
683
26,299
-
21
351
1,079
230
203
35
270
37,640
389
612
7,106
74,918
21,020
(1,806)
24,751
43,965
2021
Total
funds
£
95,685
5,552
259
1,704
103,200
1,374
28,316
400
96
351
1,667
230
203
514
270
39,095
475
612
7,106
80,709
22,491
-
27,784
50,275
2020
Total
funds
£
34,774
6,536
6,020
1,144
48,474
6,846
18,132
400
1,727
-
-
7,577
648
310
1,806
-
405
-
37,851
10,623
-
17,161
27,784

7

York & District LGBT Forum

Statement of Assets and Liabilities at: 31st July 2021
2020
Total
funds
£
27,784
27,784
2020
Total
funds
£
400

8

York & District LGBT Forum (Charity Number: 1162234)

Notes to the Accounts for the year ended: 31st July 2021

1. Basis of preparation

The Trustees have taken advantage of section 144 (2) of the Charities Act 2011 and prepared the accounts on a receipts and payments basis.

2. Funds analysis

2.1 Restricted funds

Fund name Purpose FTBM Schools project Support young LGBT in schools to tackle isolation by involvement in community based activities and provide support. York Mind City of York Council mental health activities project lead by York Mind JRF To support LGBT health and wellbeing in York. Homeless Project Funds to help educate and raise awareness of what it is like to be homeless in organisations that support homeless people. Monthly coffee social, funded by Hambleton District Council and Broadacres. Northallerton 2 hours a month for facilitation. Grant for mental health peer support group. Funding could not be spent until the 1st August because of grant guidelines but came into the back early. The funding is to develop the group, produce self care packs and funding for Awards for All leaflets (this may change owing to Covid-19). Funded by two ridings Community foundation Covid-19 response fund. It's for Queer Arts facilitation of the choir. Trans Workshop Funded by the tampon tax and is for facilitation and 1 to 1 support for trans and Non-Binary individuals. The trans workshop meets weekly. Interfaith Funded by the governments LGBT Futures Fund (intersection fund). It's to organise 4 LGBTQIA+ multifaith events it comes to an end in April. To give 1 to 1 support over a 3 month period.

Tesco bags for life National Lottery 1 National Lottery 2 Queer Arts Music Benendon Health QASR Bursary Purey Cust Trust Trans Fund

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2.2 Movement of major funds

Balance Incoming Resources Trf between Balance
b/fwd resources expended funds c/fwd
£ £ £ £ £
Unrestricted funds
General funds 3,033 7,262 5,791 1,806 6,310
3,033 7,262 5,791 1,806
6,310
Restricted funds
FTBM Schools project 783 - - - 783
York Mind 387 2,000 1,505 (882)
-
JRF 3,962 - 1,950 - 2,012
Homeless Project 1,494 - - -
1,494
Northallerton 210 - 240 90
60
Awards for All 9,363 1,270 10,615 18
Queer Arts 1,879 - 1,941 62
-
Trans Workshop 5,658 - 5,333 325
Interfaith 795 250 988 57
Tesco bags for life 220 - 235 15
-
National Lottery 1 - 35,032 32,880 (2,152)
-
National Lottery 2 45,963 15,452 30,511
Queer Arts Music 243 1,304 1,061
-
Benendon Health 1,920 150 1,770
QASR Bursary 4,000 725 3,275
Purey Cust Trust 5,000 1,600 3,400
Trans Fund 260 260
24,751 95,938 74,918 (1,806) 43,965
Total funds 27,784 103,200 80,709 - 50,275

Transfers between funds represent an overspend that has been made up from unrestricted funds or a slight underspend that has been agreed by the funder can be transferred to unrestricted funds £820 was transferred from the underspend from York Mind to unrestricted funds to assist the LGBT choir.

Approval of Accounts for theyear ended: 31st July 2021
Signed for and on behalf of the Trustees
Print Name
The report and accounts were approved
Jake Furby
at a meeting of the Trustees
held on:

23/02/2022
Date
06/03/2022
Date
Trustee
Position (e.g. Chair etc)

10