Trustees Annual Report
2023 to 2024
Rumney Forum Brachdy House 50 Brachdy Road Rumney Cardiff CF3 3BG
Charity Number 1166133
RUMNEY FORUM
TRUSTEES REPORT FOR THE YEAR ENDED 05 APRIL 2024
OBJECTS
The objects of the CIO are to:
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3.1 Promote the benefit of the inhabitants of the area of benefit without distinction of sex, sexual orientation, age, disability, nationality, race or of political, religious or other opinions, by associating together the said inhabitants and the statutory authorities, voluntary and other organisations in a common effort to advance education and to provide facilities in the interests of social welfare for recreation and leisure-time occupation with the object of improving the conditions of life for the said inhabitants;
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3.2 Establish, or secure the establishment of, a Community Building and to maintain and manage the same (whether alone or in co-operation with any statutory authority or other person or body) in furtherance of the Objects.
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3.3 The prevention of poverty in Cardiff East by providing: Food, clothing, household items and services to individuals in need and/or charities or other organisations working to prevent or relieve poverty.
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3.4 Promote such other charitable purposes as may from time to time be determined.
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3.5 The Charity shall be non-party in politics and non-sectarian in religion. The area of benefit shall be Cardiff and the neighbourhood together defined by the Postcode CF.
THE YEAR: ITS OBJECTIVES AND ACHIEVEMENTS
During the year ending 5[th] April 2024 Rumney Forum continued to help households by remaining a Fareshare partner and helping to provide food to many struggling families per week.
During 2023 we continued to run a food pantry to give additional support for people in an emergency situation.
We continue to supply a Community Fridge in partnership with Hubbub and Co-op food group. We collect surplus food donations and redistribute, free of charge to those in need. We continue to maintain this as it has received many visitors and continues to be in high demand. Food donations are harder to come by although we are seeing an increase in demand for surplus food from the community.
We support individuals and families throughout the year with food, clothing, household items and any assistance or advice we can offer.
We have worked with organisations to provide advice on managing household bills and seeking advice with financial hardship.
We continue to receive referrals from various organisations such as social services, Cardiff Council, the job centre and support workers. We are also on the list of Cardiff Council
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recommended facilities for support. This has seen high demand and we continue to expand our service volume to keep up.
Our Christmas Grotto continued to be the highlight of the year for the community. We were again able to partner with Neighbourly and Lidl to gather toys and gifts to distribute to those in need. Our toy drive has no become an annual event as we are receiving so many donations, and again demand within the community for help is ever increasing.
We continued to host events for all major public and school holidays, including Easter, Halloween and school summer holidays. These events were attended by families and social groups within the local community and enjoyed by all.
The auxiliary Café within the charity continues to operate, despite the many challenges that were faced throughout the year. We continue to offer a space for all to come and relax. Meet other members of the community and encourage those that do not leave there house very often, to come and have a chat with some friendly faces. This has proven a success, especially with older members of the community making friends with each other, and feeling less lonely.
We have started refurbishment on the interior of the building with help from The Royal Institute of Chartered Surveyors. Major works have begun within the building upgrading the lighting and electrical systems. Various structural and aesthetic repairs will also be carried out with the works expecting to last until Q3 2025. We are able to operate the charity as normal with minimal disruption while works is carried out. We hope to offer the community a nice fresh place to visit with a streamlined service to match.
Our volunteers are exceptional and continue to work tirelessly to further benefit the community and help Rumney Forum grow. Our volunteer base continues to grow and change to the dynamic of the charity.
FINANCIAL REVIEW
The finances for the year are still run on an Excel spreadsheet with a separate accounts sheet to manage spends against any grants or funding we have received.
The year resulted in a loss for Rumney Forum. The year continued to focus on raising donations for the charity as we continually need to increase the volume of services, we offer due to growing demand. Demand has increased considerably during 2023 and 2024 putting a strain on the charity services. We have managed to keep up with demand, but in the everchanging economic climate, our services are relied upon by many and we do not foresee this improving into 2024/2025.
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RISK MANAGEMENT
We have public liability insurance; employers’ liability insurance and buildings and contents cover.
All trustees are either level 2 or 3 qualified in food hygiene. We ask that all volunteers that take part in food related activities, to take food hygiene training. The building holds a level 4 food standards hygiene rating.
We create Risk assessments of our activities.
We continue to use an entertainment licence for the playing of television and music within the building.
We have undergone data protection training and now hold all the relevant ICO certification. We require CRB checks for volunteers working with children and vulnerable people, all trustees have undergone a successful CRB check.
STATEMENT OF TRUSTEES RESPONSIBILITIES
Charity law requires the trustees to prepare accounts for each financial year which give a true and fair view of the situation of the Charity and of the profit and loss of the Charity for that period. In preparing these accounts, the trustees are required to: -
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Select suitable accounting policies and then apply them consistently.
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Adjust and estimate information that is reasonable and prudent.
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Prepare the accounts on the going concern basis unless it is inappropriate to presume that the Charity will continue in operation.
The trustees are responsible for keeping adequate accounting records which disclose with reasonable accuracy at any time the financial position of the Charity and to enable them to ensure that the accounts comply with the Charities Acts. They are also responsible for safeguarding the assets of the Charity and hence for taking reasonable steps for the prevention and detection of fraud and other irregularities. The trustees confirm that the accounts comply with current statutory requirements and those of the Charity’s trust deed.
This report was prepared on 3[rd] February 2025 for the Trustees of Rumney Forum and signed on their behalf by:
Kathryn Wakeham Treasurer
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Income Statement
Rumney Forum 1166133 06/04/2023 to 05/04/2024
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Unrestricted Funds Restricted Funds Total Funds Notes
Revenue
Income from Charitable Activities
Foob Bank 9,875 - 9,875
Benthyg - -
Cash For Clothes 610 - 610
Amazon Donation 37 - 37
Misc Donations 2,753 - 2,753
Room Hire - -
Other Income - -
Grants/Funding 7,180 1,000 8,180
Net Income 20,456 1,000 21,456
Cost of Goods Sold
Food Bank 4,140 - 4,140
Stock 18 - 18
Packaging - -
Cost of Goods Sold 4,158 - 4,158
Gross Profit (Loss) 16,298 1,000 17,298
Expenses
Advertising 592 - 592
Salaries 7,022 7,022
Dues and Subscriptions 443 - 443
Insurance 1,766 - 1,766
Legal and Professional Fees - -
Licenses and Fees 521 - 521
Health & Safety - -
Miscellaneous 292 - 292 Shelving Racks
Charitble Activities 215 707 922 Purchase of Community Fridge
Office Expense 672 - 672
Postage - -
Repairs and Maintenance 913 913
Cleaning Supplies 395 - 395
Telephone 2,701 - 2,701
Travel 1,179 - 1,179
Council Tax 589 - 589
Utilities 6,512 - 6,512
Rental Exp 500 - 500
Total Expenses 24,311 707 25,018
Net Operating Income - 8,013 293 - 7,720
Other Income
1st Floor Utility Payments - -
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Total Other Income - - -
Net Income (Loss) - 8,013 293 - 7,720
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