2025-10-31-accounts

WILLIAMSON AND Williamson & Priory Friends Annual Report 202412025 Williamson & Priory Friends Registered Charity Commission no.1166363 Slatey Road, Birkenhead, CH43 4UE [e-mail] 0151666 3537 williamsonartgallery.org

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CONTENTS

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Chair's Report __ 3-4
Treasurer's Report __ 5
V i s i t s __ 6
Birkenhead Priory __ 7
Membership __ 8
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CHAIR'S REPORT Mary Compton-Rickett

2024-2025

Both the Williamson and the Priory have had successful years in terms of exhibitions and events. The financial position of the Council itself remained somewhat precarious as with so many local authorities, but the position of the gallery itself is probably secure, albeit underfunded, as current council policy acknowledges the importance of culture. Having said that, budget cuts unfortunately have resulted in some of the monies initially allocated to the Priory under the Birkenhead redevelopment plans being withdrawn. The Williamson started the year at least one key member of staff down, having no exhibitions officer. In June, a new recruit started, but unfortunately she was quickly enticed away by the Victoria Gallery & Museum in Liverpool. Despite budget issues and staff shortages, the Williamson team were able to deliver a full programme of exhibitions and events, starting with two exhibitions of local war artist Albert Richards and of impressionist influenced Philip Steer , both exhibitions showing works from our own collection. By way of contrast, the gallery honoured a local celebrity, Elizabeth Smolen, whose shop in Rock Ferry in mid twentieth century was a draw for all lovers of scooters. Well done Sam, Josh and the rest of the team. The interactive installation “Subterranean Elevator” by Di Di Mainstone with technical help of local organisations MAKE! And Scenegraph Studio, attracted large numbers, as did the always welcome and popular Oxton Art Fair weekend in November. We have enjoyed talks from exhibition artists and by Josh Mackarell, manager of the collection.

This has proved to be something of a year of innovation. The introduction of an artist in residence, local artist Steve des Landes, proved to be a big success and his open and welcoming attitude to all art lovers has been much appreciated. He has proved to be an enthusiastic supporter of the Friends.

In the summer, a new permanent contemporary craft gallery opened with some lovely pieces not seen before. In September, WAG opened its doors on Mondays and Tuesdays, making Mondays community groups day, with an invitation to local groups to come in and use the spaces.

The Priory also ran a successful year of tours and events, such as the summer Sunday music events and the very popular concerts and events in December.

The Friends continue to support the gallery and museum. We helped to purchase a lovely drawing by Harold Rathbone (see page two), due to go on display in 2026. We also

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helped purchase a Della Robbia piece, also by Rathbone himself, a Salamander vase. We contributed towards a ceramic piece displayed in the contemporary craft gallery. One of the Steer paintings, a self portrait, needed frame restoration, for which we paid, together with some framing and mounts for the Richards exhibition.

We continue to maintain the garden - The Green Gallery. We are trying to introduce a bit more colour, which is not easy as most of the beds are shady for large parts of the day. The garden is probably still under-used, but there is now a sign in the cafe announcing its existence, so hopefully more people will now find it and use it.

I would like to thank all the Trustees for their support and contributions, to Susanne for managing the membership - a big job, to Ann for taking on the role of Treasurer and to Mike for another successful year of external events. I also thank Alison for continuing to produce and send out our newsletter and for giving us so much background help.

Mary Compton-Rickett

Chair.

Tilly Wilkinson’s work - one of the featured craftspeople in the foyer cabinet

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TREASURER’S REPORT

Our sources of income are membership fees, with any additional member donations and cash donations collected from the Williamson and Priory. The latter includes sales of teddy monks, which project is now coming to an end. Coach trips are paid for by booking charges to members wishing to go.

The year began with reserves in a healthy position and despite contributions to some significant art purchases during the year, we ended with capital to carry forward to the next year. The gallery purchased two items by Harold Rathbone, a drawing (currently in the Pre-Raphaelite exhibition) at over £6000 with charges and a Salamander pottery vase at a more modest cost. Friends paid for both these items with the addition of contributions from two individuals (not Friends) who were happy to use us as a conduit for payment. Later in the year, a contemporary pottery piece by Katrin Moyes was purchased, towards which Friends contributed £3000.That piece can be seen in the new contemporary craft gallery. We also paid for some framing and mounting of pieces for exhibitions.

Our expenses are largely the cost of producing and sending out the newsletter by email and post, preparing for and holding the AGM, including with some refreshments. This year we bought some long overdue pop up banners. In addition we have accountant's fees and BAFM membership which insures for public liability for the coach trips. There are postage costs, which continue to rise. Fortunately the number of people who need posted material continues to reduce and we are grateful to members who provide e-mail addresses when they can.

Income and Receipts	£14,930.14
Administrative Expenses	£1813.75
New pop up banners	£285.00
Coach hire	£640.00
Bank charges	£72.75
Bafm membership and Insurance	£298
Accountant fees	£564.00
Net income	£11,256.84

Capital Expenditure (acquisitions and renovations) £14,740.40 reduced to £12,900.40 by individual contributions from non members.

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VISITS

2024/25

The programme of outings by Williamson and Priory Friends to other venues of cultural interest again proved a success. In July we arranged a two-centre visit by coach to Cliffe Castle Museum, Keighley, and the Cartwright Hall Art Gallery, Bradford. The visits coincided with exhibitions at each venue contributing to Bradford’s year as UK City of Culture. Cliffe Castle impressed with its collections of paintings and other art, furniture and displays about nature and archaeology. The “City of

Culture” exhibition Ice Age Art Now, in partnership with the British Museum, showed works of art thousands of years old. Cartwright Hall displayed Victorian and Edwardian works of art and later 20th century works by L S Lowry and Andy Warhol, and by Bradford-born David Hockney. In association with the National Portrait Gallery, Sir Joshua Reynolds’ painting Portrait of Mai was exhibited as part of Bradford’s UK City of Culture celebrations.

In November a coach trip was planned to The Harris Museum and Art Gallery, Preston. The Harris had recently reopened following a £16 million refurbishment. It is one of the leading museums and contemporary art venues in the region, with fine collections. Our visit will coincide with a special exhibition featuring the much-loved animated characters Wallace & Gromit.

Mike Studley, visits organizer

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BIRKENHEAD PRIORY Elaine Heritage

The Birkenhead Priory Report (www.thebirkenheadpriory.org)

The Chapter house, founded in 1150, is the oldest intact building on Merseyside. At Christmas 2024 it resounded with ancient carols to the delight of packed audiences.

Hundreds of Snowdrops ‘in the green’ were planted by volunteers to flower next year - kindly donated by Mr Campbell. Snowdrops historically feature in monastic grounds, representing Mary the Virgin at the feast of Candlemas on 2[nd] February.

Easter Bunny hopped in just before Easter ’25 directing many families and children, who followed trails and answered quiz questions with great enthusiasm to find Easter Eggs.

Volunteers and Council workers led tours of the almost 900 old Chapter house and the extensive Priory site, including St Mary’s tower & spire have stood on this site for 200 yrs. The increased number of visitors expressed amazement at the survival of this unique place. Organised groups of adults and school children visited and left more knowledgeable and a little in awe of the tranquillity they found.

During the summer, many varied musical & dramatic events took place, including an outdoor performance of ‘Treasure Island’, to very appreciative audiences. Young photographers attended a workshop, displaying their images in the Refectory.

All those who visit, volunteer or work at The Birkenhead Priory express their concern for its future. Severe cracks are visible in the Chapter house and as a Grade 1 listed building, it urgently needs a co-operative effort from the Church of England who own it & the Council, to refurbish it. The Conway Association have removed many artifacts from the scriptorium over the chapel to ease stress on the fabric of the chapel.

A disabled lift to the Refectory is promised for 2026, and enhanced lighting of the Spire at night. Achieving this may require restricted access or even closure of the whole site.

Additional information is available on The Birkenhead Priory website.

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Membership

WPF Annual report 2025

At the end of October 2025, we had 350 members. The vast majority are from Wirral – as to be expected. However, we attract support from the region and beyond, with members across Merseyside, as well as in Cheshire, Wales and the rest of the UK (including London, Sussex, Bristol and Derbyshire). Thanks to all those who support us wherever you are.

35 new members joined – a slight increase on the previous year. 5 members resigned their membership. Some – not all - give a reason, such as moving out of the area.

I’m pleased to say that by October 2025, over 85% of members made bank payments. This saves admin work but, more importantly, saves the Friends money in bank charges, as we have to pay for each cash or cheque deposit. We are working to encourage all members to pay by automatic transfer and, just as importantly, set up a recurring standing order for renewals. If you joined at the Gallery by paying cash for your first year’s subscription, can I encourage you to set up a standing order for subsequent renewals.

Susanne Christian, membership secretary.

Photos included by

Alison Bailey Smith

Annual Report collated by Alison Bailey Smith

Charity ragistration number 1166363 IEngland and Wales1 WILLIAMSON AND PRIORY FRIENDS ANNUAL REPORT AND UNAUDITED FINANCIAL STATEMENTS FOR THE YEAR ENDED 31 OCTOBER 2025

WILLIAMSON AND PRIORY FRIENDS LEGAL AND ADMINISTRATIVE INFORMATION Charlty M8mber$ Miss. M. Compton-Rickett Mrs. J. Horton Mr. J. Southwood Mrs. E. Heritsge Mr. Michael Studley Ms S R Christian MSAP Bibby IAppointed 30 April 20251 {Appointed 30 April 20251 Charity registration England and Wales 1166363 Independent examlner Homer Downey & Company Limited 10 Stadium Court Stadium Road Brornborough United Kingdom CH62 3RP

WILLIAMSON AND PRIORY FRIENDS CONTENTS Paga Charity Members, report Independent examinevs report Slat8m8nt ol financial activib'es Statement of financial position Notes lo the financial slalemenls 5-10

WILLIAMSON AND PRIORY FRIENDS CHARITY MEMBERS, REPORT FOR THE YEAR ENDED 31 OCTOBER 2025 Thè charity members present their annual report and financial stsléments for the year ended 31 October 2025. The financial statements havè been prepared in a¢cordance with the accounting policies set out in nola 1 to the financial statements and Comply with the charity's governing document, the Charib'es Act 2011, FRS 102 'Th8 Financial Reporting Standard applicable in the UK and Republic of Ireland" and the Charities SORP Ac¢ounling and Reporting by CharitiÈs". Statement of Recommended Practice applicable to charits'es preparing thèir accounts in accordance wrth the Financial Reporting Standard applicable in the UK and Republic of Ireland IFRS 1021" Objectives and actlvitles The charitys objects are lo promote, support, assist and improve the Williamson Art Gallery and Wirral Museurns, and their cultural and educational activities. The charity members have paid due regard lo guidance issued by the Charity Commission in de¢iding what activities the charity should undertake. Achievements and perfonnance Financial review It is the policy of th8 charity th81 unreslricled funds which have not been designated lor a specific use should be maintained at a level equivalent lo between three and six rnonth's expendilure. The charity members consider Ihat reserves Zt this level will ensure that. In the event of a significanl drop in funding, they wll be able to continue the d)arity's current 8Ctiwties while consideration is given ID ways in which additional fLJnds may be raised. This level ol reserves has been maintained throughout the year. The charity members have assessed the major risks to which the charity is exposed, and are satisfied that systems are in place to mitigate exposure to the major risks. Stru¢tuYe, governance and management The charity members who served during the year and up lo the dale of signature of the financial statements were.. Miss. M. Compton-Rick8tt Mrs. J. Horton r. J. Southwood rs. E. Heritage Mr. Michael Studley Ms S R Christian Ms AP Bibby IAppointed 30 April 20251 IAppointed 30 April 20251 The charity members. report was approved by the Board of Charity Members. Miss..'M. Compton-Rickett Chairman Dated..

WILLIAMSON AND PRIORY FRIENDS INDEPENDENT EXAMINER'S REPORT TO THE CHARITY MEMBERS OF WILLIAMSON AND PRIORY FRIENDS I report lo the ¢harily members on my examination of the financial statements of Williamson and Priory F￿endS {th8 charilyl for the year endad 31 October 2025. Responsibilities and basis of report As the charity members of the charity you are responsible for the preparation of th8 financial statements in accordance with the requirements of the Charities Act 2011. I report in respect of my examination of the charity's financial statements canied out under seolion 145 of the Charities Act 2011. In carying out my examination I have followed the Directions given by the Charity Comrnission under section 14515llbl of the Charities Act 2011. Inde￿ndant axamlnerfs statement Your attent'on is drawn to the fact that the charity has prepared the financial stslements in accordance with the relevant version of the Statement of Recommended Practice applicable lo charities preparing their financial statements in accordance with the Financial Reporting Standard applicable in the UK and RepLJbli¢ ol Ireland IFRS 1021 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 Now been withdrawn. l understand that this has been done in order for the financial statements to provide a true and fair wew In ac￿rdance with UK Generally Accepted Accounting Practice. I have completed my examination. I confirm that no matters have come to my attention in connection with the examination giving rne cause lo believe that in any material respe¢t'. accounting records were not kept in respect of the charity as required by section 130 of the Charities Act 2011. the fin8n¢ial statements do not accord with those records., or thé financial statements do not comply with the applicable requirements oonceming the form and content of financial statements set out in the Charities IAccounts and Reports) Regulations 2008 other than any requirement that the financial statements give a Irue and fair wew, which is not a maller ¢onsid&red 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 n in this report in order lo enable a proper understanding of the financial statements to be reached. Horner Downey & l O Stadium Court Stadiu oad Bromborough CH62 3RP United Kingd Date.. ompany L. ited

WILLIAMSON AND PRIORY FRIENDS STATEMENT OF FINANCIAL ACTIVITIES INCLUDING INCOME AND EXPENDITURE ACCOUNT FOR THE YEAR ENDED 31 OCTOBER 2025 UnrÈstri¢ted Restricted fund5 funds 2025 2025 Total Unrestrictèd funds 2024 Restrictèd funds 2024 Tolal 2025 2024 Notes Income from- Donations and legacies Charitable activits'es 10,815 10,815 11,749 11.749 840 840 960 960 Total incomo 11.655 11,655 12,709 12.709 Expénditure on.. Charit bl activities Unrestricted funds expenditure 18,857 689 19,546 5,792 40 5,832 Total expenditure 18,857 689 19,546 5,792 40 5,832 Net incomellexpenditurel 17,2021 16891 17,8911 6,917 1401 6,877 Transfers beNveen funds 10,010 110.0101 Other recognised gains and losses.. Net movement in funds 2.808 110,6991 (7,8911 6,917 1401 6,877 Reconcillatlon of funds- Fund balances at 1 November 2024 30,087 10,699 40.786 23,170 10,739 33,909 Fund balances at 31 Octobèr 2025 32,895 32,895 30,087 10,699 40,786 The s13temenl of financial aclivib'es includès all gains and losses recognised in th8 year. All income and axpendilure derive from continuing activities.

WILLIAMSON AND PRIORY FRIENDS STATEMENT OF FINANCIAL POSITION AS AT31 OCTOBER 2025 2025 2024 Notgs Current assets Cash al bank and in hand 33,483 41,350 Current liabilities 10 15881 {5641 Net current asgets 32,895 40,786 In¢omè funds Restricted funds Unrestricted funds 11 10,699 30,087 32,895 32,895 40,786 The financial slalements were approved by the Charity Members on Miss. M.. Complon-Rick811 Chaimian

WILLIAMSON AND PRIORY FRIENDS NOTES TO THE FINANCIAL STATEMENTS FOR THE YEAR ENDED 31 OCTOBER 2025 Accounting polici8s Charfty Informatlon Williamson and Priory Friends is a Charitable Incorporated Organisalion ICIOI. 1.1 Basls of preparation The financial stslemenls have been prepared in accordance with the Charills governing document, the Charities A¢t 2011, FRS 102 "The Financial Reporting Standard applicable in the UK and Republic of Ireland" and the Charities SORP "Accounting and Reporting by Charities.. Statement of Recommended Pra¢ti¢e applicablo lo charities preparing th&ir accounts in accordance with the Financial Reporting Standard applicable in the UK and Republic of Ireland {FRS 1021". The charity is a Public Benefit Entity as defined by FRS 102. The charity has taken advantage of the provisions in the SORP for charities not to prepare a statement of cash flows. The financial statements have departed from the Charities (Accounts and Reports) Regulations 2008 only to the extent required lo provide a true and fair view. This departure has involved following the Statement of Recommended Poclice for charities applying FRS 102 rather than the version tsf the Statement of Recommended Practice which is referred lo in the Regulations but which has since been withdrawn. The financial statements are prepared in sterfing. which is the functional currency of the charity. Monetsry amounts in these financial ststemenls are rounded to the nearest £. The financial statements have been prepared under the historical cost convention, Imodified to indude the revaluation of freehold properties and to indude investment properties and certain financial instruments at fair valuel. The principal accounling policies adopted are sel out below. 1.2 Going concem Al the time of approving the financial statements, the charity members have 8 reasonable expectation that the harity has adequate resourtss lo continue in operational existence for the foreseeable future. Thus the charity members continLJe to adopt the going concern basis of accounting in preparing the financial slalements. 1.3 Charitable funds Unrestricted fvnds are available for use al the discretion of the charity members in furtherance of their harilable objectives. Restricted funds are subjéct lo specific conditions by donors or grantors as lo how they may be used. The purposes and uses of thé reslri¢ted funds are set out in the notes to tho linanclal slalements. Endowment funds are SLJbject to specific conditions by donors that Ihe capitsl musl be maintained by the charity. 1.4 In¢ome Income Is recognised when the charity is legally entitled lo il after any performance conditions have been met, the amovnts can be measured reliably, and il is probable that income will be received. Cash donalions are recognised on receipt. Other donations are recognised once the charity has been notified of the donation, unless performance condilions require deferral of the amount. Income tax recoverable in relation to donations received under Gift Aid or deeds of covenant is recognised at the time of the donation. Legacies are recognised on receipt or otherNisè if the ch8Thty has been notified of an impending distribution, the amount Is knowll, and receipt is expected. If the arnounl is not known, the legacy is treated as a contingent asset.

WILLIAMSON AND PRIORY FRIENDS NOTES TO THE FINANCIAL STATEMENTS (CONTINUED) FOR THE YEAR ENDED 31 OCTOBER 2025 Accounting policies (Continued 1.5 Expénditura Resour￿8 expended during the year are categorised depending on the charitable activity for which they are incurred. These resources ensure the charity's continuous activity and can be subcalegorised further between staffing costs and cost of materials, which are the most prominent resources expended. 1.6 Cash and cash equivalents Cash and cash equivalents indude cash in hand, deposits held at call with banks, other short-t8rm liquid invesiments with original malurities of three months or less, and bank overdrafts. Bank overdrafts are shown within borrowings in current liabilities. Basic financial assets Basic financial assets, whi¢h in¢lude trade and other receivables and cash and bank balances, are initially measured al transaction price induding transaction costs and are subsequently carried at amortised cost using the effective intere51 method unless the arrangement constitutes a financing transaction, where the transaction is measured al the present value of the future re¢eipls discounted at a market rate of interest. Financial assets dassified as receivable wlhin one year are not amortisgd. Basic financial liabilitiès Basic financial liabilities, including trade and other payables and bank loans are initially re¢ogni5ed at transaction price unless the arrangement constitutes a financing transaction, where the debt instrument is measured at the present value ol the future payments discounted al a market rale of Interest. Fln8ncial liabilities dassified as payable writhin one year are not amortised. Dabl instwmènts arè subsequently carrièd at amortised cost, using the effective interest rate method. Trade payables are obligations to pay for goods or services that have been acquired in the ordinary Course of operations from suppliers. Amounts payable ar8 dassified as current liabilities if payment is due within one year or less. If not, Ih8y are presented as non-currgnt liabilities. Trade payables are recognised initially al transaction price and subsequently m9asu￿d at amortised cost using Ihe effective interest method. Derecognition of financial liabilities Financial liabilities are derecognised when the charity's conlraclual obligations expiTe or are discharged or cancelled. 1.7 Employee benefits The cost of any unused holiday ontitlement is recognised in the period in which the employee's services are received. Termination benefits are recognised immediately as an expense when the charity is demonstrably committed to terminate the employment of an employ$& or to provide termination benefits. Critical accountiny estimates and judgements In the 8pplicalion of th& ¢harity's a¢¢ounting policies, the charity members are required lo make judgements, estimates and assumptions about the ¢arying amount of assets and liabilities that are not readily apparent from other sources. The estiwates and associated assumptions are based on historical experience and other factors that are oonsidered lo be relevant. Actu•1 results may differ from these estimates. The estimates and underfying assumptions a￿ reviewed on an ongoing basis. Revisions lo accounting estimates are recognised the period in which ihe estimate is revised where the revision affec15 only that period, or in the period of the revisio￿ and future periods where the revision affects both current and future periods.

WILLIAMSON AND PRIORY FRIENDS NOTES TO THE FINANCIAL STATEMENTS (CONTINUED} FOR THE YEAR ENDED 31 OCTOBER 2025 Donatlons and legacies Unrestricted funds Total 202S 2024 Donations and grfts MembeTship fees 2,635 8,180 5,111 6,638 Charitable activities Unrestricted Unrestrictèd Charltable Charfitable Income Income 2025 2024 Visits 840 960

WILLIAMSON AND PRIORY FRIENDS NOTES TO THE FINANCIAL STATEMENTS (CONTINUED) FOR THE YEAR ENDED 31 OCTOBER 2025 Charitable activities Unrestricted Unrestrlcted Funds Funds Expenditure Expenditure 2025 2024 Admin expenses Membership expenses Priory expenses Gallery purchases Hosting previews expenses Publicity Visits expenses sculptu￿ purehases 2.467 2.368 876 13.529 285 665 640 1.900 1,549 1,020 19,486 5,832 19,486 5,832 Analysis by fund Unrestricted funds Restncled funds 19,446 40 5,792 40 19,486 5,832 For the year ended 31 October 2024 Unrestricted funds Restricted funds 5,792 40 5,832 Net movement In funds 2025 2024 The net movement in funds is slated after chargingl{credilingl'. Fees payable for the independent examination of the charity's financial statements 564 540 Charity Members Non8 of the charity members lor any persons connected with them) received any remuneration or benefits from Ihe ¢harity during the year.

WILLIAMSON AND PRIORY FRIENDS NOTES TO THE FINANCIAL STATEMENTS (CONTINUED) FOR THE YEAR ENDED 31 OCTOBER 2025 Employees Th¢ average monthly number of employees during the year was.. 2025 Number 2024 Number Total There were no employees whose annual remuneration was more than £60,000. Taxatlon The charity is exempl from taxation on ils activities because all its income is applied for charitable purposes. 10 Current Ilabllltles 2025 2024 Accruals and deferred income 588 564 11 R•strlcted funds The restricted funds of the charity comprise the Ljnexpended balances of donations and grants held on trust subject to specific conditions by donors as to how thèy may bè used. At1 November 2024 Incoming resources Resources At 31 October expendèd 2025 Funds Gallery purchase Transfers 10,699 10,699 16891 110,01 QI 16891 115.4931 5,483 10,699 5,483 116,1821 Prèvious yèar: At1 November 2023 Incoming resources Resources Al 31 October expended 2024 Funds 10,739 1401 10,699

WILLIAMSON AND PRIORY FRIENDS NOTES TO THE FINANCIAL STATEMENTS {CONTINUEDI FOR THE YEAR ENDED 31 OCTOBER 2025 12 Unrestricted funds The unrestricted funds of the charity comprise the unexpended balances of donations and grants which are not subject to specific conditions by donors and grantors as lo how they rllay be used. These include designatéd funds which have been set aside out of unr8slriGl&d funds by the trustees for specific purposes. At1 November 2024 Incoming resources Re50urces At 31 October expended 2025 General fLJnds 30,087 12.493 19.6851 32,895 Previous year: At1 November 2023 Incoming resources Resourcès At 31 October expended 2024 General funds 23,170 12,709 15,7921 30,087 13 Analysis of net assets between funds Unrestrlcted funds Restricted funds Total 2025 2025 2025 At 31 October 2025: Current asselsllliabililiesl 32,895 32,895 32,895 32,895 Unrestricted funds Restricted funds Total 2024 2024 2024 At 31 October 2024: Current asselsllliabilitiesl 30,087 10,699 40,786 30,087 10,699 40.786 10-