Chair’s report for The Bridge Project Tadcaster 2024
1 st September 2023 to 31 st August 2024
This report is being submitted 46 days after the assigned date. We had prepared the accounts and passed them to the independent examiner before the deadline but it took the firm several weeks to be pass as there were many questions. On reflection I recognise that in the previous year the manager of the project and the chair of trustees both resigned, a new trustee took on responsibility for finance and we had a new accounting firm to perform the independent examination. It has been a challenge but we have finally finished and today I submit this report alongside the signed off accounts.
As ever we are grateful to our sponsors and grant funders who continue to support us in the work that we do among the young people of Tadcaster. Though our numbers are not huge we know that the work we do is significant.
I have pinned to my funding file a note that a young adult wrote to me some years ago
‘Recently I was asked “What would you be like now if people hadn’t invested in you and believed in you when you were a young teenager.
I couldn’t imagine me
TOTALLY AND UTTERLY DIFFERENT
Thank you for praying for us…. For giving us opportunities…. To know God To know how God transforms lives To dream big dreams To have an adventure with God
This year we saw a lad from the from one of the villages ordained priest in a big London church where another lad from the same village is the youth pastor. This lad is possibly the tenth in a line of young people for whom the work of the youth project has led them on the path to full time Christian ministry. We are amazed at what can come out of such a small place!
In preparation for writing this, I have needed to sift through the year’s reports to refresh my memory as to what has been happening. This was necessary as I only took on the role of chair in June and have not ‘lived it’.
It has been a bumpy road! There have been staff challenges with resignations, serious health issues with periods off sick resulting in shortages; there have been financial challenges with moments where loans from trustees kept the ship afloat; there have been challenges on the trustee board; there have been the usual dramas around young people with safeguarding, but the overall sense is of a team where there are some terrific people working together, pulling together, together creating a vibrant community where individuals younger and older are cared for and loved, and there is progress.
Challenge brings the best out of us. It is the atmosphere in which we build muscle, gaining experience that gives us confidence the next time round, and the stories of the past where God has met our needs in the many and various situations give us hope and trust that no matter how bleak the situation looks from the present vantage point there will be a way through.
That might sound a bit grim, but as I read I see a golden thread running through all the stories – the thread is of the wonderful volunteers and staff who consistently and devotedly care for and love the people who come through the doors of the Barn. Today I read the feedback/impact forms from Chatterbox and Nibbles. Almost everyone mentioned what stellar people Sharon and Lynn are, their love and care and patience with the parents and children, their listening ears, patiently sitting while troubles are poured out and the ready comfort of prayer that they give. Sharon and Lynn are truly appreciated for all that they do.
The ‘what can be improved’ comments almost all say more food – they love the hot meals and are so grateful. This has been taxing at times and a stretch too far, but it has been hugely appreciated. We are grateful to our grant funders for supporting the Feast project and enabling us to engage young people in cooking as well. Lynn has stepped up and joined Sharon recently with the Open the Book assemblies. We know that the members of the schools’ staff and the children love the assemblies – and Sharon gets an opportunity to release her creative side.
Francis, our long-term volunteer, has sadly now gone south to be married. What wonderful energy and fun Francis has given to so many young people over the years. He joined us as a ‘gap year’ volunteer around 2017 and has faithfully driven down from Wensleydale on a weekly basis to support the young boys in particular. Francis has loved and welcomed everyone and the farewell we gave him was honest and heartfelt.
The work of Catherine our artist in residence has been deeply impressive. Week by week she has set up her stall in the middle of the main room and the young people have sat there creating and doing while noise and bustle has gone on around them. Those spaces have given opportunity for pain and passion held deep within to emerge and I suspect that real healing has gone on through the ‘therapeutic’ work that these sessions have
made possible. One project needs special note. Catherine has worked with a young girl who has struggled with terrible bullying at school. Over recent weeks they have talked about the bullying, the cause of it, found a way through and produced a power point to be shown to her classmates explaining her condition. All of this has required careful, patient thought and Catherine has invested a lot of time and energy into it. When her mum said to the girl, ‘well done, that is brave, I am proud of you’, standing in the background was Catherine and we want to acknowledge that you have championed her, pushed forward into possibly dangerous waters and the work you have done has made us proud of you.
This morning, I heard that last week the young people in Pizza and Prayer – or as we now call it FROG – fully reliant on God – decided to pray for each other after hearing that on praying the previous week the mouths of the bullies had been shut. Sharon and Catherine have modelled faith and trust in God and given the young people hope. That is our aim – that we should share love, hope and faith with the young people of Tadcaster and their families. I have seen you both do that this year, and I am deeply impressed and grateful.
When we met in late August to find our way forward for the coming year. We agreed that we need to focus on spiritual well-being as being a particular aspect of mental health. We will need more staff to fill the gaps so determined to recruit some administrative help for both admin and finances. We will take more time to appoint a staff worker once we have admin roles in place. The trustee body has been strengthened with John Inman joining with financial expertise and Jo Hartley taking the position of Clerk to the Trustees.
It was a particularly lumpy bump that dislodged both Kate from the role of manager and Mark as chair of trustees for which we were all very sorry. After six years Kate has left us for pastures new and is working with rural missions.
Mark, has given faithful and diligent service as a trustee over many years. He has prayed, given, advised, laboured, and been a long-term friend to the project. He joined us in 2012 as we were poised to take on the Old Girls Sunday School in the centre of the town. That moment was huge in the history of the project as we sought to have our own space with a prayer room, an office and a youth venue. He was there as we prayed for God’s provision for 21 months so that we were given it for free for three years. He stood with us, believed in us, and has been a faithful friend taking over the role of chair since 2020 when I stood down. We are grateful to him.
Who could ever say that life with God is boring – faith is a huge adventure, never knowing what is round the corner. So we look to the next phase as we await the applications and interviews at the beginning of December.
Our present youth are all challenged by their identity. Perhaps we are too. Who are we, what are we doing? How should we present ourselves to the outside world? Let’s keep our focus on bringing love, hope and faith to these young people, believing in them as they come through their troubled teenage years and look forward to releasing them strong and steady into mature young adults! Now there’s a challenge! Onwards and upwards!
And now for some statistics
Wednesday groups
After school primary aged 40+ parents and children 10-14s drop in around 50 young people reached Pizza and Prayer – 10 young people reached
Monday/Friday
Chatterbox and Nibbles – parents and babies/toddlers – around 40 reached
Fortnightly
Primary School assemblies Open the Book in the region of 450 children reached
Weekly
Time for Tea with the elderly 30+ throughout the year
Volunteers around 8 people volunteer regularly during the year
Trustees – three are actively involved with activities
Pastoral care of individuals and families outside of regular activities
Holiday Club days and events up to 30 children
Feast cooking sessions increasingly popular
YLN Primetime– 9 teenagers
Young people and families involved in Total warrior fundraiser – 31
High points of the year –
Catherine’s work on trichotillomania Feast Total Warrior Time for Tea Karaoke evenings with the youth Moments of high impact support with individuals in the prayer
room Pizza and Prayer Francis’ leaving party!
I trust that you will be encouraged by what you read and if you are a funder that you will consider supporting us again. You really do make SUCH a difference to the lives of young people and their families.
Priscilla Smith Chair of trustees Date of submission August 16[th] 2025
Docusign Envelope ID: 4904AEBD-6C6E-4618-9090-4BF20A115125
THE BRIDGE PROJECT TADCASTER (Registered Charity Number: 1166825)
FINANCIAL STATEMENTS RECEIPTS & PAYMENTS ACCOUNTS
FOR THE YEAR ENDED 31 AUGUST 2024
TC Group 6 Queen Street Leeds LS1 2TW
Docusign Envelope ID: 4904AEBD-6C6E-4618-9090-4BF20A115125
THE BRIDGE PROJECT TADCASTER
| CONTENTS | ||
|---|---|---|
| Page | ||
| Reference and General Information | 1 | |
| Report of Trustees | 2 | |
| Trustees' Responsibilities in Relation to | ||
| the Financial Statements | 3 | |
| Independent Examiner's Report | 4-5 | |
| Balance Sheet | 6 | |
| Statement of Financial Activities | 7 | |
| Notes to the Financial Statements | 8-9 |
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THE BRIDGE PROJECT TADCASTER
REFERENCE AND GENERAL INFORMATION
Trustees
Priscilla Mary Elspeth Smith Lindy Jane Illingworth Jane Cross John James Inman Daniel Khan
The Trustees meet on a regular basis to consider requests for funding which have been received since the previous meeting.
Beneficiary
Children/young people
Accountants
TC Group 6 Queen Street Leeds LS1 2TW
Charity Number
1166825
Docusign Envelope ID: 4904AEBD-6C6E-4618-9090-4BF20A115125
THE BRIDGE PROJECT TADCASTER
REPORT OF THE TRUSTEES
Structure, Governance and Management
The Charity was founded in 2002 and has been granted charitable status by the Charity Commissioners.
Risk Management
The Charity Trustees have considered the major risks to which the charity is exposed and have reviewed thoses risks and established systems and procedures to manage those risks.
Main objectives and Activities
The Vision of the Bridge Project Tadcaster is to bring love, hope and faith to the young people and their families of Tadcaster and the surrounding villages.
The aim is to create safe places in which healthy relationships can grow. This is achieved bymeans of assemblies and after school clubs for both primary and secondary ages, daytime clubs for parents, toddlers and babies, faith-based groups, courses, holiday clubs, detachedwork and lunch clubs with schools. We welcome all who come, regardless of faith or none.
The Trustees confirm that they have referred to the guidance contained in the Charity Commission's general guidance on public benefit when reviewing the Trust's aims and objectives and in planning future activities.
Financial Review
The balance sheet value of the Charity at 31 August 2024 amounted to £16,612 (2023 - £10,509).
Reserves Policy
The whole of the charity's unrestricted funds (its reserves) are available to meet its charitable objectives and no particular level of reserves is maintained.
Plans for the future
The Bridge Project Tadcaster looks to further its charitable objectives as set out above under "Main Objectives and Activities" as opportunities and needs arise.
Docusign Envelope ID: 4904AEBD-6C6E-4618-9090-4BF20A115125
THE BRIDGE PROJECT TADCASTER
TRUSTEES' RESPONSIBILITIES IN RELATION TO THE FINANCIAL STATEMENTS
The law applicable to Charities in England and Wales requires the Trustees to prepare financial statements for each financial year which give a true and fair view of the state of affairs of the charity's financial activities during the year and of financial position at the end of the year.
In preparing those accounts, the Trustees are required to:
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select suitable accounting policies and then apply them consistently;
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make judgements and estimates that are reasonable and prudent;
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state whether applicable accounting standards and statements of recommenced practice have been followed, subject to any material departures disclosed and explained in the financial statements; and
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prepare the financial statements on the going concern basis unless it is inappropriate to presume that the charity will continue to operate.
The Trustees are required to act in accordance with the conditions detailed in the Trust Deed and within the framework of charity law. The Trustees are responsible for ensuring proper accounting records are kept which disclose with reasonable accuracy at any time, the financial position of the Trust and enable them to ensure that the financial statements comply with the Charities Act 1993 and Charity (Accounts and Reports) Regulations 1995. They are also responsible for safeguarding the asset of the Trust and hence taking reasonable steps for the prevention and detection of fraud and other irregularities.
Trustees Approval
The Trustees Report was approved by the Trustees on
12/8/2025 (+ ………………………………………………………………. DocuSignedE2A02CE10954491... by: Trustee ……………………………… Date
On behalf of all the Trustees
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INDEPENDENT EXAMINER’S REPORT TO THE TRUSTEES OF THE BRIDGE PROJECT TADCASTER
I report on the financial statements of the Charity for the year ended 31 May 2024 which are set out on pages 6 to 12.
Respective responsibilities of trustees and examiner
As the charity trustees of the company (and also its directors for the purposes of Company law) you are responsible for the preparation of the financial statements in accordance with the requirements of the Companies Act 2006 ('the 2006 Act'). The trustees consider that an audit is not required for this year under Part 16 of the 2006 Act and that an independent examination is needed.
Having satisied myself that the charity is not subject to audit under Part 16 of the 20026 Act and is eligible for and independent examination, it is my responsibility to: of the 2011 Act.
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examine the accounts under section 145 of the Charities Act 2011 (“the 2011 Act”);
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to follow the procedures laid down in the general directions given by the Charity Commission under section 145(5)(b) of the 2011 Act; and
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to state whether particular matters have come to my attention.
Basis of Independent examiner's report
My examination was carried out in accordance with the 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 financial statements presented with those records. It also includes consideration of any unusual items or disclosures in the financial statements, 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 financial statements present a “true and fair view” and the report is limited to those matters set out in the statement below.
Docusign Envelope ID: 4904AEBD-6C6E-4618-9090-4BF20A115125
INDEPENDENT EXAMINER’S REPORT TO THE TRUSTEES OF THE BRIDGE PROJECT TADCASTER
Independent examiner's statements
In connection with my examination, no material matters have come to my attention which gives me cause to believe that in, any material respect:
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accounting records were not kept in accordance with section 386 of the Companies Act 2006; or
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the accounts do not accord with such records: or
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the accounts do not comply with relevant accounting requirements under section 396 of the
Companies Act other than any requirement that the accounts give a ‘true and fair’ view which is not a considered as part of the independent examination; or
- the accounts have not been prepared in accordance with the Charities SORP (FRS 102).
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.
Signed:
Mark Hunter, FCA Partner
On Behalf of TC Group 6 Queen Street Leeds West Yorkshire LS1 2TW
Date: 12/8/2025
Docusign Envelope ID: 4904AEBD-6C6E-4618-9090-4BF20A115125
THE BRIDGE PROJECT TADCASTER
BALANCE SHEET AS AT 31 AUGUST 2024
| Page | 2024 | 2023 | |||
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| £ | £ | £ | £ | ||
| Assets | |||||
| Fixed Assets - Office Equipment | 7,598 | 7,598 | |||
| Barclays Bank | 8,616 | 2,513 | |||
| Cash | 398 | 398 | |||
| Net Assets | 16,612 | 10,509 | |||
| Represented by: | |||||
| Restricted General Funds | 7 | 6,113 | 5,968 | ||
| Unrestricted General Funds | 7 | 10,499 | 4,541 | ||
| 16,612 | 10,509 | ||||
Docusign Envelope ID: 4904AEBD-6C6E-4618-9090-4BF20A115125
THE BRIDGE PROJECT TADCASTER
STATEMENT OF FINANCIAL ACTIVITIES for the year ended 31 August 2024
| Page Incoming Resources Donations Grants Subscriptions Other income Total Incoming Resources Resources Expended Charitable Activities: Support costs 9 Governance costs 9 Total Charitable Expenditure Net Incoming/(Outgoing) Resources General Funds b/fwd General Funds c/fwd 6 |
Unrestricted funds £ 14,358 36,735 2,360 4,334 57,787 51,769 60 51,829 5,958 4,541 10,499 |
Restricted funds £ - 23,505 - - 23,505 23,360 - 23,360 145 5,968 6,113 |
Total 2024 £ 14,358 60,240 2,360 4,334 81,292 75,129 60 75,189 6,103 10,509 16,612 |
Total 2023 £ 13,235 56,500 2,807 - 72,542 79,935 2,320 82,255 (9,713) 20,222 10,509 |
|---|---|---|---|---|
Docusign Envelope ID: 4904AEBD-6C6E-4618-9090-4BF20A115125
THE BRIDGE PROJECT TADCASTER
NOTES TO THE FINANCIAL STATEMENTS for the year ended 31 August 2024
1. ACCOUNTING POLICIES
Basis of Preparation
The financial statements have been prepared under the historic cost convention, with the exception that investments are included at market value. The financial statements have been prepared in accordance with the Statement of Recommended Practice: Accounting and Reporting by Charities (SORP 2005) issued in March 2005 and applicable UK Accounting Standards and the Charities Act 1993.
Incoming resources
Donations are accounted for as and when received by the charity.
Other income is accounted for as and when receivable by the charity.
Funds structure
Income from investments is included in the SOFA in the year in which receivable.
Resources expended
Direct charitable expenditure is included in the financial statements as and when paid by the charity.
Allocation of overhead and support costs
Other expenditure is included in the financial statements on an accruals basis.
Governance costs
These costs include the cost of independent examination.
Taxation
The trust is exempt from income and capital gains tax to the extent that income and gains are applied for charitable purposes.
Docusign Envelope ID: 4904AEBD-6C6E-4618-9090-4BF20A115125
THE BRIDGE PROJECT TADCASTER
NOTES TO THE FINANCIAL STATEMENTS for the year ended 31 August 2024
2. SUPPORT COSTS
| Costs of generating funds Staff costs Admin costs General costs and insurance Equipment Rent Resources and activity Total expenditure 3. SUPPORT COSTS Professional fees |
Payments Unrestricted 35,388 687 2,153 264 5,166 8,111 51,769 60 |
Payments Restricted 23,360 - - - - - 23,360 - |
Total 2024 58,748 687 2,153 264 5,166 8,111 75,129 60 |
Total 2023 67,036 320 428 99 4,626 7,426 79,935 2,320 |
|---|---|---|---|---|
Docusign Envelope ID: 4904AEBD-6C6E-4618-9090-4BF20A115125
TC Group 6 Queen Street Leeds West Yorkshire LS1 2TW
THE BRIDGE PROJECT TADCASTER LETTER OF REPRESENTATION FOR THE YEAR ENDED 31 AUGUST 2024
Dear Sirs,
We confirm that the following representations are made on the basis of enquiries of management and staff with relevant knowledge and experience and, where appropriate, of inspection of supporting documentation sufficient to satisfy ourselves that we can properly make each of the following representations to you in connection with the preparation of the charity’s accounts for the year ended 31 August 2024.
1 We acknowledge, as trustees, our collective responsibility under the Charities Act 2011 for presenting accounts, which give a true and fair view and confirm that we have approved the accounts for the year ended 31 August 2024. We also acknowledge our responsibility for making accurate representations to you. All the accounting records have been made available to you for the purpose of your assignment and all the transactions undertaken by the charity have been properly reflected and recorded in the accounting records. All other records and related information, including minutes of all trustee and management meetings, have been made available to you.
2 We confirm that the charity is eligible to claim exemption from external scrutiny of its accounts and that there are no circumstances which we should draw to your attention which would invalidate this eligibility. We acknowledge that the work performed by you is substantially less in scope than an audit performed in accordance with International Standards on Auditing (UK).
3 We confirm that the accounting policies and estimation techniques adopted for the preparation of the accounts are the most appropriate to the circumstances in which the charity operates.
4 All grants, donations and other incoming resources, the receipt of which is subject to specific terms or conditions, have been notified to you. There have been no breaches of terms or conditions during the period in the application of such incoming resources. The following restricted income grants and donations were received during the period:
Two Riding Dulverton Trust Fund £9,255 North Yorkshire Council £5,500 Lancaster Foundation £5,000 Goodnews Evangelic Gem Grant £2,500 Green Hills Trust £1,250
5 Other than those disclosed in the accounts we are not aware of any material liabilities, provisions, contingent liabilities, contingent assets or contracted for capital commitments that need to be provided for or disclosed in the accounts.
6 The charity has satisfactory title to all assets and there are no liens or encumbrances on the charity’s assets except as disclosed in the notes to the accounts.
Docusign Envelope ID: 4904AEBD-6C6E-4618-9090-4BF20A115125
7 Other than those disclosed in the accounts, the charity has not entered into any transactions or has balances outstanding involving trustees, officers or other related parties, which require disclosure under the law or the financial reporting framework adopted, including the Charities SORP. If relevant, appropriate disclosure has been made of the control of the charity.
8 We acknowledge our responsibility for the design and implementation of internal controls to prevent and detect errors or fraud and have disclosed to you the results of our assessment of the risk that the accounts may be materially misstated as a result of fraud. We are unaware of any irregularities, including fraud and suspected fraud, involving management, employees or others who have significant roles in internal control, or those employed by the charity where the fraud could have a material effect on the accounts.
9 We are unaware of any breaches or possible breaches of statute, regulations, contracts, agreements or the charity’s constitution which might result in the charity suffering significant penalties or other loss. We confirm that the charity has had no non-routine communication with the Charity Commission during or since the period of which you are unaware.
10 The accounts have been prepared on the going concern basis as we believe that adequate cash resources will be available to cover the charity’s requirements for working capital and capital expenditure for at least the next twelve months. We are not aware of any other factors which could put into jeopardy the charity’s going concern status during or beyond this period.
11 There have been no events since the balance sheet date which necessitate revision of the figures included in the accounts or inclusion of a note thereto. Should further material events occur, which may necessitate revision of the figures included in the accounts or inclusion of a note thereto, we will advise you accordingly.
12 The petty cash balance in the accounts at the year end is £399.
Yours sincerely,
(+ DocuSigned by:
Signed on behalf of the board of trustees
The Bridge Project Tadcaster Charity Number 1166825
12/8/2025