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← Tithe Barn Trust

2024-12-31-accounts

2 0 2 4 ANNUAL REPORT

& ACCOUNTS

PREPARED BY

BOARD OF TRUSTEES

for the year ended 31 December 2024 Registered Charity no 1167108

TABLE OF CONTENTS

Welcom from the Chair 02 Objectives & Activities 03 Achievements & Performance 04 Public Benefit 06

Financial Review 10

Structure, Governance & Management 12

13 Reference & AdministrativeInformation

14

Our Future

Financial Statements 16

Tithe Barn Trust Annual Report 2024

01

WELCOME FROM THE CHAIR

When a charity forms with the initial goal to address an urgent situation, there is always a moment where the immediate crisis is resolved and the question becomes - what next? For the Tithe Barn Trust, the work to stabilise the barn and rethatch the roof was completed in 2020, just before the lockdowns began. So for quite a while, the answer to that important question was simply “get through the worst of COVID.”

After the lockdowns were lifted four years ago, community spaces faced continuing challenges. Life had altered, and people found their ability to volunteer had changed. Some people had experienced great loss. Everyone was feeling unsure about gatherings and events. Businesses had closed and financial situations had changed drastically. For many small charities, it was almost like having to rebuild the structure of their work.

In the face of these challenges, the Tithe Barn Trust is extremely fortunate to have a strong core of dedicated supporters. The Trust has spent the last few years working to make incremental, sustainable changes that are balanced by the reality of our resources. Sometimes this can feel frustrating. We need new volunteers to help run events. We need events to recruit volunteers. We need rentals to generate income and help support the long term viability of the barn. We need income to advertise and get rentals. Still, progress has been steady for the Tithe Barn.

In 2024, we were pleased to welcome back bands, theatre troupes and markets who had all graced our space before. We had community groups return for repeat tours. We knew this was all a tremendously good sign — people enjoyed the barn enough to return! We also had more people interested in hosting private events at the barn — wedding receptions, a birthday party, and other important life milestones. Even when events didn’t go as planned, our team did our best to seize every opportunity to learn and grow. When we had to cancel our annual Christmas carol event due to inclement weather, we sat down to revisit our policy and procedures around cancellation and site closures so future decisions would be easier.

To our trustees, committee members and volunteers, we appreciate the time you spend at events, working on projects, attending meetings and all the other millions of things that must get done to keep the Trust going. To our members and neighbours, your enthusiasm for spreading the word and showing up to make our events a success is what keeps us going. To our generous community donors, all your passion for the barn and willingness to help us achieve our goals through your financial support are deeply appreciated.

Kate Doak-Keszler Chair

Tithe Barn Trust Annual Report 2024

02

OBJECTIVES & ACTIVITIES

The Tithe Barn Trust’s charitable objective, as set out in the November 2017 Constitution is:

“To preserve and restore for the benefit of the public the historic Tithe Barn at Landbeach in Cambridgeshire, and to provide the public with access to the Barn in order to educate the public about its history and heritage.”

Our vision is to ensure the long-term survival of the rare and ancient Tithe Barn by breathing new life into the site for everyone to enjoy.

Our aim is to secure a long-term use for the building that will provide it with a financially secure future whilst ensuring that the Barn remains an asset the community can enjoy.

Our objectives are:

In accordance with the Charities Act 2001, the Trustees confirm they have complied with their duty to have a due regard to the guidance on public benefit in exercising their powers and duties. The Trust provides access to the historic Landbeach Tithe Barn and its surrounding green space. The green space is accessible all year round and affords a tranquil countryside setting with borrowed views over a grazed common.

The Trust offers free or low-cost entry to our Tithe Barn open days, events and diverse educational activities for young and old alike. Access is open to anybody — local, regional and visitors from further afield — and membership is open to anyone.

Tithe Barn Trust Annual Report 2024

03

ACHIEVEMENTS & PERFORMANCE

Building and Site Conservation

In addition to heritage works conducted on site, our Trust is engaged with issues of community and infrastructure development that impact the Tithe Barn.

Our board is in the process of conducting feasibility studies for bringing power and water on site, including getting quotations and assessing potential site impacts.

Community Partnerships

As a unique community site, the Tithe Barn is dedicated to partnering with our neighbours and community groups to support and vibrant, connected Cambridgeshire. Our major efforts this year included working with:

Membership and Volunteering

Our membership and volunteer team remained steady in 2024, with 42 members and 20 volunteers.

Our quarterly building and site maintenance events at the barn - three Outdoor Maintenance sessions and the annual Barn Clean - were held with volunteers joining us to help manage vegetation, repair gates, and conduct regular inspections of the barn and site.

Our Annual General Meeting was held in tandem with a Volunteer Social on 17 July 2024, with a special banquet and open forum for future planning. We thanked our outgoing Interim Chair, who remains on our board as an active Trustee.

Tithe Barn Trust Annual Report 2024

04

Events

The Barn welcomed a steady flow of visitors throughout 2024 coming to enjoy a variety of events that included specific activities and entertainment in the form of:

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Finance and Development

Developing and maintaining a regular dialogue with external individuals and groups is an essential element in reaching our goals. This is achieved through a variety of channels:

With a focus on promoting the barn as a venue and building up our internal management systems, the Trust made a few small but important shifts in financial management this year, including such measures as expanding our use of cashless payment system and supporting events with online pre-paid ticketing.

Tithe Barn Trust Annual Report 2024

05

PUBLIC BENEFIT

Public benefit is at the heart of the charity and its decision making. For an important historical building and site, such as the Tithe Barn in Landbeach, this is accomplished by looking after the site and providing access to the public. The Trust is dedicated to offering diverse public events and education programmes, both managed by the Trust and by organisations and individuals who utilize the space. Additionally, the Trust endeavors to make the barn a community space for hosting private events.

Keeping the Barn Accessible

As a community resource, the Trust keeps any charges for our open days, events and education activities at low and subsidised levels. Most of our events are free, and open to non-members. Parking on our site is free for visitors arriving by car or bike. Additionally, membership of the Tithe Barn Trust is open to all, and we offer reduced fees for members and local community groups.

As for the site itself, we do our best to make the barn physically accessible to visitors. Given its historic agricultural nature, the site does feature rough terrain. With the support of the local Parish Council and our dedicated volunteers, we strive to keep our pathways as unrestricted as possible. The barn itself has uneven flooring, with historic planking and brick. We have ensured ramp access into the space, and keep a close eye on pathways through the interior. Finally, an important factor in our selection of ecoloos was that they be accessible.

Even when the barn is closed, the site is accessible to pedestrians by a footpath for folks to stop by and take in the beautiful countryside setting and enjoy a rest in the sun or shade!

Above: volunteers – young and young at heart – hard at work during our Outdoor Maintenance and Annual Barn Clean days.

Tithe Barn Trust Annual Report 2024

06

Public Events

Every September thousands of volunteers across England organise events for Heritage Open Days. With a focus on free events that allow people to explore our shared history, HOD is a natural fit for the Tithe Barn. For the eighth year, the barn opened its doors as a participating site. This year, we featured a special display of traditional tools, as well as hosting talks about the history of the barn and the local area. We were pleased to have a number of first time visitors, including a couple who walked all the way from Cambridge just to see our barn!

Clockwise from left: a dinner gathering as part of our Annual General Meeting; surveying activities at Archaeology Day; displaying historical tools at Heritage Open Days.

In 2024, the barn hosted the first Scouts Archaeology Squad’s Archaeology Day, offering training to volunteers hoping to host activities with their Scouts. This new group is working to build relationships with historic sites and museums across Cambridgeshire, and we are pleased to be partnering with them in this effort.

Tours have been a staple of the Tithe Barn Trust’s work since the beginning. This year our knowledgeable volunteers conducted six private tours and off-site presentations of the Tithe Barn for local village societies, gardening groups, and even tourists coming from around the world who reached out to schedule a visit to the barn.

Tithe Barn Trust Annual Report 2024

07

The Tithe Barn as a live music venue

The Tithe Barn at Landbeach is a favourite venue of the band. When we play a fundraising concert here on 12th July 2025, it will mark our third appearance. I was introduced to the barn when my wife was invited by Trustee Melanie Hale to submit artwork for an exhibition she was curating at the Tithe Barn. At the art exhibition, I met Melanie and the fact arose that I played in a band, at which point she asked if we might be interested in playing at the barn by way of a fundraiser? The band plays a wide range of music using mainly acoustic instruments, albeit amplified. The size of the barn as a venue seemed ideal for an intimate concert and for the music we play. When I put the proposal to the band and some had driven up to Landbeach to see it, there appeared to be a wholehearted agreement to play, conditional to it being made known that all proceeds go towards the Tithe Barn and that the electricity supply via the generator could meet our needs. Those in the band with a technical and engineering background calculated the amount required and declared the generator was more than adequate. One could add that the toilets were also more than adequate! The band loves the venue and that’s why we are pleased to return yet again. Ronald Morton, The Barn Band (formerly Broken Blues Band)

Clockwise from top left

A relaxed evening with the Broken Blues Band

Mal & Kylie welcome audiences to the show

A lively presentation of The Winters’ Tale by students from the Cambridge School of Visual and Performing Arts

Dom Howard, Harvey Cullis and Guy Dempsey serenade crowds with traditional folk ballads

Tithe Barn Trust Annual Report 2024

08

Private Events

In our bid to expand the use of the Barn as a social venue (and raise much-needed funds for the future upkeep of this venerable building) the Trust has been piloting its use as a venue for important celebrations, including wedding receptions, anniversary and birthday parties, and more! In 2024 the barn hosted three large private events, all of which were a success and also a great source of learning for the barn as we work to become a premiere DIY event venue.

The Tithe Barn as an event venue

We got married at the Tithe Barn in Landbeach in August 2024, and it was the perfect venue for our big day. The barn has been recently restored and is full of character — an ideal setting for a rustic-style wedding. We used the space for our wedding breakfast, then turned it into a dance floor for the evening. Many of our guests commented on how beautiful the building was, and we got some amazing photos! The adjacent field gave us plenty of space to set up a tipi and offer ample parking. We used the area for drinks, games, and socialising before and after dinner, and it worked brilliantly. For a countryside wedding just outside Cambridge, we honestly couldn’t recommend the Tithe Barn more. It gave us the perfect backdrop for an unforgettable day. John Hale

Pictures courtesy of John Hale

Safety and Privacy

The Tithe Barn Trust takes confidentiality of information in relation to our individual members and donors very seriously. We do not sell, share or divulge any member or other supporter details, to any organisations outside the Trust and we only use information with prior agreement to contact members and other supporters about membership, events and activities together with other relevant updates.

Tithe Barn Trust Annual Report 2024

09

FINANCIAL REVIEW

The Trust showed a performance improvement over 2023, breaking even for the first time since the completion of the restoration. This is a good sign that the trust is embracing and progressing its objective of long-term self-sufficiency. This enhancement was achieved through an increase in event income whilst maintaining tight control of costs. The Trust has a secure current financial position and a strong balance sheet for the expected and unexpected exigencies that might arise for at least the next few years.

The installation during 2022 of the eco toilets and the purchase of a 99-year lease for use of the adjoining field has helped with making the asset more attractive as a venue for hire. The costs of these investments more than paid for themselves through our increase in income during 2024.

Mains electricity is still not available but progress in planning for its provision was made in 2024. We believe that this will be transformative for long term income generation.

Left: The eco-loos, installed in 2022. Right: Interior of the barn with current lighting, which at this time is run by generator.

Tithe Barn Trust Annual Report 2024

10

Income

Total income was £5,340 in 2024 compared with £1,636 during 2023. Memberships and donations improved on 2023 at a combined amount of £797 in 2024 compared with £500 in 2023 and £975 in 2022. Income from events both run by the trust and from pure renting out of the facility increased from £949 in 2023 to £4,181 in 2024. Private hire of the barn for parties or weddings is our most lucrative potential revenue earner.

Expenditure

Total P&L expenditure in 2024 was £5,200 compared with £ 5,556 in 2023. Non capitalised equipment purchases were slightly higher at £219 in 2024 compared with £79 in 2023, rental of the adjoining field costs were flat at £292 in 2024 & insurance costs slightly increased due to inflation. All other costs were lower in 2024 compared to 2023, at £457 in 2024 compared to £960 in 2023. Depreciation of capitalised assets of £3,578 was unchanged between 2023 and 2024.

Net Surplus

The year ended with a small surplus of £140 in 2024 compared to a Net deficit of £3,920 in 2023.

Cash

Cash reserves remain robust with a 2024 year-end cash balance of £38,874 compared with £35,771 at the end of 2023.

Total Funds

The net surplus in 2024 resulted in a slight increase in Total Funds from £65,981 in 2023 to £66,121 in 2024.

Reserves

The Trust does not hold any restricted funds.

Reserves Policy

In line with our current Reserves Policy our critical level of reserves remains at £1,000. A fund for project development, maintenance and repair has been established to enable quinquennial repairs and prioritised project support. We are also looking to create a sinking fund to cover long-term major repairs of the more costly fabric of the Barn such as the thatched roof.

Regular updates will be reported in our Annual Reports when available.

Tithe Barn Trust Annual Report 2024

11

STRUCTURE, GOVERNANCE & MANAGEMENT

The Tithe Barn Trust is a Charitable Incorporated Organisation (CIO). The CIO is governed by its Constitution, dated 14 November 2017, based on the Charity Commission's Foundation model constitution document.

The Tithe Barn Trust’s governing body is the Board of Trustees, currently comprised of seven Trustees elected by majority vote at Trustee meetings. The Trustees have full decision-making authority on behalf of the Trust. Trustees undergo an initial induction and ongoing training which is appropriate in relation to their skills and experience. All Trustees support the Trust wholly in a voluntary, unpaid capacity.

The main duties of the Trustees are to:

Trustees

The Trust also benefits from a dedicated group of committee members with specialist skills who act in an advisory capacity to the Board. By offering their experience and perspective as members of working groups, as well as supporting our general volunteers, this group ensures the Trust can complete projects and achieve established goals.

David Chalcraft Marketing Iain Cross Treasurer Kate Doak-Keszler Chair (since May 2024) Carolin Göhler Interim Chair (until May 2024) Melanie Hale Alan Shipp (until July 2024) Robert Stripe Membership Secretary

Committee Members

Kimberley Brightley Charles Cook Ray Gambell Maggie Stephens

Tithe Barn Trust Annual Report 2024

12

REFERENCE & ADMINISTRATIVE INFORMATION

The Tithe Barn Trust CIO, also known as The Tithe Barn Trust, became a Charitable Incorporated Organisation (CIO) in May 2016 under charity number 1167108.

Physical location Registered address E-mail Website

Opposite No. 2 Waterbeach Road, Landbeach, CB25 9FA Waterbeach Road, Landbeach, Cambridge CB25 9FA tithebarntrust@gmail.com www.tithebarntrust.org.uk

Declaration

The Trustees declare that they have approved the Trustees Annual Report above. Signed by the Chair on behalf of the Charity’s Trustees:

Katherine Doak-Keszler, Chair

5 June 2025

Aerial photos of the Tithe Barn. Photos courtesy of John Hale.

Tithe Barn Trust Annual Report 2024

13

OUR FUTURE

The Tithe Barn Trust was established in 2016, taking up the task of funding and managing major works to stabilize and restore the barn. With this initial work completed and a dedicated group of volunteers in place, now is the time for the Tithe Barn Trust to take the next step forward. This means examining the existing structure and organization of the Trust, and evaluating the necessary changes to keep the Trust running and the barn open.

In 2024, the trustees and committee members began to evaluate the current operational capacity of the Trust, and have identified three main areas to strengthen– i.e. risk management, storytelling and volunteer management.

Risk Management

After an initial review of the standing policies and procedures, the board has created a framework for both updating five of the existing policies as well as laying out a plan for the creation of five needed policies over the next year. This includes producing a maintenance schedule, including a record of inspections, for the barn and surrounding site.

Storytelling

As a unique historic building, the barn has the opportunity to help the public experience history and understand our past. To improve the ability of the Trust to tell the story of the Tithe Barn, we will be producing a children’s activity book, a self-guided tour of the barn, and updating our website to include a comprehensive timeline.

Volunteer Management

The heart of any charity is its volunteers. After conducting surveys of our amazing team to determine how we can best support their work, the Trust is moving forward on improving systems for communication and development. This includes piloting a regular volunteer bulletin, hosting quarterly social events and upgrading our internal volunteer management systems.

The Tithe Barn continues to be a welcoming community resource because of the dedication and passion of our volunteers, members and community partners. We are grateful for their support, and look forward to sharing our successes in the coming year.

Tithe Barn Trust Annual Report 2024

14

Tithe Barn Trust Annual Report 2024 15

FINANCIAL STATEMENTS

Tithe Barn Trust Annual Report 2024

16

WWW.TITHEBARNTRUST.ORG.UK TITHEBARNTRUST

FRIENDS OF THE TITHE BARN TRUST

TITHEBARNTRUST@GMAIL.COM

Independent examinerfs report on the accounts Section A Independent Examiner's Report Report lo Ihe trusteesl mernbers of The Tithe Bam Trust On accounts for the year ended 31 December 2024 Charity nolrf any) 1167108 Set out on pages I reFth to the trustees on my examination of the accounts of the a￿ve charity (Ihe Trusf) for the year ended 31112r2024. As the charivs trustees. you are responsble for the PTeparation of the accounts in a(xordarKe wilti the r8quiTements of the Charibes Act 2011 (Ihe Acl-). Responsibililies and basis of report I report in respecl of my examinatb)n of the Trust's ac¢J)unts Ca￿￿d (Jjt under SeC￿n 145 of Ihe 2011 Act and in carryi'ng out my examinatN)n. I have followed all the applicab￿ Directions given by the Charity Commissic under SeC￿n 145(5Xb) of the Act. Independent exarn5n•rfs statement I have (xjmpleled my examinatNJn. I CA)nfimi that no material mattets h come to my attentN)n in conneclion with the examination which gives m? cause to ￿lIeVe that in. any material respect the accounling records were rnt kept in a¢￿1rdanCe with Secti(￿ 130 of the Charities Ac(01 the accounts did not a(￿rd with the aC￿Unting re(￿rds. or the accounts not oynpty with the applrabb requnments conceming the and content of acc4)unts set in the Charties (Accounts and RepJts) RegulalN)ns 2008 Other than any requirement that the aCcO￿ts give a Iwe armj fair. view which ts not a matter consKl8red as part of an independenl examinatson. I have no concems and have come acmss no other matters in c￿ne¢1￿)n wilh the ex8minall￿ to whth attentKY) StN)ubJ b8 drawn in th￿ in order to enable a propet underslandM)g of Iho ac(x)unls to be (Bathed. Dat•: 10 Cktthof 2025 Nam•: Stephen M Kneebone R•l•vanl prof•8slonal qu¥llllcatlonl•) or body (If any): A.C.A- R611r6d Record Nunknif 7469366 IER 0¢12018

Minton Burton's Lane. Chattont St Glles. Buc%s, HP8 4BB Section B Disclosure Only complele if the examiner needs lo highlight malenal matters of con¢em (see CC32. Independent examina￿1 of chanty arLounts." directsons and gubJance for examiners). Give here brief details of any items that the examlner wishes to disclose. None IER (1¢11011