– TRUSTEES ANNUAL REPORT ON THE PERIOD 01.04.22 31.03.23
SECTION A REFERENCE AND ADMINISTRATION DETAILS
Charity Name - Dulverton Weir and Leat Conservation Trust Charity’s principle address - Traders Cottage, 8 Weirhead, Dulverton, Somerset TA22 9DH Names of Trustees who manage - Mr Philip C Hull B.A. the Charity Mr Peter Romain Mrs Marian J Lloyd B.A. Mr Robert Jones MSc Banking - NatWest PLC, The Parade, Minehead, Somerset TA24 5NL
SECTION B STRUCTURE, GOVERNANCE AND MANAGEMENT
Type of Governing Document - Foundation Model Constitution – July 2016 How the Trust is constituted - Charitable Incorporated Organisation Trustee Selection Methods - New Trustees are appointed for 3 years by resolution at a properly convened meeting of the Trustees.
SECTION C OBJECTIVES AND ACTIVITIES
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The objects of the Charity set out - 1. To promote the permanent preservation for the in its Governing Document are: benefit of the public generally of the ancient weir (the weir) having an Ordnance Survey Grid Reference of SS913283, situated on the River Barle in Dulverton within the Exmoor National Park in the County of Somerset, together with the mill leat (the leat) and other land and structures associated with the weir and leat.
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The advancement of education of the public, about the history of the weir and leat.
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The conservation and improvement of the weir and leat and its surrounding habitats, wildlife, flora and fauna for the benefit of the public.
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The provision of an open space for the recreation of the public.
Summary of the main activities - The Trust continues to research the history of Dulverton’s for the public benefit medieval Weir and Mill Leat (known as an Urban Watermill Landscape) and makes its research available via the internet, in Resource Centres (in Dulverton Library and the Exmoor Society Head Office) and in the local press. The Trust continues in its project to save Dulverton’s Urban Watermill Landscape for future generations.
The Trustees have had regard to the guidance issued by the Charity Commission on Public Benefit.
SECTION D ACHIEVEMENT AND PERFORMANCE
Summary of the main achievements of the Charity during the year -
During this reporting period the Trust’s operations began to recover from the Covid pandemic. As with most charities dependent on fundraising activities involving large gatherings, fundraising continued to be challenging with many supporters still apprehensive about attending large events.
Early in 2022 it was announced that Somerset County Council and the four District Councils covering Somerset were to merge creating a Unitary Council for Somerset taking over all the responsibilities of the former councils from 1[st] April 2023. Dulverton Weir at that time was owned by Somerset West and Taunton Council (SWTC) who were responsible for its upkeep, thus former declarations of intent given by SWTC on ownership, repair and subsequent leasing to the Trust are now in obeyance. The situation is further complicated by announcements from the emerging Unitary Council of a severe projected budgetary shortfall in the 2023-2024 financial year, together with significant staff reorganisation. Trust meetings with the new council officers and Elected Representatives are positive and constructive.
However, In the light of this uncertainty the Trustees took a strategic decision to continue to confine their fundraising to funds needed to fund Trust activity itself rather than those needed for the weir restoration. During this period there was a small net outflow of funds, with next year projected for a net positive inflow to offset this.
During this reporting period the Trust:
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Mounted the largest Kinetic and static art exhibition so far with over 22 arts exhibits displayed
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that served to highlight the value of the weir and leat as heritage assets.
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Received and publicised the first drafts of the engineering drawings commissioned by Somerset
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West & Taunton Council from their engineers (Mann Williams). This work was funded by Somerset Rivers Authority.
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Continued its activities in support of Somerset West & Taunton Council in line with the
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Memorandum of Understanding with signed with SWTC on joint management of the weir and leat.
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Brought flags and flagpoles previously loaned to the Trust for Trust events into Trust ownership.
SECTION E FINANCIAL REVIEW
The Charity’s current policy on Finance Reserves (which are currently small) is to bank them with NatWest in its Current Account.
There are no Trust Funds in deficit.
SECTION F OTHER OPTIONAL INFORMATION
N/A
SECTION G DECLARATION
The Trustees declare that they have approved the Trustees’ report above.
Signed on behalf of the Charity’s’ Trustees
Signed:
Dated: 30[th] January 2024
MR PHILIP HULL TRUSTEE DWLCT
DULVERTON WEIR & LEAT CONSERVATION TRusr 1st April 2022 - 31st March 2023 21-22 22-23 RECEIPTS Donations from Garden Party Donations VAT P.H. Statlonary & Mlsc Glft Aid Pay pal Town Hall Talk Cash Boxes 2078.00 1800.00 114.51 0.00 0.00 9.42 0.00 0.00 4001.93 1,375.00 90.00 112.02 0.00 0.00 19.32 0.00 0.00 1,596.34 PAYMENTS 792.00 I Webslte 396.00 832.98 2 Printlng 327.72 628.00 3 Stationary 389.82 576.81 4 Insurance 22-23 569,65 563.26 11 Garden Party Expense5 376.92 iooo.oo Luke Tupperlsculptor 0.00 0.00 Flags 260.00 1456.00 Film 0.00 loo.00 5949.05 Storage 0.00 2320.11 -1947.12 LOSS I SURPLUS -723.77 3.35 8,017.35 0.00 8,020.70 Cash Current Savings Balance in Bank plus Cash in Hand 3.35 7,293.58 0.00 7296.93 9,967.82 -1947.12 Balance at 1 st April 2021 1 2022 Minus Loss 8020.70 -723.77 8 020.70 Balance at 31st March 2022 12023 7 296.93 I have prepared this accouni from the book. bank statements and vouchers of the Trustees, and certfy it lo be in accordance therewrth. M.J.LLOYD