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← Bristol Bridge Club

2025-03-31-accounts

BRISTOL BRIDGE CLUB

A CHARITABLE INCORPORATED ORGANISATION

Charity Registration No. 1167959

TRUSTEES’ REPORT AND FINANCIAL STATEMENTS FOR THE YEAR ENDED 31 MARCH 2025

1

BRISTOL BRIDGE CLUB

A CHARITABLE INCORPORATED ORGANISATION

REFERENCE AND ADMINISTRATIVE INFORMATION

Trustees Stuart King – chair
Mike Forrest - treasurer
Teresa Watson - secretary
Hilda Ball
Jane Barrett
Caroline Drugan
David Turner
Kimberly Warner
Club manager Stephen Royal
Charity number 1167959
Principal address 99 Oldfield Road
Hotwells
Bristol
BS8 4QQ
Registered office 99 Oldfield Road
Hotwells
Bristol
BS8 4QQ
Bankers National Westminster Bank PLC
40 Queen’s Road
Bristol
BS8 1BF
Independent examiners Adams Root Limited t/a Adams Root & Associates
Chartered Certified Accountants
86 Shirehampton Road
Stoke Bishop
Bristol
BS9 2DR

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BRISTOL BRIDGE CLUB

A CHARITABLE INCORPORATED ORGANISATION

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CONTENTS
Page
Trustees' report 4 – 6
Independent examiner’s report 7
Statement of financial activities 8
Balance sheet 9
Notes to the accounts 10 – 14
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BRISTOL BRIDGE CLUB

A CHARITABLE INCORPORATED ORGANISATION

TRUSTEES' REPORT

FOR THE YEAR ENDED 31 MARCH 2025

The trustees present their report and accounts for the year ended 31 March 2025.

These comply with the Charities Act 2011, the constitution of the organisation, and Accounting and Reporting by Charities: Statement of Recommended Practice applicable to charities preparing their accounts in accordance with the Financial Reporting Standard applicable in the UK and Republic of Ireland (FRS 102).

Our purposes and activities

The purpose of the charity is the advancement of amateur sport by promoting the game of bridge for the benefit of the residents of Bristol and the surrounding area.

This we do by providing a venue for the teaching and playing of bridge, both for members and visitors, and by arranging tuition for all who wish to learn to play bridge, or to improve their knowledge and practice of the game. The club also organises at least eight playing sessions every week at the club.

Review of the year

2024-25 showed a significant improvement in the activities of the club, resulting in a breakeven financial result for the year.

The relationship with Clifton and Bristol Chess Club has worked very well and continues to contribute the club’s finances, without causing any problems for the club.

Overall, attendance at the club has continued to increase from the very slow return to face-to-face bridge, with some changes to which sessions remain popular. Players’ attendances totalled 9,770 for the year (2024 – 9,724).

Structure, governance and management

The trustees are responsible for the financial and operational security of the charity, as set out in the constitution. The constitution requires that the charity has between 5 and 10 trustees at any one time.

The current trustees are listed on page 2. All of the present trustees have served on the board for the whole year, except for Teresa Watson and Kimberly Warner, who were elected at the AGM held on 11[th] July 2024.

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BRISTOL BRIDGE CLUB

A CHARITABLE INCORPORATED ORGANISATION

TRUSTEES' REPORT (CONTINUED)

FOR THE YEAR ENDED 31 MARCH 2025

Financial review

The main change that trustees decided was important to make to improve the club’s future financial prospects was to recommend an increase in table money to counter significant inflationary pressures. This was approved at the AGM and introduced in September 2024. This has helped the club to approach break even for the second half of the year, but last year’s losses continued to affect the overall finances for the first half of the year.

At 31 March, we had cash and bank balances in excess of £88,000 (2024 - £42,000) with liabilities of about £23,000 (2024 - £19,000), with the club’s free reserves standing at almost £34,500 (2024 - £36,400). That is more than the club’s current level of overheads. When trustees last considered the appropriate level of reserves that the club should carry, they decided that reserves approximating to half of annual overheads plus a quarter of the charity’s other regular outgoings should be sufficient to maintain the financial health of the organisation. Based on this year’s results data, this suggests a required free reserves level of about £40,000, so the finances of club continue to be in a reasonable position but require some further action to maintain the level of free reserves in a secure position.

In summary, bridge activities (playing, competitions and tuition) have delivered a surplus of £25,494 for the year (2024 - £20,350). The catering and bar operations, continue to operate at a lower level than pre-pandemic, despite the introduction of food being included on the new friendly Thursday format. The bar and catering activities generated a deficit of £7,639 (2024 - £13,955). The overheads of the charity totalled £27,984 (2024 - £30,673).

The surplus for the year was £34,205 (2024 - deficit of £16,900). However, it is important to note that this is as a result of fundraising for the refurbishment of the club’s building. Nevertheless, this does mean that the usual activities of the club have delivered a breakeven financial result for the first time since the pandemic.

The net assets have increased to just under £826,500 (2024 - £791,500). £750,000 of these assets represents the premises, which are included at the latest valuation the club had commissioned. The remaining net assets include a further £3,329 (2024 - £9,781) relating to the investments which support the Bob Curtis Fund, which continue to perform well, despite a small loss this year.

Plans for the future

The trustees have concentrated their work so far to improve the financial performance of the club by reviewing the losses arising on the club’s bar and catering operations. This has required some volunteers to help with the catering on Thursday evenings, so that we do not need quite as many paid staff as we have been calling upon up to now. Some change is likely to be necessary to the prices we charge for some of our special occasions, and there has also been an increase in bar prices.

Now that it seemed unlikely that the club will be relocating in the near future, planning continues to be investigated for improvement to the club’s facilities, following the discussion at last year’s AGM. Unfortunately, construction is one of those sectors where prices have increased significantly, so we are investigating the possibility of grant-aided support to assist in enabling improvements to proceed.

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BRISTOL BRIDGE CLUB

A CHARITABLE INCORPORATED ORGANISATION

TRUSTEES' REPORT (CONTINUED)

FOR THE YEAR ENDED 31 MARCH 2025

Trustees’ responsibilities

The charity trustees are responsible for preparing a trustees’ annual report and financial statements in accordance with applicable law and UK Accounting Standards (UK Generally Accepted Accounting Practice).

Charity law requires the charity trustees to prepare financial statements for each financial year which give a true and fair view of the state of affairs of the charity and of its incoming resources and application of resources, including income and expenditure, of the charity for that period. In preparing those financial statements, the trustees are required to:

The trustees are responsible for keeping proper 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 Act 2011. 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 are responsible for the maintenance and integrity of the corporate and financial information included on the charity’s website.

In so far as the trustees are aware at the time of approving our trustees’ annual report:

Independent examiners

The charity’s independent examiners are Adams Root Limited t/a Adams Root & Associates . This firm has indicated its willingness to be reappointed at the forthcoming AGM.

By order of the board of trustees

Mike Forrest – Treasurer and trustee 3[rd] June 2025

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BRISTOL BRIDGE CLUB

A CHARITABLE INCORPORATED ORGANISATION

INDEPENDENT EXAMINER'S REPORT TO THE TRUSTEES

We report on the accounts of the charity for the year ended 31 March 2025, which are set out on pages 8 to 14.

Respective responsibilities of trustees and examiner

The charity's trustees are responsible for the preparation of the accounts. The charity's trustees consider that an audit is not required for this year under section 144(2) of the Charities Act 2011 (the 2011 Act) and that an independent examination is needed.

It is our responsibility to:

Basis of independent examiner’s report

Our 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 accounts presented with those records. It also includes consideration of any unusual items or disclosures in the accounts, and the seeking of 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 accounts present a ‘true and fair view’ and the report is limited to those matters set out in the statement below.

Independent examiner’s statement

In connection with our examination, no matter has come to our attention:

  1. which gives us reasonable cause to believe that, in any material respect, the requirements:

  2. to keep accounting records in accordance with section 130 of the 2011 Act; and

  3. to prepare accounts which accord with the accounting records and to comply with the accounting requirements of the 2011 Act

  4. have not been met;

or

  1. to which, in our opinion, attention should be drawn in order to enable a proper understanding of the accounts to be reached.

Adams Root Limited t/a Adams Root & Associates

Date: 3[rd] June 2025

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BRISTOL BRIDGE CLUB

A CHARITABLE INCORPORATED ORGANISATION

STATEMENT OF FINANCIAL ACTIVITIES

YEAR ENDED 31 MARCH 2025

Incoming resources from
generated funds
Voluntary income
2
Investment income –
Unrealised gains/(losses)
11
Interest
Activities in furtherance of
the charity's objectives
3
Total incoming resources
Resources expended
Charitable activities - costs
in furtherance of the
charity's objectives
4
Net surplus/(loss) for the
year
Fund balances at 1 April
2024
Total funds carried forward
at 31 March 2025		 Unrestricted
funds
Restricted
funds
Total
2025
Total
2024
£
£
£
£
10,268
34,500
44,768
6,466
-
(115)
(115)
1,309
1,238
-
1,238
1,281
11,506
34,385
45,891
9,056
90,565
-
90,565
85,346
102,071
34,385
136,456
94,402
99,654
2,597
102,251
116,390
2,417
31,788
34,205
(16,896)
786,526
4,963
791,489
808,385
788,943
36,751
825,694
791,489

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BRISTOL BRIDGE CLUB

A CHARITABLE INCORPORATED ORGANISATION

BALANCE SHEET

31 MARCH 2025

Notes 2025 2024
£ £
Fixed Assets
Tangible assets 10 754,303 755,099
Current Assets
Stocks 1.5 692 919
Investments 11 3,329 9,781
Debtors and prepayments 1,796 1,868
Cash 88,783 42,740
94,600 55,308
Creditors: amounts falling due in less than one year 12 (23,211) (18,918)
Net current assets 71,389 36,390
Net assets 825,692 791,489
Income Funds
Restricted funds 13 36,751 4,963
Revaluation reserve 14 275,595 275,595
Unrestricted funds 513,346 510,931
825,692 791,489

The accounts were approved by the board of trustees on 3[rd] June 2025

Mike Forrest Treasurer and trustee

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BRISTOL BRIDGE CLUB

A CHARITABLE INCORPORATED ORGANISATION

NOTES TO THE ACCOUNTS

31 MARCH 2025

1 Accounting policies

The principal accounting policies adopted, judgements and key sources of estimation relating to uncertainty in the preparation of the accounts are as follows:

1.1 Basis of preparation

The financial statements have been prepared in accordance with Accounting and Reporting by Charities: Statement of Recommended Practice applicable to charities preparing their accounts in accordance with FRS 102.

Assets and liabilities are recognised at historical cost or transaction value unless otherwise stated in the relevant accounting policy note.

1.2 Incoming resources

Subscriptions from members are spread over the period to which they relate.

Investment income is accounted for on a receivable basis.

Other Incoming resources are also included in the Statement of Financial Activities on a receivable basis.

1.3 Resources expended

Resources expended are included in the Statement of Financial Activities on an accruals basis, inclusive of VAT. VAT recovered via the flat rate scheme is added to the relevant income.

1.4 Tangible fixed assets and depreciation

As referred to in note 10, the property has been revalued. It is the view of the trustees that most of the value of the property is the freehold land, and therefore they have decided that depreciation is inappropriate.

The charity does not have a specific value above which capital expenditure is capitalised. Tangible fixed assets capitalised are those deemed to be for long term use by the charity.

Tangible fixed assets are stated at cost less depreciation. Depreciation is provided at rates calculated to write off the cost less estimated residual value of each asset over its expected useful life, as follows;

Freehold premises nil Fixtures and fittings 6% per annum Equipment 20% - 33% per annum

10

BRISTOL BRIDGE CLUB

A CHARITABLE INCORPORATED ORGANISATION

NOTES TO THE ACCOUNTS (CONTINUED)

31 MARCH 2025

1.5 Stock

Stock is valued at the lower of cost and net realisable value.

1.6 Accumulated funds

Unrestricted funds represent those monies which are freely available for application towards achieving any charitable purpose that falls within the charity’s charitable objects.

2 Voluntary income
Grants and other fundraising
Members’ subscriptions and small donations		 2025
2025
2025
2024
restricted
unrestricted
Total
Total
£
£
£
£
34,500
24
34,524
-
10,244
10,244
6,466
34,500
10,268
44,768
6,466
3 Activities in furtherance of the charity's objectives
Bridge play
Bar and refreshments
Lessons and courses
Other		 2025
2024
£
£
62,909
55,063
20,196
22,695
6,750
6,518
710
1,070
90,565
85,346
4 Total resources expended
Bridge play
Bar and catering
Tuition
Restricted funds
Overheads		 2025
2024
Staff
Deprec’n
Other
Total
Total
£
£
£
£
33,721
134
3,560
37,415
34,137
18,023
156
9,656
27,835
36,650
6,421
-
-
6,421
7,092
1,495
-
1,101
2,596
2,746
-
506
27,478
27,984
30,673
59,660
796
41,795
102,251
111,298

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BRISTOL BRIDGE CLUB

A CHARITABLE INCORPORATED ORGANISATION

NOTES TO THE ACCOUNTS (CONTINUED)

31 MARCH 2025

5 Bridge play – other costs
Bridge supplies
Computing and printing
Prizes and entry fees
Telephone and broadband
Other
6 Overheads
Bank and payment charges
Council tax and water rates
Insurance
Heat, light and power
Cleaning
Improvements
Depreciation
Repairs and maintenance
Accountancy
Waste
Security
Trustees’ expenses
Other		 2025
2024
£
£
666
1,674
253
270
706
555
936
669
999
1,444
3,560
4,612
2025
2024
£
£
2,024
1,661
952
1,626
2,363
1,890
5,447
4,768
9,772
8,730
1,505
3,990
506
3,093
284
802
362
348
1,497
1,212
1,411
1,427
147
-
1,714
1,126
27,984
30,673

7 Employees

Number of employees

During the year the charity employed an average of 10 staff (2024 – 12). The club manager and catering manager are part-time, the remainder are casual workers.

2025 2024
£ £
Wages and salaries 59,660 58,390

The cost of wages and salaries includes £375 (2024 - £375) in respect of employer pension contributions.

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BRISTOL BRIDGE CLUB

A CHARITABLE INCORPORATED ORGANISATION

NOTES TO THE ACCOUNTS (CONTINUED)

31 MARCH 2025

8 Trustees

Two trustees received payment for running some of the charity’s playing sessions, and bridge lessons for members and others. This is work additional to their trustee responsibilities and they are paid at the same rate as others who run similar sessions.

9 Taxation

The charity’s activities during the year were in accordance with its charitable objects and no corporation tax liability arises.

10 Tangible fixed assets

Cost or valuation
At 1 April 2024
Additions
At 31 March 2025
Depreciation
At 1 April 2024
Charge for the year
At 31 March 2025
Net book value
At 31 March 2025
At 31 March 2024		 Equipment
Freehold
premises
£
£
21,109
750,000
-
-
21,109
750,000
16,010
750,000
(804)
-
16,806
750,000
4,303
750,000
5,099
750,000

The property was revalued by Messrs. Maggs & Allen, Property Consultants on 20 December 2017. The trustees do not intend to dispose of the property in the near future and are confident that the value of the property is not less than this valuation.

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BRISTOL BRIDGE CLUB

A CHARITABLE INCORPORATED ORGANISATION

11 Investments

At 1 April 2024
Disposals
Unrealised gains/(losses)
At 31 March 2025		 2025
2024
£
£
9,781
8,472
(6,337)
-
(115)
1,309
3,329
9,781

The investments (and the associated restricted fund – see note 13) have been included at market value.

12 Creditors: amounts falling due within one year
Taxes and social security costs
Pension contributions
Income in advance
Trade creditors
Other creditors and accruals		 2025
2024
£
£
1,415
2,180
93
60
8,431
8,667
4,300
3,312
8,972
4,699
23,211
18,918

13 Restricted funds

Bob Curtis Fund
Refurbishment Fund
Bob Curtis Fund		 1 April 2024
Incoming
resources
Resources
expended
31 March 2025
£
£
£
£
4,963
(115)
(2,596)
2,251
-
34,500
-
34,500
4,963
34,500
(2,596)
36,751

The Bob Curtis Fund resulted from a donation by Bob Curtis to support future Curtis Cup competitions, which he initiated in an attempt to bring together the stronger and weaker players within the club to play in the same competition. He asked three members of the club to oversee both the investments (in the choice of which he was involved) and the way that the club proposed to spend his gift. The club also used some of the fund to support the holding of “Friendly Thursdays”, run with similar objectives.

The Fund continues to be supported by investments which were made from gifts made during his lifetime (see note 11).

The Refurbishment Fund is being raised from trusts and foundations, in order to carry out building work on the premises at the club.

14. Revaluation reserves

The Trustees have adopted a revaluation policy for the freehold premises. This valuation of £750,000 resulted in an unrestricted revaluation reserve of £275,595.

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