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2021-08-31-accounts

ANNUAL REPORT AND Charity Number 1168555 FINANCIAL STATEMENTS FOR 2020/21

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STRATEGY SNAPSHOT ROTHERFIELD ST MARTIN STRATEGY SNAPSHOT 2021- 2024 KSM Our Vision.. A commullity where every person enjoys a secure and enjoyable third age Our Mission: Prevent isolation and loneliness by building a strong and supportive community Our Key Objectives T05UPPfjrt fjldEr r￿Idents lo h 7Kthe and valued imbers ol the communlty ID prDvide J cfjmmunltyhub To ?nrouraBB and support our TD 5e¢urv 3 pBrm?nBnl hjb d lostsr soclal connecllons charfty Inspiring and supporting our community to care for one another Strategic Activities o-o-o-o-o lo proylde a range ol relevant. Ingagi with Dui coMrnunlty lo Work with releyinl gr rany of d511e￿nI fundralslng a¥enues and t￿P911￿$. stNl¢e& help peoplt ronn￿1 Dnline. sullable premlsesfor IhD long tel prole¢l& lo proylde ON to one11 TD vn5urq im¢rgency rospo PIO¢B55e5 and procedurBs are dDrumenled In case ol lulurn lo imprcv? BffiLienlly ongolng 5UPPDrt. To ensure that RSMS mle Is etstood wlthin the community iThJ ofter education 9nd Irainlng Review & de¥elop the Pad$h Pals wportunitlp5 wherE relevant. hByond E￿id 19. Toch8mpion We3ld?n DeThntia To offer additlDnal support and SI￿pOsI1r￿ lo unpald carnrs. Iwareness and support those Ith demenlla Sn our communlly Our initiatives Wealden KSM PARISH PAIS

ROTHERFIELD ST MARTIN

The Trustees of Rotherfield St Martin have pleasure in presenting this Annual Report and independently examined financial statements of the charity for the year ending 31st August 2021.

TABLE OF CONTENTS

Page

The RSM Staff Team - From left - Sarah, Vicky, Fiona and Iona

1

STRUCTURE, GOVERNANCE & MANAGEMENT

TRUSTEES

Rotherfield St Martin must have a minimum of 4 and a maximum of 8 charity trustees. The following people served as charity trustees during the year:

Leon Steer Chair (re appointed 4 Feb 2019) Jo Evans Trustee (reappointed 2 Mar 2020 - retired 3 Nov 2020) John O'Conor Trustee (appointed 4 Feb 2019) Mark Howard Trustee (appointed 4 Feb 2019) Sue Taylor Trustee (appointed 4 Feb 2019) Elaine Fraser Trustee (appointed 14 Jul 2020 - retired Nov 2021) Sharon Bohane Trustee (appointed 27 Jul 2021)

CHARITY MANAGER:

Mrs Victoria Cheeseman (appointed 1 Feb 2018)

CHARITY NUMBER:

1168555

REGISTERED ADDRESS:

RSM Centre Memorial Institute North Street Rotherfield East Sussex TN6 3LX

INDEPENDENT EXAMINER:

Mr G Khan (ACMA) G3J Limited 32 Abinger Drive Redhill Surrey RH1 6SY

BANKERS:

National Westminster Bank Plc CAF Bank

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Our Charitable Objects:

The Charitable Incorporated Organisation (CIO), Rotherfield St Martin, was established on 2 August 2016 and has the registered number 1168555.

It assumed the responsibilities and obligations previously carried out by the Charity also known as Rotherfield St Martin (registered number 1119458). The CIO has adopted the "association" model, having voting members other than charity trustees.

An AGM must be held at intervals of not more than 15 months and be open to all members of the CIO.

At each AGM trustees will stand for election/reelection to be appointed by the members of the CIO. These will be trustees that have served three years since their last appointment at an AGM, or trustees that have been appointed mid year by trustees.

New trustees are provided with a copy of the Deed (Constitution dated 2/08/2016) together with any amendments made to it, and a copy of the charity’s latest Annual Report and accounts. They must also acknowledge their acceptance of the office of trustee.

In addition to the AGM, staff and trustees attend 4 Board Meetings and a planning day each year to review progress against objectives.

All staff and trustees are fully vetted before they are appointed.

The charitable objects of the CIO are to promote for the benefit for the inhabitants of Rotherfield, East Sussex and the surrounding area, the provision of facilities for welfare, recreation or other leisure time occupation of individuals who have need of such facilities by reason of their youth, age, infirmity or disablement, financial hardship or social and economic

circumstances or for the public at large in the interests of social welfare and with the object of improving the conditions of life of the said inhabitants.

Our Vision:

A community where every person in Rotherfield and the surrounding areas, enjoys a secure and enjoyable third age.

Our Mission:

To prevent isolation and loneliness by building a strong and supportive community.

Our Values:

3

SUMMARY OF THE YEAR 2020/2021

REPORT BY CHARITY MANAGER, VICKY CHEESEMAN

The year ending August 2021 was undoubtedly challenging but one full of opportunity and new beginnings. We were challenged to find new ways to ensure that we could still meet the needs of our members, whilst being compliant with frequently changing guidelines and remaining financially viable. The newly formed RSM Team had to think creatively to work within national restrictions and a second lockdown to ensure that older people continued to feel supported and connected to their community.

KEEPING CONNECTED

During these turbulent times we quickly identified that our members had a core set of needs; companionship, reassurance and ongoing help with practical issues, such as collecting prescriptions, shopping, and drives to vaccination and other medical appointments.

Together with a core group of RSM volunteers, the staff team were able to meet these needs through regular telephone calls, co-ordinating doorstep visits and deliveries, and providing a Covid compliant volunteer driver scheme. These activities continued until July 2021, when most of the restrictions began lifting. A new monthly newsletter kept all our members up to date and helped them to feel part of a community, with a selection of news items, useful information, games and quizzes.

RESOURCES

At the beginning of September 2020 our staff team welcomed Iona and Sarah. They had a strange start to their roles as they were based at home until April 2021 and we all had to get to grips with working together remotely and learning to use Zoom, Whatsapp and Messenger.

RSM is open 48 weeks a year, Monday to Friday.

As a small team we are extremely fortunate to have the support of 100 regular volunteers and an additional occasional 35 volunteers (Parish Pals to help in times of a community crisis). We also have the support of a wonderful community. Collectively over the last twelve months we have found a way to support our community.

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FINDING SOLUTIONS

During this period, we found it vitally important for RSM to connect with other organisations who support older people to be able to share knowledge and ideas, find realistic solutions and to discuss the needs of our wider rural community. With government guidelines and restrictions to consider, it was essential to be able to access information quickly and decide the best course of action.

We teamed up with two local groups supporting older people (who geographically are our neighbours) and our Village Agent from Action in Rural Sussex to form the ‘Rural Working Lunch’, which gave us a forum to meet regularly online and to discuss local and national issues and find solutions together. This group was particularly beneficial as a sounding board for ideas and to expand our pool of skill and expertise.

We attended various countywide online networking meetings which enabled us to gain opportunities to speak directly with professional bodies such as Public Health. These collaborations were invaluable in helping us move forward and ultimately informed our own ‘RoadMap out of Lockdown’ which followed a staggered approach to the re-opening of our services

RAISING AWARENESS

We engaged with our local MP Nus Ghani to raise awareness of our work and to ensure that the challenges faced by older people in our rural community are on the political radar.

In April 2021 Nus Ghani visited us to learn in particular more about our dementia work and signed the Wealden Dementia Action Alliance Charter, which is an initiative that we are championing in our community. Those who sign the Charter pledge to raise awareness of dementia within their own organisations to help create dementia friendly communities.

MP Nus Ghani signing the Wealden Dementia Charter

FUNDING

It was widely publicised that many charities closed permanently in the last twelve months as a direct result of Covid. I therefore focussed on fundraising through grants to help us keep financially viable.

We were successful in obtaining funding for both short term projects and core activities. We were fortunate that many grant giving organisations and trusts have been proactive in supporting charities to ‘get back to normal and re start activities’ and were sympathetic to plans changing in response to local needs. We ended the year financially robust largely due to the support of our donors and strategic planning.

5

ROADMAP OUT OF LOCKDOWN

After the long Winter/Spring lockdown of 2020/2021 and the introduction of the Covid Vaccination programme, we were finally able to start thinking about the re-opening of our services. Whilst tempting to rush in and re-open all our services at once, we took a more considered approach, to ensure that our members would feel confident to return to our clubs and activities.

Following the Governments example, we produced our own ‘Roadmap out of Lockdown’ which we shared with all our members so that they themselves could prepare to come out of lockdown and start to meet up with friends once again. After months of working at home and meeting only on Zoom, the RSM team were finally able to get back to the office, fondly known by many as RSM HQ, in May 2021.

Although we ended the year still living with Covid, we can look back at another successful year of our charity. Despite a National Pandemic we were able to continue to combat isolation and loneliness, recruit new members and volunteers and to inspire our wonderful community to care for one another. Our work over the last year has been recognised by many such as our Parish Council and Wealden District Council. However it is the letters of thanks that we received from our members that we treasure the most, as they demonstrate that we truly are a trusted friend and that we make a difference.

I knew things were returning to normal when Bill and Sarah met outside the RSM Centre on the first morning back. He collects his paper every day and waves to us as he goes by. It was reassuring and we felt things would return to normal.

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OUR IMPACT - PERFORMANCE AGAINST OBJECTIVES

TO SUPPORT OLDER RESIDENTS TO BE ACTIVE AND VALUED MEMBERS OF THE COMMUNITY

As a person centred charity we work in partnership with our members to ensure that we are ‘getting it right’. Many of our members are also valuable volunteers so they are able to help shape our services.

Our monthly newsletter was instrumental in keeping us all connected over the last 12 months. Whilst clubs remained closed, we offered friendship both over the phone and on the doorstep to ensure that everyone felt connected.

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At Christmas 2020 the staff team visited every RSM member to wish them Happy Christmas and give them a small gift.

In response to listening to unpaid carers, we started a new group ‘Time to Talk’ for unpaid carers to share their experiences and to be supported by one another and our RSM Dementia Champion, Iona.

We developed new systems to support our volunteers including producing a new Volunteers Handbook and training video. Our next step is to train key volunteers to support members who are living with dementia. This will require specialist dementia training.

We saw for ourselves the detrimental impact of lockdowns and shielding on our members physical well being. As soon as restrictions were eased, we re-opened our Hydrotherapy, Exercise and Pilates classes to encourage our members to improve their general fitness, mobility and balance.

Whilst many in our community are aware of RSM, our future goal is to ensure that every household is fully aware of all the vital work that we do to support our local ageing population.

Seated Pilates for Core Strength

8

TO PROVIDE A COMMUNITY HUB TO SUPPORT LOCAL RESIDENTS AND FOSTER SOCIAL CONNECTIONS

When the first lockdown was introduced, many communities had to start from scratch to put in place systems to support people shielding. Practical support was required on a large scale for basic needs such as shopping and prescription deliveries as well as combating isolation and loneliness.

RSM was able to build upon well-established systems and quickly became a hub where people could ask for help and offer help. As we came out of lockdown those relationships remain and we have gained a new group of volunteers, the Parish Pals, who can support our work in times of crisis. Our office, being in the centre of the village, has become a focal point for people to drop in for friendship, practical support and advice.

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TO ENCOURAGE AND SUPPORT OUR MEMBERS TO CONNECT DIGITALLY

We are very much aware that whilst some older people have embraced technology in the last 12 months as a method of keeping in contact with family and friends, many others remain digitally excluded.

This was clearly demonstrated with the first ever online Census. To overcome this issue, we visited members on their doorsteps with tablets to complete the Census with them.

Our Art Group, in particular, embraced technology. We were delighted to support them to connect via Zoom and WhatsApp so that they could meet and paint together during lockdown, which was incredibly successful and has continued.

Our aim is to support all members wishing to connect digitally. We will therefore be working with organisations who will train key RSM volunteers to support older people who wish to learn IT skills.

Face To Face through the window and Zoom!

9

TO DEVELOP A FINANCIALLY RESILIENT, COMMUNITY LED CHARITY

Our main source of income continued to be from grants and donations this year as we do not receive any statutory funding from the government.

Although we usually raise some income from membership and activities, this was significantly reduced due to Covid restrictions. However, additional grants were made available to charities that combat isolation and loneliness, as this was a recognised negative consequence of lockdowns. Fortunately, we were successful in obtaining some of those grants and therefore currently have healthy reserves. .

We were fortunate to receive one off and regular donations, and began to explore corporate sponsorships as a possible new source of income.

We were extremely grateful to receive legacies from former members in recognition of the friendship and support they received from RSM in their later life.

TO PROVIDE A PERMANENT HUB AT THE VILLAGE CENTRE

We have been working with our landlord to explore the possibility of taking ownership of our current premises - The Rotherfield Memorial Institute, as the committee who manage the building wish to pass it on.

The building was gifted to our village 100 years ago and a voluntary committee formed to manage the building. At over 200 years old the building now requires substantial funds to restore it to its former glory.

We spent the last twelve months understanding what is required to both restore and future proof the building. We have consulted with our Parish Council and community who support this idea in principle however it is the Charity Commission whose approval is required with terms that are acceptable to our charity.

The Memorial Institute

If it is not possible to take over the current building, we will look within the community to find alternative premises.

10

OUR IMPACT - A YEAR IN NUMBERS

2,772 183 Friendship Calls Volunteer Drives 5.5 Tonnes of Surplus Food Shared 1,680 1,050 Newsletters Doorstep Visits Posted

220

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Birthday Cards
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2,560 Phone Calls Answered

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OUR IMPACT - ACHIEVEMENTS

FEED IT BACK

We faced many challenges this year, but the human spirit is a curious thing and as we came up with creative ways to keep connected to our members, they reciprocated with understanding, gratitude and a ‘can do’ attitude. We are fortunate to be based in the heart of an extremely supportive village with many people and organisations coming forward to support us in our work.

One way in which we connect with our community is via our surplus food initiative ‘Feed it Back’. We set up a working partnership with local food chains and supermarkets to provide a regular weekly ‘Feed it Back’ table of surplus food at our centre, which is easily accessible being in the heart of Rotherfield. This is food that would otherwise go to landfill and is available to the community for a small donation to our charity. In a ten month period, we distributed five and a half tonnes of surplus food.

This was particularly beneficial to families during lockdown who were experiencing food poverty due to job losses, and to older people who no longer drive and find accessing supermarkets difficult. People came from across our community to see what’s available and to touch base with us at the same time.

Alongside surplus food, there were often flowers that people love to give in friendship, which helped us to inspire a community that cares for one another.

Our surplus food programme continues to be successful and is available to the whole community.

Friendship Flowers

Feed It Back goodies

12

DOORSTEP SERVICES

Treat Tuesday cakes ready to be delivered

Rotherfield is a small community with an above average older population. During the pandemic the government advised older people that they were “vulnerable” and to shield at home where possible, far longer than the rest of the population. As a result families and friends were not able to visit their older relatives as often as usual, which increased the risk of loneliness and isolation.

Prescriptions and Vaccines

We also set up a different group to deliver any prescriptions and another to drive members to the local centre for their flu and Covid vaccinations.

We already had a good relationship with our local GP practice and pharmacy, so were able to establish an effective system quickly.

In addition, one of our volunteers trained as an NHS Vaccination Champion so we were also able to keep our community well informed about the vaccination rollout.

We were also delighted that our trustee Sue Taylor (a retired GP) became part of the local vaccination programme. It was extremely rewarding to be able to contribute to the health and welfare of our members.

We realised that we were going to have to provide some companionship as well as practical help at the doorstep. We responded by setting up a core team of volunteers whose sole job was to deliver a treat and have a chat every other Tuesday.

NHS Vaccination Champion, Andy Miller

Online Census - March 21

For the first time the 2021 was delivered online - which caused concern for many of the older generation. Armed with ipads, we visited those who needed help to complete their returns.

A completed Census return

13

CHRISTMAS COMPANIONSHIP

We knew that Christmas 2020 was going to be a particularly difficult time for many older people who may not be able see family or friends due to restrictions.

Although a small team, we made the decision to visit all our members on their doorsteps with a gift just before Christmas.

We worked with local businesses and Rotherfield Primary School to source suitable gifts and cards. Our volunteers wrapped them beautifully and we visited over 200 members during December 2020. We were also able to bring a little part of Christmas joy to the doorstep with a pantomime dame and carol singers.

The response was overwhelming and very rewarding. Many of our members told us that they had not had a visitor in weeks and were so pleased for the conversation and companionship.

It is the first time in the history of the charity that the staff have visited all our members’ homes and it gave us helpful insights, for example learning whether someone is geographically isolated or if neighbours are nearby. We were also able to pick up on practical matters which we may otherwise not have been aware of.

With very short notice, the government declared that families would not be able to spend Christmas day together, which was devastating news for many older people. We therefore arranged for Christmas meals to be cooked and delivered for some of our members who we knew were particularly isolated.

Thanks to the generosity and kindness of our community and the support of our volunteers, these small acts were some of the highlights of the year and really emphasised the importance and value of combating isolation and loneliness.

It's Christmas - Oh Yes It Is!

Delivering Christmas goodies and a catch up with members

Carol singers at St Peter's Mead

14

TIME TO TALK

Early in 2021 RSM launched "Time to Talk", a support group for unpaid carers.

Iona, our new Dementia Champion realised shortly after joining that whilst there are many local services for people living with dementia, there was not as much support available for their carers or loved ones. These carers have been left almost broken by the impact of shielding and lockdowns during the pandemic.

RSM Dementia Champion, Iona Baily

From speaking to carers we have learnt that it is not always easy for them to leave the house, as their role is 24 hours a day, therefore the group meet on Zoom and in person.

What makes the group particularly successful is that if a member cannot attend a session, Iona will follow up with a friendly phone call to make sure everything is alright.

Time to Talk provides a safe place for unpaid carers to come together to share their experiences with one another and talk openly and freely without judgement. Iona supports the group with a listening ear, practical help and signposting to other services.

This regular communication and genuine interest and empathy have helped us to form trusting relationships with people who appreciate being able to share their daily battles amongst trusted friends.

"Knowing you aren't alone means so so much. It can be a long journey being a carer for someone with Alzheimer's as friends and family don't always understand how we feel or what we deal with.

Just knowing you have other lovely people by your side and just a message or phone call away is amazing and so supportive."

(Unpaid Carer)

It's good to talk - unpaid carers

15

WHAT WE HAVE LEARNT THIS YEAR

Months of being cooped up at home have led to muscle weakness – ‘deconditioning’ as clinicians term it - and sometimes a reduced sense of balance, increasing the risk of falls.

1 in 5 (2.3 million) or 18% say they feel less steady on their feet.

– Age UK 2021

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FRIENDSHIP AND LAUGHTER

Having spoken to our members regularly throughout lockdown and in some instances seen their mental health decline through lack of physical and social contact, we understood just how important it was to help to our members reconnect with each other as quickly as possible.

We therefore put together a full Holiday at Home programme to enable small groups of friends to visit places of interest across Kent and East Sussex. We were extremely stringent with risk assessments to ensure everyone’s safety and although this added rules that had to be followed, everyone was very compliant and understanding. The trips bought much happiness to our members and staff and volunteers.

“We would like to say thank you for yesterday’s visit to Eastbourne. Driving with friends to the seaside on a sunny day in August, this year, is what dreams are made of. It was expertly planned; the fish and chips were delicious and the use of a nearby hotel was a real brainwave. We had a wonderful day, thank you for all your hard work. It was much appreciated and a super idea”

Days out to the seaside, private gardens, a priory and wildlife centre

Laughter strengthens your immune system, boosts mood, diminishes pain, and protects you from the damaging effects of stress. Nothing works faster or more dependably to bring your mind and body back into balance than a good laugh. Humor lightens your burdens, inspires hope, connects you to others, and keeps you grounded, focused, and alert. It also helps you release anger and forgive sooner.

Source: Help Guide.Org (2022)

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OUR VALUES IN ACTION

“Thank you for all your thoughts and kindness during this difficult year”

“Thank you for your friendship and help”

“Once again thanks for organising another great day for us”

“My sister has been a member for a number of years of RSM and has benefitted greatly from the help and support of your volunteer drivers. Thank you to all for your help care and support to her over the years”

“We want to thank you so much for your help and support. It made such a difference to me not having to worry about the practical aspects”

“Thank you for caring about me and making my life happier”

“Thank you for looking after me during the year”

“I would just like to thank Jo (Visser) and all her helpers who gave us such a delicious lunch. It was a wonderful day out and we were made so warmly welcome. It was a memorable “holiday at home” special day!”

“What another great trip, to meet up with so many friends is a treat itself”

“Thank you so much for all your kindness”

“Thank you all for all your hard work, but most of all for your care and kindness”

“Thank you for our lovely day yesterday – and your quick service”

“Thank you so much for arranging Rotherfield Repairs to come and fix my light bulb problems”

“Thank you so much for all you do! So wonderful to have so many people to help us oldies”

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OUR VOLUNTEERS

We are so fortunate at RSM to have 100 regular volunteers and a further group of 35 Parish Pals who are ready to help in a crisis. People volunteer for a variety of different reasons, but they all have the similar goal of wanting to make a difference.

When asked why they volunteer one of our younger volunteers said: “Because I can. It’s a mindset. There is no reason for me NOT to help. I have time, and I have also been lucky enough to be around great grandparents and family members, which I guess has made me appreciate the value of older people.”

How do our volunteers help? Here are some examples:

This year we have created our own Volunteer Handbook and Training video to help our volunteers in their various roles. They are full of practical tips as well as policy and procedure.

Young fiilm maker putting together our Vounteer training video

Our new Volunteer Handbook

Our volunteers never cease to amaze us. In the last 12 months our volunteers have collectively (together with voluntary hours from staff) volunteered 4,426 hours, which at the minimum wage equals £38,594 or approximately 2.5 full time members of staff.

We thank our volunteers for all their support and kindness.

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FUNDRAISING

TRUSTS

We received grants from a number of trusts and organisations both local and further afield. Many of these grants were made in response to our work during the Covid crisis and to support us to re start our services following lockdown. In addition, trusts that have supported our work over the years, increased their support in recognition of our resilience in supporting older people in our community during a particularly challenging year.

LEGACIES

We received one legacy in the year from one of our members and memoriam donations from the funerals of four of our members, whose families wished to recognise our work and the support that we gave to their loved ones. We have the privilege of attending the funerals of our members and meeting their families. It is so rewarding to learn more about the early lives of our members and how we have helped to enrich those lives in later life.

DONATIONS

We received both regular and monthly donations throughout the year. We received a total of £50,551 which included a large one off donation from a corporate donor.

One of our supporters was particularly creative in his fundraising, requesting donations for manure on his farm, which proved very popular, raising over £350.

Creative fundraising down on the farm - manure for donations

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EVENTS

Due to Covid we were unable to hold any physical events, however we took part in the online 5 Day challenge The Christmas Big Give and raised £5,573.

This was made possible once again by nursery owner Morag Hockin (whose father was a member of RSM) who opened her Pop-up Plant stall to raise funds of £1,500 for our charity, which she pledged to the appeal.

A social media post featuring some of our young volunteers

We were also supported by a local initiative born out of Covid ‘Crowborough and Villages’ Scarecrow trail, which not only raised funds but was great fun for all involved. We took part ourselves with our very own ‘We’ll Meet Again – Vera Lynn’.

One of Morag's social media post about the pop up plant stall

Taking part in the community scarecrow trail which raised funds for RSM

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OUR SUPPORTERS

We are immensely grateful to those that support our work. This year we received financial support from:

Action in Rural Sussex (AIRS) Neighbourly Brian Mitchell Charitable Trust Rotherfield Parish Council East Sussex Police Sussex Community Foundation John Armitage (JACT) The Grocers Charity Independent Age Wealden District Council Inspired Villages WRAP Masonic Charitable Foundation

A large percentage of these grants were for our core costs (salaries, rent etc) whilst others were for shorter term projects such as supporting our food distribution programme and re starting services after lockdown. It is vital for the smooth running of our charity that we are able to access a diverse range of grants.

We are also extremely grateful for the goods received in kind from food outlets; Morrisons, Cook, Lidl, Tesco and Marks and Spencer. These donations support our community Feed it Back table which has increased to twice weekly as a result.

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FINANCIAL ACCOUNTS FOR THE YEAR ENDED 31 AUGUST 2021

TRUSTEES COMMENTS

Rotherfield St Martin returned a surplus of £23,712 in the financial year compared to a surplus of £16,444 in the previous year.

Reserves are needed to bridge the gap between spending and receiving of resources and to cover unplanned emergency repairs and other planned future expenditure. The reserves at the year end were £106,248.

Income for the year was £111,441, which was £8,611 higher than the previous year. This was mostly due to a large corporate donation received in the year. Regular donations from members and supporters have continued at around £800 per month. Income from grants of £40,981 was lower than the previous year £53,591, which was high due to Covid related funding received. Although lower this year, the grants awarded were still considerable, largely in recognition of our work during covid and to enable us to restart all activities following lockdown. Income from our clubs and activities was considerably lower than the previous year, reflecting the fact that most of these activities were not available during the year due to Covid restrictions. Income from services has increased by £4,647 this is largely due to increased office services for the Parish Council (newsletters) and an increase in demand for transport.

Expenditure was slightly higher than the previous year at £87,729. Salary costs were lower than the previous year, reflecting staff changes and a re-organisation. Office running costs have increased by £3,505, but this is largely down to increased Parish Council services and has an associated income as mentioned above and the RSM newsletter being printed and posted. Club and activity costs have gone down, again due to the fact that they were not running for a large part of the year.

Bank balances remain healthy at £198,825. The current account balance is £90,452 an increase of £22,930 from the previous year, and the deposit account balance is £23,318. A new account was opened, CAF gold account, with £85,001 transferred to that account to give added protection to our funds as recommended under the FSCS scheme. The Charity Commission makes a recommendation, to ensure ongoing viability that a charity holds between nine and fifteen months of unrestricted funds. Rotherfield St Martin’s monthly running costs are approximately £6,600 this means we should be holding between £59,400 and £99,000. Our reserves of £106,248 cover this.

Our Designated Reserves are made up of a large one-off exceptional donation which was allocated to our premises project, which we have been unable to embark on due to covid restrictions; hence total reserves are still high. All restricted funds are held within the RSMs bank accounts, along with the RSMs own reserves. The bank balances and designated, restricted and unrestricted funds are shown in the Balance Sheet.

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STATEMENT OF FINANCIAL ACTIVITIES FOR THE YEAR ENDED 31ST AUGUST 2021

Note Income 2021 2020
1 Combating Isolation 2,781 5,701
2 Health & Wellbeing 1,582 6,489
3 Services 6,185 1,538
4 Donations 50,551 25,222
5 Grants 40,981 53,591
6 Subscriptions 6,378 6,346
Bank Compensation Received 282 -
Bank Interest Received 7 165
7 Other Fundraising 2,693 3,778
Total Income 111,441 102,830
Expenditure
8 Combating Isolation 1,291 1,897
9 Health & Wellbeing 1,138 3,396
10 Services 2,072 497
11 Office Running Expenditure 8,942 5,437
12 Professional And Insurance Fees 1,942 1,225
13 Rent, Rates And Services 5,800 4,350
14 Salaries And Consultants 64,947 65,260
15 Staff And Trustee Costs 447 887
Depreciation of Office Equipment - 1
16 Other Expenditures 1,150 3,437
Total Expenditure 87,729 86,386
Net Income/(Expenditure) 23,712 16,444

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Notes to the Accounts for the Year Ended 31st August 2021

Note: 2021 2020
1. Combating Isolation Income
Art Club Income 45 306
Bridge Income - 197
Games & Social income - 155
Holiday at Home income 2,662 169
Knitting and Nattering Income 15 266
Men at Ten income - 263
Monday Meetings contributions to transport Income - 52
Monday Meetings Fees Income - 2,290
Lunch Club Income 20 -
Outings Income - 1,415
Toastie Club income 39 587
Total 2,781 5,701
2. Health & Wellbeing Income
Counselling income 10
Exercise Income 666 1,849
Hydrotherapy Income 367 2,049
Pilates income 249 492
Singing income 171
Table Tennis Income 417
Therapies Income 165 828
Time to Talk 135 674
Total 1,582 6,489
3. Services Income
Rotherfield Repairs income 429 217
Sales of Product Income 151 0
Office Services 2,775 0
Other services income 14 0
Printing & Copying income (ex PCC) 685 262
Rotherfield Rides Donation 40 0
Rotherfield Rides Income 2,024 140
VDS Fees income 67 919
Total 6,185 1,538

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Notes to the Accounts for the Year Ended 31st August 2021

Note 2021 2020
4. Donations Income
Corporate Donations Income 27,050 3,000
Donations In Memoriam Income 1,275 1,188
Donations Income 3,853 20,598
Membership Donations Income 1,740 435
Online Campaigns 6,803 -
Regular Donations 9,831 -
Total 50,551 25,222
5. Grants
Grants Received - Restricted 34,231 18,134
Grants Received -Unrestricted 6,750 35,457
Total 40,981 53,591
6. MEMBERSHIP
Subscriptions Income 6,378 6,346
Total 6,378 6,346
7. Other Fundraising
Events Income - 854
Gift Aid refund HMRC - 1,577
Surplus Food Donation 2,314 1,031
Miscellaneous sales/income 15 35
Monday Meetings Raffle Income - 270
Rotherfield Players tickets - 11
100 Club 365 -
Total 2,693 3,778
8. Combating Isolation Costs
Art Club expenses 58 7
Holiday at Home expenses 1,158 -
Monday Meetings - speakers & expenses - 410
Monday Meetings - village hall hire 13 617
Outings expenses - 803
Toastie Club costs 50 -
Parish Pals - 60
Christmas Costs 11 -
Total 1,291 1,897

26

Notes to the Accounts for the Year Ended 31st August 2021

Note 2021 2020
9. Health & Wellbeing Costs
Health & Wellbeing Costs 27 -
Dementia costs - 492
Exercise costs 505 1,126
Hydrotherapy costs 188 1,525
Pilates costs 150 210
Singing costs - 27
Therapies costs 163 15
Time to Talk 105 -
Total 1,138 3,396
10. Services
Surplus Food Costs 655 -
Treat Tuesday 187 153
Rotherfeld Rides expenses 1,229 344
Total 2,072 497
11. Office Running Expenditure
Office Running Expenditure 140 -
Cleaning 737 620
Computer Costs 952 1,634
Consumables 274 79
Office/General Administrative Expenses 546 62
Phone Costs 786 709
Postage 2,886 1,065
Printing 2,231 725
Repairs and Renewals - 244
Stationery 390 299
Total 8,942 5,437

27

Notes to the Accounts for the Year Ended 31st August 2021

Note 2021 2020
12. Professional And Insurance Fees
Accountancy 796 564
Insurances 971 606
Legal 20 20
Other Professional Services 155 35
Total 1,942 1,225
13. Rent, Rates And Services
Rent, rates and services 5,800 4,350
Total 5,800 4,350
14. Salaries And Consultants
Consultancy costs - bookkeeping 1,319 1,316
Consultancy costs - fundraising 5,170
Consultancy costs - office assistance 485 2,861
Payroll bureau costs 648 487
ERS NIC - 167
ERS pension 2,063 1,911
Salaries gross pay 60,433 53,347
Total 64,947 65,260
15. Staff And Trustee Costs
Staff costs - other 25 206
Training and courses 10 -
Travel and subsistence - 40
Trustees costs 12 12
Volunteers costs 400 629
Total 447 887
16. Other Expenditures
Uncategorised Expenditure 64 -
Fundraising & events costs - 19
Grant Projects Expenditure 1,086 3,417
Total 1,150 3,437

28

BALANCE SHEET FOR THE YEAR ENDED 31ST AUGUST 2021

2021 2020
Note £ £ £ £
Office Equipment Cost - -
Total Fixed Asset - -
Current Assets
Cash at bank and in hand
Bank Current Account 90,452 67,522
Bank Deposit Account (contingency fund) 1 23,318 108,312
CAF Gold Account 85,001 -
Petty Cash on hand 54 54
Total Cash at bank and in hand 198,825 175,888
Current Liabilities
Creditors: amounts falling due within one year
Creditors - Purchase Ledger - 1,588
Accruals 2,036 1,095
PAYE & NIC payable 477 750
Pension contributions payable 391 247
Total Creditors: amounts falling due within one year 2,904 3,679
Net current assets 195,921 172,209
Total net assets (liabilities) 195,921 172,209
Charity funds
Designated Fund 2 59,416 59,416
Restricted Funds 30,257 41,224
Unrestricted Funds 3 106,248 71,569
Total Charity funds 195,921 172,209

29

Notes to the Balance Sheet for the Year Ended 31st August 2021

Note: £
1. Bank Deposit Account (contingency fund)
Opening Balance 108,312
Transfer to CAF (85,001)
Interest 7
23,318
2. Restricted Funds
b/f from previous years 41,224
Received in Current Year 34,231
Applied in year (45,198)
c/f to future years 30,257
3. Movement in Unrestricted Funds
b/f from previous years 71,569
Reduction in Restricted Funds 10,967
Surplus for year 23,712
106,248

30

ANALYSIS OF CHARITY FUNDS

£ £ £ £
Brought Forward Received in
Year		 Spend in Year Carried
Forward
Designated Fund for premises 59,416 - 59,416
Restricted Funds
Skipton Building Society 2,099 - 2,099
Rotherfield Trust 247 108 139
Sussex Community Foundation (Gatwick) 3,500 3,500 -
East Sussex Police 500 - 500
Smith and Fermor Friendly Friday 76 - 76
The Wakeham Trust 100 - 100
Kleinwork 4,000 1,425 2,575
Sussex Community Foundation (Argus
Appeal)		 650 650 -
Wrap part 1 3,572 3,572 -
Sussex Community Foundation 6,897 6,897 -
Wrap Part 2 4,986 4,986 -
National Lottery 14,597 14,597 -
The Grocers Charities 4,000 1,600 2,400
Sussex Rural Communities 485 485 -
Brian Mitchell 5,000 1,000 4,000
MCF Grant 4,000 1,332 2,668
Wealden District Council 1,850 450 1,400
Wealden District 2,096 2,096 -
Wealden 2,000 - 2,000
Independent Age 7,500 2,500 5,000
John Armitage 5,000 - 5,000
Virgin Media 1,000 - 1,000
WDC 1,300 1,300
Subtotal 41,224 34,231 45,198 30,257
Unrestricted Funds 71,569 34,679 106,248
Total Funds 195,921

31

INDEPENDENT EXAMINERS REPORT Rotherfleld St Martin- Independent Examlners Report Forth• Y•¥ Ended31 Auwst 1021 Report lo the Trustees ofRotherf*ld St Martln for the year ended 31 Au8USt 2021 Charlty No 116855S set out on the prevlDUS pages. Respective Responslbllltles olTrusteesand Examlner The Chairty's Trustees con5idef that an audrt is not requlfed for thls yeai lunderseclk)n 144 of the Chanllef Acl 2011 Ithe Aal ond that an independent examinatlon Is needed. It 15 my responsibdity to: Examine the J￿gunt5 (under sertlon 145 01 the Actl; Tg follow Pfocedure51aid down in the General Directionsalvefi by the Chariry Commlssion lunder5e(rlon145151 of the Acll,. and To slate whether matler5 have wme to my attentKbn. Ba￿$ of indep•nd•ntoxamlnerf$ 5tatem•nt My exam1nationw3s￿rrIed outln accordancewlth GeneralDlrectlon5tyen b¥the Chaity CommisslDn. An ex•minatKJn Include5 a review ofthe accounting records kept by the Charity and In comparison, of the accounts p￿Sented with those record5.li abo Inthdes considerat￿n of any unusuèlitems or d15dosures m the •¢£ounts and seekin8explanationsfromthe Trustees concernln8 èny such mat¢eT5. Theproce.dures undertaken do notpr0v￿eall1hQ eYKlencethatwoUklbe￿qUIfedfft an audll and consequently. I donol expressan audli oplnlon on the accounts. Indeynd•nt Exthnersst¥temenl In Ihe course ot my examinatlon, no matter has come to my attentior: l. Whlch gfves me rea50n3ble cause lo beileve that in any material respe(L the Trustees have nol met the requirements toensurethat.. properarxountin8 records are kept{In accordance wlth sertlon 130 01 the Artl.. and aCCDunts are prepared whith agree wlth the accountin8 records and comply within the accovntinÉ ￿qUIrements0f the Att,. or 2. To whKh. in my opinion, attent￿nshoukl be drawn in order to enable a properunderstaTrdingofthe counts to be rekned. Slgnedon. lfidependentExamlner... MrG Khan G3J Lmnlted 32 Abin8erDrlve Redhill sUr￿Y RHI 6SY 32

LOOKING TO THE FUTURE

Despite a challenging two years due to Covid, our charity continues to grow and thrive. This is largely due to the tenacity of our members and the dedication of our staff and volunteer team who have found different ways in which to work, deliver our services and stay connected to our members and community.

Based upon what we have learnt over the last 12 months our immediate plans include:

If you are inspired by our work and would like to get involved either as a volunteer, member, financial supporter or by offering your skills , please call us on 01892 853021 or visit our website www.rotherfieldstmartin.org.uk

New Dementia Friends

33

DECLARATION DECLARATION The trustees declare that they have approvod the trustees, report. Slgned on behalf of the charity'5 trustee5 Slgnature{sl Full name{sl PJ( H . 441 L-A F)ullftslL Posltionls) Trustee Trustee Date LP-, We would slncerely like to thank all our staff. volunteers, members, donor5 and supporters for thelr contlnued support of our work. Their sUPPOrt makes a reèl difference to people's Ilves and ensures that we can contlnue to build a communlty that cares for one another. 34

Rotherfield St Martin RSM Centre, The Institute North Street, Rotherfield East Sussex TN6 3LX

01892 853021 www.rotherfieldstmartin.org.uk

Registered Charity No. 1168555

@RSM Centre

@rotherfield_st_martin

Rotherfield St Martin