## **TRUSTEES’ REPORT AND** **UNAUDITED FINANCIAL STATEMENTS FOR THE YEAR ENDED 30 SEPTEMBER 2022** **CHARITABLE INCORPORATED ORGANISATION CHARITY REGISTRATION NUMBER: 1169079** ## **THE RICHMOND SOCIETY CHARITY INFORMATION** ## **PATRONS** Ms Anita Anand, Professor Ian Bruce CBE, Baroness Ronny Van Dedem, Lord Lee of Trafford DL, Sir Trevor McDonald OBE, The Lord Watson of Richmond CBE ## **EXECUTIVE COMMITTEE** **Chairman** Barry May **Hon Secretary** Anne Koutsabeloulis **Hon Treasurer** Andrew Coleman Ginny Curry, Lizzie Danckwerts (co-opted July 2022), Pamela Fleming (co-opted July 2022), Louise Fluker, Stephen Speak _,_ Nicky Wood ## **HONORARY REPORTING ACCOUNTANT** Marian Williams ## **COMMITTEES AND WORKING GROUPS** ## **PLANNING** Louise Fluker _Chair_ , Tony Hall, Pamela Fleming ## **LANDSCAPING & RIVERSIDE** Nicky Wood _Chair,_ Frances Bouchier, Susanna Edwards, Judy Gibbons, Julia Stead, Carol Ward ## **MARKETING & COMMUNICATIONS** Ginny Curry (Membership), Neil Maybin (Webmaster), Paul Velluet (Walks Organiser), Shimei Zhou (Social Media _)_ ## **INFRASTRUCTURE & AIR QUALITY** Stephen Speak, Pamela Fleming, William Collis, Richard Pender **TOWN CENTRE** Stephen Speak **LICENSING** Ginny Curry, Christine Houston **POLICE LIAISON** Barry May, Pamela Fleming **EVENTS** Lizzie Danckwerts ## **RICHMOND HEATHROW CAMPAIGN** Neil Maybin, representatives from The Kew Society and Friends of Richmond Green, and co-opted experts ## **MEMBERSHIP or AFFILIATION of the SOCIETY to OTHER BODIES** Arts Richmond, Habitats & Heritage, The London Forum of Amenity & Civic Societies _**The Richmond Society also nominates a member to serve on**_ Old Deer Park Working Group, Petersham Meadows Advisory Group, Richmond Parish Lands Charity, South Richmond Police Liaison Group, Thames Landscape Strategy Community Advisory Group ## **REGISTERED OFFICE** The Bridge Workspace, 7b Parkshot, Richmond TW9 2RD ## **BANKERS** Lloyds Bank PLC, Business Banking BX1 1LT Teachers Building Society, Allenview House, Hanham Road, Wimbourne BH21 1AG United Trust Bank, One Ropemaker Street, London EC2Y 9AW ## **WEBSITE** www.richmondsociety.org.uk 1 **Barry May** ## **CHAIRMAN’S STATEMENT** ## **Preserving and enhancing Richmond’s special character** Diligent casework and campaigning to preserve and enhance the special character of Richmond, which is the core purpose of The Richmond Society, continued throughout the year in planning, infrastructure, landscape and riverside, licensing, police liaison and airport expansion. Disorder on the streets and in the open spaces of Richmond troubled many residents. We were especially concerned at the adverse cumulative impact of new applications for alcohol licences despite local authority policies designed to prevent their proliferation. While we recognise that the night-time economy of a town like Richmond needs to thrive this must be balanced with the right of residents to enjoy peace and quiet in their homes. Although the Metropolitan Police marks Richmond upon Thames as having the lowest crime rate of all Greater London boroughs, anti-social behaviour related to alcohol and drug abuse is an increasing worry. At various times throughout the year and especially at weekends large gatherings of youths, many of school age, were involved in anti-social behaviour, criminal damage and assaults, leading police to invoke statutory powers to disperse groups from the town centre, Green, riverside, Old Deer Park and Terrace Gardens. Our Membership Secretary **Ginny Curry** , who also leads on licensing matters, ensured that the relevant authorities were kept informed of the Society’s views and we maintained close liaison with the police. The local authority’s failure to provide proper public toilets in places popular with visitors continued to have unpleasant anti-social consequences. The Society has long campaigned for permanent facilities to be established rather than relying on businesses like pubs, restaurants and shops to make their toilets available to members of the public who may not necessarily be customers. The Council’s borough-wide Community Toilet Scheme, whereby such businesses receive a fee for making their facilities available, has been poorly supported in Richmond. Details of all the Society’s activities are provided elsewhere in this Report by those who lead the Society’s work in its various areas of interest. In addition, the Society’s position on these topics is set out in our Manifesto which can be read on our website at **www.richmondsociety.org.uk/richmond-societymanifesto/** . The Executive Committee welcomed two new Trustees. **Lizzie Danckwerts** , Volunteers Co-ordinator since last year, agreed in July to become a Trustee with responsibility for organising events, and **Pamela Fleming** , formerly a Richmond upon Thames councillor for South Richmond ward, joined us, also in July, as a member of our Planning Committee headed by Vice Chair **Louise Fluker** . Pamela’s long experience at the heart of a wide range of local issues enabled her to take additional responsibility for infrastructure including transport and air quality, and police liaison. Some of this work covers areas formerly led by **Stephen Speak** , who was obliged to step back from his day-to-day duties due to ill-health but remained a Trustee. We were glad to see Stephen at Executive Committee meetings and wish him a speedy and complete recovery. Trustees were saddened to hear of the passing of **Bamber Gascoigne** in February at the age of eighty-seven. He had been a closely-interested Patron and enthusiastic supporter of the Society’s work for more than thirty-two years. Later in the membership year **Lord Lee of Trafford** , who joined the Society soon after moving to Richmond a few years ago, graciously accepted our invitation to become a Patron. 2 Although he has many parliamentary and other commitments Lord Lee found time to inspire a book, _**Richmond**_ ’ _**s Trees: An Exciting Trail of Discovery**_ , and to guide a team of members and specialists to produce it for launch this Autumn. **Nicky Wood** , who heads our Landscape and Riverside Committee, made many valuable contributions to the project in addition to her day-to-day work of leading an active group of volunteers concerned with our natural environment. Lord Lee generously underwrote the cost of the book’s production and will be donating the proceeds of sales to the Society. We are immensely grateful to him. Work on the content and design of an interpretation board about Richmond Bridge and Bridge House Gardens was completed and sent for production by the firm which previously made our board for the Church of St Mary Magdalene and our new Awards plaque. It will be installed over the Winter. Thanks are due to **Anne Koutsabeloulis** , Hon Secretary, for her tireless support throughout the year, for keeping records of our discussions, and for compiling this Annual Report. Prudent management means that the Society’s finances remain healthy and we are satisfied that reserves are sufficient to continue at our current level of activities, as **Andrew Coleman** , Hon Treasurer, records elsewhere in this Report. I am also grateful to all my other fellow Trustees for their unstinting service. All Trustees are volunteers and give willingly of their time and expertise. Without exception all of them are busy people with a wide range of other commitments and interests. The Society is fortunate to have such a dedicated team. We are in need of additional Trustee and volunteer resources to assist with campaigning, communications, and information technology. If you or anyone you know has skills in these areas we would love to talk about how help might be provided. Finally, the Executive Committee joins me in thanking all members for their loyal support, which is valued most highly. Every membership is important because it adds to the force of our influence and the power of our voice in interactions with various authorities. We look forward to meeting as many of you as possible in person in the year ahead. 3 ## **ANNUAL REVIEW FOR THE YEAR ENDED 30 SEPTEMBER 2022** The members of the Executive Committee, in their capacity as Trustees, present their report on the activities of the Society for the year ended 30 September 2022. ## **PLANNING** **Louise Fluker** The Planning Committee’s main activity is to review planning applications and appeals in the Richmond part of the borough (the wards of North and South Richmond and the relevant part of Ham, Petersham and Richmond Riverside). Where appropriate we make submissions to the local authority and engage with developers and stakeholders. Our focus is on proposals visible from the public domain. Our objective is to ensure that that which is beautiful or special is conserved and that which is ugly or overbearing is opposed. This does not mean we oppose good or radical modern designs! ## **Key planning issues and challenges** At a national level, the whirligig of changing secretaries of state (Jenrick, Gove, Clarke and Gove again) and prime ministers resulted in Jenrick’s radical reforms being dropped. The last idea (but yet to be translated into proposals) was that developments should be scrutinised at local level. With yet a new government but with a previous Secretary of State (Gove) now back we wait to see what results. Meanwhile the Mayor of London’s 2021 London Plan was adopted and Richmond Council is developing its new local plan. We submitted our views during the consultation, one of the most contentious points being the designation of Richmond Station as suitable for redevelopment with mid-rise buildings on top of the station. We do not think this appropriate. The responses to the consultation are being processed and the next iteration of the Plan is awaited. There were subsidiary consultations, first on the four conservation areas within our area where no major changes were proposed and second on the protected vistas where additional views were proposed. These seemed sensible. Protecting the views from Richmond Hill and Richmond Park is of course key and whilst Richmond Council is vigilant, other local authorities may be less concerned. We have objected to the redevelopments in Kingston especially a seventeen-storey building on Canbury Car Park where the top of the building will be visible on the horizon behind Petersham Hotel. A decision is still pending. ## **House of Fraser site** Canadian & Arcadia sold the site (with planning permission) to another local developer, Sheen Lane Developments Limited (SLDL). SLDL felt a new approach was needed and proposed changes to the external features, the installation of a swimming pool as part of a leisure centre in the basement and the creation of a restaurant on the new top floor and submitted a new planning application. SLDL shared their vision with us. SLDL has made clear that it could build to the existing permission granted. Our approach has been sympathetic to the proposals with concerns over the possible noise and light pollution from use of the new top floor. The addition of a new floor has been controversial since the original development was proposed but the view of the Executive Committee was that the site was so key to the future of the town centre that on balance it was justified and that remains our view although we acknowledge that not all residents or members agree with this. 4 ## **George Street and town centre** The trend to convert offices above shops to flats continues. Examples include the site over Dobbies in George Street where a revised planning application was approved. We objected to the first application. Generally, a change of use under the relaxed permitted development rights does not require planning permission unless the building is a listed building or in a conservation area. If the development is an appropriate scale to the building and surroundings we do not object. Most applications are for studio or one- and two-bedroom flats. Whilst they may encourage younger people to live in Richmond, the need for affordable family accommodation is not addressed. One of the most controversial applications would have adversely affected The Open Book shop and we, along with hundreds of others, objected and the application was withdrawn. Another trend is to increase the height of existing buildings (1 George Street - planning application under consideration) or when redeveloping a site (Eton House and Castle Street which are 1970s or 1980s tired and undistinguished office blocks). We met the developers of both sites and residents of St James’s Cottages who are most affected by the Eton House project which has received planning permission subject to various conditions to protect the residents. Castle Street is under consideration by the Council. Our view is that where the increase is modest, does not adversely affect the protected views or surroundings we should not object. As Richmond becomes even more popular as a destination for visitors, the tension increases between making the town welcoming to visitors whilst ensuring that residents can live and more importantly sleep in peace. Thus, shops apply for licences to sell alcohol or established premises want to change their use for greater flexibility. The owners of Lion House successfully applied for permission to use the ground floor (currently occupied by Pizza Express) not only as a restaurant but also as a bar. We opposed this but the Council was advised that there were no valid planning reasons to refuse and that the licensing laws were the appropriate way to impose any controls. The two systems do not necessarily coincide. ## **4 Whittaker Avenue - Scott’s restaurant** Caprice Holdings, owners of Scott’s and the Ivy, met us to discuss their initial proposals for a permanent enclosure on the balcony fronting the river. The building is part of the Quinlan Terry development and he was very unimpressed, as were we. Caprice withdrew the original application and were granted permission for a much less obtrusive design. ## **Homebase site, Manor Road** Avanton submitted a further planning application relating to the site. It did not change the number of buildings or height for which the Mayor of London had already granted permission subject to an appropriate s106 Agreement being reached with Richmond Council (yet to happen) but the new proposals required a fresh consultation. The process was botched, requiring an extension of time. Mayor Khan is considering whether to grant permission, having received advice from his officials to grant permission. We, along with other stakeholders, objected on the grounds that the development was too big and that the situation had adversely changed regarding transport. TfL has already reduced the bus routes serving the area and the frequency of trains is also in doubt following COVID, quite apart from North Sheen station being inadequate for greater use. These points were ignored by the Mayor’s officials. Requests to the various secretaries of state to call the project in have fallen on deaf ears. It is perverse that government platitudes about planning being decided at a local level (Richmond Council) are ignored. Meanwhile we wait in limbo which is bad for everyone. 5 ## **Howson Terrace** Housing 21 applied (but has subsequently withdrawn in order to consult further) to demolish the existing buildings off the Petersham Road and to replace them with one building comprising twenty-eight one- and two-bedroom affordable retirement apartments and communal facilities. We opposed this on the grounds that the replacement taller building would be visible from Richmond Hill and the Terrace unlike the present buildings, a concern shared by Historic England. ## **5G telephone masts and telephony** The mobile phone operators continue the game of cat and mouse with the planners. The government wants greater connectivity including to trains. This requires masts and the telephone operators want tall ones (ten to twenty metres) which are unsightly especially in conservation areas. Their preferred location is adjacent to the A316 between Richmond Circus and St Margaret’s roundabout and in the Old Deer Park. The Society continues to oppose them (2018, 2020, 2021 and 2022) and Richmond Council has so far consistently refused the applications. Currently the planners are considering an application for a seventeen-metre pole adjacent to the car park near The Green. However, operators have appealed against the refusal of an application for a ten-metre mast on the eastern side of Old Deer Park (i.e. nearest Asgill House) and the decision of the Planning Inspector will be of crucial importance. ## **Richmond Society Awards 2021** We were at last able to meet in person to celebrate projects completed in 2020 and 2021 which enhanced the amenity of Richmond. The winner of the Award (now a more visible vitreous enamel roundel) was The Vineyard Life Church which was a significant project providing better facilities and more flexible space. Conversion of the former magistrates ’court on Parkshot to offices for William Grant, restoration of a house on 17 The Green, and enhancing a Victorian villa on Kew Road were all commended. ## **INFRASTRUCTURE & AIR QUALITY** ## **Pam Fleming, Stephen Speak** ## **Richmond town centre** The Society is a member of the Council's Town Centre Working Group but that has not met since the local elections in May. The Group supported the Public Artwork that has been installed along from the Station. We reported that removal of the old balustrade was poorly executed and remedial works have been proposed. The artwork improves the appearance of the area and removes the previous problem for pedestrians of having bicycles chained to the railings. We have asked about the new cycle hub at the station that was expected to be completed by March 2023 and the Society will be advised about the updated programme currently being considered. ## **Whittaker Avenue** The town has no public event space and, in August, Be Richmond began a twenty-two-week pilot to test public opinion on pedestrianising Whittaker Avenue and creating an event space in Whittaker Square. Over the late summer this took the form of a “pop-up park" with children's activities and music and it will be used for the town's Christmas events. We have had discussions with Be Richmond and told them of our concern about the lack of consultation and that the design and materials of the temporary installation do not respect the heritage site. At the end of December, the parking bays will be restored and if monitoring data demonstrates the pilot has been popular, they will ask the Council to consider a full consultation with the community about creating a permanent civic event area. If the idea is supported, we understand Landscape Architects will be appointed and the Society will expect to be involved in the design process. 6 ## **Transport between Richmond Station and Richmond Park** The 2020 survey of Richmond Society members showed support for publicly accessible transport from the station to the park. With The Royal Parks ’impending plans to implement parking charges coupled with more visitors coming from outside the local area we expect demand for this service to grow. The Society spoke with the new Park Manager, Paul Richards, and Friends of Richmond Park to discuss this in July and will be arranging a follow up meeting shortly. There are large cost implications but with restrictions on private car use in the Park at weekends it is also important to look at providing better facilities for the less mobile. ## **Bikehangars** The Society has supported the installation of Bikehangars in all but the most sensitive areas where we felt their utilitarian design could be enhanced. We note they have been popular right across the borough and consultation is to begin on an additional thirty-five. These include nine in the Society's area. ## **E-scooter & E-bike hire** When the Council elected to join the TfL trial last year the Society made a number of observations including the need for clearer definition of measures for success. We objected to some of the proposed parking locations including those on Richmond Green, which would have encouraged hirers to ride against the traffic. The Department for Transport has decided to allow a further extension of the trial period to 31 May 2024 and the Council will be extending its participation. The existing parking locations will be made permanent, although subject to review when the trial ends, and additional parking bays will be introduced under Experimental Traffic Orders. ## **Telephone boxes** The Society's representations to the Council about the derelict K6 box at the top of Albany Passage by St Matthias Church have been successful and it was beautifully restored in August. ## **Friars Lane car park** The Society responded to the Council's consultation about reorganising the car park with some minor suggestions including that this could be a good location for a Bikehangar if demand exists. ## **LANDSCAPING AND RIVERSIDE** ## **Nicky Wood** The Summer was challenging for gardeners everywhere, but the Council’s managers and contractors rose to the challenge and kept our Parks and Open Spaces in good condition for residents and visitors to enjoy. We are pleased that the renewed grass terraces on the Riverside have finally recovered from drought, and now complement the splendidly refurbished paths and benches. Be Richmond’s repurposing of Whittaker Square, by contrast, has been a disappointment. The two-year project to produce _**Richmond’s Trees: An Exciting Trail of Discovery**_ has come to fruition: the book and tree trail pay tribute to some of our street and park trees, which are often overlooked and underappreciated by comparison with their neighbours in Richmond Park and the Royal Botanic Gardens in Kew. As in previous years we continued to: - Report public realm problems including damaged street furniture, overflowing bins, unauthorised parking on the towpath, blocked drains and leaking water mains 7 - Lobby the Council for the provision of public toilets in the town centre - Respond to Events Consultations regarding applications for licences to use Parks and Open Spaces. Post COVID there have been few applications, but no doubt these will increase - Respond to planning applications affecting vistas and landscapes. Ongoing concerns are the effect of redevelopment of Howson Terrace on the adjacent GII-listed Terrace Gardens, and the potential impact of telecomms monopoles within Old Deer Park (multiple applications have been made for these) - Report dead, damaged or diseased trees, and any damage to planting and lawns - Report rough sleepers and anti-social behaviour in Parks and Open Spaces. Large gatherings of young people on Richmond Green and in Terrace Gardens have been a continuing problem due to underage drinking and drug use - Liaise with Council Officers over plans for new trees and other plantings in Parks & Open Spaces. Over the past year the Society has planted a black poplar for the Queen’s Platinum Jubilee, and a disease-resistant elm for Elms4London, in Petersham Meadow. **Nicky Wood** represents the Society on the Thames Landscape Strategy Community Advisory Group and the Old Deer Park Working Group. **Judy Gibbons** represents the Society on the Petersham Meadows Advisory Group. “ The Committee acts as a Friends of Terrace Gardens” group, headed by **Julia Stead** . ## **LICENSING** ## **Ginny Curry** The Society continues to concentrate on reducing the negative impact of the evening economy on residents - alcohol-related anti-social behaviour in the town and in its open spaces is still too high. Richmond is almost unique in that it has residents and businesses closely co-located. The town is compressed by the river on one side and Richmond Hill and Richmond Park on the other so there is little room to spread out. We aim to find a balance between the economy and the development of the town and its environs with adequate (and not over-bearing) control over unwanted behaviour by visitors in licensed premises and outdoor areas during both use and dispersal. The recent epidemic and resulting financial difficulties have certainly cast long shadows over the town centre. We find that the increasing number of shops that have been vacated are being replaced by food-led outlets and, as a result, additional licence applications are increasing. Restaurants and cafes are increasingly selling meals for home consumption with the inclusion of alcohol. Further problems arise when there is alcohol with the food delivery being undertaken by possibly inexperienced delivery personnel who may deliver food and alcohol to under-aged persons. Delivery drivers and riders are also congregating in significant groups in the town - giving cause for concern over late-night noise and disturbance to nearby residents. When licence applications are made through the Council the Society works with the applicants to try and find suitable and workable outcomes so that the business, the residents, and the police are all able to work together and avoid acrimonious outcomes. Sometimes these agreements do not come to fruition and a contested application goes before the Council. It is important to note that we do not automatically object to every application and our starting point is always careful consideration of the pros and cons put forward by both sides. We recognise that many of the town’s licensed premises are well managed and cause no issues - but there are some where residential neighbours suffer from late night noise, disturbances and other anti-social behaviour. Alcohol purchased for consumption in the town’s open spaces remains a significant issue when it results in such behaviour. The Society recognises that residents around The Green have been particularly 8 badly affected on Friday and Saturday nights in recent months. Rigorous attention to the granting of licences, significant attention to late-night opening hours in any application and the call for a review of those licence-holders who step beyond their mark are ways in which we can continue to have an enjoyable (and valuable) day and evening economy for businesses, resident and visitors alike. ## **MEMBERSHIP AND COMMUNICATIONS** At the close of the membership year on 30 September, the Society had more than one thousand paid-up members. This was fewer than a year previously. We hope that the full return to our in-person programme of activities will see our membership increase. As ever, in a membership organisation it is you, our members, who can play a valuable role in recruiting new members. Please recommend us to your friends and neighbours and do contact us if you have ideas to help us recruit new members. Existing members can also help by ensuring their subscriptions are up to date. Although joining via our website is easy and convenient we urge all members to set up a Standing Order at their bank so that we do not have to chase you every year to renew your subscription. Details you require to do this are: Account name: The Richmond Society (at Lloyds Bank, George Street, Richmond) Account number: 34877468 Sort Code: 30-84-57 Payee Reference: Your surname plus last three digits of your postcode. Wording: Pay £10 (single) or £16 (Household) annually on 1 October each year. Members enjoy free attendance at our events programme and the opportunity to buy tickets to attend our Christmas and Summer Parties and our ever-popular walks - see details below. Members continued to be kept up to date with the Society’s activities through our quarterly Newsletter, monthly digital news Bulletin, and occasional e-mails. Most members receive the Newsletter electronically. The Bulletin has a following of seven hundred subscribers. Our Social Media Editor Shimei Zhou maintained a stream of posts which attracted a virtual following of well over six thousand on Facebook, Instagram and Twitter. ## **EVENTS** ## October to December 2021 saw the welcome return of three in-person events: the Annual Awards, at which the Richmond Society plaque for a distinguished contribution to Richmond was presented to The Vineyard Life Church; a Forum at which our Patron **Anita Anand** moderated a panel discussion about Richmond’s Recovery; and the 2021 AGM and Christmas Party. We were delighted that local soprano **Alicia Hill** , who had sung at our 2021 Summer Party, returned for a programme of songs celebrating the festive season at the Christmas Party. However, the first event of 2022, The Night the Beatles met the Stones, with speaker and author **Andrew Humphrey** , was held via Zoom due to increasing COVID-19 levels in January. All other events took place inperson. Two events were rescheduled out of respect for **Her Late Majesty Queen Elizabeth II** . Other speakers during the year were: **Colin Cooper** , CEO Habitats & Heritage, on connecting habitats, heritage, climate and community; **Tom Chesshyre** , journalist and author, on his book _From Source to Sea: Notes from a 215-Mile Walk Along The River Thames_ ; **Peter Holley** , an officer with the Metropolitan Police Cyber Crime Unit, on how to protect ourselves. 9 Three heritage walks were organised by **Paul Velluet** with **Adam Harrison** : Exploring the Historic Heart of the Town; Exploring the Upper Town; and Exploring the Arcadian Thames. All were sell-out events. The Summer Party, celebrating **Her Majesty Queen Elizabeth II** ’s Platinum Jubilee, took place in the magnificent grounds of Trumpeters’ House by kind permission of our Patron **Baroness Ronny Van Dedem** . More than one hundred and eighty people attended and were royally entertained by Richmond Brass Band. The Baroness cut a celebration cake featuring the Jubilee emblem and The Richmond Society logo. A raffle and silent auction for prizes donated by **Petersham Nurseries** helped to raise funds for the Society. The Metropolitan Police event in the Old Deer Park, **Met in the Park** , for the local community, was attended by Trustees and volunteers who took turns to help promote the Society. A guided tour of **The Poppy Factory** , celebrating its centenary this year, was a sell-out. The Society’s first **Local Election Hustings** provided candidates from three wards - Ham, Petersham & Richmond Riverside; North Richmond; and South Richmond - with a platform to present their policies and respond to questions. Our events **volunteers** excelled themselves and deserve special thanks, especially **Barbara Benemar** , **Bella Hobson** , **Carey Clarke** , **Catriona Dobbie** , **Christine Baines** , **Corale Canard** , **Deirdre Clenet** , **Diane Harvey** , **Iain Mulligan** , **Jane Mills** , **Jane Parkinson** , **Kezban Alan** , **Lindsey Andrews** , **Julia Stead** , **Lynne Cox** , **Mona Turner** , **Rose Constantine** , **Sarah Turner** and **Susanna Edwards** . Richmond and Hillcroft Adult Community College continues to be supportive. It has been a busy year, but a most enjoyable one. ## **RICHMOND HEATHROW CAMPAIGN** ## **Neil Maybin** Richmond Heathrow Campaign (RHC) combines the people and resources of The Richmond Society with those of The Kew Society and Friends of Richmond Green to campaign to reduce the negative impacts of Heathrow Airport on our community, the UK and the world. We recognise the reality of a two-runway Heathrow but believe that it should be better rather than bigger. We oppose new runways at Heathrow, are against any dilution of runway alternation, and seek an end to night flights. During the year RHC responded to four consultations by the Civil Aviation Authority and Department for Transport on climate change, airspace and economic regulation of Heathrow. RHC attended a number of meetings with Heathrow, the DfT and other communities on airspace modernisation and night flights and raised parliamentary questions on aviation taxation through Richmond’s MP. RHC liaised with the United Nations Association-UK on carbon emissions from aviation and research was continued into Heathrow’s impact on climate change. 10 ## **TRUSTEES‘ REPORT FOR THE YEAR ENDED 30 SEPTEMBER 2022** The members of the Executive Committee, in their capacity as Trustees, present their report, together with the financial statements for the year ended 30 September 2022. ## **INFORMATION ABOUT THE SOCIETY** The Richmond Society is a Charitable Incorporated Organisation (CIO - registered charity number 1169079) governed by a Constitution dated 7 September 2016, revised on 29 September 2020. It was set up to take forward the work of the Unincorporated Association, The Richmond Society (registered charity number 285805). To distinguish the CIO, we refer to this as “NewRic” and the previous charity as “OldRic” where necessary in this report. The activities and net assets of “OldRic” were transferred to “NewRic” in various stages with effect from 1 October 2016. Any membership subscriptions, donations and other income received by “OldRic”, are remitted to “NewRic”. ## **CHARITABLE OBJECTIVES AND PUBLIC BENEFIT** The charitable objects of the Society may be summarised to: - campaign to preserve and enhance Richmond’s historic character, unique features and amenities - promote high standards in planning, building and landscaping in or affecting Richmond - protect the quality of life, balancing the interests of residents, business and visitors - encourage civic pride, an active interest in Richmond and its community, and to provide a focus for members to meet and socialise. In carrying out its work to make Richmond a better place in which to live, work and visit, the Trustees confirm that they have complied with the duty to have due regard to the Charity Commission’s guidance on providing public benefit. ## **ACTIVITIES OF THE SOCIETY** The review of the activities of the Society is set out on pages 4-10. ## **FINANCIAL REVIEW FOR THE YEAR** Income for the year was £12,525 and expenditure £12,626 so the charity reported a deficit for the year of £101 before a loss on revaluation of investments to market value at the year-end. The net resulting deficit of £341 after the revaluation loss was met from reserves. Income was 11.6% higher than the previous year. Membership subscriptions and donations income decreased by 7.5%. This was due to lower donations and a decrease in membership income, partly due to timing of receipts. Income from events and walks was up year on year by 69.6% as the Society was able to return to a full programme of in-person activities. Investment income was 7.0% lower than the previous year. Our thanks are due to our loyal members who support the Society through subscriptions, donations and attendance at our events. Expenses are up 6.4% year on year. This reflects a 97% reduction in project and landscape expenses, which are typically one-off, and a 100% increase in our other expenditure. - Just over half this increase was in events and walks as a result of the full return to in-person activities 11 - Just over a third of the increase was in administration costs. The main increases were the cost of taking legal advice on a licensing campaign, the cost of new marketing materials and additional printing expenses associated with the return of in-person meetings - The remaining 10% of the cost increase was in communication costs where postage and printing costs saw rises. This year all the Society’s activities were reflected in the accounts of NewRic. Accordingly, no proforma accounts are presented aggregating NewRic with OldRic since they would be identical to the accounts of NewRic. ## **RESERVES POLICY** For the Society to function successfully, it must maintain an adequate financial position with sufficient reserves to finance its operations. At the end of the financial year, the Society’s reserves comprised: The general fund comprises reserves necessary to support the Society’s normal recurring activities. It is now equivalent to 15.8 months of budgeted annual expenditure (2021: 15.6 months). The ratio is expected to decrease in future years. The designated fund represents reserves set aside to put up information boards at points of interest in the town. Further information boards are planned. The legacy fund represents legacies received by the Society set aside for transformational projects that would otherwise be unaffordable. During the year the Society drew on the fund to finance the cost of legal advice on licensing cases and the cost of new marketing materials. The landscaping fund represents the unspent balance of monies raised specifically for landscaping projects. The Trustees are satisfied that the Society’s financial reserves are sufficient for it to continue at its current level of activities. ## **RISK MANAGEMENT** The major risks to which the Society is exposed, as identified by the Trustees, have been reviewed during the year and the Trustees are satisfied that action has been taken where appropriate to manage those risks. ## **INDEPENDENT EXAMINER** The Trustees are grateful to **Marian Williams** who has carried out the Independent Examination of the Society’s accounts pro bono. 12 ## **STATEMENT OF THE TRUSTEES’ RESPONSIBILITIES FOR FINANCIAL STATEMENTS** Charity law requires the Trustees to prepare financial statements for each financial reporting period which give a true and fair view of the state of affairs of the Society and of the income and expenditure for the period then ended. In preparing those financial statements, the Trustees are required to select suitable accounting policies and apply them consistently, make judgments and estimates that are reasonable and prudent, and prepare the financial statements on a going concern basis unless it is inappropriate to presume that the Society will continue in business. The Trustees have responsibility for maintaining proper accounting records that disclose with reasonable accuracy the financial position of the Society and enable it to ensure that the financial statements comply with charity regulations. The Trustees also have responsibility for safeguarding the assets of the Society and for taking reasonable steps for the prevention and detection of fraud and other irregularities. By Order of the Trustees Anne Koutsabeloulis, Secretary 8 November 2022 13 ## **REPORT OF THE INDEPENDENT EXAMINER TO THE TRUSTEES OF THE RICHMOND SOCIETY** I report to the trustees on my examination of the accounts of The Richmond Society for the year ended 30 September 2022, which are set out on pages 15-20. ## **Responsibilities and basis of report** As the charity's Trustees you are responsible for the preparation of the accounts in accordance with the requirements of the Charities Act 2011 (the Act). I report in respect of my examination of the charity’s accounts carried out under section 145 of the 2011 Act and in carrying out my examination I have followed all the applicable Directions given by the Charity Commission under section 145(5)(b) of the Act. ## **Independent Examiner’s statement** I have completed my examination. I confirm that no material matters have come to my attention in connection with the examination giving me reasonable cause to believe that, in any material respect: 1. accounting records were not being kept in respect of the charity in accordance with section 130 of the Act; or 2. the accounts do not accord with those records; or 3. the accounts do not comply with the applicable requirements concerning the form and content of accounts set out in in the Charities (Accounts and Reports) Regulations 2008 other than any requirement that the accounts give a ‘true and fair view which is not a matter considered as part of an independent examination. I have no concerns and have come across no other matters in connection with the examination to which attention should be drawn in this report in order to enable a proper understanding of the accounts to be reached. Marian Williams ACA Richmond 8 November 2022 14 The Richmond Society Statement of financial artivities for the year ended 30 September 2022 Genernl Landscapir Fund5 Fund Total Total Incoming resources Incomefrom ￿(￿rtionS Subscriptions and donations Transfer of net assets from unincorporated tharity Incomefrom chqritableurtivities Event5 and walks Investmentlncome Totsl incoming resource5 7.379 5.074 622 1991 12,525 11225 Resources expended Expenditure on charitableaclivities Projects and landscaping Events and walks Communications Administration costs Totsl expenditure 164 5.649 3,145 6,450 1,9)3 6,450 87 4.IlYJ IL626 L768 11,867 87 Net incomin￿￿OUt8QinSj re50ur¢es before investment 8ains1{Ios3es1 Gains/lLossesl on investments Net incomin811out8oin81 resources Transfers between fund5 Net M0￿ment01 funds forthe perfod 14831 12401 li￿) 12401 13411 16421 L445 13411 L445 Reconclllatlon of funds Opening fund balan￿5 Closlngfund balances E6.674 65.951 1517 69.191 67.746 2.8YJ 68.UI 69.191 The statement of financial activities indudes all gains and losses rewgnised in the year. All income and expenditure derives from continuing activities. 15 Approved by the Trustees on 8 November 2022 BJ May - Chairman AM Coleman - Treasurer 16 ## **The Richmond Society Notes to the financial statements for the year ended 30 September 2022** ## 1. **Accounting policies** The accounting period covered by these financial statements is for the year ended 30 September 2022. The comparative financial information is for the year ended 30 September 2021. The principal accounting policies adopted, judgments and key sources of estimation uncertainty in the preparation of the financial statements are as follows: ## _a Basis of accounting_ The accounts have been prepared in accordance with “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 United Kingdom and Republic of Ireland (Charities SORP FRS 102)”, the Financial Reporting Standard applicable in the UK and Republic of Ireland (FRS 102), and the Charities Act 2011. The charity constitutes a public benefit entity as defined by FRS 102 and the Trustees are satisfied that the financial statements should be prepared on a going concern basis. Assets and liabilities are initially recognised at historical cost or transaction value unless otherwise stated in the relevant accounting policy notes. There are no assumptions about the future that the Trustees have been required to make that have a significant risk of causing material adjustment to the carrying amounts of assets and liabilities within the next reporting period. ## _b Income and expenditure_ Income is brought into the financial statements when received or when there is certainty of receipt. Expenditure is accounted for on an accruals basis. No provision is made for any tax on the charity’s net income as the charity is exempt from tax as all its income and expenditure relates to its charitable objectives. ## _c Fund accounting_ The General Funds are unrestricted and can be used for any aspect of the Society's work. They comprise the General Fund and two designated funds, which the Trustees have decided at their discretion to set aside to use for a specific purpose. The Landscaping & Tree Fund is for income received from members and other donors and is restricted to funding these activities. ## _d Subscriptions and donations_ Subscriptions are recognised when received. The membership year runs from 1 October. Subscriptions received in the period from May to September are deemed to cover the period up to the end of the following subscription year and are treated as payments in advance. Life memberships are recognised in income on a straight-line basis over periods of 17 years. Donations are recognised when received or when the charity is entitled to the amounts received. Subscriptions and donations include the recovery of Gift Aid where applicable. ## _e Services provided_ The Society benefits from the provision, without charge, of a variety of skills and other services by its members. The benefit is not reflected in these financial statements since it is not regarded as practicable to estimate its monetary value. ## _f Stock_ Stock of plaques and stock of drinks are stated at cost or realisable value if lower. ## _g Fixed assets - investments_ Investments are stated at market value. 17 ## **The Richmond Society Notes to the financial statements for the year ended 30 September 2022 (continued)** ## 2. **Transfer of assets from unincorporated charity** The net assets transferred from the unincorporated charity, The Richmond Society (charity registration number 285805) (“OldRic”) during the year amounted to £nil (prior year £186) comprising cash. With effect from 1 October 2020 any membership subscriptions received by OldRic are accounted for as income of NewRic as membership activities are conducted by NewRic. ## 3. **Expenditure on charitable activities** The Trustees believe that all the expenditure incurred relates to charitable activities. During the period: - There were no employees. - The Trustees were not paid nor did they receive any benefits from employment or payment for any services rendered to the charity. The Trustees did not receive any reimbursement of expenses other than for expenditure incurred as agent for the Society. There are no related party transactions that require disclosure. - The Trustees are covered by insurance that is part of the charity’s insurance policy and that part related to the cover for Trustees cannot be separately identified. The total cost of the insurance policy was £395 (2021: £385). - The Independent Examiner did not charge a fee for her services. ## 4. **Investments** ## 5. **Stock** ## 6. **Deferred subscription income** 18 ## **The Richmond Society Notes to the financial statements for the year ended 30 September 2022 (continued)** ## **7. Reserves** ## **(a) General Funds comprise:** The General Fund comprises reserves necessary to support the Society’s normal recurring activities. It is now equivalent to 15.8 months of budgeted annual expenditure (2021:15.6 months). The ratio is expected to decrease in future years. The Designated Fund represents reserves set aside to put up information boards at points of interest in the town. Further information boards are planned. The Legacy Fund represents legacies received by the Society set aside for transformational projects that would otherwise be unaffordable. During the year the Society drew on the Fund to finance the cost of legal advice on licensing cases and the cost of new marketing materials. ## **(b) Landscaping Fund** The Landscaping Fund represents the unspent balance of monies raised specifically for landscaping projects. The movement on the Landscaping Fund are fully disclosed in the Statement of Financial Activities. 19 ## **The Richmond Society** ## **Notes to the financial statements for the year ended 30 September 2022 (continued)** ## **(c) Overall adequacy of reserves** The Trustees are satisfied that the Society’s financial reserves are sufficient for it to continue at its current level of activities. ## 8. **Commitments** The Society had no outstanding commitments at 30 September 2022 (2021: £2,800). 20