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← The Richmond Society

2023-09-30-accounts

TRUSTEES‘ REPORT

AND UNAUDITED FINANCIAL STATEMENTS FOR THE YEAR ENDED 30 SEPTEMBER 2023

CHARITABLE INCORPORATED ORGANISATION CHARITY REGISTRATION NUMBER: 1169079

THE RICHMOND SOCIETY CHARITY INFORMATION

PATRONS

Ms Anita Anand, Professor Ian Bruce, Baroness Ronny Van Dedem, Lord Hendy of Richmond Hill, Lord Lee of Trafford, Sir Trevor McDonald, Lord Watson of Richmond

EXECUTIVE COMMITTEE

Chairman Barry May Hon Secretary Anne Koutsabeloulis Hon Treasurer Andrew Coleman

Ginny Curry, Lizzie Danckwerts, Pamela Fleming, Louise Fluker, Stephen Speak , Nicky Wood

HONORARY REPORTING ACCOUNTANT

Marian Williams

COMMITTEES AND WORKING GROUPS

PLANNING

Louise Fluker Chair , Tony Hall, Pamela Fleming, Christopher Saunders 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 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.

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Barry May

CHAIRMAN ’ S STATEMENT

Civic and amenity societies like ours need to be ever vigilant to help preserve and enhance architectural heritage and green spaces in their charitable area of benefit.

The past year has continued with its challenges and successes for the Society and the community in Richmond. The challenges have included weekend disturbances and anti-social behaviour linked to excess alcohol and drugs in the town centre and on The Green and elsewhere which make life less pleasant for residents. The police do exercise their dispersal powers for which we are grateful. We continue to scrutinise applications for alcohol licences.

We have continued our campaign for the provision of public lavatories as the Council’s Community Toilet Scheme has failed because many providers have pulled out of the scheme.

We have supported the Council’s position in refusing consent to tall and unsightly mobile masts in unsuitable locations.

The Richmond Society Awards 2022 celebrated the restoration of Marble Hill House and Gardens by English Heritage.

The May Fair was held once again and we were pleased to have a stand which attracted visitors. We also had an excellent Summer Party at Trumpeters’ House, thanks to The Baroness Van Dedem, one of our Patrons.

We were delighted that Lord Hendy of Richmond Hill agreed to become a Patron and kindly drove one of his Routemasters round Richmond whilst members were treated to a commentary on key places by Paul Velluet. Paul also led his popular and oversubscribed summer walks.

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.

Supporting the Society and its work is not about preserving everything that is old against ravages real or imagined of the twenty-first century, but cherishing the special character of the place where we live, work, play or visit and caring for it until a new generation of citizen custodians can take over.

That is why we constantly seek younger people to join us. We need their enthusiasm and their energy, and we need their commitment.

For me, time is almost up. After 21 years as a member, the last five as Chairman, I am stepping down. In June I informed the Executive Committee that I would not offer myself for re-election at the Annual General Meeting in December.

It’s time for someone else to face the challenge of preserving and enhancing the special character of Richmond. A Search Committee of Trustees has been formed and is led by our Vice Chair, Louise Fluker. The Society’s Executive Committee of Trustees is broad enough to embrace a diversity of opinions. The sole qualification is love of Richmond.

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Leading the Society has been an honour, a privilege and a pleasure. Together with my fellow Trustees we have achieved a few things and left some for my successor to confront.

Over the past five years the Society has been re-invigorated with an infusion of fresh blood to the EC and our marvellous team of volunteers, bringing additional relevant experience to our mission.

Communications have been important. Our periodic Bulletins and online meetings coped with the challenges of the COVID pandemic. Our new visual image for the Society was rolled out across various media, our Manifesto conveyed clearly our aims and intent, and we placed more information boards at key points around the town for the benefit residents and visitors alike.

My Executive Committee colleagues and I are sorry to report that our Honorary Secretary Anne Koutsabeloulis, who took over that role in 2020, is also stepping down at the AGM. We are very grateful to her for managing to give time to the Society as well as running a business, travelling and raising her family.

Thank you for your support. Every single membership is essential to giving the Society the weight to influence authorities concerned with the future of our town.

The EC Is strong, and I am certain that under new leadership the Society will go from strength to strength. I shall enjoy watching from the sidelines.

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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 2023.

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 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!

Members of the Committee were: Louise Fluker (Chair), Tony Hall, Pam Fleming and since January, Christopher Saunders. We meet in person when required.

Key Planning issues and challenges

Consistency or a long-term strategy eludes national politicians although the government continues to stress the importance of flexibility regarding change of use.

Richmond Council produced the final version of its new local plan following extensive consultation. We were disappointed, but not surprised, that no changes were made to the designation of Richmond Station as suitable for redevelopment with mid-rise buildings on top of the station. We continue to think this is inappropriate.

80 George Street (formerly the House of Fraser site)

Sheen Lane Developments Limited (SLDL) obtained planning permission for its main changes from the permission previously granted, namely a swimming pool in the basement and an additional floor and balcony for a restaurant with plant and machinery on the top floor. Since then, SLDL has engaged in development creep, the latest example of which is an application to be permitted to use space freed up by relocating some plant and machinery for the restaurant with the creation of an outside terrace. We have argued that there should be a full planning application rather than a variation to the existing permission. We have also argued that the risk of light and noise pollution is significantly increased. The application is being considered.

George Street and Town Centre

The trend to convert offices above shops to flats continues. A modified application was granted permission for the creation of flats above Dobbies. The site of the former Superdrug has Oliver Bonas on one side and on the other an entrance to flats over the shop.

We remain concerned about overdevelopment. Recent examples where we felt the developer was doing this and the planners refused permission are:

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Homebase Site, Manor Road

After a year of inactivity, Avanton, the applicant, has just submitted a new application which consolidates previous ones with further revisions. The main changes seem to be adding a second staircase to four blocks, increasing slightly the number of London Affordable Rent Units which reduces the intermediate affordable housing known as London Living Rent. However, the total provision will remain 453 residential units of which 173 are affordable. No account has been taken of the opposition by residents, Richmond Council or local societies. The Richmond Society’s objections remain the same: the proposals are an overdevelopment of the site with buildings up to 11 storeys which are too tall and out of keeping with the surrounding buildings (and which ignore the height restrictions referred to in Richmond’s local plan of 2018 and draft plan adopted by the Council in 2023). The application ignores changes in the provision of public transport (fewer buses and train services) and the pressure on utilities.

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 (10 to 20 metres) which are unsightly and especially harmful 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, 2022 and 2023) and Richmond Council has so far consistently refused the applications. We were pleased that a planning inspector rejected an appeal against the refusal of an application for a 10 metre mast on the eastern side of Old Deer Park (i.e. nearest Asgill House). Meanwhile the planners have just refused a new application for a 20 metre mast in front of Pools on the Park.

The Orange Tree Theatre

The OTT was granted planning permission to develop the front of the theatre so that patrons can walk into the theatre from the street without climbing the stairs as at present. Now the OTT has to raise the money!

Richmond Society Awards 2022

English Heritage received the Award (Richmond Society red plaque) for its restoration of Marble Hill House and Gardens and we had an interesting presentation about the project. Projects for restoring the K6 Telephone Box by St Mathias, the construction of a modern, new house in Queen’s Rise and transforming the interior of the Duke St Church were commended.

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Pam Fleming, Stephen Speak

TOWN CENTRE & COMMUNITY

Policing

The Society continues to make the case for a more visible police presence on the streets and a police base. This was the overwhelming priority raised at the Community Safety table of the February Forum. Earlier this year there were changes to the Borough Command Unit structure and Richmond now has its own Superintendent, Roger Arditti, who has accepted an invitation to speak at the Society meeting on 18 January, and a second Inspector, Christopher Jackson, joining Jon McLoughlin.

In July a new Met Plan was published and presented by Assistant Commissioner Matt Twist at a meeting in York House attended by 160 residents from around the borough. There were encouraging aspirational messages on action to restore confidence and trust in the police and an increased focus on neighbourhood policing. The January meeting will be an opportunity to ask what the new plan will mean for Richmond and local policing.

The Richmond Green and Riverside Action Plan drawn up in 2020 to respond to the doubling of ASB and spike in crime during the spring and summer of the Covid lockdowns was extended for a third year. Reports are discussed at the quarterly Police Liaison Group (PLG) meetings, which are open to anyone living or having a business in South Richmond. Regular uniformed Police and Council Park Guard presence has deterred most large gatherings this year and when they have occurred action has been in place to disperse them.

Shoplifting has become a major problem and threat for local stores and their staff. The Society supported a request from Be Richmond (the Business Improvement District) for this to be one of the priorities for the Safer Neighbourhood Team.

The Society responded to the Council's consultation on a new Community Safety Strategy and used the opportunity to reiterate the need for an increased police presence and base in Richmond.

Night Time Strategy & Safe Space

The Society attended the meeting launching the Council's proposals for a borough wide night time strategy and has met the two lead officers to explain concerns about the deleterious impact on residents of any extension in operating hours for hospitality businesses. The strategy is not specifically about economic activity and much emphasis is on safety for all people who work at night. The Council carried out an engagement consultation between June and September and will use the data to draw up a draft Night Time Strategy for further consultation. The Safe Space at Richmond Station on Friday and Saturday nights continues and is a welcome initiative, but this proposed Night Time Strategy is another opportunity to press the need for permanent Safe Space in the form of a Police Base in Richmond.

Toilet Provision

We continue to make the case for permanent well-signed public toilets and when we noticed the long awaited report on Public Welfare Facilities in Richmond had disappeared from the Environment, Sustainability, Culture & Sports Committee Forward Plan asked Local Councillor Chris Varley to raise the matter. It has since been reinstated and was discussed at the Committee’s meeting on 7 November.

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The Council's Policy & Performance Review Board conducted a review of the Community Toilet Scheme. We have pointed out on numerous occasions that this can never meet the needs of a busy tourist town like Richmond. There are in fact only two businesses listed as members of the scheme in the town centre. The Society made written and verbal representations with the professional assistance of Dr Vivienne Press. The final report and recommendations are unlikely to improve provision in Richmond and, although the appointment of a dedicated officer was a key recommendation, there seems to be no budget for this to extend beyond six months.

Vision for Richmond Town Centre

Like most town and business centres, Richmond has suffered the effects of online shopping and working from home, although it does of course benefit from tourism. In August the Council announced the appointment of consultants We Made That to carry out an engagement project and survey gathering views from residents, visitors, workers and shoppers to make sure it continues to be a place where people want to spend time. The information will be used to create a town centre study and explore recommendations. The Society attended a drop in session at the Station, has met the lead Councillor Katie Mansfield, ViceChair of the Transport & Air Quality Committee and also met with the Consultants. The Consultants state that their mandate is far reaching but we are assured that the previous work carried out by Steer over a number of years will be used to feed into this new study.

TRANSPORT & INFRASTRUCTURE

Pam Fleming, Stephen Speak

Richmond Forum

At this event in February 2023 residents’ views around local transport tended to fall into long-term aspirations or short-term complaints around operations and maintenance.

Determining long-term ambitions and needs well into the future (10+ years) would need comprehensive origin and destination surveys supported by modelling. Accordingly, we were pleased to endorse the petition to the Council and Mayor for an independent area-wide transport study organised in June by three local civic groups based in the east of the borough.

Attendees were receptive to improving the facilities for cyclists, although with some complaints about the “Nissen hut” appearance of Bikehangars and when they are placed on pavements.

There was wide agreement that Richmond is well served by public transport, but with the notable absence of a regular year around bus service that can take visitors from the station into Richmond Park. The service to the Park was upgraded later in the year and subsequent to meetings held with Richmond Park management, but it could be made more regular.

Manor Circus Safety Scheme

The long awaited A316 Manor Circus roundabout safety scheme started in August and quickly brought traffic chaos across the area. Works are programmed to run until spring 2024 with a plan to replace the zebra crossings on all arms with signalised crossings, to create more space for pedestrians and cyclists and to enhance the overall aesthetic.

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Although a budget for the signalised crossings was available in 2012, TfL has delayed the works for over eight years in part because water was leaking through the bridge over the railway.

We retain a concern that removal of the dedicated left turn lane into Manor Road will reduce the roundabout’s capacity to accommodate traffic going straight ahead whenever tailbacks from the Manor Road level crossing extend to the junction. We do however welcome the safety enhancements given the roundabout’s terrible accident record even if crossing the road will now take longer.

E-Scooters

The Transport for London e-scooter trial was extended to 31 May 2024 and the Council is adding additional bays for hire scooters and bikes under Experimental Traffic Orders. These parking locations will be reviewed once the trial ends.

’ The Society lodged concerns about scooter safety, their misuse, and the lack of clarity around the trial s ’ measures of success. Those concerns have been endorsed by the decision in August to end Paris s e- scooter hire scheme after the city pioneered the idea five years ago.

Friars Stile Crossing

The Society responded in December 2022 to the Council’s consultation plans to adjust the zebra crossing outside the Vineyard School, remove some parking spaces to enhance the sight lines and remove a traffic island at the junction with Richmond Hill. We had deep reservations that the proposals would not resolve the pedestrian safety issues in the area and may have made matters worse.

It was therefore reassuring that the Council confirmed in September 2023 that they will adopt our key recommendations to replace the zebra with a signalised pedestrian crossing and will retain the traffic island.

South Western Railway Ticket Office Closures

The Society opposed the railway operators’ proposals for closing ticket offices and require anyone wanting to travel by train to use digital ticketing methods. Finding the most appropriate fare and claiming concessions is time consuming and not user-friendly even for the technologically adept. For the less savvy the difficulties multiply when they must open user accounts, remember passwords and retain access to an app and/or email account for ticket delivery (possibly while away from home).

The 2021 census confirms that 20% of the LBRUT population is aged over 60 and we felt the proposals would discriminate against and adversely affect those who are not technology adept, or with visual, or mobility problems.

Furthermore, anyone over 60 can obtain concessional train fares through the Senior Railcard while those with a Freedom Pass are also eligible for free travel up to the TfL boundary. This dual concession is easily and quickly obtained by visiting a ticket office, but it is difficult to accomplish by walking up to a ticket vending machine and under time pressure. As a consequence, we are aware of many older people forfeiting their concessional fare entitlements and overpaying for their journey.

We raised specific concerns about dispersing staff across Richmond Station to perform multifunctional roles especially given the ebbs and flows in passenger numbers. The station’s configuration over two levels

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make it impossible to see all areas from the concourse and expecting people with visual or mobility impairments to find roving assistance is wholly unreasonable. We also questioned whether staff assigned to revenue protection roles would be allowed to leave their post or offer anything more than perfunctory assistance.

We felt it was disingenuous for the consultation only to show comparative staffing information based on station attendance hours with no indication of the number of staff on duty, or the roles they will be undertaking. It was not possible to discern the changes from the current arrangements when Richmond Station already has 24 hour staffing.

We were alarmed at the suggestion that passengers using North Sheen station who want a ticket that is not offered through a vending machine must first buy a ticket to travel to a category 1 station (e.g., Richmond) and then purchase a ticket for the full journey. It is fundamentally wrong to expect passengers to undertake an extra trip that adds stress, time, and effort onto their journey only because of unaddressed deficiencies in the ticketing systems.

LANDSCAPING AND RIVERSIDE

Nicky Wood

Committee Members: Frances Bouchier, Susanna Edwards, Judy Gibbons, Julia Stead, Carol Ward, Nicky Wood (Chair)

The Society’s book, Richmond ’ s Trees , which our Patron Lord Lee kindly funded, was launched in November. It has been very well received, and thus far has raised over £10,000 to fund various projects we have in the pipeline. Our long-awaited Bridge House Gardens information panel was unveiled by the Mayor in April. It’s been time-consuming keeping track of Thames Water’s plan to abstract water from the river for transfer to the Lea Valley, replacing it with treated effluent from Mogden. Thames Water are very far from convincing residents and Councillors that this is an acceptable plan.

As in previous years we continued to:

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 .

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Ginny Curry

LICENSING

The Richmond 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 so closely co-located. The town is congested 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 of 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 increasing numbers 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 food delivery being undertaken by possibly inexperienced delivery personnel who may deliver food and alcohol to under-aged people. 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 though 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. Sometime these agreements do not come to fruition but it is important to note that we do not automatically object to every application and our starting point is always a careful consideration of the pros and cons put forward by either side.

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, disturbance 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 and the Society recognises that residents around The Green have been particularly badly affected on Friday and Saturday nights in recent months. Rigorous attention to the granting of licences, significant attention to opening hours in any application and the call for 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, residents and visitors alike.

We have maintained a steady flow of new members this year. Since January just over 100 new members have joined us and we warmly welcome each and every one of you.

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

Our membership year begins on 1 October.

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Membership costs £16 for a household and £10 for a single membership and details about joining or renewing membership are in the Chairman’s letter with the Notice of the AGM.

EVENTS Lizzie Danckwerts

It’s been a busy year! In October 2022 the Society’s Annual Awards for a distinguished contribution to Richmond celebrated the restoration of Marble Hill to its former glory by English Heritage . Commendations were received by Duke Street Church, the K6 telephone kiosk next to St Matthias Church, and a modern home in Queen’s Rise.

Our beautifully-illustrated book, Richmond ’ s Trees , written by Linda Christmas and inspired by our Patron Lord Lee , was launched in November and quickly became a best-seller. The 2022 AGM and Christmas Party made a welcome return following the previous year’s cancellation due to Covid-19. Attendees celebrated the festive season in a new club-like setting in the RHACC theatre whilst tapping their feet to the Raccateers Jazz Band.

Our speaker in January 2023 was the hugely entertaining Michael Billington , Britain’s longest-serving theatre critic. The following month our Forum, Taking Richmond’s Pulse, attended by Sarah Olney MP and Nick Rogers MLA , generated a terrific buzz as attendees gathered around six tables, each devoted to a different topic: housing provision; transport and infrastructure; community safety; community facilities; heritage and planning; and future economy. In March, Paul Richards , Park Manager of Richmond Park, gave an excellent talk about current and future developments of this world-famous royal park and national nature reserve.

The Panorama of the Thames was the subject of a joint event with Richmond Local History Society in April. The talk by Journalist Jill Sanders about Samuel Leigh’s 1829 panorama from Richmond to Westminster and how the river has changed since then was very popular and attracted some 250 attendees. Future joint events are planned.

Richmond May Fair, chaired by Richmond Society Trustee Pamela Fleming , made a welcome return after a three-year absence due to Covid-19. Volunteers worked tirelessly to make it a great success, encouraging many new members to sign up. Later that month, Tom Littler , artistic director of the Orange Tree Theatre, gave an enthusiastic talk about his future plans.

Three Heritage Walks over the Summer were organised by Paul Velluet with Adam Harrison : exploring Richmond’s historic Vineyard area with Alan Sherriff of the Friends of Vineyard Passage Burial Ground; a guided walk by Paul taking in the development of Richmond from 1900 to the present day; and another walk by Paul focusing on the survival of Richmond’s unique heritage.

The Summer Party in June once again took place at Trumpeters House by kind permission of our Patron, Baroness Ronny Van Dedem . Over 130 people relaxed in the magnificent gardens enjoying afternoon tea and bubbles whilst being entertained by the Raccateers. The Baroness set a fine example, dancing with former Strictly Come Dancing pro Andrew Cuerden . She also cut a splendid cake decorated with the cover of Richmond ’ s Trees . A raffle for prizes donated by Venture Photography, Orange Tree Theatre, Thames River Boats, Whole Foods and Dance Savoir Faire helped to raise funds for the Society.

’ In July, Patron Lord Hendy s tour of Richmond and Ham in his vintage Routemaster bus, with Paul Velluet as guide, was great fun! The evening ended with refreshments at The Sun Inn, Parkshot.

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In September, the celebrated author Anthony Horowitz enthralled his audience at Duke Street Church as he reflected on his career and shared details of his future projects. Over 200 people attended this joint event with the Museum of Richmond.

The events programme could not take place without our excellent band of volunteers and special thanks go to: Barbara Benemar, Bella Hobson, Carey Clark, Catriona Dobbie, Corale Canard, Diane Harvey, Iain Mulligan, Jane Mills, Jane Parkinson, Jenny Pugsley, Julia Stead, Linda Duffield, Lindsey Andrews, Lynne Cox, Margaret Walsh, Marie Leigh, Mona Turner, Rose Constantine, Sarah Turner and Susanna Edwards for their stalwart help in a variety of roles.

RICHMOND HEATHROW CAMPAIGN

Neil Maybin

The Richmond Heathrow Campaign (RHC) acts on behalf of the Kew & Richmond Societies and Friends of Richmond Green in matters relating to Heathrow, and in particular its environmental impact on community health and wellbeing.

Night flights

Noise from night flights is, for many local resident’s one of the most acute Heathrow issues. The government is re-assessing the UK night flights regime but progress is slow. Our response to a recent DfT consultation on night flights again sought a deferral of all night flights between 11pm and 7am to the daytime with reductions in late runners allowed after 11pm, and reductions in morning air traffic from 6am to 7am. In conjunction with other community organisations, we are discussing with Heathrow the commissioning of independent research on the impact of noise on health including sleep disturbance and annoyance.

Heathrow Airspace Modernisation

An equally significant issue for residents is the proposed modernisation of airspace over Heathrow. Heathrow has submitted proposals to the Civil Aviation Authority for evaluation. Their emphasis on concentrated, rather than dispersed flight paths, would create a more concentrated noise impact because Performance-Based Navigation allows aircraft to follow very precise trajectories. Importantly, Heathrow has confirmed the airspace is being designed for a two-runway airport within the existing planning limit of 480,000 flights a year. The immediate issues are therefore about how the noise impact is allocated rather than an increase in noise emitted through airport expansion. This may mean flights over Richmond Park.

RHC is carefully monitoring what is a complicated and highly technical issue.

Summary of RHC Activities : During the year RHC responded to 4 consultations: CAA (1) and Heathrow (1) on airspace modernisation, the DfT(1) on Night noise and Heathrow (1) on Heathrow’s Noise Action Plan.

RHC also attended 30 meetings (some virtual): NACF (5), Heathrow workshops (7), Community Noise Group (15) and other organisations (3). Please contact Peter Willan, RHC Chair, at action@richmondheathrowcampaign.org if you can help their work.

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TRUSTEES’ REPORT FOR THE YEAR ENDED 30 SEPTEMBER 2023

The members of the Executive Committee, in their capacity as Trustees, present their report and financial statements for the year ended 30 September 2023.

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” and included in these financial statements.

CHARITABLE OBJECTIVES AND PUBLIC BENEFIT

The charitable objects of the Society may be summarised to:

In carrying out its work to make Richmond a better place in which to live, work and visit, the Trustees confirm 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 4-12.

FINANCIAL REVIEW FOR THE YEAR

Income for the year was £28,249 and expenditure £16,515 generating a surplus for the year of £11,734 before a small loss on revaluation of investments to market value at the year-end. The net resulting surplus of £11,499 after the revaluation loss has been added to the Society’s reserves.

Income was over twice that of the previous year. All of the Society’s income streams played their part in this but the largest contribution came from sales of the Society’s newly launched book “Richmond’s Trees” with sales of £10,730. As our Patron Lord Lee kindly funded the production of this book, the majority of the income from sales flows directly to the Society’s bottom line. Membership subscriptions and donations income increased by 16%. This seems to be primarily due to the timing of subscription and donation receipts rather than a comparable increase in membership numbers. Income from events and walks was up

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year on year by 62% as the Society held both an Autumn and a Summer vintage bus trip (thanks to Lord Hendy), and a substantial event jointly with the Museum of Richmond in addition to our regular programme of meetings and talks. Investment income doubled as a result of higher balances on deposit and much higher rates of interest.

Expenses are up nearly 31% year on year. Primarily this is due to one-off expenditure of £4,134 primarily on the information board at Bridge House Gardens and a contribution to tree planting in Old Deer Park. Excluding this expenditure on projects and landscaping, total expenditure for the year was comparable to the previous year. The composition changed somewhat with a reduction in administration costs of £721 (due to non-recurring costs in 2022) and a reduction in communications costs of £566 (due to producing only 3 newsletters during the financial year in 2023) being offset by expenditure of £960 in relation to the “Richmond’s Trees” book.

Our thanks are due to our loyal members who support the Society through subscriptions, donations and attendance at our events. Our thanks are also due to our loyal volunteers who give freely of their time and skills in handling the Society’s casework, campaigns, and administration and in organizing our events programme.

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:

Unrestricted reserves
General fund
Designated fund
Legacy fund
Restricted reserve
Landscaping fund
Total at 30 September 2023		 2023
29,413
9,236
39,628
78,277
2,072
£80,349

The general fund comprises reserves necessary to support the Society’s normal recurring activities. As a result of income generated from the sales of the “Richmond’s Trees” book the reserves now exceed 24 months of budgeted annual expenditure (2022: 15.8 months). We will investigate additional spend on projects and landscaping in the coming year.

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.

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.

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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.

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 14 November 2023

15

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 2023 on pages 17 to 22.

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 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 14 November2023

16

The Richmond Society Statement of financial activities for the year ended 30 September 2023

Note
Incoming resources
Income from donations
Subscriptions and donations
Income from charitable activities
Events and walks
Publication sales
Investment income
Total incoming resources
Resources expended
Expenditure on charitable activities
Projects and landscaping
Events and walks
Publications
Communications
Administration costs
Total expenditure
2
Net incoming/(outgoing) resources before
investment gains/(losses)
Gains/(Losses) on investments
Net incoming/(outgoing) resources
Transfers between funds
Net movement of funds for the period
Reconciliation of funds
Opening fund balances
Closing fund balances		 General
Landscaping
2023
2022
Funds
Fund
Total
Total
£
£
£
£
7,916
-
7,916
6,829
7,790
429
8,219
5,074
10,730
-
10,730
-
1,384
-
1,384
622
27,820
429
28,249
12,525
2,952
1,182
4,134
164
6,696
-
6,696
6,450
960
-
960
-
1,337
-
1,337
1,903
3,314
74
3,388
4,109
15,259
1,256
16,515
12,626
12,561
(827)
11,734
(101)
(235)
-
(235)
(240)
12,326
(827)
11,499
(341)
-
-
-
-
12,326
(827)
11,499
(341)
65,951
2,899
68,850
69,191
78,277
2,072
80,349
68,850

The statement of financial activities includes all gains and losses recognised in the year. All income and expenditure derives from continuing activities.

17

The Richmond Society Balance sheet at 30 September 2023

Note
Fixed assets
Investments
3
Current assets
Stock
4
Debtors & prepayments
Deposit account
Cash at bank and in hand
Current liabilities:
amounts falling due within 1 year
Creditors & accruals
Deferred subscription income
5
Net current assets
Total assets less current liabilities
Liabilities and charges:
due after more than one year
Deferred subscription income
5
Net assets
Funds
6		 General
Landscaping
2023
2022
Funds
Fund
Total
Total
£
£
£
£
15,974
-
15,974
15,857
85
-
85
514
2,516
-
2,516
348
63,844
2,072
65,916
47,236
1,256
-
1,256
11,796
67,701
2,072
69,773
59,894
1,858
-
1,858
2,951
402
-
402
410
2,260
-
2,260
3,361
65,441
2,072
67,513
56,533
81,415
2,072
83,487
72,390
3,138
-
3,138
3,540
78,277
2,072
80,349
68,850
78,277
2,072
80,349
68,850

Approved by the trustees on 14 November 2023

BJ May - Chairman

AM Coleman - Treasurer

18

The Richmond Society Notes to the financial statements for the year ended 30 September 2023

1. Accounting policies

The accounting period covered by these financial statements is for the year ended 30 September 2023. The comparative financial information is for the year ended 30 September 2022.

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.

19

The Richmond Society Notes to the financial statements for the year ended 30 September 2023 (continued)

2. Expenditure on charitable activities

The Trustees believe that all the expenditure incurred relates to charitable activities. During the period:

3. Investments

Quoted investments

Market value at beginning of period
Additions at cost
Accumulated dividends
Increase/(decrease) in valuation
Valuation at 30 September		 2023
2022
£
£
15,857
15,831
-
-
352
266
(235)
(240)
15,974
15,857

4. Stock

Stock of drinks for events
Stock of plaques		 2023
2022
£
£
85
-
-
514
85
514

5. Deferred subscription income

Movement for the year
Amount brought forward:
Due within one year
Due after one year
Additions for the year
Taken to income
Closing balance
The closing balance is:
Due within one year
Due after one year		 2023
2022
£
£
410
438
3,540
3,950
-
-
(410) (438)
3,540
3,950
402
410
3,138
3,540
3,540
3,950

20

The Richmond Society Notes to the financial statements for the year ended 30 September 2023 (continued)

6. Reserves

(a) General Funds comprise:

Year ended 30 September 2023
Income for the year
Expenditure for the year
Net incoming/(outgoing) before
investment gains/(losses)
Gains/(Losses) on investments
Net incoming/(outgoing) resources
Transfers between funds
Net movement of funds for the period
Balance at 1 October 2022
Balance at 30 September 2023		 General
Designated
Legacy
Total
Fund
Fund
Fund
£
£
£
£
26,436
-
1,384
27,820
12,307
2,952
-
15,259
14,129
(2,952)
1,384
12,561
-
(235)
(235)
14,129
(2,952)
1,149
12,326
-
-
-
-
14,129
(2,952)
1,149
12,326
15,284
12,188
38,479
65,951
29,413
9,236
39,628
78,277

The General Fund comprises reserves necessary to support the Society’s normal recurring activities. As a result of income generated from the sales of the “Richmond’s Trees” book the reserves are now in excess of 24 months of budgeted annual expenditure (2022: 15.8 months). We will investigate additional spend on projects and landscaping in the coming year

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.

21

The Richmond Society

Notes to the financial statements for the year ended 30 September 2023 (continued)

(b) Landscaping Fund

The Landscaping Fund represents the unspent balance of monies raised specifically for landscaping projects. The movements on the Landscaping Fund are fully disclosed in the Statement of Financial Activities.

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.

22