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2023-06-30-accounts

Registered Charity No. 1169151

Report and Financial Statements

Year ending 30[th] June 2023

Friends of Holmewood

Contents

Page

Officers and Professional Advisers 1
Trustees’ Report 2
Independent Examiner’s Report 11
Statement of Financial Activities Report 13

Friends of Holmewood

Officers and Professional Advisers

TRUSTEES AND OFFICERS

Chelsea Crathern – Chair Ala ElKour – Treasurer Gemma Mole – Secretary Florence Arewa – Charity Selection / School Requests Alicia Faith – Events Co-ordinator Sophie Clary - Events Co-ordinator

Andrew Coates (Prior Chair Resigned – 6 July 2023) Andrew-John Dittrich (Prior Treasurer Resigned – 15 Sept 2023) Conne Cherrett (Prior Secretary Resigned – 9 January 2023) Caroline Mulley (Prior Secretary Resigned – 15 Sept 2023) Neil Parker (Resigned - 30 June 2023) Hannah Gee (Resigned 27 September 2022) Anna Rycroft (Resigned - 30 June 2023) Charlotte Murray (Resigned 7 July 2022)

BANKERS

Barclays Bank PLC 1 Churchill Place Canary Wharf London, E14 5HP, U.K.

ACCOUNTANT

Crowe U.K. LLP Riverside House 40-46 High Street Maidstone Kent, ME14 1JH, U.K.

PAYMENTS PROVIDERS

Stripe Payments Europe, Limited (through PTA Membership) The One Building, 1 Grand Canal Street Lower Dublin 2, Co. Dublin, IRELAND

SumUp Payments Limited 16-20 Shorts Gardens London, WC2H 9US, U.K.

REGISTERED OFFICE

Holmewood House School Barrow Lane Langton Green Royal Tunbridge Wells Kent, TN3 0EB, U.K.

1

Friends of Holmewood

Trustees Report

The Trustees present their annual report (including the Strategic Review) on the affairs of the Friends of Holmewood (the Charity), together with the financial statements for the year ended 30 June 2023. Legally this year an Independent Examiner’s report is required as the Gross Income from operations was £88,636 as required by the Charities Commission. Independent audits are required when Gross Revenue exceeds £25,000.

Irrespective it is a condition of the insurance provided by the PTA-UK membership. PTA-UK requires all associations to have their accounts independently examined. This is a stipulation of the PTA-UK subscription linked insurance for cover against fraud or dishonesty by a Treasurer or another committee member/trustee.

Strategic Review

Introduction

Activities and fundraising in the year ending 30th June 2023 (from 1st July 2022) was the first time that the new post COVID committee managed to get their feet under the table and hold a full array of events for the School Community including a Summer Ball the last of which was held some 4 years earlier. Whilst a full-scale Winter Fair was unable to take place in December 2022 it is planned to hold one in December 2023. The logistics of holding two major events in one year was simply unattainable.

Again, the Committee members were immensely grateful to the academic and support staff in school for enabling various activities to take place. The amount of logistics, planning and co-ordination should not be underestimated.

The Committee Members all owe themselves a round of applause as the amount of time and effort in organizing these events for the benefit of the whole school community is no small feat. The Committee will always welcome additional help and support and any parent, staff member or alumni willing to assist / volunteer should contact one of the committee members. Additional help is always appreciated. We would like to thank all those volunteers who helped this past year in putting on all these events and activities.

During the course of the year the following events and activities were held:

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Friends of Holmewood

Trustees Report

Family Fun Day

One of the most beneficial aspects of Holmewood House School is the fact the school has over 30 acres of beautiful grounds. The Family Fun Day was hosted on the South Lawn on the first Sunday after school started for the Autumn term.

Whilst in some years this event has traditionally been held at the end of the Summer term, one benefit of holding it at the start of the school year was that we were able to be joined by all the NOVI parents and children as well – giving them a great welcome into the school community. In addition the weather stayed dry despite all the rain earlier in the week.

We had the usual array of inflatables, the Giant Zorbs and the ever popular Nerf Blasters. In addition, for the younger crowd, we also had a magician. Food was provided by a number of guest caterers.

Fireworks Night

In November a much darker and colder South Lawn played host to the usual fantastic fireworks night. We had full attendance for an amazing whizz-bang display coupled with the Friends staffing a Bar serving mulled wine and other refreshments. Food was provided by a number of guest caterers. Children were also catered for with popcorn and environmentally friendly LED light sticks. It was great to see the excitement and wonder of the children attending.

Christmas Pop Up Fair

This was a charming event, an opportunity to shop small and support local providers and families. Almost all the stalls were run by Holmewood families, something we are very proud of. The new Holmewood Cafe was filled with so many fun festive treats and provided a perfect backdrop for the event. The Cafe was sparkling with Christmas decorations by Sveta, 3D letter bricks and key rings by Made Happy, delicious luxury chocolate by Mimi Coco, a gorgeous womenswear boutique for all your Christmas outfits by Love & Luxe, your Christmas pantry was sorted by Larratt & Co, stunning cards from Hello Geronimo, beautiful children's gifts by Sida Says, sustainable stylish bags by Hermosa London, and jewellery sourced and sold by some Year 7 pupils. In addition the Friends sold raffle tickets to win hampers, all generously filled by parents.

Christmas Design Activity - Cards and Gifts

The annual project where children create Christmas designs which are used to produce cards, tags, wrapping paper, mugs and tea towels was once again run. This activity raises a modest amount of money, but its primary benefit is to allow the children to create wonderful items that their families and friends can enjoy and keep as mementos.

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Friends of Holmewood

Trustees Report

Back to School Quiz Night

The hugely successful Back to School Quiz Night was a big hit with maximum turnout. The Theatre was filled up with tables and teams. Mrs Napleton and her expert team of waiting staff looked after the guests so well. Food was provided by the school and the Friends ran a bar on the night. The Quiz team names, and the school uniform efforts were fantastic, and those involved were treated to some interesting performances not to mention a round of charades! Congratulations to the winning team Artificial Intelligence, and to Whizz Kids, for scooping the ultimate prize of a Wooden Spoon.

Easter Activities

Thanks to some careful planning the annual Easter Hunt took place. This morning saw the battle of the Holmewood Bunnies: one, a nefarious imposter and the other, the true Easter Bunny. A loud cry of, “Protect Mr O’Riordan at all costs!” rang out as the Easter Bunny gave chase through the Mansion House but we can confirm that no teachers were harmed.

Rallied by the support of the excitable students and undeterred by the dastardly tactics of her challenger, the Easter Bunny came out on top and chased the pretender off her turf! Battle won, calm was restored and the Easter trails commenced on the south lawn. Meanwhile, down in Pre-Prep, a myriad of activities were underway and the Easter Bunny was made most welcome. Special requests for international egg deliveries over the holidays have been received, beautiful Easter drawings will be treasured forever and the Easter Bunny may well be back in the future.

Summer Ball

The pinnacle of the year was being able to host a major Summer Ball for the first time post COVID. Thank you to all parents for supporting the Summer Ball and joining us for a fantastic evening. We were overwhelmed with your support and generosity, and we have loved hearing all your wonderful comments about how well run the event was.

The evening started with cocktails on the lawn followed by a fully catered dinner. A bar was provided catering for all tastes. Heads and Tails was played along with much raucous bidding for the live auction compered by the event management company. The evening was followed by dancing to the early hours.

Thank you also to all the staff, parents and businesses that helped us with many hours of their time, and for allowing us to create such an amazing list of items for the raffle and auction.

.

4

Friends of Holmewood

Trustees Report

Our Supported Charity

Nova Children’s Project, based in Southborough, is a specialist short breaks service for children and young people who have moderate to severe learning disabilities. They believe no child should miss out on accessing activities and experiences due to their disability and the children have fun, socialise and develop their independence in a safe and friendly environment, whilst giving parents a much-needed break.

Given the lack of events and the inability to raise money for our chosen charity Nova over the pandemic, the Committee unanimously agreed to extend the usual two-year partnership till 30 June 2023, in order that we will be able to donate a comparable amount of money to previous charities. After this date it is planned that the children will choose a new local Charity to support starting with events held in September 2023 onwards.

Structure, Governance, Management and Decision-Making

The Friends of Holmewood Charity, a public benefit entity, is an unincorporated association established under the Model Constitution for Parent Teacher Associations in England and Wales as a Friends Association . There are currently 6 Trustees who are also members of the Charity. The Charity registered as a charity with the Charity Commission on 13 September 2016, registered number 1169151. The principal office is at: Holmewood House School, Barrow Lane, Langton Green, Royal Tunbridge Wells, Kent, TN3 0EB.

The Charity is governed and managed by a trustee committee who are elected annually by the members at the Annual General Meeting.

The Charity is run directly by the Trustees, supported by a number of volunteers with a dayto-day involvement in its events and activities. The Trustees consider the Charity small enough for this to be the most effective method of governance.

The Trustees are hugely grateful to all of the volunteers who help amongst other things by staffing stalls and providing assistance in helping the Charity achieve its objectives.

Charitable Purpose and the Public Benefit

The Charity’s principal objective is to advance the education of the pupils at Holmewood House School by:

Following the commitment of the prior Friends of Holmewood Committee and Trustees the Charity funded roughly 50% of the Pond Project that was regenerated on the school site and now serves as an outdoor learning site.

5

Friends of Holmewood

Trustees Report

The Pond was opened on Tuesday 20[th] September 2022 by Dr. John Feltwell, a Chartered Biologist and Environmentalist & Mrs O’Sullivan, the Head, accompanied by Andrew Coates and Andrew-John Dittrich to represent the Friends of Holmewood.

The platform will enable pond dipping and other science-based exploratory lessons to take place, as well as cross curricular links to many other subjects such as geography, art, my heart my mind my world and many others. There has been much written about the benefits of learning outside both from an academic and well being perspective. Studies show that a curriculum offering lessons on biodiversity, for example, can improve the psychological mood of the children and therefore improve performance in other areas too (Harvey et al).

A total of £40,000 was provided from prior retained earnings and the profits (75%) of the activities held during the course of the current fiscal year to support the children’s education.

In addition, the Trustees have regard to the guidance issued by the Charity Commission on public benefit. The Charity further discharges its public benefit obligations by making grants to other charities.

In the period ended 30 June 2023, the Trustees formalised the process through which other charities are supported by extending the collaboration with the charity nominated by the Charity’s members, Nova Children’s Project, by an additional year till 30 June 2023.

During this period, Nova Children’s Project received 25% of the net profit arising from fundraising events.

For the year ending 30 June 2023, this amounted to a total of £2,546[1] .

Fundraising Regulations

The Charity carries out its fundraising in a fair and responsible way and ensures that funds raised are spent effectively to bring maximum benefit to the pupils. The Charity strives to ensure that its fundraising activities are conducted to the highest level of quality and safety. The approach is donor focused and designed to ensure that donors enjoy and benefit from their engagement with the Charity.

Whilst the Charity strives to perform to the highest standards in everything it does, it is possible that it may not always succeed in meeting these standards. Should a complaint be received, it will be fully investigated, and efforts will be made to correct any shortcomings highlighted. The Charity received no complaints during the year under review. The Trustees recognise the importance of the reputation of the Charity in maintaining the trust and confidence of its donors and this principle sits at the heart of all fundraising activities.

Accountants

During the course of the year the previously approved accounting firm known as the “Charity Accountant” based in Sevenoaks gave notice that they would be unable to continue producing the Chairties accounts due to a change in their business model. As a

1 Note: Final Donation to Nova from profits of the Summer Ball will appear in next year’s accounts of c. £3,245.66.

6

Friends of Holmewood

Trustees Report

result of this Friends of Holmewood sought new quotes to produce the accounts for the end of 30 June 20023 and has appointed Crowe UK, L.L.P.

As allowed by the Charities Commission Accounting procedures, the Charity has moved to a more simplified set of accounting standards recording receipts and payments rather than on a more complicated accrual basis which is only required for Charities with a revenue stream of more than £250,000 per annum.

Receipts and payments accounts contain a statement summarising all money received and paid out by the charity in the financial year, and a statement giving details of its assets and liabilities at the end of the year. This keeps accounting costs to a reduced amount.

Financial Performance

Net income for the year ended 30 June 2023 amounted to £15,468 (prior year ended 30 June 2022: £5,778).

Key revenue activities during the year were as follows:

Fundraising Portals

FOH had previously signed up for AmazonSmile and EasyFundraising which generated donations as follows this fiscal year:

Unfortunately Amazon Smile have terminated their program and all donations ceased in c. February 2023. However, EasyFundraising continues to exist and all parents, staff and alumni are encouraged to register at: https://www.easyfundraising.org.uk/ and to nominate Friend of Holmewood as their preferred charity for receipt of donations.

There are over 6,000 stores that support Easyfundraising. All the big box stores are listed like John Lewis, eBay, Argos, Boots, Boden, AO, Currys etc. Their categories cover Business, Electrical, Entertainment, Fashion/Beauty, Finance, Home & Garden, Insurance, Mobiles, Travel and Utilities. Every purchase at a online store will generate a rebate to the Friends of Holmewood.

7

Friends of Holmewood

Trustees Report

Reserve Policy

The Charity had Cash Reserves at 30 June 2023 of £18,488 (prior year ended 30 June 2022: £43,020). The decrease in cash reserves is primarily due to the funding of the Pond Project of £40,000 during the year.

In reviewing its reserves requirement, the Trustees maintain that the Charity needs to hold reserves of c. £10,000 to ensure that it has enough liquidity to pay deposits for events and to maintain a buffer should significant losses be incurred through the cancellation of a major event for which insurance is unavailable, for example, as a result of adverse weather.

Contingent Liability

As per last year it should be noted a sum of £3,610 was received on 11 June 2020 into the Friends Stripe Bank Account Balance used by the PTA portal for ticketing as a result of a transfer supposedly from the Charities Barclays Bank Account Balance for which no corresponding debit is evident. As a matter of prudence and on the basis of accounting advice it is likely the Friends owe this sum of money back to either Stripe or Barclays Bank and it remains a potential contingent liability. The prior Treasurer was unable to ascertain what had transpired and further follow up by the current Treasurer has resulted in not further progress with neither organization raising any concern.

Going Concern

After making appropriate enquiries, the Trustees have a reasonable expectation that the Charity has adequate resources to continue in operational existence for the foreseeable future. For this reason, they continue to adopt the going concern basis in preparing the financial statements.

Principal Risks and Uncertainties

The Trustees have a risk management strategy which comprises an annual review of the principal risks and uncertainties that the Charity faces and the establishment of policies, systems and procedures to mitigate these risks.

The Trustees have assessed the major risks to which the Charity is exposed, in particular those related to the operations and finances of the charity and are satisfied that the systems and procedures are in place to mitigate their exposure to the major risks. All risks are considered by the Trustees on a regular basis and efforts are made to mitigate any risks, where possible.

Compliance with the Charity Governance Code

The Trustees are aware of the requirements of the Charity Governance Code and ensure the charitable operations comply with this code.

8

Friends of Holmewood

Trustees Report

Trustees

Trustees are recruited from the members of the Charity based upon a regular skills audit of the committee. All Trustees were appointed to the committee by members, at the Annual General Meeting, which was held in person and via remote dial-in, on 10[th] March 2023. Since that time Trustees have either resigned or new Trustees co-opted on by the existing Committee which will be ratified at the next AGM.

The dates of appointment and resignation as charity Trustees were:

Trustee Office (if any) Date appointed Date resigned
Andrew Coates
Chelesea Crathern
Andrew-John Dittrich
Ala ElKour
Connie Cherrett
Caroline Mulley
Gemma Mole
Neil Parker
Hannah Gee
Charlotte Murray
Anna Rycroft
Sophie Clary
Alicia Faith
Florence Arewa		 Chair
Chair (prior Trustee)
Treasurer
Treasurer
Secretary
Secretery
Secretary & Trustee
Trustee
Trustee
Trustee
Trustee
Trustee
Events
Charity Selection &
Trustee		 28 January 2022
2 December 2022
28 January 2022
15 September 2023
11 March 2022
9 January 2023
20 October 2023
28 January 2022
10 September 2018
11 October 2019
3 November 2020
28 January 2022
7 October 2022
10 March 2022		 6 July 2023
15 September 2023
9 January 2023
15 September 2023
30 June 2023
27 September 2022
7 July 2022
30 June 2023

All new Trustees receive a briefing to acquaint them with the charity and its aims and activities, management and governance and what is expected of them under charity law. Additionally, new Trustees are invited to meet with other Trustees to learn more about their role and about the charity's activities.

The 2023 AGM is scheduled for Wednesday 20th March 2024.

9

Friends of Holmewood

Trustees Report

The Trustee’s Report, including the Strategic Review, was approved by the Trustees and signed on their behalf by:

Chelsea Crathern

Chair

19 March 2024

10

(HARITY COMMISSION FOR ENGLAND AND WALES Independent examiner's report on the accounts Section A Independent Examiner's Report Report to the trusteesl members of Friends of Holmewood On accounts for the year ended 30 June 2023 Charity no (if any) 1169151 Set out on pages I report to the trustees on my examination of the accounts of the above charity I'the Trusl-l for the year ended 30th June 2023. Responsibilities and basis of report As the charity's Iruslees, 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 Trust'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)Ibl of the Act. Independent examiner's statement I have completed my examination. I confirm that no material matters have come to my attenlion in connection with the examination (other than that disclosed below '} which gives me cause lo believe that in, any material respecl.. the accounting records were nol kept in accordan￿ with section 130 of Ihe Charities Act., or the accounls did not accord with the accounting records., or the accoun15 did not comply with Ihe 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 lo which attention should be drawn in this report in order to enable a proper understanding of the accounls to be reached. Èiease delete the words in the brackets if Ihey do not apply. Signed: Date: 19th March 2024 Name: Catherine Hyams Relevant professional qualificalion{s) or body (If any): Chartered Accountant, Institute of Chartered Accountants of Scotland Address: Broomlands, Broom Lane. Langton Gree. Tunbridge Wells IER Oct 2018

TN3 ORA Section B Disclosure Only complete if the examiner needs to highlight material matters of concern (see CC32, Independent examination of charity accounts.. directions and guidan￿ for examiners). Give here brief details of any items that the examiner wishes to dlsclose. Not applicable. IER Oct 2018

Friends of Holmewood Receipts and payments accounts For the year ended 30 June 2023 3010612023 30/0612022 Unr•strict¢d D8signat•d fvnds fund5 Total funds Unrestrfctod Designat nds funds Total funds Receipts Chri5tsllas Grfts I Design5 Chrtstmas falr Tea Towel Designs Amazon Smile Donations EasyFundra1￿ng Donations Summer ball Quiz night Family Fun Day Firework8 NvJht 1,031 1,031 3.344 405 13 105 105 13 120 120 66.780 1.926 66.780 1.926 7,630 10.043 10.043 7.512 Totsl receipts 18,959 18.959 Payrnents Aecountan¢y Christmas cards an tea towds Christmas fair Bank and finani charges Christsnas dessgns Summer ball Family Fun Day Fireworks Night PTA events fee Quiz night Easter Egg Hunt Charita￿e donation Pond project 420 420 420 420 3,152 3,152 2.472 2.472 50.7&S 6,628 7.426 6,628 7,426 3.￿9 5,158 5, 158 1.220 181 1.220 181 40,{￿ 40,[ Membership fees 140 140 128 128 Totsl payments 73.168 40.(￿ 113.168 13.181 13, 181 Net receiptsl Ipaymenlsl l*fore transfers TT8nsfet5 beiween lunds Net receiptsl Ipaymentsl Cash fund5 brwghl fr)rward Cash funds carried fon¥ard 15.468 I40,(￿) 124.532) &7T8 5,778 15.468 1410.IXK)) 124.532) {34,222) 40,000 5,778 3.020 40.CKKJ 43.020 37.242 37.242 18,488 18.488 3,020 40,LXJ9 43,020

Friends of Holmewood Statement of assets and liabilities At the end of the period 30 June 2023 Details Cash at bank and on hand 18,488 CreditorJ Accwals 780 Contin ent liabilrties Stripe credited £3,610 on 11.06.2020. the source of which is unclear. Stripe has not requested repayment to date. The trustees are unclear rf this was due to an e￿or in which case this amount will be repayable to Stripe in the future. The financial statements comprising of the Re￿IPtS and Payments Summary and Statement of Assets and Liabilities were approved and authorised for issue by the Board on the 19th March 2024. Signed on behalf of the Board of Trustees S￿natUre Name.. Ala EIKour l Andrew-John Dittn'ch Date 1% I mpsoc*¥1￿Lt.