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2025-03-31-accounts

REGISTERED CHARITY NUMBER: 1169335

Report of the Trustees and

Unaudited Financial Statements for the Year Ended 31 March 2025

for

Chelmsford Garden Community Trust

Butlers Chartered Accountants 1434 London Road Leigh on Sea Essex SS9 2UL

Chelmsford Garden Community Trust

Contents of the Financial Statements for the Year Ended 31 March 2025

Page
Report of the Trustees 1 to 4
Independent Examiner's Report 5
Statement of Financial Activities 6
Balance Sheet 7
Notes to the Financial Statements 8 to 13
Detailed Statement of Financial Activities 14 to 15

Chelmsford Garden Community Trust

Report of the Trustees for the Year Ended 31 March 2025

The trustees present their report with the financial statements of the charity for the year ended 31 March 2025. The trustees have adopted the provisions of Accounting and Reporting by Charities: Statement of Recommended Practice applicable to charities preparing their accounts in accordance with the Financial Reporting Standard applicable in the UK and Republic of Ireland (FRS 102) (effective 1 January 2019).

OBJECTIVES AND ACTIVITIES

Objectives and aims

There are 2 main objectives:

  1. To further or benefit the residents of Beaulieu, Springfield and the surrounding areas of Essex, without distinction of sex, sexual orientation, race or political, religious or other opinions by associating together the said residents and the local authorities, voluntary and other organisations in a common effort to advance education and to provide facilities in the interests of social welfare for recreation and leisure time occupation to improve the conditions of life for the residents.

In furtherance of these objects but not otherwise, the trustees shall have the power to establish or secure the establishment of a community centre and to maintain or manage or co-operate with any statutory authority in the maintenance and management of such a centre for activities promoted by the charity in furtherance of the above objects.

  1. To further such charitable purposes for the public benefit as are exclusively charitable according to the laws of England and Wales as the trustees may from time to time determine.

Significant Activities

Chelmsford Garden Community Trust (CGCT) manages the community centre built by the developer. A lease for 125 years was signed in 2018 between the developer and Springfield Parish Council (SPC) and a flow-down underlease is in place between SPC and BCT.

The community centre sits in a maturing development to the northeast of Chelmsford, and from 1st April 2023 part of Chelmsford Garden Community, which will eventually cover around 10,000 homes including those already existing in Beaulieu and Channels. Although Channels, which is close by, falls outside the boundary of the existing Parish Council, the trustees have sought to be mindful of the needs of the residents there as well.

The community centre is acting as a keystone resource to facilitate community development. It is a useful venue for many diverse groups that deliver a range of user-led activities creating opportunities for social, leisure and personal development.

The trustees seek to maximise the public benefit of such a community centre and have been mindful of this as they have sought to improve the facilities at the centre.

The Trust will fall under the new Parish Boundary of Chelmsford Garden with effect from 1st April 2023 and the Trust will therefore be a sub-tenant of Chelmsford Garden Community Council who takes over the head lease from Springfield Parish Council on that date.

Public benefit

The charity continues to have close regard to its public benefit obligations by ensuring the community centre is open, inclusive, and accessible to a wide range of local residents. Activities and services are designed to meet identified community needs, promote social inclusion, and provide opportunities for people of all ages and backgrounds to come together. Fees, where charged, are kept affordable, with concessions available to reduce barriers to participation, ensuring the centre’s facilities and services deliver genuine and ongoing benefit to the wider community.

Page 1

Chelmsford Garden Community Trust

Report of the Trustees for the Year Ended 31 March 2025

ACHIEVEMENTS AND PERFORMANCE Charitable activities

Chelmsford Garden Community Trust (CGCT) continues to work closely with community partners to deliver inclusive activities and services from the Beaulieu Community Centre. The Centre remains an important hub for social, leisure, and personal development activities, hosting a range of user-led groups and events that serve residents across Beaulieu, Channels, and the wider Chelmsford Garden Community

The Trust maintains partnerships with local organisations, including community groups and voluntary services, to support events and programmes that benefit residents of all ages. Activities regularly promoted at the Centre include community cafés, parents' coffee clubs, singing and social groups, and seasonal events that bring people together

The Centre benefits from strong local engagement. Staff - including the Centre Manager and administrative team - are proactive in working with users, volunteer partners, and community stakeholders to support ongoing activities and reflect the needs of the community in planning future initiatives. Many staff and volunteers are local residents, helping to maintain awareness of local priorities and ensuring that the Trust's work remains responsive to community needs. (updated to present status)

The Trust has supported and promoted a variety of community-wide activities and festivals that contribute to local identity and cohesion, including events brought together with community partners (e.g., neighbourhood celebrations and wellbeing initiatives; Chelmsford Garden Community Council also delivers quarterly community events and engagement activities alongside local groups).

The Beaulieu Community Centre remains strategically located adjacent to Beaulieu Park School, providing opportunities for collaboration on community, educational, and family-oriented activity as the school and neighbourhood continue to grow.

During the 2024/25 financial year, Chelmsford Garden Community Trust hosted a wide range of events designed to support wellbeing, inclusion, education, and community cohesion.

Key wellbeing initiatives included a Cyberbullying for Teens workshop, highlighting how the availability and accessibility of online content can impact the mental health and wellbeing of children and young people. The session addressed risks such as online blackmail and exposure to graphic content, alongside the associated mental health implications. A Women's Health Event was also delivered, featuring guest speakers who provided information on peri-menopause and holistic alternatives to support women's health.

The Trust continued to support awareness and education through a Dementia Awareness event, offering guidance and practical support to carers and families of those living with dementia, and The Forgotten History of Chelmsford talk, delivered in support of the D-Day commemorations organised by Chelmsford Garden Community Council.

Community engagement and cultural activities were encouraged through two Open Mic Nights, showcasing local performers and providing affordable evening entertainment. The popular Mad Hatters Tea Party combined live entertainment with a high-tea experience, bringing residents together for an enjoyable and inclusive social event.

Seasonal and economic support initiatives included the Mini Market Beaulieu and Santa's Grotto, providing local small businesses with opportunities to trade while offering residents a festive local market. In addition, a Christmas Community Meal was delivered with support from local grocery stores and schools, providing a traditional three-course meal to residents experiencing financial hardship or loneliness during the festive period.

These events collectively demonstrate the Trusts ongoing commitment to supporting health, wellbeing, inclusion, local enterprise, and community connection throughout the year.

Page 2

Chelmsford Garden Community Trust

Report of the Trustees for the Year Ended 31 March 2025

FINANCIAL REVIEW

Principal funding sources

The charity's principal income continues to derive from the rental of the Beaulieu Community Centre's halls and facilities. Regular bookings from local groups, organisations, and private hirers provide essential funds that cover operating costs and support the ongoing maintenance and improvement of the centre's facilities.

The Trust also seeks additional funding through charitable grants, fundraising initiatives and community support schemes to supplement rental income. Activities such as online fundraising partnerships help generate additional resources that support the Trust's mission and help expand programme delivery at the Centre.

While grant funding and donations are neither guaranteed nor always consistent year-to-year, they play an important complementary role in enabling invested improvements to community facilities and ensuring affordable access for local residents.

Reserves policy

The charity’s reserves policy is to build and maintain unrestricted reserves equivalent to approximately six months of operating expenditure. This level of reserves will provide financial stability, help manage unforeseen costs or income shortfalls, and support the ongoing delivery of the charity’s activities while longer-term funding plans are developed.

STRUCTURE, GOVERNANCE AND MANAGEMENT

Governing document

The charity is controlled by its governing document, a deed of trust and constitutes an unincorporated charity.

Organisational structure

The trustees have delegated responsibility for the day-to-day management and operation of the community centre to the Centre Manager. The Centre Manager is responsible for the running of activities, staff and volunteers, and the maintenance of the facilities, reporting regularly to the trustees who retain overall strategic oversight and governance responsibility.

REFERENCE AND ADMINISTRATIVE DETAILS Registered Charity number

1169335

Principal address

17 Sidney Place Beaulieu Park Chelmsford CM1 6BE

Trustees

M Arrowsmith C R Tron (resigned 30.5.2025) R D Pierce M Talbot I D Fuller C Crumpen (appointed 12.2.2025) H E Skinner (appointed 12.2.2025) J D Sharpin (appointed 6.5.2025)

Independent Examiner

Ms H Meagher Butlers Chartered Accountants 1434 London Road Leigh on Sea Essex SS9 2UL

Page 3

Chelmsford Garden Community Trust

Report of the Trustees for the Year Ended 31 March 2025

Approved by order of the board of trustees on 9 December 2025 and signed on its behalf by:

I D Fuller - Trustee

Page 4

Independent Examiner's Report to the Trustees of Chelmsford Garden Community Trust

Independent examiner's report to the trustees of Chelmsford Garden Community Trust

I report to the charity trustees on my examination of the accounts of Chelmsford Garden Community Trust (the Trust) for the year ended 31 March 2025.

Responsibilities and basis of report

As the charity trustees of the Trust 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 Act and in carrying out my examination I have followed all 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 cause to believe that in any material respect:

  1. accounting records were not kept in respect of the Trust as required by 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.

Ms H Meagher The Institute of Chartered Accountants in England and Wales

Butlers Chartered Accountants 1434 London Road Leigh on Sea Essex SS9 2UL

9 December 2025

Page 5

Chelmsford Garden Community Trust

Statement of Financial Activities for the Year Ended 31 March 2025

Unrestricted
fund
Notes
£
INCOME AND ENDOWMENTS FROM
Donations and legacies
40,782
Charitable activities
General
131,748
Other income
1,374
Total
173,904
EXPENDITURE ON
Raising funds
5,240
Charitable activities
General
146,613
Total
151,853
NET INCOME
22,051
Transfers between funds
9
2,457
Net movement in funds
24,508
RECONCILIATION OF FUNDS
Total funds brought forward
51,206
TOTAL FUNDS CARRIED FORWARD
75,714
Restricted
funds
£
-
951
-
951
-
515
515
436
(2,457)
(2,021)
2,021
-
31.3.25
Total
funds
£
40,782
132,699
1,374
174,855
5,240
147,128
152,368
22,487
-
22,487
53,227
75,714
31.3.24
Total
funds
£
28,681
111,388
4,655
144,724
2,471
141,900
144,371
353
-
353
52,874
53,227

The notes form part of these financial statements

Page 6

Chelmsford Garden Community Trust

Balance Sheet 31 March 2025

Unrestricted
fund
Notes
£
FIXED ASSETS
Tangible assets
4
27,433
CURRENT ASSETS
Debtors
5
13,014
Cash at bank
85,074
98,088
CREDITORS
Amounts falling due within one year
6
(21,807)
NET CURRENT ASSETS
76,281
TOTAL ASSETS LESS CURRENT
LIABILITIES
103,714
CREDITORS
Amounts falling due after more than one year
7
(28,000)
NET ASSETS
75,714
FUNDS
9
Unrestricted funds
Restricted funds
TOTAL FUNDS
Restricted
funds
£
-
-
-
-
-
-
-
-
-
31.3.25
Total
funds
£
27,433
13,014
85,074
98,088
(21,807)
76,281
103,714
(28,000)
75,714
75,714
-
75,714
31.3.24
Total
funds
£
26,834
10,920
64,992
75,912
(14,519)
61,393
88,227
(35,000)
53,227
51,206
2,021
53,227

The financial statements were approved by the Board of Trustees and authorised for issue on 9 December 2025 and were signed on its behalf by:

M Arrowsmith - Trustee

The notes form part of these financial statements

Page 7

Chelmsford Garden Community Trust

Notes to the Financial Statements for the Year Ended 31 March 2025

1. ACCOUNTING POLICIES

Basis of preparing the financial statements

The financial statements of the charity, which is a public benefit entity under FRS 102, have been prepared in accordance with the Charities SORP (FRS 102) 'Accounting and Reporting by Charities: Statement of Recommended Practice applicable to charities preparing their accounts in accordance with the Financial Reporting Standard applicable in the UK and Republic of Ireland (FRS 102) (effective 1 January 2019)', Financial Reporting Standard 102 'The Financial Reporting Standard applicable in the UK and Republic of Ireland' and the Charities Act 2011. The financial statements have been prepared under the historical cost convention.

Income

All income is recognised in the Statement of Financial Activities once the charity has entitlement to the funds, it is probable that the income will be received and the amount can be measured reliably.

Expenditure

Liabilities are recognised as expenditure as soon as there is a legal or constructive obligation committing the charity to that expenditure, it is probable that a transfer of economic benefits will be required in settlement and the amount of the obligation can be measured reliably. Expenditure is accounted for on an accruals basis and has been classified under headings that aggregate all cost related to the category. Where costs cannot be directly attributed to particular headings they have been allocated to activities on a basis consistent with the use of resources.

Grants offered subject to conditions which have not been met at the year end date are noted as a commitment but not accrued as expenditure.

Tangible fixed assets

Depreciation is provided at the following annual rates in order to write off each asset over its estimated useful life.

Improvements to property - 25% on reducing balance Plant and machinery - 25% on reducing balance Fixtures and fittings - 25% on reducing balance Computer equipment - 33% on cost

Taxation

The charity is exempt from tax on its charitable activities.

Fund accounting

Unrestricted funds can be used in accordance with the charitable objectives at the discretion of the trustees.

Restricted funds can only be used for particular restricted purposes within the objects of the charity. Restrictions arise when specified by the donor or when funds are raised for particular restricted purposes.

Further explanation of the nature and purpose of each fund is included in the notes to the financial statements.

Hire purchase and leasing commitments

Rentals paid under operating leases are charged to the Statement of Financial Activities on a straight line basis over the period of the lease.

Pension costs and other post-retirement benefits

The charity operates a defined contribution pension scheme. Contributions payable to the charity's pension scheme are charged to the Statement of Financial Activities in the period to which they relate.

continued...

Page 8

Chelmsford Garden Community Trust

Notes to the Financial Statements - continued for the Year Ended 31 March 2025

2. TRUSTEES' REMUNERATION AND BENEFITS

There were no trustees' remuneration or other benefits for the year ended 31 March 2025 nor for the year ended 31 March 2024.

Trustees' expenses

There were no trustees' expenses paid for the year ended 31 March 2025 nor for the year ended 31 March 2024.

3. COMPARATIVES FOR THE STATEMENT OF FINANCIAL ACTIVITIES

Unrestricted
fund
£
INCOME AND ENDOWMENTS FROM
Donations and legacies
28,680
Charitable activities
General
107,388
Other income
4,655
Total
140,723
EXPENDITURE ON
Raising funds
2,471
Charitable activities
General
140,573
Total
143,044
NET INCOME/(EXPENDITURE)
(2,321)
Transfers between funds
653
Net movement in funds
(1,668)
RECONCILIATION OF FUNDS
Total funds brought forward
52,874
TOTAL FUNDS CARRIED FORWARD
51,206
Restricted
funds
£
1
4,000
-
4,001
-
1,327
1,327
2,674
(653)
2,021
-
2,021
Total
funds
£
28,681
111,388
4,655
144,724
2,471
141,900
144,371
353
-
353
52,874
53,227

continued...

Page 9

Chelmsford Garden Community Trust

Notes to the Financial Statements - continued for the Year Ended 31 March 2025

4. TANGIBLE FIXED ASSETS
Improvements Fixtures
to Plant and and Computer
property machinery fittings equipment Totals
£ £ £ £ £
COST
At 1 April 2024 29,871 48,310 16,740 3,485 98,406
Additions 1,652 3,641 3,456 979 9,728
At 31 March 2025 31,523 51,951 20,196 4,464 108,134
DEPRECIATION
At 1 April 2024 15,247 41,486 12,746 2,093 71,572
Charge for year 3,710 2,587 1,814 1,018 9,129
At 31 March 2025 18,957 44,073 14,560 3,111 80,701
NET BOOK VALUE
At 31 March 2025 12,566 7,878 5,636 1,353 27,433
At 31 March 2024 14,624 6,824 3,994 1,392 26,834
5. DEBTORS: AMOUNTS FALLING DUE WITHIN ONE YEAR
31.3.25 31.3.24
£ £
Trade debtors 11,173 8,925
Prepayments and accrued income 1,841 1,995
13,014 10,920
6. CREDITORS: AMOUNTS FALLING DUE WITHIN ONE YEAR
31.3.25 31.3.24
£ £
Trade creditors - 3,139
Taxation and social security 6,806 3,130
Other creditors 15,001 8,250
21,807 14,519

continued...

Page 10

Chelmsford Garden Community Trust

Notes to the Financial Statements - continued for the Year Ended 31 March 2025

7. CREDITORS: AMOUNTS FALLING DUE AFTER MORE THAN ONE YEAR

Other creditors
8.
LOANS
An analysis of the maturity of loans is given below:
Amounts falling due within one year on demand:
Other loans
Amounts falling between one and two years:
Other loans - 1-2 years
Amounts falling due between two and five years:
Other loans - 2-5 years
Amounts falling due in more than five years:
Repayable by instalments:
Other loans more 5yrs instal
9.
MOVEMENT IN FUNDS
At 1.4.24
£
Unrestricted funds
General fund
51,206
Restricted funds
Essex County Council
2,021
Essex County Council - Locality Fund
-
2,021
TOTAL FUNDS
53,227
Net movement in funds, included in the above are as follows:
Unrestricted funds
General fund
Restricted funds
Essex County Council
Essex County Council - Locality Fund
TOTAL FUNDS
Net
movement
in funds
£
22,051
(515)
951
436
22,487
Incoming
resources
£
173,904
-
951
951
174,855
31.3.25
31.3.24
£
£
28,000
35,000
31.3.25
31.3.24
£
£
14,000
7,000
7,000
21,000
21,000
7,000
-
7,000
Transfers
between
At
funds
31.3.25
£
£
2,457
75,714
(1,506)
-
(951)
-
(2,457)
-
-
75,714
Resources
Movement
expended
in funds
£
£
(151,853)
22,051
(515)
(515)
-
951
(515)
436
(152,368)
22,487

continued...

Page 11

Chelmsford Garden Community Trust

Notes to the Financial Statements - continued for the Year Ended 31 March 2025

9. MOVEMENT IN FUNDS - continued

Comparatives for movement in funds

Net
movement
At 1.4.23
in funds
£
£
Unrestricted funds
General fund
52,874
(2,321)
Restricted funds
Essex County Council
-
2,674
TOTAL FUNDS
52,874
353
Comparative net movement in funds, included in the above are as follows:
Incoming
resources
£
Unrestricted funds
General fund
140,723
Restricted funds
Essex County Council
4,001
TOTAL FUNDS
144,724
Transfers
between
At
funds
31.3.24
£
£
653
51,206
(653)
2,021
-
53,227
Resources
Movement
expended
in funds
£
£
(143,044)
(2,321
(1,327)
2,674
(144,371)
353
Transfers
between
At
funds
31.3.24
£
£
653
51,206
(653)
2,021
-
53,227
Resources
Movement
expended
in funds
£
£
(143,044)
(2,321
(1,327)
2,674
(144,371)
353
353

A current year 12 months and prior year 12 months combined position is as follows:

Net Transfers
movement between At
At 1.4.23 in funds funds 31.3.25
£ £ £ £
Unrestricted funds
General fund 52,874 19,730 3,110 75,714
Restricted funds
Essex County Council - 2,159 (2,159) -
Essex County Council - Locality Fund - 951 (951) -
- 3,110 (3,110) -
TOTAL FUNDS 52,874 22,840 - 75,714

continued...

Page 12

Chelmsford Garden Community Trust

Notes to the Financial Statements - continued for the Year Ended 31 March 2025

9. MOVEMENT IN FUNDS - continued

A current year 12 months and prior year 12 months combined net movement in funds, included in the above are as follows:

Unrestricted funds
General fund
Restricted funds
Essex County Council
Essex County Council - Locality Fund
TOTAL FUNDS
Incoming
resources
£
314,627
4,001
951
4,952
319,579
Resources
Movement
expended
in funds
£
£
(294,897)
19,730
(1,842)
2,159
-
951
(1,842)
3,110
(296,739)
22,840
Resources
Movement
expended
in funds
£
£
(294,897)
19,730
(1,842)
2,159
-
951
(1,842)
3,110
(296,739)
22,840
3,110
22,840

Transfers between funds

Transfers between funds in the year consisted of:

10. RELATED PARTY DISCLOSURES

There were no related party transactions for the year ended 31 March 2025.

Page 13

Chelmsford Garden Community Trust

Detailed Statement of Financial Activities for the Year Ended 31 March 2025

31.3.25 31.3.24
£ £
INCOME AND ENDOWMENTS
Donations and legacies
Gifts (3) -
Donations 501 -
Grants 40,284 28,681
40,782 28,681
Charitable activities
Hall hire income 128,624 109,172
Equipment and services 964 2,216
Event income 2,160 -
Grants 951 -
132,699 111,388
Other income
Insurance claims 1,109 4,655
Late payment fee income 265 -
1,374 4,655
Total incoming resources 174,855 144,724
EXPENDITURE
Raising donations and legacies
Direct expenses 5,236 2,034
Other trading activities
Bad debts - 437
Bank interest 4 -
4 437
Charitable activities
Wages 60,435 60,289
Pensions 1,039 1,168
Building service charges 14,881 10,475
Rates and water 1,373 231
Insurance 4,766 4,255
Light and heat 13,871 15,538
Telephone 1,604 1,295
Postage and stationery 406 294
Advertising 132 44
Repairs and replacements 13,577 32,524
Computer, software and IT cost 1,578 1,261
Hygiene and cleaning 12,708 706
Carried forward 126,370 128,080

This page does not form part of the statutory financial statements

Page 14

Chelmsford Garden Community Trust

Detailed Statement of Financial Activities
for the Year Ended 31 March 2025
31.3.25 31.3.24
£ £
Charitable activities
Brought forward 126,370 128,080
Refuse removal 634 527
Security 285 95
Staff training 25 290
Subscriptions 1,364 208
Sundry expenses 21 263
Travel expenses 350 -
Professional fees 35 -
Human resources 1,575 -
Depreciation of improvement to property 3,710 3,029
Depreciation of plant and mach inery 2,588 1,550
Depreciation on fixtures and f ittings 1,813 1,000
Depreciation of computer expen ses 1,018 475
Grants to institutions - 208
139,788 135,725
Support costs
Finance
Bank charges 520 4
Governance costs
Auditors' remuneration for non audit work 6,820 6,171
Total resources expended 152,368 144,371
Net income 22,487 353

This page does not form part of the statutory financial statements

Page 15