Stanway
Registered Charity No. 1171008
Annual Reports & Financial Statements 2024-2025
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CONTENTS
PAGE TRUSTEES REPORT FOR MEMBERSHIP YEAR 2024-25 3 TREASURERS REPORT FOR YEAR ENDED 30 APRIL 2025 5 FINANCIAL STATEMENTS YEAR ENDED 30 APRIL 2025 7
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FROM CHAIR, LINDA ANDERSON ON BEHALF OF THE TRUSTEES OF STANWAY U3A
This is my second Annual Report, since I was entrusted by you with the role of Chair at our AGM 2023 and I would like to thank-you all for your ongoing support.
There has been and will be a number of changes within the Executive Committee. Namely, Richard Argent, who was originally co-opted and then elected onto the committee at our last AGM, resigned earlier this year.
We will also be losing three other members of the committee due to their maximum length of tenure being reached. They are David Mills (Vice chair); Doreen Willers (Business Secretary) and Heather Wragg (Venue & Meetings Co-ordinator). They will all be greatly missed, between them they have about 30 years of u3a experience. I would like to thank them for all their hard work over the years and ask that they don’t wander too far away in case we are in need of their help, support or advice in the future.
Our three sub-committees continue with their activities; new volunteers are always welcome.
The Communications Sub-committee, have within their remit our Publicity programme, which includes giving talks to community groups and attending community events, such as the Community Charity Festival and the Rice and Spice Festival. The purpose of which is to inform the community of our existence and to give them information about who we are and what we do.
Nigel and Mary Morris continue as Volunteer Co-0rdinators, Alec Anderson as Web Manager/Tech Support, Jane Davidson, Deputy Web Manager and Jackie Nesbitt Deputy Web Manager /Tech Support.
The Social Sub-committee (Social Squad) continues to organise our popular monthly Social Xtra programme. The Local Visits which were brought upon the Social Squad remit last year and run by John Hunt along with Ron & Barbara May are proving to be also very popular.
The Group Support & Liaison Team continue to offer help and support across the sector, keeping them busy, with all groups thriving, with some needing to increase their capacity to cope with the level of interest.
Following on from the transition to Siteworks, as a web platform, our website has gone from strength to strength and has received compliments from other u3as and used as a template for others. Well done website team.
This year has not been without it’s challenges, but whilst reflecting on the past to see what can be learnt, we are also looking to the future for opportunities: to become more diverse, more varied and more inclusive. To encourage those in the community who are not in full time employment to consider Stanway u3a as a positive step forward to live life to the full.
However, this is not to diminish the important contribution and loyal support from our long-term membership that continues to be offered and gratefully accepted.
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Our Treasurer’s report outlines that our financial situation remains healthy. Therefore, this has meant that for our 883 members (of which 142 are new), our standard email membership fee has remained at £9.00 annually along with the option of a subsidised standard postal subscription of £16.00, (currently accounting for 56 members).
Representing Stanway, I recently attended a meeting involving the u3as in Essex. Of the 52 u3as across the county, 12 were represented by 70 delegates. When chatting with them, they were impressed with how well organised we are, the number of activities available to our members and how straightforward our website is to use and the information it contains.
Stanway u3a continues to be one of the best in Essex. Our success is built on the time, expertise and enthusiasm from our members, past and present and turning ideas into action.
As a result, along with a strong administration, we are able to offer a varied, packed programme to anyone looking for a fruitful, rewarding third age.
However, we need to be mindful that we are a mutual aid charity and not a service provider. There are no paid staff, we are all volunteers. All our activities are only possible because members volunteer to make things happen for the benefit of other members.
On behalf of your Trustees, I thank you all.
Linda Anderson.
Chair,
On behalf of the Trustees of Stanway u3a.
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TREASURER’S REPORT ON THE ACCOUNTS FOR THE YEAR ENDED 30 APRIL 2025
The accounts which have been prepared on a receipts and payments basis for the year ended 30 April 2025 are attached.
BALANCE SHEET
The balance sheet records the position on all bank accounts and fixed assets held on 30 April 2025.
Total bank balances available to support member activities have increased by £2,262 to £29,463 (2024: £27,201).
The Number 2 Bank Account has £9,316 (2024: £8,675) of ring-fenced funds held on behalf of interest groups. This comprises amounts collected from members to pay for hall hire and other expenses which can only be paid out under instruction from individual group leaders.
The £520 (2024: £120) additions to Fixed Assets during the year were £407 for the purchase of a replacement laptop computer to record membership records and £113 for a portable speaker for use at members’ meetings. Total Fixed Assets stand at £518 (2024: £178) after providing a 25% depreciation charge of £180 (2024: £106) to write off assets over 4 years.
Subscriptions Received in Advance of £7,437 (2024: £6,272) will be used to fund our operating costs for the year ended 30 April 2026.
Available Reserves have risen by £2,491 to £22,544 (2024: £20,053).
RECEIPTS AND PAYMENTS ACCOUNT
Membership Subscriptions have risen by £161 to £8,461 (2024: £8,300).
The main changes in overhead payments were as follows: -
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Postage, Stationery and Printing Costs have fallen by £490 to £1,755 (2024: £2,245) as more members elect to receive information electronically.
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Publicity Expenses have increased by £348 to £506 (2024: £158) due to the purchase of updated advertising banners.
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U3A Trust Affiliation fee increased by £104 to £3,496 (2024: £3,392). This is based upon the number of members at 31 March 2024 which was 26 higher than the previous year.
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During the year fewer members opted to receive the Third Age Matters Magazine which has enabled us to claim a one-off repayment of £322. This compares with a payment of £1,492 last year resulting in a substantial saving of £1,814.
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The Surplus on Core Activities increased by £1,760 to £2,316 (2024: £556).
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CASH FLOW STATEMENT
Cash flows are controlled by using segregated bank accounts held with the Co-Operative Bank. The cash flow report shows a positive cash flow from all of these accounts and includes a £2,000 transfer from No 1 Account to the Deposit Account.
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Number 1 Account records all transactions relating to our main activities as shown in the Receipts and Payments Account mentioned above.
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The Deposit Account is a contingency fund account which allows for immediate access and earns interest until funds are withdrawn.
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Number 2 Account is a ring-fenced fund of income and expenses arising from members’ activity groups as explained above.
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Number 3 Account is used to record receipts and outgoings arising from coach outings and other Social Activities.
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The Subscriptions Account is used to control the receipt of membership fees. After ensuring all individual member details are correct receipts are recorded on our membership database and transferred to the No 1 Account.
INDEPENDENT EXAMINER REPORT
Stanway u3a is a Registered Charity and its Trustees (your Executive Committee) are required by charity law to comply with the reporting rules of the Charity Commission. Since our income from all sources is below £250,000 per annum the Trustees are required to appoint an independent examiner to carry out an examination of the accounts each year. The examiner must have the requisite ability and practical experience to carry out a competent examination of the accounts.
However, your Trustees have chosen to opt for an increased level of scrutiny ensuring that our accounts and the attached Independent Examiner Report fully comply with the requirements of the Charity Commission by employing a reputable firm of accountants with extensive experience in the charity and not for profit sectors.
Finally, I am pleased to report that the overall financial position is very healthy and due to the continued growth in the number of members your Executive Committee has been able to hold membership fees at the same level for the third year running.
John Staplehurst
TREASURER
6
uda Stanw ay
Registered Charity No.1171008
BALANCE SHEET AS AT 30 APRIL 2025
| 2025 | 2024 | |||||||||
| £ | £ | |||||||||
| CURRENT ASSETS - CORE ACTIVITIES | ||||||||||
| Number 1 Bank Account | 4,504 | 3,389 | ||||||||
| Deposit Bank Account | 21,721 | 19,422 | ||||||||
| Subscriptions Bank Account | 108 | 381 | ||||||||
| 26,333 | 23,192 | |||||||||
| CURRENT ASSETS - SOCIAL ACTIVITIES | ||||||||||
| Number 3 Bank Account | 3,130 | 4,009 | ||||||||
| CURRENT ASSETS AVAILABLE FOR UTILISATION | 29,463 | 27,201 | ||||||||
| CURRENT ASSETS - INTEREST GROUPS | ||||||||||
| Number 2 Bank Account | 9,316 | 8,675 | ||||||||
| TOTAL CO-OPERATIVE BANK BALANCES | 38,779 | 35,876 | ||||||||
| TOTAL CURRENT ASSETS | 38,779 | 35,876 | ||||||||
| FIXED ASSETS | ||||||||||
| Book Value as at 1 May 2024 | 178 | 164 | ||||||||
| Additions | 520 | 120 | ||||||||
| Depreciation | (180) | (106) | ||||||||
| TOTAL FIXED ASSETS | 518 | 178 | ||||||||
| TOTAL ASSETS | 39,297 | 36,054 | ||||||||
| CURRENT LIABILITIES | ||||||||||
| Subscriptions Received in Advance | 7,437 | 6,272 | ||||||||
| Funds Received in Advance of Future Events | 0 | 1,054 | ||||||||
| TOTAL CURRENT LIABILITIES | 7,437 | 7,326 | ||||||||
| RESERVES | ||||||||||
| Balance as at 1 May 2024 | 20,053 | 20,295 | ||||||||
| Surplus/ (Deficit) for the Year:- | ||||||||||
| Core Activities | 2,316 | 556 | ||||||||
| Social Activities | 175 | (798) | ||||||||
| AVAILABLE RESERVES | 22,544 | 20,053 | ||||||||
| RING FENCED GROUP BALANCES | 9,316 | 8,675 | ||||||||
| TOTAL RESERVES | 31,860 | 28,728 | ||||||||
| TOTAL RESERVES AND ACCRUALS | 39,297 | 36,054 | ||||||||
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Stanw ay
Registered Charity No.1171008
RECEIPTS AND PAYMENTS - CORE ACTIVITIES YEAR ENDED 30 APRIL 2025
| YEAR ENDED 30 APRIL 2025 | YEAR ENDED 30 APRIL 2025 | YEAR ENDED 30 APRIL 2025 | ||||||||
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| RECEIPTS Membership Subscriptions Deposit Account Interest TOTAL RECEIPTS PAYMENTS Lecture Meeting Expenses |
£ £ 8,461 299 8,760 1,357 2025 |
£ £ 8,300 245 2024 |
||||||||
| 8,760 | 1,347 | 8,545 | ||||||||
| Interest Groups Income and Expenses Postage, Stationery and Printing Costs Publicity Expenses IT Expenses |
205 1,755 506 271 |
85 2,245 158 154 |
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| Miscellaneous Expenses Independent Examiner Fee |
90 300 |
81 300 |
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| U3A Trust Membership Fees | 3,496 | 3,392 | ||||||||
| Third Age Matters Magazine Fixed Asset Depreciation |
(322) 180 |
7,838 | 1,492 106 |
9,360 | ||||||
| OPERATING(DEFICIT)/SURPLUS Gift Aid |
922 1,394 |
(815) 1,371 |
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| SURPLUS | 2,316 | 556 | ||||||||
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Stanw ay
Registered Charity No.1171008
CASH FLOW YEAR ENDED 30 APRIL 2025
| 2025 | 2024 | |||||||||
| £ | £ | |||||||||
| CO-OPERATIVE BANK - NUMBER 1 ACCOUNT | SURPLUS/(DEFICIT) | |||||||||
| Transfer from Subscriptions Bank Account | 9,899 | 7,895 | ||||||||
| Payments and Expenses | (7,658) | (9,254) | ||||||||
| Fixed Asset Purchases | (520) | (120) | ||||||||
| Transfer to Deposit Account | (2,000) | (4,000) | ||||||||
| (280) | (5,478) | |||||||||
| Gift Aid Receipts | 1,394 | 1,371 | ||||||||
| 1,114 | (4,108) | |||||||||
| Balance Brought Forward | 3,389 | 7,497 | ||||||||
| BALANCE CARRIED FORWARD | 4,504 | 3,389 | ||||||||
| CO-OPERATIVE BANK - DEPOSIT ACCOUNT | ||||||||||
| Interest Received | 299 | 245 | ||||||||
| Transfer from Number 1 Bank Account | 2,000 | 4,000 | ||||||||
| Balance Brought Forward | 19,422 | 15,177 | ||||||||
| BALANCE CARRIED FORWARD | 21,721 | 19,422 | ||||||||
| CO-OPERATIVE BANK - NUMBER 2 ACCOUNT | ||||||||||
| Interest Groups (Ring Fenced) | 641 | 1,016 | ||||||||
| Balance Brought Forward | 8,675 | 7,659 | ||||||||
| BALANCE CARRIED FORWARD | 9,316 | 8,675 | ||||||||
| CO-OPERATIVE BANK - NUMBER 3 ACCOUNT | ||||||||||
| Prepaid at 1 May 2024 | (1,054) | 0 | ||||||||
| Social Activities During Year Prepaid at 30 April 2025 |
175 0 |
(798) 1,054 |
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| (879) | 255 | |||||||||
| Balance Brought Forward | 4,009 | 3,754 | ||||||||
| BALANCE CARRIED FORWARD | 3,130 | 4,009 | ||||||||
| CO-OPERATIVE BANK - SUBSCRIPTIONS ACCOUNT Membership Subscriptions Received |
9,626 | 8,258 | ||||||||
| Transfer to Number 1 Bank Account | (9,899) | (7,895) | ||||||||
| Balance Brought Forward | 381 | 18 | ||||||||
| BALANCE CARRIED FORWARD | 108 | 381 | ||||||||
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CHARITY COMMISSION FOR ENGLAND AND WALES Independent examiner's report on the accounts Section A Independent Exaniiner's Report Report to the trusto8sI members of The Stanway Untversity of Ihe Third Age On aount3 for the year ended 30 Awil 2025 Charlty no (if any} 1171008 Sel oul on pages I report to the trustaes my examinatlon of the accounts of the above chartty (Ihe Trusn for yèar ended 30 104 12025. Responsibilitles and As the charity trustees of the Trust. you are responsible for the preparation bas18 Ot report of Ihe aco)unts in accordanc* wrth the requiremenls of Ihe Charities Act 2011 (Ihe Actl. I report in respect of my examination of the Trusl's accounls carried out under section 145 of Ihe 2011 AIX and in carrying out my examination. I have followed the applicable Dirlxtions given by the Charity Commission urmler section 145{5)Ib} ot the Act. I have cOmpt my examination. I confirm that no material matters have come lo my attention in connection with the examinalion which gives me cause to believe that in, any material respect- accounting records were not kept in accordance with SelOn 130 of the Act or the accounts do nol acco with Ihe a¢fX•unting records Independenl examiner's statemont I have no ¢oncems and have come across no other matters in o)nnection with the examination to which attention shoukl be drawn in order to enable a proper understanding of the accounts to be reached. Slgned: 27.06.25 Name: Simon Welling Relevant professlonal quallflcallon(s) or body {11 any}: FCCA Address: Town Wall House. Bakeme Hill. Colchester, Essex, C03 3AD IER October 2018 io
Section Disclosure Only mplete rf the examiner needs to highlight matters of concern (S CC32, Independent examinatK)n of tharity accounts: directions and guidance for examiners). Give here brlef detslls ol any Items that Ihe examiner wishes to dlsclose. IER October 2018 li