Rusthall Community Cinema
Trustees' Annual Report to 31[st] May 2025
Charity registration No. 1171282
Principal office:
21 Manor Road, Rusthall, Tunbridge Wells, TN4 8UD
Trustees:
Anne Goldstein, Alain Lewis, Eugene Gardner, Karen Gardner, Kevin Mullery, Peter Kemp, Rachel Bain, Rosemary Romano
Governing Document: Constitution dated 22[nd] January 2017
Organisational Structure: Charitable Incorporated Organization
Purpose and Activities
Our purpose is to promote principally cinematic facilities for the occupants of Rusthall and immediate surrounds in the interests of social welfare and with the object of improving the condition of life.
Audiences are invited to suggest films they would like to see then vote to select those that get screened. Screenings are usually preceded by a short item of educational or cultural interest, followed by an opportunity for group discussion to exchange views and deepen understanding. Free transport is provided for those with mobility difficulties, and free tickets are made available to individuals experiencing financial hardship.
The Trustees believe that they have complied with their duty to have due regard to the guidance on public benefit published by the Charity Commission as required by section 4 of the Charities Act 2006.
Financial Review
The charity’s financial position is set out in the attached Income and Expenditure Account. Although no formal reserves policy has been adopted, the Trustees intend to retain a prudent level of funds to cover periods of low attendance and to meet equipment purchase and maintenance needs.
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Comment on the Year
We continue to save towards the purchase of a replacement projector. Our Crowdfunder appeal, launched in May 2023, remains on track, and we anticipate having sufficient funds by summer 2026. Average attendance figures were consistent with the previous year: 44 attendees across 10 Sunday matinées and 61 attendees across 27 Saturday screenings.
NT Live events remain popular and have successfully broadened our audience. A particular highlight was the screening of Present Laughter , which received very positive feedback. Despite several NT cancellations, our newly formed Sunday selection panel ensured continuity of programming.
Subtitles continue to be offered at all Saturday screenings and were extended to Sunday events; a change welcomed by many audience members. As technology improves, the quality of subtitling is expected to further enhance accessibility.
A major investment during the year was the upgrade of our sound system, facilitated by the completion of a new internal equipment store. This allowed for the installation of a subwoofer and a true 7.1 surround sound experience, while reducing wear and tear caused by moving equipment for each screening.
This was also our first year using an online accounting system, replacing the previous spreadsheet-based approach. Both systems were run in parallel to ensure a smooth transition. We extend our gratitude to Kate Metcalfe, our external financial examiner, who stepped down this year after providing invaluable support since our inception in 2016.
In February, volunteers were treated to free tickets to see NT Live: The Importance of Being Earnest in London, as a gesture of appreciation for their dedication. In the same month, we extended our popular reclining seating to the entire back row, enhancing comfort for those who reserve seats early.
Further innovations included improvements to the film voting process and the introduction of themed cocktails and mocktails, available at selected screenings.
In December, we hosted a free festive screening of The Muppet Christmas Carol , attended by 77 people of all ages, which perfectly demonstrated the community spirit at the heart of our cinema.
Risk Management
The Trustees regularly review potential risks to the charity, including financial sustainability, volunteer recruitment, and equipment reliability. Appropriate steps are taken to minimise these risks and ensure the continuity of the charity’s activities.
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Safeguarding
The Trustees are committed to safeguarding children, young people, and vulnerable adults who attend our events. Volunteers are made aware of their responsibilities, and appropriate safeguarding measures are in place.
Future Plans
Our immediate priority is to continue saving for a replacement projector, with the aim of completing the purchase by summer 2026. Beyond this, our goal remains to improve the quality and inclusiveness of each screening, ensuring the best possible experience for all attendees.
Acknowledgement of Volunteers and Supporters
The Trustees warmly acknowledge the hard work and commitment of our volunteers, whose efforts make every event possible. From technical support and front-of-house duties to refreshments and film selection, their contributions are invaluable. We are equally grateful to our audience members, funders, and local partners for their ongoing encouragement and generosity.
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RUSTHALL COMMUNITY CINEMA INCOME AND EXPENDITURE ACCOUNT FOR THE YEAR ENDED 31ST MAY 2025 2024 Bank Balances brought forward INCOME Subscriptions Gift Aid Ticket sales Catering Grants, lotto & donations Raffle Interest received 31,251.43 13,090.55 748.37 2,550,04 1,779.82 1,477.37 20,860.63 1,340.04 236.35 28,992.62 3,297.77 589.92 2,956.43 12,509.60 958.77 736.27 21,048.76 EXPENDITURE Licences Hall hire Media Equipment Advertising Administration 4,138.18 2,368.00 426.73 7,450.20 704.86 1,140.29 16,228.26 5,170.64 2,292.00 422.20 156.97 1,212.77 1,577.16 10,831.74 EXCESS INCOME OVER EXPENDITURE 4,820.50 18,160.88 36,071.93 31,251.43 REPRESENTED BY: Current account Deposlt account Paypal Cash 5,599.31 30,472.62 15,997.33 15,236.35 17.75 36,071.93 31,251.43 I confirm that the above accounts give a true and fair view of the organisation's financial position for the period 1st June 2023 to 31st May 2025 Mrs Catherine Metcalfe (Accountant)