Charity registration number 1171390
Company registration number 10213452 (England and Wales)
DUNSTON ACTIVITY CENTRE
ANNUAL REPORT AND UNAUDITED FINANCIAL STATEMENTS FOR THE YEAR ENDED 30 JUNE 2024
DUNSTON ACTIVITY CENTRE
LEGAL AND ADMINISTRATIVE INFORMATION
Trustees Mrs Pauline Brown Mr C R Lowe Mrs Joyce Forster Mr E Nichols M J Carlin Mr Nathan Brown Charity number 1171390 Company number 10213452 Registered office 33 Whickham Highway Dunston Hill Gateshead NE11 9QJ Independent examiner Gunnell & Chambers Accountants Limited 8 Fellside Road Whickham Newcastle Upon Tyne NE16 4AL
DUNSTON ACTIVITY CENTRE
CONTENTS
| Page | |
|---|---|
| Trustees' report | 1 - 3 |
| Independent examiner's report | 4 |
| Statement of financial activities | 5 |
| Balance sheet | 6 |
| Notes to the financial statements | 7 - 13 |
DUNSTON ACTIVITY CENTRE
TRUSTEES' REPORT (INCLUDING DIRECTOR'S REPORT) FOR THE YEAR ENDED 30 JUNE 2024
The Trustees present their annual report and financial statements for the year ended 30 June 2024.
The financial statements have been prepared in accordance with the accounting policies set out in note 1 to the financial statements and comply with the Charity's Act 2011, the Companies Act 2006 and "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
Public benefit
The Trustees have paid due regard to guidance issued by the Charity Commission in deciding what activities the Charity should undertake.
Achievements and performance
Significant activities and achievements against objectives
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DUNSTON ACTIVITY CENTRE
TRUSTEES' REPORT (INCLUDING DIRECTOR'S REPORT) (CONTINUED) FOR THE YEAR ENDED 30 JUNE 2024
After a year of sustained dedication from trustees, staff, volunteers supporting new projects and community initiatives, we were pleased to have ended the financial year with a surplus of £23,411 – a sevenfold increase on the surplus of the previous year.
To alleviate the pressure of rising costs, we held an internal and professional energy assessment of the Centre. Because of this we have changed suppliers and substantially reduced our fuel costs.
We reflected upon a nine year programme of huge structural development of the Centre evidenced in the following …
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Change from having only one multi-purpose room in 2016 to five multi-purpose rooms (MPR1 – MPR5) by 2024.
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The provision of a community café – ‘Jo’s Café’ – providing tasty and reasonably priced meals in a pleasant and relaxed atmosphere and with excellent customer service. The café has attracted increasing numbers of local residents. Of particular note is the clientele of widowers who have made the Café a social meeting point around food.
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Suite of Computers for the FREE use of all-age members of the community: residents seeking jobs, finding out about benefits or simply accessing the internet or playing computer games. This has proved to be a great, ongoing success with many.
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Our FREE Library Service, used by residents of all ages and by local primary schools, excellently managed by Joyce Forster and wholly run by volunteers.
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A pleasant and secure outside community garden area for social activities including barbecues for adults, children and young people. This was designed by a pro bono local landscape gardener who completed the project by providing young people with work experience under the Government’s Kick Start programme.
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Upgrading the Sports Hall by the installation of UV lights, the painting of the football pitch with fluorescent paint so that we could offer …
- i. UV Dance-Games Parties: These have been enormously successful with 6- 11 year-olds
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and their families.
- i. Erection of Basketball backboards and hoops allowing us to introduce the sport for the first time.
As a consequence of the structural transformation, footfall in DAC has steadily increased so that approximately 7,000 residents of all ages frequent the Centre every month. This has also enhanced the range of the activities, services and events we have been able to offer to our community. This has made for increasing levels of all-age community cohesion. For instance, our Christmas and Easter Fayres have been gradually improved by incorporating them with Fun Days for Families. This not only provided attractive stalls for adults but also provided enjoyable activities that encouraged the interaction of children and their families.
After securing necessary finance, we set up a Games Room in which families played Air Hockey, Table Tennis, Pool and Football. Using volunteers, we also arranged for the appearance of Darth Vader, Peppa Pig and Chewbacca. This created a tangible ‘buzz’ in the atmosphere and also provided an opportunity for family photo-shoots. Parents and their children participated in the creation of Easter bonnets or baseball caps and the decoration of Easter eggs for entry into our competition.
In November, we begun our Friday evening Cornerstone Clubs for 6-13 year-olds. These have been hugely successful attracting an average of 50 children and young people per week – at the same time giving an opportunity for accompanying adults to socialise in our Concourse Café area. These twohour sessions combine games, art and craft, team building and the promoting of community values. Moreover, the sessions end with exciting times in the Sports Hall where giant soft play and inflatables, - 2 - football and team-building games feature.
DUNSTON ACTIVITY CENTRE
TRUSTEES' REPORT (INCLUDING DIRECTOR'S REPORT) (CONTINUED) FOR THE YEAR ENDED 30 JUNE 2024
Financial review
Major risks
The Trustees have assessed the major risks to which the Charity is exposed, and are satisfied that systems are in place to mitigate exposure to the major risks.
Structure, governance and management
The Charity is a company limited by guarantee.
The Trustees, who are also the directors for the purpose of company law, and who served during the year and up to the date of signature of the financial statements were:
Mrs Pauline Brown
Mr C R Lowe
Mrs Joyce Forster Mr E Nichols M J Carlin Mr Nathan Brown
Recruitment and appointment of trustees
New trustees may be appointed by a resolution passed at a special meeting of the trustees, or by statutory powers.
None of the Trustees has any beneficial interest in the company. All of the Trustees are members of the company and guarantee to contribute £1 in the event of a winding up.
The Trustees' report was approved by the Board of Trustees.
Mrs Pauline Brown Trustee
Mrs Joyce Forster Trustee
17 January 2025
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DUNSTON ACTIVITY CENTRE
INDEPENDENT EXAMINER'S REPORT TO THE TRUSTEES OF DUNSTON ACTIVITY CENTRE
I report to the Trustees on my examination of the financial statements of Dunston Activity Centre (the Charity) for the year ended 30 June 2024.
Responsibilities and basis of report
As the Trustees of the Charity (and also its directors for the purposes of company law) you are responsible for the preparation of the financial statements in accordance with the requirements of the Companies Act 2006 (the 2006 Act).
Having satisfied myself that the financial statements of the Charity are not required to be audited under Part 16 of the 2006 Act and are eligible for independent examination, I report in respect of my examination of the Charity’s financial statements carried out under section 145 of the Charities Act 2011 (the 2011 Act). In carrying out my examination I have followed all the applicable Directions given by the Charity Commission under section 145(5)(b) of the 2011 Act.
Independent examiner's statement
Since the Charity’s gross income exceeded £250,000 your examiner must be a member of a body listed in section 145 of the 2011 Act. I confirm that I am qualified to undertake the examination because I am a member of AAT, which is one of the listed bodies.
I have completed my examination. I confirm that no matters have come to my attention in connection with the examination giving me cause to believe that in any material respect:
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1 accounting records were not kept in respect of the Charity as required by section 386 of the 2006 Act; or
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2 the financial statements do not accord with those records; or
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3 the financial statements do not comply with the accounting requirements of section 396 of the 2006 Act 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; or
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4 the financial statements have not been prepared in accordance with the methods and principles of the Statement of Recommended Practice for accounting and reporting by charities applicable to charities preparing their accounts in accordance with the Financial Reporting Standard applicable in the UK and Republic of Ireland (FRS 102).
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 financial statements to be reached.
Gunnell & Chambers Accountants Limited
8 Fellside Road Whickham Newcastle Upon Tyne NE16 4AL
Dated: 17 January 2025
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DUNSTON ACTIVITY CENTRE
STATEMENT OF FINANCIAL ACTIVITIES INCLUDING INCOME AND EXPENDITURE ACCOUNT
FOR THE YEAR ENDED 30 JUNE 2024
| Unrestricted | Unrestricted | ||
|---|---|---|---|
| funds | funds | ||
| 2024 | 2023 | ||
| Notes | £ | £ | |
| Income from: | |||
| Donations and legacies | 3 | 142,761 | 93,864 |
| Charitable activities | 4 | 167,215 | 138,770 |
| Investments | 5 | 44 | 812 |
| Total income | 310,020 | 233,446 | |
| Expenditure on: | |||
| Charitable activities | 6 | 289,660 | 281,977 |
| Total expenditure | 289,660 | 281,977 | |
| Net income/(expenditure) and movement in funds | 20,360 | (48,531) | |
| Reconciliation of funds: | |||
| Fund balances at 1 July 2023 | 3,051 | 51,582 | |
| Fund balances at 30 June 2024 | 23,411 | 3,051 |
The statement of financial activities includes all gains and losses recognised in the year. All income and expenditure derive from continuing activities.
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DUNSTON ACTIVITY CENTRE
BALANCE SHEET
AS AT 30 JUNE 2024
| 2024 | 2023 | ||||||
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Notes | £ | £ | £ | £ | |||
| Fixed assets | |||||||
| Tangible assets | 10 | 54,806 | 63,647 | ||||
| Current assets | |||||||
| Debtors | 11 | 3,967 | 17,024 | ||||
| Cash at bank and in hand | 47,835 | 18,577 | |||||
| 51,802 | 35,601 | ||||||
| Creditors: amounts falling due within | 12 | ||||||
| one year | (83,197) | (96,197) | |||||
| Net current liabilities | (31,395) | (60,596) | |||||
| Total assets less current liabilities | 23,411 | 3,051 | |||||
| Net assets excluding pension liability | 23,411 | 3,051 | |||||
| The funds of the Charity | |||||||
| Unrestricted funds | 23,411 | 3,051 | |||||
| 23,411 | 3,051 |
The company is entitled to the exemption from the audit requirement contained in section 477 of the Companies Act 2006, for the year ended 30 June 2024.
The director acknowledges her responsibilities for complying with the requirements of the Companies Act 2006 with respect to accounting records and the preparation of financial statements.
The members have not required the company to obtain an audit of its financial statements for the year in question in accordance with section 476.
These financial statements have been prepared in accordance with the provisions applicable to companies subject to the small companies regime.
The financial statements were approved by the Trustees on 17 January 2025
Mrs Pauline Brown Mrs Joyce Forster Trustee Trustee
Company registration number 10213452 (England and Wales)
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DUNSTON ACTIVITY CENTRE
NOTES TO THE FINANCIAL STATEMENTS FOR THE YEAR ENDED 30 JUNE 2024
1 Accounting policies
Charity information
Dunston Activity Centre is a private company limited by guarantee incorporated in England and Wales. The registered office is 33 Whickham Highway, Dunston Hill, Gateshead, NE11 9QJ.
1.1 Accounting convention
The financial statements have been prepared in accordance with FRS102, the Companies Act 2006 and "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)". The Charity is a Public Benefit Entity as defined by FRS 102.
The Charity has taken advantage of the provisions in the SORP for charities applying FRS 102 Update Bulletin 1 not to prepare a Statement of Cash Flows.
The financial statements are prepared in sterling, which is the functional currency of the Charity. Monetary amounts in these financial statements are rounded to the nearest £.
The financial statements have been prepared under the historical cost convention, [modified to include the revaluation of freehold properties and to include investment properties and certain financial instruments at fair value]. The principal accounting policies adopted are set out below.
1.2 Going concern
At the time of approving the financial statements, the Trustees have a reasonable expectation that the Charity has adequate resources to continue in operational existence for the foreseeable future. Thus the Trustees continue to adopt the going concern basis of accounting in preparing the financial statements.
1.3 Charitable funds
Unrestricted funds are available for use at the discretion of the Trustees in furtherance of their charitable objectives.
Restricted funds are subject to specific conditions by donors or grantors as to how they may be used. The purposes and uses of the restricted funds are set out in the notes to the financial statements.
Endowment funds are subject to specific conditions by donors that the capital must be maintained by the Charity.
1.4 Income
Income is recognised when the Charity is legally entitled to it after any performance conditions have been met, the amounts can be measured reliably, and it is probable that income will be received.
Cash donations are recognised on receipt. Other donations are recognised once the Charity has been notified of the donation, unless performance conditions require deferral of the amount. Income tax recoverable in relation to donations received under Gift Aid or deeds of covenant is recognised at the time of the donation.
Legacies are recognised on receipt or otherwise if the Charity has been notified of an impending distribution, the amount is known, and receipt is expected. If the amount is not known, the legacy is treated as a contingent asset.
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DUNSTON ACTIVITY CENTRE
NOTES TO THE FINANCIAL STATEMENTS (CONTINUED) FOR THE YEAR ENDED 30 JUNE 2024
1 Accounting policies
(Continued)
1.5 Expenditure
Expenditure is recognised once there is a legal or constructive obligation to transfer economic benefit to a third party, 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 classified by activity. The costs of each activity are made up of the total of direct costs and shared costs, including support costs involved in undertaking each activity. Direct costs attributable to a single activity are allocated directly to that activity. Shared costs which contribute to more than one activity and support costs which are not attributable to a single activity are apportioned between those activities on a basis consistent with the use of resources. Central staff costs are allocated on the basis of time spent, and depreciation charges are allocated on the portion of the asset’s use.
1.6 Tangible fixed assets
Tangible fixed assets are initially measured at cost and subsequently measured at cost or valuation, net of depreciation and any impairment losses.
Depreciation is recognised so as to write off the cost or valuation of assets less their residual values over their useful lives on the following bases:
Plant and equipment 15% reducing balance Fixtures and fittings 15% reducing balance Computers 15% reducing balance
The gain or loss arising on the disposal of an asset is determined as the difference between the sale proceeds and the carrying value of the asset, and is recognised in the statement of financial activities.
1.7 Impairment of fixed assets
At each reporting end date, the Charity reviews the carrying amounts of its tangible assets to determine whether there is any indication that those assets have suffered an impairment loss. If any such indication exists, the recoverable amount of the asset is estimated in order to determine the extent of the impairment loss (if any).
1.8 Cash and cash equivalents
Cash and cash equivalents include cash in hand, deposits held at call with banks, other short-term liquid investments with original maturities of three months or less, and bank overdrafts. Bank overdrafts are shown within borrowings in current liabilities.
1.9 Financial instruments
The Charity has elected to apply the provisions of Section 11 ‘Basic Financial Instruments’ and Section 12 ‘Other Financial Instruments Issues’ of FRS 102 to all of its financial instruments.
Financial instruments are recognised in the Charity's balance sheet when the Charity becomes party to the contractual provisions of the instrument.
Financial assets and liabilities are offset, with the net amounts presented in the financial statements, when there is a legally enforceable right to set off the recognised amounts and there is an intention to settle on a net basis or to realise the asset and settle the liability simultaneously.
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DUNSTON ACTIVITY CENTRE
NOTES TO THE FINANCIAL STATEMENTS (CONTINUED) FOR THE YEAR ENDED 30 JUNE 2024
1 Accounting policies
(Continued)
Basic financial assets
Basic financial assets, which include debtors and cash and bank balances, are initially measured at transaction price including transaction costs and are subsequently carried at amortised cost using the effective interest method unless the arrangement constitutes a financing transaction, where the transaction is measured at the present value of the future receipts discounted at a market rate of interest. Financial assets classified as receivable within one year are not amortised.
Basic financial liabilities
Basic financial liabilities, including creditors and bank loans are initially recognised at transaction price unless the arrangement constitutes a financing transaction, where the debt instrument is measured at the present value of the future payments discounted at a market rate of interest. Financial liabilities classified as payable within one year are not amortised.
Debt instruments are subsequently carried at amortised cost, using the effective interest rate method.
Trade creditors are obligations to pay for goods or services that have been acquired in the ordinary course of operations from suppliers. Amounts payable are classified as current liabilities if payment is due within one year or less. If not, they are presented as non-current liabilities. Trade creditors are recognised initially at transaction price and subsequently measured at amortised cost using the effective interest method.
Derecognition of financial liabilities
Financial liabilities are derecognised when the Charity’s contractual obligations expire or are discharged or cancelled.
1.10 Employee benefits
The cost of any unused holiday entitlement is recognised in the period in which the employee’s services are received.
Termination benefits are recognised immediately as an expense when the Charity is demonstrably committed to terminate the employment of an employee or to provide termination benefits.
2 Critical accounting estimates and judgements
In the application of the Charity’s accounting policies, the Trustees are required to make judgements, estimates and assumptions about the carrying amount of assets and liabilities that are not readily apparent from other sources. The estimates and associated assumptions are based on historical experience and other factors that are considered to be relevant. Actual results may differ from these estimates.
The estimates and underlying assumptions are reviewed on an ongoing basis. Revisions to accounting estimates are recognised in the period in which the estimate is revised where the revision affects only that period, or in the period of the revision and future periods where the revision affects both current and future periods.
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DUNSTON ACTIVITY CENTRE
NOTES TO THE FINANCIAL STATEMENTS (CONTINUED)
FOR THE YEAR ENDED 30 JUNE 2024
3 Donations and legacies
| Unrestricted | Unrestricted | |
|---|---|---|
| funds | funds | |
| 2024 | 2023 | |
| £ | £ | |
| Donations and gifts | 13,472 | 4,464 |
| Grants receivable | 82,289 | 4,000 |
| Membership fees | 47,000 | 85,400 |
| 142,761 | 93,864 |
4 Income from charitable activities
| Unrestricted | Unrestricted | |
|---|---|---|
| funds | funds | |
| 2024 | 2023 | |
| £ | £ | |
| Income #ac989 | ||
| Charitable rental income | 112,215 | 101,192 |
| Other income | - | 2,742 |
| Income #ac995 | ||
| Sales of services by beneficiaries | 55,000 | 34,836 |
| 167,215 | 138,770 |
5 Income from investments
| Unrestricted | Unrestricted | |
|---|---|---|
| funds | funds | |
| 2024 | 2023 | |
| £ | £ | |
| Interest receivable | 44 | 812 |
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DUNSTON ACTIVITY CENTRE
NOTES TO THE FINANCIAL STATEMENTS (CONTINUED) FOR THE YEAR ENDED 30 JUNE 2024
6 Expenditure on charitable activities
| Expenditure | Expenditure | |
|---|---|---|
| 2024 | 2023 | |
| £ | £ | |
| Direct costs | ||
| Cafe expenses | 31,424 | 25,514 |
| Leisure assistants | 131,969 | 124,632 |
| Rates and water | 8,346 | 5,985 |
| Light and heat | 67,010 | 59,147 |
| Repairs and maintenance | 23,650 | 39,742 |
| Insurance | 10,313 | 9,401 |
| Cleaning | 2,163 | 1,211 |
| Telephone | 1,675 | 1,376 |
| Stationery and printing | 927 | 2,648 |
| Depreciation | 8,841 | 6,782 |
| General expenses | 1,488 | 1,154 |
| Bank charges | 894 | 1,760 |
| Other charitable expenditure | 960 | 2,625 |
| 289,660 | 281,977 | |
| Analysis by fund | ||
| Unrestricted funds | 289,660 | 281,977 |
7 Trustees
None of the Trustees (or any persons connected with them) received any remuneration or benefits from the Charity during the year.
8 Employees
The average monthly number of employees during the year was:
| 2024 | 2023 |
|---|---|
| Number | Number |
| 9 | 9 |
There were no employees whose annual remuneration was more than £60,000.
9 Taxation
The charity is exempt from taxation on its activities because all its income is applied for charitable purposes.
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DUNSTON ACTIVITY CENTRE
NOTES TO THE FINANCIAL STATEMENTS (CONTINUED)
FOR THE YEAR ENDED 30 JUNE 2024
| 10 Tangible fixed assets Plant and equipment Fixtures and fittings Computers £ £ £ Cost At 1 July 2023 37,672 41,175 23,481 At 30 June 2024 37,672 41,175 23,481 Depreciation and impairment At 1 July 2023 23,557 8,608 6,516 Depreciation charged in the year 1,411 4,885 2,545 At 30 June 2024 24,968 13,493 9,061 Carrying amount At 30 June 2024 12,704 27,682 14,420 At 30 June 2023 14,115 32,567 16,965 |
Total £ 102,328 |
|---|---|
| 102,328 | |
| 38,681 8,841 |
|
| 47,522 | |
| 54,806 | |
| 63,647 |
11 Debtors
| Amounts falling due within one year: Trade debtors 12 Creditors: amounts falling due within one year Other creditors Accruals and deferred income |
2024 £ 3,967 2024 £ 82,189 1,008 83,197 |
2023 £ 17,024 |
|---|---|---|
| 2023 £ 95,189 1,008 |
||
| 96,197 |
13 Unrestricted funds
The unrestricted funds of the charity comprise the unexpended balances of donations and grants which are not subject to specific conditions by donors and grantors as to how they may be used. These include designated funds which have been set aside out of unrestricted funds by the trustees for specific purposes.
| At | 1 | July 2023 | Incoming | Resources | At 30 June | |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| resources | expended | 2024 | ||||
| £ | £ | £ | £ | |||
| General funds | 3,051 | 310,020 | (289,660) | 23,411 |
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DUNSTON ACTIVITY CENTRE
NOTES TO THE FINANCIAL STATEMENTS (CONTINUED) FOR THE YEAR ENDED 30 JUNE 2024
| 13 | Unrestricted funds | (Continued) | |||
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Previous year: | At 1 July 2022 | Incoming | Resources | At 30 June | |
| resources | expended | 2023 | |||
| £ | £ | £ | £ | ||
| General funds | 51,582 | 233,446 | (281,977) | 3,051 | |
| 14 | Related party transactions |
There were no disclosable related party transactions during the year (2023 - none).
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