BISHOP AUCKLAND ASTRONOMICAL SOCIETY
CHARITY REGISTRATION NUMBER: 1172061
Trustees Annual Report for the year ending 31stMarch 2024
B.A.A.S. Trustees are happy to present our Annual Report for the year ending 31[st] March 2024.
The charitable organisation was registered with the Charity Commission on 15[th] March 2017 and officially commenced activities on the 1[st] April 2017.
The CIO replaced, and has continued the work of the previously unregistered organisation ‘Bishop Auckland Astronomical Society’. All assets and liabilities were transferred to the CIO on that date.
Structure Governance and Management:
B.A.A.S. is a Charitable Incorporated Organisation (CIO), we use the foundation model constitution as the basis for our governing document. The CIO has no paid employees, the trustees do all the work of the organisation and are not paid, nor are our volunteer society members.
Summary of objectives:
The objectives of the CIO are: To bring astronomy to people of all ages and abilities, primarily in and around the Bishop Auckland and Weardale areas; to host monthly meetings with speakers; to organise and conduct astronomical observing events; and to arrange astronomy/space themed talks for the general public, schools and other organisations, including those with special needs. We now also provide Solar observing sessions with specialised equipment, primarily for (but not limited to) schools and other youth groups.
Activities undertaken for Public Benefit:
The trustees have complied with their duty in section 4 of the 2006 act to have due regard to guidance on public benefit published by the charity commission.
The charity: Holds occasional observing events which are open to the general public.
Helps scout groups to acquire their “Space” badges
Has expanded our Solar observing sessions for schools and youth groups, via the acquisition of Solar telescopes with highly specialised solar filters. Now that we have satisfied the original funding criteria, we are continuing to use the equipment for further events.
Helped a number of schools in fun and educational ways with ‘Space Camp’ events, in conjunction with the Stephen Hawking Foundation.
We have recently been in discussion with ‘The Locomotion’ railway museum in Shildon, regarding a workshops and observing sessions, that will be free to the public on the museum’s grounds.
Achievements and performance:
The charity continues with our usual outreach/educational work, as well as our monthly meetings.
We continue to support the Areas of Outstanding Natural Beauty in England and Wales’ (AONB/National Landscapes) “Dark Sky Initiative” program, and the National Nature Reserves in England (NNR).
Financial Reserves Policy:
The charity intends to hold sufficient funds to purchase future equipment as determined by the Trustees from time to time, and to have enough funds to sustain the society in its activities for at least 12 months. This includes occasional ‘tombola’ events at public shows, while showing filtered telescope views of the Sun to members of the public. At the year end, the charity holds £1,967.
Future Plans:
We are pleased to announce that our bid for funding to purchase a new gazebo has been successful. The purpose of this gazebo is to give us more flexibility at outdoor events, serving as a temporary classroom and/or shelter if necessary. We took delivery of the new gazebo on 8[th] March 2024.
Announcement:
Sadly, Ms. Jacqueline Ann Sandle has had to leave us due to moving away to another area – We wish her every success in any new endeavours.
In light of this loss we have appointed Mrs. Karen Susan Walker as our new secretary.
Registered Address; 11 Wykes Close, Sedgefield, TS21 2DY
Accountant: Jane Ascroft - Certified Accountant – Enterprise House, Barnard Castle.
Bank: Lloyds Bank plc. Spennymoor, Co Durham.
Trustees of the Charity:
Mr. Duane Cox (Chair) - Mr. Karl Jennings (Vice-chair) - Mrs. Lynda Cox (Treasurer)
Mrs. Karen Susan Walker (Secretary) - Mr. Jeffrey Alan Dickinson.
Signed on behalf of the Trustees:
4th Aug, 2024
CHARITY COMMISSION FOR ENGLAND AND WALES Receipts and payments accounts For the period from CC16a To J110312024 Section A Receipts and payments Unrestricted funds to the nearest Restricted funds to the nearest £ Endowment funds to the nearest £ Total funds st year A1 Receipts Events Donations Sale of merchandise Grant from County Durham Community Froundation to the nearest £ nea 1,009 136 271 1,009 136 271 110 1,700 1,700 ub tota ross Income or AR) 1,416 1,700 A2 Asset and investment sales, (see table). 3,116 1,570 Sub total Total receipts 1,416 1,700 A3Pa ments Cost of events Office costs Insurance Accountancy Tombola prizes Members, Shirts Gazebo Other costs 3,116 1,570 211 218 96 120 284 211 218 96 120 284 541 37 96 120 98 335 307 272 1,700 2,007 272 154 Sub total 1,508 1,700 3,208 A4 Asset and investment urchases see table 1,381 Sub total Total payments Net of receipts/(payments) A5 Transfers between funds A6 Cash funds last year end Cash funds this year end 1,508 1,700 3,208 1,381 92 92 189 1,967 ,870 2,059 1,967 CCXX R1 accounts (SS) 05/08/2024