Trustees’ Annual Report for the period
From 01 April 2024 To 31 March 2025
Charity name: Ayre to Air
Charity registration number: 1174164
Objectives and Activities
| SORP reference | ||
|---|---|---|
| Summary of the purposes of the charity as set out in its governing document |
Para 1.17 | The organisation’s purpose is the promotion of efficiency in the Armed Forces of the Crown by the provision of support, facilities and activities for the efficiency and wellbeing of Service Personnel |
| Summary of the main activities in relation to those purposes for the public benefit, in particular, the activities, projects or services identified in the accounts. |
Para 1.17 and 1.19 |
The aim of the Ayre to Air CIO is to maintain and operate, at the most economical cost, a Pitts S2AE aircraft that was bequeathed by the family of the late Sgt Anthony Ayre such that Service Personnel and qualifying civilians may be afforded an opportunity to experience aerobatic flight at minimum personal cost. As a non-profit making organisation, supported by volunteer members of the RAF Sport Aircraft Association (RAFSA), the maintenance and operating costs are kept to the very minimum, thus making the activity of aerobatic flying accessible to those who would otherwise be unable to participate. Aerobatic Flying is a physically and mentally demanding activity that undoubtedly “stretches” the individual, leading to significant personal and professional flying development. Taking it one step further and entering an aerobatic competition brings with it the immeasurable benefits associated with sporting activity and competition. In turn, these benefits further enhance the individuals’ contribution to the efficiency of the defence of the UK. |
Statement confirming Para 1.18 whether the trustees have The guidance issued by the Charity had regard to the guidance Commission on public benefit was used issued by the Charity to assist the Trustees with the Commission on public Organisation’s planning of activities benefit during ‘virtual’ online meetings held during the reporting year.
Additional information (optional) You may choose to include further statements where relevant about:
SORP reference Para 1.38 Policy on grant making Para 1.38 Policy on social investment including program related investment Para 1.38 Contribution made by volunteers Other
Achievements and Performance
| SORP reference | ||
|---|---|---|
| Summary of the main achievements of the charity, identifying the difference the charity’s work has made to the circumstances of its beneficiaries and any wider benefits to society as a whole. |
Para 1.20 | The main areas of achievement during the reporting period fall within the following 3 areas: Aircraft Rectifications and Operation: The year began well with good use of G- PULR to bring more pilots on line. IN addition, Mr Farrell McGee, a highly qualified Flying Instructor offered his services to the CIO which resulted in two notable solo qualifications. Further, G-PULR made its inaugural appearance at the Ayre Blade Aerobatics Competition, hosted by the RAF Sport Aircraft Association (RAFSA). The Ayre family attended and the aircraft was used to offer subsidised aerobatic introductory flight for those in attendance including junior ranks and others who had supported the CIO over the years. |
Sadly, shortly after the Ayre Blade, the aircraft developed engine issues which provided hard and protracted to identify and rectify. During this period no flying was achieved and the aircraft remained at Nottingham. The Trustees were most grateful for the support of Mr Mark Davies and Mr Richard Thomas to return the aircraft to an airworthy condition, finally achieved in mid November. The CIO was informed that Nottingham Tollerton aerodrome was due to close in June 25. As such, G-PULR was relocated to RAF Cranwell where it is now operated from. Sourcing and Raising Finance: The spiralling and significant cost of the necessary engine rectification works was of concern to the Trustees. The support provided by Mr R Thomas and Mr M Davies is hereby acknowledged by the Trustees, without which the operation of the ac may have ceased. Promotion & Engagement: The Trustees were keen to promote the aircraft as much as possible and attendance at the Ayre Blade certainly helped with that aspiration. However, the Trustees held back on further promotion during the period when the aircraft was unserviceable and measured its exposure. The Trustees were delighted to receive an offer of support from Air Vice Marshall Mark Flewin, who had expressed his admiration of the CIO’s purpose and intent. AVM Flewin agreed to become an additional Trustee and an integral part of the CIO going forward.
Additional information (optional) You may choose to include further statements where relevant about:
Achievements against Para 1.41 objectives set Performance of fundraising activities against objectives Para 1.41 set
| Investment performance against objectives |
Para 1.41 | |
| Other |
Financial Review
| Financial Review | ||
|---|---|---|
| Review of the charity’s financial position at the end of the period |
Para 1.21 | At the end of the period, the Charity had recorded a loss of £1652.36. Engine rectification costs coupled with the inability to fly the aircraft were the sole factors behind the loss. The Charity continues to operate on very limited funds and tight margins. It would be fair to say that at the end of the period, the financial position remained of concern given the lack of flying; the aircraft must be self-funding through flying activity. The Trustees acknowledge the support of Mr Richard Dawe whose voluntary services as the CIO book keeper, have served to keep the CIO viable and moving forward. |
| Statement explaining the policy for holding reserves stating why they are held |
Para 1.22 | |
| Amount of reserves held | Para 1.22 | Nil |
| Reasons for holding zero reserves |
Para 1.22 | The Charity does not hold sufficient funds to be able to allocate a reserve. |
| Details of fund materially in deficit |
Para 1.24 | |
| Explanation of any uncertainties about the charity continuing as a going concern |
Para 1.23 |
Additional information (optional) You may choose to include further statements where relevant about:
| The charity’s principal sources of funds (including any fundraising) |
Para 1.47 | |
| Investment policy and objectives including any social investment policy adopted |
Para 1.46 | |
| A description of the principal risks facing the charity |
Para 1.46 | |
| Other |
Structure, Governance and Management
| Description of charity’s trusts: |
||
|---|---|---|
| Type of governing document (trust deed, royal charter) |
Para 1.25 | Constitution |
| How is the charity constituted? (e.g unincorporated association, CIO) |
Para 1.25 | CIO |
| Trustee selection methods including details of any constitutional provisions e.g. election to post or name of any person or body entitled to appoint one or more trustees |
Para 1.25 | Appointed by the Chairman in consultation with the Trustees. |
Additional information (optional)
You may choose to include further statements where relevant about:
| Policies and procedures adopted for the induction and training of trustees |
Para 1.51 | |
| The charity’s organisational structure and any wider network with which the charity works |
Para 1.51 | |
| Relationship with any related parties |
Para 1.51 | |
| Other |
Reference and Administrative details
| Charity name | Ayre to Air |
|---|---|
| Other name the charity uses | |
| Registered charity number | 1174164 |
| Charity’s principal address | C/O RAF Waddington Flying School RAF Waddington Lincs LN5 9WA |
Names of the charity trustees who manage the charity
| 1 2 3 4 5 6 7 8 9 10 11 12 13 14 15 16 17 18 19 20 |
Trustee name | Office (if any) | Dates acted if not for whole year |
Name of person (or body) entitled to appoint trustee(if any) |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Alistair James Seymour |
Trustee & Chairman | |||
| Gary Paul Coleman |
Trustee | |||
| Christopher Martin Hives |
Trustee | |||
– Corporate trustees names of the directors at the date the report was approved
Director name
Name of trustees holding title to property belonging to the charity
Trustee name Dates acted if not for whole year
Funds held as custodian trustees on behalf of others
Description of the assets held in this capacity
Name and objects of the charity on whose behalf the assets are held and how this falls within the custodian charity’s objects Details of arrangements for safe custody and segregation of such assets from the charity’s own assets
Additional information (optional)
Names and addresses of advisers (Optional information)
| Type of | Name | Address |
|---|---|---|
| adviser |
Name of chief executive or names of senior staff members (Optional information)
Exemptions from disclosure
Reason for non-disclosure of key personnel details
Other optional information
Declarations
The trustees declare that they have approved the trustees’ report above.
Signed on behalf of the charity’s trustees
Signature(s) Full name(s) Christopher M Hives Position (eg Secretary, Trustee Chair, etc) Date 23 Jan 2026 ~~;~~
Ayre to Air CIO
Balance sheet
Period: From 01 Apr 2024 To 31 Mar 2025
| Year to Date | ||
|---|---|---|
| Fixed Assets | ||
| Aircraft | 100,000.00 | |
| 100,000.00 | ||
| Current Assets | ||
| Bank Account | 12,713.87 | |
| 12,713.87 | ||
| Current Liabilities | ||
| 0.00 | ||
| 0.00 | ||
| Current Assets less Current Liabilities: | 12,713.87 | |
| Total Assets less Current Liabilities: | 112,713.87 | |
| Long Term Liabilities | 0.00 | |
| 0.00 | ||
| Total Assets less Total Liabilities: | 112,713.87 | |
| Capital & Reserves | ||
| Reserves | 114,366.23 | |
| Profit And Loss | -1,652.36 | |
| 112,713.87 | ||
| Certified as a true record of the Account R A Dawe, Ayre to Air Book-keeper |
Certified as a true record of the Account Be |
23 April 2025 |
Registered with the Charity Commission for England and Wales, number 1174164
Ayre to Air CIO
Profit and Loss
Period: From 01 Apr 2024 To 31 Mar 2025
| Income QinetiQ Grants Swire CT Flying Activities Direct Expenses Maintenance costs Insurance Consumables Hangarage Other Costs Gross Profit/Loss Overheads Net Profit/Loss |
Year to Date 5,000.00 0.00 1,148.25 6,148.25 1,422.92 2,060.02 516.29 3,285.00 516.38 7,800.61 -1,652.36 0.00 -1,652.36 |
|---|---|
Registered with the Charity Commission for England and Wales, number 1174164
Ayre to Air CIO
Trial Balance
| Trial Balance | Trial Balance | |
|---|---|---|
| Period: From 01 Apr 2024 To 31 Mar 2025 | ||
| Aircraft | 100,000.00 | |
| QinetiQ Grants | 5,000.00 | |
| Swire CT | 0.00 | |
| Flying Activities | 1,148.25 | |
| Bank Account | 12,713.87 | |
| Maintenance costs | 1,422.92 | |
| Insurance | 2,060.02 | |
| Consumables | 516.29 | |
| Hangarage | 3,285.00 | |
| Other Costs | 516.38 | |
| Reserves/PNL | 114,366.23 | |
| 120,514.48 | 120,514.48 |
Ayre to Air Account 24-25
| Ayre to Air Account 24-25 | ||||||||||||||
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Date | Payee | Details | Folio | Income | Expense | Balance | Aircraft Rebuild & Maint |
Engine/ Prop |
Aircraft operating consumables & Costs |
Hangarage | Insurance | Other | Flying income |
Grants |
| 14,366.23 | ||||||||||||||
| 02/05/24 | Truman | Hangarage | 2_40 | 279.00 | 14,087.23 | 279.00 | ||||||||
| 06/06/24 | N Whitehead | Hosting/T&S | 2_41 | 124.39 | 13,962.84 | 124.39 | ||||||||
| 08/06/24 | Truman | Hangarage | 2_42 | 270.00 | 13,692.84 | 270.00 | ||||||||
| 08/06/24 | Truman | Fuel | 2_43 | 59.14 | 13,633.70 | 59.14 | ||||||||
| 10/06/24 | C Hives | T&S, cleaning | 2_44 | 148.14 | 13,485.56 | 56.15 | 91.99 | |||||||
| 28/06/24 | SOFA | 240603 NW | 2_45 | 240.00 | 13,725.56 | 240.00 | ||||||||
| 28/06/24 | SOFA | 240602 FMc | 2_46 | 160.00 | 13,885.56 | 160.00 | ||||||||
| 30/06/24 | SOFA | 240601 MF | 2_47 | 140.00 | 14,025.56 | 140.00 | ||||||||
| 30/06/24 | Truman | Hangarage | 2_48 | 279.00 | 13,746.56 | 279.00 | ||||||||
| 08/07/24 | Pooleys | Oil | 2_49 | 149.70 | 13,596.86 | 149.70 | ||||||||
| 14/07/24 | M Davies | Service costs | 2_50 | 674.60 | 12,922.26 | 674.60 | ||||||||
| 24/07/24 | R Thomas | Parts etc | 2_51 | 331.48 | 12,590.78 | 331.48 | ||||||||
| 24/07/24 | Truman | Hangarage | 2_52 | 279.00 | 12,311.78 | 279.00 | ||||||||
| 02/08/24 | Qinetiq | Grant | 5,000.00 | 17,311.78 | 5,000.00 | |||||||||
| 20/08/24 | R Thomas | Travel costs | 2_53 | 100.00 | 17,211.78 | 100.00 | ||||||||
| 02/09/24 | Truman | Hangarage | 2_54 | 270.00 | 16,941.78 | 270.00 | ||||||||
| 24/09/24 | F McGee | Fuel | 2_55 | 42.24 | 16,899.54 | 42.24 | ||||||||
| 24/09/24 | SOFA | 240901 KR | 2_56 | 96.25 | 16,995.79 | 96.25 | ||||||||
| 30/09/24 | SOFA | 240901 NW | 2_57 | 210.00 | 17,205.79 | 210.00 | ||||||||
| 22/10/24 | Truman | Hangarage | 2_58 | 279.00 | 16,926.79 | 279.00 | ||||||||
| 09/11/24 | R Thomas | Parts | 2_59 | 216.84 | 16,709.95 | 216.84 | ||||||||
| 15/11/24 | R Thomas | Travel and time | 2_60 | 200.00 | 16,509.95 | 200.00 | ||||||||
| 15/11/24 | Truman | Hangarage | 2_61 | 270.00 | 16,239.95 | 270.00 | ||||||||
| 22/11/24 | Air Courtage | Insurance | 2_62 | 2,060.02 | 14,179.93 | 2,060.02 | ||||||||
| 10/12/24 | Truman | Hangarage | 2_63 | 279.00 | 13,900.93 | 279.00 | ||||||||
| 04/02/25 | C Hives | Oil etc | 2_64 | 209.06 | 13,691.87 | 209.06 | ||||||||
| 04/02/25 | Truman | Hangarage (jan) | 2_65 | 279.00 | 13,412.87 | 279.00 | ||||||||
| 10/02/25 | R Thomas | Annual, Permit and Travel | 2_66 | 150.00 | 13,262.87 | 150.00 | ||||||||
| 10/02/25 | M Bond | Annual, Permit and Travel | 2_66 | 50.00 | 13,212.87 | 50.00 | ||||||||
| 25/02/25 | Truman | Hangarage | 2_67 | 252.00 | 12,960.87 | 252.00 | ||||||||
| 04/03/25 | Truman | Hangarage | 2_68 | 279.00 | 12,681.87 | 279.00 | ||||||||
| 25/03/25 | Truman | Hangarage | 2_69 | 270.00 | 12,411.87 | 270.00 | ||||||||
| 31/03/25 | M Flewin | Flying MF 241501 | 2_70 | 302.00 | 12,713.87 | 302.00 | ||||||||
| 6148.25 | 7800.61 | 1422.92 | 0.00 | 516.29 | 3285.00 | 2060.02 | 516.38 | 1148.25 | 5000.00 |