NAS Trustees’ Annual Report for 2023-24
Trustees’ Annual Report for the period
From 01/10/2023 Period start date
To 30/09/2024 Period end date
Charity name: Nottingham Astronomical Society
Charity registration number:1174745
Objectives and Activities
| SORP reference | ||
|---|---|---|
| Summary of the purposes of the charity as set out in its governing document |
Para 1.17 | To advance public interest and education in the science of astronomy and related subjects, to further the knowledge of its members, to promote and conduct research and observations, and to provide facilities for active participation in astronomical observation. |
| 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 society provides venues for its members to attend lectures, undertake activities and work with the public on a range of outreach activities. Meetings are advertised to the public, and various outreach activities undertaken e.g. Support for school courses on Astronomy, events with ‘Beavers’ groups in the area. |
| Statement confirming whether the trustees have had regard to the guidance issued by the Charity Commission on public benefit |
Para 1.18 | The Trustees are aware of the Charity Commissions guidance on Public Benefit and in relation to the activities of the society, we consider public engagement, and publicise our events; plus have consideration re risks when undertaking these. |
Additional information (optional)
You may choose to include further statements where relevant about:
| SORP reference | ||
|---|---|---|
| Policy on grant making | Para 1.38 | There is no formal policy on grant making as these do not form part of the operation of the society activities or considerations. No requests have been received. |
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NAS Trustees’ Annual Report for 2023-24
| Policy on social investment including program related investment |
Para 1.38 | No requirement for such policy. |
|---|---|---|
| Contribution made by volunteers |
Para 1.38 | Members of the society regularly assist with meetings, presenting on topics, support, management and development of the ‘observatory’ site etc. |
| Other | N/A |
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 society has held regular public events each month (excluding August) when speakers are arranged to give presentations on various topics across the wide field of astronomy and space exploration etc. These are attended by a good proportion of the membership of the society and there has been an increase in the number of visitors (general public) attending these events. In addition we also hold Monthly, more informal meetings, to support members (and visitors) with a more generalist ‘feel’ than the more formal presentation meeting cycle. Various events held at the society observatory site for members. We have a provided support to sessions on astronomy/telescopes at various Beaver club events etc., and whilst previously supported Emmanuel School in West Bridgford in support of their A level Astronomy course, this was not required in 2024. |
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Additional information (optional)
You may choose to include further statements where relevant about:
| Achievements against objectives set |
Para 1.41 | Other than adherence to the meeting schedules and speaker arrangements, including observatory management, re its use and for planned events, no other objectives tracked. |
|---|---|---|
| Performance of fundraising activities against objectives set |
Para 1.41 | Not applicable/non set as funds are subscription and donations based. |
| Investment performance against objectives |
Para 1.41 | Not applicable other than bank interest. |
| Other | N/A |
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Financial Review
| Financial Review | ||
|---|---|---|
| Review of the charity’s financial position at the end of the period |
Para 1.21 | The Treasurer provides a yearly update to members and in year updates to the Society committee/trustees. The year ending September 2024 saw revenue drop due to lower membership income etc., but was offset partly by an increase in bank interest receipts. Expenses remained about the same but saw increases in meeting costs and observatory development items but again offset by lower admin and insurance cost items. There was however still a year on year of contribution available to balances. In general the society holds sufficient cash reserves and income (subscription and donations) to maintain normal level of activities and although costs are rising, in 2024 the membership rates remained as is, these are however being modified for 2025. |
| Statement explaining the policy for holding reserves stating why they are held |
Para 1.22 | Reserves’ - which in our case relates to all our ‘cash’ balances at the bank, is maintained to facilitate Observatory development, accommodate impacts of increased costs for events etc., subject to impacts on yearly membership numbers/rates applied. |
| Amount of reserves held | Para 1.22 | £15328 |
| Reasons for holding zero reserves |
Para 1.22 | N/A |
| Details of fund materially in deficit |
Para 1.24 | N/A |
| Explanation of any uncertainties about the charity continuing as a going concern |
Para 1.23 | None |
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 | In the 2023/24 year funding majority of funding provided by: Subscriptions 50% Donations 25% Gift Aid 15% Other 10% (Visitors, Interest etc.) |
|---|---|---|
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| Investment policy and objectives including any social investment policy adopted |
Para 1.46 | No ‘investments’ are held, other than simply interest bearing bank accounts, for which interest recorded and used in balances for day to day activites. These are split between an Instant Access account and a short term Notice account. |
|---|---|---|
| A description of the principal risks facing the charity |
Para 1.46 | There are no specific, identifiable, immediate risks being considered but we are always aware of the following: Membership Numbers:- whilst accepting that there will be always some drop out from some membership cohorts, but we are not seeing majorchanges year on year. Inflation: - again whilst aware of price rises the most impacting on our activities are room hire rates at venues etc. These are considered at renewal times etc. and options considered by the Trustees if needed. |
| Other | N/A |
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Structure, Governance and Management
| Description of charity’s trusts: |
||
|---|---|---|
| Type of governing document (trust deed, royal charter) |
Para 1.25 | Constitution - as part of the CIO registration, and defines the Society Objects, Powers, Trustees, Membership, Meeting and other areas of its operation. |
| How is the charity constituted? (e.g unincorporated association, CIO) |
Para 1.25 | CIO Registration 20th September 2017 |
| 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 | Trustees are selected by vote at AGM (December) for next year (all trustees/ positions are elected/re-elected every year) and some specific appointed to hold various positions e.g. Chair, Treasurer, Secretary etc., and who also form the Executive Committee of the society. The various functions, duties and eligibility, number of, appointment, meetings etc. are all covered in the Constitution. |
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 Constitution advises on information to be supplied to new trustees (it should be noted that Trustees are usually long serving). In addition Charity Commission documents are advised for review. |
|---|---|---|
| The charity’s organisational structure and any wider network with which the charity works |
Para 1.51 | There is an Executive Committee of Trustees, and these hold positions of: Chair (and Vice Chair) Secretary Treasurer and other operational aspect roles e.g. Membership Secretary Observatory Director IT/Webmaster Journal Editor Other generalist Committee/Trustee members. There are no other specific wider ‘working’ networks. ALL Trustees are unpaid |
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| Relationship with any related parties |
Para 1.51 | The Society is a member of: Federation of Astronomical Societies (FAS), although this is not engaged with the management of the society, simply a support organisation for - Access to Public Liability Insurance for* societies Resource Centre containing documents providing a common framework for astronomical societies and their outreach activities. Newsletter where societies can feature their events and information. British Astronomical Association(BAA) again not involved with management of society and we are simply an affiliated member as closely associated aims such as scientific observation, a mutual help relationship - many of our society members/trustees are are also BAA individual members. |
|---|---|---|
| Other | Observatory site is leased from Severn Trent Water plc, and we have a long standing relationship from 1980’s when site acquired (99 year lease) - again no impact with society management other than terms of lease re site maintenance and use etc. |
Reference and Administrative details
| Charity name | Nottingham Astronomical Society |
|---|---|
| Other name the charity uses | N/A |
| Registered charity number | 1174745 |
| Charity’s principal address | c/o 23 Grange Park West Bridgford Nottingham NG2 6HW |
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Names of the charity trustees who manage the charity
| 1 2 3 4 5 6 7 8 9 10 11 12 |
Trustee name | Office (if any) | Dates acted if not for whole year |
Name of person (or body) entitled to appoint trustee (if any) |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Julian Paul Onions |
Chair | |||
| Christine Margaret Sneddon |
Secretary | |||
| Andrew Charles Green |
Treasurer | Until 19/12/24 |
||
| Richard Thomas Severn |
Treasurer/ Membership Secretary |
Treasurer From 19/12/24 |
||
| James Dawson | Vice Chair/ Observatory Director |
Vice Chair From 19/12/24 |
||
| Leigh Edward Blake |
Webmaster | |||
| William Roy Gretton |
Journal Editor | |||
| - vacant - | ||||
| - vacant - | ||||
| - vacant - | ||||
| - vacant - | ||||
| - vacant - |
Corporate trustees – names of the directors at the date the report was approved
Director name NONE
Name of trustees holding title to property belonging to the charity
| Trustee name | Dates acted if not for whole year | |
|---|---|---|
| No land/property titles | ||
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Funds held as custodian trustees on behalf of others
| Description of the assets held in this capacity |
N/A |
|---|---|
| Name and objects of the charity on whose behalf the assets are held and how this falls within the custodian charity’s objects |
N/A |
| Details of arrangements for safe custody and segregation of such assets from the charity’s own assets |
N/A |
Additional information (optional)
Names and addresses of advisers (Optional information)
Type of Name Address adviser None
Name of chief executive or names of senior staff members (Optional information)
Exemptions from disclosure
Reason for non-disclosure of key personnel details
None
Other optional information
None
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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) Julian Paul Onions Richard Thomas Severn Position (eg Chair Treasurer Secretary, Chair, etc) Date 31 December 2024
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NOTTINGHAM ASTRONOMICAL SOCIETY Reg5gtTrr•d Inco¥poTrled Otgani54tion Ng." 1174745 In 1946 ftyi £bli vlBr#¥led ID aslr(>Tromy- Allilk4reo iotne Brrftsh 4S0eIlOts. i.iÈmDeroiiThe Feoerd1ion ofAS1roThoiTrltal Soc*8. Supwrtorofthe Comm&sion lthr Dark SkiB NAS INCOME AND EXPENDITURE ACCOUNT FOR THE YEAR ENDED 30th SEPTEMBER 2024 Chon 202212023 es om 202212023 202312024 I INCOME Membership subscriptions Donations Grft Aid Visitor5 Business Reserve Isavingsj Interest Liquidity Manaser 35 day (Savings) Interest Other income TOTAL INCOME 2,390.00, 1,047.00,, 686.50.. 141.00 7.61 0.00 55% 24% 16% 2.055.(K) 1.035.(K) 630.(K) 99.(K) 172.25 -14% -1% 25% 15% -30% 2163% loo% 52% 0% 48.10 52.44 79.59 4,324.55 100% 4.118.94 100% EXPENDITURE '. MEETING COSTS Room hire Speakers, expenses Meetin8$ & AGM refreshments 1,266.00 117.03 1,180.80 378.74 188.14 187.64 1,571.17 36% 1.747.18 42% 11% OBSERVATORY COSTS Observatory maintenance Observatory development ,BBQ expenses 60.75 287.12 23.00 549.90 63.25 86.71 411.12, 10% 659.61 16% ADMINISTRATION AND OTHER COSTS Website and internet Accountant's fees Subscriptions 3nd insurance Stationery Mistellaneou5 216.(K). IOD.00 555.98 195.14 100.00 471.10 29.98 310.26 1.212.22 28% 766.24 19% -37% TOTAL EXPENDITURE 3,194.51 74% 3.173.03 77% EXCESS OF INCOME OVER EXPENDITURE 1.130.04 26% 945.91 23% -16% Notes.. 11 Negative monetary values are shown in biackets throughout NOTE ON CASH MOVEMENTS FOR THEYEAR ENDED 30th SEPTEMBER 2024 This notÈ does not form part of theAccounts Cash in Current Acc Bank at 1st October 2023 C3sh in Savings Acc Bank at 1st October 2023 Cash in Hand 8t 1st Ottober 2023 2,955.89 11,507.61 24.(X) Excess ol Intome over Expenditure 945.91 CASH ADJUSTMENTS 202312024 Add back.. TBA Add back.. TBA Cash in Current Acc Bank at 30th September 2024 Cash in Reserve Acc sank at 30th September 2024 Cash in Liquidity Acc Bank at 30th September 2024 Cash in Hand at 30th September 202 1,076.45 6,679.86 7.548.10 24.(N) Cash movements from 202212023 Balance Sheet: Subtr3ct amount paid to Burnside Memorial H311 Subtract 8mount paid to Emmanuel School 33.(K) 72.(K) IncreasellDecreèsel in Cash 840.91 Cash movement 840.91
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