NAS Trustees’ Annual Report for 2024-25
Trustees’ Annual Report for the period
From 01/10/2024 Period start date To 30/09/2025 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
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NAS Trustees’ Annual Report for 2024-25
| 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. |
| 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. |
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NAS Trustees’ Annual Report for 2024-25
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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NAS Trustees’ Annual Report for 2024-25 Financial Review
| inancial 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 2025 saw revenue rise due to increase in membership fees and donations. Expenses increased due to increases in in meeting costs and major observatory development items. In general the society holds sufficient cash reserves and income (subscription and donations) to maintain normal level of activities following higher membership income for FY 2025/26. As will be seen in the Balance Sheet, post the yearly activity we have had a decrease in our non ‘cash in hand’ reserves, which is a result of the expenditure on the observatory development activities. |
| 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 | £11,394 |
| 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 2024/25 year funding majority of funding provided by: Subscriptions 31% Donations 41% Gift Aid 13% Other 13% (Visitors, Interest etc.) |
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NAS Trustees’ Annual Report for 2024-25
| 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 seeingmajor changes 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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NAS Trustees’ Annual Report for 2024-25 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 Membership Secretary and other operational aspect roles e.g. Observatory Director IT/Webmaster Journal Editor Other generalist Committee/Trustee members. There are no other specific wider ‘working’ networks. |
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NAS Trustees’ Annual Report for 2024-25
ALL Trustees are unpaid
| The Society is a member of: | ||||
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Relationship | with any related | Para | 1.51 | Federation of Astronomical Societies |
| parties | (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. |
||||
| Observatory site is leased from Severn | ||||
| Other | 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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NAS Trustees’ Annual Report for 2024-25
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NAS Trustees’ Annual Report for 2024-25
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/Membershi p 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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NAS Trustees’ Annual Report for 2024-25
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NAS Trustees’ Annual Report for 2024-25 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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NAS Trustees’ Annual Report for 2024-25
Declarations
The trustees declare that they have approved the trustees’ report above.
Signed on behalf of the charity’s trustees
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Signature(s)
Full name(s) Julian Paul Onions Richard Thomas Severn
Position (eg
Chair Treasurer
Secretary, Chair, etc)
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Date 31 December 2025
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||||||||||||
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
|-|.|-|
|||[||
|INCOME AND EXPENDITURE|
|-|Changes from|
|N|2023/2024|N|2024/2025|2023/2024|
|ee|
|INCOME|£|£|%|£|£|%|%|
|a|ee|
|—|a|ne||||a|ee|||
|=|Membership subscriptions|a|2,055.00|50%|2,305.00|po|31%|12%|
|=|Donations|=|1,035.00|25%|3,030.00|41%|193%|
|:|Gift Aid|630.00|15%|947.50|13%|50%|
|:|Visitors|99.00|2%|146.00|ee|ee|2%|ee|47%|
|———|Business Reserve (savings) Interest|172.25|4%|49.62|a|ee|1%|-71%|
|a|ee|ee|
|———|Liquidity Manager 35 day (Savings) Interest|48.10|1%|202.31|3%|||321%|
|Other income|-|79.59|2%|649.00|9%|715%|
|————|a|rs|ee|ee|ee|
|:e|TOTAL INCOME|s|4,118.94|a|100%|ee|||7,329.43|100%|78%|
|;|a|
|EXPENDITURE|-|£|£|%|£|£|%|%|
|-|
|-|MEETING COSTS|a|ee|
|——|Room hire|——a|1,180.80|1,453.20|a|ee|23%|
|————|Speakers' expenses|————|=|378.74|295.34|||-22%|
|ee|ee|ee|
|:|Refreshments (meetings)|187.64|164.67|-12%|
|:|Audio Equipment|-|195.00|
|——|Sherwood Observatory Visit|-|649.00|aee|eeee|
|—————|1,747.18|42%|po|2,757.21|38%|58%|
|a|ee|
|~|
|a|a|ee|||
|OBSERVATORY COSTS|=|
|———|::|Observatory maintenanceObservatory development|——==|549.9023.00|7,924.32-|ee|ee|ee[||1341%|
|:|Annual BBQ Refreshments|86.71|83.71|-3%|
|:|659.61|a|16%|ee|8,008.03|109%|1114%|
|———=|a|a|ee|
|ADMINISTRATION AND OTHER COSTS|
|Ss|ae|es|
|:|Website and internet|195.14|187.20|-4%|
|———————|Accountant's fees|——————|100.00|100.00|0%|
|ee|ee|ee|
|—————|Subscriptions and insurance|471.10|211.00|po|-55%|
|—————|Stationery|=|-|-|||
|Miscellaneous|-|-|
|—————|rs|ee|ee|ee|
|:|||||766.24|19%|498.20|7%|-35%|
|——|a|es|se es|
|=a|TOTAL EXPENDITURE|3,173.03|77%|11,263.44|154%|255%|
|=|LJ|a|ee|eeee|
|EXCESS OF INCOME OVER EXPENDITURE|945.91|23%|-3934.01|-54%|-516%|
|-|a|ee|
|Notes:|Z|
|——|ee|a|ee|a|a|
|.|—|
|——————a|_CG|[||
|NOTE ON CASH MOVEMENTS FOR THE YEAR ENDED 30th SEPTEMBER 2025|This note does not form part of the Accounts|
|SS-7|a|
|£|£|£|
|Cash in Current Acc Bank at 1st October 2024|1,076.45|Excess of Income over Expenditure|-3934.01|
|ee|Cash in Reserve Acc Bank at 1st October 2024|6,679.86|[||ee|
|Cash in Liquidity Acc Bank at 1st October 2024|=|||7,548.10|a|
|Cash in Hand at 1st October 2024|24.00|CASH ADJUSTMENTS 2024/2025|a|
|a|Add back:|0.00|||
|a|ee|ee|||
|Cash in Current Acc Bank at 30th September 2025|;|2,970.51|ee|Add back:|ee|0.00|||
|Cash in Reserve Acc Bank at 30th September 2025|=|649.48|0.00|
|Cash in Liquidity Acc Bank at 30th September 2025|=|7,750.41|
|Cash in Hand at 30th September 2025|24.00|Cash movements from 2023/2024 Balance Sheet:|
|Subtract amount: NONE APPLICABLE|0.00|
|ee|ee|||
|ai|ee|0.00|
|=|-a|||
|Increase/(Decrease) in Cash|-3,934.01|Cash movement|||-3934.01|
|-|
|a|yoyo|a|ee|eee|||
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a BALANCE SHEET AS AT 30th SEPTEMBER 2025
ee LIABILITIES ASSETS
SjPS 2023/2024 —s 2024/2025 a 2023/2024 ee es 2024/2025
PT
PE £ £ ACCUMULATED FUND £ £ £ £ £ £
PT
14,382.50 Balance at 1st October 15,328.41
| CUT CU | aS
PCT
GO Add: Excess of income over expenditure OS ND (OG (OO CURRENT ASSETS
Sa 945.91 for the year -3934.01 Pe QOQO
a 15 0 ,328.41 ss 11,394.40 1,076.45 Business Current Account 2,970.51
a ss GO | ) 6,679.86 CO Saving Business Reserve Account 649.48 aee
ss 7,548.10 Saving Liquidity Manager 35 day Account 7,750.41
ee ss0GO OS0 24.00 ( ( Cash in hand 24.00 ee
esPTssGG OD(OO 15,328.41 SO 11,394.40
aa eGss CURRENT LIABILITIES eGDQ QS(SG DEBTORS
0.00 0.00 0.00 Amount due FROM X 0.00
ee SD(QS(DO
0.00 0.00 0.00 Amount due FROM Y 0.00
ee ee ee es es QO
0.00 0.00 0.00 0.00
| ee ee ee ee eses
a ee es ssGO
a ss 0.00 es eees IOO OS 0.00 QOSQ 0.00 NG 0.00
Rsss SG OD(SQ
asn 15,328.41 ss GOGO OS 11,394.40 (GQS 15,328.41 YGS G 11,394.40
We have examined the foregoing Income and Expenditure Account and Balance Rs SO
Sheet with the records of the Society produced to us, together with further
es ss
information supplied, and certify the same to be in accordance therewith. es ss
a en—QOes Richard Severn sd
Independent Auditor Treasurer, Nottingham Astronomical Society
2024/25
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