2023-12-31-accounts - West Cornforth And District Community Association

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Charity Number

1175400

West Cornforth and District Community Association

Trustees’ Report and Financial Statements 31[st] December 2023

West Cornforth and District Community Association Trustees’ Report and Financial Statements 31[st] December 2023

The trustees present their report and accounts for the period ended 31[st] December 2023. The report and accounts have been prepared in following the recommendations in 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 102A) (effective 2 February 2016), applicable accounting standards and the Charities Act 2011. The trustees have prepared the accounts on the receipts and payments basis.

Reference and Administrative Information Charity Name

West Cornforth and District Community Association

Charity Trustees

The founding trustees, who were appointed in May 2021 for a 3 year term, are:

Mr Paul Ferguson Chair Mrs Shirli Traynor Vice Chair Mrs Helen Patricia Drew Secretary/Treasurer Mrs Gwen Blackburn Mrs Lisa Goldsmith Mr Alan Hodgson Mr Rasheed Vaughan Miss Vivien Weir Mrs Julie Welford

Mrs Violet Denny

Mrs Evelyn Jane Thomson was appointed in March 2023 for a 3-year term.

Ms Ruth Newton was appointed in January 2023 for 3-year term.

Address

Community Centre, Station Road, West Cornforth, Ferryhill, Co Durham DL17 9LA

Bankers

The Co-operative Bank Plc Team 601 P.O. Box 250 Skelmersdale WN8 6WT

Independent Examiner

Adam James MAAT Eric Southwick & Co Accountants 51 The Avenue Seaham Co Durham SR7 8NS

West Cornforth and District Community Association Trustees’ Report and Financial Statements 31[st] December 2023

Structure and Organisation

Organisation

The West Cornforth and District Community Association is a Charitable Incorporated Organisation, which operates according to its constitution which was adopted 25[th] October 2017 and registered on the 27[th] October 2017. The trustees, who meet regularly to consider the progress of the charity and to consider its future direction and activities, manage the charity.

Trustee Appointments

Trustees are appointed for a term of three years by a resolution passed at a properly convened meeting of the charity trustees.

In selecting individuals for appointment as charity trustees, the charity trustees have regard to the skills, knowledge and experience needed for the effective administration of the CIO.

New trustees are provided with support to enable them to understand and undertake their duties.

Volunteer Support

The charity is reliant on the support of its volunteers to achieve its objects; the work of volunteers is invaluable.

Objectives and Activities

Charitable Objects

The Association has the following objects:

'To further or benefit the residents of West Cornforth and the neighbourhood, without distinction of sex, sexual orientation, race or of political, religious or other opinions by associating together the said residents and the local authorities, voluntary and other organisations in a common effort to advance education and to provide facilities in the interests of social welfare for recreation and leisure time occupation with the objective of improving the conditions of life for the residents.

In furtherance of these objects but not otherwise, the trustees shall have power:

To establish or secure the establishment of a community centre and to maintain or manage or co-operate with any statutory authority in the maintenance and management of such a centre for activities promoted by the charity in furtherance of the above objects.'

Achievements and Performance Review of the Period

2023 was a successful year as usage, particularly by the Cornforth Partnership, increased. The Unrestricted Fund reflected the increased use by increasing from £31,252 to £35,771. As a result we have been able to keep all our hire rates and subscription fees the same for another year.

West Cornforth and District Community Association Trustees’ Report and Financial Statements 31[st] December 2023

Review of the Period (Continued)

The Committee met 10 times during the year.

The Centre continued to host badminton, bowls, children's dance classes, the tea dance and dog agility training weekly. The Saturday 50/50 dance is continuing on a fortnightly basis.

The Community Centre is hosting The Bread & Butter Thing every Monday. It is an initiative where a package of groceries is sold to members of the community for a much reduced price. The contents of the package vary from week to week but the value of the contents are always less than the price paid.

The Church Fellowship met once a month, our usual dog shows continued, the Village Show was held as were the monthly Parish Council meetings. Our field was regularly used for football matches and training.

The Cornforth Partnership ran holiday activities for local children in the Hall and on the Field during the various school holidays. The Partnership also used the Centre for a weekly youth sports session and is looking to reopen the Gym in 2024. They ran the Community Christmas Dinner in December as well as helping with the Halloween and Christmas Children's parties.

Private parties, and other private hirings have held up in 2023.

The Centre hosted fundraising events for British Legion and Thrislington Banner Group held their two traditional brass band concerts on the eve of Durham Gala and during December. Both concerts were well attended and thoroughly enjoyed and the fundraising events were successful as well.

Cornforth Parish Council continues to support the Community Centre and gave a grant for the two children's parties as well as sponsoring Cinderella, the December pantomime. The Committee is grateful for the Council's ongoing support.

The Friends of the Association again worked very hard running the bar and events. The Committee is very grateful for their support.

How our activities deliver public benefit

The Association runs West Cornforth Community Centre on a non-profit basis providing an affordable local facility for meetings, sport, celebrations exhibitions etc., rents are kept as low as possible and membership is open to all inhabitants of West Cornforth.

The Cornforth Ward, the electoral ward covering the West Cornforth, has a Deprivation Index putting it overall in the most deprived 12.5% of electoral wards of England, it has poor public transport and low car ownership and is geographically isolated. This makes local facilities important and the Community Centre fills an important place in the community.

West Cornforth and District Community Association Trustees. Report and Financial Statements 31¥t December 2023 Future Plans The Community Association will continue to manage any lasting damage to the usage of the Centre following the events of 2020-21_ The Association is looking for new uses, promoting the Centre's use for parties and celebrations and seeking opportunities to exploit our sound system in the Hall. Financial Review At 3151 December 2023 the charity had funds totalling £36,613 (2021.. £32,094) of which £35,771 (2022: £31,252) was unrestricted and available for the trustees to use at their discretion having raised £35,485 (2022: £39,126) and spent £30,966, (2022: £46,819} as set out in the accounts. Reserves Policy It is the policy of the Trustees to hold reserves, which provide for the ongoing work of the charity whilst retaining financial stability and the potential to respond to new opportunities. At the 31 December 2023 the reserves held were £36.613 (2022.. £32,094), of which £35,771 (2022.. £31,252) was unrestricted and available for the trustees to use at their discretion the trustees consider this level to be adequate. Responsibilities of the Trustees Charity law requires the trustees to prepare financial statements for each financial period, which show a true and fair view of the state of affairs of the charity and its financial activities for that period. In preparing those financial statements. the trustees are required to. select suitable accounting policies and then apply them consistently.. make judgments and estimates that are prudent and reasonable: state whether applicable accounting standards and statements of recommended Practi have been followed, subject to any departures disclosed and explained in the financial statements. and prepare the financial statements on the going concern basis unless it is inappropriate to presume that the charity will continue in existence. The trustees are responsible for keeping proper accounting records which disclose with reasonable accuracy at any time the financial position of the charity and to enable them to ensure that the financial slatements comply with the Charities Act 2011. They are also responsible foi safeguarding the assets of the charity and hen for taking reasonable steps for the prevention and detection of fraud and other irregularities. Signed on behalf of the trustees Mr P Ferguson (Chair) Date: 19.%.t4

West Cornforth and District Community Association Trustees’ Report and Financial Statements 31[st] December 2023

Independent examiner’s Report to the Trustees of West Cornforth and District Community Association

I report on the accounts of the charity for the period ended 31[st] December 2023, which are set out on pages 6 to11.

Respective responsibilities of trustees and examiner

The charity’s trustees are responsible for the preparation of the accounts. The charity’s trustees consider that an audit is not required for this year under section 144(2) of the Charities Act 2011 (the 2011 Act) and that an independent examination is needed.

It is my responsibility to:

examine the accounts under section 145 of the 2011 Act;
to follow the procedures laid down in the general Directions given by the Charity Commission under section 145(5)(b) of the 2011 Act; and
to state whether particular matters have come to my attention.

Basis of independent examiner’s report

My examination was carried out in accordance with the general Directions given by the Charity Commission. An examination includes a review of the accounting records kept by the charity and a comparison of the accounts presented with those records. It also includes consideration of any unusual items or disclosures in the accounts, and seeking explanations from you as trustees concerning any such matters. The procedures undertaken do not provide all the evidence that would be required in an audit and, consequently, no opinion is given as to whether the accounts present a “true and fair view” and the report is limited to those matters set out in the statement below.

Independent examiner’s statement

In connection with my examination, no matter has come to my attention:

(1) which gives me reasonable cause to believe that in any material respect the requirements
to keep accounting records in accordance with section 130 of the 2011Act; and
to prepare accounts which accord with the accounting records and comply with the accounting requirements of the 2011 Act have not been met; or
(2) to which, in my opinion, attention should be drawn in order to enable a proper understanding of the accounts to be reached.

Adam James MAAT Date: 23/02/2024 Eric Southwick & Co Accountants 51 The Avenue Seaham Co Durham SR7 8NS

West Cornforth and District Community Association Trustees’ Report and Financial Statements 31[st] December 2023

Receipts and Payments Account for the period ended 31[st] December 2023

The notes on pages 8 to 11 form part of these financial statements.

West Cornforth and District Community Association Trustees, Report and Financial Statements 31st December 2023 Statement of Assets and Liabilities As at 31st December 2023 Total funds 2023 Total funds 2022 Current ass¢ts Cash at bank and in he] 36,613 32.(y34 Total current assets 36,613 32,094 The funds of the charity Creditors Amounts faling due 1 11 Restricted Income lunos 12 Unreslricled funds 12 35.771 31,252 32 C4 Total charity funds 36.613 Liabilites Accruats 310 310 The financial statements on pages 6 to 11 were approved by the trustees and signed on their behalf by.. Mrs H P Drew (Treasurer) Date.. M fvknL 2oiuF The notes on pages 8 to 11 form part of these financial statements.

West Cornforth and District Community Association Trustees’ Report and Financial Statements 31[st] December 2023

Notes to the accounts

1 Accounting policies

In preparing the accounts the following accounting policies have been complied with:
a) The accounts have been prepared on a receipts and payments basis. The accounts have been prepared following the recommendations in 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 102A) (effective 2 February 2016), applicable accounting standards and the Charities Act 2011.
b) Unrestricted funds are available for use at the discretion of the trustees in furtherance of the general objectives of the charity.
c) Restricted funds are subjected to restrictions on their expenditure imposed by the donor or through the terms of an appeal.
d) All incoming resources are included in the statement of financial activities when the charity receives the income.
e) Expenditure is recognised on a payments basis. Expenditure includes any VAT which cannot be fully recovered, and is reported as part of the expenditure to which it relates.
i) Charitable expenditure comprises those costs incurred by the charity in the delivery of its activities and services for its beneficiaries. It includes costs that can be allocated directly to such activities and those costs of an indirect nature necessary to support them such as those costs associated with meeting the constitutional and statutory requirements of the charity and include the independent examination fees and costs linked to the strategic management of the charity.
ii) All costs are allocated between the expenditure categories of the statement of financial activities on a basis designed to reflect the use of the resource. Costs relating to a particular activity are allocated directly, others are apportioned on an appropriate basis as set out in the notes.

2 Taxation

The charity is exempt from taxation on its income and gains where they are applied for charitable purposes.

West Cornforth and District Community Association Trustees’ Report and Financial Statements 31[st] December 2023

Notes to the accounts (Continued)

3 Income from donations and legacies

4 Income from charitable activities

5 Income from other trading activities

6 Income from Investments

£ Wayleave 27 Unrestricted funds	£ £ £ - 27 27 Restricted funds Total funds 2023 Total funds 2022

7 Income from Other

£ Insurance claim - Unrestricted funds	£ £ £ - - 6,326 Restricted funds Total funds 2023 Total funds 2022

Notes to the accounts (Continued

West Cornforth and District Community Association Trustees’ Report and Financial Statements 31[st] December 2023

8 Expenditure on raising funds

9 Expenditure on charitable activities

£ Cleaning services - Wages 5,299 Gas 3,632 Electricity 3,262 Water 2,059 Independent Examiner’s Fees 310 Insurance 2,520 Licensing Fees 1,041 Telephone 62 Property maintenance 3,296 Children's Halloween & Christmas Parties - Cleaning supplies 672 Gym - Sundries 379 Total 22,532 Unrestricted funds	£ £ £ - - 960 - 5,299 3,800 - 3,632 2,555 - 3,262 3,067 - 2,059 552 - 310 300 - 2,520 2,279 - 1,041 639 - 62 62 - 3,296 24,681 700 700 524 - 672 329 - - 192 - 379 818 700 23,232 40,758 Restricted funds Total funds 2023 Total funds 2022

10 Trustee and employee information

a) Trustee information

No trustees (2022: None) received a total of £Nil (2022: Nil) during the period for services to the charity.

b) Employee Information

There was one employee during the period (2022: One).

11 Related party transactions

The related party transactions during the period are set out in note 10.

Notes to the accounts (Continued)

West Cornforth and District Community Association Trustees’ Report and Financial Statements 31[st] December 2023

12 Reserves

eserves
Restricted funds Children's Parties Fund Equipment Unrestricted funds General fund	£ - 842 At 1 January 2023	£ 700 - Incoming resources	£ 700 - Outgoing resources	£ - - Transfers	£ - 842 At 31 December 2023
	842	700	700	-	842
	31,252	35,485 36,185	30,966	- -	35,771
	32,094		31,666		36,613

The equipment fund was established to provide equipment including a new sound system and hearing loop for the Hall.

The General fund exists for use at the discretion of the trustees in furtherance of the general objectives of the charity.

Children's Parties Fund was established to provide a Halloween Party and a Christmas Party for the children of West Cornforth.

13 Lease

The charity occupies the land and property known as the West Cornforth Community Centre under the terms of a twenty-one-year lease which was entered into on 6[th] March 2006. In the year ended 31[st] December 2023 the charity spent £3,296 (2022: £24,681) on maintenance to the property.