Hidden Altrincham Festival Annual Return Year ending 31 August 24 ## Charity Number 1175769 HIDDEN ALTRINCHAM TRUSTEES ANNUAL REPORT AND ACCOUNTS FOR THE YEAR ENDED AUGUST 31, 2024 In accordance with the Charities Act 2011, and the Constitution 20 Stamford New Road Altrincham Cheshire WA14 1EJ 07873263271 info@inch-arts.co.uk Hidden Altrincham Festival Annual Return Year ending 31 August 24 Administrative information 1 Trustees ’Annual report The Charities (Annual Return) Regulations 2022 Prescribed Information, Regulation 2 A,B &D Independent Examiners ’report Statement of financial activities Balance sheet Notes to the financial statements 20 Stamford New Road Altrincham Cheshire WA14 1EJ 07873263271 info@inch-arts.co.uk Hidden Altrincham Festival Annual Return Year ending 31 August 24 **REGISTERED CHARITY NUMBER 175769** **TRUSTEES** **Tony Skipper (Chairman) Dr Steve Sheppard Mike Browne** **REGISTERED OFFICE** **20 Stamford New Road Altrincham Cheshire WA15 9PR** **INDEPENDENT EXAMINER Chittenden Horley Hyde Park House Cartwright Street SK14 4EH** 20 Stamford New Road Altrincham Cheshire WA14 1EJ 07873263271 info@inch-arts.co.uk Hidden Altrincham Festival Annual Return Year ending 31 August 24 ## **Trustees Report 2024** The trustees are pleased to present their annual report together with the consolidated financial statements of the charity for the year ending 30 August 2024 which are also prepared to meet the requirements for a director’s report and accounts for Companies Act purposes. The year September 2023 - August 2024 Dr Steve Sheppard took on the role of Trustee in charge of finance. The charity continues to thrive, largely through the exceptional efforts of the CEO, our trusted collaborators and volunteers and my fellow Trustees. We also wish to thank our members, volunteers, tutors, artists and freelance managers who make our work at the studios possible. Should you wish to follow our news as it happens, please feel free to visit our website at www.inch-arts.co.uk ## **1. Objectives** The purpose of the Charity is: _"To advance the education of the public in the Arts, Science and the History and Heritage of Altrincham by the provision of public events including performances, exhibitions, workshops, talks and by other means as the Trustees may determine.”_ We aim to deliver quality Arts appreciation, education and training to the local community to help people practice good mental health and well-being. We focus on motivating passion and creativity in people, with the aim of bringing people together for enjoyment and social engagement, encouraging them to be imaginative and creative in a supportive environment. ## **2. Achievements and Performance** In December 23, the license for our premised formally expired and we remained in occupation whilst the local council sought to establish new terms of occupancy. Trustees were aware when we agreed occupancy terms back in 2018, that Trafford Borough Council had longer terms aspirations for the redevelopment of the ground floor premises and the upper floors of the former Library. 20 Stamford New Road Altrincham Cheshire WA14 1EJ 07873263271 info@inch-arts.co.uk Hidden Altrincham Festival Annual Return Year ending 31 August 24 Over the summer of 2024, we sought clarity from the Council whilst also considering potential alternative premises. Despite these uncertainties, the charity continued its programme of events in line with our aims and objectives, which proved difficult given these circumstances. Jo Cushing resigned as CEO at the end of July 2024 to pursue other interests and an Interim CEO position was taken by Mike Browne, who resigned as Trustee. ## **Classes and Groups** Classes, groups and workshops have been running smoothly and slowly growing in number of subjects including: • Weekly Art and Craft Workshops with juniors and teenagers • Photo social • Kids Drop in Workshops • Comic Workshops • Saturday Art and Craft Workshops for the Chinese Community • Summer Workshops for Kids • Health and Well-being Showcase • Watercolour and Mixed Media • Craft Workshops • Creative Bereavement • Life Drawing • Kids Club • Hear Me Music Group with Trafford Young Carers • Life drawing ## **One Day Workshops** Each month we have arranged one day workshops including: - Mid Autumn Festival - Chinese Community - Paint a canvas classes etc - Blue Lamp Art - Summer Holiday Craft workshops for young people - Christmas Wreath Workshop ## **Exhibitions** Throughout the year we had many exhibitions promoting and encouraging local artists: • Exhibition with Patrick Jones, Nedra and Apollo Walker • Open Studio Exhibition 20 Stamford New Road Altrincham Cheshire WA14 1EJ 07873263271 Charity Number: 1175769 info@inch-arts.co.uk ## Hidden Altrincham Festival Annual Return Year ending 31 August 24 - Christmas Open with Prizes - Judges Omid and Jen Orpin - Omid a resident at our studios had an exhibition at Castlefield Art Gallery Manchester - • Spring Exhibition - Open days for Makers ## **Resident Artists** Our studio Artists included: - Copesthetic - Rosalind Kay - Omair - Omid Assadi - Jaymeni Patel - Nedra Davis - • Alasdhair • Gina • Steve Sheppard • Bowie • ANO - Rat lady ## **Music** We had a very successful Christmas Music Fundraiser Gig ## **Grants** National Lottery Awards for All Fund, continued with the delivery of the following activities: - **Hear Me - Trafford Young Carer’s** . - We were delighted to complete the Hear Me project with Trafford Young Carer’s. This project was funded by a Youth Music Grant with match funding from Trafford Housing Trust. It has continued this year 23/24 and have been extremely successful. - • **The Human Voices Group** The Human Voices Group activity came to an end in July 24 after a very successful 2-year period. - • **Photo social Group** We had previously run this group gradually attracting a group of older men a notoriously difficult sector of society to engage. They are a high priority group in the area and are at risk of being socially isolated. - **Creative Bereavement** We are now in our 3rd year of this extremely successful group. 20 Stamford New Road Altrincham Cheshire WA14 1EJ 07873263271 Trading as Hidden Altrincham Festival CIO Charity Number: 1175769 info@inch-arts.co.uk ## Hidden Altrincham Festival Annual Return Year ending 31 August 24 **Makerspace** During this year we sent out an invitation to submit ideas to take over the use of the Makerspace as the Trustees and the CEO felt that the equipment and the space could be put to better use and help support a local maker or craftsperson in the early stages of their career. We were fortunate to receive several requests, but after due diligence checks, none of the possibilities were seen to be viable. The use and arrangement of the Makerspace is under review, subject to the continued occupation of the premises. ## **Studios** We now have 11 spaces that are occupied by artists under licence. The low cost of occupying space provides a useful studio environment within a supportive creative community. There are many benefits for artists and makers having a studio to work in and the collective community provides a much needed alternative supportive environment away from home. ## **3. Financial Review** Accounts have been prepared under Charity Commission CC16A Receipts and Payments Accounts. **Donations** No donations were received. The previous year donations from the Corgi Exhibition were used to fund projects including: • Art After Loss Exhibition • Subsidies to those students that cannot afford to pay • Subsidies to artists to afford studios • Subsidies to those with special needs • Resident Artist ## **Fundraising** The charity does not work with a professional fundraiser or a commercial participator. ## **Pricing Policy** Our pricing policy remains the same. We ensure that classes are affordable to enable all the community, whatever their means to take part in our activities. - Classes are £15 per session /£12 for members - Young Peoples Classes £10 / session - Exhibitions Commission 25%, and 20 Stamford New Road Altrincham Cheshire WA14 1EJ 07873263271 info@inch-arts.co.uk Hidden Altrincham Festival Annual Return Year ending 31 August 24 - Membership £7.50/month ## **Reserves** As a policy the organisation would ideally like to see a figure of 10% of turnover. We currently hold net cash reserves of £27,048 of which £0 remains for grants. The charity does not operate an investment policy, nor do we have any current social investment policy. **Ring-fenced Monies** We have no ringfenced monies ## **Outstanding Monies** No outstanding monies ## **4. New Initiatives and next Steps** ## **New Cultural Policy** We have been working closely with Trafford Borough Council on the implementation of a New Cultural Strategy (adopted in July 23). We understand a director for the implementation of the Cultural Strategy will be appointed. ## **Future Plans** We are talking to several stakeholders in the town to discuss possibilities and keep our options open for the future should we need to find alternative premises. We have been discussing the potential use of other town centre premises including the potential of the Town Hall, which is no longer in use. 20 Stamford New Road Altrincham Cheshire WA14 1EJ 07873263271 info@inch-arts.co.uk Hidden Altrincham Festival Annual Return Year ending 31 August 24 **The Charities (Annual Return) Regulations 2022 Made 21 December 2022** ## **Coming into force 1 January 2023** The Charity Commission for England and Wales makes the following Regulations in exercise of the powers conferred by sections 169(1), 169(4) and 347(3) of the Charities Act 2011[[footnote 1]] and section 26(3) of the Welsh Language Act 1993[[footnote 2]] ~~.~~ **1. Citation and commencement** These Regulations may be cited as the Charities (Annual Return) Regulations 2022 and come into force on 1 January 2023. **2. Prescribed information** (b).if the charity’s gross income in the financial period to which the return relates exceeds £25,000, the information specified in **Parts A, B and D of the Schedule;** ## **Prescribed Information, Regulation 2 Part A – All charities Financial period** 1, Reference and Administrative details as of 31/08/24 **Income and spending** 2,The charity’s gross income £51,021 and spending £52,085 in the financial period for the return ## **Income – government contracts** 3,The charity received no government contracts or a local authority in the financial period for the return. 4, N/A ## **Income – government grants** 5, The charity did not receive a local authority grant from Trafford MBC authority in the financial period for the return 6, N/A 7, The charity does not carry out grant making as the main way your charity carries out its purposes 8, N/A 9, N/A **Spend - trustee payments** 10, The trustees received **no** payments in the financial period for the return 11, No trustees resign and take up employment with the charity in the financial period for the return 20 Stamford New Road Altrincham Cheshire WA14 1EJ 07873263271 Trading as Hidden Altrincham Festival CIO Charity Number: 1175769 info@inch-arts.co.uk ## Hidden Altrincham Festival Annual Return Year ending 31 August 24 ## **Activities outside of the United Kingdom - income received from outside the United Kingdom** 12, The charity did not receive income from outside the United Kingdom in the financial period for the return 13. N/A 14. N/A 15. N/A ## **Activities outside of the United Kingdom - delivering charitable activities outside the United Kingdom** 16. The charity did not deliver charitable activities outside the United Kingdom in the financial period for the return 17. N/A 18. N/A 19. The charity did not spend funds outside the United Kingdom in the financial period for the return 20. N/A 21. N/A 22. N/A ## **Trading subsidiaries** 23, The charity has no trading subsidiaries ## **Locations – charity addresses** 24, The public address details displayed from the Register of Charities is correct 27.Please enter the charity’s public address. 28.Is this the same address that the charity uses as the charity’s administrative headquarters? If the response to question 28 is ‘no’: 29. N/A ## **Locations – charity property** 30. No charity’s properties is held by holding or custodian trustees on behalf of the charity (excluding the Official Custodian) in the financial period for the return ## **Structure and membership** 31.(c).no, the charity is not part of a wider group structure; or 32, No other members are entitled to vote under the charity’s governing document apart from the trustees. 20 Stamford New Road Altrincham Cheshire WA14 1EJ 07873263271 info@inch-arts.co.uk ## Hidden Altrincham Festival Annual Return Year ending 31 August 24 ## **Governance** ## **Employees and volunteers** 33.At the end of the financial period of the return, how many: (a). 1 person was permanently employed by the charity; (b). 0 people were on fixed-term contracts with the charity; (c). 2 self-employed person was working for the charity The charity employs the CEO directly. Other tutors intrinsic to the organisation, work on a freelance basis and rent the space from the charity for their classes. As grants are obtained for specific projects in the future, tutors are employed from a pool of available collaborators on a self-employed basis. 34.No people above work on behalf of your charity outside the United Kingdom 35.What was the total amount spent on employee payroll in the financial period of the return was £28,290 36.No charity’s employees receive total employment benefits of £60,000 or more in the financial period of the return 37. N/A 38.The value of the total employee benefits (including salary) provided by the charity to its highest paid employee in the financial period for the return was £17,270 39. The number of volunteers who carried out charitable activities on behalf of the charity in the United Kingdom in the financial period for the return was approximately 10 If the response to question 31(a), 31(c) or 31(d) is ‘yes’: 40.Which of the following policies and procedures does the charity have in place at the end of the financial period for the return: (a).Internal charity financial controls policy and procedures; (b).Safeguarding policy and procedures; (c).Financial reserves policy and procedures; (d).Complaints policy and procedures; (e).Serious incident reporting policy and procedures; (f).Charity financial reserves policy and procedures; (g).Internal risk management policy and procedures; (h).Trustee expenses policy and procedures; (i).Trustee conflicts of interest policy and procedures; (l).Bullying and harassment policy and procedures; (m).Social media policy and procedures; (n).Engaging external speakers at charity events policy and procedures. 41. The charity provides services to children and / or adults at risk in the financial period for the return. 42.Excluding Basic DBS Checks, has the charity obtained the required level of DBS checks for all roles which are eligible for them in the financial period for this return: 20 Stamford New Road Altrincham Cheshire WA14 1EJ 07873263271 Charity Number: 1175769 info@inch-arts.co.uk Hidden Altrincham Festival Annual Return Year ending 31 August 24 (b).Yes, all required Enhanced DBS Checks have been obtained; ## **Safeguarding and risk** 41, The charity provided services to children and / or adults at risk in the financial period for the return. 42, The charity has obtained the required level of DBS checks for all roles which are eligible for them in the financial period for this return. At least one Trustee and the CEO are DBS checked as well as other tutors and collaborators as necessary in accordance with the Charity’s Safeguarding Policy. Everyone working with children or vulnerable adults are enhanced DBS checked. ## **External risk and impact** In respect of the event specified by the Charity Commission: 43.Has the event had an impact on the charity during the financial period for this return: (a).estimated positive impact on: (i).donations; (ii).other income – grants; (iii).other income – contracts; (iv).other income – investment; (v).expenditure on charitable activities; (vi).expenditure on overheads; (vii).number of volunteers; (viii).number of employees; (ix).number of trustees; (x).fundraising activities; (xi)capacity to deliver services; (xii).total service demand? (b)Estimated negative effect on: (i).donations; (ii).other income – grants; (iii).other income – contracts; (iv).other income – investment; (v).expenditure on charitable activities; (vi).expenditure on overheads; (vii).number of volunteers; (viii).number of employees; (ix).number of trustees; (x).fundraising activities; (xi)capacity to deliver services; (xii).total service demand? 20 Stamford New Road Altrincham Cheshire WA14 1EJ 07873263271 Charity Number: 1175769 info@inch-arts.co.uk Hidden Altrincham Festival Annual Return Year ending 31 August 24 ## **Declaration** 44.Specify the following information about the person completing the return: (a).title; Mr (b).full name; Anthony Skipper (c).role in the charity; Chair (d).telephone number; 07747620607 (e).email address. tonyskipper05@gmail.com ## **Part B – Charities with a gross income exceeding £25,000 in the financial period for this return** ## **Serious Incidents** 45.Has the charity reported all Serious Incidents (including any historical incidents) that the charity became aware of during the financial period of the return: (a).yes; ## **Trustees ’annual report and accounts** Are you ready to submit a copy of the trustees ’annual report, the charity’s accounts and the relevant auditor’s or examiner’s report? If yes, please attach those documents. 47.If the charity’s accounts for the financial period for this return were examined by an independent examiner or audited, did the independent examiner or auditor identify any matters of concern in the relevant auditor’s or examiner’s report. No matters for concern. **Part D** – Charities with a gross income of £500,000 or less in the financial period for this return If the answer to question 4 or question 6 is a value that represents less than 70% of a charity’s gross income: 51.What was the total value of income received during the financial period for this return from: (a).donations and legacies; (b).charitable activities; (c).other trading activities; and (d).investments? ## **Fundraising** The Charity did not raise funds from the public. The charity did not work with any commercial participators. 20 Stamford New Road Altrincham Cheshire WA14 1EJ 07873263271 Charity Number: 1175769 info@inch-arts.co.uk Hidden Altrincham Festival Annual Return Year ending 31 August 24 ## **Structure, Governance and Management** ## **Trustees** Every appointed trustee is requested to be appointed for a term of three years by a resolution passed at a properly convened meeting of the charity trustees. However, under exceptional circumstances, trustees sometimes serve for shorter periods. Trustees are brought into the organisation through direct invitation or by open application and only after a proper selection process. Many Trustees have historically been known to the organisation or have been recommended. Newly appointed Trustees are inducted and given all information relating to the structure, governing and management of the Charity, including details of the Charity’s Constitution; Previous CEO Reports and Minutes and are invited to the studios to discuss how the organisation works as well as their contribution. The composition of the Trustee group aims to bring a range of skills in Business Administration; Finance; Health & Safety; HR and Marketing and where particular skills might be lacking Trustees look for outside consultancy and assistance. The Trustees also have access to good legal advice on an adhoc basis by a friend and advisor to the Charity. Hidden Altrincham Festival is a Charitable Incorporated Organisation that is governed by it’s constitution dated 16/11/17. It is registered with the Charity Commission. The Charity only operates in England and anyone over the age of 18 can become a member. ## **Risk Management** The Charity is satisfied that it manages its risks appropriately. We adopt a low-risk strategy and identify early threats and challenges to the organisation that may pose risks to income, expenditure, health and safety or safeguarding. The Charity has a comprehensive and high-quality all risks insurance policy and has adopted key procedural and operational policies in line with the Charity's Commissions guidance. The previous year has not been without its difficulties, but progress is being made to continue to address and improve upon the processes, risks and opportunities to ensure a more robust and secure future for the charity. Specifically, more stringent management, operational, communication and accounting procedures have been put in place. 20 Stamford New Road Altrincham Cheshire WA14 1EJ 07873263271 info@inch-arts.co.uk Hidden Altrincham Festival Annual Return Year ending 31 August 24 Trading as Hidden Altrincham Festival CIO Charity Number: 1175769 The trustees confirm they have had regard to the guidance issued by the Charity Commission on public benefit. The trustees received no renumeration for the financial period of the return. **Charity name:** Hidden Altrincham Festival CIO ## **Current Trustees** Anthony Skipper (Chair) February 2019 Steve Sheppard Treasurer Mike Browne (resigned 31[st] July 2024) Jo Cushing (appointed 1[st] Aug 2024) ## **Chief Executive** Jo Cushing (resigned 31[st] July 2024) Mike Browne (Interim CEO from 1[st] Aug 2024) ## **Declarations** The trustees declare that they have approved the trustees ’report above. Anthony Skipper - Chair of Trustees Signed on behalf of the board of Trustees Date: 21.10.2025 20 Stamford New Road Altrincham Cheshire WA14 1EJ 07873263271 info@inch-arts.co.uk Hidden Altrincham Festival Annual Return Year ending 31 August 24 ## **INDEPENDENT EXAMINERS REPORT TO THE TRUSTEES OF HIDDEN ALTRINCHAM FESTIVAL CIO FOR THE YEAR ENDED AUGUST 31 2024** ## **Responsibilities and basis of report** I report to the trustees on my examination of the accounts of the above charity (“the Trust”) for the year ended August 31 2024, comprising the statement of receipts and payments and the statement of assets and liabilities. **Deleted:** As the charity trustees of the Trust, you are responsible for the preparation of the accounts in accordance with the requirements of the Charities Act 2011 (“the Act”). I report in respect of my examination of the Trust’s accounts carried out under section 145 of the 2011 Act and in carrying out my examination, I have followed the applicable Directions given by the Charity Commission under section 145(5)(b) of the Act. ## **Independent examiner's statement** I have completed my examination. I confirm that no material matters have come to my attention in connection with the examination which gives me cause to believe that in, any material respect: accounting records were not kept in accordance with section 130 of the Act or the accounts do not accord with the accounting records I have no concerns and have come across no other matters in connection with the examination to which attention should be drawn in order to enable a proper understanding of the accounts to be reached. ## **Stacy Mason FCCA** HGA Accountants & Financial Consultants Ltd T/A Chittenden Horley -Chartered Accountants Hyde Park House, Cartwright Street Hyde SK14 4EH Date:24/09/2025 20 Stamford New Road Altrincham Cheshire WA14 1EJ 07873263271 Charity Number: 1175769 info@inch-arts.co.uk INcbARTS Hidden Altrincham Festival Annual Retum Year ending 31 August 24 HIDDEN ALTRICHAM FESTIVAL ¢10 STATEMENT OF RECEIPTS ANO PAYMENTS FOR THE YEAR EhlOEO AUGUST 2024 iknr•strlct 2024 tatal 1024 1.72D Teo 53D 1T2 TT 872 7T 72 5.450 72 11.OnD 1.￿D 174 2.687 5.5ag $74 J71 1.￿7 52.065 52.OB5 J.J IJ•.W￿￿) 17.1* (IAW> rii.wip Y9.319 20 Stamford New Road Altrincharn Cheshire WA141EJ 07873263271 Trading as Hidden Altrincham Feslwal CIO Charity Number.. 1175769 INcbARTS Hidden Altrincham Festival Annual Retum Year ending 31 August 24 HIDDEN ALTRICHAM FEsnvAL CIO STATEMENT OF ASSET8 AND LIA8ILITIE8 AS AT AIJGUST 312024 14 Unre5ttitted Re5tricttd 1024 2014 Totil tutal 2•24 b8nk 26,213 ,213 27.277 Assets retslnedfoTthaflVsownu5e 25.215 Lith11t￿ Re&tncted Fund5Carnedfarward 20 Stamford New Road Altrincharn Cheshire WA141EJ 07873263271 Trading as Hidden Altrincham Feslwal CIO Charity Number.. 1175769