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2025-03-31-accounts

Registered Charity No: 1176413

REPORT AND FINANCIAL STATEMENTS

12 MONTHS ENDED 31 MARCH 2025

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Addresses: Nether Stowey Village Hall Lime Street Nether Stowey Bridgwater Somerset TA5 1NH Nether Stowey Recreation Ground Barn Close Nether Stowey Bridgwater Somerset TA5 1PA Address for Correspondence: 2A Castle Street Nether Stowey Bridgwater Somerset TA5 1LN

Registered Charity No: 1176413

Bankers: Lloyds Bank PLC. 25 Cornhill, Bridgwater, Somerset TA6 3AY Lloyds Bank PLC. 120 Lewisham High Street, Lewisham, London SE13 6JG

Trustees 1/4/2024 – 31/3/2025:

Mark Cooke Jane Erskine Simon Freeman (Chair) Mark Howells Andrew Jeanes Eleanor Jones Sharon Mayell (Treasurer) Jo Davison

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TRUSTEE REPORT FOR THE YEAR ENDED 31 MARCH 2025

The trustees present their annual report and financial statements of the charity for the year ended 31 March 2025. The financial statements have been prepared in accordance with the accounting policies set out in note 1 to the accounts and comply with the charity’s trust deed, the Charities Act 2011 and Accounting and the Charities Statement of Recommended Practice (second edition) and Financial Reporting standard FRS 102.

Objectives and activities for the public benefit

The purposes of the charity are the provision and maintenance of a community centre, sports field and recreation ground for the use of the inhabitants of the Area of Benefit (Nether Stowey and the surrounding areas) without distinction of political, religious or other opinions, race or gender including use for:

The charity carries out these activities through informal relationships with and support from Nether Stowey Parish Council, Stowey Green Spaces Group (SGSG) and regular users of the facilities, in particular Nether Stowey Football Club.

A review of our achievements and performance

The sports field and recreation ground continue to be well-maintained, through over 80 hours of volunteer time as well as pitch cuts and grass cutting of the children’s play area, boundary strimming and tree maintenance by local contractors. Our focus is currently on the condition of the football pitches, and we had been awarded a six-year revenue grant (July 2022) from the Football Foundation (FF). Income continues to be received mainly from the mobile phone mast lease as well as hire of the MUGA and field by Nether Stowey Football Club and fundraising activities such as quiz nights and the return of both our annual flower show and Party in the Park.

Our website continues to be updated regularly. We also provide a bi-monthly newsletter for the village notice boards and well as information in the local community publication, Quantock Messenger.

The trustees continue to work behind the scenes on delivery of the new Stowey Centre project to build a community centre on the edge of the recreation ground. A planning application was submitted in January 2022, with a £10,000 grant from the Fairfield Charitable Trust and it was anticipated that planning would be granted by the end of the summer 2022. With this in mind (also see Risk Management) the trustees decided to close the existing Village Hall at the end of March 2022 to allow time to de-commission it. At the time of writing this report we are still awaiting confirmation of planning permission, which has been severely delayed due to factors outside of our control, including numerous bat surveys and a change from Sedgemoor District Council to a new unitary authority, Somerset Council. We have now sought advice from new ecologists and a new planning consultant and are reducing the size of the building to lessen the impact on bats and currently await the new drawings.

Financial review

All costs are closely monitored, most have increased during the last 12 months, although there were no electricity costs for the old village hall due to a large credit balance from previous years. Nether Stowey Football club pays a monthly fee of £120 for using the portacabin and shower hut on the recreation ground which is reviewed annually to check it covers electric, water and cleaning costs as a minimum. This monthly fee has been increased to £150. They also pay an annual fee of £1,000 to hire the MUGA. Rental income of £5,500 per annum is received for the mobile phone mast. Fund-raising such as Quiz nights (£1,000), our

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annual Party in The Park (£155) and Flower Show (£580) help cover operational costs and our monthly 50:50 Lottery supports the costs of the new Centre with income of over £1,300 each year. These are all unrestricted funds. Bank account balances are held in line with our reserves policy and at the end of the year 31 March 2025 totaled £75,817.34 of which £41,442.20 were restricted funds and relate to a Village Hall Capital Expenditure grant from Sedgemoor District Council and part of the Football Foundation grant. Unrestricted funds have been spent on utility bills for the portacabin, shower hut, playing field as well as the old village hall. Pitch cuts cost £1,080 and play area cuts £1,560, electricity for the portacabin and shower hut (including the MUGA lights) was £1,535 and insurance £2,069. The pitch maintenance and field maintenance of £5,604 was funded by the Football Foundation’s grant and a Parish Council grant which were restricted funds. The annual insurance cost of £2,069 was funded for the most part by a Parish Council grant (restricted funds). There were no fees relating to the new Centre this year as we are still waiting for planning to be granted. The outline planning permission on the old village was extended for a further 3 years at a cost of £2,340 as a bat survey had to be undertaken for the first time. This is noted within ‘other costs’. We have concentrated on fundraising through events and grants this year to ensure income matched expenditure.

Risk Management

The MUGA, Skate ramp and children’s play area are subject to an SPFA annual inspection which is reviewed and acted upon by the playing field committee. This is supported with regular checks by volunteers. The trees are checked on an annual basis by a local contractor. The stream is cleared annually to prevent flooding.

The old village hall was closed 31/03/2022 as it was losing money due to reduced usage by hirers as the premises were considered to be too cold for some meetings, out of date for others (not having access to WiFi) and with access issues (steep slope and minimal parking). The back room was not available for hire, due to years with a leaky roof making the ceiling unsafe. The cost of the electric night storage heaters was increasing significantly and the cost of repairs was making the running of the hall unviable. The new Stowey Centre will be built and run as cost effectively as possible, utilizing new, greener energy and attracting a range of regular users. The old village hall is subject to a weekly check, in line with our insurer’s requirements. The water bill and standing charge for electricity have to be paid.

Reserves Policy

To help fund the eventual replacement of the 3G MUGA court, it was agreed by the Recreation Ground subcommittee on 28/04/2021 that 30% of the MUGA hirer’s income for each year will be transferred to the charity’s savings account. (£2,050 x 30% = £615 will be transferred.) This is an informal arrangement and therefore these are unrestricted funds .

We aim to keep a minimum balance equivalent to 12 months’ operating expenses in the main bank account. Surplus funds are transferred to the savings account to ensure the charity benefits from any bank interest . These monies are unrestricted funds.

Any grant money received are restricted funds and can only be spent in accordance with the terms and conditions of the grant. The grants we have outstanding are £39,852 (originally £50,000) from Sedgemoor District Council which will be spent once the planning permission has been received for the new Stowey Centre and part of the Football Foundation pitch maintenance grant of £1,590 due to the timing of the accounts. (£4,644 was paid out during this financial year and an additional £2136 cost was paid in November 2023).

Plans for the future

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A closer working relationship with Nether Stowey Football Club means that the Football Foundation will continue to support the maintenance of the pitches through grant funding. They are also keen to support the building of the new Centre as it will comply with FA standards for changing rooms.

The Stowey Centre Project continues to be the focus for the trustees as it is hoped that we shall be able to start construction within the next financial year.

Structure, governance and management

The Charitable Incorporated Organisation (CIO) has 8 trustees some of whom are focused solely on the project and others who also take an active role in management of the facilities. The charity has approximately 150 members who are invited to join committees, nominate and elect trustees at the AGM and have a say in how the facilities are managed and developed. The governing document is the constitution dated 21/12/2017. The day-to-day management is undertaken by a committee comprising of 3 trustees and a number of volunteers who are representative of the users of the facilities.

Trustees’ responsibilities in relation to the financial statements

The charity trustees are responsible for preparing a Trustees’ Annual Report and financial statements in accordance with applicable law and United Kingdom Accounting Standards (United Kingdom Generally Accepted Accounting Practice).

The law applicable to charities in England and Wales requires the charity trustees to prepare financial statements for each year which give a true and fair view of the state of affairs of the charity and of the incoming resources and application of resources, of the charity for that period. In preparing the financial statements, the trustees are required to:

The trustees are responsible for keeping proper accounting records that disclose with reasonable accuracy at any time the financial position of the charity and to enable them to ensure that the financial statements comply with the Charities Act 2011, the application Charities (Accounts and Reports) Regulations, and the provisions of the Trust deed. They are also responsible for safeguarding the assets of the charity and taking reasonable steps for the prevention and detection of fraud and other irregularities.

The trustees are responsible for the maintenance and integrity of the charity and financial information included on the charity’s website in accordance with legislation in the United Kingdom governing the preparation and dissemination of financial statements.

Approved by the trustees on 3[rd] September 2025

S FREEMAN CHAIR of TRUSTEES

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INDEPENDENT EXAMINERS REPORT

Nether Stowey Village Hall & Recreation Ground (Charity No. 1176413)

Independent Examiners Report to the Trustees of Nether Stowey Village Hall & Recreation Ground For the Year Ended 31 March 2025

I report to the trustees on my examination of the accounts of Nether Stowey Village Hall & Recreation Ground for the year ended 31 March 2025, which are set out on pages 3 to 13.

Responsibilities and basis of report

As the trustees of the charity, 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 Trustee’s accounts carried out under section 145 of the 2011 Act and in carrying out my examination I have followed all the applicable directions given by the Charity Commission under section 145(5)(b) of the 2011 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 giving me cause to believe that in any material respect:

(3) the accounts do not comply with the applicable requirements concerning the form and content of accounts set out in the Charities (Accounts and Reports) Regulations 2008 other than any requirement that the accounts give a ‘true and fair view’ which is not a matter considered part of an independent examination.

I have no concerns and have come across no other matter in connection with the examination to which attention should be drawn in this report in order to enable a proper understanding of the accounts to be reached.

Gavin Roberts FCA

Date: 18 November 2025 4 King Square Bridgwater Somerset TA6 3YF

Signed: GavinR

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NETHER STOWEY VILLAGE HALL AND RECREATION GROUND STATEMENT OF FINANCIAL ACTIVITIES FOR THE YEAR ENDING 31 MARCH 2025

Note
1		 Unrestricted
Funds		 Restricted
Funds		 Total Funds
2025		 Total Funds
2024
Income 4
Hire fees £3,559.00 Nil £3,559.00 £4,389.00
Mast Lease £5,500.00 Nil £5,500.00 £5,500.00
Grants 8 Nil £9,544.00 £9,544.00 £5,760.00
Donations £39.60 Nil £39.60 £34.12
Fundraising& other £8,180.96 Nil £8,180.96 £4,588.43
Total income £17,279.56 £9,544.00 £26,823.56 £20,271.55
Expenditure
Operatingcosts 7 £11,402.97 £7,954.00 £19,356.97 £23,693.68
Other costs (incl.
depreciation)		 6 £8,838.84 Nil £8,838.84 £6,707.17
Total expenditure £20,241.81 £7,954.00 £28,195.81 £30,400.85
Net
income/(expenditure)		 (£2,962.25) £1,590 (£1,372.25) (£10,129.30)
Total Funds brought
forward		 £327,407.70 £39,852.20 £367,259.90 £377,389.20
Total funds carried
forward		 £324,445.55 £41,442.20 £365,887.75 £367,259.90

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NETHER STOWEY VILLAGE HALL AND RECREATION GROUND BALANCE SHEET AS AT 31 MARCH 2025

Note Unrestricted
Funds		 Restricted
Funds		 Total Funds
2025		 Prior Year
2024
Fixed assets
Tangible assets 11 £290,070.41 Nil £290,070.41 £296,569.25
Total fixed assets £290,070.41 Nil £290,070.41 £296,569.25
Current assets
Cash at bank and in
hand		 13 £34,375.14 £41,442.20 £75,817.34 £70,690.65
Total current assets £34,375.14 £41,442.20 £75,817.34 £70,690.65
Liabilities:
Creditors falling due
within oneyear		 Nil Nil Nil Nil
Net current assets £34,375.14 £41,442.20 £75,817.34 £70,690.65
Total assets less
current liabilities		 £324,445.55 £41,442.20 £365,887.75 £367,259.90
Creditors: Amounts
falling due after more
than one year.
Provisions for
liabilities and charges		 Nil Nil Nil Nil
Net assets £324,445.55 £41,442.20 £365,887.75 £367,259.90
Represented by:
Accumulated Assets £327,407.80 £39,852.20 £367,260.00 £377,389.20
Net Surplus for 12
months		 (£2,962.25) £1,590.00 (£1,372.25) (£10,129.30)
Total charity value £324,445.55 £41,442.20 £365,887.75 £367,259.90

The notes below form part of these accounts.

Approved by the trustees on 3rd September 2025 and signed on their behalf by:

S FREEMAN CHAIR of TRUSTEES

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Notes to the Accounts

1. Accounting Policies

(a) Basis of preparation and assessment of going concern

The accounts (financial statements) have been prepared under the historical cost convention with items being recognized at cost or transaction value unless otherwise stated in the relevant note(s) to these accounts. The financial statements have been prepared in accordance with the second edition of the Charities Statement of Recommended Practice issued in October 2019, the Financial Reporting Standard applicable in the United Kingdom and Republic of Ireland (FRS 102) and the Charities Act 2011.

The trustees consider there are no material uncertainties about the Trust’s ability to continue as a going concern.

The trust constitutes a public benefit entity as defined by FRS 102.

The most significant area of uncertainty that affects the carrying value of assets held by the charity is the value of the old village hall, stated at £285,355 on an historical cost basis. An up-to-date valuation will be sought once we put the village hall up for sale. (Guide price of £275,000 as at May 2025)

(b) Funds structure

Restricted income funds are those which are to be used in accordance with specific restrictions imposed upon them by the donor. During the year ended 31/03/2025 the following grants were received:

Unrestricted income funds are those which the trustees are free to use for any purpose in furtherance of the charitable objectives. Unrestricted funds include designated funds where the trustees, at their discretion, have created a fund for a specific purpose, for example transferring 30% of all MUGA hirer’s income to the savings account to help pay for repair or replacement of the 3G surface and the Stowey Centre account includes money donated from 50:50 lottery winners and other parties. The following donations were received:

Fundraising net income was from:

Interest on funds held on deposit is included when receivable and the amount can be measured reliably by the charity, this is normally on notification of the interest paid by the bank.

(c) Income recognition

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Income is recognised once the charity has received it. Invoices are recognised as soon as they are paid. Donations are recognised once the money is received into the bank account. Fundraising events are recognised in the statement of financial activities when they occur, and expenses are accrued as they fall due. Interest on funds held on deposit is included when receivable and the amount can be measured reliably by the charity, this is normally on notification of the interest paid by the bank.

(d) Expenditure recognition

All expenditure is paid against an invoice within 7 days or reimbursed to an individual against a receipt confirming prior payment. All expenses including operating costs are allocated or apportioned to the applicable expenditure headings. For more information on this attribution refer to note (f) below.

(e) Irrecoverable VAT

The charity is not VAT registered and irrecoverable VAT is charged against the expenditure heading for which it was incurred.

(f) Allocation of costs

Costs are split between operating costs, which include all bills relating to the running and maintenance of the recreation ground, MUGA court, boundaries and the old village hall and other costs. The other costs this year are a bat survey on the old village hall to allow the outline planning permission to be extended and depreciation which is charged on individual facilities and items such as the children’s play area and football goal posts on a straight-line basis over their estimated useful life of 10 years from the year of acquisition. Fixtures and fittings and equipment for the village hall are currently depreciated at 25% per annum on a reducing balance basis.

(g) Costs of raising funds

The costs of generating fundraising income are deducted from the fundraising activities and include £20 per annum lottery licence fee.

(h) Expenditure on charitable activities

Includes operating costs, licences and other costs such as planning applications as shown in note 7.

(i) Tangible fixed assets and depreciation

All assets costing more than £1,000 are capitalised and valued at historical cost. Depreciation is charged on individual facilities and items such as the MUGA, children’s play area and football goal posts on a straight-line basis over their estimated useful life of 10 years from the year of acquisition. Fixtures and fittings and equipment for the village hall are currently depreciated at 25% per annum on a reducing balance basis.

(j) Fixed asset investments

The charity does not hold any form of fixed asset investment.

(k) Realised gains and losses

All gains and losses are taken to the Statement of Financial Activities as they arise. Realised gains and losses on investments (if the charity were to have them) are calculated as the difference between the sales proceeds and their opening carrying value or their purchase value if acquired subsequent to the first day of the financial year. Unrealised gains and losses are calculated as the difference between the fair value at the year end and their carrying value. Realised and unrealised investment gains and losses are combined in the Statement of Financial Activities.

(l) Pensions

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There are no employees of the charity. It is run entirely by volunteers. The issue of pensions would need to be reviewed if the charity decided to take on employees.

(m) Contingent liabilities

The charity does not have any contingent liabilities.

2. Related party transactions and trustees’ expenses and remuneration

The trustees all give freely their time and expertise without any form of remuneration or other benefit in cash or kind.

3. Investment income
Interest on bank cash deposits
4. Analysis of income
Village Hall hire(n/a now closed)
MUGA hire
Nether Stowey Football club fees
Portacabin hire
Mast lease
Donations
Party in the Park
PFR Lottery
Bank interest
Fundraising(flower show, quiz nights)
Other(wayleave payment)
Grants(football pitch maintenance)
Total
5. Investment management costs
Not applicable.
6. Allocation of other costs
Planning costs for new Stowey Centre
Other village hall costs - bat survey
Depreciation
Total
7. Analysis of expenditure (operating costs)
Village Hall cleaning
Village Hall electric
Village Hall water
MUGA maintenance (incl token box repair)
Pitch cuts
Shower hut electric (includes MUGA lights)
Portacabin electric
Shower hut water
Portacabin water
Play area cuts
CCTV maintenance
Field maintenance (incl pitch improvements)
Rec Ground cleaner
Village Hall gardener
CIO Admin fees (includes website)		 2025
£592.62
£0.00
£2,050.00
£1,440.00
£69.00
£5,500.00
£39.60
£2,332.12
£2,590.00
£592.62
£2,182.72
£483.50
£9,544.00
£0.00
£26,823.66
2025
£0.00
£2,340.00
£6,498.84
£8,838.84
2025
£0.00
£0.00
£637.38
£135.69
£1,080.00
£1,008.00
£526.75
£114.07
£94.50
£1,605.64
£168.00
£5,604.00
£245.00
£0.00
£374.43		 2024
£547.39
£0.00
£2,680.00
£1,440.00
£269.00
£5,500.00
£34.12
£0
£2,667.50
£547.39
£1,369.24
£4.30
£5,760.00
£0.00
£20,271.55
2024
£0.00
£0.00
£6,707.17
£6,707.17
2024
£0.00
£690.49
£576.95
£825.68
£1,350.00
£979.70
£426.00
£99.21
£78.00
£1,950.00
£360.00
£9,785.40
£300.00
£120.00
£365.36

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CCS (Community Council for Somerset) subs
SPFA (Somerset Playing Fields Assoc.) subs
Fire extinguisher annual check (VH)
Insurance
Rec Ground buildings maintenance
SPFA annual check
Party in the Park/fundraising
PFR Lottery
SDC Licence
Accountancy
Total
8. Analysis of grants received

Football Foundation pitch maintenance
Nether Stowey Parish Council (NSPC) for insurance
NSPC for cutting trees & pitch maintenance
NSPC for School fair/Party in The Park DJ
Total grants		 £110.00
£30.00
£0.00
£2,069.15
£193.69
£155.00
£2,771.92
£1,263.75
£180.00
£990.00		 £100.00
£0.00
£0.00
£1,930.91
£130.41
£155.00
£432.57
£1,268.00
£180.00
£1,590.00
£23,693.68
£19,356.97
2025
£5,760.00
£1,950.00
£1,434.00
£400
£9,544
2024
£5,760.00
£0.00
£0.00
£0.00
£5,760

Football Foundation – 6-year revenue grant (from 5/6/23) towards the enhanced grass pitch maintenance works as set out within the PitchPower Assessment Report. Part of this grant (£1,590) relates to an invoice paid 11/23.

SDC grant 2023 accounts - For relocation and new build of the Stowey Centre to the Recreation Ground. The date by which a certificate of practical completion certifying that all the Project has been fully and properly undertaken is provided, being no later than 31 December 2028 or such other date as the Council acting reasonably shall consider appropriate.

9. Analysis of staff costs

There are no staff costs.

10. Independent examiners’ remuneration

External Independent examiner costs of £990.00 have been paid in the financial year ended 31/03/2025.

11. Tangible Fixed Assets

Freehold land and buildings (no depreciation)

Net book value
At 1 April 2024
Depreciation
Net book value
At 31 March 2025
MUGA courts(2013)
Net book value
At 1 April 2024
Depreciation
Net book value
At 31 March 2025
Children’s play area (2015)
Net book value
At 1 April 2024
Depreciation
Net book value
At 31 March 2025		 £285,355.00
£0.00
£285,355.00
£0.00
£0.00
£0.00
£5,400.00
£5,400.00
£0.00

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Fixtures & fittings

Net book value
At 1 April 2024
Depreciation
Net book value
At 31 March 2025
Football goals (2022)
Net book value
At 1 April 2024
Depreciation
Net book value
At 31 March 2025		 £2,499.95
£624.99
£1,874.96
£3,314.30
£473.85
£2,840.45

12. Fixed Asset Investments

Not applicable

13. Analysis of current assets

Combined current accounts.
Reserve account (ending 3260)
Total		 2025
2024
£21,695.78
£17,965.71
£54,121.56
£52,724.94
£75,817.34
£70,690.65

Cash at bank balances were as follows: unrestricted funds £34,375.14 (2024: £30,838.55), restricted funds £41,442.20 (2024: £39,852.20)

14. Analysis of current liabilities and long-term creditors

There are no liabilities.

15. Funds movement

Note 15 Opening funds Income Expenditure Closing funds
Unrestricted funds £327,407.70 £17,279.66 £20,241.81 £324,455.55
Restricted funds £39,852.20 £9,544.00 £7,954.00 £41,442.20
Total funds £367,259.90 £26,823.56 £28,195.81 £365,887.75

16. Prior year funds movement

Note 16 Opening Funds Income Expenditure Closing funds
Unrestricted
funds		 £337,537.00 £14,511.55 £24,640.85 £327,407.70
Restricted funds £39,852.20 £5,760.00 £5,760.00 £39,852.20
Total funds £377,389.20 £20,271.55 £30,400.85 £367,259.90

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Nether Stowey Village Hall & Recreation Ground

Detailed Statement of Financial Activities
for the Year Ended 31 March 2025
31.03.25 31.03.24
INCOME AND ENDOWMENTS £ £
Donations and legacies
Donations 40 34
Grants 9,544 5,760
9,584 5,794
Other trading activities
Village Hall hire 0 0
MUGA hire 2,050 2,680
Nether Stowey Football club fees 1,440 1,440
Portacabin hire 69 269
Mast lease 5,500 5,500
Party in the Park 2,332 0
PFR Lottery 2,590 2,668
Fundraising(flower show, quiz x2) 2,183 1,369
Other(wayleave payment, lease refund & chair hire) 483 4
26,231 19,724
Investment Income 592 547
Bank interest
Total incoming Resources 26,823 20,271
EXPENDITURE
Charitable activities
Donations - -
- -
Other Expenditures
Support costs
Village Hall electric 0 690
Village Hall water 637 577
MUGA maintenance 136 826

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Pitch cuts 1080 1350
Shower hut electric (includes MUGA lights) 1008 980
Portacabin electric 527 426
Shower hut water 114 99
Portacabin water £46.50 but £46.81 refund 94 78
Play area cuts & maintenance 1,606 1,950
CCTV maintenance 168 360
Field maintenance 5,604 9,785
Rec Ground cleaner 245 300
Village Hall gardener 0 120
CIO Admin fees (includes website) 374 365
CCS (Community Council for Somerset) subs 110 100
SPFA (Somerset Playing Fields Assoc.) subs 30 0
VH Fire extinguisher annual check 0 0
Insurance 2,069 1,931
Rec Ground buildings maintenance 194 130
SPFA annual check 155 155
Party in the Park & flower show expenses 2,772 433
PFR Lottery 1,259 1,268
SDC Licence 180 180
Planning costs for new Stowey Centre 0 0
Other village hall costs – bat survey 2,340 0
Depreciation 6,499 6,707
27,201 28,810
Finance
Bank Charges 5 0
Governance costs
Accountancy and professional fees 990 1,590
Total resources expended 28,196 30,400
Net (expenditure)/income (1,373) (10,129)

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