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2025-03-31-accounts

Trustees’ Annual Report for the period

From 01 April 2024 To 31 March 2025 Charity name: Uttlesford Buffy Bus Association Charity registration number: 1180905

Objectives and Activities

SORP
reference
Summary of the purposes
of the charity as set out in
its governing document
Para 1.17 The Charity’s objects (“the objects”) are
to advance the education of children
below compulsory school age by
providing or assisting in provision of
facilities for group play and the provision
of therapeutic, educational and
stimulating toys and equipment.
To provide recreational and other leisure
time occupation for children mainly within
the Uttlesford District in the interests of
social welfare, that the conditions of life
of such children may be improved.
To support the education of children
during their early years. To reduce
isolation amongst young children and
their families. To work in partnership with
other organisations to ensure every child
gets the very best start in life. To strive
for equality of opportunity for all children,
parents and carers. To increase the
confidence and self-esteem of children,
parents and carers. To provide
information and knowledge of other
services in the local area.
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
Uttlesford Buffy Bus Association (UBBA)
is a local charity, community-based, non-
profit making organisation established in
1994. Buffy Playbus is designed to bring
to the under fives and their carers an
opportunity to play and socialise in a
playgroup environment. Buffy Playbus
relies on grant aid, charitable donations
and fund-raisingefforts.
Statement confirming
whether the trustees have
had regard to the
guidance issued by the
Charity Commission on
public benefit
Para 1.18 The trustees have had regard to the
Charity Commission’s guidance on
public benefit.

Additional information (optional)

You may choose to include further statements where relevant about:

Additional information (optional)
You maychoose to include further statements where relevant about:
Additional information (optional)
You maychoose to include further statements where relevant about:
Additional information (optional)
You maychoose to include further statements where relevant about:
SORP
reference
Policyongrant making Para 1.38 The Charitydoes not makegrants
Policy on social
investment including
program related
investment
Para 1.38 The Charity’s only investment is in bank
deposit accounts.
Contribution made by
volunteers
Para 1.38 We welcome volunteers to be part of our
executive committee and to be involved
with our fund-raising activities.
We have an active fundraising
committee.
All trustees and other committee
members give their time voluntarily and
receive no remuneration or other
benefits.
Other We will celebrate 31 years of the Buffy
Playbus service in 2025. Kerry Mattholie
continues as our excellent Project
Manager. She has a close rapport with
the playleaders and is excellent in her
communication to the Management
Committee with regards the day to day
running of the bus.
Buffy PlayBus is staffed by experienced
and qualified early years employees. Our
staff are highly motivated, loved and
valued by all our visitors. Our
playleaders plan a weekly activity that
supports goals within the Early Years
Foundation Framework Stage. The team
work hard to initiate conversations
between families and engage with
children in games to help them to make
friends.
Working with Uttlesford Foodbank we
now provide a food bank distribution &
collection point on board Buffy PlayBus.

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
Buffy PlayBus visits 15 different locations
across Uttlesford each week. Our service
is completely free to those who use it so
that finance is not a barrier and as many
children as possible are able to benefit.
All our staff have now undertaken J9
training so Buffy Playbus is now a Safe
Space within our community. J9 training
provides the tools and resources to
recognise the signs of domestic abuse
and provide a place to access
information to point someone in the
direction of specialist support services.
Highlights of the year:
Celebration of 30 years of Buffy Playbus
in June 2024 on The Common in Saffron
Walden. We were overwhelmed by the
support shown for Buffy Playbus on the
day and the loyalty of our families, many
of whom queued in the rain for a chance
to come onboard and play; Our newest
Trustee Lucy Starte was able to organise
a gifted visit from Peppa Pig and a
substantial number of Raffle prizes from
Hasbro UK Ltd:
Summer Activity days in Flitch Green,
Great Dunmow and Saffron Walden,
across the days we welcomed more than
300 families onto the bus, some regulars
and lots of new faces;
The reintroduction of our Christmas
grotto;
Our fundraising Quiz night;
Participation in Great Dunmow carnival
procession.
We survey our visitors twice each year.
Some of the comments we have
received this year:
The best part is range of activities and
staff are extremely welcoming”.
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 Buffy PlayBus visits 15 different locations
across Uttlesford each week. Our service
is completely free to those who use it so
that finance is not a barrier and as many
children as possible are able to benefit.
All our staff have now undertaken J9
training so Buffy Playbus is now a Safe
Space within our community. J9 training
provides the tools and resources to
recognise the signs of domestic abuse
and provide a place to access
information to point someone in the
direction of specialist support services.
Highlights of the year:
Celebration of 30 years of Buffy Playbus
in June 2024 on The Common in Saffron
Walden. We were overwhelmed by the
support shown for Buffy Playbus on the
day and the loyalty of our families, many
of whom queued in the rain for a chance
to come onboard and play; Our newest
Trustee Lucy Starte was able to organise
a gifted visit from Peppa Pig and a
substantial number of Raffle prizes from
Hasbro UK Ltd:
Summer Activity days in Flitch Green,
Great Dunmow and Saffron Walden,
across the days we welcomed more than
300 families onto the bus, some regulars
and lots of new faces;
The reintroduction of our Christmas
grotto;
Our fundraising Quiz night;
Participation in Great Dunmow carnival
procession.
We survey our visitors twice each year.
Some of the comments we have
received this year:
The best part is range of activities and
staff are extremely welcoming”.
“Buffy helps us to feel less isolated as it’s
very welcoming and friendly”.
“Lovely for my grandson, it’s a godsend
for us”.
“I just wanted to say how amazing you all
were today. I loved how it was
organised with Santa. Mia loves Peppa
Pig so the present was amazing! We
love Buffy Playbus and are so lucky to
have it in our area. You do an amazing
job and we are so grateful.”
Additional information (optional)
You maychoose to include further statements where relevant about:
Achievements against
objectives set
Para 1.41
100% of respondents said they are made
to feel welcome on the bus and would
recommend our service to their friends.
Performance of
fundraising activities
against objectives set
Para 1.41
Investment performance
against objectives
Para 1.41
N/A
Other
Financial Review
Review of the charity’s
financial position at the
end of the period
Para 1.21
This year was good year for income as
three funders, Uttlesford District Council,
Essex Community Foundation and
Masonic Charitable foundation agreed to
multi-year grants and we also had grants
from a number of other sources.
The Big Lottery was again our major
funder, contributing about 55% of the
total income of £113,269. Other grants
made up 31%. Donations from bus users
were slightly down on the previous year
but other donations were up.
We had some success with fund raising
events this year. Bank interest also
contributed to our income.
The cost of running the service was
£107,489 mainly bus running costs and
staff costs, including depreciation of
£10,824.
“Buffy helps us to feel less isolated as it’s
very welcoming and friendly”.
“Lovely for my grandson, it’s a godsend
for us”.
“I just wanted to say how amazing you all
were today. I loved how it was
organised with Santa. Mia loves Peppa
Pig so the present was amazing! We
love Buffy Playbus and are so lucky to
have it in our area. You do an amazing
job and we are so grateful.”
This left us with a surplus of £5,780 for
the year. We have total assets at the end
of the year of£180,680 of which £87,369
were net current assets, slightly up on
last year.
Statement explaining the
policy for holding reserves
statingwhytheyare held
Para 1.22 Our policy is to hold £25,000 in reserve
to cover any unforeseen problems with
BuffyPlayBus or closingdown costs.
Amount of reserves held Para 1.22 £25,000
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 N/A

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 The National Lottery Community Fund,
Essex Community Foundation, Uttlesford
District Council, Great Dunmow Rotary
Club, Masonic Charitable Fund, Fowler,
Smith & Jones, Stansted Airport
Passenger & Community Funds, Hedley
Foundation, NFU, Give as you Live,
Essex Lottery and other individuals.
Investment policy and
objectives including any
social investment policy
adopted
Para 1.46 N/A
A description of the
principal risks facing the
charity
Para 1.46 Across the third sector, there is less
income available through grant funding,
which is our main source of income. The
cost-of-living crisis continues to impact
both our costs and the amount of income
raised through donations. As an
organisation that has been operating for
31 years, we are no stranger to difficult
times and change so we are sure that we
can navigate what maybe a tricky path.
Other

Structure, Governance and Management

Structure, Governance and Management Structure, Governance and Management Structure, Governance and Management
Description of charity’s
trusts:
Type of governing
document
(trust deed,royal charter)
Para 1.25 Constitution
How is the charity
constituted?
(e.g unincorporated
association,CIO)
Para 1.25 Charity incorporated Organisation(CIO)
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 Appointed by existing Trustees

Additional information (optional)

You may choose to include further statements where relevant about:

Policies and procedures
adopted for the induction
and trainingof trustees
Para 1.51
The charity’s
organisational structure
and any wider network
with which the charity
works
Para 1.51 The Project Manager is responsible for
the day-to-day running of the Playbus
working with the Playleaders on a daily
basis. The Project Manager formally
reports to the trustees at regular
meetings and works with trustees and
other members of the executive
committee on an ad hoc basis.
Relationship with any
related parties
Para 1.51 We are pleased to have forged a strong
bond with Home-Start Essex & Carver
Barracks (where Buffy also resides
overnight), Uttlesford Foodbank, Essex
Children & Families Wellbeing Service
and other statutory agencies.
Other

Reference and Administrative details

Charity name Uttlesford Buffy Bus Association
Other name the charity
uses
Buffy Bus, Buffy Playbus, UBBA
Registered charitynumber 1180905
Charity’s principal address Walnut Tree Cottage, Littlebury Green, Saffron Walden,
Essex. CB11 4XB

Names of the charity trustees who manage the charity

Trustee name Office (if any) Dates acted if not for
whole year
Name of person (or
body) entitled to
appoint trustee (if
any)
Janet Menell President
Catherine Fenn-
Smith
Chairman
Margaret Shaw
Angela Porter
Lucy Russell Secretary
Rosemary Juhl
Lucy Starte From 30thSeptember
2024

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 NONE

Funds held as custodian trustees on behalf of others Description of the assets N/A held in this capacity Name and objects of the N/A charity on whose behalf the assets are held and how this falls within the custodian charity’s objects Details of arrangements N/A for safe custody and segregation of such assets from the charity’s own assets

Additional information (optional) Names and addresses of advisers (Optional information) Type of Name Address adviser

Name of chief executive or names of senior staff members (Optional information)

Ms Kerry Mattholie

Exemptions from disclosure

Reason for non-disclosure of key personnel details

Other optional information

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) Margaret Ann Shaw Catherine Rose Fenn-Smith
Position (eg
Secretary, Chair, etc) Trustee Chair / Trustee
Date
18/11/2025 18/11/2025

Sheet1

UTTLESFORD BUFFY BUS ASSOCIATION

Registered Charity No. 1180905

STATEMENT OF FINANCIAL ACTIVITIES 1st April 2024 to 31st March 2025

Unrestricted Restricted Total Funds All Funds
Funds Funds This period 2023 -2024
Notes £ £ £ £
INCOME AND ENDOWMENTS FROM
DONATIONS
Grants notes 2/7/8 80,468 10,990 91,458 69,103
Donations notes 3/8 7,093 7,093 5,750
CHARITABLE ACTIVITIES
Grants note 2 6,000 6,000
OTHER TRADING ACTIVITIES -
Fund raising income note 4 5,078 5,078 573
INVESTMENTS -
Interest receivable 3,640 3,640 3,829
OTHER INCOME
TOTAL 96,279 16,990 113,269 79,255
EXPENDITURE ON
Raising funds
Fund raising expenses note 4 3,534 50 3,584 111
Consultancy fees - 16
3,534 50 3,584 127
Charitable activities
Bus running costs including Insurances 7,361 6,000 13,361 18,083
Bus Depreciation note 6 10,824 10,824 12,598
Salaries and Social Security costs note 5 68,706 5,050 73,756 71,812
Purchase of toys, books and consumables 233 1,029 1,262 687
Telephone, stationery and postage 341 341 552
Staff Welfare & Training 1,035 1,035 970
Subscriptions & Ofsted 156 156 213
Hygiene, welfare and sundries 853 853 567
Publicity and advertising 675 675 504
Sundry expenses 741 741 1,306
Administration 901 901 825
81,002 22,903 103,905 108,117
TOTAL EXPENDITURE 84,536 22,953 107,489 108,244
Net Income(expenditure) 11,743 -5,963 5,780 -28,988
TOTAL FUNDS BROUGHT FORWARD at 1st April
2024 73,774 101,126 174,900 203,888
TOTAL FUNDS CARRIED FORWARD 85,517 95,163 180,680 174,900

Page 1

Sheet1

BALANCE SHEET as at 31st March 2025

31st March 31st March 31st March 31st March 31st March 31st March
2025 2024
Notes £ £ £ £
FIXED ASSETS
Bus PN09EKR note 6 90,210 100,234
Sensory Den note 6 1 1
Bus accessories note 6 3,200
CURRENT ASSETS
Prepayments 3,380 305
Debtors
COIF Charities Deposit Fund 76,867 68,408
Barclays Current Account 673 1,433
Barclays Current account no.2 58 107
Cash in hand 617 396
Barclays Savings Account 8,303 6,682
89,898 77,331
CURRENT LIABILITIES
Grants for future periods note 8
Creditors note 9 2,629 2,666
2,629 2,666
NET CURRENT ASSETS 87,269 74,665
TOTAL NET ASSETS 180,680 174,900
Represented by:
UNRESTRICTED INCOME FUNDS
General Purpose Fund 85,517 73,774
RESTRICTED INCOME FUNDS note 7
Hedley foundation for summer activity equipment 1,000
Masonic Charitable fund for Training 240
Stansted Airport Passenger Fund for books 121
Tesco for food 150
Saffron Walden Round Table for craft 350
Capital Funds 93,802 100,626
Balance 31st March 2025 180,680 174,900
Approved by the Trustees and signed on their behalf
Jan Menell Margaret Wass
President Hon Treasurer

The notes on pages 3 and 4 form part of these accounts.

Page 2

Sheet1

UTTLESFORD BUFFY BUS ASSOCIATION

NOTES TO THE ACCOUNTS FOR YEAR ENDED 31MARCH 2025

1 ACCOUNTING POLICIES

General Basis of Preparation of Accounts

The accounts are prepared under the historical cost convention and in accordance with the Statement of Recommended Practice for Charity Accounts FRS102 and with the Charities Act 2011. They include the results of the charity's operations which are described in the Trustees' report and all of which are continuing.

Income: Grants are apportioned over the period for which they were approved. All other income is recognised when receivable by the Association.

Expenditure is recognised when incurred.

Value Added Tax is not recoverable by the charity and is included in the relevant costs in the accounts.

2 GRANTS

Stansted Airport for Bus repairs
Dunmow Town Council for SEND equipment
Stansted Airport Passenger Fund for books
Masonic Charitable fund for Training
Gt Dunmow Mayor's fund for area stops
NFU for Santa's grotto
Big Lottery funding
Uttlesford District Council
Fowler, Smith and Jones
Essex community foundation
Masonic Charitable Fund
Total GRANT Income
3 DONATIONS
Bus Users
Gift Aid repayment from HMRC
Other donors
Grants received in the period ending 31
March 2025 subject to restrictions.
Uttlesford District Council for refugee
sessions
Dunmow Legacy Fund (Dunmow Rotary Club)
for bus improvements
Hedley Foundation for summer activity
equipment
Saffron Walden Round table for craft
activities
Grants received in the period ending 31
March 2025 not subject to restrictions*



















2024-2025
£
6,000
5,000
4,000
1,000
350
300
240


100
2023-2024
£
500
1,020
16,990 1,520
62,078
6,390
2,000
7,000
3,000
54,083
6,500
7,000
80,468 67,583
97,458 69,103
£
4,339
1,057
1,697
£
4,652
906
192
7,093 5,750

*Our grateful thanks go to all the individuals, organisations & Councils within Uttlesford who have supported us throughout the period: Hasbro, Dunmow Flitch Trials, UBBA staff, committee members & fundraising committee members & their families & friends; Supporters of Essex Lottery and Give as you Live

Page 3

Sheet1

4 FUND RAISING
Proceeds
Costs
£
£
Quiz night
2,276 720
450

36 1,252 -
Fun day
2,032 1,562
Santa's grotto
216 50
Jumble sale
68

5,078 3,584
Bus Special Hire (Costs included in staff/fuel
expenditure)
Sales (some stock still in hand, some sales may
be included in donations)
2024-2025
Net
£
1,556
450
1,216
470
166
69
2023-2024
Net
£
105
450
18
573
1,260

5 STAFF COSTS

No trustee has received or is due to receive any remuneration for the year directly or indirectly from the Charity's funds. No Expenses were paid to Trustees.

2025 2024
The average number of staff employed by the
Charity during the period 6 7
Payroll Costs £ £
Wages & Salaries 72,518 68,368
Employers Social Security Costs
Employers Pension Costs 1,238 3,444
73,756 71,812

6 FIXED ASSETS

In 2020 the trustees agreed to depreciate the cost of the bus and conversion on a straight line basis over 15 years.

A sensory den was also fitted which it was agreed to depreciate on a straight line basis over 5 years.

In 2024 extra batteries and heating equipment were added to be depreciated over 5 years

5 years.
In 2024 extra batteries and heating
equipment were added to be depreciated over
5 years
Used by the charity Bus
accessories Bus PN09EKR Sensory Den Total
Cost £ £ £ £
At 1 April 2024 150,354 12,883 163,237
Additions at cost 4,000 4,000
Disposals in year 0
At 31 March 2025 4,000 150,354 12,883 167,237
Depreciation:
At 31 March 2024 50,120 12,882 63,002
Charge for the period ending 31 March 2025 800 10,024 - 10,824
At 31 March 2025 800 60,144 12,882 73,826
Net book value 31 March 2025 3,200 90,210 1 93,411
received in
period to
31st March
7 RESTRICTED FUNDING b/f 2025 spent c/f
DONOR £ £ **£ ** £
Capital fund 100,626 10,024 90,602
Dunmow Legacy Fund (Dunmow Rotary Club)
for bus improvements 4,000 800 3,200
Tesco for food 150 150 0
Saffron Walden Round table for craft
activities 350 350 0
UDC for refugee services 6,000 6,000 0
Stansted Airport for Bus repairs 5,000 5,000 0
Hedley Foundation for summer activity
equipment 1,000 1,000
Dunmow Town Council for SEND equipment 350 350 0
Stansted Airport Passenger Fund for books 300 179 121
Masonic Charitable fund for Training 240 240
NFU for Santa's grotto 100 100 0
101,126 16,990 22,953 95,163
8 GRANTS FOR FUTURE PERIODS b/f spent

Page 4

Sheet1

9 CREDITORS
Trade creditors
Staff Expenses
Taxation and social security
Pension Fund
Due within 1 yr
2024-2025
2023-2024
444
663
57
63
1877
1940
251
Due within 1 yr
2024-2025
2023-2024
444
663
57
63
1877
1940
251
2629 2666

10 RESERVES POLICY Our policy is to hold £25,000 in reserve to cover any unforeseen problems with Buffy PlayBus or closing down costs

Registered Charity Number: 1180905

Independent examiner’s report to the trustees of Uttlesford Buffy Bus Association which is a Charitable Incorporated Organisation (CIO), Charity number 1180905

I report to the trustees on my examination of the accounts of the Uttlesford Buffy Bus Association (the CIO) for the year ended 31 March 2025. Responsibilities and basis for report

As the charity’s trustees of the CIO 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 CIO’s account 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 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 cause to believe that in any material respect:

  1. Accounting records were not kept in respect of the CIO as required by section 130 of the Act; or

  2. The accounts do not accord with those records; or

  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 as part of an independent examination.

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

Signed: Karen Heybrock Qualification: FCCA (retired) Date: 27th September 2025

Page 5

Sheet1

Registered Charity Number: 1180905

Independent examiner’s report to the trustees of Uttlesford Buffy Bus Association which is a Charitable Incorporated Organisation (CIO), Charity number 1180905

I report to the trustees on my examination of the accounts of the Uttlesford Buffy Bus Association (the CIO) for the year ended 31 March 2025.

Responsibilities and basis for report

As the charity’s trustees of the CIO 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 CIO’s account 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 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 cause to believe that in any material respect:

  1. Accounting records were not kept in respect of the CIO as required by section 130 of the Act; or

  2. The accounts do not accord with those records; or

  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 as part of an independent examination.

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

Signed: Karen Heybrock Qualification: FCCA (retired) Date: 27th September 2025

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