Trustees’ Annual Report for the period
from 1.1.2020 To 31.12.2020
– Section A Reference and administration details
| Charity name | Frome Weavers Spinners and Dyers |
|---|---|
| Other names charity is known by | |
| Registered charity number(if any) | 1180975 |
| Charity’s principal address Postcode |
Unit 1H, Baywell House Tuckers Close Frome BA11 5LS |
Names of the charity trustees who manage the charity
| Trustee name | Office (if any) | Dates acted if not for wholeyear |
Name of person etc |
|
|---|---|---|---|---|
| 1 | Chris Bowden | resigned 17.09.20 | ||
| 2 | Linda Brobson | Finance to Aug20 | until 24.03.20 | |
| 3 | Valerie Headland | |||
| 4 | Marie-Louise Macleay | until 24.03.20 | ||
| 5 | Maureen Simpson | resigned 15.06.20 | ||
| 6 | Sue Plummer | from17.09.20 | ||
| 7 | Kevin Dew | 17.09.20 - 14.12.20 | ||
| 8 | Jan Oliver | from17.09.20 | ||
| 9 | Robin Lowe | from17.09.20 | ||
Section B - Structure, governance and management
Description of the charity’s trusts
| Type of governing document | CIO Association constitution |
|---|---|
| How the charity is constituted | Charitable Incorporated Organisation(CIO) |
| Trustee selection methods | Elected bymembers |
Section C - Objectives and activities
Summary of the objects of the charity set out in the governing document
To further the preservation, skill, excellence and improvement of craftsmanship in weaving spinning and dyeing for the benefit of the public in Frome and the surrounding area.
To advance public education in such craftsmanship.
Summary of the main activities undertaken for the public benefit in relation to these objects (include within this section the statutory declaration that trustees have had regard to the guidance issued by the Charity Commission on public benefit)
We introduced a number of new members to the skills of weaving and spinning through one to one mentoring and held one day courses in basic weaving techniques.
Our regular twice weekly sessions were well attended and offered an opportunity for women and men of all ages to share knowledge and learn from each other. This provided a stimulating environment for older people who live on their own, young mums as a break from child care responsibilities and others to develop their creative skills.
We provided a space for other craft groups to meet on a regular basis.
A demonstration of weaving and its importance in the town’s history was also provided for members of another local group.
We had planned to continue this programme of visits and courses but sadly these activities came to an abrupt end due to the national lockdown in March 2020.
Additional details of objectives and activities (Optional information)
You may choose to include further statements, where relevant, about:
-
policy on grantmaking;
-
policy programme relating investment;
-
contribution made by volunteers.
All activities are organised and run by volunteers from within the membership. This includes mentoring, administration, management of finances, management of stock and equipment, housekeeping and running events open to the public.
During this challenging year, additional skills have been encouraged, including use of technology to stay in communication.
Section D Achievements and performance
Summary of the main achievements of the charity during the year
2020 began with many plans in place to develop our aims. These included a number of one day courses, an open day, events linked with a local history festival and our own week long exhibition as part of Frome Festival. In addition, we continued to take on new members and provide them with teaching and mentoring.
We successfully completed two of the courses, and hosted an educational visit by another local group. Further plans were brought to an end when Covid regulations were brought in. Most members were
able to continue some craft activities at home and to encourage engagement, a weekly newsletter was produced to provide a forum for sharing activities and advice, as well as stimulating new projects.
During the summer, an initiative began using a garden space to demonstrate how to prepare fleece for spinning. This was highly valued by a number of individual members and their households who were able to arrange tuition and get started on a new activity that they could continue and develop at home.
As regulations began to ease, a working party was formed using video conferencing to consider how we could safely re-open the workshop with appropriate measures in place, once we were permitted to do so. By implementing group bubbles, re-organising workspaces to allow for social distancing, and providing sanitiser and a cleaning regime, we were able to re-open the facility. We continued to mentor beginners although this was found to be a slower process.
The Covid pandemic caused a number of setbacks within the group because of changes in individual personal circumstances, with some Trustees having to step down. Despite the difficulties, other members came forward to take on the necessary roles, and we ended the year with plans in place to negotiate a new lease on the premises and revise our introductory teaching to keep within safety guidelines in readiness for re-opening in 2021.
Section E Financial reviews
Brief statement of the charity’s policy on reserves
Our reserves enabled us to honour our outgoings during the unusual circumstances of 2020. Members have been financially supportive, but for some who lost their income, this was not possible. We continued to monitor running costs, and were able to offset some losses through the sale of surplus equipment. Plans were made to reduce the area we rent in order to keep within our means.
Details of any funds materially in deficit
None
Further financial review details (Optional information)
You may choose to include further statements, where relevant, about:
-
the charity’s principal source of funds (including any fundraising);
-
how expenditure has supported the key objectives of the charity;
-
investment policy and objectives including any ethical investment policy adopted.
Our funds are raised through membership fees, attendance contributions and sales of donated items. Our main expense is the rent, upkeep and running of the premises.
Section F Other optional information
We are negotiating an agreement to remain in part of the premises that we have been renting to continue access to our facilities. When Covid regulations permit, we are planning to open the workshop again with safety measures in place, and develop individual tuition on a pre-arranged basis.
We continue to encourage participation in weaving related activities with a regular newsletter and Zoom meetings. Subject to government guidelines, we intend to take part in the Frome Festival in July 2021 with an exhibition and sale.
23 July 2021 for ch comm 12 months accounts
Jan 2020-Dec 2020
FROME WEAVERS SPINNERS & DYERS INCOME AND EXPENDITURE ACCOUNT JANUARY 2020 TO DECEMBER 2020
| FWSD ACCOUNT | FWSD ACCOUNT | ||
|---|---|---|---|
| RECEIPTS | £p | £ | |
| MEMBERS FEES | 7,440.00 | 7440 | |
| MEMBERS SESSIONS | 1,093.05 | 1093 | |
| GRANTS | 0.00 | 0 | |
| DONATIONS | 1,293.00 | 1293 | |
| SALES | 537.38 | 537 | |
| COURSES | 822.60 | 823 | |
| JOURNAL | 74.00 | 74 | |
| 11,260.03 | 11260 | ||
| PAYMENTS | £p | £ | |
| WEB SITE & PUBLICITY | 142.17 | 142 | |
| EQUIPMENT | 224.98 | 225 | |
| INSURANCE | 108.01 | 108 | |
| RENT & BLD INS | 13,060.30 | 13060 | |
| MOVING COSTS | 0.00 | 0 | |
| STATIONERY | 5.99 | 6 | |
| LIGHT & HEAT | 854.59 | 855 | |
| ASS OF GUILD FEES | 54.00 | 54 | |
| REFRESHMENTS | 31.23 | 31 | |
| MATERIALS | 232.16 | 232 | |
| WATER SUPPLY | 90.61 | 91 | |
| 14,804.04 | 14804 | ||
| LOSS | -3,544.01 | -3544 | |
| OPENING BANK BALANCE | 20,482.99 | 20483 | |
| Pettycash | 0.00 | 0 | |
| Cash funds at start | 20,482.99 | 20483 | |
| CLOSING BANK BALANCE | 16,924.48 | 16924 | |
| Pettycash | 14.50 | 15 | |
| CASH FUNDS AT YEAR END | 16,938.98 | 16939 |