The Walnut Tree Tr(ot Registered Charity No 1182220 Annual Report- 2024 This Annual Report details the work of the charity trustees of The Walnut Tree Trust, first formed 1932 and now a charitsble incorporated organisation entered onto the Register of Charites on 25 February 2019 (the aol. This Annual Report relates to the accounting perlod of OVOV24 to 3YIV24 {the "Accounting Period"}. Structure There have been no changes in structure during this period. The service5 of Mrs Sue Worsfold as clerk continue to be Tetained. Jill Aisher continued as Chair John Dinnis, Jonathan Histed. Peter Kasch, Graham Peck, Lesley Spence and Peter Triggs continued as trustees. Oblectlves: The broad objects stated in the constitution of the CIO are, Yorthe public benefit, such exclusively charitable purposes (according to the law of England and Wales) in the village of Shoreham or elsewhere"; and more specificalty, from the 1932 deed, to Preserve the picturesque buildings and site and to prevent erection of any building on any portion of land lying between such site and the High Street, Shoreham. Kent using the surplu5 income for charitable purposes. Responsibilrties: The Trust has three main areas of responsibility Its historic buildings and land Its tenants Its charitable giving. It was necessary for the Trust to register with HMRC. Accountsnts (Baxters) were appointed so that a Tax retUTn could be filed appropriately with HMRC. Policies The Trust has now a GDPR policy in place which can be accessed via the Trust's website. This was also a necessary requirement. The Trust developed a Charitable Giving Policy which is on the Trust's website. Activities: Historic ljuildings and land
Meeting our responsibilities to maintain the beautiful. listed buildings for which we are responsible, has been achieved by borrowing sufficient money1£115,0001 to accelerate the programme of restoration of the outbuildings. The loans. which are unsecured loans by interested local individuals are to be repaid in five years. with scope for negotiation for earlier or later repayments if required. The garage and the barn have now been restored. They are insured and rented out. There is a programme for repairin& upgrading and maintaining the residential properties to a similar condition. The establishment of a sinking fund to cover on80ing costs of upgrades. maintenance and redecoration is also now in place. This is essential to allow the Trust to meet its responsibilities and plan financial outgoings and investment to secure the future of the buildings. Rebuilding of the outbuildin8 at the cornef of the plot will be undertaken when funds become available. Thi5 building has been known as the Abattoir/ Slau8hterhouse/Fire Station/Cobblers over its history. Completion of the restoration of the barn was achieved in the summer and an open day was held so that local residents could seethe scope and quality of the work before the tenant moved in. Trustees are very satisfied with the outcome of this huge investment. We are delighted about the work of both the structural engineer and the contractors that worked on this. The barn now contributes to the vlsual amenity of the Walnut Tree site. It is safe and provides income. An electricity supply also installed to the bam and restored garage. Repointing masonry on all three cottages was carried out. Conflicting opinions and reports on whether all firewalls are robust and compliant are being considered by Trustees and any artion needed will be undertaken. Repairs were made to several window frames in No.33 and there is an ongoing programme of window repairs which will continue in 2025. Car parking spaces at the rear of 33 and 31 have been delineated and any excess spaces will be offered for rental. Plans were made and contractors sought to refurbish the bathroom in No.31 durlng the ne* year. It wa5 also decided to have advi from a local agent to fix the rent for this property once refurbished. Tenants The Trust has joined the National Residential Landlords Association and the Chair (Jill Ai5her) is completing training. This was felt necessaryto ensure compliance with current and future legislation as it changes. A meeting with tenants was held to ensu they felt infomied al)out future plans, the Trust's responsibilities and tenants, obligations. Following the intepiention of the Property Ombudsman, a final settlement was made with the previous Letttng Agent in a dispute over the provision of agreed services. Charitable ffiving A Charitable Giving pollry has been launched and is available on our website.
A donation of £l,IM) was given to the Shoreham Players: an active intergenerational village drarna group, as a first step to achievingthe objertive stated in ourfounding constitution of providing a wider benefft to the inhabitants of Shoreham. The intention of the Trust is to continue to invite vsllage organisations to apply for assistance with their aims, needs and activities, thus fiilfilling its objectives of benefftting the wider community. It was necessary to register with HMRC and our appointed accountants IBaxters} filed a Tax Return declaring no tax liability. Trustees are working on a Financial Protocols document. During the accounting period the CIO received Rental Income £52.623.98 Sale of Blackrock charitie5 UK bond £20.41 Closing down balance of COIF investment bond E-on Electricity recharges Loans Totalling Bank Interest £1,918.00 £71.64 £96,5(X>.00 £ICKI.02 Total Income £15L2X05 Disbursements during the accountin8 period Tenancy related Repairs and Refurbishments Professional Services £62.C £148,058.45 £5.430.44 Clerk Services £4,656.25 Administration Costs (other} Donation to Shoreham Willage Players Interest paid quarterly on Loans Total £296.27 £i.(KK).00 £1,787.62 £161291.03 - [£10.056.98] l ilnis 131siLg 3191
The Walnut Tree Trust Accounts for year ended 31 Dember 2024 Charity number.. 1182220 Independent Examlnation
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