Version 2
Looking back at 2025, it is striking how many special moments took place either here at the Memorial Hall or around it, and the important role this building played in them.
It is also worth reflecting that the Hall is not only special when people come here to use it. Thanks to the extraordinary generosity of friends, families, visitors and St Matthew’s, we were able to meet the unenviable challenge of raising £250,000 in just three months to purchase the car park. Without the generous contributions and sheer determination of certain individuals, we would never have succeeded. It is worth noting that neither the Hall nor the Church would have been able to function effectively without this vital asset.
Special moments — clubs, sports, arts, crafts and social gatherings — are what the Hall does, and has done for over 100 years, serving Lee and Lincombe without ever standing still.
The evolution in the use of the Hall continues to be evident. Yoga, led by Chelsea, remains hugely popular, while the table tennis sessions have provided a new and highly social activity, attracting and welcoming many participants in the best local tradition. Thanks go to Mike, Julien and many others for making this happen and for keeping it going.
The theme of welcome also applies to the Arts & Crafts Fayre. Not only does this event generate significant revenue to help ensure the Hall’s upkeep, but it also showcases brilliantly gifted creatives from the local area — many from our own villages — who in turn attract hundreds of visitors.
If there is one event that truly pulls the villages together, it has to be the Spring Fayre. Last year’s event was fantastic, despite the dodgy weather and the challenges posed by the marquees. The crowds came — as they always seem to do — and an army of volunteers (too many to name individually) were on hand to help park cars, welcome visitors and provide entertainment, food and drink in abundance.
Although those outdoor activities may now feel some time ago, even the winter months were full of warmth and brightness. The increasingly popular Quiz Night, led by Becca, returned once again. The Hall also joined many others in the villages in response to the LLRA’s “Valley of Lights”. Our own Christmas tree — once upright — was warmly received, along with the lights around the Hall, to which Edna, Alun and Peter gave their time so generously.
And when speaking of those who give their time and effort so selflessly, there are some who must be mentioned in particular.
Barry Jewell continues to ensure the Hall always looks its very best, and we are enormously grateful for his ongoing care and commitment.
Edna, our Treasurer — words cannot fully do justice to the love, care and meticulous attention you give to this Hall and this community. We are deeply grateful to you — and to Tom as well.
Finally, thank you to the members of the Hall Committee, who give their time to help guide this unique village asset, and to Jo, our Bookings Secretary. Each takes on what can often be thankless tasks alongside busy full-time jobs, and yet your commitment to the village is truly appreciated.
As a Committee, we are conscious that we follow in the footsteps of many who have served before us. Our sincere thanks go to you all.
2025 LEE MEMORIAL HALL - CHARITABLE INCORPORATED ORGANISATION - BALANCE SHEET
| A. CURRENT ACCOUNT | ||
|---|---|---|
| Lloyds Bank Treasurer's Account - CIO | ||
| Receipts to date | 70,316 | |
| Payments to date | -94,714 | |
| Balance to date | -24,398 | |
| Lloyds Bank Business Account -CIO | ||
| Receipts to date | 426,718 | |
| Payments to date | -406,690 | |
| Balance to date | 20,028 | |
| Total balance of both accounts (A) | -4,370 | |
| B. RUNNING BALANCE | ||
| Opening Charity account 1 Jan 2025 | 41,445 | |
| Opening Business account 14 Jul 2025 | 0 | |
| 2025 Balance (A) | -4,370 | |
| Total running balances to date (B) | 37,075 | |
| C.RESERVES AND INVESTMENT ACCOUNTS | ||
| United Trust Bank Charites a/c on 13 March 2025 (1 years notce) | 8,139 | |
| Interest to 14th March 2025 | 400 | |
| Balance (C ) | 8,539 | |
| D.ACCUMULATED FUNDS | ||
| Running balances (B) | 37,075 | |
| Reserve & investment accounts balances (C ) | 8,539 | |
| TOTAL ACCUMULATED FUNDS | 45,614 |
Independent Examiner’s Statement on the Accounts of
Memorial Hall - Lee CIO
for the year ended 31 December 2025
Basis of this Statement
My examination was carried out in accordance with the General Directions given by the Charity Commission under Section 43 (7) (b) of the Charities Act 1993. That examination includes a review of the accounting records kept by the charity and a comparison of the accounts with those records. It also includes considering any unusual items or disclosures in the accounts and seeking explanations from the Trustees concerning any such matters. The procedures undertaken do not provide all the evidence that would be required in an audit, and consequently I do not express an audit opinion on the view given by the accounts and the report is limited to those matters set out in the statement below.
Independent Examiner’s statement
In connection with my examination, no matter has come to my attention:
-
Which gives me reasonable cause to believe that in any material respect the requirements
-
a. to keep accounting records in accordance with Section 41 of the 1993 Act;
and
- b. to prepare financial statements, which accord with the accounting records and comply with the requirements of the 1993 Act
have not been met; or
- to which in my opinion, attention should be drawn in order to enable a proper understanding of the accounts to be reached.
Signed………………………………
Name……………………………….
Dated:...........................................