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2026-05-31-accounts

HGS u3a Trustees Annual Report & Financial Accounts 2026

REPORT OF THE TRUSTEES HGS U3A REGISTERED CHARITY NO. 1182530 FOR YEAR ENDED 31 MAY 2026

The Trustees of HGS u3a present their report and the accounts in respect of the financial year ended 31 May 2026.

Status

HGS u3a is a Charitable Incorporated Organisation (“CIO”), registered as a charity by the Charity Commission for England and Wales with registration number 1182530. Its registered address for correspondence is 13 Holly Park, London N3 3JB, and its website address is: https://hgsu3a.uk. It operates under a Constitution approved by the Charity Commission.

Objects

The objects of HGS u3a, in accordance with its Constitution, are: ‘The advancement of education and, in particular, the education of older people and those who are retired from full time work, by all means, including associated activities conducive to learning and development.’

HGS u3a meets these objects and provides public benefit by enabling members to share their knowledge and experience and thereby continue to learn, in particular through establishing special interest groups and convening other meetings of members.

Although there is no geographical restriction on its membership, as its name implies most of the members of HGS u3a live in Hampstead Garden Suburb and the adjoining areas.

The special interest groups form the core of HGS u3a activities, reflecting the knowledge, skills and experience of its members. Some groups are led by experts (for example, languages, yoga) and others are based on equal participation.

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Additionally, HGS u3a organises monthly talks at the Free Church, featuring high-profile, unpaid external speakers. We record these talks where possible making them accessible to members who are unable to attend in person.

The Trustees comply with the General Data Protection Regulations. HGS u3a has established policies and procedures in line with this regulation and other legal requirements.

Public Benefit

The public benefit role of HGS u3a is the advancement of education, and in giving effect to that role the Trustees have had regard to the Charity Commission’s guidance on public benefit.

Trustees

HGS u3a is managed by its Trustees. The Trustees at 31 May 2026 are:

David Cavendish, our Secretary during the year, was co-opted as Trustee on 11 June 2026.

Carole Spiers and Simon Freeman retire by rotation under the Constitution at the end of the AGM and are standing for re-election. Nedret McKinley and David Cavendish were co-opted as Trustees until the end of the AGM and are standing for election. David Powers, a founding Trustee who retired at the 2025 AGM having completed 2 terms as trustee , is now eligible to stand again for election and is doing so.

Special Interest Groups

Currently there are over 60 special interest groups. Group leaders and facilitators are key to the success of all the group activities of HGS u3a and our thanks go to them all. Malcolm Brahams and Tina Stanton, our joint Groups Organisers, have provided support to all group leaders, as well as fostering the development of new groups throughout the year.

The groups gather in members’ homes, providing a relaxed and friendly atmosphere, in rented facilities, such as the Free Church Hall for table tennis, or outdoors, for example Thames walks. In the main, we offer in-person meetings, but we also offer some Zoom groups or hybrid groups. A number of groups available on Zoom and listed on the website under the heading ‘At Home’ cater for those unable to attend in person for reasons such as health or caregiving responsibilities.

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During the year a number of new groups were formed as follows:

A list of groups follows at the end of the Trustees’ Report.

Supporting Roles

The Trustees are extremely grateful for the valuable support provided by members who volunteer their time, skills and expertise in a wide range of important supporting roles. These contributions help ensure that HGS u3a continues to run smoothly, communicate effectively, and provide a welcoming and well-organised experience for all members.

During the year, support was provided in the following areas:

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The Trustees want to thank Alan Lee, Michael Berg and Steven Rowe in particular for their hard work in the roles which they have passed or will shortly pass over to others.

The Trustees recognise that many of these roles take place quietly behind the scenes, but they, like others mentioned in this Report, are essential to the continued success, good governance and friendly spirit of HGS u3a.

Membership

HGS u3a maintained strong membership throughout the year, with 919 members at 31 May 2026, (2025: 758) reflecting the value members continue to place on our groups, talks, social events and community activities.

Membership Benefits

A key priority during the year was to enhance the member experience and continue building a friendly, active and supportive community. As can be seen from the list above, several new groups were introduced to broaden the range of activities available to members and respond to their interests.

The popularity of our groups continues to demonstrate the strength and vitality of HGS u3a. Indeed, some groups are now so well attended that waiting lists have had to be introduced. While this presents a practical challenge, it is also a very positive indication of member enthusiasm, active participation and the value members place on the opportunities offered through HGS u3a.

The At Home Zoom sessions continued to provide an important way for members to remain connected, particularly for those who may find it difficult to attend in person. These online sessions form a valuable part of our inclusive programme, helping members participate from home while continuing to enjoy learning, discussion and social contact.

The growth and variety of our groups remain central to the value of HGS u3a membership. They provide opportunities for learning, friendship, shared interests and regular social contact.

Member Support

Michelle Royston continued to strengthen support for members, with particular attention to helping new members feel welcomed and included. This work has helped deepen community engagement and ensure that members feel connected, valued and able to participate fully in HGS u3a life.

Community Support

Under the guidance of Betty Mason, we are proud to offer support to members who may be going through difficult times. This quiet and thoughtful work reflects the caring nature of HGS u3a and our commitment to being not only a learning organisation, but also a supportive community.

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Volunteers

Led by Susan Alterman, our volunteers continued to provide generous and practical support across HGS u3a. Their help is particularly important at our Monthly Talks, Group Leaders’ meetings and new members’ meetings, where they assist with the smooth running of events and help members feel welcome.

This support is greatly appreciated and makes a real difference to the friendly, wellorganised experience that members value.

Group Leaders and Administrators

Group Leaders are at the heart of HGS u3a. Their knowledge, enthusiasm and generosity are central to everything we offer, and without them our programme of groups and activities simply could not exist.

Throughout the year, Group Leaders have continued to share their time and expertise voluntarily, creating opportunities for members to learn, participate, make friends and stay connected. Their contribution is outstanding and is valued enormously by the Trustees and by the wider membership.

Regular meetings were held for Group Leaders and new members during the year. These meetings provided an excellent opportunity for networking, exchanging ideas, sharing good practice and encouraging communication across the organisation. They also helped ensure that Group Leaders felt supported, recognised and appreciated in their important role.

Special Events

A number of well-received events took place during the year, helping to strengthen the social life of HGS u3a and providing valued opportunities for members to come together.

Our Open Day on 11 September 2025 was an important opportunity to showcase the wide range of HGS u3a activities and to welcome both members and prospective members. It provided a lively and friendly introduction to our groups, talks and community life, and helped demonstrate the breadth of what HGS u3a has to offer.

The Festive Tea in December was a particularly warm and enjoyable occasion. We were grateful for the support of students from Henrietta Barnett School, who volunteered their time to help set up and clear away. Their assistance was greatly appreciated and added to the sense of community surrounding the event.

Members also generously hosted a Christmas Day Lunch and a New Year’s Day Brunch, offering companionship and a welcoming place to gather for those who might otherwise have been alone over the festive period. These thoughtful initiatives reflected the caring spirit of HGS u3a and the kindness of members who give their time to support others.

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Outreach and Community Links

During the year, HGS u3a continued to strengthen its outreach and community links, building relationships with local organisations and creating new opportunities for members to connect, learn and receive support.

Some of our events are now hosted at Signature Care Home, where we are warmly welcomed. This developing relationship has provided an additional local venue for activities and has helped extend our presence within the wider community.

We have also built a valuable relationship with Henrietta Barnett School. Students from the school have supported HGS u3a in a number of ways, including helping at the Festive Tea and offering monthly technology support at the Church. This support has been much appreciated and reflects the benefits of bringing different generations together.

A new monthly intergenerational activity, Mix and Mingle, has also been introduced. This provides an opportunity for both generations to meet, talk and learn from one another in a friendly and informal setting. It is a welcome initiative which encourages understanding, companionship and community connection across age groups.

Computer and Technology Support

Computer and technology support continued to be available to members through a number of routes. This included practical help offered by Joan Lipkin-Edwards, one of our Group Leaders, from her home, as well as signposting to additional communitybased support such as the free Computer Club in East Finchley.

This support gives members practical help with laptops, mobile phones and general technology questions, helping them feel more confident, connected and able to make better use of digital services.

These activities reflect HGS u3a’s continuing commitment to practical support, community engagement and lifelong learning. They also demonstrate the importance of helping members feel confident, connected and included.

PR and Marketing

Our primary aim for the year ending 31 May 2026 was to develop and expand our marketing and outreach efforts, ensuring that HGS u3a remains visible, relevant and attractive to both existing and prospective members.

We continued to build on our established relationships with local clergy and rabbis, while also making a more concerted effort to broaden these connections and raise awareness of HGS u3a within the wider local community.

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Our monthly newsletter, produced by Steven Rowe, continued to play an important role in keeping members informed and connected. It provided regular updates on upcoming events, group activities, news items and other matters of interest. The newsletter remains a valuable communication tool and an important way of maintaining engagement across the membership.

Steven will be standing down as Newsletter Editor after two years of commitment and dedication. The Trustees extend their grateful thanks to him for all he has contributed in helping keep members informed and connected.

Going forward, continued attention to local visibility, community partnerships and clear communication will remain important in attracting new members and strengthening HGS u3a’s presence in the area.

External Relationships

HGS u3a remains affiliated with the Third Age Trust, the national umbrella body for u3as across the UK. This affiliation provides valuable guidance, resources, training opportunities and ongoing support.

Being part of the wider u3a movement helps HGS u3a maintain good practice in governance, safeguarding, programme delivery and member engagement. It also enables us to benefit from shared knowledge, national updates and regional connections.

We also value our connection with the London Region of u3as, which helps us remain informed about developments across the wider u3a community and provides opportunities to share experience, ideas and good practice with other local u3as..

Financial Report

Please refer to the Treasurer’s Report, below.

Subscriptions

The annual subscription, running from 1 September 2025 to 31 August 2026, was £37 for an individual member and £70 for two members living at the same address. New members who joined after 1 April 2026 paid £22 each. A small premium of £2 was charged for payments made by cheque. The individual member fee had also been £37 in 2023-24.

In view of inflation and the risk of non-renewals, the Trustees have decided to increase the subscription rates for 2026-27. It will be: £40 for a single member and £76 for two members living at the same address. New members joining after 1 April 2027 will pay £22 per person. There will be a £2 charge for each payment by cheque.

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Our Thanks

HGS u3a is a voluntary organisation run by and for its members. The Trustees extend their gratitude to those in support roles as well as group leaders, facilitators and many other members who have generously contributed their time, energy, and expertise as volunteers to organise, maintain, and develop HGS u3a’s activities. Their efforts have fostered an active, vibrant, and successful organisation.

This report was approved for distribution to our members by the Trustees on 25 June 2026

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List of HGS u3a Groups

Art

Making Birdwatching Book Group - Monday morning

support Creative Writing Group Cryptic Crossword - Beginners

Cycling Days Out EFT – Tapping Famous Peoples’ Illnesses French

seasons Hebrew (Ivrit) Conversation History Speaking

Photography in London Pilates Play Reading - first Tuesday

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Treasurer’s Report for the Financial Year Ended 31 May 2026

I refer you to the Income and Expenses Account and Balance Sheet of the Financial Accounts for the Year to 31 May 2026 below together with the Details page that follows it. These have been examined by the Independent Examiner, Arjun Matthai FCA. His report is below at page 10, “2025” and “2026” refer to the financial year ending on 31 May in that year.

Gross Income for 2026 of £53,380 up £17,638 approximately from £35,742 in 2025. This was due to three main factors.

As noted in the past, due to a change in the understanding of Gift Aid notified to us by the Third Age Trust, we have not subsequently claimed Gift Aid on subscriptions. We hope that this will be resolved in due course enabling us to do so in the future in respect of subscriptions paid in the year and thereafter. The Third Age Trust has instructed accountants to assist in negotiations with HMRC to resolve the issue. We may be able to go back up to 4 years when it is resolved.

We ended the Financial Year 2026 with a minimal surplus of £40 compared with the deficit of £5,459 for 2025.

Detailed analysis and comparison of costs and expenses between 2026 and 2025 is set out in the second page of the accounts, below. Venue costs again increased significantly due to increased hourly charges and increased activity.

Reserves at 31 May 2026 stood at £ 26,985 (£20,730 last year), the increase due to increased deferred subscription received in respect of June and July and the deferred Other Income relating to Groups which have collected income in relation to events occurring after the end of the year.

As set out in the Trustees’ Report, there will be an increase in subscription rates for the forthcoming year of £3 per single members for the full year and £6 for joint members. Full details of these changes and the reason for the increase are set out in the Trustees’ Report above.

Simon Freeman, Treasurer - 27 June 2026

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