The Hut at Blogishay Lane (The CIO) REPORT TO THE CHARITY COMMISSION FOR THE YEAR ENDED 31 DECEMBER 2023
Trustees
Martyn William Brooks – Chair until 3[rd] July, then deputy Chair Dr. Andrew Prince – Secretary and acting Treasurer until 23[rd] November Karen Turner Nicholas James Turner Katherine Jayne Pugh – Treasurer from 23[rd] November David Bruce Broughton – Removed from office 6[th] March John Gregory Germon – Chair from 3[rd] July John Lucas Germon Amanda Germon – from 4[th] September Calvin Giles - from 4[th] September Julie Teague – from 4[th] September
| Charity Number | 1182545 |
|---|---|
| Principal Office | The Hut at Blogishay Lane |
| Ashburton | |
| Devon | |
| TQ13 7DD | |
| Bankers | Lloyds Bank plc |
| PO Box 1000 | |
| BX1 1LT |
Independent Examiner’s Statement
I have examined these accounts in accordance with the Charity Commission’s “Independent Examination of Charity Accounts: Examiners’ Guide.”
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 trustees have not met the requirements to ensure that proper accounting records are kept and that appropriate financial statements are prepared which agree with the accounting records.
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Income and Expenditure Account
| RECEIPTS | £ | £ | £ |
|---|---|---|---|
| 2021 | 2022 | 2023 | |
| Initial transfer (donation) RBL | 1,000.00 | Nil | Nil |
| Rents | 785.99 | 3,727.60 | 4,240.00 |
| Trading receipts | 2,520.37 | ||
| Transfer of restricted funds from RBL Ashburton | Branch | 3,000.00 | 7,500.00 |
| TOTAL RECEIPTS | 1,785.99 | 6,727.60 | 14,260.37 |
PAYMENTS |
|||
| Direct Charitable Payments | Nil | Nil | (3,162.98) |
| Running Costs, inc. utilities, insurance & licences | (556.36) |
(2,479.62) | (2,506.14) |
| Purchase of stock & POS equipment from RBL | (1,700.00) | ||
| Stock top-up | (586.96) | ||
| TOTAL PAYMENTS | (556.36) | (2,479.62) | (4,793.10) |
| NET RECEIPTS (PAYMENTS) FOR YEAR | 1,229.63 | 4,247.98 | 9,467.27 |
| BANK AND CASH AT 31 DECEMBER | 1,231.64 | 5,479.62 | 14,946.89 |
| Restricted Reserves (Building Works) | 3,000.00 | 10,500.00 | |
| Restricted Reserves (Advance of rent - RBL) | 1,500.00 | ||
| Available funds | 1,231.64 | 2,479.62 | 2,946.89 |
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Ian Ansell - Chief Superintendent (Retd.); Devon & Cornwall Police
Trustees’ Annual Report
1. AGM
The AGM was held on Monday 4[th] March 2024. This report was adopted as an accurate record of the CIO’s position at year-end. The Memoranda of Understanding between The Hut Charity and the Ashburton Branch, Royal British Legion and the Methodist Growing Space Group were reviewed and continued in operation. The officers of the CIO were re-elected en-bloc .
2. The Trustees
Bruce Broughton, having not attended any meetings for over 6 months and not having tendered any reason or apologies was removed from office at the previous AGM on Monday 6[th] March, in accordance with the charity’s constitution Para.12(1)(a).
It being desirable to further increase the division of responsibilities between the Ashburton Branch RBL and the charity, John Gregory Germon volunteered to step up to the role of chair and this was endorsed by the trustees at a meeting on Monday 3[rd] July. Martyn Brooks stepped down to the position of Deputy Chair accordingly.
Amanda Germon, Julie Teague and Calvin Giles came forward to volunteer their services as trustees and were endorsed by the incumbent trustees at a meeting on Monday 4[th] September.
Katherine Pugh volunteered to take over the role of Treasurer from Andrew Prince, who had been caretaker in that position for some time. The handover was completed on 23[rd] November. Andrew Prince continues in position as Secretary.
3. Funding
The CIO continues to enjoy a steady funding stream of rents from the Ashburton Branch Royal British Legion (RBL) and from the Methodist Growing Space community, as well as from individuals and organisations that book The Hut for functions. Regular outgoings in respect of Insurance, Wi-fi, Water and Electricity are established by direct
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debit arrangement. The level of unrestricted funds held complies with the CIO’s Reserves & Finance Policy, being greater that £1,000 and less than £10,000.
Following a directive from the RBL it has become necessary for the Ashburton Branch RBL to cease active trading. This function has been taken on by the CIO. The bar stock and point-of-sale equipment was purchased at an agreed valuation. The CIO has effectively become the trading arm of the Ashburton Branch RBL; purchasing stock and receiving receipts from sales. Branch-dedicated events may still take place, with the income and expenditure being channelled through the CIO’s books and any profit accrued being transferred to the Ashburton Branch RBL accordingly. This has the potential for turnover, profits and charitable donations to increase significantly in the coming year.
The monthly agreed rent (£250.00p) payable by the Ashburton Branch RBL to the charity was paid up-front and placed into restricted reserves, where it reduces at the agreed monthly rate. The rent payable will be reviewed in Summer 2024, at the Branch’s financial year-end.
4. Activities
We have continued to offer use of The Hut at no charge to Ashburton’s Ukrainian Refugee Support Group led by Sarah MacAlpine. We have also allowed the use of The Hut pro bono for the AGM of the Ashburton Community Fridge Group, as being a worthy local charity with little funding of its own. Other applications are considered by the trustees on a case-by-case basis.
Following the change to the trading relationship between the Ashburton Branch RBL and the CIO detailed above, the CIO was enabled to support the annual poppy appeal in the sum of £3,162.98p, this being principally used to cover the expenses of the annual Portreeve’s Poppy Ball.
5. Structural Works.
An additional £7,500 was transferred from the Ashburton Branch, Royal British Legion and placed in restricted reserves against planned building works (The Tony Pugh Stand).
6. Summary.
The Hut charity remains in a sound financial position with good governance and appropriate policies in place to support its activities. Income and our balance at the bank having both increased, the CIO is well able to meet its obligations and it is anticipated that the CIO’s increased trading responsibilities will provide a good flow of income in the forthcoming year.
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Signed on behalf of the trustees
Dr. Andrew Prince Secretary.
www.hutatblogishaylane.co.uk
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