The Hut at Blogishay Lane (The CIO) REPORT TO THE CHARITY COMMISSION FOR THE YEAR ENDED 31 DECEMBER 2024
Trustees
John Gregory Germon – Chair Martyn William Brooks – Deputy Chair Dr. Andrew Charles Vaughan Prince – Secretary Katherine Jayne Pugh – Treasurer Karen Turner Nicholas James Turner John Lucas Germon Amanda Germon Calvin Giles Julie Teague
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.
1
Income and Expenditure Account
| RECEIPTS | £ | £ | £ |
|---|---|---|---|
| 2022 | 2023 | 2024 | |
| Rents | 3,727.60 | 4,240.00 | 2,075.50 |
| Trading receipts | Nil | 2,520.37 | 18,733.33 |
| Transfer of restricted funds from RBL | 3,000.00 | 7,500.00 | 156.02 |
| Ashburton Branch | |||
| TOTAL RECEIPTS | 6,727.60 | 14,260.37 | 20,964.85 |
PAYMENTS |
|||
| Direct Charitable Payments | Nil | (3,162.98) | (2,757.45) |
| Running Costs, inc. utilities, insurance & licences | (2,479.62) | (2,506.14) | (3,456.20) |
| Purchase of stock & POS equipment from RBL | Nil | (1,700.00) | Nil |
| Stock top-up | Nil | (586.96) | (6,539.05) |
| TOTAL PAYMENTS | (2,479.62) | (4,793.10) | (12,752.70) |
| NET RECEIPTS (PAYMENTS) FOR YEAR | 4,247.98 | 9,467.27 | 8,212.15 |
| BANK AND CASH AT 31 DECEMBER | 5,479.62 | 14,946.89 | 23,159.04 |
| Restricted Reserves (Building Works) | 3,000.00 | 10,500.00 | 10,656.02 |
| Restricted Reserves (Advance of rent - RBL) | 1,500.00 | 400.00 | |
| Available funds | 2,479.62 | 2,946.89 | 12,103.02 |
2
Chief Superintendent (Retd.); Devon & Cornwall Police
Trustees’ Annual Report
1. AGM
The AGM was held on Monday 3rd March 2024. 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
The trustees remain unchanged.
3. Funding
The CIO continues to enjoy a steady funding stream of rents from the Growing Space community, as well as from individuals and organisations that book The Hut for functions. Rents from the Ashburton Branch, Royal British Legion have been reduced from £250/month to £100/month (paid in advance and held in restricted reserves), with potential to reduce further. Regular outgoings in respect of Insurance, Wi-fi, Water and Electricity are established by direct debit arrangement. The level of unrestricted funds slightly exceeds the amount mandated in the CIO’s Reserves & Finance Policy, being greater than £10,000: this is justified on grounds of some uncertainty about the total cost of forthcoming structural works (see Para. 6 below).
The CIO operates principally as the de facto trading arm of the Ashburton Branch RBL; purchasing stock and receiving receipts from sales and events tickets. Branchdedicated events still take place (such as a cream tea and events connected to Remembrance Week), with the income and expenditure being channelled through the CIO’s books and any profit accrued being transferred to the Ashburton Branch RBL accordingly. Both turnover and profits have increased significantly in this first full year under the present arrangements.
3
4. Activities
We have continued to offer use of The Hut at no charge to worthy local groups: applications are considered by the trustees on a case-by-case basis.
Events were organised throughout the year, particularly during the summer months: pop-up bars on Friday evenings continued although poor weather reduced attendance somewhat. The annual Burns night supper was extremely popular. Events to commemorate the anniversary of D-Day and during Remembrance Week marked significant milestones in the annual round and exemplify the close relationship that the CIO enjoys with Ashburton Branch Royal British Legion.
5. Royal British Legion Ashburton Branch.
The Branch remains the principal tenant of The Hut. The CIO was again enabled to support the annual poppy appeal in the sum of £2,757.45p, this being principally used to cover the expenses of the annual Portreeve’s Poppy Ball and to part-fund the Branch’s standard bearer in travelling to London to represent Ashburton Branch Royal British Legion at the Festival of Remembrance in the Royal Albert Hall.
6. Growing Space
The CIO continues to enjoy a mutually beneficial working relationship with Growing Space and the group has made considerable improvements to the curtilage and contributes significantly to maintaining the grounds.
7. Structural Works.
The CIO maintains £10,656.02p in restricted reserves against planned building works (The Tony Pugh Stand), although the total amount required is yet to be determined.
It is anticipated that restoration of the front porch and replacement doors will be required in the year 2025: the cost being dependent upon the condition of the structure which will only be found once the works commence.
8. Summary.
The Hut charity has consolidated its sound financial position with good governance and appropriate policies in place to support its activities. Income from trading activities and our balance at the bank having both increased, the CIO is well able to meet its obligations and it is anticipated that this position will strengthen further in the forthcoming year.
4
Signed on behalf of the trustees
Dr. Andrew Prince Secretary.
www.hutatblogishaylane.co.uk
5