**Registered Charity Number: 1184403** **Annual Report & Accounts for the year ended 31 December 2025** Registered Charity Number: 1184403 ## **Kenilworth u3a** Registered at the Charity Commission as Kenilworth University of The Third Age. ## **Trustees' Annual Report for the year ended 31 December 2025** ln accordance with the Kenilworth u3a (Ku3a) Constitution, as adopted by the Ku3a membership at the EGM held on 21 June 2018: - The Ku3a Executive Committee must consist of at least 6 and not more than 12 Ku3a members, as elected at the Ku3a AGM; all members of the Ku3a Executive Committee must 'retire' at each AGM and may seek re-election. The Ku3a Executive Committee has four Officers: Chair, Treasurer, Secretary and Vice Chair and are also subject to annual election. The four Officers are appointed to their roles annually by the Executive Committee at its first meeting after the AGM. ## **The Executive Committee and Trustees during 2025** The Executive Committee and Trustees during 2025 were: |Nick Booker|Chairman| |---|---| |Brian Stote|Vice Chair and Groups' Co-ordinator 2| |Leo Lewis|Secretary and Groups' Co-ordinator 1| |Steve James|Treasurer| |Helen Higginson|Membership Secretary| |Helen Sutton|Bulletin Editor| |Paul Weller|Speakers Secretary| |Anthony Hartley|Website Manager| The Chairman, Nick Booker, will not be seeking re-election at the AGM. ## **Non Committee Roles** |Alison Lucas|Outings Co-ordinator| |---|---| |Peter Hodges|Audio Visual Manager| |Gillian Waterhouse|Accessibility Adviser| |Laura Ellard|Film Screening Co-ordinator| Page 2 of 10 Kenilworth u3a Registered Charity Number: 1184403 ## **Aims and Activities** "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 personal development, in Kenilworth and its surrounding locality" The above aims are promoted by the following activities: 1. A programme of monthly Open Meetings, with guest speakers on a variety of topics and with proper provision for social contact between members 2. A schedule of seasonal outings to places of interest 3. A substantial number of 'lnterest Groups', established and led by members and directly supported by Executive members 4. Regular social events for members 5. Full participation in the regional Coventry & Warwickshire U3A Network, including active assistance in organizing and supporting events and workshops 6. Active participation in local community events 7. The production of a Monthly Bulletin and an Annual Handbook to all members 8. An annual programme of meetings for New Members and for Group Leaders 9. The provision and maintenance of the Ku3a website ## **Chairman’s Report for 2025** It has, once again, been an active and rewarding year for Kenilworth u3a - which is a polite way of saying that a large number of ‘golden agers’, ‘encore careerists’ or just plain ‘retired individuals’ – choose one that best fits you - have been extremely busy and appear to have no intention whatsoever of slowing down. Talks were attended, outings were undertaken, friendships were forged, teas and coffees were consumed and learning continued well beyond the point at which most of us were once told, it might politely stop. The numbers alone tell a story. In January our membership stood at a perfectly respectable 685. By December it had risen to 766 - an increase of over 11% - which suggests that word has got out that Kenilworth u3a is not, in fact, a place where one sits quietly at the back wondering how long the talk will last, but rather somewhere lively, welcoming and, on occasion, surprisingly entertaining. The successful management of much of this is thanks to our Membership Secretary, Helen Higginson, who performs the minor miracle of coping with all the necessary administration while simultaneously welcoming members at monthly meetings and ensuring everyone is signed in. New Members’ Meetings continue to do sterling work, gently introducing newcomers to the slightly dizzying range of groups, visits and activities on offer, and reassuring them that no prior expertise - or indeed knowledge is required. Our promotional efforts have also borne fruit. The u3a Open Afternoon at Kenilworth Methodist Church in October was a great success and even attracted the Mayor, James Kennedy, which gave the whole affair an air of civic importance. It remains the one glorious moment in the year when all our activities are on display at once, laid out like an intellectual and social buffet. Around 20 new members joined as a result, while our presence at September’s ‘Community Page 3 of 10 Kenilworth u3a Registered Charity Number: 1184403 Live!’ event at Leek Wootton created further interest and ensured that Kenilworth u3a continues to be seen as very much alive and well and worth joining. Monthly meetings have remained well attended, proving that people still enjoy gathering together in a friendly environment, especially when refreshments are involved. ‘Friday afternoons at the movies’, courtesy of the Film Group at The Talisman Theatre, have become both a cultural and social highlight, particularly when the bar is open. Thanks are due to Laura Ellard as Film Screening Co-ordinator and her team for choosing an interesting, eclectic and professionally projected range of films during the year. Meanwhile, our interest groups now number more than 50 - an extraordinary range - with new ones already emerging for 2026, suggesting that curiosity, like nature, abhors a vacuum. The 2025 programme of speakers once again delivered u3a’s trademark kaleidoscope of subjects. We travelled from jazz and popular music to a murder trial, from building your own aeroplane to the surprisingly fascinating history of passports. In doing so, we were treated not only to lifelong learning but also to a masterclass in presentation styles. We saw talks delivered without notes or visual aids, lessons in audience engagement and demonstrations of how to make people laugh while discussing subjects they initially thought were “not for them”. One speaker appeared to forget his subject altogether but compensated with entertaining career anecdotes. Another committed the ultimate sin of alienating his audience - reminding us that, as ever, recollections of past times may vary. Still, every speaker taught us something, even if it was how not to make friends and influence people. None of this would happen without Paul Weller, our indefatigable Speakers’ Secretary, who not only finds and books speakers - reviews of whom are not always the guarantee one hopes for - but also looks after them on the day and writes up the talk up afterwards for _The Bulletin_ . His patience and concentration deserve applause, particularly when dealing calmly with lastminute cancellations. He is ably supported by Peter Hodges, who manages the audiovisual side of things so that we can usually see and hear what is going on. At the heart of Kenilworth u3a, however, lie the Interest Groups. As I asked in the Introduction to the current Handbook: ‘Why did you join…? To brush up your Italian? Finally master the ukulele, or simply to leave the house and speak to people who don’t immediately ask you to babysit?’ Whatever the reason, we now offer groups ranging from Art Appreciation to Wine Tasting, with Enquiring Minds providing lively discussion - and plans are underway for Singing and Beer and Cider Appreciation, which feels like a logical next step. Our thanks go to the Group Leaders, whose energy and flexibility keep everything running and ensure the Groups remain enjoyable. We are not confined to Kenilworth either. During 2025, members ventured far and wide on outings that combined learning with leisure. The Outings Group - membership determined largely by who books fastest -- enjoyed Cambridge with its spires and Christmas market, the Italian Renaissance splendour of Hardwick Hall, a genteel cruise along the Kennet & Avon Canal complete with cake, and visits to Trentham Gardens and the Gladstone Pottery. The History Group even explored Coventry’s London Road Cemetery, discovering stories of the famous and the less so. Thanks are due to Alison Lucas and the Outings Team, who continue to keep us tantalisingly in suspense about what adventures 2026 might bring. Page 4 of 10 Kenilworth u3a Registered Charity Number: 1184403 Social events, meanwhile, provided the glue that holds everything together. Monthly meetings offered opportunities to chat over tea and biscuits, the Summer Lunch at Kenilworth Golf Club was once again well attended, and the Christmas celebration there ensured the year ended on a cheerful and convivial note. Communication remains vital, and we are well served by Helen Sutton, whose editorship of _The Bulletin_ keeps members informed and by Antony Hartley, who continues to develop our excellent website while also documenting events photographically. Interest Groups are expertly coordinated by Leo Lewis and Brian Stote, with Leo also serving as a very effective and efficient Committee Secretary and managing our national u3a links. Our Treasurer, Steve James, keeps a watchful and reassuring eye on the finances, ensuring compliance with all necessary bodies and managing to keep subscriptions below pre-Covid levels - for now. David Paxton has again examined the accounts, for which we are most grateful. During the year and recognising the demographic of our membership, we welcomed on board Gillian Waterhouse as our Accessibility Adviser. Kenilworth u3a is run entirely by volunteers and the success of 2025 and in 2026 and beyond rests squarely on their generosity and commitment. However, after four glorious years as chairman of the splendid Kenilworth u3a, I’m vacating the chair to make way for a new incumbent; thank you to everyone for your support. The organisation is in excellent shape, and with its energy, curiosity and community spirit intact, Kenilworth u3a looks set to remain gloriously, reassuringly busy for years to come. Onward and upward - and don’t forget to bring your sense of humour! ## **Nick Booker** ## **Treasurer’s Report for 2025** The excess of expenditure over income (or deficit) on General Activities for the year was £1,229. This was to be expected, as the Trustees were actively trying to manage the cash reserves down. As a result, general reserves have reduced from £8,203 to £6,974, although membership subscriptions for 2026 have been increased to stem further depletion. We are still in a comfortable financial position. Comparing 2025 with 2024, income from membership subscriptions increased from £6,510 to £7,263 and Gift Aid from £1,120 to £1,237. The growth and expansion of Kenilworth U3A has resulted in substantial increases in most items of income and expenditure, consistent with the growth in membership. The IT expenditure has increased as a result of the one-off purchase of a laptop in order to continue to be able to present at the Open Meetings. Film screenings are a new venture for 2025 and have been very successful. The Executive Committee propose to decide on 2027 subscription rates in September 2026. I am grateful to lnterest Group Leaders for providing me with financial information so promptly. ## **Steve James** Page 5 of 10 Kenilworth u3a Registered Charity Number: 1184403 **----- Start of picture text -----**
KENILWORTH UNIVERSITY OF THE THIRD AGE
INCOME AND EXPENDITURE ACCOUNT
FOR THE YEAR ENDED 31 DECEMBER 2025
General Interest Total Total
Activities Groups 2025 2024
£ £ £ £
Income
Members subscriptions 7263 0 7263 6510
Gift Aid 1237 0 1237 1120
Visitors fees and refreshment donations 364 0 364 280
Outings 4478 0 4478 4818
Film screening income 2759 0 2759 0
Summer and Christmas lunches 2019 0 2019 2980
Bank interest 177 0 177 80
Interest groups 0 14895 14895 13058
Total Income 18297 14895 33192 28846
Expenditure
Hire of rooms 1457 0 1457 1060
Speakers fees 910 0 910 833
Postage 1285 0 1285 1200
IT and software 831 0 831 410
Printing and stationery 1037 0 1037 1035
Copyright licence 69 0 69 67
Poppy Appeal donation 50 0 50 50
Third Age Trust membership subscription 2532 0 2532 2231
Third Age Trust magazine distribution 1844 0 1844 1501
Bank charges 98 0 98 130
Sundry expenses 53 0 53 0
Trustee expenses 104 0 104 0
Outings 4478 0 4478 4818
Film screening expenses 2759 0 2759 0
Summer and Christmas lunches 2019 0 2019 2980
Interest groups 0 14389 14389 12968
Total Expenditure 19526 14389 33915 29283
Excess of Expenditure over Income -1229 506 -723 -437
Reserves brought forward 8203 1982 10185 10622
Reserves carried forward 6974 2488 9462 10185
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Page 6 of 10 Kenilworth u3a Registered Charity Number: 1184403 **----- Start of picture text -----**
KENILWORTH UNIVERSITY OF THE THIRD AGE
BALANCE SHEET AT 31 DECEMBER 2025
2025 2024
£ £
Current Assets
Cash at bank and in hand 16306 14330
Gift Aid receivable 0 1120
Prepayments 32 0
Accruals -72 0
Outings refunds payable 0 -98
Outings surplus carried forward -194 -297
Film screening surplus carried forward -451 0
Subscriptions received in advance -6159 -4870
Net current assets 9462 10185
Reserves
General Activities Funds 6974 8203
Interest Groups Funds 2488 1982
Total Funds 9462 10185
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Page 7 of 10 Kenilworth u3a Registered Charity Number: 1184403 ## **KENILWORTH u3a** ## **NOTES TO THE ACCOUNTS YEAR ENDED 31 DECEMBER 2024** ## **1. Accounting policies** Kenilworth u3a (Kenilworth University of The Third Age) is registered charity no. 1184403. The financial statements have been prepared in accordance with the charity's governing document, the Charities Act 2011, FRS 102, and the Charities SORP. The charity is a public benefit entity as defined by FRS 102. The charity has taken advantage of the provisions in the SORP for charities not to prepare a statement of cash flows. The accounts have been prepared under the historical cost convention, in sterling and on a going concern basis. ## **2. Income** Income is recognised when the charity is legally entitled to it after any performance conditions have been met, the amounts can be measured reliably, and it is probable that income will be received. ## **3. Expenses** Expenditure is accounted for on an accruals basis and has been classified under headings that aggregate all costs related to that category. ## **4. Cash** Cash includes cash in hand and deposits with banks. ## **5. Trustees** No remuneration has been paid to trustees in this or the preceding year. There have been no related-party transactions. Page 8 of 10 Kenilworth u3a Registered Charity Number: 1184403 ## **INDEPENDENT EXAMINERS REPORT TO THE TRUSTEES OF KENILWORTH U3A ON THE ACCOUNTS FOR THE YEAR ENDED 31 DECEMBER 2025** I report to the trustees on my examination of the accounts of the above charity for the period ended 31 December 2025. As the charity trustees, you are responsible for the preparation of the accounts in accordance with the requirements of the Charities Act 2011 (“the Act”). I report in respect of my examination of the charity accounts carried out under section 145 of the 2011 Act and in carrying out my examination, I have followed the applicable Directions given by the Charity Commission under section 145(5)(b) of the Act. I have completed my examination. I confirm that no material matters have come to my attention in connection with the examination which gives me cause to believe that in, any material respect: - i. the accounting records were not kept in accordance with section 130 of the Act or ii. the accounts do not accord with the accounting records. I have no concerns and have come across no other matters in connection with the examination to which attention should be drawn in order to enable a proper understanding of the accounts to be reached. **Name** : David Paxton **Address** : 12 The Wardens, Kenilworth, Warwickshire, CV8 2UH Page 9 of 10 Kenilworth u3a Registered Charity Number: 1184403 **----- Start of picture text -----**
Kenilworth u3a
Interest Groups Income and Expenditure for 2025
Balance at Balance at
1.1.25 Income Expenditure 31.12.25
£ £ £ £
Painting for Pleasure 189.78 445.00 -464.50 170.28
Canasta 64.97 1200.00 -940.00 324.97
Gardening 173.39 180.00 -174.50 178.89
Play Reading Group 2 0.00 65.00 -63.83 1.17
Fashion 0.00 160.00 -160.00 0.00
Croquet 86.10 1720.00 -1753.89 52.21
Folk Dancing 464.39 782.00 -824.28 422.11
Bolivia 2.45 1041.00 -885.04 158.41
Art Appreciation 168.81 174.00 -186.98 155.83
Photography 50.22 393.00 -383.22 60.00
Bridge 536.21 4429.50 -4483.67 482.04
History 179.00 337.00 -290.80 225.20
Wine Appreciation 25.82 1750.00 -1668.00 107.82
Painting for Fun 0.00 736.25 -736.25 0.00
Patchwork Quilting 30.51 303.00 -330.00 3.51
Mahjong 1.12 1014.65 -884.90 130.87
Play Reading Group 1 9.62 40.00 -40.00 9.62
Keep On Singing 0.00 124.50 -119.02 5.48
1,982.39 14,894.90 -14,388.88 2,488.41
Less: group money held in main bank account
Art Appreciation -122.77 -122.77
Folk Dancing -300.00 -300.00
Funds remaining with groups 1,559.62 2,065.64
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