The Trustees of the **Souvenir Francais au Royaume-Uni | The French War Graves Commission in the UK** ## **Trustees Annual Report** We are pleased to provide our second Trustee report since the CIO was established on 29 August 2019. It covers the period ranging from 1 January 2021 to 31 December 2021. The period has remained relatively disrupted by the restrictions imposed because of Covid 19. Consequently, commemoration events involving the public were slow to return to their historic rhythm, particularly those involving the more senior veterans and cross-border travel. The CIO has therefore put an emphasis on a number of key initiatives which were less dependent on public gatherings and is pleased with what was achieved during the period. Having said that, the CIO wishes to underline that public commemoration events have resumed during year 2021 as explained further in this report. Finally, some events which had been originally planned for year 2020, were successfully held during year 2021, including some sponsored by the CIO. Thomas Liaudet Chairman of the Trustees Le Souvenir Francais au Royaume-Uni • address : 12 Connaught square, W2 2HG, London _Le Souvenir Francais au Royaume-Uni is a Registered Charity in England and Wales, charity number 1185088._ Annual trustee report ## **Report of the trustees for the period ending 31 December 2021** **The Trustees of** _**Le Souvenir Français au Royaume-Uni**_ **(aka the French War Graves Commission in the UK, “SFRU” or the “Charity” or the “CIO”) present their annual report on the Charity and its examined account for the year ended 31 December 2021 and confirm compliance with the requirements of the Charities Act 2011, the Trust Deed and the Charities SORP (FRS 102).** ## **Key charity details** Registered Charity N 1185088 Website: www.le-souvenir-francais.uk Contact address: 12 Connaught Square, W2 2HG, London ## **Mission statement** The French War Graves Commission in the UK operates under a Declaration of Trust dated 24 February 2019 which was registered by Charity Commissioners for England and Wales as a Charitable Incorporate Organisation (CIO) on 29 August 2019 which included the regulations for appointment of the trustees. The French War Graves Commission in the UK honours men and women who died serving France in the First and Second World Wars and subsequent conflicts and ensures they will never be forgotten. It provides advocacy/ advice/ information to its members and to the broader public. ## **Review of activities** Despite the reduction in covid-related constraints, some limitations continued to affect the operations of the Charity. The Trustees have therefore considered the optimal prioritisation of its. To do so the Charity and its objectives. As per the previous period, the level of communications with members and with the broader public has been channelled by digital means including the Charity’s web site. ## _**Remembrance events**_ The year continue to suffer from government covid restrictions as well as general level of concern for veterans’ health. However, several commemorations were actually held. Key highlights include: Commemorations on 8 May at Dorset Square, where was the FR SOE section (Special Operation Executives) was based, the June commemoration for the “Appel du 18 Juin du General Charles de Gaulle”, as well as a series of November Remembrance, including the Armistice celebration and the event held in Chatam, Kent. The Charity therefore also managed to participate to a number of those and the list can be consulted on its web site (www.le-souvenir-francais.uk). _2_ Annual trustee report In April 2021, the Charity also offered its sincere condolences to Her Majesty the Queen and the Royal Family on the passing of his Royal highness the Prince Philip, Duke of Edinburgh. ## _**Other key events**_ _Le Souvenir Français au Royaume-Uni_ sponsored the international conference focused on the _Franco Prussian war_ which was organised by the _Sir Michael Howard Centre for the History of War (King’s College)_ and the French Embassy in the UK. Marking the 150th anniversary of the _Treaty of Frankfurt_ , this two-day conference looked at how the conflict ushered in transformative changes to the European geopolitical system, and had a profound impact on the development of the modern state. The event, after being delayed, took place in 2021 and was a success. The Charity congratulates the King's College Alumnus and Military Attaché at the time, Colonel Armel Dirou for his relentless efforts in making this event a real success. We are pleased to further report about some of its highlights: - The takeways from the conference are expected to be published by the _Presses Universitaires d’Oxford_ . - Overall, researchers, historians and academicians from the following 21 universities participated to the conference ## _United Kingdom_ - Cambridge University - Oxford University - Saint Andrews University - Durham University - York University - Warwick University - Bath University - University College London - King’s College London - Glasgow University - University of Strathclyde Glasgow - Defence Academy / KCL ## _France_ - Paris Sorbonne Université (Paris IV) - Paris 13 - Lyon III Jean Moulin - Deutsches Historisches Institut Paris ## _Germany_ - Université de Düsseldorf - Centre d’Histoire militaire et de la Société de la Bundeswehr ## _USA_ - North Texas University _3_ Annual trustee report - Naval Institute _Ireland_ - University College Dublin ## _**Research and public listing of commemoration sites**_ The Charity continues to populate the list of key remembrance sites in the UK. It can be consulted on the Charity’s web site. Several were added during the year 2021. We have believed that a majority of the relevant sites have now been catalogued in the UK. We will however continue the research effort going forward as well as adding newly inaugurated sites and plaques. ## _**Recovery of grave/cemetery items**_ There was no particular efforts or request to support the recovery of such items during the period. ## _**Digital media and publicly available information**_ The Charity communicates through several media channels it had previously set-up and which comprise: the Charity’s web site, Its twitter account, its Instagram account and email to members as well as to non members. The Charity has also continued to identify and make accessible on its web site a list of relevant expositions, theatre play and other event/ release which are in line with its objectives of information its member and the public of relevant events. ## _**Donation and fundraising campaigns**_ The Charity has benefited from charitable donations throughout the year and it is grateful to those who have supported it. However, given the hardships endured by some of the members and by the broader public during the covid period, as well as other charities such as those linked to the NHS having a more pressing need for funding, it was decided by the Trustees, as in 2020, that year 2021 would not see any major fundraising campaigns or donations efforts for the Charity. ## _**Launch of the UK commemorative plaque initiative**_ In 2020, the Charity has co-initiated an effort to create and install a series of commemorative plaques in honour of the Free French fighters during World War 2, including those operating under British command. The first plaque was produced in 2021 and supported by a fundraising campaign organised by the Charity. It was unveiled on 17 June 2021 in Hampstead London. The ceremony involved a number of participants, including the French Ambassador at the time – Mrs Catherine Colonna. The local MP and the Borough deputy Mayor also attended the ceremony. We want to express our gratitude to Mr Edouard de Guitaut for kickstarting the effort, as well as financing the first plaque. The Charity intends to financially support future plaques. _4_ Annual trustee report The year also marked the preparation of the second plaque, which will focus on Special Forces regiments including the Free French SAS (Special Air Service) 3[rd] and 4[th] regiments and the Marine Commandos and their founder, Captain Kieffer. At the time of this report, the next commemorative plaque unveiling is being planned for the autumn of 2022. ## _**Support of grants for veterans**_ As was the case in other years, the Charity took part in the meeting of the _Conseil consulaire_ which is in charge of allocating subventions to war veterans and war victims. ## _**Coordination with other associations and Governments**_ The Charity continues to work hand in hand with a number of other associations, both French and/ or British, as well as with Governments from both countries. It however operates on a complete autonomous basis, as per its governing documents. ## **Looking to the future** We look at year 2022 with a lot of optimism as “things get back to normal” and we have detected a real appetite for commemoration events. The commemorative plaques initiative has proven to be a great success, both in terms of participation, as well as for the opportunity to create commemorative materials which will be pass on to future generations. We will therefore make it a priority during year 2022. ## **Organisational management** ## _**Operations**_ As mentioned in last year report, we had become aware that Virgin Money Giving would cease to operate in November 2021 and the Charity spent time selecting a new online platform to facilitate donations and the processing of _Gift Aid_ . This was concluded during the year, with a subsequent roll it out in year 2022. The platform “Donorbox” was retained. A Stripe payment account was also set-up for the Charity. The Charity will report on its implementation in next year’s report. The Charity was informed that its bank, Clydesdale bank, has merged with Virgin Money in late 2019. A rebranding was planned and has now been effected. This has not affected our operations. ## _**Financials**_ The Charity continues to operate thanks to charitable donations and upon achieving its CIO status in August 2019, the French War Graves Commission registered with HRMC on 25 November 2019 and its charitable donors can opt to add _Gift Aid_ to their donations. _5_ Annual trustee report The financial statements show a gross income of £280 for the period covering 1 January 2021 to December 2021. Expenses amount to £0 for the period. This is explained but the fact that no spending was undertaken and the Charity relied on the wreath which has been purchased in 2020. ## _**Trustees**_ Trustees expect to continue growing the number of trustees overtime and in accordance with the Charity’s governing document. However, no appointment were made during the year and the group of Trustees remain the same as per the previous year. The full list is detailed further below in this report. ## _**Volunteers**_ The Charity welcomes the support from volunteer and whilst covid decreased its need, it welcomed one volunteer who helped with the support of the organisation of commemorations and administrative tasks. ## _**Governance**_ There is no additional governance information to report. ## **Reserve policy** The current financial requirements of the CIO are limited. As a result, no set minimum balance has been set by the trustees. The adequacy of the policy will be reviewed in future years. ## **Going Concern** The trustees have identified no significant short or medium term financial risks to the charity’s continued operations, and therefore the accounts have been prepared on the going concern basis. ## **Statement of trustee’s responsibilities** Law applicable to charities in England & Wales requires the trustees to prepare financial statements for each financial year which give a true and fair view of the charity’s financial activities during the period and of its financial position at the end of the period. In preparing financial statements giving a true and fair view, the Trustees should follow best practice and: - select suitable accounting policies and then apply them consistently; - observe the methods and principals in the Charities SORP; - make judgements and estimates that are reasonable and prudent; - state whether applicable UK Accounting Standards and statements of recommended practice have been followed, subject to any material departures disclosed and explained in the financial statements; - prepare the financial statements on the going concern basis unless it is inappropriate to presume that the charity will continue in business. _6_ Annual trustee report The Trustees are responsible for keeping adequate accounting records that disclose with reasonable accuracy at any time the financial position of the charity and enable them to ensure that the financial statements comply with the Charities Act 2011. They are also responsible for safeguarding the assets of the charity and hence for taking reasonable steps for the prevention and detection of fraud and other irregularities. The Trustees are responsible for the maintenance and integrity of the charity and financial information included on the charity’s website. Legislation in the United Kingdom governing the preparation and dissemination of financial statements may differ from legislation in other jurisdictions. ## **Charity trustees (as of 31 December 2021)** |**Trustee**|**Appointed on**|**Role**| |---|---|---| |Thomas Liaudet|29 August 2019|Chair| |Gerald Carton|29 August 2019|Trustee| |Louis Trincano|29 August 2019|Trustee| |Humbert de Wendel|15 October 2019|Trustee| ------------------------------------------------------------------------------ ## **Approved by the trustees and signed on their behalf by:** T Liaudet, Chairman 31 October 2022 Cont/. _7_ Annual trustee report |**Financial reporting**|**To Dec**
**31 2021**| |---|---| ||| |_Income resources_|| |Donations|£ 280| |Other income|£ -| |Investment income|£ -| |Total|£ 280| ||| |_Less: cost of generating funds_|| |Donations|£ -| |Other income|£ -| |Total|£ 0| ||| |Net income available for charitable activities|£ 280| ||| |Operating expenses|£ 0| ||| |Total funds carried forward|£ 280| ||| ||| |**Fixed Assets**|| |Tangible assets|£ -| |Programme related investments|£ -| |Investments|£ -| ||£ -| |**Current Assets**|| |Stocks|£ -| |Debtors|£ -| |Cash at bank in hand|£ 473| |Total|£ 473| ||| |Creditors: amount falling due within 1 year|£ -| ||| |**Net assets**|£ 473| ||| |**Unrestricted funds**|| |General funds|£ 473| |Fixed assets|£ -| |**Total**|£ 473| |**Restricted funds**|£ -| ||| _8_ Annual trustee report Total Funds £ 473 ## **Notes to the financial statements** ## A) **Statutory Information** The French War Graves Commission is a charitable incorporated organisation registered with the Charity Commission in England & Wales. The office address is 12 Connaught Square, W2 2HG, London ## B) **Basis of preparation** The accounts (financial statements) have been prepared in accordance with the Statement of Recommended Practice: Accounting and Reporting by Charities preparing their accounts in accordance with the Financial Reporting Standard applicable in the UK and Republic of Ireland (FRS 102) (effective 1 January 2015) - (Charities SORP FRS 102) and the Financial Reporting Standard applicable in the United Kingdom and Republic of Ireland (FRS 102) (September 2015) and the Charities Act 2011. The accounts (financial statements) have been prepared to give a ‘true and fair’ view. Assets and liabilities are initially recognised at historical cost or transaction value unless otherwise stated in the relevant ## C) **Public benefit entity** The charity meets the definition of a public benefit entity under FRS 102. ## D) **Going concern** The trustees consider that there are no material uncertainties about the charity's ability to continue as a going concern. The trustees do not consider that there are any sources of estimation uncertainty at the reporting date that have a significant risk of causing a material adjustment to the carrying amounts of assets and liabilities within the next reporting period. ## E) **Income** Income is recognised and included in the accounts when the Charity has entitlement, any performance conditions attached to the income have been met or are fully within the control of the CIO, there is sufficient certainty that the receipt of the income if probable and the amount can be measured reliably. ## F) **Interest receivable** Interest on funds held on deposit is included when receivable and the amount can be measured reliably by the charity; this is normally upon notification of the interest paid or payable by the bank. ## G) **Expenditures and irrecoverable VAT** All expenditure is included on an accrual basis and is recognised once there is a legal or constructive obligation to make a payment to a third party, it is probable that settlement will be required and the amount of the obligation can be measured reliably. Irrecoverable VAT is charged as a cost against the activity for which the expenditure was incurred. ## H) **Grants payable** No grants were mase during the period. However, for future reference - Grants payable are to be made to third parties in furtherance of the charity's objects. Single or multi-year grants are accounted for when either the recipient has a reasonable expectation that they will receive a grant and the trustees have agreed to pay the grant without condition, or the recipient has a reasonable expectation that they will receive a grant and that any condition attaching to the grant is outside of the control of the charity. Provision for grants are made once the CIO has made a commitment at a meeting of the Trustees and this has been communicated _9_ Annual trustee report to the grantee. The CIO uses annual reviews to determine whether funding is provided in the subsequent years of a recurring obligation and retains the discretion to terminate a grant. For this reason, an immediate liability usually arises only for the first year of the funding commitment. ## I) **Tangible assets** Tangible fixed assets are stated at cost or donated value less depreciation. Depreciation is provided at rates calculated to write down the cost, less estimated residual value, of each asset over its expected useful life. ## J) **Debtors** Trade and other debtors are recognised at the settlement amount due after any trade discount offered. Prepayments are valued at the amount prepaid net of any trade discounts due. ## K) **Cash at bank and in hand** Cash at bank and cash in hand includes cash and short term highly liquid investments with a short maturity of three months or less from the date of acquisition or opening of the deposit or similar account ## L) **Creditors and provisions** Creditors and provisions are recognised where the charity has a present obligation resulting from a past event that will probably result in the transfer of funds to a third party and the amount due to settle the obligation can be measured or estimated reliably. Creditors and provisions are normally recognised at their settlement amount after allowing for any trade discounts due. ## M) **Pensions** The CIO does not employ any staff and no pension is currently arranged. ## N) **Bank** Details: Virgin Money Jubilee House Newcastle upon Tyne NE3 4PL ## O) **Online fundraising and Gift Aid Management** Details: Donorbox https://le-souvenir-francais.uk/fr/faire-un-don/ ## **Approved by the trustees and signed on their behalf by:** T Liaudet 31 October 2022 _10_