Bamford with Thornhill Recreation Ground CIO Annual Report 2023-24
Period: 1st April 2023 to 31st March 2024 Charity registra:on number: 1185738
Trustees
Trustees as of 31st March 2024
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Senara Foster
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Denry Leighton
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Joseph Monck
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Joshua Ollerenshaw
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Malcolm Sowerby
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David Watson (Secretary/Treasurer/Chair)
Address: The Secretary, 2 The Beeches, Ashopton Road, Bamford, Hope Valley, Derbyshire S33 0DB
Structure, Management, and Trustee Recruitment
The CIO's business is managed through a bi-monthly mee:ng of its Trustees. From :me to :me the Trustees call on volunteer support from the local community concerning the upkeep of the recrea:on ground.
Trustees are drawn from the local community, preferably from within the Bamford with Thornhill parish, which comprises the area of benefit. Trustee applicants are expected to have a history of suppor:ng the management of the recrea:on ground, its ac:vi:es and upkeep.
Objectives, Activities and Public Benefit
The purpose of the CIO is as set out in the cons:tu:on:
The object of the Charity shall be to provide a recrea5on ground for the benefit of the inhabitants of the Parishes of Bamford and Thornhill and the surrounding area or for the public at large for recrea5on or other leisure 5me occupa5on with the object of improving the condi5on of life of the said inhabitants.
Before touching on our ac:vi:es over the previous year I want to acknowledge the sad death of Sue Becke], our Treasurer. She managed our finances for many years and made a massive contribu:on to the ground. Her death leaves a big hole. I also want to recognise Harry Becke], our previous Secretary, who died this year. He had also made a big difference while a Trustee.
The primary ac:vi:es of the CIO, its trustees and volunteers are focused on ensuring access, maintenance, safety and financial viability of the recrea:on ground for the local community's enjoyment. To that end, this year’s efforts have focused on repairing the playfort, where sec:ons had been vandalised or worn out; and replacing the swing frames, as their wood had significantly ro]ed where they went into the ground.
At the end of the financial year, one of the two swing frames had been replaced. We took the opportunity to switch to a metal foo:ng and GrassLok safety rubber ma] surface. Both should reduce ongoing maintenance, whilst remaining safe. The second swing frame will be replaced next financial year.
To support this endeavour the CIO has received many generous dona:ons, covering 60% of the cost of the first frame. Dona:ons were from individuals and chari:es with which the CIO has a long-standing rela:onship. Also, Friends of Bamford Play Park & Recrea:on Ground helped through fundraising campaigns and events—a big thank you all.
Trustees must ensure the financial viability of the charity. To this end, we must a]ract ground rental fees from several large par:cipa:on events to the recrea:on ground. This year showed strong demand with caravan rally and rental fees up 29% from the previous year.
The CIO con:nues to offer the ground free of charge for school sports events, including cyclocross and a Summer Sports club, which was well subscribed. It helps other local bodies fundraise and hold community events such as the Sheepdog Trials, Bamfest, the Fell race and celebra:ng the King’s Corona:on. We also try to balance the viewpoints and requirements of different groups whether ecological, neighbouring businesses, or the football team.
Looking forward to 2024/25 I would like to install the second swing frame, get Bamford FC playing on their home pitch and look longer term how we wish to maintain and develop the ground further to meet the CIO’s purpose. Growing the number of Trustees will also help make the CIO more resilient heading into the recrea:on ground’s 99th year.
Finally, a big welcome to Joseph Monck and Senara Foster, who join as new Trustees.
Financial Review
Note due to the death of Sue Becke], our Treasurer, these figures are provisional pending access to the CIO’s bank accounts. This has been constructed from bank statements and invoices I do have. The end-of-year interest on the Virgin Money account and the latest share value are missing. These would not make a significant difference to the overall figures.
Please refer to the separate income and expenditure account spreadsheet for full details. Of note:
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Against an annual income of £10,371, the CIO incurred a net expenditure of £16,090. Although we con:nue to spend more than we bring in we had a subsequent income of £5,000 from one October event and Friends of Bamford Play Park & Recrea:on Ground, giving an overall excess of circa £600. See below.
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An excep:onal investment of £10,499 was for installing a new swing frame and surface, and repairs to the play fort. There was also increased expenditure on grass culng, with 2023 being we]er than 2022. Miscellaneous costs were higher for electrical work in the container toilets.
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The CIO benefited from £3,210 in direct dona:ons from generous individuals and chari:es, contribu:ng to the new swings, for which we are very grateful. Although not shown in these accounts the Friends of Bamford Play Park & Recrea:on Ground raised a further
£3,000, through various ac:vi:es and events, in the village. This will show in next year’s figures because we have delayed transferring un:l regaining full access to the CIO’s bank accounts.
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Ground hire and caravan rallies remain resilient with revenue increasing 29.5% year-onyear to £5,122. The CIO also took a further £2,000 for October’s RunThrough event, though this money did not reach the accounts un:l amer the financial year.
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Grounds & pavilion maintenance, electricity and insurance account for most of our normal outgoings.
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Although expenditure exceeded income, the CIO carries healthy cash balances into the new financial year.
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