GRASSINGTON DEVONSHIRE INSTITUTE
(A Charitable Incorporated Organisation – Registered Charity no. 1185815)
ANNUAL REPORT 2025
GDI started in 2019 and has come so far with, the setting up of the charity, writing of a constitution, surviving the financial struggles of covid, constant repairs and lease negotiations with the GPC. It was upon these essential steps that the present trustees were able to build.
The relationship with the GPC was formally recognised in the lease signed in 2024. Since then, the GPC has put aside a pot of money within the precept to support The Charity in its endeavours. In 2025 another £20k was made available and was used to help pay for the replacement of the Octagon Roof. The relationship between the two groups has settled into a sound working relationship and our thanks must go to Mrs L. Close for her hard work and the GPC members who have been supportive of our goals.
THE BUILDING
We have continued to work on the issues to upgrade and repair the building with support from grant bodies. In 2025 it became clear that the Spanish tiles fitted on the Octagon, corridor and front above the main doors were failing in the Yorkshire weather. The Octagon roof could not survive another bad winter with strong winds. With the support from the GPC and a matching grant from The Tarmac Limited Landfill Communities Fund we were quickly able to replace the whole roof and front elevation above the main doors with reclaimed Welsh slate. The corridor had some repairs, but in the future, we will also need replace these tiles.
After what feels like three years of moving from one crisis to another with roofs, heating systems etc. we are now in a much stronger position to identify problems and repairs which, whilst necessary, can be planned. We can also look to upgrading our facilities
where they are wearing out and where possible, enhance what we can offer our user groups as their needs change.
A meeting of user groups early in the year identified maintenance and facilities needed on the stage and phase one is now compete. Our grateful thanks to Judith Brewer and Cathy Doyle for helping to repair where possible and make new where necessary, the stage curtains. Mr John Jameson stepped in with his expertise to make changes to microphones, a new camera and necessary wiring. Finally, Des and Paul Biddulph painted the floor and back wall of the stage area. Our sincere thanks go to Grassington Players for their kind donation of £500 towards the costs incurred. The next stage will be to look at the stage lighting and see if dreams can become reality.
Thanks must go to our staff and volunteers who give generously of their time to do all the regular maintenance without which the daily running of the building would cease. Whether it is changing light bulbs, painting, clearing gutters or so much more there is always a list. If you have any practical skills, you are welcome to come and help our team of Lisa Geraghty, Dave Dunn and volunteers led by Ian Austin.
FINANCES
The financial figures are somewhat skewed again this year as grants which have come in for particular projects have not yet been paid out, but the overall balance is promising. This in turn has raised money through interest each month adding to the pot. As you will see from the annual accounts the charity continues to flourish and special mention must be made of the huge amount raised by trustees and volunteers by running events. It takes many hours to organise an event from decisions, publicity, ticketing, finances and communications long before we run the night. My sincere thanks go to all who have supported us in running these and as ever we need more volunteers to train to help with these events. Just once or twice a year would be a huge help.
With regular income from the rental of parts of the undercroft beginning later this year I truly believe we have turned a corner financially and we have achieved our aim to pass on a facility to the next generation which is not a financial burden.
My thanks go to Andy Thornton for his unstinting work as treasurer – and so much more - without whom we certainly would not be able to juggle all the requirements of the Charity.
THE UNDERCROFT PROJECT
Whilst the undercroft project has run on to 2026, this report could not be complete without taking time to celebrate. A dream which started many years ago is now a reality. The old flat, ladies’ room and council chamber was suffering from damp, obsolete wiring etc. and desperately needed renewal. At the same time the charity needed to find another long-term financial income to cover the increasing utility bills and the facilities in the main building. Over 18 months we managed to raise the monies needed for this from various grants and community fund raising events.
The community events for the building project took on so many different things from Bingo, Auction, Easter Rabbits, sporting competitions and of course Grassington’s Got Talent. The money raised supported our grant applications and so after many years of planning by successive trustees and support from professionals we were ready to move on with the work.
Special mention must also be made of the additional grants we have received in 2025 towards the cost of this project. The Bernard Sunley Foundation who gifted £15k and The Garfield Weston Foundation £25k. I never knew of these grant funds before my research and their stories are so inspiring and well worth a read. The YDNPA Sustainable Development Fund has also kindly committed £10k towards the community room development. As said last year we have been truly blessed with support without which we could never be where we are today.
I know many of us have watched with interest all the stuff coming out and then going in – like a giant Meccano set growing up. So many details needed to be considered like widening door frames where possible to allow better access and what looked like miles of wiring and endless plasterwork. It is so hard to mention all
those who have made this possible but special mention must be made of Ian Austin who has managed the project, Chris Slater and his team who have worked so hard to deal with the issues which the old building has thrown up, Neil Harrison with his support on the structural side of things and Andrew Coates our project designer.
By the time of the AGM, we will have the new facility in use. There are two rental units, and the upgraded council chamber will be available for rental to any user groups like the rest of the main building. All areas have their own entry doors and access to a kitchenette and accessible toilet at the back.
I personally look forward to us replacing the Devonshire gates which are newly sand blasted and will be painted the traditional green - for me it marks the appropriate conclusion to the project.
THE PEOPLE
GDI is really all about people and it has been a year with many ups and a down. Sadly, 2025 saw the death of Mr Rob Arnott who had served as a trustee and did so much besides. Rob stepped up three years ago when the charity faced the challenge of not having enough trustees to continue and was a valued member of the team. He loved the town hall and all it offered the community which was demonstrated by his
constant repairs and improvements, His organisation of the Ballets and Operas and being my ever-supportive vice chair.
A new handrail will be going up on the main staircase which Rob began before his death, and it will bring a smile to many of us who knew Rob every time we use it.
Another huge change in 2025 was the retirement of our long serving caretaker, Des. Des had done so much, for so many, so it was great to welcome a large crowd to his retirement party so that we could wish him well in his new life.
As trustees we knew it was a huge task to fill the gap left behind and so we were delighted to welcome our new caretaker, Lisa Geraghty, who came with a wealth of experience and enthusiasm. She is quickly fitting into the role and with Dave Dunn they are making a great team for the future. Please do support them as they try to take on board all the complexities of the building and its users.
We have been delighted to co-opt Elizabeth Wilson and Robert
Crampton to the trustees, and they have quickly got busy running events and helping with the maintenance list. Our other trustees are all busy doing their ‘bit’ and I want to especially thank Laura Ward who stepped up to be vice-chair during the year.
Membership stays around the 280 mark, and the monthly fee adds up to bring in a significant amount of money and just as important is evidence it provides for grant funders. I personally want to thank all those who stop us in the village to encourage us and make suggestions for future ideas. If you have new people moving in near you, please do get a copy of our letter for them to introduce GDI and how they can get involved in activities.
A stone planter was gifted to the front yard in memory of Mr John Benson and has been planted through the seasons including some crocus called Remembrance.
THE ACTIVITIES
Regular users have continued to increase with 25+ groups using the facilities. We have been delighted to see some new clubs and in 2026 we will be welcoming a regular visit from a vet. There is nothing more rewarding than dropping in and seeing an art group, acting, dance, singing, sport, lunch club and so much more and some evenings we now have no space left. It has been great to see the snooker room being used more and thanks go to Paul Biddulp for organising a new Wednesday group. We still have gaps, especially during the day and holidays where we could fit in new things so, please do get in touch if you have an idea.
There has been a huge variety of events for everyone to join in from the traditional Brass Band to Sea Shanty groups from Devon. The Players performances of Good Night Mr Tom were glorious. Special mention must be made of the increasing role of children in Plays, Pantomimes and
the amazing Dance Academy show.
The Christmas Markets have really become an annual favourite again enhanced this year with Christmas Lego which saw children and many adults engrossed in building new ornaments for their trees. Elf School was enjoyed by lots of Santa’s little helpers and bingo, started as a one off, is now a monthly activity enjoyed by many with our sincere thanks to Rita and Phil.
So where are we now? If you had asked three years ago
what I saw as the biggest challenge to the Charity I would have talked about the state of
the buildings or financial issues, but that has changed. I believe the biggest challenge we face now is getting a good turnover of trustees who are able to cover the work of running the charity. Realistically we need people to commit to three years to give the continuity necessary and at least three more people than we have at present to spread the workload to fit into our lives. I keep asking, but unless we have these people on board, we cannot thrive so, please consider if it is something you could do. You are always welcome to have a coffee and discuss further.
Hazel Drew Chair of Trustees.
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Grassington Devonshire Institute Treasurer's Report
Date: Wednesday, 31 December 2025
Opening Balances 01 January 2025
Santander £ 79,134.77
Virgin Money £ 100,549.19
Cash £ 286.01
Barclays Community Account £ 14,933.50
Members Cash £ 24.00
Total Funds 01 January 2025 £ 194,927.47
Income
Account Description Credit
Bond £ 700.00
Deposit £ 600.00
Donations - Car Parking £ 3,668.11
Donations - Non-specific £ 1,797.02
Donations - Projects £ 1,582.60
Drop In £ 107.00
GDI Events - bar £ 8,285.39
GDI Events - door £ 16,751.13
GDI Events - other £ 8,915.07
Grants £ 77,846.87
Investment Income £ 4,214.76
Membership Subscriptions £ 7,286.00
Miscellaneous £ 594.99
Room Hire £ 34,222.54
Room Hire - Private £ 4,925.00
Grand Total £ 171,496.48
Expenditure
Account Description Debit
Bond Refund £ 150.00
Council Tax & Waste £ 79.28
Donations £ 50.00
Electricity £ 4,096.93
Employment £ 24,947.55
Fire Safety £ 534.00
Gas £ 6,583.70
GDI Events - Bar £ 3,664.82
GDI Events - Licence £ 2,454.40
GDI Events - Other £ 2,156.97
GDI Events - Performer £ 2,832.00
Gifts £ 70.00
Insurance £ 864.79
Licences £ 967.04
Lucky Dip Payout £ 600.00
Maintenance & Repairs £ 4,343.04
Membership Subscriptions £ 24.00
Office Expenses £ 210.93
Professional Fees £ 768.00
Projects £ 99,147.84
Renewals & Improvements £ 2,554.15
Software £ 404.73
Stage Equipment £ 962.49
Sundries & Consumables £ 1,840.51
Telephone & Internet £ 522.98
Water £ 1,606.01
Website £ 754.80
Grand Total £ 163,190.96
Surplus/Loss to date 31 December 2025 £ 8,305.52
Funds at 31 December 2025 £ 203,232.99
Bank Balances 31 December 2025
Santander £ 66,516.05
Barclays £ 9,096.50
Virgin Money £ 127,263.95
Cash £ 233.49
MemCash £ 123.00
£ 203,232.99
Check Error £ (0.00)
Allocated Funds
Liabilities Room Hire Deposits & Bonds £ 1,455.00
Reserves DR Reserve £ 30,000.00
Ringfenced Funds Projects £ 119,115.71
Total Restricted Funds £ 150,570.71
Available Unrestricted Funds £ 52,662.28
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Gras5tn on Dwonshlre Instltute No i8 ReIP1S (i) 171.497 243,604 Dlrect Charltable expendlture 121 163.191 146.727 163.191 146,727 Net receIpt{payments) for the year Add Cash funds at be8lnnlng of year Cash funds at the end of yeJr 8,306 194.877 203,183 96,877 98,C 194,877 U•b Santander current account Member5hlp and Lucky Dlp accountl8ardè) Vlrgin Pknn Cash Mem Cash 66,516 9,047 127,264 233 123 203,183 79,135 14,B83 ICX).$49 24 194,877 1.740 196,617 -1340 195.277 Debtor: Hall Hlre 203,783 -14S5 202,328 Credlt¢ys Approved on.......Tue8d8yA 24th M8rch 2026 44._ tayr H Drew, Chalrperson For and on behalf of the Trustees A Thornton Treasurer
Grassln n De¥onshlre Instltuts. stsred Ch N¢>te5 to the accounts for the r ended 31 December 2025. Donatior Grants 38.074 129.184 77,847 Local Or8anlsations Weddlngs Membershlp and Lucky Dlp account Fund¥aisers Including refreshments Investment Income Other receipts Glft Ald 40,554 34,872 2,075 7,418 25.693 549 1,330 4,409 33.952 4.215 595 171.497 243,604 121 Repalr5 and malntenance 9,272 Elèttrlclty Ga5 Water Cèretakirw staff costs Trade waste Llcences, f4•5 and Iranc• Event fees Ites 4.097 3.278 10,422 1,669 22,050 462 2,982 8,958 24.796 527 11.108 Prole(ts Lucky DSp Payments Offl¢e costs Telephone & WIFI Pur¢hase d equlpm•nt Photocopylng Mlscellaneous expense5 Donation 99.148 87,591 650 727 1396 523 962 126 97 135 33 50 163,191 146,727
on D•vonshl In Ilumber. Ownership of the Grassln8ton DnShIre Institute ItheTown Hall) Is vested In Gra551n8toD Parish Cwncil. The Parish Cwntll allows the Trustees to OFthtethe bulldlng and totake responybilityfor the mointenance ot the interior andforthe upkeep. renewal and improvement of all the focilit¢ts ther•th. UAderthe eurr•ntt•rnii ofthé 4r4èm4At with the P?f15h Coun¢il all furnlture and equlpment wrthased lry the tru5tee5 for use in th twildlng becomesthe KW)erty ofthe Parth Councw. The trustee5 therefore he no nc nN)netary assets. Z025 tk>natlons Grants Investment Incc#i)e Membershlp Subxrfptk>ni Mlscellane Room Hlre GDI Everts 7,047.73 77,846.87 4,214.76 7286.C 594.99 40,554.54 33.951.59 Pgr AoTrts 171.496.48 2025 Coundl Tax & W85te Electr £ 4,096.93 £ 24,PJ6.35 E 6,583.70 £ 11.1(.19 £ 864.79 967.04 £ f4YJ.(XI £ 7A31.19 244.C(I 766.86 768.Cl) £ 99,147.84 £ IW51 962.49 $22.98 £ 1,606. 754.80 Gas GDI E4*nts Insurance Lkenc•s Lucky Dlp Pa Maintenance & Repalrs Miscellathths Office Expenses Profes51onal Fees Prolert5 Sundde5 & Consumables Purchase and r•placewt d twlkmnenr Telephone & Internet Water WebsRe Donatlon 163.190.96
GRASSINGTON DEVONSHIRE INSTITUTE INDEPENDENf EXAMINER'S REPORT FOR THE YEAR ENDED 31 DECEMBER 2025 Inde end nt EiaDJiner's Re ort to tbe Trnslees of Grnssin on Devonshire Institute l Teport to the Trustees on my examination of the a¢Unts of the aLx)N'e Charity ('Ih¢ TnL8t") for the year ended 31 December 2025. Res n8ibilities And bgsh of Re As the Charity s Ttees. you are reswnsible for prepardtion of the accounts in accordance with the requirements of the Charities Act 2011 {he Act"). I report in respect of m? examination of the TrSI.S xcounts carried oul under section 145 of the 2011 Act and in CWJ'ing oui my examinalion. I have follo.ed the applicable direclions given by the Cl]arity Commission under section 145(5Xb) of the Act. Inde tnt F. miner's St tement I have completcd my examination. l ¢onfimi that no material matt¢rs haN'e come to my utlenti()n in connection w'ith the examination which gives me cause to believe that in any material r¢spwt: - Accountin¥ r¢¢ord5 M'ere not ke in accordance with section 130 of the A¢t. or; - The accounts do no( uccord with th¢ xwunting records. I have no concerns and have come across no other matters in connection with the examination to w'hich attention should be dr8HTr in order to enable a prop¢r understanding of the accounts to be reached. 3.1 ADdr¢M, Walker Arthur I Walker & Co 6 Water Street Skipion BD23 IPB