## **Simonsbath and Exmoor Heritage Trust Charity No 1186622 Annual Report** 

Report for the period 1 January to 31 December 2021 

## **Trustees** 

Steven Pugsley Chair Michael Bickersteth Mark de Wynter Smith Frances Nicholson Francis Schott Tegan Gowlland Anthony Robin Ashburner (Until 31[st] of March) Jayne Chanter (Until 31[st] March) Louise Flagg (Until 31[st] of March) Jill Wright (From 13[th] of May) Dr G. Edward Greenall (From 13[th] of May) 

## **Charity Contact Address** 

Steven Pugsley, Westerclose Lodge, Withypool, Minehead, Somerset, TA24 7QR 

## **Meetings of Trustees** 

Trustees met on the 2[nd] March, 31[st] of March, 13[th] May and the 15[th] of July, all remotely; and on the 14[th] of October in person. 

## **Objects of the Charity for the Public Benefit** 

- (1) To  preserve  the  heritage  of  Simonsbath  and  Exmoor  parish  (in particular, but not exclusively, by preserving and maintaining buildings or sites of historic or architectural importance); 

- (2) To advance education in, and promote understanding and appreciation  of,  the  history,  heritage,  culture  and  traditions  of Simonsbath and Exmoor parish; 

- (3) The promotion for the benefit of the public of rural regeneration in areas  of  social  and  economic  deprivation  (and  in  particular  in Simonsbath and Exmoor parish) by all or any of the following means: 

   - (a) the maintenance, improvement or provision of public amenities; 

   - (b) the preservation of buildings or sites of historic or architectural importance; 



   - (c) the provision of recreational facilities for the public at large or those who by reason of their youth, age, infirmity or disablement, financial hardship or social and economic circumstances, have need of such facilities; 

   - (d) the protection or conservation of the environment; 

   - (e) such  other  means  as  may  from  time  to  time  be  determined subject to the prior written consent of the Charity Commission (“the Commission”); and 

- (4) To further or benefit the residents of Simonsbath and Exmoor parish and the neighbourhood, without distinction of sex, sexual orientation, race or of political, religious or other opinions by associating together the  said  residents  and  the  local  authorities,  voluntary  and  other organisations in a common effort to advance education and to provide facilities in the interests of social welfare for recreation and leisure time occupation with the objective of improving the conditions of life for the residents. 

In furtherance of these objects but not otherwise, the charity trustees shall have power to establish or secure the establishment of a community centre  and  to  maintain  or  manage  or  co-operate  with  any  statutory authority  in  the  maintenance  and  management  of  such  a  centre  for activities promoted by the Charity in furtherance of the above objects. 

## **Achievements and Performance** 

Negotiations proceeded with the Exmoor National Park Authority for a 99-year lease of White Rock Cottage and the Old Schoolroom at Simonsbath. This was duly signed at a public ceremony at White Rock Cottage on the 11[th] of September and the property transferred. The ongoing effects of the Coronavirus pandemic made letting and fundraising difficult, although a hiring agreement and standard conditions of hire were reviewed and adopted by Trustees, with Covid 19 special conditions.. The Trustees ensured that the property has been carefully tended and maintained in a good state of repair. Throughout the Trustees have worked closely and cooperatively with the Exmoor National Park Authority. 

## **Financial Review** 

The Trust carried forward £2500 from the 2020 year. In the course of 2021 a further £50 was received in donations. Expenditure was incurred on electricity, insurance and bank charges, totalling £713.19. During the course of the year the Trust was able to open a bank account with Unity Trust Bank. 

## **Declaration** 

Name Steven Pugsley Position Chair of Trustees Date 19[th] of October 2021 



## **SIMONSBATH & EXMOOR HERITAGE TRUST. Summary of Income & Expenditure for the year ended 31st December 2021.** 

## **Income** 

**Opening balance: £2,500.00** 

**Donations: £50.00** 

**£2,550.00** 

**Expenditure: Electricity, Insurance and Bank Charges.** 

**£713.19** 

**Closing balances:** 

**Balance Carried Forward: £1836.81**