2024-12-31-accounts - Cleethorpes And District Astronomical Society

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Trustees’ Annual Report for the period

From 01.01.2024 Period start date to 31.12.2024 Period end date

Charity name: Cleethorpes and District Astronomical Society Charity registration number: 1186764

Objectives and Activities

	SORP reference
Summary of the purposes of the charity as set out in its governing document	Para 1.17	The object of the CIO is to advance education in the science of astronomy and related subjects by furthering the knowledge of its members and amongst the local community, promoting and conducting observations and by providing facilities for active participation in astronomical observation.
Summary of the main activities in relation to those purposes for the public benefit, in particular, the activities, projects or services identified in the accounts.	Para 1.17 and 1.19	We are a long-established astronomical society with our own observatory and meeting room situated at Beacon Hill, Montgomery Road, Cleethorpes, DN35 9JQ. Although a members’ society, the majority of our activities are open and welcoming to the general public and promoted on our website, on Facebook and the local press. We organise and deliver talks, informal meetings, dedicated sessions for newcomers to astronomy and outreach activities for schools, scouting groups and other organisations. The society website www.cleethorpesastronomy.org.uk Is well maintained and a regularly accessed source of up-to-date information about our activities. In addition to open evenings, meetings, sessions for beginners the society welcomes members and the public to daytime observations of Solar events such as eclipses and transits. In addition to the 16-inch aperture Cassegrain / Newtonian telescope in the purpose-built observatory dome, we

		own and maintain a variety of smaller portable telescopes for demonstration purposes and for use by members, beginners and visitors. We also have the facility to electronically transmit images from a telescope in the observation dome to a projector and screen in the meeting room. This allows our less mobile members and guests to take part in observing sessions.
Statement confirming whether the trustees have had regard to the guidance issued by the Charity Commission on public benefit	Para 1.18	Trustees of Cleethorpes and District Astronomical Society are acquainted with the Charity Commission’s guidance on public benefit and comply with the requirements under section 17(5) of the Charities Act 2011 to ensure that the activities of the society are available to and suitable for the public at large. The prioritisation of public benefit is regularly reviewed at trustee and committee meetings to encourage inclusion, particularly of younger members of the public, through promotion, range of activities and charges. The trustees also ensure that the society caters for a wide variety of interests, commitment and abilities.

Additional information (optional) You may choose to include further statements where relevant about:

	SORP reference
Policy on grant making	Para 1.38	The society does not make grants but is prepared to temporally loan telescopes to members.
Policy on social investment including program related investment	Para 1.38	We do not engage in investment activity.
Contribution made by volunteers	Para 1.38	The society has no paid staff, so all its activities are undertaken voluntarily by its members. These include secretarial, governance, organisation of meetings and speakers, practical observing, catering for beginners, upkeep of premises, grounds and equipment, website maintenance and social interaction.
Other

Achievements and Performance

	SORP reference
Summary of the main achievements of the charity, identifying the difference the charity’s work has made to the circumstances of its beneficiaries and any wider benefits to society as a whole.	Para 1.20	Attendances at Main and Beginners’ meetings have held up well during the year with Main meetings averaging twenty-three attendees for the eleven observatory-based meetings. The Main meeting programme had a wide variety of topics so that all members’ interests were catered for. These meetings featured speakers including our own members, Fellows of the Royal Astronomical Society, University lecturers and experts from other astronomical societies.The August meeting was the regular Perseid meteor watch at the dark sky, out-of-town home of one of our members. The Beginners’ meetings enjoyed an average attendance of 20 persons with several new people joining us from September onwards. There is now a substantial core of people who are attending very regularly. Changing the programme to a two- year cycle has given us a lot more flexibility in how and when topics are introduced. This is particularly important given the unpredictability of observing opportunities on Beginners’ meeting nights. Essential to the success of the Beginners’ sessions is how welcome people feel when they arrive, especially for the first time. In addition to the average twenty attendees, all the Beginners’ sessions have several society members present to deliver talks and advice, set up and help with telescope viewing and generally promote a welcoming atmosphere. Our monthly Informal Evenings provided a platform for members to join together to discuss and share their various interests in Astronomy. The regular attendees included beginners aiming to increase their understanding together with experienced members eager to share their knowledge through discussion and short presentations. Each evening, held

via Zoom, includes a variety of subjects ranging from those of astronomical historical interest, future space projects, current astronomical phenomena and astrophysical topics We have excellent astrophotographers at our meetings who share their work, expertise and gave advice. Attendees are not required to prepare a presentation or lead a discussion; their presence is simply requested to enjoy an evening with fellow enthusiasts. The society’s Outreach sessions have been very successful with a plethora of enquiries from local groups. Visitors have included schools, scouts, cubs, beavers, guides and U3A (University of the Third Age) groups. During the year the committee has met six times. It undertook a thorough SWOT (Strengths Weaknesses Opportunities Threats) analysis of the society’s situation. It is fair to say that the results were broadly positive and some points that arose from it have been dealt with, such as improving security of the building and the usability of the rear fire escape. The sleeping policemen on the internal driveway have also been repainted as they were becoming a hazard. It has also enabled us to set some key action points. One of these is to have the path to the meeting room re-laid as it is in an unsatisfactory condition, especially for those who are disabled or elderly. The committee has decided to seek external funding for this work. A considerable amount of maintenance work has been undertaken both to the dome and 16” telescope as well as to the meeting room and the rest of the building. These improvements are generally aimed at enhancing the appearance, comfort and safety of our facilities. However, given that the building is over 50 years old, maintenance will continue to be an ongoing necessity.

Additional information (optional) You may choose to include further statements where relevant about:

Achievements against objectives set	Para 1.41	All the activities of the society / CIO emphasise and support our set objectives. We continue to be a valuable and needed service to the local community where members of the public are more than welcome to join or just visit in order to learn about astronomy and experience practical observing. We are a unique and valuable resource to the community, for example when someone acquires a telescope for the first time and needs to learn how to use it.
Performance of fundraising activities against objectives set	Para 1.41	The society raises a small amount of funds through the provision of refreshments and organising raffles during meetings. These, together with the collection of membership subscriptions and door charges for casual visitors and fees for outreach activities help with the upkeep of the premises, maintenance of equipment and expenses incurred by visiting speakers. All income has been utilised in support of the society’s objectives.
Investment performance against objectives	Para 1.41	Not applicable
Other
Financial Review
Review of the charity’s financial position at the end of the period	Para 1.21	One of our senior committee and trustee members is elected annually to the position of treasurer. The treasurer oversees all matters relating to income and expenditure and provides detailed information to committee and trustees meetings. The financial position of the society remains healthy with end of year unrestricted funds totalling £5,921

		compared with £5,063 at the end of 2023. This financial stability has been achieved through careful management and the goodwill of members which has allowed the society not only to maintain but also further improve its facilities
Statement explaining the policy for holding reserves stating why they are held	Para 1.22	The society is a straightforward and transparent organisation with generally predictable outgoings. Holding specific reserves is therefore not necessary at the present time.
Amount of reserves held	Para 1.22	None
Reasons for holding zero reserves	Para 1.22	Predicted expenditure such as insurance, fees and utilities can always be met through subscriptions.
Details of fund materially in deficit	Para 1.24	The society has no funds in deficit.
Explanation of any uncertainties about the charity continuing as a going concern	Para 1.23	The future of the society requires enough members in order to provide subscriptions to cover our outgoings. We are therefore aware of the need to continuously attract new and younger members to future-proof the society. Progression from the beginners’ programme to membership of the society is one way to achieve this.

Additional information (optional) You may choose to include further statements where relevant about:

The charity’s principal sources of funds (including any fundraising)	Para 1.47	The society’s principal sources of funds are membership subscriptions and casual visitors at meetings, refreshment and raffle charges. These are supplemented by donations, including those given in appreciation of outreach activities.
Investment policy and objectives including any social investment policy adopted	Para 1.46	Not applicable.
A description of the principal risks facing the charity	Para 1.46	The society has been in existence for over 50 years. We have our own premises and equipment and a regular

membership. We also enjoy an established communication and outreach potential. The only risk is not being able to attract sufficient new members and participants in the future. Other

Structure, Governance and Management

Description of charity’s trusts:
Type of governing document (trust deed, royal charter)	Para 1.25	The society / CIO is governed by its constitution which was reviewed and amended on 29th April 2019.
How is the charity constituted? (e.g. unincorporated association, CIO)	Para 1.25	As a Charitable Incorporated Organisation registered with the Charity Commission on 5th December 2019.
Trustee selection methods including details of any constitutional provisions e.g. election to post or name of any person or body entitled to appoint one or more trustees	Para 1.25	Membership of the society is open to the public. The trustees, along with the society’s committee members and officers, are elected from the general membership at each annual general meeting. All posts are open to any of our members and are advertised prior to the AGM.

Additional information (optional) You may choose to include further statements where relevant about:

Policies and procedures adopted for the induction and training of trustees	Policies and procedures adopted for the induction and training of trustees		The society / CIO has an elected committee with executive posts of society chair, chair of trustees, secretary and treasurer. The elected trustees operate within the society’s organisational structure and constitution to ensure that its activities, priorities and expenditure are in line with and support the CIO’s charitable and public benefit objectives. Relevant circulars from the Charity Commission are circulated to the trustees.
	Policies and procedures adopted for the induction and training of trustees	Para 1.51	The society / CIO has an elected committee with executive posts of society chair, chair of trustees, secretary and treasurer. The elected trustees operate within the society’s organisational structure and constitution to ensure that its activities, priorities and expenditure are in line with and support the CIO’s charitable and public benefit objectives. Relevant circulars from the Charity Commission are circulated to the trustees.

The charity’s organisational structure and any wider network with which the charity works	Para 1.51	Trustees are an integral part of the society’s organisational and committee structure. The society is a member of the Federation of Astronomical Societies (FAS) which is a national body established to promote co-operation between astronomical societies and provide information and advice. Public liability insurance is obtained annually from the FAS and the society has adopted the national policies on child protection, general data protection regulation (GDPR) and risk assessment.
Relationship with any related parties	Para 1.51	Not applicable
Other

Reference and Administrative details

Charity name	Cleethorpes and District Astronomical Society
Other name the charity uses	None
Registered charity number	1186764
Charity’s principal address	144 Chichester Road Cleethorpes Lincolnshire DN35 0JJ

Names of the charity trustees who manage the charity

Trustee name	Office (if any)	Name of person (or body) entitled to appoint trustee (ifany)
Michael Brightmore	Chair	SocietyMembership
Barrie Watts	Vice Chair	SocietyMembership
Susan Parr	Secretary	SocietyMembership
William Scutcher	Treasurer	SocietyMembership

– Corporate trustees names of the directors at the date the report was approved

Director name Not applicable

Name of trustees holding title to property belonging to the charity

Trustee name	Dates acted if not for whole year
Not applicable

Funds held as custodian trustees on behalf of others

Description of the assets held in this capacity	Not applicable
Name and objects of the charity on whose behalf the assets are held and how this falls within the custodian charity’s objects	Not applicable
Details of arrangements for safe custody and segregation of such assets from the charity’s own assets	Not applicable

Additional information (optional)

Names and addresses of advisers (Optional information)

Type of Name Address adviser

Name of chief executive or names of senior staff members (Optional information)

Not applicable

Exemptions from disclosure

Reason for non-disclosure of key personnel details

Not applicable

Other optional information

Declarations

The trustees declare that they have approved the trustees’ report above.

Signed on behalf of the charity’s trustees

Signature(s) Susan Elizabeth Parr Full name(s) Michael Victor Brightmore Position (eg Secretary, Chair Secretary Chair, etc) Date 17[th] September 2025

Cleethorpes and District Astronomical Society	Cleethorpes and District Astronomical Society	Cleethorpes and District Astronomical Society	1186764
Receipts andpayments accounts
For the period from	1-Jan-24	To	31-Dec-24

CC16a

Section A Receipts and payments	Section A Receipts and payments
A1 Receipts	Unrestricted funds to the nearest £	Restricted funds to the nearest £	Endowment funds to the nearest £	Total funds to the nearest £	Last year to the nearest £
MembershipSubscriptions	765	-	-	765	1,632
On the doorpayments	469	-	-	469	336
Visit Donations	305	-	-	305	220
Other donations	77	-	-	77	117
Refreshment Payments	260	-	-	260	159
Book sales	570	-	-	570	-
Raffle money	191	-	-	191	287
Grants	-	-	-	-	-
Equipment Loan Deposits	-	-	-	-	-
*Sub total*(Gross income for AR)	2,637	-	-	2,637	2,751

A2 Asset and investment sales, (see table).
	-	-	-	-	-
	-	-	-	-	-
*Sub total*	-	-	-	-	-
*Total receipts* A3 Payments
					2,751

Speaker fees and expenses	265	-	-	265	317
NELC Rent and Rates	-	-	-	-	-
Water supply payment to allotment soc	35	-	-	35	25
Refreshements	-	-	-	-	-
Maintenance	56	-	-	56	163
FAS Mem'ship & Voluntr. + PL Insurance	73	-	-	73	52
Other insurance	-	-	-	-	144
Electricity	380	-	-	380	291
Major buildingwork	400	-	-	400	774
Astro equipment and consumablles	24	-	-	24	504
Non-astro equiment and consumables	172	-	-	172	576
Equipment Loan Deposit Refunded	-	-	-	-	-
Book Printingetc	394	-	-	394	-
**Sub total **	1,799	-	-	1,799	2,846

A4 Asset and investment purchases, (see table)
	-	-	-	-	-
	-	-	-	-	-
**Sub total **	-	-	-	-	-
*Total payments* *Net of receipts/(payments)* A5 Transfers between funds A6 Cash funds last year end *Cash funds this year end*
					2,846

	838	-	-	838	- 95
	-	-	-	-	-
	5,083	-	-	5,083	5,158
	5,921	-	-	5,921	5,063

CCXX R1 accounts (SS)

9/17/2025

Section B Statement of assets and liabilities at the end of the period

Cash held as cash NatWest current account Details Details *Total cash funds* (agree balances with receipts and payments account(s)) Details	Unrestricted funds to nearest £ 228 5,693 - 5,921 OK Unrestricted funds to nearest £ - - - - - - Fund to which asset belongs	Restricted funds to nearest £ - - - - OK Restricted funds to nearest £ - - - - - - Cost (optional)	Endowment funds to nearest £
			-
			-
			-
			-
			OK
			Endowment funds to nearest £
			-
			-
			-
			-
			-
			-
			Current value (optional)
		-	-
		-	-
		-	-
		-	-
		-	-
Details	Fund to which asset belongs	Cost (optional)	Current value (optional)
		-	-
		-	-
		-	-
		-	-
		-	-
		-	-
		-	-
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Details	Fund to which liability relates	Amount due (optional)	When due (optional)
		-
		-
		-
		-
		-
Signature	Print Name William Scutcher Michael Brightmore
			Date of approval
	William Scutcher		9/16/2025
	Michael Brightmore		9/16/2025

CCXX R2 accounts (SS)

9/17/2025