## **54th Annual General Meeting of the Mansfield and Sutton Astronomical Society Trustees Report.** 

## **Observatory Director** 

## **Craig Mapleston** 

Observatory and grounds maintenance - This year we have had an influx of volunteers getting stuck in to tasks around the grounds myself and volunteers started cleaning the bricks from the demolition of the pump house on top of the Reservoir to reused in the building of the SDC and surplus to be sold. 

Dome refurbishment - The dome was getting stuck on rotation in multiple points On investigation it needed a lot of TLC.  A few volunteers came forward to help me with this. We stripped it back to the rails and found that the draft excluder had failed the wheels on the motor had perished and the dome its self was out of shape. We installed new excluder, new wood chocks with spaces for any wires in the future, regreased the bearings on the rollers, and rebalanced the dome to make it plumb.  This exercise was successful and now is fully working. 

After the dome the control panel was replaced, name added above (Apollo style), and its surroundings was updated getting rid of that brown carpet. 

Maintenance days -   A few Saturdays throughout the year volunteers give a day to help with bigger tasks another great response from the members. 

Jobs including filling the holes and uneven ground in the car park, painting inside and out, grounds upkeep, demolition of pump house, brick cleaning, new instant hot water for drinks, new hot water cylinder, upgraded lighting, and replacement and adding signage. 

With the response we are getting from the members that volunteer the Observatory and grounds are just going to keep on getting better for members and the public. 

## **Chair Nigel “Sparky” Cunnington** 

Welcome reader to the 2023/4 annual Trustee’s report of the Mansfield and Sutton Astronomical Society, and what a year we’ve had. 

It amazes me to see how our Society continues to grow and develop over the nearly 20 years that I have been a member. This growth has been due to the dedication and enthusiasm of its members, not only in pursuing their interest in astronomy, but in the time and effort they put in to help run, maintain and build on the foundations of our founding members. 

Looking back over this past year, we’ve seen the securing of funds for the long-awaited Science Discovery Centre and Planetarium with its start of “spades in the ground” in late August 2023. This has been led by our project manager Steve Wallace, and what a job he’s doing bringing it into reality. Although this is a major project for the society, taking in a lot of effort not only from volunteering members, but also other key volunteers from outside our membership making up the Project Board etc. It has been wonderful to see that our “normal” projects which our Society is involved in have continued to develop by the effort’s put in by our members. 

These include but not limited to our outreach work, headed up by our Trustee events coordinator Brendan Scoular with support from Kirsten Richards - Schools outreach coordinator, and Sharon Berry – Group visits coordinator. Then there are our Safeguarding leads Clive Butcher along with Kirsten Richards helping to develop our Safeguarding polices.  And let’s not forget all of you that have 

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supported this outreach work including the bi-yearly night school lecturers, of which there are numerous folk. 

The maintenance of our Observatory and grounds headed up by our Observatory Director Craig Mapleston and Deputy Director Julian Best and all of the folk that have helped clean, strip, paint, dig etc, a big thank you to you all. Without your help we wouldn’t have a functioning observatory today. Another big development for the observatory has been led by our Curator of Instrument’s, Chris Dakin in the development of our 60cm Newtonian telescope and its control and environment. Chris and the regular Monday evening maintenance team replaced the mirrors, a lot of the controls, and serviced the dome structures. Chris has also been looking after our telescope stock, telescope training, (with support from a number of other members), helping develop our website and assisting our new IT Administrator Michael Williams. Thanks Chris and the gang. 

Thanks to the radio astronomy group for helping to develop the Radio Astronomy Centre and also our Radio Astronomy Librarian, Sharon Mennell 

Most of what I have mentioned is what I would call “up front” visible volunteering. But there is another group of volunteers that help keep the wheels of the Observatory greased and turning, and they are the back-room boys and girls, and a big thank you need to go out to them also. They include our treasure, Paula Timberlake and her assistant Scott Creed for keeping us financially viable. Archivist for the Society and Librarian for the Observatory - Margaret Gosley 

Steve Binns, Communications Officer for working with external lectures and internal information distribution through the Secretary and website. 

Our esteem Secretary, Michael Lowe for the new member admin, general communications within the society and minute taker at committee meetings etc. 

Let’s not forget also the editors of our monthly magazine, The EH, Steve Smith, Gary Levers, Bernard Henin and Joe Gathercole and all the writers that have contributed to the magazine each month. A big thank you for making it such a success. 

And finally, Joe Gathercole for starting the MSAS Podcast and our book club and helping to develop them. Thanks Joe and all who have participated in them. 

I’d like to thank you our members for joining and supporting your society, because without you we would not exist, so a big thank you. There are more of you who have contributed than I have had space to mentioned in this report by name. 

The development of the radio astronomy centre is a big part of my time spent up at the Observatory and it requires most of my attention if we are to be ready for the projected opening of the Science discovery centre and Planetarium in November this year. So, I have made the decision not to stand for a second term as Chairman to allow myself to concentrate on the RAC. 

I’d like to thank all of you that voted me into this position, it has been a privilege and a steep learning curve for me for which has helped me to personally develop. I’d also like to thank the committee for supporting me in this role and the friendly advice I’ve been given. 

This concludes my Chairs report, and I wish you all best wishes in your continuing membership of Mansfield and Sutton Astronomical Society. 

## **Treasurer** 

## **Paula Timberlake** 

We had yet another record year for income, expenditure and end of year balance caused by the Science Discovery Centre project. Due to grants received for the SDC this has taken us over the threshold required for a simple check of our accounts by an Independent Examiner, and means that this year we are in the process of having a full Audit. This means that the final, audited accounts are not yet available for presentation to the Annual General Meeting, but we have distributed the unaudited accounts. 

As for my summary, I am excluding the SDC figures and concentrating only on the “usual” society income and running costs. This gives us approximate end of year figures of £25,500 income, £16.500 expenditure and a record balance of £36,000. Although this is a record, we still have to be prudent in our spending for this current year as there will be a lot of extra initial outlay on getting the SDC up and running. 

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And now I would like to highlight and explain some of the changes in income and expenditure. 

## Income 

Membership Renewals are higher due to the influx of people wanting to join in readiness for the SDC opening. 

Open Event Entry Fees and Merchandise have seen a slight decrease. This is because we had to cancel one Open Event completely due to bad weather. 

Donations are down because most of the donations from Open Events and Visits have been earmarked for SDC funds 

The Astrophotography Course income dropped because the partner for these, Line + Light, have now found it difficult to gather enough interest and so only one course was held. 

And the Sundry Income has decreased because we didn’t run any special projects paid for by outside funders. 

## Expenditure 

IT and Website costs increased due to the purchase of a new printer for the office, Sage monthly subscription for accounts preparation and general update of our IT infrastructure. 

The Maintenance costs were higher because of the purchase of a new water heater for the kitchen, boiler and fixings, plus various repairs to our portable telescopes. 

Merchandise costs decreased because in the previous year we had started our branded clothing range with a large bulk purchase. 

Dome and Main Scope Maintenance costs were lower as the previous year included purchase of the new mirror. 

Radio Astronomy expenditure was down because it had been decommissioned for about half the year for relocation. 

And finally, the lower Sundry Expenditure is because the previous year included a one-off cost to officially register our observatory land with the Land Registry and transfer ownership of it and the reservoir area from our original unincorporated charity to our new CIO. 

## **Secretary** 

## **Michael Lowe** 

Another busy year. I find it hard to believe that a year has passed since our last AGM in July 2023. 

2023/2024 has been busy again dealing with and processing new member applications. In March 2023 we had 178 members, and by 1 April of this year, there had been an increase to 189 a net gain of 11 members. The majority of new members had joined us after attending one of our open events, or having been involved with either a group visit or having been involved with one of our popular astronomy courses. I am still bewildered though by a number of members who join but we never see them at the Observatory or any of our talks via Zoom. However, they still renew their membership every year. 

If you are a new member and have not yet received your membership badge, then please call in at the office any Wednesday or Monday (maintenance) night to collect it. Please be aware that a decision was taken not to issue new badges on renewal of membership (to save time and a bit of money). However, if you have mislaid or damaged your badge and require another, please ask and one will be made for you. 

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At this point, I would like to say “thank you” to our Assistant Secretary Scott Creed for all the help that he has given me in maintaining our membership database, and also for the preparation of new member badges and helping with other administrative duties. 

The number of enquiries that have come in every week continue, and in fact have increased since knowledge of our new Science Discovery Centre and Planetarium has spread. Where I have not been able to action requests personally, I have passed them on to my fellow trustees and other Society members who have acted upon them in a timely manner. Thank you. 

Two of our most valuable resources are the Federation of Astronomical Societies (FAS), and the British Astronomical Association (BAA), who have continued to feed in excellent astronomical and science-based topics. These have been promptly circulated to the wider membership, and I am pleased to announce again that a number of our members have taken advantage of the courses that they offer, and have also joined a few online meetings and talks offered by other societies. Thanks also go to those members who have fed in their own articles for circulation either via email or through our own newsletter Event Horizon. Please keep them coming in. 

With regards to Event Horizon, it usually arrives with me after editing, around the third of the month and is then distributed via email. However, we still produce one hard copy which is posted out to a member who does not use a computer. 

Besides forwarding the information above, I have tried to keep everyone informed of forthcoming events in our own events calendar, such as our own public events and talks, and again, this is usually done via email. I think that this will become busier as the year goes on as events start to take place in the new SDC. 

As a committee, we have held regular committee meetings on the second Tuesday of each month, and I have been responsible for compiling the agendas and minutes. I would like to thank all the committee members for their valuable “inputs and outputs” for the quality information given. Although we still have our Zoom platform for committee meetings, this is rarely used except for those members who may not be able to make a meeting due to illness or work commitments. 

With the opening of the new SDC and Planetarium in November, the committee have decided to call an extra meeting on the first Tuesday of every month to discuss governance and operational planning. This has involved me with extra administrative duties. It is expected that the meetings will continue up until the opening in November, and possibly beyond. 

Finally, with regards to social media, our following on X (formerly Twitter), has increased from 1403 last year to 1460 this year. By coincidence, this is also the number of followers that we have. We have also had an increase in followers on Facebook and Instagram, mainly through interest in the SDC and Planetarium. 

Overall, it has been a busy year, and it looks like 2024/2025 will be even busier as we countdown to the opening of our new state of the art SDC and Planetarium in November. 

Finally, thank you for being a member, and thank you for whatever you do for the Society in any way, shape, or form. 

## **Planetarium and Project Planning Manager** 

## **Steve Wallace** 

It has been an amazing year for our Science Discovery Centre and Planetarium project.  Just before the start of the 2023/24 financial year, on the 22[nd] March 2023, we received the exciting news from Ashfield District Council that we had been granted full planning permission for our new development. However, that didn’t mean that we could immediately start construction as we had several hundreds 

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of thousands of pounds still to raise, plus a lot of detailed design work for our contractor and team of consultants to complete (defined as RIBA Stage 4 in the construction world). 

With our Towns Fund and Levelling Up Fund bids secured, and a contribution from Mansfield Building Society, we set about applying for funding from multiple other sources.  The period from the 5[th] May to 14[th] of June brought good news virtually every week, with six figure grants awarded from the Foyle, Garfield Weston, and Wolfson Foundations and also from the National Lottery Heritage Fund.  The NLHF grant also included funding to restore some artifacts from the reservoir, do further research on its history, and prepare some interpretation materials – these aspects are being ably led by Julian Best. Following multiple small donations from various individuals, our sponsor a planetarium seat scheme, and some last-minute design changes to counter some of the impacts of inflation, the MSAS Trustees and our Project Board met on the 27[th] July to make the go/no go decision on signing the main construction contract.  There was unanimous agreement to proceed, and the contract was signed on the 31[st] July, marking a major milestone in the history of our Society. 

On the 29[th] August, the first excavators arrived on site and the construction project proper started. Having complete general site clearance, the first major task was to excavate all of the uncompacted ground at the rear of the reservoir so that it could be recompacted in layers.  An opportunity was identified to construct a retaining wall at the back of the site.  This would both give us more useable space (this is now where the radio astronomy centre has been relocated to) and reduce the amount of material that we had to dispose of off site (saving cost and giving an environmental benefit). 


Then the bad weather hit! Lots of rain, sandy soil and heavy equipment really do not mix and we lost several weeks battling the weather.  In the end though, thanks to our amazing team, the retaining wall was constructed, a major step forward.  Further excavation was then required to install some flood attenuation tanks.  These collect the water during heavy rain and then allow it to gradually soak away again to prevent local flooding.  2000 tonnes of surplus sand was donated to Coxmoor and Hollinwell Golf Clubs, resulting in further environmental benefit and cost saving. 

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Skipping forward to early March this year, the concrete slab to form the base of the SDC and Planetarium were cast.  In a long day for the construction team, 350 tonne of concrete was laid down in a single pour.  It was also a nervous day for me at the thought of all of that wet concrete sitting on top of our nearly 140-year-old reservoir, but I need not have worried as the Victorians knew how to build things to last. 


As the financial year drew to a close, the steel frame for the SDC and the planetarium dome went up over a few days, and the roof started to go on. 

Continued on next page……. 

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## **Outlook for 2024/25** 

2024/25 promises to be another exciting year.  After some great work, including at weekends, by our contractor, GF Tomlinson, led by Stephen Spigelhalter, we anticipate opening the new Centre on schedule during November.  Before then, we have a lot of work to do organising to be ready for opening.  This will include recruiting some staff to manage the new facilities, market what we have to offer, and support our visitors.  We will also be commissioning a new website that is fit for all that our new offer entails.  As the building takes shape, it’s clear that we are going to have an amazing facility that will benefit our members, our community and become a landmark for our region.  Something that we can all be proud to say that we are part of. 

## **Radio Astronomy** 

## **Nigel “Sparky” Cunnington** 

This is the Trustees report for the Radio Astronomy Centre (RAC) 2023/24. 

Due to the building works of the Planetarium starting, the RAC had to be moved to a different temporary position on site to allow for the development of the Planetarium to get underway. That meant decommissioning the RAC and placing the equipment into secure dry storage. This was provided by ATTFE in Sutton in Ashfield. 

We are hoping that we can recommission it in its final position before the opening of the SDC later this year. 

## **Curator of Instruments** 

## **Chris Dakin** 

It's been the third year in a row that we've had record numbers of members wanting training on our telescopes, far too many for a single person to be able to handle. This, coupled with some of the other items below, meant I had to get some help with this. Luckily, we're surrounded by lots of enthusiastic members in our society and Tony Booth and Emma Taylor offered to take the lead on this with help from Chris Spencer so I could concentrate on the big telescope. Together, the team managed to get 7 members passed on the training for all telescopes and an additional 5 on the small scopes. We already have 11 members interested in training this coming autumn, but if you are interested and haven't signed up for this yet, please reach out to me at: optical@sherwood-observatory.org.uk. I think we should be able to help even more people gain the skills to use our equipment this year. 

Instruments/Maintenance Dome rollers As mentioned last year, we had identified some possible causes of the sluggish rotation of the dome. This was caused by 3 main factors: 1. The original draft proofing leather-like material inside the roller c-section was folding back on itself and causing a lot of 

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friction. 2. The 12 rollers that the dome sits on were very stiff and not free-rolling. 3. The friction wheels attached the motors were getting torn up by the above 2 points. This ended up being a lot more work than originally anticipated, but thanks to the regular Monday maintenance team, we managed to get the dome moving freely again. The following items of work were completed: 1. The draft-proofing was torn out and this was replaced with draft-proofing brushes all the way around the dome. 2. Every roller was dismantled, cleaned, re-packed with new grease (special thanks to Joe Stafford for that dirty job) and then reinstalled. 3. New wheels were re-cast in polyurethane resin from the blanks I created for this purpose 7 years ago (this also required a new vacuum chamber to be built to de-gas the resin). 4. Whilst we had all the covers off, all of the wooden spaces around the ring cover were replaced with new ones and new PVC edging was installed. New dome lighting The old ring lighting was looking a bit tired, so this was replaced by a new system of my own design in a nice new set of trunking. These new lights are actually fully programmable, so in the next year, I might add some little easter eggs to this system for a bit of fun. Telescope mirror installation Thanks to the training team above taking some load off me, I was able to concentrate on getting the new 600mm mirror installed in the big scope. Now this wasn't without challenges, as Orion Optics only manufactured about 3mm play in the collimation bolts. As our telescope was hand-built, this didn't provide enough adjustment for our needs, so I had to design a secondary coarse collimation frame (which also allowed us to move the mirror up the tube, which was required due to the slightly shorter focal length of the new mirror) and got this manufactured by a local steel company. This allowed the mirror to get installed and we can now bring it into collimation. The telescope is good enough for visual use, but there are still some items that need addressing this year in order to get it working as well as possible. 1. The secondary and/or focuser need adjusting slightly to match the new focal length. 2. Both the primary and secondary mirror covers have had to be removed due to the primary mirror being in a different position and the secondary mirror being larger. A new primary mirror cover will be created, which will now sit over the top of the iris mechanism. After that, a new secondary cover will be created. 3. If there is time, I want to start looking at the RA drive mechanism and see if we can remove some of the backlash so the scope tracks better, but we'll see what happens on that front. As usual thanks to all the maintenance team for helping with the above items, we couldn't do it without your help. 

## **Communications Officer** 

## **Steve Binns** 

Mansfield & Sutton Astronomical Society has had probably the most exciting year of its history. We now find ourselves in the enviable position of being one of the main topics of conversation within the surrounding area. This is due to the start of the construction of our new Science Discovery Centre and Planetarium. The publicity has been achieved through society events, including open evenings, solar days, off site events and media activity. I was lucky enough to attend The Lord Lieutenants of Nottinghamshire event held at his home Caunton Manor. The society were allowed to set up astronomy stalls on his lawns where dignitaries were able to visit. This was a great success and Sir John Peace gave us his full backing. 

Lectures - To obtain the widest possible interest in the subjects, I have tried to procure lecturers whose expertise lie in different fields of astronomy. We have been lucky enough to obtain many professors and doctors of astronomy. The audiences have been plentiful at the observatory and via Zoom which has been a great success. 

I will continue to obtain a varied array of speakers for our society in the future and will encourage members of our society to undertake talks on Wednesday evenings. We have had many speakers from our own society who have done this for which we all applaud you and thank you. 

Media Coverage - Along with social media platforms including Facebook, X (Twitter), and Instagram we now have contacts at BBC East Midlands Today, Notts TV and Radio Nottingham. We also use Spotify, YouTube and WhatsApp for a variety of items, including The Obscast and Book Club. Vision 

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West Notts College have also assisted our society with media filming, having done shoots on site already. 

At the moment I am in liaison with Flying Shark film studios where Greg Malone has undertaken interviews with influential people who are backing the SDC build. He has also assisted in filming videos for social media platforms and the society’s new website. 

Other Comms - In the past year I have been assisting Nigel Cunnington in radio astronomy, and together we have completed a ‘ **How To’** guide to assist members on the use of radio astronomy equipment. I have also written 11 pieces giving information about the society’s antennae for our monthly magazine, Event Horizon. Hopefully this will encourage members on the uptake of this exciting subject. These pieces are now being used within a training portfolio to teach and assist other members. 

I provide an Events Calendar and manage the lectures diary; proofreading Event Horizon is also within my remit. We have now encouraged more members to become editors which is extremely encouraging. 

It has been a pleasure to work alongside my fellow trustees and to serve the members of our society. I will give my utmost in undertaking all of my duties for the society now and in the future. I look forward to carry on for another term if elected. 

## **Public Events Organiser** 

## **Brendan Scoular** 

Throughout the period April 23 – April 24 Sherwood observatory maintained a proactive approach to engaging with the general public, incorporating both onsite and offsite related events. With a couple of minor exceptions of inclement weather in February this year and mobilisation of our GFT contractors onsite back in August 2023 I’m confident to report a healthy and successful period of delivery and engagement. 

It never ceases to amaze me the sheer level of commitment and dedication by our membership base to enable our operations to deliver on our core objectives, while very much applauded it has enabled us to go from strength to strength. As we continue to serve an outstanding offering to the general public, we find this not only offers value for money but critically an educational & memorable time for all, in doing so received positive feedback becomes a measurable parameter, a gauge that we remain on track delivering the best we can. 

Prior to the SDC & Planetarium construction in August in 2023 it was anticipated that we would see a reduction in footfall over the coming year. Once construction commenced and to date, we navigated this period safely with an incredible story to tell all our visitors. In all, we have seen 688 adults & 245 under 16’s, totalling 933 visitors over five public open days and 5 public open evenings. For many we have created memorable moments ‘off-site’ by attending the two-day Sutton-on-Trent festival, with Sherwood Observatory becoming ‘mobile’ and literally going the extra mile, out into the field engaging with the public. In addition, our off-site day event on Sutton Lawn for ‘Ashfield Day’ experienced unseasonal weather but nonetheless a means of engaging with local residents. Both, of which to be repeated this year. 

Moving forward into the realm of SDC & Planetarium running it stands to reason our offering will be dramatically enriched, this will only serve to supplement our existing events programme. I remain abundantly optimistic that will shall continue to see high levels of volunteer support towards our next phase of operations, as this will be integral to maintaining our flagship events remain at the fore for public engagement. 

Schools **-** For a number of years our schools outreach programme has been coordinated by our dedicated lead, Kirsten Richards. I’m pleased to report that over the past year our outreach team of 

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10 volunteers has conducted 12 visits at the Observatory arranged through ATTFE, totalling 275+ children. These have comprised 9 local primary schools, some of them having repeat visits, over multiple days. We have worked with 4 other schools, 3 of those visited us at the Observatory and 1 was one we visited due to high student numbers. The schools arranged through ourselves have totalled 107 children. 

At the end of the current block, we will have seen over 265 children since the start of the summer term last year. 

The age range of students we most commonly see is 9-11 years. We had one school with 14–15year-olds and one with 4–5-year-olds. We adapted our content to suit these different audiences. 

Our most commonly used timetable starts with a general talk about the solar system followed by a rotation of activities including designing and making wooden rovers, learning how craters are made with flour and cocoa powder and looking through the telescope at local points of interest. After lunch there is a talk focussed on the James Webb Space Telescope followed by a rotation of activities including a JWST puzzle, the Infrared camera and a tour of the main scope. 

To-date we have a reduced (half) capacity of 15 children at a time for the visits to the Observatory, due to the space we have. There are usually approximately three adults with each group (not including Observatory volunteers). Once the Science Discovery Centre & Planetarium becomes operational school visits shall resume full class capacity of 30 children. During such times, it is envisaged this coordination approach to managing school visits will become part of the daily operational control. 

Night School - I’m pleased to report that both night school sessions held during Q3 of 2023 and Q1 of 2024 were a resounding success. Delivered by enthusiastic members incorporating the very essence of astronomy into their talks, from the very basics to core fundaments of cosmology. In all, giving all our pupils a journey of discovery and learning amounting to twelve Friday evenings over the course of 12 weeks. Testament to our members in supporting such activities has the added-value aspect in that night school pupils often take up new membership status within the society, once the course has concluded. It is envisaged that from spring 2025-night school will, in part make use of the Science Discovery Centre & Planetarium, as a viable means of course content delivery. This sure will be an exciting opportunity for both our volunteers and pupils enrolled onto the course. 

Group Visits - Group visits to the observatory continues to remain a steady staple of our outreach. Due credit goes out to our lead, Sharon Berry who has been heading the programme for a little over a year now. ‘ _It’s was hard work in the beginning, learning and leading others, but looking back, it’s been a wonderful and rewarding experience_ ’ Bravo on navigating this ship to date. The period September to March 31[st] 2024 boasts an impressive season with well over 600 visitors passing through Sherwood observatory. With the majority of the visits being members of a uniformed club gives us the exciting opportunity to envelop the younger generation into a world of STEM. 

With so many visitors passing through the observatory has culminated in the need for a full team of volunteers, all on deck providing the necessary support with talks, telescope operations - including a ‘show and tell’, and assistants helping the evening run smoothly and on time. We are very fortunate to have a such a dedicated team of members that are willing to give up their evenings for such a good cause. 

Given the current SDC build adjacent to the observatory facility there is much excitement in the air, resulting in multiple inquiries regarding booking and availability. 

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Such is the strength in our visits programme in delivering awe inspiring experiences, I’m confident the future of visiting groups will continue to flourish, whereby many groups shall be eager for a prompt return once we open the new SDC & Planetarium facility. 

## **IT Administrator** 

## **Chris Dakin** 

With the departure of our IT administrator last year, things have just been ticking over with regards to IT. The main work of note has been to disconnect and store all of the radio equipment in preparation for the start of the SDC build. This work was led by Michael Williams, who has now been appointed as the new IT lead as a non-committee role, reporting to Chris Dakin. One item of radio equipment that has been in continuous operation though, is SuperSID (sudden ionospheric distortion), our solar flare detector, as this was moved temporarily back into the main observatory building. With the departure of Paul last year, it became obvious that having just a single person know about our IT systems is a weak point. Looking forward to this year therefore, Michael has expressed a wish that this knowledge is shared with a team of people (a wish I whole-heartedly agree with). Therefore, whilst Michael will be the official lead for IT, he will have help from me as well as possibly one other techie member. This will come in very handy as we look to recommissioning the RAC in the near future as well as manage everything that’s happening in the SDC. 

This coming year there will be a lot of activity on the IT front.: 

Here are some of the items that will need addressing:  Install a new firewall to simplify management of our network. The Radio Centre will need to have its equipment reinstalled.  We’ll need to integrate everything the SDC brings into our existing network. With all this, we expect a lot of extra maintenance will be required this year.  A refresh of PCs/laptops will be needed as we look forward to keeping them in support with the latest operating systems. 

## END OF REPORT 

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**Registered Charity number 1187777 (England and Wales)** 

**MANSFIELD AND SUTTON ASTRONOMICAL SOCIETY** 

**REPORT AND FINANCIAL STATEMENTS** 

**FOR THE YEAR ENDED 31 MARCH 2024** 



**MANSFIELD AND SUTTON ASTRONOMICAL SOCIETY** 

## **REPORT AND FINANCIAL STATEMENTS FOR THE YEAR ENDED 31 MARCH 2024** 

## **CONTENTS** 

- 1 Legal and administrative details 

- 2 - 5 Report of the trustees 6 - 8 Auditors Report 9 Statement of financial activities 

- 10 Statement of financial position 

- 11 Statement of cashflows 

- 12 - 18 Notes to the financial statements 



**MANSFIELD AND SUTTON ASTRONOMICAL SOCIETY** 

## **LEGAL AND ADMINISTRATIVE DETAILS** 

|Chairman||Dr Stephen Wallace|
|---|---|---|
|Trustees||Dr Stephen Wallace|
|||Mr Michael Gerard Rhodes Lowe|
|||Mr Brendan Scoular|
|||Mrs Paula Timberlake|
|||Mr Nigel John Cunnington|
|||Mr Stephen Arthur Binns|
|||Mr Craig Keith Peter Mapleston|
|||Mr Christopher John Dakin|
|Contact address||Sherwood Observatory|
|||Coxmoor Road|
|||Sutton in Ashfield|
|||NG17 5LF|
|Registered Charity Number|||
|England & Wales||1187777|
|Bankers||HSBC Bank plc|
|||1 Leeming Street|
|||Mansfield|
|||Nottinghamshire|
|||NG18 1LU|
|||Natwest Bank plc|
|||Portkand Square|
|||Sutton in Ashfield|
|||Nottinghamshire|
|||NG17 1BA|
|Advisors (general)|Solicitors|Browne Jacobson|
|||Mowbray House|
|||Castle Meadow Road|
|||Nottingham|
|||NG2 1BJ|
||Auditors|Stopfords (Mansfield) Ltd|
|||Synergy House|
|||7 Acorn Business Park|
|||Commercial Gate|
|||Mansfield|
|||Nottinghamshire|
|||NG18 1EX|
|Advisors (Science Discovery Centre project management)|||
|||Pick Everard|
|||Halford House|
|||Charles Street|
|||Leicester|
|||LE1 1HA|
|||Liz Barrett OBE|
|||Martin Rigley OBE|
|||Alex Peace - Gadsby OBE|
|||Paul Humphries|
|||Colin Hutcheson|



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**MANSFIELD AND SUTTON ASTRONOMICAL SOCIETY** 

## **TRUSTEES REPORT FOR THE YEAR ENDED 31 MARCH 2024** 

The Trustees present their report and the audited financial statements of the charity for the year ended 31 March 2024. The trustees have adopted the provisions of the Statement of Recommended Practice (SORP) “Accounting and Reporting by Charities” (FRS 102) in preparing the annual report and financial statements of the charity. 

The financial statements have been prepared in accordance with the accounting policies set out in notes to the accounts and comply with the charity’s governing document, the Charities Act 2011 and Accounting and Reporting by Charities: Statement of Recommended Practice applicable to charities preparing their accounts in accordance with the Financial Reporting Standard applicable in the UK and Republic of Ireland published in October 2019. 

## **Trustees of the charity** 

The trustees who have served during the year and since the year end were as follows: 

Dr Stephen Wallace Mr Michael Gerard Rhodes Lowe Mr Brendan Scoular Mrs Paula Timberlake Mr Nigel John Cunnington Mr Stephen Arthur Binns Mr Craig Keith Peter Mapleston Mr Christopher John Dakin 

Power to appoint trustees rests with the board of trustees, by reference to a process defined in the Constitution. 

## **Training of new trustees,** 

The Charity recognises the requirement to keep Trustees current in order to best administrate the charity and give help and advice to the volunteer team. Training and updates on technical aspects of the observatory and updates from the Charity Commission are given and circulated as frequently as possible. 

## **Objects of the charity** 

To promote and advance the education of the public in the theory and practice of astronomy and related subjects.The provision and maintenance of facilities for the use of the inhabitants of Nottinghamshire and surrounding counties. 

## **Organisation of the charity** 

The charity is governed by its Constitution, issued on 5 February 2020, as amended on 29 September 2020 and 14 August 2024. 

The running of the charity is overseen by a board of trustees. The trustees meet monthly to oversee the operation and development of the observatory. The Charity aims to have about ten trustees who together bring to the board a selection of competencies to support the technical aspects of the observatory and its equipment and general management of the Charity. Trustees are re-eletcted annually at the AGM, the Chair is limited to a two year term, in the event there is no other candidate the Chair may serve a further two years. 

The trustees and manage the charity's finances through a rigorous budgeting and monitoring process. This process begins with the annual budget which is approved by the trustees, which is then monitored against actual outcome on a continual basis and at the regular management meetings with the Chairman. 

## **Fundraising Practices** 

The charity does not carry out regular significant fundraising activities. 

## **Review of the year** 

Funds are in a good position with sufficient operating income and funding for the Science Discovery Centre . 

A full review of our activities during the year can be found in the trustees annual report. 

## **The charity’s principal sources of funds (including any fundraising).** 

The charity's regular income includes membership fees, entry fees to public events, course fees, private group visits and general public donations towards the upkeep and maintenance of the Observatory. 

We also attract grants from the government, private sector funders, the National Lottery Heritage Fund and donations towards the planetarium and science discovery centre build. 

2 



**MANSFIELD AND SUTTON ASTRONOMICAL SOCIETY** 

## **TRUSTEES REPORT (CONTINUED) FOR THE YEAR ENDED 31 MARCH 2024** 

## **Achievements and performance** 

The charity has continued to entertain visitors throughout the year, providing activities, events, training, lectures, advice, education, guidance and information on all matters relating to astronomy and science. The charity has a loyal membership and has maintained a consistent stream of income to support regular activities from subscriptions and events. 

The trustees' are proud to disclose this year that their ambition to transform the existing Observatory into a Science Centre and Planetarium, to inspire a new generation of scientists and engineers is now well underway. Construction of the project commenced in the summer of 2023 and is currently on target for completion late 2024. Funding in the region of £5.3m from Ashfield District Council, local supporters, private sector charities and other funders has allowed our vision to become a reality. 

## **Plans for the future** 

The Charity continues to focus on the construction of the planetarium and Science Discovery Centre project ready for opening in November 2024. Our programme of members meetings, outreach, and public events will also continue. 

## **Public Benefit** 

Our activities are mainly held during the autumn and winter seasons, when it is dark enough in the evenings to perform astronomical viewing. All our main season activities include telescopic viewing of astronomical objects when weather permits, and fall into one of three types: 

1. Open Evenings, held on average once a month, where we open our observatory to the public, and include talks on astronomy subjects. 

2. Organised Group Visits, including tailored talks on astronomy subjects. We host an average of two groups per week and are organised for groups including school classes, youth groups such as Scout Association and Girl Guiding, and adult groups such as WI, Rotary Club, and U3A. 

3. Two Basic Astronomy Courses, held one evening a week over a 6-week period, where we provide broader presentations on astronomy subjects. 

We also have a radio astronomy centre equipped with a number of aerials and beacons that monitor various activities within the atmosphere and further out into the solar system and beyond. This facility is also open to our visitors where they can see these activities in real time displayed on screen. It is also equipped with a meteor detection beacon with a 400 mile radius. 

Outside our main viewing season we hold occasional public open days at our observatory. These are mainly through the summer months. At the open days, we give talks about, and use our specially filtered solar viewing equipment to safely view the Sun and use our equipment to monitor and display its radio emissions. We also take our specialist solar viewing equipment to a number of public festivals and open days away from our observatory. In addition, approximately once per month throughout the year, we arrange guest lectures mostly given by professional astronomers or scientists. 

In compiling this report the Trustees confirm that they have had due regard to the public benefit guidance issued by the Charity Commission. 

## **Reserves policy** 

The charity has a formal reserves policy, in which the trustees try to keep enough funds in reserve to cover half a year of general running and maintenance costs. This is achieved by notification of financial position at each monthly trustee meeting, and reviews of current and planned expenditure as needed. 

## **Investment policy** 

There are no specific restrictions on the trustees' investment powers. The Charity has no long-term investments or endowments. Cash surplus to monthly requirements is held in savings accounts. 

3 



**MANSFIELD AND SUTTON ASTRONOMICAL SOCIETY** 

## **TRUSTEES REPORT (CONTINUED) FOR THE YEAR ENDED 31 MARCH 2024** 

## **Risk analysis** 

Risk management is the process of making and carrying out decisions that will minimise the adverse effect of accidental losses upon the Charity. The risk management process is vital to the personal health and safety of the Trustees, volunteers and the public. In financial terms, it is vital to our ability to pursue our goals, commence and operate programs and events, and to work out our charitable aim in an efficient and professional manner. 

The trustees of the Charity have put in place a risk management strategy to pursue risk management goals and objectives. These goals and objectives include: 

I. Avoiding exposure to accidental loss by not undertaking events, contracts, or activities where the potential loss is greater than the potential benefit to be derived from these undertakings, 

2. Preventing loss by identifying potential loss exposures and implementing policies and procedures to reduce the risk of these losses occurring, 

3. Controlling losses that do occur by: 

   - a. Developing contingency plans for possible loss scenarios 

   - b. Proper documentation and investigation of losses 

4. Raising the awareness of all Trustee board members and volunteers concerning risk management. 

These goals and objectives will be accomplished by monitoring actvities on a continual basis and reporting any forthcoming risks to the chairman of the trustees, 

5. Cooperation is needed from all Trustees and volunteers. Only by working as a team with common goals and objectives can we ensure the success of this risk management strategy and its part in working out our aims and vision. 

## **Trustees responsibilities** 

The trustees are responsible for preparing financial statements in accordance with applicable law and United Kingdom generally accepted accounting practice. 

Charity law requires the trustees to prepare financial statements for each financial year. Under that law the Trustees have elected to prepare the financial statements in accordance with United Kingdom Generally Accepted Accounting Practice (United Kingdom Accounting Standards and applicable law). Under Charity law the trustees must not approve the financial statements unless they are satisified that they give a true and fair view of the state of affairs of the charity and of the surplus or deficit of the charity for that period. In preparing those financial statements, the trustees are required to: 

Select suitable accounting policies and apply them consistently, 

Make judgements and estimates that are reasonable and prudent, 

Prepare financial statements on the going concern basis unless it is inappropriate to presume that the charity will continue. 

The trustees are responsible for keeping adequate accounting records that are sufficient to show and explain the charity's transactions and disclose with reasonable accuracy at any time the financial position position of the charity and enable them to ensure that the financial statements comply with the Charities Act 2011. They are also resonsible for safeguarding the assets of the charity and hence for taking reasonable steps for the prevention of fraud and other irregularities. 

## **Auditors** 

A resolution proposing that Stopfords (Mansfield) Ltd be re-appointed as Auditors of the charity will be put to the Annual General Meeting. 

4 



**MANSFIELD AND SUTTON ASTRONOMICAL SOCIETY** 

## **TRUSTEES REPORT (CONTINUED) FOR THE YEAR ENDED 31 MARCH 2024** 

## **Trustees statement of disclosure to the auditor** 

We, the trustees of the charity who held office at the date of approval of these Financial Statements, as set out above, each confirm so far as we are aware, that: 

- there is no relevant audit information of which the company’s auditors are unaware; and 

- we have taken all the steps that we ought to have taken as directors in order to make ourselves aware of any relevant audit information and to establish that the company’s auditors are aware of that information. 

By order of the board of trustees 

……………………………………………………. **Mrs Paula Timberlake Trustee** 

Date:……………………………………….. 

5 



**MANSFIELD AND SUTTON ASTRONOMICAL SOCIETY** 

## **INDEPENDENT AUDITOR’S REPORT TO THE TRUSTEES OF MANSFIELD AND SUTTON ASTRONOMICAL SOCIETY** 

## **Opinion** 

We have audited the financial statements of Mansfield and Sutton Astronomical Society (the ‘charity’) for the year ended 31 March 2024 which comprise the Statement of Financial Activities, Balance Sheet and notes to the financial statements, including a summary of significant accounting policies.  The financial reporting framework that has been applied in their preparation is applicable law and United Kingdom Accounting Standards, including Financial Reporting Standard 102 The Financial Reporting Standard applicable in the UK and Republic of Ireland (United Kingdom Generally Accepted Accounting Practice). 

In our opinion the financial statements: 

• give a true and fair view of the state of the charity's affairs as at 31 March 2024, and of its incoming resources and application of resources, including its income and expenditure, for the year then ended; 

• have been properly prepared in accordance with United Kingdom Generally Accepted Accounting Practice; and 

•have been prepared in accordance with the requirements of the Charities Act 2011. 

## **Basis for opinion** 

We conducted our audit in accordance with International Standards on Auditing (UK) (ISAs (UK)) and applicable law. Our responsibilities under those standards are further described in the Auditor’s responsibilities for the audit of the financial statements section of our report. We are independent of the charity in accordance with the ethical requirements that are relevant to our audit of the financial statements in the UK, including the FRC’s Ethical Standard, and we have fulfilled our other ethical responsibilities in accordance with these requirements.  We believe that the audit evidence we have obtained is sufficient and appropriate to provide a basis for our opinion. 

## **Conclusions relating to going concern** 

In auditing the financial statements, we have concluded that the trustees’ use of the going concern basis of accounting in the preparation of the financial statements is appropriate. 

Based on the work we have performed, we have not identified any material uncertainties relating to events or conditions that, individually or collectively, may cast significant doubt on the charity's ability to continue as a going concern for a period of at least twelve months from when the financial statements are authorised for issue. 

Our responsibilities and the responsibilities of the trustees with respect to going concern are described in the relevant sections of this report. 

## **Other information** 

The other information comprises the information included in the trustees’ annual report, other than the financial statements and our auditor’s report thereon.  The trustees are responsible for the other information. Our opinion on the financial statements does not cover the other information and we do not express any form of assurance conclusion thereon. 

Our responsibility is to read the other information and, in doing so, consider whether the other information is materially inconsistent with the financial statements or our knowledge obtained in the course of the audit or otherwise appears to be materially misstated. If we identify such material inconsistencies or apparent material misstatements, we are required to determine whether this gives rise to a material misstatement in the financial statements themselves. If, based on the work we have performed, we conclude that there is a material misstatement of this other information, we are required to report that fact. 

We have nothing to report in this regard. 

6 



**MANSFIELD AND SUTTON ASTRONOMICAL SOCIETY** 

## **INDEPENDENT AUDITOR’S REPORT (CONT) TO THE TRUSTEES OF MANSFIELD AND SUTTON ASTRONOMICAL SOCIETY** 

## **Matters on which we are required to report by exception** 

We have nothing to report in respect of the following matters in relation to which the Charities (Accounts and Reports) Regulations 2008 require us to report to you if, in our opinion: 

- the information given in the trustees' report is inconsistent in any material respect with the financial statements; or 

- sufficient accounting records have not been kept; or 

- the financial statements are not in agreement with the accounting records; or 

- we have not received all the information and explanations we require for our audit. 

## **Responsibilities of trustees** 

As explained more fully in the trustees’ responsibilities statement set out on page 4, the trustees are responsible for the preparation of the financial statements and for being satisfied that they give a true and fair view, and for such internal control as the trustees determine is necessary to enable the preparation of financial statements that are free from material misstatement, whether due to fraud or error. 

In preparing the financial statements, the trustees are responsible for assessing the charit’s ability to continue as a going concern, disclosing, as applicable, matters related to going concern and using the going concern basis of accounting unless the trustees either intend to liquidate the charity or to cease operations, or have no realistic alternative but to do so. 

## **Auditor’s responsibilities for the audit of the financial statements** 

We have been appointed as auditor under section 144 of the Charities Act 2011 and report in accordance with the Act and relevant regulations made or having effect thereunder. 

Our objectives are to obtain reasonable assurance about whether the financial statements as a whole are free from material misstatement, whether due to fraud or error, and to issue an auditor’s report that includes our opinion. Reasonable assurance is a high level of assurance, but is not a guarantee that an audit conducted in accordance with ISAs (UK) will always detect a material misstatement when it exists. Misstatements can arise from fraud or error and are considered material if, individually or in the aggregate, they could reasonably be expected to influence the economic decisions of users taken on the basis of these financial statements. 

Irregularities, including fraud, are instances of non-compliance with laws and regulations. We design procedures in line with our responsibilities, outlined above, to detect material misstatements in respect of irregularities, including fraud. The extent to which our procedures are capable of detecting irregularities, including fraud is detailed below: 

7 



**MANSFIELD AND SUTTON ASTRONOMICAL SOCIETY** 

## **INDEPENDENT AUDITOR’S REPORT (CONT) TO THE TRUSTEES OF MANSFIELD AND SUTTON ASTRONOMICAL SOCIETY** 

## **Extent to which the audit was considered capable of detecting irregularities, including fraud** 

In identifying and assessing risks of material misstatement in respect of irregularities, including fraud and non-compliance with laws and regulations, we considered the following: 

• We obtained an understanding of laws and regulations that affect the charity, focusing on those that had a direct effect on the financial statements or that had a fundamental effect on its operations. Key laws and regulations that we identified included the Charities Act 2011, Charities Act 2022, the Charities (Accounts and Reports) Regulations 2008 and Charity Commission guidance. 

•We enquired of the trustees, reviewed correspondence and reviewed trustees meeting minutes for evidence of non-compliance with relevant laws and regulations. We also reviewed controls the trustees have in place to ensure compliance. 

• We gained an understanding of the controls that the trustees have in place to prevent and detect fraud. We enquired about any incidences of fraud that had taken place during the accounting period. 

• The risk of fraud and non-compliance with laws and regulations and fraud was discussed within the audit team and tests were planned and performed to address these risks. We identified the potential for fraud in the following areas: misappropriation of cash and other assets. 

• We reviewed financial statement disclosures and tested to supporting documentation to assess compliance with relevant laws and regulations discussed above. 

• We enquired of the trustees about actual and potential litigation and claims. 

• In addressing the risk of fraud due to management override of internal controls we tested the appropriateness of journal entries and assessed whether the judgements made in making accounting estimates were indicative of a potential bias. 

• We performed analytical procedures to identify any unusual or unexpected relationships that might indicate risk of material misstatement due to fraud. 

Because of the inherent limitations of an audit, there is a risk that we will not detect all irregularities, including those leading to a material misstatement in the financial statements or non-compliance with regulation.  This risk increases the more that compliance with a law or regulation is removed from the events and transactions reflected in the financial statements, as we will be less likely to become aware of instances of non-compliance. The risk is also greater regarding irregularities occurring due to fraud rather than error, as fraud involves intentional concealment, forgery, collusion, omission or misrepresentation. 

A further description of our responsibilities for the audit of the financial statements is located on the Financial Reporting Council’s website at: www.frc.org.uk/auditorsresponsibilities. This description forms part of our auditor’s report. 

We communicate with those charged with governance regarding, among other matters, the planned scope and timing of the audit and significant audit findings, including any significant deficiencies in internal control that we identify during our audit. 

## **Use of our report** 

This report is made solely to the charity’s trustees, as a body, in accordance with Part 4 of the Charities (Accounts and Reports) Regulations 2008. Our audit work has been undertaken so that we might state to the charity’s trustees those matters we are required to state to them in an auditor’s report and for no other purpose. To the fullest extent permitted by law, we do not accept or assume responsibility to anyone other than the charity and the charity’s trustees as a body, for our audit work, for this report, or for the opinions we have formed. 

**Mr Phillip Nicholson (Senior Statutory Auditor) for and on behalf of Stopfords (Mansfield) Ltd Chartered Accountants Statutory Auditor** 

Date: 

…............................ 

Synergy House 7 Acorn Business Park Commercial Gate Mansfield Nottinghamshire NG18 1EX 

8 



**MANSFIELD AND SUTTON ASTRONOMICAL SOCIETY** 

## **STATEMENT OF FINANCIAL ACTIVITIES FOR THE YEAR ENDED 31 MARCH 2024** 

|**Notes**<br>**INCOMING RESOURCES:**<br>**3**<br>**Income and endowments from:**<br>Donations and legacies<br>Charitable activities<br>Other trading activities<br>Investments<br>**Total Income and endowments:**<br>**RESOURCES EXPENDED:**<br>**5**<br>**Expenditure on:**<br>Raising funds:<br>Charitable activities<br>Separate material item of expense<br>Other<br>**Total resources expended**<br>**Net income/(expenditure) before transfers**<br>**Transfers between funds**<br>**Other recognised gains / (losses):**<br>Capitalisation of tangible fixed assets<br>**Net income/(expenditure) after transfers**<br>**Balances brought forward at 1 April 2023**<br>**Balances carried forward at 31 March 2024**|**Unrestricted**<br>**Restricted**<br>**Total**<br>**Total**<br>**2024**<br>**2024**<br>**2024**<br>**2023**<br>**£**<br>**£**<br>**£**<br>**£**<br>576       3,939,709<br>3,940,286      339,774<br>19,381<br>-<br>19,381        23,007<br>4,486<br>-<br>4,486          4,918<br>517            56,216<br>56,733             335<br>24,961<br>3,995,925<br>4,020,885<br>368,034<br>2,251<br>-<br>2,251<br>5,669<br>-<br>18,492<br>-<br>18,492<br>19,616<br>-<br>-<br>11,946<br>11,946<br>117,352<br>-<br>3,850<br>-<br>3,850<br>250<br>-<br>-<br>24,593<br>11,946<br>36,540<br>142,887<br>367<br>3,983,978<br>3,984,346<br>225,147<br>-<br>-<br>96,904<br>96,904<br>367<br>4,080,882<br>4,081,250<br>225,147<br>121,425<br>392,120<br>513,545<br>288,398<br>121,792<br>4,473,002<br>4,594,795<br>513,545|
|---|---|



The notes on pages 12 to 18 form part of these financial statements. 

9 



**MANSFIELD AND SUTTON ASTRONOMICAL SOCIETY** 

## **STATEMENT OF FINANCIAL POSITION AS AT 31 MARCH 2024** 


**----- Start of picture text -----**<br>
Notes 2024 2023<br>£ £ £ £<br>Fixed assets<br>Tangible fixed assets 9 2,903,725 130,978<br>Current assets<br>Stock 10 2,492 2,492<br>Debtors 11 11,298 720<br>Bank and cash 12 2,076,135 379,355<br>2,089,925 382,567<br>Creditors:  Amounts falling due within<br>one year 13a 398,855<br>Net current assets/(liabilities) 1,691,070 382,567<br>4,594,795 513,545<br>Creditors:  Amounts falling due in more<br>than one year 13b<br>Total assets less current liabilities 4,594,795 513,545<br>Charity funds<br>Unrestricted 14 121,792 121,425<br>Restricted funds 14 4,473,002 392,120<br>Total charity funds 4,594,795 513,545<br>**----- End of picture text -----**<br>


The financial statements were approved by the trustees on: 

…..................................................... **Mrs Paula Timberlake Trustee Registered Charity Number England & Wales 1187777** 

The notes on pages 12 to 18 form part of these financial statements. 

10 



**MANSFIELD AND SUTTON ASTRONOMICAL SOCIETY** 

## **STATEMENT OF CASHFLOWS FOR THE YEAR ENDED 31 MARCH 2024** 

|**Notes**<br>**Cash flows from operating activities**<br>Net income/(expenditure)<br>_Adjustments for:_<br>Depreciation of tangible fixed assets<br>Other interest receivable and similar income<br>Loss on disposal of tangible fixed assets<br>Accrued expenses<br>_Changes in:_<br>Stocks<br>Trade and other debtors<br>Trade and other creditors<br>Cash generated from operations<br>Interest received<br>Net cash used in operating activities<br>**Cash flows from investing activities**<br>Purchase of tangible assets<br>Proceeds from sale of tangible assets<br>Net cash from/(used in) investing activities<br>**Net decrease in cash and cash equivalents**<br>**Cash and cash equivalents at beginning of year**<br>**Cash and cash equivalents at end of year**<br>**12**|**2024**<br>**£**<br>4,081,250<br>4,889<br>(56,733)<br>(10,578)<br>398,855<br>4,417,683<br>56,733<br>4,474,416<br>(2,777,636)<br>(2,777,636)<br>1,696,780<br>379,355<br>2,076,135|**2023**<br>**£**<br>228,359<br>(335)<br>(2,492)<br>(720)<br>224,812<br>335<br>225,147<br>225,147<br>154,208<br>379,355|
|---|---|---|



The notes on pages 12 to 18 form part of these financial statements. 

11 



**MANSFIELD AND SUTTON ASTRONOMICAL SOCIETY** 

## **NOTES TO THE ACCOUNTS FOR THE YEAR ENDED 31 MARCH 2024** 

## **1.   Accounting policies** 

## **a.    Basis of accounting** 

Mansfield and Sutton Astronomical Society is a Charitable Incorporated Organisation (CIO), registered in England and Wales. The registered office is Sherwood Observatory, Coxmoor Road, Sutton in Ashfield, NG17 5LF. 

The charity constitutes a public benefit entity as defined by FRS 102. The financial statements have been prepared in accordance with Accounting and Reporting by Charities: Statement of Recommended Practice applicable to charities preparing their accounts in accordance with the  Financial Reporting Standard applicable in the UK and Republic of Ireland issued in October 2019, the Financial Reporting Standard applicable in the United Kingdom and Republic of Ireland (FRS 102), the Charities Act 2011 and UK Generally Accepted Accounting Practice. 

The financial statements are prepared on a going concern basis under the historical cost convention. The financial statements are presented in sterling which is the functional currency of the charity. 

The significant accounting policies applied in the preparation of these financial statements are set out below.  These policies have been consistently applied to all years presented unless otherwise stated. 

## **b.   Judgements and key sources of estimation uncertainty** 

In the application of the charity's accounting policies, the trustees are required to make judgements, estimates and assumptions about the carrying amount of assets and liabilities that are not readily apparent from other sources. The estimates and associated assumptions are based on historical experience and other factors that are considered to be relevant. Actual results may differ from these estimates. 

The estimates and underlying assumptions are reviewed on an ongoing basis. Revisions to accounting estimates are recognised in the period in which the estimate is revised where the revision affects only that period, or in the period of the revision and future periods where the revision affects both current and future periods. 

## **c.   Critical judgements** 

The following judgements (apart from those involving estimates) have had the most significant effect on amounts recognised in the financial statements. 

## **Depreciation** 

The trustees review depreciation rates and useful lives of the tangible fixed assets on an annual basis to ensure the effects of usage, wear and tear or technical obsolescence are reflected in the carrying value of the asset. 

## **Impairment** 

The trustees review fixed assets for indications of impairment in conjunction with review of depreciation above. The company has policies in place to review assets on an ongoing basis. 

## **d.  Going concern** 

These financial statements are prepared on the going concern basis.  The trustees have a reasonable expectation that the company will continue in operational existence for the foreseeable future. 

The trustees have considered the level of cash, current assets held and the expected level of income and expenditure for 12 months from authorising these financial statements, making allowance for all available information. 

The trustees consider that the Charitys main activities are underpinned adequately by grants, donations and income from Charitable actvities. After careful consideration and evaluation of current management information and forecasts they continue to adopt the going concern basis of preparation. 

## **e.   Financial instruments** 

## **Debtors and creditors receivable/payable within one year** 

Debtors and creditors with no stated interest rate and receivable or payable within one year are recorded at transaction price. Any losses arising from impairment are recognised in the profit and loss account in other administrative expenses. 

12 



**MANSFIELD AND SUTTON ASTRONOMICAL SOCIETY** 

## **NOTES TO THE ACCOUNTS (CONTINUED) FOR THE YEAR ENDED 31 MARCH 2024** 

## **f.    Income recognition** 

All incoming resources are included in the Statement of Financial Activities (SoFA) when the charity is legally entitled to the income after any performance conditions have been met, the amount can be measured reliably and it is probable that the income will be received. 

For donations to be recognised the charity will have been notified of the amounts and the settlement date in writing. If there are conditions attached to the donation and this requires a level of performance before entitlement can be obtained then income is deferred until those conditions are fully met or the fulfilment of those conditions is within the control of the charity and it is probable that they will be fulfilled. 

Income from trading activities includes income earned from fundraising events and trading activities to raise funds for the charity. Income is received in exchange for supplying goods and services in order to raise funds and is recognised when entitlement has occurred. 

The charity receives government grants in respect of the Science Discovery Centre. Income from government and other grants are recognised at fair value when the charity has entitlement after any performance conditions have been met, it is probable that the income will be received and the amount can be measured reliably. If entitlement is not met then these amounts are deferred. 

## **g.    Investment assets and the income arising** 

Investment income is treated as income when received. 

## **h.    Expenditure recognition** 

All expenditure is accounted for on an accruals basis and has been classified under headings that aggregate all costs related to the category. Expenditure is recognised where there is a legal or constructive obligation to make payments to third parties, it is probable that the settlement will be required and the amount of the obligation can be measured reliably. 

## **i.    Support costs allocation** 

Support costs are those that assist the work of the charity but do not directly represent charitable activities and include office costs, governance costs and administrative costs. They are incurred directly in support of expenditure on the objects of the charity. Where support costs cannot be directly attributed to particular headings they have been allocated to cost of raising funds and expenditure on charitable activities on a basis consistent with use of the resources. 

## **j.    Fund raising** 

Fund-raising costs are those incurred in seeking voluntary contributions and do not include the costs of disseminating information in support of the charitable activities. 

## **k.    Tangible fixed assets** 

Fixed assets are recognised at cost. 

Depreciation is charged on computers and office equipment at a rate of 33% per annum. 

## **l.    Funds accounting** 

Funds held by the charity are: 

Unrestricted funds are available for use at the discretion of the trustees in furtherance of the general objectives of the charity and which have not been designated for other purposes. 

Restricted funds are funds which are to be used in accordance with specific restrictions imposed by donors or which have been raised by the charity for particular purposes. The cost of raising and administering such funds are charged against the specific fund. The aim and use of each restricted fund is set out in the notes to the financial statements. 

## **m.    Stock** 

Stock is stated at lower of cost and net realisable value. 

13 



**MANSFIELD AND SUTTON ASTRONOMICAL SOCIETY** 

## **NOTES TO THE ACCOUNTS (CONTINUED) FOR THE YEAR ENDED 31 MARCH 2024** 

|**2.Income and expenditure account**<br>Is arrived at after charging/(crediting)<br>Auditors fee (2023 Independent examiner’s fee )<br>**3.Analysis of income**<br>**Donatiions and legacies:**<br>Donations and gifts<br>Gift aid<br>General grants provided by government/other funding bodies<br>**Charitable activities:**<br>Membership fees<br>Public events, group visits and courses<br>Mansfield museum exhibition<br>**Other trading activities:**<br>Merchandise sales<br>Refreshment sales<br>Other<br>**Income from investments:**<br>Interest received<br>**4.  Analysis grants received**<br>SDC Project - Towns Fund (RWC Administration)<br>SDC Project - Towns Fund (RIBA Stage 4)<br>SDC Project - Towns Fund<br>SDC Project - Levelling Up Fund<br>SDC Project - Garfield Western Foundation<br>SDC Project - Mansfield Building Society<br>SDC Project - The Foyle Foundation<br>SDC Project - Neighbourly Foundation<br>SDC Project - Wolfson Foundation<br>SDC Project - Nottingham Regeneration Trust|**2024**<br>**2023**<br>**£**<br>**£**<br>3,600<br>250<br>**Unrestricted**<br>**Restricted**<br>**Total**<br>**Total**<br>**2024**<br>**2024**<br>**2024**<br>**2023**<br>**£**<br>**£**<br>**£**<br>**£**<br>369<br>27,036<br>27,405<br>5,212<br>208<br>1,887<br>2,095<br>562<br>3,910,786<br>3,910,786<br>334,000<br>576<br>3,939,709<br>3,940,286<br>339,774<br>9,020<br>9,020<br>7,738<br>10,361<br>10,361<br>12,736<br>-<br>2,533<br>-<br>19,381<br>-<br>19,381<br>23,007<br>2,968<br>2,968<br>3,410<br>1,388<br>1,388<br>1,373<br>131<br>131<br>135<br>4,486<br>-<br>4,486<br>4,918<br>517<br>56,216<br>56,733<br>335<br>**Unrestricted**<br>**Restricted**<br>**Total**<br>**Total**<br>**2024**<br>**2024**<br>**2024**<br>**2023**<br>**£**<br>**£**<br>**£**<br>**£**<br>10,000<br>324,000<br>1,556,786<br>1,556,786<br>1,715,000<br>1,715,000<br>200,000<br>200,000<br>18,000<br>18,000<br>100,000<br>100,000<br>1,000<br>1,000<br>300,000<br>300,000<br>20,000<br>20,000<br>-<br>3,910,786<br>3,910,786<br>334,000|
|---|---|



14 



**MANSFIELD AND SUTTON ASTRONOMICAL SOCIETY** 

## **NOTES TO THE ACCOUNTS (CONTINUED) FOR THE YEAR ENDED 31 MARCH 2024** 

|**5.Analysis of expenditure**<br>**Expenditure on raising funds:**<br>Advertising, marketing, direct mail and publicity<br>Other trading activities<br>**Expenditure on charitable activities:**<br>Courses, Events & Visits<br>Mansfield Museum Exhibition<br>Lecturer Fees<br>Observatory Running Costs<br>Observatory Equipment & Maintenance<br>Land Transfer from Unincorporated Charity<br>Depreciation<br>**Separate material item of expense:**<br>SDC Project Development<br>**Governance costs**<br>Independent auditor’s fee<br>Independent examiner's fee|**Unrestricted**<br>**Restricted**<br>**Total**<br>**Total**<br>**2024**<br>**2024**<br>**2024**<br>**2023**<br>**£**<br>**£**<br>**£**<br>**£**<br>-<br>390<br>2,251<br>2,251<br>5,279<br>2,251<br>-<br>2,251<br>5,669<br>2,008<br>2,008<br>998<br>-<br>750<br>258<br>258<br>409<br>5,320<br>5,320<br>4,097<br>6,018<br>6,018<br>12,374<br>-<br>988<br>4,889<br>4,889<br>18,492<br>-<br>18,492<br>19,616<br>11,946<br>11,946<br>117,352<br>-<br>11,946<br>11,946<br>117,352<br>3,600<br>3,600<br>250<br>250<br>250<br>3,850<br>-<br>3,850<br>250|
|---|---|



15 



**MANSFIELD AND SUTTON ASTRONOMICAL SOCIETY** 

## **NOTES TO THE ACCOUNTS (CONTINUED) FOR THE YEAR ENDED 31 MARCH 2024** 

## **9. Tangible fixed assets** 

|Cost<br>At 1 April 2023<br>Additions<br>Eliminated on disposal<br>At 31 March 2024<br>Depreciation<br>At 1 April 2023<br>Charge for the year<br>Eliminated on disposal<br>At 31 March 2024<br>Net book value<br>At 31 March 2024<br>At 31 March 2023<br>**10.Stock**<br>Books, resources, learning materials<br>**11.Debtors**<br>Mansfield District Council<br>Prepayments and accrued income<br>**12. Bank and cash**<br>Charity Account<br>Cash<br>SDC  Savings<br>Meteor Beacon Savings<br>Charity Savings<br>Natwest 35 Day Notice<br>Natwest 95 Day Notice Account|**Freehold Land**<br>**Fixtures &**<br>**Office**<br>**Total**<br>**& Buildings**<br>**Fittings**<br>**Equip'**<br>**£**<br>**£**<br>**£**<br>**£**<br>85,000<br>45,978<br>130,978<br>2,776,320<br>250<br>1,066<br>2,777,636<br>-<br>-<br>-<br>-<br>2,861,320<br>46,228<br>1,066<br>2,908,614<br>-<br>-<br>-<br>-<br>4,623<br>267<br>4,889<br>-<br>-<br>-<br>-<br>-<br>4,623<br>267<br>4,889<br>2,861,320<br>41,605<br>800<br>2,903,725<br>85,000<br>45,978<br>-<br>130,978<br>**2024**<br>**2023**<br>**£**<br>**£**<br>2,492<br>2,492<br>**2024**<br>**2023**<br>**£**<br>**£**<br>517<br>720<br>10,781<br>-<br>11,298<br>720<br>**2024**<br>**2023**<br>**£**<br>**£**<br>728<br>838<br>476<br>397<br>541,009<br>352,120<br>641<br>35,000<br>26,000<br>11,043<br>1,487,238<br>2,076,135<br>379,355|
|---|---|



16 



**MANSFIELD AND SUTTON ASTRONOMICAL SOCIETY** 

## **NOTES TO THE ACCOUNTS (CONTINUED) FOR THE YEAR ENDED 31 MARCH 2024** 

|**13a.**<br>**13b.**<br>**14.**|**Creditors: Amounts falling due within o**|**2024**<br>**2023**<br>**ne year**<br>**£**<br>**£**<br>394,614<br>3,600<br>641<br>398,855<br>-<br>**2024**<br>**2023**<br>**than one year**<br>**£**<br>**£**<br>-<br>-<br>**Assets**<br>**2023**<br>**Income**<br>**Expenditure**<br>**Adjustment**<br>**Transfers**<br>**2024**<br>**£**<br>**£**<br>**£**<br>**£**<br>**£**<br>121,425<br>24,961<br>(24,593)<br>121,792<br>392,120<br>3,995,925<br>(11,946)<br>96,904<br>4,473,002<br>392,120<br>3,995,925<br>(11,946)<br>96,904<br>4,473,002<br>513,545<br>4,020,885<br>(36,540)<br>96,904<br>4,594,795|
|---|---|---|
||<br>Trade creditors<br>Accruals and deferred income<br>Other creditors<br>Taxation and social security<br> **Creditors: Amounts falling due in more**||



SDC Project Development is the Charity's "Science Discovery Centre", currently under construction and due to complete late 2024. 

## **15. Analysis of Net Liabilities between Funds** 

|Restricted Funds<br>Unrestricted Funds<br>Total funds at 31 March 2024|**Tangible Fixed**<br>**Assets**<br>**Net Current**<br>**Assets/ Liab'**<br>**Creditor**<br>**due after 1**<br>**year**<br>**Total**<br>**£**<br>**£**<br>**£**<br>**£**<br>2,866,320<br>1,606,683<br>4,473,002<br>37,405<br>84,388<br>121,792<br>2,903,725<br>1,691,070<br>4,594,795|
|---|---|



17 



**MANSFIELD AND SUTTON ASTRONOMICAL SOCIETY** 

## **NOTES TO THE ACCOUNTS (CONTINUED) FOR THE YEAR ENDED 31 MARCH 2024** 

## **16. Contingent asset** 

The Charity, through specialist advisors, is currently preparing a claim for VAT which will result in a significant repayment, predominately in respect of construction costs for the Science Discovery Centre. The claim is not yet finalised but if successful the amount is considered to be material to the accounts. 

## **17. Financial commitments** 

|Contractual commitments for the acquisition of tangible fixed assets amounted to:<br>Contractual commitments (Science Discovery Centre)|**2024**<br>**2023**<br>**£**<br>**£**<br>3,728,171<br>6,516,437|
|---|---|



The Charity is committed to the completion of the Science Discovery Centre. The project is expected to be completed in November 2024. 

The project is funded predominately by Ashfield District Council. 

The charity is committed to delivering outcomes in respect of visitors, learner participation and refurbishment of derelict facilities. 

18 



**Registered Charity number 1187777 (England and Wales)** 

**MANSFIELD AND SUTTON ASTRONOMICAL SOCIETY** 

**REPORT AND FINANCIAL STATEMENTS** 

**FOR THE YEAR ENDED 31 MARCH 2024** 



**MANSFIELD AND SUTTON ASTRONOMICAL SOCIETY** 

## **REPORT AND FINANCIAL STATEMENTS FOR THE YEAR ENDED 31 MARCH 2024** 

## **CONTENTS** 

- 1 Legal and administrative details 

- 2 - 5 Report of the trustees 6 - 8 Auditors Report 9 Statement of financial activities 

- 10 Statement of financial position 

- 11 Statement of cashflows 

- 12 - 18 Notes to the financial statements 



**MANSFIELD AND SUTTON ASTRONOMICAL SOCIETY** 

## **LEGAL AND ADMINISTRATIVE DETAILS** 

|Chairman||Dr Stephen Wallace|
|---|---|---|
|Trustees||Dr Stephen Wallace|
|||Mr Michael Gerard Rhodes Lowe|
|||Mr Brendan Scoular|
|||Mrs Paula Timberlake|
|||Mr Nigel John Cunnington|
|||Mr Stephen Arthur Binns|
|||Mr Craig Keith Peter Mapleston|
|||Mr Christopher John Dakin|
|Contact address||Sherwood Observatory|
|||Coxmoor Road|
|||Sutton in Ashfield|
|||NG17 5LF|
|Registered Charity Number|||
|England & Wales||1187777|
|Bankers||HSBC Bank plc|
|||1 Leeming Street|
|||Mansfield|
|||Nottinghamshire|
|||NG18 1LU|
|||Natwest Bank plc|
|||Portkand Square|
|||Sutton in Ashfield|
|||Nottinghamshire|
|||NG17 1BA|
|Advisors (general)|Solicitors|Browne Jacobson|
|||Mowbray House|
|||Castle Meadow Road|
|||Nottingham|
|||NG2 1BJ|
||Auditors|Stopfords (Mansfield) Ltd|
|||Synergy House|
|||7 Acorn Business Park|
|||Commercial Gate|
|||Mansfield|
|||Nottinghamshire|
|||NG18 1EX|
|Advisors (Science Discovery Centre project management)|||
|||Pick Everard|
|||Halford House|
|||Charles Street|
|||Leicester|
|||LE1 1HA|
|||Liz Barrett OBE|
|||Martin Rigley OBE|
|||Alex Peace - Gadsby OBE|
|||Paul Humphries|
|||Colin Hutcheson|



1 



**MANSFIELD AND SUTTON ASTRONOMICAL SOCIETY** 

## **TRUSTEES REPORT FOR THE YEAR ENDED 31 MARCH 2024** 

The Trustees present their report and the audited financial statements of the charity for the year ended 31 March 2024. The trustees have adopted the provisions of the Statement of Recommended Practice (SORP) “Accounting and Reporting by Charities” (FRS 102) in preparing the annual report and financial statements of the charity. 

The financial statements have been prepared in accordance with the accounting policies set out in notes to the accounts and comply with the charity’s governing document, the Charities Act 2011 and Accounting and Reporting by Charities: Statement of Recommended Practice applicable to charities preparing their accounts in accordance with the Financial Reporting Standard applicable in the UK and Republic of Ireland published in October 2019. 

## **Trustees of the charity** 

The trustees who have served during the year and since the year end were as follows: 

Dr Stephen Wallace Mr Michael Gerard Rhodes Lowe Mr Brendan Scoular Mrs Paula Timberlake Mr Nigel John Cunnington Mr Stephen Arthur Binns Mr Craig Keith Peter Mapleston Mr Christopher John Dakin 

Power to appoint trustees rests with the board of trustees, by reference to a process defined in the Constitution. 

## **Training of new trustees,** 

The Charity recognises the requirement to keep Trustees current in order to best administrate the charity and give help and advice to the volunteer team. Training and updates on technical aspects of the observatory and updates from the Charity Commission are given and circulated as frequently as possible. 

## **Objects of the charity** 

To promote and advance the education of the public in the theory and practice of astronomy and related subjects.The provision and maintenance of facilities for the use of the inhabitants of Nottinghamshire and surrounding counties. 

## **Organisation of the charity** 

The charity is governed by its Constitution, issued on 5 February 2020, as amended on 29 September 2020 and 14 August 2024. 

The running of the charity is overseen by a board of trustees. The trustees meet monthly to oversee the operation and development of the observatory. The Charity aims to have about ten trustees who together bring to the board a selection of competencies to support the technical aspects of the observatory and its equipment and general management of the Charity. Trustees are re-eletcted annually at the AGM, the Chair is limited to a two year term, in the event there is no other candidate the Chair may serve a further two years. 

The trustees and manage the charity's finances through a rigorous budgeting and monitoring process. This process begins with the annual budget which is approved by the trustees, which is then monitored against actual outcome on a continual basis and at the regular management meetings with the Chairman. 

## **Fundraising Practices** 

The charity does not carry out regular significant fundraising activities. 

## **Review of the year** 

Funds are in a good position with sufficient operating income and funding for the Science Discovery Centre . 

A full review of our activities during the year can be found in the trustees annual report. 

## **The charity’s principal sources of funds (including any fundraising).** 

The charity's regular income includes membership fees, entry fees to public events, course fees, private group visits and general public donations towards the upkeep and maintenance of the Observatory. 

We also attract grants from the government, private sector funders, the National Lottery Heritage Fund and donations towards the planetarium and science discovery centre build. 

2 



**MANSFIELD AND SUTTON ASTRONOMICAL SOCIETY** 

## **TRUSTEES REPORT (CONTINUED) FOR THE YEAR ENDED 31 MARCH 2024** 

## **Achievements and performance** 

The charity has continued to entertain visitors throughout the year, providing activities, events, training, lectures, advice, education, guidance and information on all matters relating to astronomy and science. The charity has a loyal membership and has maintained a consistent stream of income to support regular activities from subscriptions and events. 

The trustees' are proud to disclose this year that their ambition to transform the existing Observatory into a Science Centre and Planetarium, to inspire a new generation of scientists and engineers is now well underway. Construction of the project commenced in the summer of 2023 and is currently on target for completion late 2024. Funding in the region of £5.3m from Ashfield District Council, local supporters, private sector charities and other funders has allowed our vision to become a reality. 

## **Plans for the future** 

The Charity continues to focus on the construction of the planetarium and Science Discovery Centre project ready for opening in November 2024. Our programme of members meetings, outreach, and public events will also continue. 

## **Public Benefit** 

Our activities are mainly held during the autumn and winter seasons, when it is dark enough in the evenings to perform astronomical viewing. All our main season activities include telescopic viewing of astronomical objects when weather permits, and fall into one of three types: 

1. Open Evenings, held on average once a month, where we open our observatory to the public, and include talks on astronomy subjects. 

2. Organised Group Visits, including tailored talks on astronomy subjects. We host an average of two groups per week and are organised for groups including school classes, youth groups such as Scout Association and Girl Guiding, and adult groups such as WI, Rotary Club, and U3A. 

3. Two Basic Astronomy Courses, held one evening a week over a 6-week period, where we provide broader presentations on astronomy subjects. 

We also have a radio astronomy centre equipped with a number of aerials and beacons that monitor various activities within the atmosphere and further out into the solar system and beyond. This facility is also open to our visitors where they can see these activities in real time displayed on screen. It is also equipped with a meteor detection beacon with a 400 mile radius. 

Outside our main viewing season we hold occasional public open days at our observatory. These are mainly through the summer months. At the open days, we give talks about, and use our specially filtered solar viewing equipment to safely view the Sun and use our equipment to monitor and display its radio emissions. We also take our specialist solar viewing equipment to a number of public festivals and open days away from our observatory. In addition, approximately once per month throughout the year, we arrange guest lectures mostly given by professional astronomers or scientists. 

In compiling this report the Trustees confirm that they have had due regard to the public benefit guidance issued by the Charity Commission. 

## **Reserves policy** 

The charity has a formal reserves policy, in which the trustees try to keep enough funds in reserve to cover half a year of general running and maintenance costs. This is achieved by notification of financial position at each monthly trustee meeting, and reviews of current and planned expenditure as needed. 

## **Investment policy** 

There are no specific restrictions on the trustees' investment powers. The Charity has no long-term investments or endowments. Cash surplus to monthly requirements is held in savings accounts. 

3 



**MANSFIELD AND SUTTON ASTRONOMICAL SOCIETY** 

## **TRUSTEES REPORT (CONTINUED) FOR THE YEAR ENDED 31 MARCH 2024** 

## **Risk analysis** 

Risk management is the process of making and carrying out decisions that will minimise the adverse effect of accidental losses upon the Charity. The risk management process is vital to the personal health and safety of the Trustees, volunteers and the public. In financial terms, it is vital to our ability to pursue our goals, commence and operate programs and events, and to work out our charitable aim in an efficient and professional manner. 

The trustees of the Charity have put in place a risk management strategy to pursue risk management goals and objectives. These goals and objectives include: 

I. Avoiding exposure to accidental loss by not undertaking events, contracts, or activities where the potential loss is greater than the potential benefit to be derived from these undertakings, 

2. Preventing loss by identifying potential loss exposures and implementing policies and procedures to reduce the risk of these losses occurring, 

3. Controlling losses that do occur by: 

   - a. Developing contingency plans for possible loss scenarios 

   - b. Proper documentation and investigation of losses 

4. Raising the awareness of all Trustee board members and volunteers concerning risk management. 

These goals and objectives will be accomplished by monitoring actvities on a continual basis and reporting any forthcoming risks to the chairman of the trustees, 

5. Cooperation is needed from all Trustees and volunteers. Only by working as a team with common goals and objectives can we ensure the success of this risk management strategy and its part in working out our aims and vision. 

## **Trustees responsibilities** 

The trustees are responsible for preparing financial statements in accordance with applicable law and United Kingdom generally accepted accounting practice. 

Charity law requires the trustees to prepare financial statements for each financial year. Under that law the Trustees have elected to prepare the financial statements in accordance with United Kingdom Generally Accepted Accounting Practice (United Kingdom Accounting Standards and applicable law). Under Charity law the trustees must not approve the financial statements unless they are satisified that they give a true and fair view of the state of affairs of the charity and of the surplus or deficit of the charity for that period. In preparing those financial statements, the trustees are required to: 

Select suitable accounting policies and apply them consistently, 

Make judgements and estimates that are reasonable and prudent, 

Prepare financial statements on the going concern basis unless it is inappropriate to presume that the charity will continue. 

The trustees are responsible for keeping adequate accounting records that are sufficient to show and explain the charity's transactions and disclose with reasonable accuracy at any time the financial position position of the charity and enable them to ensure that the financial statements comply with the Charities Act 2011. They are also resonsible for safeguarding the assets of the charity and hence for taking reasonable steps for the prevention of fraud and other irregularities. 

## **Auditors** 

A resolution proposing that Stopfords (Mansfield) Ltd be re-appointed as Auditors of the charity will be put to the Annual General Meeting. 

4 



**MANSFIELD AND SUTTON ASTRONOMICAL SOCIETY** 

## **TRUSTEES REPORT (CONTINUED) FOR THE YEAR ENDED 31 MARCH 2024** 

## **Trustees statement of disclosure to the auditor** 

We, the trustees of the charity who held office at the date of approval of these Financial Statements, as set out above, each confirm so far as we are aware, that: 

- there is no relevant audit information of which the company’s auditors are unaware; and 

- we have taken all the steps that we ought to have taken as directors in order to make ourselves aware of any relevant audit information and to establish that the company’s auditors are aware of that information. 

By order of the board of trustees 

……………………………………………………. **Mrs Paula Timberlake Trustee** 

Date:……………………………………….. 

5 



**MANSFIELD AND SUTTON ASTRONOMICAL SOCIETY** 

## **INDEPENDENT AUDITOR’S REPORT TO THE TRUSTEES OF MANSFIELD AND SUTTON ASTRONOMICAL SOCIETY** 

## **Opinion** 

We have audited the financial statements of Mansfield and Sutton Astronomical Society (the ‘charity’) for the year ended 31 March 2024 which comprise the Statement of Financial Activities, Balance Sheet and notes to the financial statements, including a summary of significant accounting policies.  The financial reporting framework that has been applied in their preparation is applicable law and United Kingdom Accounting Standards, including Financial Reporting Standard 102 The Financial Reporting Standard applicable in the UK and Republic of Ireland (United Kingdom Generally Accepted Accounting Practice). 

In our opinion the financial statements: 

• give a true and fair view of the state of the charity's affairs as at 31 March 2024, and of its incoming resources and application of resources, including its income and expenditure, for the year then ended; 

• have been properly prepared in accordance with United Kingdom Generally Accepted Accounting Practice; and 

•have been prepared in accordance with the requirements of the Charities Act 2011. 

## **Basis for opinion** 

We conducted our audit in accordance with International Standards on Auditing (UK) (ISAs (UK)) and applicable law. Our responsibilities under those standards are further described in the Auditor’s responsibilities for the audit of the financial statements section of our report. We are independent of the charity in accordance with the ethical requirements that are relevant to our audit of the financial statements in the UK, including the FRC’s Ethical Standard, and we have fulfilled our other ethical responsibilities in accordance with these requirements.  We believe that the audit evidence we have obtained is sufficient and appropriate to provide a basis for our opinion. 

## **Conclusions relating to going concern** 

In auditing the financial statements, we have concluded that the trustees’ use of the going concern basis of accounting in the preparation of the financial statements is appropriate. 

Based on the work we have performed, we have not identified any material uncertainties relating to events or conditions that, individually or collectively, may cast significant doubt on the charity's ability to continue as a going concern for a period of at least twelve months from when the financial statements are authorised for issue. 

Our responsibilities and the responsibilities of the trustees with respect to going concern are described in the relevant sections of this report. 

## **Other information** 

The other information comprises the information included in the trustees’ annual report, other than the financial statements and our auditor’s report thereon.  The trustees are responsible for the other information. Our opinion on the financial statements does not cover the other information and we do not express any form of assurance conclusion thereon. 

Our responsibility is to read the other information and, in doing so, consider whether the other information is materially inconsistent with the financial statements or our knowledge obtained in the course of the audit or otherwise appears to be materially misstated. If we identify such material inconsistencies or apparent material misstatements, we are required to determine whether this gives rise to a material misstatement in the financial statements themselves. If, based on the work we have performed, we conclude that there is a material misstatement of this other information, we are required to report that fact. 

We have nothing to report in this regard. 

6 



**MANSFIELD AND SUTTON ASTRONOMICAL SOCIETY** 

## **INDEPENDENT AUDITOR’S REPORT (CONT) TO THE TRUSTEES OF MANSFIELD AND SUTTON ASTRONOMICAL SOCIETY** 

## **Matters on which we are required to report by exception** 

We have nothing to report in respect of the following matters in relation to which the Charities (Accounts and Reports) Regulations 2008 require us to report to you if, in our opinion: 

- the information given in the trustees' report is inconsistent in any material respect with the financial statements; or 

- sufficient accounting records have not been kept; or 

- the financial statements are not in agreement with the accounting records; or 

- we have not received all the information and explanations we require for our audit. 

## **Responsibilities of trustees** 

As explained more fully in the trustees’ responsibilities statement set out on page 4, the trustees are responsible for the preparation of the financial statements and for being satisfied that they give a true and fair view, and for such internal control as the trustees determine is necessary to enable the preparation of financial statements that are free from material misstatement, whether due to fraud or error. 

In preparing the financial statements, the trustees are responsible for assessing the charit’s ability to continue as a going concern, disclosing, as applicable, matters related to going concern and using the going concern basis of accounting unless the trustees either intend to liquidate the charity or to cease operations, or have no realistic alternative but to do so. 

## **Auditor’s responsibilities for the audit of the financial statements** 

We have been appointed as auditor under section 144 of the Charities Act 2011 and report in accordance with the Act and relevant regulations made or having effect thereunder. 

Our objectives are to obtain reasonable assurance about whether the financial statements as a whole are free from material misstatement, whether due to fraud or error, and to issue an auditor’s report that includes our opinion. Reasonable assurance is a high level of assurance, but is not a guarantee that an audit conducted in accordance with ISAs (UK) will always detect a material misstatement when it exists. Misstatements can arise from fraud or error and are considered material if, individually or in the aggregate, they could reasonably be expected to influence the economic decisions of users taken on the basis of these financial statements. 

Irregularities, including fraud, are instances of non-compliance with laws and regulations. We design procedures in line with our responsibilities, outlined above, to detect material misstatements in respect of irregularities, including fraud. The extent to which our procedures are capable of detecting irregularities, including fraud is detailed below: 

7 



**MANSFIELD AND SUTTON ASTRONOMICAL SOCIETY** 

## **INDEPENDENT AUDITOR’S REPORT (CONT) TO THE TRUSTEES OF MANSFIELD AND SUTTON ASTRONOMICAL SOCIETY** 

## **Extent to which the audit was considered capable of detecting irregularities, including fraud** 

In identifying and assessing risks of material misstatement in respect of irregularities, including fraud and non-compliance with laws and regulations, we considered the following: 

• We obtained an understanding of laws and regulations that affect the charity, focusing on those that had a direct effect on the financial statements or that had a fundamental effect on its operations. Key laws and regulations that we identified included the Charities Act 2011, Charities Act 2022, the Charities (Accounts and Reports) Regulations 2008 and Charity Commission guidance. 

•We enquired of the trustees, reviewed correspondence and reviewed trustees meeting minutes for evidence of non-compliance with relevant laws and regulations. We also reviewed controls the trustees have in place to ensure compliance. 

• We gained an understanding of the controls that the trustees have in place to prevent and detect fraud. We enquired about any incidences of fraud that had taken place during the accounting period. 

• The risk of fraud and non-compliance with laws and regulations and fraud was discussed within the audit team and tests were planned and performed to address these risks. We identified the potential for fraud in the following areas: misappropriation of cash and other assets. 

• We reviewed financial statement disclosures and tested to supporting documentation to assess compliance with relevant laws and regulations discussed above. 

• We enquired of the trustees about actual and potential litigation and claims. 

• In addressing the risk of fraud due to management override of internal controls we tested the appropriateness of journal entries and assessed whether the judgements made in making accounting estimates were indicative of a potential bias. 

• We performed analytical procedures to identify any unusual or unexpected relationships that might indicate risk of material misstatement due to fraud. 

Because of the inherent limitations of an audit, there is a risk that we will not detect all irregularities, including those leading to a material misstatement in the financial statements or non-compliance with regulation.  This risk increases the more that compliance with a law or regulation is removed from the events and transactions reflected in the financial statements, as we will be less likely to become aware of instances of non-compliance. The risk is also greater regarding irregularities occurring due to fraud rather than error, as fraud involves intentional concealment, forgery, collusion, omission or misrepresentation. 

A further description of our responsibilities for the audit of the financial statements is located on the Financial Reporting Council’s website at: www.frc.org.uk/auditorsresponsibilities. This description forms part of our auditor’s report. 

We communicate with those charged with governance regarding, among other matters, the planned scope and timing of the audit and significant audit findings, including any significant deficiencies in internal control that we identify during our audit. 

## **Use of our report** 

This report is made solely to the charity’s trustees, as a body, in accordance with Part 4 of the Charities (Accounts and Reports) Regulations 2008. Our audit work has been undertaken so that we might state to the charity’s trustees those matters we are required to state to them in an auditor’s report and for no other purpose. To the fullest extent permitted by law, we do not accept or assume responsibility to anyone other than the charity and the charity’s trustees as a body, for our audit work, for this report, or for the opinions we have formed. 

**Mr Phillip Nicholson (Senior Statutory Auditor) for and on behalf of Stopfords (Mansfield) Ltd Chartered Accountants Statutory Auditor** 

Date: 

…............................ 

Synergy House 7 Acorn Business Park Commercial Gate Mansfield Nottinghamshire NG18 1EX 

8 



**MANSFIELD AND SUTTON ASTRONOMICAL SOCIETY** 

## **STATEMENT OF FINANCIAL ACTIVITIES FOR THE YEAR ENDED 31 MARCH 2024** 

|**Notes**<br>**INCOMING RESOURCES:**<br>**3**<br>**Income and endowments from:**<br>Donations and legacies<br>Charitable activities<br>Other trading activities<br>Investments<br>**Total Income and endowments:**<br>**RESOURCES EXPENDED:**<br>**5**<br>**Expenditure on:**<br>Raising funds:<br>Charitable activities<br>Separate material item of expense<br>Other<br>**Total resources expended**<br>**Net income/(expenditure) before transfers**<br>**Transfers between funds**<br>**Other recognised gains / (losses):**<br>Capitalisation of tangible fixed assets<br>**Net income/(expenditure) after transfers**<br>**Balances brought forward at 1 April 2023**<br>**Balances carried forward at 31 March 2024**|**Unrestricted**<br>**Restricted**<br>**Total**<br>**Total**<br>**2024**<br>**2024**<br>**2024**<br>**2023**<br>**£**<br>**£**<br>**£**<br>**£**<br>576       3,939,709<br>3,940,286      339,774<br>19,381<br>-<br>19,381        23,007<br>4,486<br>-<br>4,486          4,918<br>517            56,216<br>56,733             335<br>24,961<br>3,995,925<br>4,020,885<br>368,034<br>2,251<br>-<br>2,251<br>5,669<br>-<br>18,492<br>-<br>18,492<br>19,616<br>-<br>-<br>11,946<br>11,946<br>117,352<br>-<br>3,850<br>-<br>3,850<br>250<br>-<br>-<br>24,593<br>11,946<br>36,540<br>142,887<br>367<br>3,983,978<br>3,984,346<br>225,147<br>-<br>-<br>96,904<br>96,904<br>367<br>4,080,882<br>4,081,250<br>225,147<br>121,425<br>392,120<br>513,545<br>288,398<br>121,792<br>4,473,002<br>4,594,795<br>513,545|
|---|---|



The notes on pages 12 to 18 form part of these financial statements. 

9 



**MANSFIELD AND SUTTON ASTRONOMICAL SOCIETY** 

## **STATEMENT OF FINANCIAL POSITION AS AT 31 MARCH 2024** 


**----- Start of picture text -----**<br>
Notes 2024 2023<br>£ £ £ £<br>Fixed assets<br>Tangible fixed assets 9 2,903,725 130,978<br>Current assets<br>Stock 10 2,492 2,492<br>Debtors 11 11,298 720<br>Bank and cash 12 2,076,135 379,355<br>2,089,925 382,567<br>Creditors:  Amounts falling due within<br>one year 13a 398,855<br>Net current assets/(liabilities) 1,691,070 382,567<br>4,594,795 513,545<br>Creditors:  Amounts falling due in more<br>than one year 13b<br>Total assets less current liabilities 4,594,795 513,545<br>Charity funds<br>Unrestricted 14 121,792 121,425<br>Restricted funds 14 4,473,002 392,120<br>Total charity funds 4,594,795 513,545<br>**----- End of picture text -----**<br>


The financial statements were approved by the trustees on: 

…..................................................... **Mrs Paula Timberlake Trustee Registered Charity Number England & Wales 1187777** 

The notes on pages 12 to 18 form part of these financial statements. 

10 



**MANSFIELD AND SUTTON ASTRONOMICAL SOCIETY** 

## **STATEMENT OF CASHFLOWS FOR THE YEAR ENDED 31 MARCH 2024** 

|**Notes**<br>**Cash flows from operating activities**<br>Net income/(expenditure)<br>_Adjustments for:_<br>Depreciation of tangible fixed assets<br>Other interest receivable and similar income<br>Loss on disposal of tangible fixed assets<br>Accrued expenses<br>_Changes in:_<br>Stocks<br>Trade and other debtors<br>Trade and other creditors<br>Cash generated from operations<br>Interest received<br>Net cash used in operating activities<br>**Cash flows from investing activities**<br>Purchase of tangible assets<br>Proceeds from sale of tangible assets<br>Net cash from/(used in) investing activities<br>**Net decrease in cash and cash equivalents**<br>**Cash and cash equivalents at beginning of year**<br>**Cash and cash equivalents at end of year**<br>**12**|**2024**<br>**£**<br>4,081,250<br>4,889<br>(56,733)<br>(10,578)<br>398,855<br>4,417,683<br>56,733<br>4,474,416<br>(2,777,636)<br>(2,777,636)<br>1,696,780<br>379,355<br>2,076,135|**2023**<br>**£**<br>228,359<br>(335)<br>(2,492)<br>(720)<br>224,812<br>335<br>225,147<br>225,147<br>154,208<br>379,355|
|---|---|---|



The notes on pages 12 to 18 form part of these financial statements. 

11 



**MANSFIELD AND SUTTON ASTRONOMICAL SOCIETY** 

## **NOTES TO THE ACCOUNTS FOR THE YEAR ENDED 31 MARCH 2024** 

## **1.   Accounting policies** 

## **a.    Basis of accounting** 

Mansfield and Sutton Astronomical Society is a Charitable Incorporated Organisation (CIO), registered in England and Wales. The registered office is Sherwood Observatory, Coxmoor Road, Sutton in Ashfield, NG17 5LF. 

The charity constitutes a public benefit entity as defined by FRS 102. The financial statements have been prepared in accordance with Accounting and Reporting by Charities: Statement of Recommended Practice applicable to charities preparing their accounts in accordance with the  Financial Reporting Standard applicable in the UK and Republic of Ireland issued in October 2019, the Financial Reporting Standard applicable in the United Kingdom and Republic of Ireland (FRS 102), the Charities Act 2011 and UK Generally Accepted Accounting Practice. 

The financial statements are prepared on a going concern basis under the historical cost convention. The financial statements are presented in sterling which is the functional currency of the charity. 

The significant accounting policies applied in the preparation of these financial statements are set out below.  These policies have been consistently applied to all years presented unless otherwise stated. 

## **b.   Judgements and key sources of estimation uncertainty** 

In the application of the charity's accounting policies, the trustees are required to make judgements, estimates and assumptions about the carrying amount of assets and liabilities that are not readily apparent from other sources. The estimates and associated assumptions are based on historical experience and other factors that are considered to be relevant. Actual results may differ from these estimates. 

The estimates and underlying assumptions are reviewed on an ongoing basis. Revisions to accounting estimates are recognised in the period in which the estimate is revised where the revision affects only that period, or in the period of the revision and future periods where the revision affects both current and future periods. 

## **c.   Critical judgements** 

The following judgements (apart from those involving estimates) have had the most significant effect on amounts recognised in the financial statements. 

## **Depreciation** 

The trustees review depreciation rates and useful lives of the tangible fixed assets on an annual basis to ensure the effects of usage, wear and tear or technical obsolescence are reflected in the carrying value of the asset. 

## **Impairment** 

The trustees review fixed assets for indications of impairment in conjunction with review of depreciation above. The company has policies in place to review assets on an ongoing basis. 

## **d.  Going concern** 

These financial statements are prepared on the going concern basis.  The trustees have a reasonable expectation that the company will continue in operational existence for the foreseeable future. 

The trustees have considered the level of cash, current assets held and the expected level of income and expenditure for 12 months from authorising these financial statements, making allowance for all available information. 

The trustees consider that the Charitys main activities are underpinned adequately by grants, donations and income from Charitable actvities. After careful consideration and evaluation of current management information and forecasts they continue to adopt the going concern basis of preparation. 

## **e.   Financial instruments** 

## **Debtors and creditors receivable/payable within one year** 

Debtors and creditors with no stated interest rate and receivable or payable within one year are recorded at transaction price. Any losses arising from impairment are recognised in the profit and loss account in other administrative expenses. 

12 



**MANSFIELD AND SUTTON ASTRONOMICAL SOCIETY** 

## **NOTES TO THE ACCOUNTS (CONTINUED) FOR THE YEAR ENDED 31 MARCH 2024** 

## **f.    Income recognition** 

All incoming resources are included in the Statement of Financial Activities (SoFA) when the charity is legally entitled to the income after any performance conditions have been met, the amount can be measured reliably and it is probable that the income will be received. 

For donations to be recognised the charity will have been notified of the amounts and the settlement date in writing. If there are conditions attached to the donation and this requires a level of performance before entitlement can be obtained then income is deferred until those conditions are fully met or the fulfilment of those conditions is within the control of the charity and it is probable that they will be fulfilled. 

Income from trading activities includes income earned from fundraising events and trading activities to raise funds for the charity. Income is received in exchange for supplying goods and services in order to raise funds and is recognised when entitlement has occurred. 

The charity receives government grants in respect of the Science Discovery Centre. Income from government and other grants are recognised at fair value when the charity has entitlement after any performance conditions have been met, it is probable that the income will be received and the amount can be measured reliably. If entitlement is not met then these amounts are deferred. 

## **g.    Investment assets and the income arising** 

Investment income is treated as income when received. 

## **h.    Expenditure recognition** 

All expenditure is accounted for on an accruals basis and has been classified under headings that aggregate all costs related to the category. Expenditure is recognised where there is a legal or constructive obligation to make payments to third parties, it is probable that the settlement will be required and the amount of the obligation can be measured reliably. 

## **i.    Support costs allocation** 

Support costs are those that assist the work of the charity but do not directly represent charitable activities and include office costs, governance costs and administrative costs. They are incurred directly in support of expenditure on the objects of the charity. Where support costs cannot be directly attributed to particular headings they have been allocated to cost of raising funds and expenditure on charitable activities on a basis consistent with use of the resources. 

## **j.    Fund raising** 

Fund-raising costs are those incurred in seeking voluntary contributions and do not include the costs of disseminating information in support of the charitable activities. 

## **k.    Tangible fixed assets** 

Fixed assets are recognised at cost. 

Depreciation is charged on computers and office equipment at a rate of 33% per annum. 

## **l.    Funds accounting** 

Funds held by the charity are: 

Unrestricted funds are available for use at the discretion of the trustees in furtherance of the general objectives of the charity and which have not been designated for other purposes. 

Restricted funds are funds which are to be used in accordance with specific restrictions imposed by donors or which have been raised by the charity for particular purposes. The cost of raising and administering such funds are charged against the specific fund. The aim and use of each restricted fund is set out in the notes to the financial statements. 

## **m.    Stock** 

Stock is stated at lower of cost and net realisable value. 

13 



**MANSFIELD AND SUTTON ASTRONOMICAL SOCIETY** 

## **NOTES TO THE ACCOUNTS (CONTINUED) FOR THE YEAR ENDED 31 MARCH 2024** 

|**2.Income and expenditure account**<br>Is arrived at after charging/(crediting)<br>Auditors fee (2023 Independent examiner’s fee )<br>**3.Analysis of income**<br>**Donatiions and legacies:**<br>Donations and gifts<br>Gift aid<br>General grants provided by government/other funding bodies<br>**Charitable activities:**<br>Membership fees<br>Public events, group visits and courses<br>Mansfield museum exhibition<br>**Other trading activities:**<br>Merchandise sales<br>Refreshment sales<br>Other<br>**Income from investments:**<br>Interest received<br>**4.  Analysis grants received**<br>SDC Project - Towns Fund (RWC Administration)<br>SDC Project - Towns Fund (RIBA Stage 4)<br>SDC Project - Towns Fund<br>SDC Project - Levelling Up Fund<br>SDC Project - Garfield Western Foundation<br>SDC Project - Mansfield Building Society<br>SDC Project - The Foyle Foundation<br>SDC Project - Neighbourly Foundation<br>SDC Project - Wolfson Foundation<br>SDC Project - Nottingham Regeneration Trust|**2024**<br>**2023**<br>**£**<br>**£**<br>3,600<br>250<br>**Unrestricted**<br>**Restricted**<br>**Total**<br>**Total**<br>**2024**<br>**2024**<br>**2024**<br>**2023**<br>**£**<br>**£**<br>**£**<br>**£**<br>369<br>27,036<br>27,405<br>5,212<br>208<br>1,887<br>2,095<br>562<br>3,910,786<br>3,910,786<br>334,000<br>576<br>3,939,709<br>3,940,286<br>339,774<br>9,020<br>9,020<br>7,738<br>10,361<br>10,361<br>12,736<br>-<br>2,533<br>-<br>19,381<br>-<br>19,381<br>23,007<br>2,968<br>2,968<br>3,410<br>1,388<br>1,388<br>1,373<br>131<br>131<br>135<br>4,486<br>-<br>4,486<br>4,918<br>517<br>56,216<br>56,733<br>335<br>**Unrestricted**<br>**Restricted**<br>**Total**<br>**Total**<br>**2024**<br>**2024**<br>**2024**<br>**2023**<br>**£**<br>**£**<br>**£**<br>**£**<br>10,000<br>324,000<br>1,556,786<br>1,556,786<br>1,715,000<br>1,715,000<br>200,000<br>200,000<br>18,000<br>18,000<br>100,000<br>100,000<br>1,000<br>1,000<br>300,000<br>300,000<br>20,000<br>20,000<br>-<br>3,910,786<br>3,910,786<br>334,000|
|---|---|



14 



**MANSFIELD AND SUTTON ASTRONOMICAL SOCIETY** 

## **NOTES TO THE ACCOUNTS (CONTINUED) FOR THE YEAR ENDED 31 MARCH 2024** 

|**5.Analysis of expenditure**<br>**Expenditure on raising funds:**<br>Advertising, marketing, direct mail and publicity<br>Other trading activities<br>**Expenditure on charitable activities:**<br>Courses, Events & Visits<br>Mansfield Museum Exhibition<br>Lecturer Fees<br>Observatory Running Costs<br>Observatory Equipment & Maintenance<br>Land Transfer from Unincorporated Charity<br>Depreciation<br>**Separate material item of expense:**<br>SDC Project Development<br>**Governance costs**<br>Independent auditor’s fee<br>Independent examiner's fee|**Unrestricted**<br>**Restricted**<br>**Total**<br>**Total**<br>**2024**<br>**2024**<br>**2024**<br>**2023**<br>**£**<br>**£**<br>**£**<br>**£**<br>-<br>390<br>2,251<br>2,251<br>5,279<br>2,251<br>-<br>2,251<br>5,669<br>2,008<br>2,008<br>998<br>-<br>750<br>258<br>258<br>409<br>5,320<br>5,320<br>4,097<br>6,018<br>6,018<br>12,374<br>-<br>988<br>4,889<br>4,889<br>18,492<br>-<br>18,492<br>19,616<br>11,946<br>11,946<br>117,352<br>-<br>11,946<br>11,946<br>117,352<br>3,600<br>3,600<br>250<br>250<br>250<br>3,850<br>-<br>3,850<br>250|
|---|---|



15 



**MANSFIELD AND SUTTON ASTRONOMICAL SOCIETY** 

## **NOTES TO THE ACCOUNTS (CONTINUED) FOR THE YEAR ENDED 31 MARCH 2024** 

## **9. Tangible fixed assets** 

|Cost<br>At 1 April 2023<br>Additions<br>Eliminated on disposal<br>At 31 March 2024<br>Depreciation<br>At 1 April 2023<br>Charge for the year<br>Eliminated on disposal<br>At 31 March 2024<br>Net book value<br>At 31 March 2024<br>At 31 March 2023<br>**10.Stock**<br>Books, resources, learning materials<br>**11.Debtors**<br>Mansfield District Council<br>Prepayments and accrued income<br>**12. Bank and cash**<br>Charity Account<br>Cash<br>SDC  Savings<br>Meteor Beacon Savings<br>Charity Savings<br>Natwest 35 Day Notice<br>Natwest 95 Day Notice Account|**Freehold Land**<br>**Fixtures &**<br>**Office**<br>**Total**<br>**& Buildings**<br>**Fittings**<br>**Equip'**<br>**£**<br>**£**<br>**£**<br>**£**<br>85,000<br>45,978<br>130,978<br>2,776,320<br>250<br>1,066<br>2,777,636<br>-<br>-<br>-<br>-<br>2,861,320<br>46,228<br>1,066<br>2,908,614<br>-<br>-<br>-<br>-<br>4,623<br>267<br>4,889<br>-<br>-<br>-<br>-<br>-<br>4,623<br>267<br>4,889<br>2,861,320<br>41,605<br>800<br>2,903,725<br>85,000<br>45,978<br>-<br>130,978<br>**2024**<br>**2023**<br>**£**<br>**£**<br>2,492<br>2,492<br>**2024**<br>**2023**<br>**£**<br>**£**<br>517<br>720<br>10,781<br>-<br>11,298<br>720<br>**2024**<br>**2023**<br>**£**<br>**£**<br>728<br>838<br>476<br>397<br>541,009<br>352,120<br>641<br>35,000<br>26,000<br>11,043<br>1,487,238<br>2,076,135<br>379,355|
|---|---|



16 



**MANSFIELD AND SUTTON ASTRONOMICAL SOCIETY** 

## **NOTES TO THE ACCOUNTS (CONTINUED) FOR THE YEAR ENDED 31 MARCH 2024** 

|**13a.**<br>**13b.**<br>**14.**|**Creditors: Amounts falling due within o**|**2024**<br>**2023**<br>**ne year**<br>**£**<br>**£**<br>394,614<br>3,600<br>641<br>398,855<br>-<br>**2024**<br>**2023**<br>**than one year**<br>**£**<br>**£**<br>-<br>-<br>**Assets**<br>**2023**<br>**Income**<br>**Expenditure**<br>**Adjustment**<br>**Transfers**<br>**2024**<br>**£**<br>**£**<br>**£**<br>**£**<br>**£**<br>121,425<br>24,961<br>(24,593)<br>121,792<br>392,120<br>3,995,925<br>(11,946)<br>96,904<br>4,473,002<br>392,120<br>3,995,925<br>(11,946)<br>96,904<br>4,473,002<br>513,545<br>4,020,885<br>(36,540)<br>96,904<br>4,594,795|
|---|---|---|
||<br>Trade creditors<br>Accruals and deferred income<br>Other creditors<br>Taxation and social security<br> **Creditors: Amounts falling due in more**||



SDC Project Development is the Charity's "Science Discovery Centre", currently under construction and due to complete late 2024. 

## **15. Analysis of Net Liabilities between Funds** 

|Restricted Funds<br>Unrestricted Funds<br>Total funds at 31 March 2024|**Tangible Fixed**<br>**Assets**<br>**Net Current**<br>**Assets/ Liab'**<br>**Creditor**<br>**due after 1**<br>**year**<br>**Total**<br>**£**<br>**£**<br>**£**<br>**£**<br>2,866,320<br>1,606,683<br>4,473,002<br>37,405<br>84,388<br>121,792<br>2,903,725<br>1,691,070<br>4,594,795|
|---|---|



17 



**MANSFIELD AND SUTTON ASTRONOMICAL SOCIETY** 

## **NOTES TO THE ACCOUNTS (CONTINUED) FOR THE YEAR ENDED 31 MARCH 2024** 

## **16. Contingent asset** 

The Charity, through specialist advisors, is currently preparing a claim for VAT which will result in a significant repayment, predominately in respect of construction costs for the Science Discovery Centre. The claim is not yet finalised but if successful the amount is considered to be material to the accounts. 

## **17. Financial commitments** 

|Contractual commitments for the acquisition of tangible fixed assets amounted to:<br>Contractual commitments (Science Discovery Centre)|**2024**<br>**2023**<br>**£**<br>**£**<br>3,728,171<br>6,516,437|
|---|---|



The Charity is committed to the completion of the Science Discovery Centre. The project is expected to be completed in November 2024. 

The project is funded predominately by Ashfield District Council. 

The charity is committed to delivering outcomes in respect of visitors, learner participation and refurbishment of derelict facilities. 

18