## The Huddersfield African Caribbean Cultural Trust
Charity number 1188155
## Annual Report and Financial Statements
for the year ended 31 October 2025
The Huddersfield African Caribbean Cultural Trust
Annual Report and Financial Statements for the year ended 31 October 2025
|**Contents**|**Page**|
|---|---|
|Trustees' report|2 to 5|
|Receipts and payments account|6|
|Statement of assets and liabilities|7|
|Notes to the accounts|8 to 9|
**Prepared by West Yorkshire Community Accountancy Service CIO**
1
## The Huddersfield African Caribbean Cultural Trust
## Trustees' report for the year ended 31 October 2025
## **Reference and administrative details of the charity, its trustees and advisors**
The trustees during the financial year and up to and including the date the report was approved were: **Name Position Dates** Michelle Welch Chair Justin Buckle Sara Dearnley Treasurer Caroline Devonport Resigned 27 October 2025 Lillalee Wright Natasha Dennis Tia Pinnock Marcus Paul Chantell Grant
**Charity number** 1188155 Registered in England and Wales **Registered and principal address Bankers** Unit 28 Gatehouse Enterprise Centre The Royal Bank of Scotland Albert Street 27 Market Place Lockwood Huddersfield Huddersfield HD1 2AD HD1 3QD
## **Accountants West Yorkshire Community Accountancy Service CIO**
Stringer House 34 Lupton Street Leeds LS10 2QW
## **Structure, governance and management**
The charity is a Charitable Incorporated Organisation (CIO) association formed on 20 February 2020 and is governed by a constitution.
## **Method of recruitment and appointment of trustees**
The trustees of the charity are appointed by the members at the AGM.
2
## The Huddersfield African Caribbean Cultural Trust
## Trustees' report (continued) for the year ended 31 October 2025
## **Objectives and activities**
## **The charity's objects**
1) To advance, promote, encourage and develop appreciation of and participation in African-Caribbean culture including Carnival and street arts, their traditions, music and crafts in particular but not exclusively through the provision of arts workshops, activities and events throughout the year and by the promotion and organisation of an annual carnival in Huddersfield.
2) To further or benefit the residents of Huddersfield and the neighbourhood, without distinction of sex, sexual orientation, race, disability, age or of political, religious, or other opinions by associating together the said residents and the local authorities, voluntary and other organisations in a common effort to advance education and to provide facilities in the interests of social welfare for recreation leisure time occupation with the objective of improving the conditions of life for the residents.
In furtherance of this object but not otherwise, the trustees shall have power: to establish or secure the establishment of a community centre and to maintain or manage or co-operate with any statutory authority in the maintenance and management of such a centre for the activities promoted by the charity in furtherance of the above objects.
3) To advance any purpose which is exclusively charitable according to the laws of England and Wales for the benefit of the public in Huddersfield and surrounding area by the provision of grants and funding to local charities as the trustees shall determine.
## **The charity's main activities**
Our activities are based around the promotion, advancement and the development of appreciation of AfricanCaribbean culture and the promotion and organisation of the annual Caribbean Carnival.
## **Public benefit statement**
In setting our objectives and planning our activities our Trustees have given serious consideration to the Charity Commission’s general guidance on public benefit and in particular the advancement of African Caribbean arts and culture and the advancement of social welfare with the object of improving the condition of life of the local inhabitants.
## **Achievements and performance HACCT Overview Nov 24 – Oct 25**
## **Michelle Welch - Chair**
Our charitable objectives include _promoting, advancing and encouraging participation in African_ ‑ _Caribbean cultural heritage events and activities_ . Throughout the 2024–2025 financial year, despite the cancellation of the Huddersfield Carnival, HACCT has continued to make significant contributions to both the Black Caribbean community and the wider population of Kirklees.
The activities delivered this year, including cultural showcases, fundraising events, media engagement, ‑ networking opportunities, and heritage focused presentations have helped sustain visibility and celebration of African ‑ Caribbean culture within the area. Events such as Caribbean Kaleidoscope, Vibes of the Caribbean, the Carnival ‑ themed party, and the Festive Cultural Market provided cultural enrichment, opportunities for ‑ community connection, and spaces for local Black led businesses, artists and performers to thrive. These ‑ events not only strengthened cultural pride within the African Caribbean community but also encouraged participation and understanding among the wider public, promoting cohesion and shared cultural appreciation.
Our representation at the Community Archives and Heritage Group conference, alongside radio appearances ‑ on Culture City Radio and Passion Radio, helped raise the profile of African Caribbean history in Kirklees and contributed to national conversations around heritage preservation. These opportunities amplified Black voices, ‑ reinforced positive representation, and ensured that African Caribbean cultural contributions were recognised and safeguarded.
3
## The Huddersfield African Caribbean Cultural Trust
## Trustees' report (continued) for the year ended 31 October 2025
## **Achievements and performance (continued)**
Engagement with partners including Kirklees Council, West Yorkshire Police (via the Race Action Plan), community organisations, and local businesses has further strengthened our role as a bridge between statutory services and the African ‑ Caribbean community. This partnership work contributes to improved cultural ‑ understanding, stronger trust, and more inclusive decision making at local authority level.
‑ Our sponsored walk in October and community focused events enhanced wellbeing, encouraged inter ‑ generational engagement, and increased community pride. These activities also helped raise the profile of the charity behind Huddersfield Carnival, highlighting the importance of sustaining one of the region’s longest ‑ running African ‑ Caribbean cultural traditions.
The Viability Study delivered by CounterCulture, commissioned jointly with Kirklees Council, has provided ‑ strategic insight into the long term sustainability of Huddersfield Carnival. Understanding the challenges around core funding, income generation, and the feasibility of annual or biennial events allows us to plan responsibly for the future. This work protects the legacy of Caribbean carnival arts in Kirklees, ensuring that the cultural, social and economic benefits continue for future generations.
Overall, the charity’s work this year has:
Promoted African ‑ Caribbean heritage through events, presentations and cultural activities
Strengthened community cohesion by bringing diverse communities together
Supported economic participation through markets, vendor opportunities and local partnerships
Enhanced representation and visibility of Black Caribbean culture in public, civic and academic spaces
Created accessible opportunities for celebration, learning and cultural exchange
‑ Contributed to long term planning to safeguard the future of Huddersfield Carnival
Despite challenges in funding and the absence of the main Carnival event, HACCT has demonstrated ‑ resilience, leadership and commitment to advancing African Caribbean cultural heritage. The impact of this work continues to benefit both the local Black Caribbean community and the wider Kirklees community as a whole.
## **Subgroup - Legacy Steelpan – Lillalee Wright, Trustee Financial Report - 01/11/2024 – 31/10/2025**
Over the course of the financial year from 1 November 2024 to 31 October 2025, Legacy has enjoyed considerable success and progress. The period has been marked by effective funding efforts, a significant rise in membership, expanded educational opportunities and enhanced musical performance. The achievements reflect the Legacy’s commitment to growth and its positive impact within the community.
Legacy was awarded a grant of £2,400 from the Thornton Family Fund. A portion of this funding, for the first time, was allocated to cover a share of the cost of space rental, supporting the HACCT’s activities and overall objectives. The entirety of the grant was expended appropriately, in line with its intended purpose. Looking ahead, Legacy has included provision for a similar contribution to HACCT in its budget for the following year, contingent upon the fulfilment of all projected performances.
In addition to this, Legacy received a match grant of £800 from Kirklees College. These funds were specifically used for tuning the steel pans housed at the college, which are now utilised by a newly introduced course.
We have also gained from members’ fundraising efforts, including raffles and contributions for tee shirts.
Our new tutor’s versatility during performances have also enabled us to keep a larger share of our performance fees.
Membership has doubled over the year, increasing from seven to fifteen members. This notable growth highlights rising engagement and interest from the local community. The youngest member, benefits from a scholarship, which demonstrates the Legacy’s ongoing dedication to nurturing young talent.
4
## The Huddersfield African Caribbean Cultural Trust
## Trustees' report (continued) for the year ended 31 October 2025
## **Achievements and performance (continued)**
To support the transition from fortnightly to weekly teaching sessions, the Legacy raised the subscription fee from £15 to £20, enabling tutoring hours to increasing from three to five per month. The improvement in both the quality and variety of musical performance can be attributed to these additional hours and the expertise brought by the new tutor.
Legacy delivered three paid performances throughout the year, less than the six initially projected. This reduction was a strategic decision, allowing the Legacy to focus on the integration and support of new members, ensuring they are fully prepared for future engagements.
In summary, Legacy’s financial year from November 2024 to October 2025 was marked by growth in membership, successful funding initiatives and expanded educational and musical activities aimed at promoting and preserving Caribbean style steel pan playing and legacy steel pan in Huddersfield.
## **Financial review**
The net payments for the year were £1,351, including net receipts of £12,961 on unrestricted funds and net payments of £14,312 on restricted funds.
## **Reserves policy**
The charity's free reserves, at the year end were £27,718.
The Trustees have agreed to maintain a minimum reserve equivalent to one year’s core expenditure. This level allows the organisation to:
Cover essential costs in the event of a funding delay or shortfall.
Ensure continuity of operations between funded projects.
Wind down activities in an orderly manner if needed.
Reserves may be used with the approval of the Board of Trustees in the following situations:
Short-term cash flow issues.
Unexpected operational costs.
To meet essential costs between project funding cycles.
If reserves fall below the agreed minimum level, Trustees will prioritise rebuilding them through unrestricted income, cost savings, or reallocation of funds.
The Trustees acknowledge that the free reserves exceed the level specified in the policy. The excess funds will be allocated toward the next carnival in 2026.
Approved by the board of trustees on 30/06/2026
Sara Dearnley (Trustee)
5
## The Huddersfield African Caribbean Cultural Trust
## Receipts and payments account
## for the year ended 31 October 2025
|Notes
2025
Unrestricted
funds
£
**Receipts**
Grants and donations
(2)
2,005
Fundraising
5,723
Other income
1,167
Steelpan income
2,200
**Total receipts**
11,095
**Payments**
Rent, rates, insurance and licences
2,667
Telephone, internet, postage and stationery
69
Accounts and independent examination
864
Event costs
312
Publicity and advertising
30
Utilities
275
Costumes, artistes and comperes - carnival
-
Freelance workers and tutors
2,804
Equipment costs
139
Fundraising
284
Sundry expenses
195
Volunteer expenses
-
**Total payments**
7,639
**Net receipts / (payments)**
3,456
**Fund balances brought forward**
14,757
**Fund balances carried forward**
(3)
27,718|2025
Restricted
funds
£
8,772
-
-
-
8,772
-
8
-
2,610
1,395
-
3,240
375
2,113
3,458
320
60
13,579
(4,807)
18,344
4,032|2025
Total
funds
£
10,777
5,723
1,167
2,200
19,867
2,667
77
864
2,922
1,425
275
3,240
3,179
2,252
3,742
515
60
21,218
(1,351)
33,101
31,750|2024
Total
funds
£
7,235
-
195
2,155
9,585
1,685
562
726
1,886
170
131
1,150
-
960
-
626
-
7,896
1,689
31,412
33,101|
|---|---|---|---|
6
## The Huddersfield African Caribbean Cultural Trust
## Statement of assets and liabilities
|as at 31 October 2025
2025
Unrestricted
£
**Cash funds**
Cash at bank
27,641
Cash in hand
77
**Total cash funds**
27,718
**Debtors and prepayments**
Prepayments
**Assets retained for the charity's own use**
Fixtures and fittings
Equipment
Laptop
**Liabilities**
Accruals|2025
Restricted
£
4,032
-
4,032|2025
Total
£
31,673
77
31,750
2025
£
218
218
2025
£
720
720|2024
Total
£
33,079
22
33,101|
|---|---|---|---|
The financial statements were approved by the board of trustees on 30/06/2026
Sara Dearnley (Trustee)
7
## The Huddersfield African Caribbean Cultural Trust
Notes to the accounts
for the year ended 31 October 2025
## **1 Accounting policies**
## **Basis of accounting**
The trustees have taken advantage of section 133 of the Charities Act 2011 and have prepared the accounts on a receipts and payments basis.
There has been no change to the accounting policies since last year.
No changes have been made to the accounts for previous years.
## **Taxation**
As a charity the organisation benefits from rates relief and is generally exempt from income tax and capital gains tax but not from VAT. Irrecoverable VAT is included in the cost of those items to which it relates.
## **Fund accounting**
Unrestricted funds are available for use at the discretion of the trustees in furtherance of the general objectives of the charity.
Restricted funds are subjected to restrictions on their expenditure imposed by the donor or through the terms of an appeal.
Further explanation of the nature and purpose of each fund is included in the notes to the accounts.
8
## The Huddersfield African Caribbean Cultural Trust
## Notes to the accounts continued
## for the year ended 31 October 2025
|**2 Grants and donations**
Kirklees Council
One Community Foundation (OCF)
Arts Council England (ACE)
Other donations
**3 Restricted funds**
Balance b/f
£
Kirklees Council - HHAZ
4,082
Kirklees Council - KYOM
4,578
Huddersfield Carnival fund
8,133
National Lottery Fund
811
Thornton Family Fund 2024
740
Thornton Family Fund 2025
-
Amplify & Magnify Fund - KC
-
18,344|2025
Unrestricted
funds
£
-
-
-
2,005
2,005
Incoming
£
-
-
1,372
-
-
2,400
5,000
8,772|2025
Restricted
funds
£
5,000
2,400
1,372
-
8,772
Outgoing
£
2,250
4,578
-
-
705
2,151
3,895
13,579|2025
Total
funds
£
5,000
2,400
1,372
2,005
10,777
Transfers
£
-
-
(9,505)
-
-
-
-
(9,505)|2024
Total
funds
£
5,000
1,700
-
535
7,235
Balance c/f
£
1,832
-
-
811
35
249
1,105
4,032|
|---|---|---|---|---|
## **Fund name**
Kirklees Council - HHAZ Kirklees Council - KYOM Huddersfield Carnival fund
## National Lottery Fund
Thornton Family Fund 2024 Thornton Family Fund 2025 Amplify & Magnify Fund - KC
## **Purpose of restriction**
Towards the Huddersfield High Street Heritage Action Zone. Towards the Kirklees Year of Music.
Towards regeneration of the Huddersfield carnival. This fund includes a combination of restricted grants but also unrestricted earned income as a part of the whole project. Unspent funds relating to restricted grants were transferred to unrestricted as agreed with the funder.
Towards the tradition of sound systems at the Carnival.
Towards the Legacy Steelpan Project. Towards racking and repair costs
Towards celebrating the impact of the Windrush generation - A Caribbean arts showcase
## **4 Related party transactions**
## **Trustee expenses**
During the year, the trustees were not paid for travel expenses.(previous year: 2 trustees and £311).
## **Trustee remuneration and benefits**
No trustee received any remuneration or benefit during this or the previous year.
**Other transactions with trustees or related parties**
|**Other transactions with trustees or related parties**
Zara buckle
Daughter of Justin
Buckle (Trustee)
Performed at an event
**Name of trustee**
**or related party**
**Relationship to**
**charity**
**Description of transaction**
Natalie Pinnock-
Hamilton
Mother of Tia
Pinnock(Trustee)
Paid as an event speaker|2025
£
100
150
250|2024
£
-
-
-|
|---|---|---|
9