## **THE FARNHAM COMMON COMMUNITY LIBRARY**
## **Registered Charity Number 1189181**
## **ANNUAL REPORT AND FINANCIAL STATEMENTS FOR THE YEAR ENDED 31st MARCH 2026**
## **CONTENTS PAGE**
|Annual Report|2|
|---|---|
|Statement of Financial Actvites|3|
|Balance Sheet|4|
|Notes to the Financial Statements|5 to 8|
|Independent Examiner’s Report|9|
## **REFERENCE AND ADMINISTRATIVE DETAILS**
## **THE FARNHAM COMMON COMMUNITY LIBRARY Registered Charity Number 1189181**
|**Trustees**
**Trustee Name**
**Ofce (if any)**
DavidPicton
Chairman
Janet Stone
Treasurer
Carol Williams
Secretary
Brian English
Maria Hall
NickyHamblin
Vivien Hopkirk
Pauline Jones
Barbara Richards
Glenys Stone
**Dates acted if not for**
**whole year**|**Trustees**
**Trustee Name**
**Ofce (if any)**
DavidPicton
Chairman
Janet Stone
Treasurer
Carol Williams
Secretary
Brian English
Maria Hall
NickyHamblin
Vivien Hopkirk
Pauline Jones
Barbara Richards
Glenys Stone
**Dates acted if not for**
**whole year**|**Trustees**
**Trustee Name**
**Ofce (if any)**
DavidPicton
Chairman
Janet Stone
Treasurer
Carol Williams
Secretary
Brian English
Maria Hall
NickyHamblin
Vivien Hopkirk
Pauline Jones
Barbara Richards
Glenys Stone
**Dates acted if not for**
**whole year**|
|---|---|---|
|DavidPicton||Chairman|
|Janet Stone||Treasurer|
|Carol Williams||Secretary|
|Brian English|||
|Maria Hall|||
|NickyHamblin|||
|Vivien Hopkirk|||
|Pauline Jon|es||
|Barbara Richards|||
|Glenys Stone|||
## **Patrons**
Johnny Ball Michael Mills
## **Office Address**
Farnham Common Community Library Victoria Road Farnham Common SL2 3NL
## **Bank**
HSBC 1 Corn Market High Wycombe HP11 2AY
## **Independent Examiner**
Mr Lee Chapman 42 Crispin Way Farnham Common Bucks. SL2 3UE
## **THE FARNHAM COMMON COMMUNITY LIBRARY**
## **ANNUAL REPORT OF THE TRUSTEES FOR THE YEAR ENDED 31 MARCH 2026**
## **Objectives and Activities**
The Farnham Common Community Library (the Library) aims to advance the education, recreation and enjoyment of the public by the provision of a lending library service for the benefit of residents of Farnham Common and the surrounding area. The Library is currently operated in partnership with the Buckinghamshire Council Library Service.
It is the policy of the Library to provide its service without discrimination on grounds of sex, age, disability or beliefs. As well as the provision of materials, in physical or digital forms, for reading and research, the Library runs activities for the enjoyment of the local community, and rents out its premises to other local or community groups. In determining the activities of the Library the trustees have had regard to the guidance issued by the Charity Commission on public benefit.
## **Structure, Governance and Management**
The charity was registered on 23 April 2020 as a Charitable Incorporated Organisation (CIO) to take over from the previously established charity (1153026) which was set up in 2011 to continue the provision of library services in Farnham Common. The assets and liabilities of the old charity were transferred to the new CIO at the close of business on 15th May 2020.
The charity trustees also form the management committee which meets approximately ten times a year to review the operation of all activites, including the financial position and future strategy and plans of the Library. The trustees, and all those who work in the Library on its core activities, are volunteers.
The trustees are appointed at each AGM. New trustees are appointed during the year if additional skills are needed and are chosen after consideration by the trustees as a whole. The detailed process varies according to the complexity of the role.
## **Achievements and Performance**
This has been a significant year in the development of the library as we implemented our decision to refurbish the public areas of the library in line with our strategic aim of creating a warm, welcoming and flexible space for people to learn, discover, create and connect. Thanks to the generous donations of Friends, other supporters, local businesses, grant-making foundations and unexpected legacies received, we were able to fund the refurbishment without reducing our existing funds. Our borrowers and users showed patience during our closure and have returned in greater numbers since our re-opening. Other steps have been taken to implement our strategy in recruiting and training volunteers and our team has increased.
Challenges continue for libraries locally as well as nationally. Ongoing detailed management of the book stock enabled us to add new titles and dispose of those not used keeping our borrowers interested in visiting the library. The refurbishment was designed to increase space for books as well as more space for activities. The range of activities for members of the community continues to expand and we have been pleased with the uptake so far. The number of Friends who support us with annual donations has remained steady and the the total amount donated has increased by 14%.
We continue to receive thanks from members of the public for enabling the provision of the library service and this appreciation in turn enhances the experience of the volunteers who are the lifeblood of the organisation. The trustees are grateful for the work of all the volunteers, in whatever capacity, and applaud their dedication and flexibility in keeping the library operation viable for the whole community.
## **Finance and Resources**
The financing of the refurbishment project impacted the detailed accounts but the underlying income and expenditure was broadly consistent with the previous year. Unexpected legacies of £56,465 meant unrestricted income increased to £100,620 (2025: £42,533). In addition we raised restricted donations and grants of £17,120 for the refurbishment. Expenditure for normal activities was consistent with 2025. A total of £79,444 was spent on the refurbishment, being the restricted income, the legacies and a further £5,859 from accumulated funds. During the year we transferred our investment portfolio to new fund managers, crystallising a gain of £4589 from the original investment. That added to our operational surplus and resulted in income exceeding expenditure for the year by £5,639 (2025:£10,730). Further unrealised gains were made on the portfolio by the year end giving a total net increase in funds of £12,019 (2025:£14,226).
To support our aim to provide a thriving library operation for the next generation the trustees have designated a sum of £120,000 to be ringfenced for use when the current funding model no longer exists. Additional accumulated funds of £54,033 are available to fund any deficits in the next few years or additional initiatives within our strategy.
The trustees are satisfied that the Library is a going concern. The Resource Grant Agreement is due to be renewed at 1 April 2027. There is currently no indication of the level of funding from the County Council but the trustees are confident that sufficient funds are available to operate the library for the period of that agreement and beyond.
## **Risk Management**
The trustees regularly review the key areas of risk management, including safeguarding, health and safety and finance.
Signed on behalf of the Trustees on 13 July 2026
David Picton (Chairman)
Page 2
## **THE FARNHAM COMMON COMMUNITY LIBRARY**
## **STATEMENT OF FINANCIAL ACTIVITIES FOR THE YEAR ENDED 31st MARCH 2026**
|**Notes**
**INCOMING RESOURCES**
Donatons
3(a)
Actvites for generatng funds
3(b)
Charitable actvites 3(c)
Realised gains on investments
3(d)
**TOTAL INCOMING RESOURCES**
**RESOURCES USED**
Costs of generatng funds
4(a)
Charitable actvites
4(b)
Governance costs 4(c)
**TOTAL RESOURCES USED**
**NET INCOMING RESOURCES**
**UNREALISED GAIN/(LOSS) ON INVESTMENTS**
**NET MOVEMENT IN FUNDS**
**RECONCILIATION OF FUNDS**
Funds brought forward
**FUNDS CARRIED FORWARD**
Restricted funds
Designated funds
General funds
**TOTAL UNRESTRICTED FUNDS**|**2026**
**2026**
**2026**
**Restricted Unrestricted**
**Total**
**£**
**£**
**£**
7,120 64,611
71,731
0 18,352
18,352
10,000 13,068
23,068
0 4,589
4,589
17,120 100,620
117,740
0 10,089
10,089
17,120 84,789
101,909
0 103
103
17,120 94,981
112,101
0 5,639
5,639
0 6,380
6,380
0 12,019
12,019
0 162,014
162,014
0 174,033
174,033
0
120,000
54,033
174,033|**2025**
**Total**
**£**
6,567
18,795
17,171|
|---|---|---|
||17,120 100,620|42,533|
||0 10,089
17,120 84,789
0 103|9,944
21,579
280|
||17,120 94,981|31,803|
||0 5,639
0 6,380|10,730
3,496|
||0 12,019
0 162,014|14,226
147,788|
||0 174,033|162,014|
|||0
120,000
42,014|
|||162,014|
Page 3
## **THE FARNHAM COMMON COMMUNITY LIBRARY**
## **BALANCE SHEET AS AT 31st MARCH 2026**
|**BALANCE SHEET AS AT 31st MARCH 2026**|||
|---|---|---|
|**Notes**
**FIXED ASSETS**
Investments
5
**CURRENT ASSETS**
Debtors and prepayments
6
Cash at bank
Total current assets
**CREDITORS: Amounts**
7
**NET CURRENT ASSETS**
**TOTAL ASSETS LESS CURRENT LIABILITIES**
**CREDITORS: Amounts**
**falling due in more than one year**
**TOTAL NET ASSETS**
**FUNDS**
Designated
General
**TOTAL UNRESTRICTED FUNDS**
**falling due within one year**|**2026**
**£**
131,310
728
43,481
44,209
1,486
42,723
174,033
0
174,033
120,000
54,033
174,033|**2025**
**£**
120,341|
|||40
42,778|
|||42,818|
|||1,145|
|||41,673|
|||162,014
0|
|||162,014|
|||120,000
42,014|
|||162,014|
Approved by the Trustees on 13 July 2026 and signed on its behalf by:
David Picton CHAIRMAN Janet Stone TREASURER
_The notes on pages 5 to 8 form part of these accounts_
Page 4
## **THE FARNHAM COMMON COMMUNITY LIBRARY**
## **NOTES TO THE FINANCIAL STATEMENTS FOR THE YEAR ENDED 31st MARCH 2026**
## **1 Basis of preparation**
- 1.1 Basis of accounting
These accounts have been prepared under the historical cost convention with items recognised at cost or transaction value unless otherwise stated in these notes. The accounts and annual report have been prepared in accordance with the Statement of Recommended Practice: Accounting and Reporting by Charities (2014), the Financial Reporting Standard FRS102, and the Charities Act 2011.
The charity constitutes a public benefit entity as defined by FRS102.
## 1.2 Going concern
The accounts are prepared on a going concern basis. The trustees are satisfied this is an appropriate approach.
## **2 Accounting policies**
- 2.1 Incoming Resources
Income is included when the charity is entitled to the resources and can measure its value with sufficient reliability.
Income that has been received but relates to committed expenditure in next year is treated as deferred income under liabilities on the balance sheet.
The charity receives a grant from Buckinghamshire County Council towards the provision of the library service.
Donated services and facilities have all been donated at no charge and are not reflected in the accounts as the trustees consider it impractical to measure the fair value. The premises are provided by the County Council at a peppercorn rent. All staff and trustees are volunteers and provide their services for free.
Friends subscriptions received in the nature of a gift are shown in Donations (note 3).
- 2.2 Resources Used
Costs and liabilities are included when it is more likely than not that the charity has an obligation to pay and the amount can be measured with sufficient reliability.
Costs of generating funds by fund-raising activities comprise the actual direct costs of the relevant activities.
Charitable expenditure comprises those costs incurred by the charity in the delivery of its functions and services for the local community. It includes all premises running costs, administration costs, book purchases, costs of running children’s activities and publicity and promotional costs. Any donations to local community initiatives are within the charity's objectives.
Costs incurred for refurbishment of the library including furniture have been expensed. The work done and assets purchased are only of value as long as the library remains open. The operating agreement with Buckinghamshire Council is renewed every three years, the next renewal being due in April 2027, but if not renewed the lease reverts to the Council. Whilst the Trustees believe that the operating agreement and lease will continue there is no certainty given the pressures on County spending. Therefore the Trustees have concluded it is a fairer representation to expense the costs.
## 2.3 Investments
Fixed asset investments in quoted shares, traded bonds and similar investments are valued initially at cost and subsequently at market value at the year end. Realised gains and losses are included as Incoming Resources or Resources Used. Unrealised gains and losses arising from revaluation at the year end are shown separately.
## 2.4 Funds
Restricted Fund: Grants, donations and related gift aid received specifically for the refurbishment are restriced. All restricted funds were spent on the refurbishment costs. No restricted funds remain at the year end. Designated Fund: Amount to be kept for the future running of the library for the next generation when the current funding model is expected to have changed. This designated fund is represented by amounts within the investment portfolio. General Fund: The remaining unrestricted funds in the General fund are made up of the remainder of the portfolio, the cash at bank and sundry debtors and creditors.
Page 5
## **THE FARNHAM COMMON COMMUNITY LIBRARY**
## **NOTES TO THE FINANCIAL STATEMENTS FOR THE YEAR ENDED 31st MARCH 2026**
|**3 INCOMING RESOURCES**
**3(a) Donatons**
Friends donatons
Gif Aid
Legacies and other donatons
**3(b) Actvites for generatng funds**
Events including Lunch Group
Bank interest
**3(c) Charitable actvites**
Grants
Fines and fees
Book sales, photocopying and printng
Children's actvites
Room hire
**3(d) Realised gains on investments**
**TOTAL INCOMING RESOURCES**
**3(e) Grants received**
Restricted
Bernard Sunley Foundaton
Mobbs Memorial Trust
Unrestricted
Buckinghamshire Council|**2026**
**2026**
**2026**
**Restricted Unrestricted**
**Total**
**£**
**£**
**£**
5,940
5,940
558 1,255
1,813
6,562 57,416
63,978
7,120 64,611
71,731
17,028
17,028
1,324
1,324
0 18,352
18,352
10,000 6,000
16,000
1,495
1,495
842
842
96
96
4,635
4,635
10,000 13,068
23,068
4,589
4,589
17,120 100,620
117,740
£5,000
£5,000
£6,000|**2025**
**Total**
**£**
5,204
925
438|
|---|---|---|
|||6,567|
|||17,910
885|
|||18,795|
|||6,878
1,432
765
246
7,850|
|||17,171|
|||0|
|||42,533|
||||
Page 6
## **THE FARNHAM COMMON COMMUNITY LIBRARY**
## **NOTES TO THE FINANCIAL STATEMENTS FOR THE YEAR ENDED 31st MARCH 2026**
|**4 RESOURCES USED**
**4(a) Cost of generatng funds**
Fund raising costs including Lunch Group
**4(b)**
**Premises**
Light and heat
Insurance
Business rates
Water charges
General cleaning
Maintenance costs
Annual safety costs
Garden maintenance
WiFi & Broadband
**Library Running costs**
Book stock purchases
Display costs
Consumables
Volunteer costs
Postage
Statonery
Publicity
Children’s actvites
IT equipment
Bank and iZetle charges
**Refurbishment costs**
Cost of refurbishment works and furniture
**Donatons to other charites**
Donatons
**4(c) Governance Costs**
AGM costs
**TOTAL RESOURCES USED**
**Charitable** **Actvites**|**2026**
**2026**
**2026**
**Restricted Unrestricted**
**Total**
**£**
**£**
**£**
0 10,089
10,089
0 10,089
10,089
8,165 8,165
768 768
659 659
771 771
6,926 6,926
397 397
194 194
555 555
590 590
1,350 1,350
63 63
400 400
650 650
54 54
132 132
501 501
- -
- -
290 290
17,120 62,324
79,444
-
17,120 84,789 101,909
103
103
17,120 94,981
112,101|**2025**
**Total**
**£**
9,944|
|---|---|---|
|||9,944|
|||7,524
715
274
423
6,383
367
68
175
427
1,655
0
452
496
0
206
66
1,254
71
373
0
650|
|||21,579|
|||280|
|||31,803|
**Page 7**
## **THE FARNHAM COMMON COMMUNITY LIBRARY**
## **NOTES TO THE FINANCIAL STATEMENTS FOR THE YEAR ENDED 31st MARCH 2026**
|**5 INVESTMENTS**
Market value at start of year
Release of previous total unrealised gains
Realised gains at disposal
Disposal proceeds
Purchases
Unrealised gain/(loss) on revaluaton
Market value at end of year|**2026**
**£**
120,341
-1,541
4,589
-123,389
123,389
7,921
131,310|**2025**
**£**
116,845
0
0
0
0
3,496|
|---|---|---|
|||120,341|
The original cost of the investment portfolio was £118,800 in May 2021. The portfolio was re-invested in January 2026 at a base cost of £123,389, giving a realised gain of £4,589. Total net unrealised gains and losses for the year are £6,380.
|**6 DEBTORS AND PREPAYMENTS**
Prepayments and accrued income
**7 LIABILITIES: Amounts falling**
**due within one year**
**C**reditors and accruals|**2026**
**£**
728
**2026**
**£**
1,486|**2025**
**£**
40|
|---|---|---|
|||**2025**
**£**
1,145|
## **8 Fees for examination of the accounts**
No fees were paid for the examination of the accounts.
## **9 Transactions with trustees and related parties**
During the year trustees were reimbursed for transactions they had undertaken on behalf of the charity in relation to fund-raising expenses, book purchases and sundry items. No trustee received any remuneration.
Payments totalling £3,415 (2025:£175) were made for garden maintenance and landscaping to a business run by a related party of one trustee. These payments were at normal commercial rates.
## **Page 8**
## **THE FARNHAM COMMON COMMUNITY LIBRARY**
## **INDEPENDENT EXAMINER’S REPORT**
## **FOR THE YEAR ENDED 31st MARCH 2026**
## **Independent examiner’s report to the trustees of the Farnham Common Community Library.**
I report to the trustees on my examination of the accounts of the Farnham Common Community Library (the Charity) for the year ended 31st March 2026.
## **Responsibilities and basis of report**
As the charity trustees of the Charity you are responsible for the preparation of the accounts in accordance with the requirements of the Charities Act 2011 (‘the Act’).
I report in respect of my examination of the Charity's accounts carried out under section 145 of the 2011 Act and in carrying out my examination I have followed all the applicable Directions given by the Charity Commission under section 145(5)(b) of the Act.
## **Independent examiner’s statement**
I have completed my examination. I confirm that no material matters have come to my attention in connection with the examination giving me cause to believe that in any material respect:
1. accounting records were not kept in respect of the Charity as required by section 130 of the Act; or
2. the accounts do not accord with those records.
I have no concerns and have come across no other matters in connection with the examination to which attention should be drawn in this report in order to enable a proper understanding of the accounts to be reached.
Signed:
Lee Chapman
42 Crispin Way Farnham Common Bucks SL2 3UE
Date: 13 July 2026
Page 9