www.thamessailability.org.uk Registered Charity Number 1189796
Who we are:
Thames Sailability is a charity set up in June 2020 to take over the ownership and management of the boat, Impossible Dream, from its previous owner, Sporting Activities for the Disabled (SAD). Impossible Dream had been serving the local community since 2015 however SAD were about to close its operations and offered the existing crew of Impossible Dream the opportunity to continue independently. The offer was accepted, the crew formed a management team and Thames Sailability was born.
We remain here primarily to provide accessible boating for wheelchair users, people with reduced mobility, and those with learning challenges.
We are based on the Thames and operate out of Shepperton Marina. Our specially adapted motorboat, Impossible Dream, takes up to 10 passengers, including up to three wheelchairs. Trips take place all year round.
Most trips are for organised groups such as schools, but outings for families and social groups are also popular.
Boat helm showing clear space for wheelchair access.
Thames Sailability – Annual Report 2022
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Chairman’s Welcome
As I closed last year’s report I wished to be able to report on this year as being ‘normal’. Well, that is not going to be possible as no one can suggest that 2022 was ‘normal. Who would believe another world event would impact on our lives so soon after the Covid pandemic. The rising cost of energy influenced the cost of our operations and likewise the lives of our clients. However, Thames Sailability was able to keep afloat, and Impossible Dream was operating almost every week of the year come rain or shine. In fact, as you will see later in the report, we have had a record year carrying over 1000 passengers, that’s 200 more than our previous best year!
During the summer months Impossible Dream welcomed back our local senior residents to river trips after two years of shutdown. Our regular voyages for children and young adults from special schools returned and quickly increased to two excursions on three days a week. We also achieved the honor of being a lead boat in the Queens Platinum Jubilee River Pageant from Shepperton to Molesey and back.
Impossible Dream also went through a major refit. (Full details later) She was taken out of the water, thoroughly cleaned and polished, and several necessary repairs and maintenance tasks completed.
She is back, looking smart and operating superbly well.
We were again fortunate to attract a few more volunteer crews into our team which allows us to accept the growing number of requests. Impossible Dream has more capacity to deliver further trips but trained, qualified crew is the limiting factor. So please do contact us if you would like to help and take the opportunity to make a difference in such a unique way.
Thames Sailability is managed and operated entirely by unpaid volunteers and our special encounter with the wildlife, sights and sounds along the river is only possible with their dedication. Therefore, on behalf of all this year’s passengers I express a huge ‘thank you’ to them, for their continued support and availability throughout the year and into the future.
I close my report with the extremely sad news that we lost both of our founding fathers during this year. Mike Browne and Alan Woolford both passed away and the world of sailing and sporting for the disabled will forever be grateful for their outstanding contributions. Later in this report you will find commemorative reports on both Mike and Alan.
Colin Brown. Chairman of Trustees
Thames Sailability – Annual Report 2022
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We’re here to make a difference.
The tranquillity of the water is well known to promote calmness and feelings of well-being. These effects are therapeutic for everyone but especially for people with disabilities and life challenges. Adding fresh air, close-up views of wonderful wildlife, social interaction, encouragement to help steer the boat and the result is an experience that is beneficial to our very special passengers.
Their appreciation can be seen in positive behaviour, smiles and the repeated requests “can we come back again”. It also provides the carers a little relaxation and a break from the challenging role they have. Below is the text from letter we
received from one of our regular clients. It speaks for itself!
A letter of thanks.
My name is xxxxxxx and I work as a teacher and 14-19 Coordinator at xxxxxxx school, that provides education for secondary and FE students with severe learning difficulties and also profound and multiple learning difficulties.
I would like to take this opportunity to express our appreciation of the services of Impossible Dream Sailability over many years. Our students have had the amazing opportunity to experience and participate in river boat trips. These experiences have been extremely inclusive and valuable and enabled so many of our students to develop their independence skills as well as enjoying the unique moments. For many of our students this remains the most memorable experience for many years. We have always felt welcomed, respected, and valued.
What we did last year
Operations bounced back to pre-pandemic levels very quickly and continued to accelerate, culminating in the best year of service since the boat started activities in 2015. We were able to deliver to every request only cancelling trips when the river was in flood and the Environment Agency advising not to navigate. We ran two regular trips on Mondays, Wednesdays, and Thursdays most weeks of the year with additional one-off trips on other days. Realistically we are almost at capacity without additional crew so a priority for the coming months is recruitment.
| Year | 2022 | 2021 | 2020 | 2019 |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Trips completed. | 174 | 110 | 32 | 127 |
| Passengers carried. | 1060 | 617 | 134 | 837 |
Thames Sailability – Annual Report 2022
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Our special boat, “Impossible Dream”
Apart from our fantastic volunteers, Impossible Dream is our only asset, and we take great pride in looking after and improving her. Having been in constant operation since 2015 it needed a major refit to put it in a condition to operate reliably into the future. So, this year we executed the refit we had been planning for some months. Three weeks in August were chosen as our regular school trips are not conducted during school holidays. The list below details what we achieved.
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Lift out, block up and bottom Jet Wash to provide clean all-round access.
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Bilge-clean in preparation for other tasks.
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Replace port outboard motor gearbox assembly. (Suffered damage from fishing tackle)
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Replace fuel hoses.
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Both outboards serviced including oils and filters.
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Replace batteries.
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Repairs to minor hull and top side damage.
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Refurbish hull and top side with a full deep clean and polish.
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Underside anti-foul replaced.
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Cabin floor refinished with nonslip paint.
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Increased fendering, new fixed fenders fitted to aft corners.
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Crew Lifejackets replaced with upgraded items.
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Canopy refurbishment. Repair transparent panels, replace zips, clean and reproof.
The above work was carried out at Bates Wharf, Chertsey Bridge and we thank them for providing favorable rates and an excellent service.
You will see from the accounts later in this report that maintenance is a major cost for the charity. We need to repeat some of these service tasks annually and most of the other item on a three-tofour-year cycle depending on condition. You may also notice we have installed goose scares on the roof. The local flock has decided they like to sit on our roof but they are not very hygienic visitors! An outstanding upgrade to our boat is to improve how we clear the screens and de-frost the boat during winter operations. We would like to install a more permanent method to replace our temporary solution of shore and a fan heater.
In common with all charities, we only exist with the generosity and support of local organisations, individuals and of course the commitment of our volunteer crew. We actively pursue all opportunities to raise the much-needed funds to carry out these tasks and maintain Impossible Dream in a truly presentable condition.
Thames Sailability – Annual Report 2022
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Safety will always be our TOP priority.
The Environment Agency introduced a requirement to comply with the MCA Small Boat Code of Practice, a 50 plus page document detailing the construction, use, maintenance and crewing of craft such as ours. I am very pleased to say that we were able to confirm our compliance very easily as we had, apart from a few minor items, everything already in place.
With safety as our top priority, all our skippers hold recognised qualifications, but must then complete our own programme of training which is specific to our procedures, boat, and its safety equipment.
Our safeguarding policy and basic risk assessments are available for clients to use or supplement their own documents.
The evening before every trip the operating skipper will check river conditions and weather forecast and make the final decision on the viability of the trip. This year we cancelled just a few trips due to river conditions. This decision is taken when the Environment Agency advises against navigation
because of strong flows which are due normally to heavy rain fall upstream. Otherwise, the weather doesn’t stop us, Impossible Dream is fully enclosed, and we operate all year round. (No marina freeze-ups to report this year)
Impossible Dream carries all the necessary safety and rescue equipment. A selection of buoyancy aids are available for passengers to be equipped appropriately. The access ramps make her safe to board for wheelchair users and anyone with limited mobility.
As safe ramp is available to allow wheelchair access to the main deck.
Thames Sailability – Annual Report 2022
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Where the money came from in 2022
Apart from the regular and very significant donations we receive from our clients we were successful in attracting the following grants from local organisations. Without these grants, for which we are enormously grateful, we would not have been able to carry out the refit this year and our continued operation would have been put under risk of suspension.
----- Start of picture text -----
Shepperton Aurora Rotary £500
Spelthorne Borough £1000
River Thames Society £1000
Thames Heritage Trust £3000
Shepperton Marina £1804
The RYA Foundation Trust £1950
Accent Services (Shepperton) £500
----- End of picture text -----
We recognise supporters by allowing them to display their Logo on Impossible Dream. We appreciate that with the ongoing support of these major benefactors our operation achieves so much more and reaches many more people.
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How we spend your money.
Any boat owner knows that boating is an expensive undertaking. Thames Sailability is no different in that respect. Most of our money is used for:
Mooring - Our year-round berth in Shepperton Marina, which is generously subsidised by the marina itself.
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Maintenance - The two outboard engines need regular maintenance, and every so often the boat must be craned out of the water to inspect and clean below the waterline.
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Fuel - Although we cruise at low speeds, we cover a lot of miles in a year. Safety - Lifejackets and other safety equipment have components with ‘use-by’ dates which must be replaced, as well as keeping all equipment up to scratch and fit for purpose.
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Legal -
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We carry all the necessary insurances and licences.
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Administration We market ourselves so that as many people and organisations as possible can get to enjoy a trip on the Thames. We have a website and email accounts to support.
Impossible Dream Ready for Platinum Jubilee
Thames Sailability – Annual Report 2022
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Remembering our Founding Fathers.
Alan Woolford was the founder and first Chair of Thames Sailability, in 2015. It was Alan who, when offered the use of a motor launch, suggested that it be based at Shepperton. He commissioned the alterations to the boat, arranged its mooring, set up the first team of crew and helpers, and obtained funding to get everything started. This was typical of Alan who was one of life’s great organisers, and
who loved nothing better than to be at the centre of a busy team. He had been equally instrumental in the formation of the Sailability group at Queen Mary reservoir along with Mike Browne (below). Even when he stepped aside from an active role to become President of Thames Sailability, Alan would wave to the passengers and crew as they cruised past his riverside house.
Alan was a governor of Walton Leigh school, a life-long sailor, and a keen Harlequins supporter. The latter may have something to do with the distinctive rugby shirt “uniform” worn by Impossible Dream crew, which of course was Alan’s design. He was an inspirational character whose ability and dedication to making things happen produced wonderful opportunities for hundreds of local disadvantaged adults and children. His amazing networking ability means that he will be missed by many in the community.
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Mike Browne was a local businessman who, along with Alan Woolford, set up Queen Mary Sailability to have somewhere to sail. He offered Impossible Dream to Queen Mary when he no longer needed it and that was where our story begins. Mike was an extremely driven and determined man, who brought the insight and energy that made him a success in business to the pursuit of disabled sports after a skiing accident left him confined to a wheelchair. Mike formed the charity Sporting Activities for the Disabled and configured Impossible Dream to accommodate wheelchairs before passing the boat on to us.
Thames Sailability – Annual Report 2022
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The year ahead.
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Following our major refit this year we hope to be able to concentrate on delivering our service and beating last years’ record.
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Growing the capability of our team is essential to allow Impossible Dream to operate on more days. So, we will continue to encourage our volunteers who wish to become qualified skippers to complete RYA Power Boat 2 courses.
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The canvas canopy will need a clean and reproofed to keeping us dry and protected from the worst of the winter weather.
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All our safety equipment, especially life jackets and buoyancy aids, will be serviced and replaced wherever necessary.
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If funds allow, an upgrade to our cabin window defogging / defrosting systems will be explored.
The management team – Colin, Derek, Nigel, and Chris (L2R) receiving a donation from Arora Rotary
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Trustees’ Report and Financial Statement
The Trustees have pleasure in presenting their report together with the financial statements of the Charity for the year ended 31 December 2022.
Objectives and Activities
The objectives of the Charity as per the Constitution are:
to provide or assist in the provision of facilities in the interests of social welfare for recreation or other leisure time occupation of individuals who have need of such facilities by reason of their disability with the object of improving their conditions of life, by providing opportunities to enjoy boating activities on the Thames and its adjoining waterways .
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The objectives are met by providing river trips in a safe environment on the boat Impossible Dream.
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The Charity has no paid staff, and all activities and their organisation are undertaken by volunteers. Professional services are used only in specialised areas, such as major engine and hull maintenance.
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The Charity does not employ professional fundraisers.
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The trustees have had regard to the Charity Commission’s guidance on public benefit and believe the charity’s activities are fully compliant (FRS102: 1.18).
Structure, Governance and Management
The Charity was set up as a Charitable Incorporated Organisation (CIO) established under a constitution which sets out the objects of the Charity and its governance. Thames Sailability was founded in 2015 and was registered with the Charity Commission of England and Wales on 5 June 2020.
The Charity is governed by the Board of four trustees, which meets on a regular basis. The day-to-day operations of the Charity are managed by a Management Team appointed by the trustees, who themselves are all members of the Management Team and who support and advise on all financial matters.
Trustees Selection and Appointment
Trustees are selected and appointed by the Management Board and are appointed subject to confirmation by a vote of the Members at the Annual General Meeting.
There are currently no trustees selected as representatives of any other organisation, nor is any other organisation entitled to appoint a trustee.
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Trustees
Mr. Colin William Brown Mr. Derek William Beake (Chairman) (Secretary) Mr. Nigel Jeremy Horsfield Mr. David Edmund Jillings
All the trustees were founders of the Charity and remained in post at the end of the year.
Related Parties
The Charity has no subsidiaries. There are no related parties in the Charity.
The Charity is affiliated to the Royal Yachting Association and operates in a manner which ensures that body’s standards continue to be maintained.
We became registered with the Fundraising Regulator this year. This registration demonstrates that we operate all fundraising activities in accordance with the The Code of Fundraising Practice.
Financial Review and Results
Despite the residual challenges of the pandemic, the Charity ended the year in a healthy financial state.
The season did not get under way until late, but record passenger numbers were achieved, leading to increased levels of donations. Fuel costs jumped dramatically, but other significant operating costs such as mooring fees, insurance and licenses only saw modest increases.
A costly programme of maintenance and repairs was carried out in late Summer, resulting in a spike in our expenditure, compared with the previous year.
We were successful in many of our fund-raising initiatives, and we received on-going support from several local organisations, all of which allowed us to meet our increased outgoings.
FINANCIAL SUMMARY
The income of the Charity for the year ended 31 December 2022 amounted to £14,742, against which was set our expenditure of £12,097. The net surplus for the year was £2,646.
The overall net assets of the Charity at the conclusion of the year were £28,840, of which Unrestricted Reserves amount to £8,840.
The Charity does not hold any investments.
Although the Charity is entitled to exemption from examination under Section 145 of the Charities Act 2011, the accounts have been reviewed by an independent examiner and found to be in order.
The trustees are satisfied that the Charity continues as a going concern.
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Reference and Administrative Details
Registered Charity Number 1189796 Registered Charity Address 13 Richmond Drive, Shepperton, TW17 9EB. Charity Secretary Mr. Derek William Beake Independent Examiner David Wilkinson, FCA
The report of the trustees was approved by order of the board on 8[th] May 2022 and signed on its behalf by
Colin Brown – Trustee
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BALANCE SHEET FOR THE YEAR ENDED 31 DECEMBER 2021
| Notes | 2022 | 2021 | |||||
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| ASSETS | |||||||
| Non-Current Assets | |||||||
| Impossible Dream | 1 | 10,000.00 | 10,000.00 | ||||
| Current Assets | |||||||
| Cash in hand | 144.88 | 168.60 | |||||
| Cash at Bank: | |||||||
| (1)Current Account | 4,908.40 | 5,809.89 | |||||
| (2)"LiquidityManager" 35 DayAccount | 2 | 11,053.68 | 7,501.08 | ||||
| 26,106.96 | 23,479.57 | ||||||
| Debtors & Pre-payments | |||||||
| CAF(Donation & Gift Aid Pending) | 1.22 | 79.53 | |||||
| Freemantles School | 190.00 | 240.00 | |||||
| Insurance & MooringFees for 2023 | 2,541.56 | 2,395.05 | |||||
| Creditors | |||||||
| None | 0.00 | 0.00 | |||||
| Nett Assets | 28,839.74 | 26,194.15 | |||||
| RESERVES | |||||||
| Non-Current Assets | |||||||
| Fixed Assets(Impossible Dream) | 1 | 10,000.00 | 10,000.00 | ||||
| Restricted Reserves | 3 | ||||||
| Reserves Brought Forward | 10,000.00 | 10,000.00 | |||||
| Unrestricted Reserves | |||||||
| Reserves Brought Forward | 6,194.15 | 4,428.67 | |||||
| Surplus from Income & Expenditure | 2,645.59 | 1,765.48 | |||||
| Total of Unrestricted Reserves | 8,839.74 | 6,194.15 | |||||
| Total Reserves | 28,839.74 | 26,194.15 | |||||
Notes on the Balance Sheet
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1 The Bill of Sale shows a price of £1 having been paid by Thames Sailability to SAD for "Impossible Dream". For accounting purposes only, a nominal value of £10,000 is included here. This is not intended to reflect market value or replacement cost and is not related to the value for which the boat is insured.
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2 This is a "35 Day Notice" account which pays interest. Funds which are not expected to be required for use in the medium term will be transferred to this account at the discretion of the Treasurer.
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3 The Trustees consider it vital for the future of the Charity that provision is made for the eventual replacement of "Impossible Dream" and/or its engines. As well as transferring ownership of the boat, the Charity which previously operated Impossible Dream donated the sum of £10,000. The Trustees regard this as "Restricted Reserve" to be used as the basis of a fund-raising campaign when the time comes to replace the boat or its engines.
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INCOME AND EXPENDITURE FOR FINANCIAL YEAR ENDED 31 DECEMBER 2021
| Income | Notes | 2022 | 2021 | ||||
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Subscriptions | |||||||
| Subscriptions received(net of fees) | 85.98 | 84.82 | |||||
| Passenger Donations | |||||||
| Cash & Cheques | 310.00 | 584.75 | |||||
| Cheques | 0.00 | 75.00 | |||||
| Via CAF | 848.32 | 120.00 | |||||
| Accounts | 2,550.00 | 1,310.00 | |||||
| 3,708.32 | 2,089.75 | ||||||
| Other Donations | |||||||
| River Thames Society | 1,000.00 | 0.00 | |||||
| Spelthorne Borough Council | 1,000.00 | 0.00 | |||||
| Thames Heritage Trust | 1 | 3,000.00 | 0.00 | ||||
| RYA Foundation | 1,950.00 | 0.00 | |||||
| Vivienne Leighton Jubilee Pageant | 100.00 | 0.00 | |||||
| Shepperton Aurora RotaryClub | 0.00 | 1,000.00 | |||||
| Shepperton Aurora RotaryClub | 2 | 500.00 | 500.00 | ||||
| Staines 10k Road Race | 0.00 | 500.00 | |||||
| Shepperton Marina | 3 | 1,803.64 | 1,719.52 | ||||
| Accent Services | 500.00 | 0.00 | |||||
| Personal donations(via CAF,net of fees) | 632.65 | 395.16 | |||||
| Other Personal Donations | 140.58 | 0.00 | |||||
| 10,626.87 | 4,114.68 | ||||||
| Gift Aid | |||||||
| Gift Aid recovered via CAF,net of fees) | 248.41 | 90.52 | |||||
| Interest | |||||||
| Interest on savings | 52.60 | 1.08 | |||||
| Sales | |||||||
| Sale of Cristmas Cards | 20.00 | 0.00 | |||||
| Total Income | 14,742.18 | 6,380.85 | |||||
| Expenses | 2022 | 2021 | |||||
| ID Running Costs | |||||||
| Fuel | 819.72 | 485.70 | |||||
| Boat Insurance | 456.76 | 417.05 | |||||
| Environment AgencyLicence | 113.80 | 175.12 | |||||
| Boat Safety | 4 | 0.00 | 0.00 | ||||
| MooringFees | 2,887.58 | 2,933.14 | |||||
| SundryMaintenance | 303.82 | 44.38 | |||||
| 4,581.67 | 4,055.39 | ||||||
| ID Maintenance & Repairs | |||||||
| Work carried out byBates Wharf | 6,583.47 | ||||||
| New lifejackets | 138.00 | ||||||
| 6,721.47 | 183.17 | ||||||
| Crew Training | 80.00 | 0.00 | |||||
| Administration Costs | |||||||
| RYA Affiliation | 140.00 | 130.00 | |||||
| RTS and FundraisingRegulator Subscriptions | 65.00 | 0.00 | |||||
| CIO Insurance | 215.66 | 212.01 | |||||
| Name Badges | 6.99 | 0.00 | |||||
| Printing | 245.00 | 0.00 | |||||
| Internet & Web-hosting | 40.80 | 34.80 | |||||
| 713.45 | 376.81 | ||||||
| Total Expenses | 12,096.59 | 4,615.37 | |||||
| Surplus /(Deficit) | 2,645.59 | 1,765.48 | |||||
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NOTES TO THE INCOME AND EXPENDITURE FOR FINANCIAL YEAR ENDED 31 DECEMBER 2022
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1 Thames Sailability was winner of The Thames Heritage Trust Annual Award for 2021.
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2 Shepperton Aurora Rotary Club donated £500 to cover the cost of providing boat trips for students of Manor Mead School, in Shepperton. Trips started in 2022 and will continue through 2023.
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3 Shepperton Marina returned a substantial part of our mooring fees in the form of a donation and also donated part of the proceeds of their annual berth-holders raffle.
4 Our Boat Safety Scheme Certificate is due for renewal on 3rd October 2023.
The trustees declare that they have approved the trustee’s report above:
Signed on behalf of the charity’s trustees.
Signature (s)
Full name (s) Colin William Brown Nigel Horsfield Position Chairman Trustee Date 1st April 2023
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