OpenCharities

This text was generated using OCR and may contain errors. Check the original PDF to see the document submitted to the regulator.

2023-07-31-accounts

Charity Number 1190172 Company Registration Number 10276672

UK ASTRONOMY LIMITED

(A company limited by guarantee)

TRUSTEES’ REPORT AND INDEPENDENTLY EXAMINED UNAUDITED FINANCIAL STATEMENTS

FOR THE YEAR ENDED 31 JULY 2023

UK ASTRONOMY LIMITED (A COMPANY LIMITED BY GUARANTEE) FINANCIAL STATEMENTS FOR THE YEAR ENDED 31 JULY 2023 CONTENTS

Page
Legal and administrative Information 2
Trustees’ report 3 - 7
Accountant’s report on the unaudited financial statements 8
Statement of financial activities 9
Balance sheet 10-11
Notes to the financial statements 12-16

1

UK ASTRONOMY LIMITED (A COMPANY LIMITED BY GUARANTEE)

FINANCIAL STATEMENTS FOR THE YEAR ENDED 31 JULY 2023 LEGAL AND ADMINISTRATIVE INFORMATION

Charity Number 1190172
Company registration number 10276672
Registered office 3 Pleshey Close
Milton Keynes
Buckinghamshire
MK5 6EP
Board of Trustees Ross M. Hockham
Francesca L. Hockham
Emma J. Bird
Nicholas S. Whitton
Bankers Metro Bank
thecentre:mk
44-46 Midsummer Arcade
Midsummer Arcade
Milton Keynes
Buckinghamshire
MK9 3BB
Website www.UKAstronomy.org

2

UK ASTRONOMY LIMITED (A COMPANY LIMITED BY GUARANTEE)

TRUSTEES’ REPORT (incorporating the directors’ report) continued FOR THE YEAR ENDED 31 JULY 2023

The trustees (who are also directors of UK Astronomy Limited for the purposes of the Companies Act 2006) present their report and financial statements for the year ended 31 July 2023.

Objectives and Activities

The objective of UK Astronomy Limited (“UK Astronomy”, “the charitable company” or “we”) is the advancement of education, community development and science: specifically, to educate and assist amateur and beginner astronomers in their discovery of astronomy and collective contribution to knowledge. The charitable company benefits any amateur astronomer without prejudice to age, ability, or experience, provided they are located within the United Kingdom.

UK Astronomy, in furtherance of this overriding purpose, engages in activities which encourage group support and self-help, and which:

  1. Encourage amateur astronomers in the UK to help one another to learn and enjoy any aspect of astronomy.

  2. Facilitate online forums where members can, in the context of astronomy:

  3. seek assistance with technical, local, or other matters

  4. promote local group activities and events

  5. share information and photographs

  6. share learning and refer to astronomy news and other current points of interest

  7. engage in lively debate

  8. Convene events to develop understanding in the subject

  9. Provide support for other organisations’ engagement in astronomy, with a strong focus on introductory and other workshops as well as information for beginners

  10. Contribute to the body of astronomical knowledge.

Public Benefit

The Trustees confirm that they have complied with the duty in the Charities Act 2011 to have due regard to the Charity Commission’s general guidance on public benefit and believe that the achievements and performance of the past year detailed below demonstrate that the Charity’s activities provide benefit to the public.

Achievements and Performance

In the past year, our charity has achieved significant milestones and made a positive impact on our community and the field of astronomy. We are proud to highlight the following accomplishments:

Successful Fundraising for Our New Planetarium: In a remarkable effort, we successfully raised funds for our new planetarium service, which was launched in May. We extend our heartfelt gratitude to the generous funders who supported this project, making it possible. The grant funders who contributed to the success of the planetarium project include:

3

UK ASTRONOMY LIMITED (A COMPANY LIMITED BY GUARANTEE)

TRUSTEES’ REPORT (incorporating the directors’ report) continued FOR THE YEAR ENDED 31 JULY 2023

Royal Recognition for Our Founder: Our founder, Ross Hockham, received a prestigious honour by being nominated as a Coronation Champion by their Royal Highnesses in conjunction with the Royal Voluntary Service. This recognition led to an exclusive invitation to a Coronation Garden Party at Buckingham Palace, a testament to his dedication and contribution to our cause.

Young Volunteer's Literary Contribution: Aston Smith, one of our young volunteers, launched his second book titled "Things About Space." In a heartwarming gesture, he donated £2 per book from the sale of the first 500 books to support UK astronomy. Additionally, First Light Optics matched his donation with a further £2 for each book they sold, magnifying the impact of his philanthropic endeavour.

Funeral Donations in Memory of Supporters: This year, we received our first-ever funeral donations in memory of Les Hughes and David Robey. These donations signify the enduring legacy of their support for our charity.

National Magazine Feature: We were honoured to be approached by the prestigious national magazine, "Astronomy Now," to contribute a 3-page spread, showcasing our work and mission to a wider audience. This recognition is a testament to our growing influence in the field.

Future Plans & Priorities

As we look ahead to the future, our charity is dedicated to building upon our recent achievements and expanding our impact. To achieve our objectives, our trustees will continue to review our activities and income-generating events, ensuring they have a wide appeal to all our supporters while closely monitoring the return on investment of such activities.

Here are some of our specific plans for the coming year:

Expanding the Planetarium Service: Our commitment to the cosmos will shine brightly as we continue the rollout of our planetarium service. Our aim is to ensure it reaches an even wider audience and enriches their understanding of the universe.

Continuing Outreach and Stargazing Evenings: We stand steadfast in our commitment to outreach. Stargazing evenings and community engagement will remain at the forefront of our activities, fostering a deeper appreciation for astronomy among enthusiasts of all ages.

Annual Photo Competition: To encourage creativity and participation, we are refreshing our photo competition by making it an annual event, with a relaunch scheduled for November. This initiative provides a platform for individuals to share their passion for the cosmos through the art of photography.

10-Year Anniversary in 2024: An exciting milestone awaits as we plan a grand celebration for our 10-year anniversary in 2024. This special occasion will be an opportunity to reflect on our journey, celebrate our achievements, and look forward to a future filled with even more astronomical wonders and community engagement.

4

UK ASTRONOMY LIMITED (A COMPANY LIMITED BY GUARANTEE)

TRUSTEES’ REPORT (incorporating the directors’ report) continued FOR THE YEAR ENDED 31 JULY 2023

Financial review

The results for the year ended 31 July 2023 are provided in the Statement of Financial Activities together with the Balance Sheet which provides details of the assets and liabilities.

The Statement of Financial Activities shows that UK Astronomy Limited had another successful year, generating £46,036 total income (2022: £15,296), and incurring £22,235 total expenses (2022: £12,489). Expenses are primarily driven by depreciation on fixed assets (including, in 2023, a full year’s charge on the new planetarium). The net increase in funds of £23,801, (2022: increase £2,807) brings total funds at 31 July 2023 to £78,276 (2022: £54,475).

Thanks are given to the following funders:

No members of the Company take any remuneration from the Company.

At 31 July 2023 UK Astronomy held cash at bank and in hand of £13,262 (2022: £23,633).

Reserve policy

Unrestricted funds are those funds that the charity can use for any activity that meets its charitable objects. Freely available reserves are funds which are unrestricted and not invested or committed to spend on operational assets. In this context free reserves therefore exclude the value of fixed assets in the accounts. The trustees monitor the level of reserves which they believe to be appropriate to ensure UK Astronomy’s ability to meet its objectives over the medium and long term.

At 31 July 2023 the Charity held freely available reserves of £14,746). Equivalent of 9 Months expenditure for the forthcoming year (2022: £10,053 – 9 Months)

Restricted funds are unexpended funds that have been donated to the Charity with specific conditions attached to their use. At 31 July 2023 these funds totalled £1,109 restricted towards the running of the mobile observatory (2022: £15,378)

The Trustees have prepared the accounts on a going concern basis having taken into account future income and expenditure and they consider this is an appropriate basis.

Principal risks and uncertainties

The Trustees have a duty to identify and review the risks to which the Charity is exposed and to ensure appropriate controls are in place to provide reasonable assurance against fraud and error.

A risk register has been established and is updated at least annually. Where appropriate, systems or procedures have been established to mitigate the risks the charity faces.

5

UK ASTRONOMY LIMITED (A COMPANY LIMITED BY GUARANTEE)

TRUSTEES’ REPORT (incorporating the directors’ report) continued FOR THE YEAR ENDED 31 JULY 2023

The main risk categories relevant to UK Astronomy are:

The major risk to the Charity this year remains the continuing challenge of raising income, exacerbated by the current economic downturn and the cost-of-living crisis. Furthermore, the lack of volunteers and increase in demand for our services require strategic planning and mitigation measures. The Trustees are committed to monitoring and managing these risks to safeguard the charity's mission and its ability to serve the community effectively.

Structure, governance, and management

Governance

UK Astronomy Limited is a private company limited by guarantee which was incorporated in the UK on 13 July 2016 and commenced charitable activities immediately. It is recognised by HMRC as a charity for tax purposes in line with Paragraph 1 of Schedule 6 Finance Act 2010 and was registered with the charity commission on 29 June 2020.

The company was established under a Memorandum of Association which established the objects and powers of the charitable company and is governed under its Articles of Association. In the event of the company being wound up members are required to contribute an amount not exceeding £10.

Recruitment and Appointment of Management Committee

The directors of the company are also charity trustees for the purposes of charity law and under the company’s Articles are known as members of the Management Committee. Under the requirements of the Memorandum and Articles of Association the members of the Management Committee are elected to serve for a period of five years after which they must be re-elected at the next Annual General Meeting.

The board may select new trustees by any means it deems appropriate, which may include the introduction of personal contacts, by advertising, or by direct approach to individuals. All applicants to become trustees are interviewed by a selection panel of at least 2 trustees including the Chair.

6

UK ASTRONOMY LIMITED (A COMPANY LIMITED BY GUARANTEE)

TRUSTEES’ REPORT (incorporating the directors’ report) continued FOR THE YEAR ENDED 31 JULY 2023

All members of the Management Committee give their time voluntarily and received no benefits from the charity.

Trustee Induction and Training

New Trustees receive an induction pack including a copy of the Charity Commission’s Guide "The Essential Trustee", the Charity's Memorandum and Articles of Association, the latest financial statements, and key policy documents.

Statement of trustees’ responsibilities

The trustees (who are also directors of UK Astronomy Limited for the purposes of the Companies Act 2006) are responsible for preparing the Trustees’ Annual Report and the Financial Statements in accordance with applicable law and United Kingdom Generally Accepted Accounting Practice.

Company law requires the trustees to prepare financial statements for each financial period which give a true and fair view of the state of affairs of the charitable company and of the incoming resources and application of resources, including the income and expenditure, of the charitable company for that year. In preparing these financial statements, the trustees are required to:

The trustees confirm that they have complied with the above requirements in preparing the financial statements.

The trustees are responsible for keeping adequate accounting records that are sufficient to show and explain the charitable company’s transactions and disclose with reasonable accuracy at any time the financial position of the charitable company and enable them to ensure that the financial statements comply with the Companies Act 2006. They are also responsible for safeguarding the assets of the charitable company and hence for taking reasonable steps for the prevention and detection of fraud and other irregularities.

The trustees are also responsible for the maintenance and integrity of the corporate and financial information included on the charitable company’s web site.

Small company provisions

This report has been prepared in accordance with the special provisions of Part 15 of the Companies Act 2006 relating to small charitable companies.

Approved by the Board of Trustees on 21 March 2024 and signed on their behalf by

………………………………….

Ross M. Hockham

Trustee

7

UK ASTRONOMY LIMITED (A COMPANY LIMITED BY GUARANTEE)

ACCOUNTANT’S REPORT ON THE UNAUDITED FINANCIAL STATEMENTS FOR THE YEAR ENDED 31 JULY 2023

8

UK ASTRONOMY LIMITED (A COMPANY LIMITED BY GUARANTEE)

STATEMENT OF FINANCIAL ACTIVITIES FOR THE YEAR ENDED 31 JULY 2023

Note
Income from:
Donations
2
Charitable activities
3
Other trading activities
4
Total income
Expenditure on:
Raising funds
5
Charitable activities
6
Total expenditure
Net income for the year
7 &
9
Transfers between funds
Net movement in funds
Reconciliation of funds
Total funds brought forward
Total funds carried forward		 2023
Un-
restricted
Funds
Restricted
Funds
Total
Funds
£
£
£
7,438
33,055
40,493
5,543
-
5,543
-
-
-
12,981
33,055
46,036
(2,173)
-
(2,173)
(17,741)
(2,321)
(20,062)
(19,914)
(2,321)
(22,235)
(6,933)
30,734
23,801
45,003
(45,003)
-
38,070
(14,269)
23,801
39,097
15,378
54,475
77,167
1,109
78,276		 2022
Un-
restricted
Funds
Restricted
Funds
Total
Funds
£
£
£
873
9,188
10,061
3,340
-
3,340
-
1,895
1,895
4,213
11,083
15,296
(602)
-
(602)
(9,971)
(1,916)
(11,887)
(10,573)
(1,916)
(12,489)
(6,360)
9,167
2,807
2,023
(2,023)
-
(4,337)
7,144
2,807
43,434
8,234
51,668
39,097
15,378
54,475

The statement of financial activities also complies with the requirements for an income and expenditure account under the Companies Act 2006. All the above results are derived from continuing activities. All gains and losses recognised in the year are included.

The principal accounting policies and accompanying notes on pages 12-16 form part of these financial statements.

9

UK ASTRONOMY LIMITED (A COMPANY LIMITED BY GUARANTEE)

BALANCE SHEET AS AT 31 JULY 2023

Note
Fixed Assets
Tangible Assets
8
Current assets
Debtors
Cash at bank and in hand
Total current assets
Net assets
Funds
Unrestricted funds
9
Restricted funds
9
Total funds		 2023

Un-
restricted
Funds
Restricted
Funds
Total
Funds
£
£
£
62,421
-
62,421
1,943
650
2,593
12,803
459
13,262
14,746
1,109
15,855
77,167
1,109
78,276
77,167
-
77,167
-
1,109
1,109
77,167
1,109
78,276		 2022
Un-
restricted
Funds
Restricted
Funds
Total
Funds
£
£
£
29,044
-
29,044
589
1209
1,798
9,646
14,169
23,633
10,053
15,378
25,431
39,097
15,378
54,475
39,097
-
39,097
-
15,378
15,378
39,097
15,378
54,475

The balance sheet continues on the following page

The principal accounting policies and accompanying notes on pages 12-16 form part of these financial statements.

10

UK ASTRONOMY LIMITED (A COMPANY LIMITED BY GUARANTEE)

BALANCE SHEET AS AT 31 JULY 2023

In approving these financial statements as trustees of the company we hereby confirm:

These financial statements have been prepared in accordance with the special provisions of Part 15 of the Companies Act 2006 relating to small companies and with Section 1A Financial Reporting Standard 102.

These financial statements were approved by the board of trustees on 21 March 2024 and signed on their behalf by:

………………………………… ………………………………… Ross M. Hockham Francesca L. Hockham Trustee Trustee

Company Registration Number 10276672

The principal accounting policies and accompanying notes on pages 12-16 form part of these financial statements.

11

UK ASTRONOMY LIMITED (A COMPANY LIMITED BY GUARANTEE)

NOTES TO THE FINANCIAL STATEMENTS FOR THE YEAR ENDED 31 JULY 2023

1 Accounting policies

a) Basis of preparing the financial statements

The financial statements of the charitable company have been prepared in accordance with the accounting policies set out in the notes to the accounts and comply with the charity’s governing document, the Charities Act 2011 and the Charities SORP (Financial Reporting Standard FRS 102) “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 (FRS 102) (effective 1 January 2015), FRS 102 “The Financial Reporting Standard applicable in the UK and Republic of Ireland” and the Companies Act 2006.

The financial statements have been prepared under the historical cost convention.

The financial statements are prepared in sterling which is the functional currency of the charitable company. Monetary amounts have been rounded to the nearest pound.

b) Going concern

The trustees consider that there are no material uncertainties about the charities ability to continue as a going concern.

c) Disclosure exemptions

The charitable company has taken advantage of the FRS 102 Section 7 exemption from the requirement to produce a cash flow statement on the grounds that it is a small company.

The company is entitled to the small companies’ exemption and is therefore not required to produce a strategic report in accordance with SI 2013/1970 The Companies Act 2006 (Strategic Report and Directors’ Report) Regulations 2013.

d) Fund accounting

Unrestricted funds are available for use at the discretion of the trustees to further the charity’s purposes.

Designated funds are unrestricted funds earmarked by the trustees for a particular future project or commitment. At 31 July 2023 no funds were designated in this manner (2022: Nil).

Restricted funds are subjected to restrictions on the expenditure declared by the donor.

e) Income

All income is recognised in the Statement of Financial Activities when the charity is entitled to the income, it is probable that the income will be received, and the amount can be measured reliably.

Income from donated equipment is measured at the fair value of the goods unless this is impractical to measure reliably, in which case the value is derived from the cost to the donor or the estimated resale value. No amounts are included for the contribution of general volunteers.

f) Expenses

Expenses are recognised on an accruals basis as a liability is incurred.

12

UK ASTRONOMY LIMITED (A COMPANY LIMITED BY GUARANTEE)

NOTES TO THE FINANCIAL STATEMENTS FOR THE YEAR ENDED 31 JULY 2023

2 Income from donations

Donations include all income received by the charity that is, in substance, a gift made to it on a voluntary basis. A donation may be for any purpose of the charity (unrestricted funds) or for a particular purpose of the charity such as funding towards a mobile observatory (restricted funds).

Donations under gift aid, together with the associated income tax recoveries, are credited as income when donations are received.

3 Income from charitable activities

Income from charitable activities comprises income earned from UK Astronomy events.

4 Income from other trading activities

Income from other trading activities includes income from the sale of UK Astronomy branded merchandise to raise funds for the charity, and income from fundraising events organised by the charity.

5 Expenditure on raising funds

Expenditure on raising funds includes costs such as marketing and website costs.

6 Expenditure on charitable activities

Expenditure on charitable activities includes costs to further its charitable aims including the costs of organising UK Astronomy events and costs relating to the governance of the charity.

7 Net income and movement in funds

Net income is stated after charging:

Net income is stated after charging:
2023 2022
£ £
Depreciation 14,830 9,274

13

UK ASTRONOMY LIMITED (A COMPANY LIMITED BY GUARANTEE)

NOTES TO THE FINANCIAL STATEMENTS FOR THE YEAR ENDED 31 JULY 2023

8 Tangible Fixed Assets

Tangible fixed assets are stated at cost less accumulated depreciation and impairment losses. Depreciation is provided at the following annual rates in order to write off the cost of each asset over its estimated useful economic life:

Vehicles 14% straight line Telescopes 20% straight line Filters 50% straight line Outreach Equipment 20% straight line Other Equipment 20% straight line Planetarium 10% straight line

Tangible fixed
assets
Cost
At 1 August
2022
Additions
Disposals
At 31 July 2023
Depreciation
At 1 August
2022
Charge for the
year
Eliminated on
disposals
At 31 July 2023
Net Book Value
At 31 July 2023
At 31 July 2022		 Vehicles
Planetariums
Telescopes
Filters
Outreach
Equipment
Other
Equipment
Total
£
£
£
£
£
£
£
45,255
-
6,115
184
3,490
1,783
56,827
-
33,199
1,507
150
1,522
11,829
48,207
-
-
-
-
(76)
(8)
(84)
45,255
33,199
7,622
334
4,936
13,604
104,950
19,395
-
4,070
184
2,881
1,254
27,783
6,465
3,320
1,016
75
1,370
2,584
14,830
- -
-
-
(76)
(8)
(84)
25,860
3,320
5,086
259
4,174
3,830
42,529
19,395
29,879
2,536
75
762
9,774
62,421
25,860 -
2,045
-
610
529
29,044

14

UK ASTRONOMY LIMITED (A COMPANY LIMITED BY GUARANTEE)

NOTES TO THE FINANCIAL STATEMENTS FOR THE YEAR ENDED 31 JULY 2023

Tangible fixed assets
Cost
At 1 August 2021
Additions
Disposals
At 31 July 2022
Depreciation
At 1 Aug 2021
Charge for the year
Eliminated on disposals
At 31 July 2022
Net Book Value
At 31 July 2022
At 31 July 2021		 Vehicles
Telescopes
Filters
Outreach
Equipment
Other
Equipment
Total
£
£
£
£
£
£
45,255
3,899
184
2,432
1,759
53,529
-
2,216
-
1,218
24
3,458
-
-
-
(160)
-
(160)
45,255
6,115
184
3,490
1,783
56,827
12,930
2,856
184
1,791
908
18,669
6,465
1,214
-
1,250
345
9,274
-
-
-
(160)
-
(160)
19,395
4,070
184
2,881
1,254
27,783
25,860
2,045
-
610
529
29,044
32,325
1,043
-
641
851
34,860

15

UK ASTRONOMY LIMITED (A COMPANY LIMITED BY GUARANTEE)

NOTES TO THE FINANCIAL STATEMENTS FOR THE YEAR ENDED 31 JULY 2023

9 Analysis of charitable funds

Unrestricted funds
General fund
Restricted funds
Restricted donations
Total funds
Movement in funds
(prior year)
Unrestricted funds
General fund
Restricted funds
Restricted donations
Total funds		 At 31 July
2022
Income
Expenditure
Transfers
At 31 July
2023
£
£
£
£
39,097
12,981
(19,914)
45,003
77,167
15,378
33,055
(2,321)
(45,003)
1,109
54,475
46,036
(22,235)
-
78,276
At 31 July
2021
Income
Expenditure
Transfers
At 31 July
2022
£
£
£
£
43,434
4,213
(10,573)
2,023
39,097
8,234
11,083
(1,916)
(2,023)
15,378
51,668
15,296
(12,489)
-
54,475

10 Company limited by guarantee

The charitable company is limited by guarantee of members and does not have a share capital. The liability of members is limited to £1.

11 Employees
2023 2022
Average number of employees during
the year 0 0

16