Trustees’ Annual Report
From Period start date: 1 April 2024 To Period end date: 31 March 2025
Charity name: Black History Association (Gravesham and Kent)
Charity registration number: 1190181
Objectives and Activities
| SORP reference | ||
|---|---|---|
| Summary of the purposes of the charity as set out in its governing document |
Para 1.17 | Promotion of equality and diversity for the benefit of the public • Elimination of discrimination on the grounds of race • Advancing education and raising awareness of equality and diversity and black heritage, history and arts • Promoting activities to foster understanding between people of diverse backgrounds • Cultivating a sentiment in favour of diversity and equality |
| Summary of the main activities in relation to those purposes for the public benefit, in particular, the activities, projects or services identified in the accounts. |
Para 1.17 and 1.19 |
• Family Event (SummerFest) • Annual Thanksgiving Service |
| Statement confirming whether the Trustees have had regard to the guidance issued by the Charity Commission on public benefit |
Para 1.18 | The Trustees have had regard to the guidance issued by the Charity Commission on public benefit |
Additional information (optional)
You may choose to include further statements where relevant about:
| SORP reference | ||
|---|---|---|
| Policy on grant making | Para 1.38 | |
| Policy on social investment including program related investment |
Para 1.38 |
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| Contribution made by volunteers |
Para 1.38 | The Trustees, other association members and volunteers have contributed their time and expertise to maintain good management of the association and keep activity costs to a minimum. On average, the Trustees give 20 hours of volunteer time each month to cover tasks such as liaising with other charities, attending association and multi-agency meetings (e.g., Kent IPAG) to share knowledge and expertise. In addition, Trustees give 200 hours per annum in organising and running activities and raising funds. The Trustees extend their gratitude to all volunteers for their contributions, without which some of the activities would not have been possible. |
|---|---|---|
| Other |
Achievements and Performance
| SORP reference |
||
|---|---|---|
| Summary of the main achievements of the charity, identifying the difference the charity’s work has made to the circumstances of its beneficiaries and any wider benefits to society as a whole. |
Para 1.20 | The Trustees work hard to identify gaps in BME community needs, attract funding (where necessary) and organise activities that benefit the public. Success is measured by the number of expressions of interest, the diversity of attendees at the events/ activities and the feedback received. When planning activities for the year, the Trustees keep in mind the guidance from the Charity Commission on public benefit. The main activities were: • Thanksgiving Service held at St. George’s Church, Gravesend, Kent in October 2024. The thanksgiving service is an annual ecumenical celebration of Black History Month and cultural diversity/inclusivity. Members welcome people of all races and religion (or none), regardless of personal background or circumstances or gender. After the thanksgiving service, the association had its customary feast to celebrate and share BME culture as part of the Black History Month observance. • In July 2024, the association held its second family event, SummerFest, to coincide with the start of the school holidays. |
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| The objectives of the SummerFest event are: • Fundraising to raise money, through ticket sales and stall hire, for the annual thanksgiving celebration. • Community engagement by bringing the community together and encouraging people to participate, connect, and strengthen community bonds. • Promoting awareness about topical issues (e.g., fire safety, health promotion) through information sharing, education and partner support. • Family-friendly entertainment by providing music and a range of activities suitable for all ages. Diverse food stalls and entertainment ensure everyone had a good time. |
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|---|---|---|
| Additional information (optional) You maychoose to include further statements where relevant about: |
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| Achievements against objectives set |
Para 1.41 | The association held a successful Annual Thanksgiving Service in October 2024 in Gravesend, Kent. The association held its second summer event at a community facility in Gravesend in July 2024. |
| Performance of fundraising activities against objectives set |
Para 1.41 | Members make a minimum subscription of £10 a month towards the running of the association and for financing planned activities. All members met their subscription obligations. A friend of the association continues to make a monthly contribution of £5 towards planned activities of the association. |
| Investment performance against objectives |
Para 1.41 | N/A |
| Other |
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Financial Review
| Review of the charity’s financial position at the end of theperiod |
Para 1.21 | See Treasury Statement |
|---|---|---|
| Statement explaining the policy for holding reserves stating why they are held |
Para 1.22 | N/A |
| Amount of reserves held | Para 1.22 | N/A |
| Reasons for holding zero reserves |
Para 1.22 | N/A |
| Details of fund materially in deficit |
Para 1.24 | N/A |
| Explanation of any uncertainties about the charity continuing as a going concern |
Para 1.23 | N/A |
Additional information (optional)
You may choose to include further statements where relevant about:
| The charity’s principal sources of funds (including any fundraising) |
Para 1.47 | The work of the association is funded with income from: • Monthly membership subscriptions • Grants (where available) • Fundraising activities/events • Monetary gifts from individual benefactors |
|---|---|---|
| Investment policy and objectives including any social investment policy adopted |
Para 1.46 | |
| A description of the principal risks facing the charity |
Para 1.46 | The Trustees acknowledge that there is a risk that planned activities/events may not materialise due to: • Loss of goodwill from individual benefactors • Lack of charity grant opportunities • Loss of membership |
| Other |
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Structure, Governance and Management
| Description of charity’s trusts: |
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|---|---|---|
| Type of governing document (trust deed,royal charter) |
Para 1.25 | Constitution adopted 7 March 2020 |
| How is the charity constituted? (e.g unincorporated association, CIO) |
Para 1.25 | Charitable Incorporated Organisation (Foundation Model) |
| Trustee selection methods including details of any constitutional provisions e.g. election to post or name of any person or body entitled to appoint one or more Trustees |
Para 1.25 | Trustees are appointed or reappointed every 3 years at the Annual General Meeting held in July. Last election was in July 2022. |
| Additional information (optional) You may choose to include further statements where relevant about: |
Additional information (optional) You may choose to include further statements where relevant about: |
Additional information (optional) You may choose to include further statements where relevant about: |
|---|---|---|
| Policies and procedures adopted for the induction and training of Trustees |
Para 1.51 | Full membership of the association is open to adults of Black or any other minority ethnic origin residing in Kent and Medway. Honorary membership is reserved for people of majority White background or people of Black or other ethnic origin who reside outside of Kent. During this reporting year, we gained one full member to the organisation. The Trustees oversee the running of the association. The Trustees consult other members and interested parties (youth) in deciding the activities to deliver. All Trustees volunteer their time and receive no remuneration or other benefits. To guide the Trustees in the management of the association, the following policy statements have been put in place: • Data Protection Policy • Debit Card Policy • Financial Policy and Procedure • Safeguarding Policy Copies of these policies have been provided to the Trustees and are available for inspection. |
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| The charity’s organisational structure and any wider network with which the charity works |
Para 1.51 | The association is run by 6 Trustees. There are other active ordinary and honorary members. The Trustees work with the following networks: • Kent Police Independent Advisory Group • Kent Equality Cohesion Council/Cohesion Plus • The Gr@nd Youth Hub • Local Churches • Gravesham Borough Council • Kent County Council • Kent Community Foundation • Empowering Young Minds • Stronger Kent Communities • UK Youth • Kent Fire and Rescue Service |
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|---|---|---|---|
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| Relationship with any related parties |
Para 1.51 | |
|---|---|---|
| Other |
Reference and Administrative details
| Charityname | Black History Association(Gravesham and Kent) |
|---|---|
| Other name the charityuses | |
| Registered charitynumber | 1190181 |
| Charity’s principal address | c/o 54 Villa Road Higham Rochester Kent ME3 7BX |
Names of the charity Trustees who manage the charity
| Trustee name | Office (if any) | Dates acted if not for whole year |
Name of person (or body) entitled to appoint trustee (if any) |
|---|---|---|---|
| Dr Jellina Davies | Chairperson | Association membership | |
| Frederick Ade Desmond Miller |
General Secretary | Association membership | |
| Mrs Rosemaund Griffiths |
Treasurer | Association membership | |
| Charles Omotunde Davies Snr |
Organising Secretary | Association membership | |
| Mrs Cornelia Sogie- Thomas |
Pastoral Officer | Association membership | |
| Sam Sillah | Publicity Secretary | Association membership | |
– Corporate Trustees names of the directors at the date the report was approved
Director name N/A
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Name of Trustees holding title to property belonging to the charity
| Trustee name | Dates acted if not for wholeyear | |
|---|---|---|
| N/A | ||
Funds held as custodian Trustees on behalf of others
| Description of the assets held in this capacity |
N/A |
|---|---|
| Name and objects of the charity on whose behalf the assets are held and how this falls within the custodian charity’s objects |
N/A |
| Details of arrangements for safe custody and segregation of such assets from the charity’s own assets |
N/A |
Additional information (optional)
Names and addresses of advisers (Optional information)
| Type of adviser |
Name Address |
Name Address |
|---|---|---|
| Bank | Lloyds Bank | Lloyds Bank, Business Banking, BX1 1LT |
Name of chief executive or names of senior staff members (Optional information)
Exemptions from disclosure
Reason for non-disclosure of key personnel details
N/A
Other optional information
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Declarations
The Trustees declare that they have approved the Trustees’ report
above. Signed on behalf of the charity’s Trustees
Signature(s) Full name(s) Dr Jellina Davies Position (eg Secretary, Chairperson Chair, etc) Date 5 July 2025
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Black History Association (Gravesham and Kent) Registered Charity
Treasury Statement
Treasurer’s Statement for the Year Ended 31st March 2025
Introduction
This Treasurer’s Statement provides a comprehensive overview of the financial performance of the Black History Association (Gravesham and Kent) for the financial year from 1st April 2024 to 31st March 2025. It outlines income and expenditure across all major activities and events, with comparative figures from the previous financial year (2023–2024) and includes notes on the financial position and sustainability of the association going forward.
Income Overview
The association recorded a total income of £4,040.64 during the year, compared to £3,683.27 in the previous year. This reflects an overall increase of £357.37, attributed primarily to stronger revenue from events and increased thanksgiving donations.
| Income Membership Subscriptions Donations – Life Patrons/Patrons Other Income (FFD/Summerfest vendor tables & gate) Thanksgiving Donations Total Income |
2024–25 (£) 1,130.00 90.00 1,746.33 1,074.31 4,040.64 |
2023–24 (£) Notes 1,210.00 Slight decrease in membership income 529.31 Significant drop in patron donations however last year had another donation 1,233.96Increase in event participation and vendor revenue 710.00 Increased contributions during annual service 3,683.27 |
|---|---|---|
Expenditure Summary
Total expenditure for the financial year stood at £4,281.44, compared to £3,978.41 in the previous year, showing an increase of £303.03. The largest spending categories were associated with the Summerfest Event and costs linked to the Thanksgiving Service.
| Expenditure Item BHA Thanksgiving – Van Rental Summerfest Event – DJ Thanksgiving – Member Refunds Summerfest Expenses & Member Refunds Cheque Payments (Preacher, Musical Director) Printing, Food, and Sundries Postage Costs Web & Social Media Administration Total Expenditure |
2024–25 (£) 159.03 250.00 141.12 1,600.53 500.00 1,399.23 0.00 231.53 4,281.44 |
2023–24 (£) Notes 150.90 Van hired for logistics and transport 100.00 Increased entertainment costs 45.00 Includes drinks refunds for Summerfest 1,960.37 Slight decrease in direct costs 500.00 Religious service delivery 1,035.08 Increase reflects growth in event scale 0.00 No postal expenses incurred 187.06 Digital communications and outreach 3,978.41 |
|---|---|---|
Black History Association (Gravesham and Kent) Registered Charity
Net Result
The financial year ended with a net deficit of £240.80, compared to a deficit of £295.14 in the previous year. This reflects a slightly improved financial outcome, though the association continues to operate at a shortfall.
Financial Position Amount (£) Net Deficit for the Year (240.80) Opening Balance (1 Apr 2024) 2,044.94 Closing Balance (31 Mar 2025) 1,804.14
Financial Observations
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While income improved overall, the association experienced a decline in donations from life patrons.
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Event-related costs, particularly for Summerfest, remain the most significant outlay. Strategic measures to reuse event materials and negotiate better vendor pricing are necessary to mitigate future costs.
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Administrative expenses (web and communication) remained proportionate and effective in supporting our online operations.
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The closing fund balance of £1,804.14 provides a modest financial position for the upcoming year, though the deficit trend shows a need for tighter cost control and more initiative-taking fundraising.
Recommendations
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➢ Increase Patron Engagement: Reconnect with life patrons and explore new sponsorship opportunities.
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➢ Cost Control Measures: Continue efforts to repurpose/reuse items for events and assess all vendor/service contracts for better value. For e.g. – catering for thanksgiving service
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➢ Diversify Income: Explore grant funding, partnerships, and digital fundraising (e.g., crowdfunding, donation drives).
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➢ Event Budget Planning: Implement pre-event budget caps and clear tracking to avoid overspending.
We thank all members, patrons, volunteers, and supporters of the Black History Association for their continued support, time, and generosity. Your contributions are vital to our mission of cultural education, community engagement, and heritage celebration.
Signed………………… …………………………………… Name…Rosie Griffiths……………………………………………………………….
Date…1[st] July 2025………………………………………………………………….