2025-04-01-accounts - The Wednesday Club ( Waddesdon )

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

The Wednesday Club (Waddesdon)

Annual Report and Accounts For the year ended 31 March 2025

Charity registration number: 1191709

Governing document: Trust deed dated 8[th] October 2020

Charity address: Waddesdon Hall, High Street, Waddesdon, HP18 0JE

Independent Examiner: Tom Lacey, Nunn Hayward LLP, 2-4 Packhorse Road, Gerrards Cross, Buckinghamshire, SL9 7QE

Accountant: KC Hogan Business Services Limited, 45 Barland Way, Aylesbury, HP18 0UZ

Bankers : Lloyds Bank, 1 Market Square, Buckinghamshire, HP20 1TD

Report of the Trustees for the year ended 31 March 2025

The Trustees are pleased to present their report for The Wednesday Club for the financial year to 31[st] March 2025.

The Financial Statement has been written to comply with the charity’s constitution,

the Charities Act and in line with the Charities Statement of Recommended Practice.

Introduction to The Wednesday Club (Waddesdon)

The Wednesday Club (Waddesdon) is a registered CIO which was registered on 8[th] October 2020. The charity’s main purpose is to provide a weekly provision that supports the wellbeing of the elderly in Waddesdon and surrounding areas. Some of

our service users have multiple needs including physical and mental health disabilities and some are vulnerable due to isolation.

We offer a continuous program that operates 48 Wednesdays per year for a

total of 5 hours per session. The club is supported by DBS checked volunteers and is currently free of charge to ensure inclusivity for all.

Our Objectives

The charity’s Trustees confirm that they have complied with the duty in Section 17(5) of the Charities Act 2011 to have due regard to guidance published by the Charity Commission on public benefit, and have followed this in planning and

undertaking our activities.

The charity's aims are to encourage physical activity, to promote the learning of new skills and to provide the prospect of social and creative events to support and improve the health and well-being of our service users through the provision of a range of activities.

Our key objectives for the year included:

provision of practical support to families of our service users by signposting them to professional services available in the area;
provision of social interaction to combat isolation and loneliness;
provision of a freshly cooked, two course meal to facilitate eating a shared meal together;
provision of transport with the assistance of trained volunteers;
provision of stimulation through entertainment and physical and mental exercise.

Buckinghamshire Healthy Ageing Strategy 2024-2029 referenced the following:

Population projections suggest that over the next 20 years (2022 to 2042) the population aged 65 years and over in Buckinghamshire will increase by one third (34,944 more people) and the population aged 85 years and older will increase by two thirds (10,884 more people). The increase in the older population brings

economic and societal opportunities, but these are most likely to be realised if older adults remain well and independent.”

We are very aware of challenges and opportunities within Buckinghamshire as a result of our larger ageing population and understand that reduced physical activity levels increase loneliness and disconnection from the community. Due to the rural aspect of the county the increased threat of isolation due to lack of transport links is a challenge that we have considered and actioned through our use of our community bus to transport service users to our activities.

Deprivation and the elderly in Buckinghamshire

Whilst Buckinghamshire overall has relatively low levels of deprivation compared with the rest of the country (as measured by the English Indices of Deprivation), there are significant inequalities in levels of deprivation within the county, with pockets of deprivation in all parts of Buckinghamshire, which includes Aylesbury.

The Adult Disability Profile, 2019 in Aylesbury Vale has 34,300 who are aged 65 years and older who live with a physical and/or learning disability and 6,285 adults who are 75 years and older living alone.

Source: Data taken from POPPI and PANSI August 2019

Review of achievements and activities

Achievements

We are proud to highlight the remarkable achievements and positive impact made by our manager, volunteers and local secondary school students in fostering a thriving community. Our continued endeavors have resulted in:

Expanding our partnerships to include the local primary school and preschool, whose involvement is building strong intergenerational relationships and helping to bridge the gap between young and old.
“Partnering with The Wednesday Club has brought a unique and valuable learning experience to our school. It’s wonderful to see our pupils learning outside the classroom in such a meaningful way.” - Miss H. Smith, Year 5 Teacher

Working with Waddesdon Manor. Together, we are collaborating on a themed pilot program aimed at eliminating barriers that prevent elderly individuals from accessing National Trust properties. This pioneering initiative will lay the groundwork for a nationwide model to make outings for older adults more enjoyable, inclusive, and accessible.
Being shortlisted for the Heart of Bucks Foundation People’s Choice Award.
Continuing to meet the demand arising from referrals from local community organisations such as Buckinghamshire Adults Services, carer support and the local surgery.
Successfully recruiting a further two Trustees.
Our recent Volunteer Survey confirmed that all our volunteers feel valued, enjoy the experience and would recommend the volunteer program.

“Volunteering at The Wednesday Club has given me a new sense of purpose in retirement. It’s a place filled with warmth, laughter, and genuine connection.” Richard, 68

“Being part of The Wednesday Club made me realise how powerful community can be. It’s not just volunteering—it’s being part of something special.” Freya, 17

Our Volunteer Recognition Conversations provided useful information on their achievements, challenges and what could be developed within the role.

All the above reflect our commitment to creating a positive and inclusive

environment, enriching the lives of those we support, and strengthening bonds within our community.

Activities

Entertainment provided by external providers and entertainers.
Physical exercise including yoga, dancing and sing-a-longs.
Visits to a local Christmas market and Waddesdon Manor.
Celebration of Black History month with a visit from the Caribbean Community Lunch Club.
Visits from our local policing team.
Crafting, bingo, quiz, board games and flower arranging.
Befriending service for those who do not attend regularly.
Information and advice addressing health and wellbeing needs of service users. Signposting and making referrals to other agencies that support the needs of service users and volunteers.

Impact Data

During the year we collected comprehensive data to evaluate our impact and better understand both our direct and indirect beneficiary groups and to assess the broader impact of our activities on the wider community. The data will provide essential input for the development of our annual plans and help to focus future activities to ensure we continue to effectively meet the needs of our service users.

Future plans

Continue delivering high-quality activities while meeting the evolving needs of our service users.
Recruit a minimum of three new volunteers to strengthen our team.
Develop a strategic plan to ensure the long-term sustainability of the charity.
Expand our reach to surrounding smaller communities and explore partnerships with other organisations supporting older adults.
Expand our services by offering mental health support and running workshops on mental wellbeing, open to all members of the community.

Structure, governance and management

Governance and trustee appointments

The Trustees are responsible for the overall management and control of The Wednesday Club (Waddesdon) and currently meet once a month. During the Trustee meetings, a review of finances, the managers’ report, activities and planning is discussed. All actions and future strategic decisions are agreed by the Trustees and then implemented.

All trustees give of their time freely and no remuneration or expenses were paid in the year.

All appointed Trustees have been given a copy of the charity’s constitution and

Annual report and Accounts. They are also informed about, and provided with weblinks to the Charity Commission’s website and guidance outlining the role and responsibilities of a trustee and public benefit.

Trustee re-appointment

Any new Trustee must be appointed by a resolution passed at a properly convened meeting of the charity Trustees.

Operational management and organisation

The Wednesday Club (Waddesdon) has no permanent paid employees.

The Trustees manage the financial management of the charity and oversee a

Manager who is paid to manage the operational management as well as managing partnerships and other activities.

Names of the charity trustees who manage the charity

Trustee name	Office (if any)	Dates acted if not for whole year
Karen Nicoll	Chair	From 28/11/2024
Joyce Gibson	Trustee	Whole year
Chloe Pepper	Trustee	Whole year
AJ Wilson	Trustee	Whole year
Caroline Winton	Trustee	From 14/02/2025
Zoe Baird	Trustee	From 10/04/2025
Agnieszka Alborzpour	Manager	Whole year

We look forward to continuing our journey of making a meaningful difference in the lives of those we serve.

Our Finances

The charity does not carry out significant fundraising activities and is funded by donations and investment returns.

Income for the year totalled £42,256 (2024: £36,434). Expenditure totalled £29,188 (2024: £29,679), resulting in a surplus of £13,068 (2024: £6,755). This will be put towards the charity’s operating expenditure in the next financial year.

Reserves

At the balance sheet date, the charity has unrestricted reserves of £22,121 (2024 £9,053). The reserve policy is to maintain an unrestricted reserve equivalent to three months' worth of running costs.

Financial Health

The Trustees regularly review the finances, budgets and actual expenditure against budged expenditure together with a monthly cash flow analysis.

We are anticipating the next financial year will be positive with financial support

from one funder’s multi-year grant and other grant applications in the pipeline. Our service user numbers are expected to increase, generating further donations as another income stream.

A local runner from our community has committed to completing the London

Marathon at the end of April 2025 which will provide a fundraising opportunity.

Risk management

The trustees have assessed the major risks to which the charity is exposed and are satisfied that systems are in place to mitigate those risks.

Trustees’ Responsibilities in Relation to the Financial Statements

Charity law requires the trustees to prepare financial statements for each financial year which give a true and fair view of the state of affairs of the charity and of its financial activities for that period.

In preparing those financial statements, the trustees are required to:

select suitable accounting policies and apply them consistently.
make judgements and estimates that are reasonable and prudent.
state whether the financial statements have been prepared in accordance with the Statement of Recommended Practice Accounting and Reporting by Charities (Charities SORP (FRS 102)) and applicable accounting standards, subject to any material departures disclosed and explained in the financial statements; and
prepare the financial statements on a going concern basis unless it is inappropriate to presume that the charity will continue in operation.

The trustees are responsible for keeping proper accounting records which disclose with reasonable accuracy at any time the financial position of the charity and enable them to ensure that the financial statements comply with the Charities Act 2011.

They are also responsible for safeguarding the assets of the charity and for taking reasonable steps for the prevention and detection of fraud and other irregularities.

The trustees are responsible for the maintenance and integrity of any financial information included on the charity’s website.

The trustees confirm that the financial statements accompanying this report comply with the requirements of the Charities Act 2011, the charity’s governing document, and the Statement of Recommended Practice on Accounting and Reporting by Charities applicable to charities preparing their accounts in accordance with FRS 102.

Approved by the Board of Trustees and signed on its behalf by the Chair:

Karen Nicoll

Chair

Date: 30 January 2026

Report of the Independent Examiner

Independent Examiner's Report to the Trustees of The Wednesday Club (Waddesdon) Charity no 1191709.

I report to the charity trustees on my examination of the accounts of the charity for the year ended 31 March 2025 which are set out on pages 1 to 18.

Responsibilities and basis of report

As the charity’s trustees 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 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:

Accounting records were not kept in respect of the charity as required by section 130 of the Act; or
The accounts do not accord with those records; or
The accounts do not comply with the applicable requirements concerning the form and content of accounts set out in the Charities (Accounts and Reports) Regulations 2008 other than any requirement that the accounts give a ‘true and fair view’ which is not a matter considered as part of an independent examination.

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.

Tom Lacey FCCA

Nunn Hayward LLP, Chartered Accountants

2-4 Packhorse Road, Gerrards Cross, Buckinghamshire, SL9 7QE

Date: 30 January 2026

The Wednesday Club (Waddesdon)

Statement of Financial Activities

For the Year ended 31 March 2025

Unrestricted funds Restricted funds £ £ Income from: Donations and legacies 3 42,189 - Charitable activities - - Investment income 3 67 - Total income 42,256 - Expenditure on: Expenditure on charitable activities 4 23,654 - Support costs 4 5,094 - Governance costs 4 440 - Total expenditure 29,188 - Net income / (expenditure) 13,068 - Transfers between funds - - Net movement in funds 13,068 - Fund balances brought forward 9,053 - Fund balances carried forward 22,121 -	Total funds £ 42,189 - 67 42,256 23,654 5,094 440 29,188 13,068 - 13,068 9,053 22,121	2024 £ 36,371 - 63 36,434 24,266 5,072 341 29,679 6,755 - 6,755 2,298 9,053

The statement of financial activities includes all gains and losses recognized in the year. All income and expenditure is derived from continuing activities.

The Wednesday Club (Waddesdon)

Balance Sheet

As at 31 March 2025

Current Assets Cash at bank in hand Prepayments Current Liabilities Trade Creditors Accruals Net current assets Net assets Funds Restricted funds Unrestricted funds Total Charity Funds	2025 £ £ 21,888 473 22,361 - 240 11,654 22,121 22,121 - 22,121 - 22,121	2024 £ £ 11,103 - 11,103 2,050 - 2,050 9,053 9,053 - 9,053 9,053

Approved by the trustees on 30 January 2026 and signed on their behalf:

Karen Nicoll

Chair

Date: 30 January 2026

The Wednesday Club (Waddesdon)

Notes to the Accounts

For the Year ended 31 March 2025

1 STATUTIORY INFORMATION

The Wednesday Club (Waddesdon) is a registered charity (number 1191709) constituted under deed of trust, domiciled in the UK and is a public benefit entity. The principal office is Waddesdon Hall, High Street, Waddesdon, HP18 0JE.

The accounts are presented in £ Sterling and rounded to the nearest £1.

2 STATEMENT OF ACCOUNTING POLICIES

The accounting policies adopted, judgements and key sources of estimation uncertainty in the preparation of the financial statements are as follows:

2.1 Basis of preparation

The financial statements have been prepared in accordance with 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 (FRS102) (effective 1 January 2019) - (Charities SORP (FRS 102)), Charities Act 2011 and United Kingdom Generally Accepted Practice as it applies from 1 January 2019.

The Wednesday Club (Waddesdon) meets the definition of a public benefit entity under FRS 102. Assets and liabilities are initially recognised at historical cost or transaction value unless otherwise stated in the relevant accounting policy note(s).

These financial statements are prepared in accordance with applicable charity law.

2.2 Income

All incoming resources are recognised once the charity has entitlement to the resources, it is certain that the resource will be received and the monetary value can be measured with sufficient reliability.

Donations and any related gift aid are recognised when receivable.

2.3 Expenditure

Liabilities are recognised as resources expended as soon as there is a legal or constructive obligation committing the charity to the expenditure. All expenditure is accounted for on an accruals basis.

Expenditure is accounted for on an accruals basis and has been classified under headings that aggregate all cost related to the category. Where costs cannot be directly attributed to particular headings they have been allocated to activities on a basis consistent with the use of resources.

2.4 Funds

The charity's funds are for the charity's general purpose without restriction.

2.5 Taxation

The trust is a registered charity and, therefore, is not liable for income tax or corporation tax on income derived from its charitable activities, as it falls within the various exemptions available to registered charities if applied for charitable purposes.

2.6 Cash and cash equivalents

Cash and cash equivalents comprise cash in hand, current accounts held at the bank.

2.7 Going Concern

The trustees believe the charity has sufficient assets to enable it to continue as a going concern for a period of at least twelve months from the date of approval of these financial statements.

3 Income Donations and legacies Grants Individual Donations Investment income Bank interest	2025 2024 £ £ 39,260 32,560 2,929 3,811
	42,189 36,371
	2025 2024 £ £ 67 63
	67 63

4 Expenditure Charitable Activities Operational costs Activities Food Bus Hire Cook Donations Support Costs Rent Insurance costs Administration Sundry expenses Governance Costs Accountancy	2025 2024 £ £ 12,000 12,125 1,672 1,355 3,302 3,231 1,800 2,350 4,580 4,320 300 885
	23,654 24,266
	2025 2024 £ £ 4,440 4,608 553 338 100 126 1 -
	5,094 5,072
	2025 2024 £ £ 440 341
	440 341

5 Analysis of total staffing costs

There were no employees. The trustees manage all of the affairs of the charity.

No remuneration or expenses were paid to or provided for in respect of the trustees for the year ended 31 March 2025 nor for the year ended 31 March 2024.

6 Restricted Fund

No restricted funds were brought forward or received in the year.

7 Events after the reporting period

There have been no significant events since the balance sheet date.

8 Related party transactions

No related party transactions took place in the period.

9 Comparative statement of financial activities

Unrestricted funds Restricted funds £ £ Income from: Donations and legacies 36,371 - Charitable activities - - Investment income 63 - Total income 36,434 - Expenditure on: Expenditure on charitable activities 24,266 - Support costs 5,072 - Governance costs 341 - Total expenditure 29,679 - Net income / (expenditure) 6,755 - Transfers between funds - - Net movement in funds 6,755 - Fund balances brought forward 2,298 - Fund balances carried forward 9,053 -	Total funds £ 36,371 - 63 36,434 24,266 5,072 341 29,679 6,755 - 6,755 2,298 9,053	2023 £ 8,962 - 11 8,973 24,395 5,553 187 30,135 (21,162) - (21,162) 23,460 2,298