2025-03-31-accounts

HELMDON COMMUNITY FOUNDATION Charity no. 1192054

Trustees' Report and Financial Statements for the year ended 31 March 2025

HELMDON COMMUNITY FOUNDATION Charity no. 1192054

Trustees' Report for the year ended 31 March 2025

Objectives and Activities

Summary of the purposes of Helmdon Community Foundation was formed in October 2020 and took over the assets and responsibilities of the Reading the charity as set out in its Room Helmdon (registered no. 275715 ‘the former charity’) on 1 April 2021. The main purpose of both the former and the governing document new charity is the provision and maintenance of a village hall with the object of enhancing the lives of the village inhabitants. Summary of the main activities Charitable activities - We provide a meeting hall and kitchen (the ‘Reading Room’) and we try to attract classes, nurture in relation to those purposes groups, and put on events which will be of interest and benefit to local people. Villagers use the Reading Room as a meeting for the public benefit, in place, café, post office and a space for entertainment, drama and social gatherings. We have a website to keep people particular, the activities, informed, and send out a regular newsletter to let them know what’s happening in the Reading Room. The booking system is projects or services identified in available online and is easy to use. Hire charges are kept to a minimum to ensure that the facilities are available to all. the accounts.

We have recently completed a 3 year refurbishment plan which has upgraded the Reading Room to a good modern standard. The building now provides a very comfortable space for village activities and we have been able to extend the opening hours to allow casual use. Other trading activities – Part of the property (the ‘Reading Room Cottage’) is rented as a dwelling house to a local resident under an Assured Shorthold Tenancy Agreement. The net income from this agreement is wholly used to support our charitable activities.

Statement confirming that the The Charity Commission’s public benefit guidance underlies the trustees’ work for the charity. Our main aim is to make the trustees have had regard to the Reading Room an attractive venue with good facilities which is accessible to all. Increasingly we see our role as not simply Commission’s public benefit passive - we aim to encourage and promote village events centred on the Reading Room for the benefit of the community. guidance Contribution made by All our trustees and team members are volunteers who give freely of their time and skills. We are extremely grateful to all of volunteers them.

Achievements and Performance

Summary of the main The improvements to the building have ensured that we can continue to provide a warm and comfortable meeting place for achievements of the charity, the village, and we include the free availability of hot drinks. The building is now used on an ad hoc basis in addition to identifying the difference the planned events. To ensure security we have installed CCTV covering all entrance points. charity’s work has made to the circumstances of its We have been able to add a history cupboard in the ‘Living Room’ area to bring together Helmdon’s historical information, beneficiaries and any wider which is available for reference purposes. Additional cupboards house an information bank of local knowledge and useful benefits to society as a whole. help.

Our recent installation of solar panels and batteries, together with improvements to the oil-fired heating system and the addition of infra-red panels in some areas of the building has allowed us to reduce our use of fossil fuel. Our energy profile is now considerably more efficient and, partly as a result of being able to sell electricity back to the grid, our costs are reducing. We have refurbished both toilets with easy-clean surfaces and modern fitments to provide better hygiene. Local residents have commented positively on the improvements, which are attracting more footfall through this lovely public space. The local council has registered the building as a partner ‘Welcoming Space’. Our vision is gradually taking shape.

Financial Review

Review of the charity’s financial Our financial position at the end of the year remains healthy. We have been awarded grants to revitalise and modernise the position at the end of the building, and we are using the funds we receive for that purpose. period Statement explaining the policy The maintenance of a large Victorian building is extremely expensive. We regard net current assets of £12,500 (increased for holding reserves, stating from £10,000 last year) as the minimum level of reserves required for repairs when needed. Net current assets at the year why they are held. end were in excess of this because we have accrued funds to fulfil our improvement plans.

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Amount of reserves held The charity’s total funds at the year end were £495,904. However, this includes the book value of the property and other
fixed assets (£454,592) which are shown on our balance sheet. Reserves available for expenditure (net current assets) were
therefore £41,312 at the year end compared with £40,012 last year.
Note about the charity There are no material uncertainties about the charity’s ability to continue operating.
continuing as a going concern
Some of the former charity's trustees have continued as trustees of Helmdon Community Foundation to ensure continuity in
the management of the Reading Room.
Structure, Governance and Management
Description of charity’s trusts:
Type of governing document The charity is governed by a constitution dated 9 October 2020 and registered with the Charity Commission on 28 October
2020.
How is the charity constituted? The charity is a Charitable Incorporated Organisation (‘CIO’).
Trustee selection methods 4 trustees who served during the year were named in the charity’s constitution, which requires at least 5 but no more than 9
including details of any trustees. Under that constitution, the existing trustees may appoint new trustees by advertising vacancies in Helmdon at
constitutional provisions least 30 days before considering applications. The trustees must consider all applications from residents of Helmdon, and
take into account the skills, knowledge and experience of each applicant.
Trustees may serve for a maximum of 2 consecutive 3 year terms.
Membership of other The charity is a member of Northamptonshire ACRE, which supports community charities in rural areas.
organisations
Relationship with any related Trustees are not remunerated for their services, but any reasonable expenses they incur are reimbursed. During the year the
parties charity engaged a skilled tradesman related to a trustee to carry out renovation work to the value of £1,250. The charity had
no other transactions with related parties. All transactions are priced at arm’s length.
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Reference and Administrative details Charlty name Other name the charity uses Registered charity number Charity's principal address HELMDON COMMUNITY FOUNDATION Helmdon Readlng Room 1192054 Premises: Helmdon Readln8 Room. 20 Church Street. Helmdon. Brackley NN13 5QJ Correspondence: Melfort, loa Church Street, Helmdon, Br¥kley NN13 5QJ Helmdon Communlty Foundatlon holds the legal tltle to the property known as the Readlng Room, whlch In¢ludes the Readln8 Room Cotta8e. Tltle to the charity's property Thè trustees who mana8e the cha Name Christopher Mount Angela Goodall Abigail Brinkworth Gillian Garner Andrew Harris Paul Underwood Ga Turner Morag Underwood Phillip Ward Offlce Chair / Webslte Vice Chair / Health & Safety Dates acted If not fr•r whole perlod Appointed 02108124 Treasurer Resigned 06103125 Resigned 31112124 Resigned 31112124 Chair / Safe uardin Sustainablllty The trustees declare that they have approved the above report. Signed on behalf of the chari 's trustee5: Chrls Mou Chalr l May 2025

HELMDON COMMUNITY FOUNDATION Charity no. 1192054 Statement of financial activities for the year ended 31 March 2025

Note Income from: Charitable activities 2 Donations and legacies 3 Other trading activities 4 Investments Separate material item of income 5 TOTAL INCOME Expenditure on: Charitable activities 6 Raising funds Other trading activities 7 TOTAL EXPENDITURE 8 NET INCOME Transfers between funds 13 Net movement in funds Total funds at beginning of year Total funds at end of year 13	Unrestricted funds £ 11,724 1,415 7,940 516 29,162 50,757 30,466 - 1,977 32,443 18,314 - 18,314 477,590 495,904	Restricted funds £ - - - - - - - - - - - - - - -	Total 2025 £ 11,724 1,415 7,940 516 29,162 50,757 30,466 - 1,977 32,443 18,314 - 18,314 477,590 495,904	Total 2024 £ 11,813 1,440 7,675 654 27,225 48,807 23,758 - 2,580 26,338 22,469 - 22,469 455,121 477,590

This statement includes all gains and losses recognised in the year, including depreciation of £13,301 (2024: £7,495). All income and expenditure is derived from continuing activities.

The notes on the following pages form part of these financial statements.

HELMDON COMMUNITY FOUNDATION Balance Sheet at 31 March 2025 Chority no. 1192054 2025 2024 Note FIXED ASSETS Tan8ible a55ets 454,592 437,578 CURRENT ASSETS Debtors Cash at bank and In hand Total current assets io 3,731 39,976 43.707 10.301 38,264 48,565 li Credltors Amounts fallSn8 due wlthin one year NET CURRENT ASSETS 12 {2.3951 41,312 18.5531 40.012 Total assets less currenl Ilabllltles 495.904 477,590 TOTAL NET ASSETS 495.904 477,590 Funds of the charlty Unrestricted funds 495,904 477,590 TOTAL FUNDS 13 495.904 477,590 Appro by the trustee5 on l May 2025 and signed on thelr behalf by Paul Underwood Treasurer

HELMDON COMMUNITY FOUNDATION Charity no. 1192054 Notes to the accounts for the year ended 31 March 2025

1. Accounting policies

The charity

These accounts present the financial activities and balance sheet of Helmdon Community Foundation (‘the charity’) which is registered with the Charity Commission for England and Wales (registered no. 1192054). The charity is an individual entity with no parent, subsidiaries or associates.

The charity was established by its constitution as a charitable incorporated organisation on 9 October 2020 and registered on 28 October 2020.

Basis of Accounting

These accounts have been prepared in accordance with the Statement of Recommended Practice for charities, the Financial Reporting Standard applicable in the UK (‘FRS 102’), and the Charities Act 2011.

Being a small entity, the charity has taken advantage of the exemption in FRS 102 not to publish a Statement of Cash Flows.

The accounts have been prepared in £ Sterling under the historical cost convention with items recognised at cost or transaction value unless otherwise stated in the notes. The principal accounting policies which have been consistently applied within that convention are set out below.

Income

Income is recognised in the year in which the charity is entitled to receipt, provided the amount can be measured with reasonable certainty.

Expenditure

Expenditure is accounted for in the year in which it is incurred. The charity is not registered for VAT and therefore input VAT payable on expenses is included with the item of expense to which it relates.

Costs are apportioned between activities as follows:

Costs are apportioned between activities	as follows:
	Charitable activities	Other trading activities
Independent examiner’s fee	50%	50%
Insurance	75%	25%

HELMDON COMMUNITY FOUNDATION Charity no. 1192054

Notes to the accounts for the year ended 31 March 2025 (continued)

1. Accounting policies (continued)

Tangible Fixed Assets and Depreciation

Depreciation is provided to write off the cost less the estimated residual value of tangible fixed assets by equal instalments over their estimated useful lives as follows:

Buildings 50 years Furniture, fixtures & equipment 5 years

Land is not depreciated.

Expenditure is capitalised if the asset purchased can be used for more than one year and costs at least £500.

Financial Instruments (debtors, creditors and deposits)

Debtors and creditors are stated at the settlement amount, after any trade discounts. Full provision is made for doubtful debts.

Bank and building society deposits are stated at the cash amount including any accrued interest. All such accounts are fully covered by the FSCS deposit protection scheme, therefore any credit risk is minimal.

Liabilities

Liabilities are recognised where it is more likely than not that there is a legal or constructive obligation to pay out, and the amount can be measured with reasonable certainty.

Restricted Funds

Restricted funds arise where donors place restrictions on how a donation can be spent. The charity had no restricted funds at the year end or previous year end.

Unrestricted Funds

These are funds which can be used in accordance with the objects of the charity at the discretion of the trustees.

Going concern

There are no material uncertainties about the charity’s ability to continue operating.

HELMDON COMMUNITY FOUNDATION Charity no. 1192054

Notes to the accounts for the year ended 31 March 2025 (continued)

2. Income from charitable activities Village café Hire of hall by local clubs and organisations Hire of hall for ad hoc events Events organised by the charity Fundraising TOTAL 3. Income from donations and legacies 200 Club donations Other donations received TOTAL 4. Income from other trading activities Rent from the Reading Room Cottage TOTAL 5. Income from separate material item Grants received to refurbish and improve the village hall TOTAL	Unrestricted funds £ 3,300 6,340 950 1,017 117 11,724 1,300 115 1,415 7,940 7,940 29,162 29,162	Restricted funds £ - - - - - - - - - - - - -	Total 2025 £ 3,300 6,340 950 1,017 117 11,724 1,300 115 1,415 7,940 7,940 29,162 29,162	Total 2024 £ 3,000 4,354 795 3,595 69 11,813 1,300 140 1,440 7,675 7,675 27,225 27,225

HELMDON COMMUNITY FOUNDATION Charity no. 1192054

Notes to the accounts for the year ended 31 March 2025 (continued)

6. Expenditure on charitable activities Cleaning Depreciation Electricity Events organised by the charity Fire safety Heating oil Insurance Legal and professional fees Repairs and maintenance Small assets and improvements written off Other running costs TOTAL	Unrestricted funds £ 2,002 12,401 1,186 993 382 1,474 782 45 7,879 1,261 2,061 30,466	Restricted funds £ - - - - - - - - - - - -	Total 2025 £ 2,002 12,401 1,186 993 382 1,474 782 45 7,879 1,261 2,061 30,466	Total 2024 £ 1,820 6,595 1,340 3,268 386 934 754 782 5,065 1,682 1,132 23,758

The charity did not employ anyone during the year, nor in the previous year, and therefore had no staff costs.

None of the trustees received any remuneration or benefits for fulfilling their duties with the charity.

HELMDON COMMUNITY FOUNDATION Charity no. 1192054

Notes to the accounts for the year ended 31 March 2025 (continued)

7. Expenditure on other trading activities Depreciation Insurance Legal and professional fees Repairs and maintenance Small assets and improvements written off Other running costs TOTAL 8. Support costs Total expenditure includes the following support costs: Online systems & CCTV Provision for independent examiner’s fee Overprovision for independent examiner’s fee in prior year Membership of Northamptonshire ACRE Data protection fee TOTAL	Unrestricted funds £ 900 261 114 126 450 126 1,977 512 100 (10) 48 35 685	Restricted funds £ - - - - - - - - - - - -	Total 2025 £ 900 261 114 126 450 126 1,977 512 100 (10) 48 35 685	Total 2024 £ 900 249 42 526 737 126 2,580 166 100 (16) 48 35 333

Support costs which do not relate specifically to charitable activities or other trading activities are allocated equally to those two categories.

No other fees were paid to the independent examiner.

HELMDON COMMUNITY FOUNDATION Charity no. 1192054 Notes to the accounts for the year ended 31 March 2025 (continued)

9. Tangible fixed assets

Cost At beginning of year Additions At end of year Depreciation At beginning of year Charge for the year At end of year Net book value At 31 March 2025 At 31 March 2024	Land & buildings £ 400,000 - 400,000 7,000 1,400 8,400 391,600 393,000	Furniture, fittings & equipment £ 50,934 30,315 81,249 6,356 11,901 18,257 62,992 44,578	Total £ 450,934 30,315 481,249 13,356 13,301 26,657 454,592 437,578

Land and buildings comprise the property known as the Reading Room and the Reading Room Cottage as fitted out at the time of its valuation. The trustees have relied upon an assessment of the property's fair value by a registered valuer and have adopted that fair value as its deemed cost.

None of the above assets are held under a finance lease or similar contract (2024: £Nil)

At 31 March 2025 the charity had no contractual commitments for the acquisition of tangible fixed assets (2024: £Nil)

HELMDON COMMUNITY FOUNDATION Charity no. 1192054

Notes to the accounts for the year ended 31 March 2025 (continued)

10. Debtors Trade debtors Prepayments and accrued income TOTAL 11. Cash at bank and in hand Bank current account Building Society deposit Cash in hand TOTAL 12. Creditors: Amounts falling due within one year Trade creditors Accruals and deferred income TOTAL	2025 £ 2,127 1,604 3,731 23,882 14,711 1,383 39,976 1,105 1,290 2,395	2024 £ 1,683 8,618 10,301 12,840 24,195 1,229 38,264 8,183 370 8,553

Deferred income is rent received for the property in advance of the period to which it relates. All income deferred in the prior year has been reported as income in the current year.

HELMDON COMMUNITY FOUNDATION Charity no. 1192054

Notes to the accounts for the year ended 31 March 2025 (continued)

13. Funds of the charity Total funds at beginning of year Net income for the year Transfers between funds TOTAL FUNDS AT END OF YEAR	Unrestricted funds £ 477,590 18,314 - 495,904	Restricted funds £ - - - -	Total 2025 £ 477,590 18,314 - 495,904	Total 2024 £ 455,121 22,469 - 477,590

The object of the charity is to provide and maintain a village hall in order to improve the conditions of life for local people. As the charity's object satisfies the original deed of gift, the property does not constitute a restricted fund. There is no separate trust within the charity.

All income from grants awarded to refurbish and improve the village hall were substantially spent on the specified projects by the year end. The charity has not received any other income whose use is restricted to purposes narrower than the object of the charity. The charity therefore had no funds with restrictions on expenditure at 31 March 2025 (2024: £Nil).