2022-12-31-accounts - The Blackheath Society

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Iv ANNUAL REPORT 2022 12023

WHAT DOES THE BLACKHEATH SOCIETY DO?

The Society can claim many achievements since its foundation in 1937. We work with local councils, residents, amenity groups, traders, police and national bodies - with everyone who can contribute to the enhancement of Blackheath

We aim to preserve and enhance for the benefit of the public the features of Blackheath of particular beauty or historical

and architectural interest; to protect its open spaces from disfigurement or encroachment, particularly the Heath; to encourage high standards of planning and architecture in its new buildings; to promote improvements to the amenities of the area and to encourage appreciation of its character and history.

BLACKHEATH VILLAGE

We work with other community organisations and local traders to enhance the Village and organise and support local events, such as talks and visits to places of local interest.

THE HEATH

We work to preserve the health and enjoyment of the Heath and oppose commercial exploitation and damage from overuse.

TRAFFIC AND TRAVEL

We monitor major developments that have an effect on the traffic in Blackheath. We campaign for better railway and bus services and for station improvements.

PLANNING AND CONSERVATION

We encourage good modern design, while preserving our existing heritage. We scrutinise planning proposals, advise local councils and appear at public inquiries.

HOW CAN YOU HELP?

JOIN THE SOCIETY

Keep up to date with local news and have a voice in future developments..

JOIN OUR ACTIVITIES

Whether you have expertise in our areas of interest or time to give practical help, along with other people involved in Village life.

For general information and advice on matters concerning the activities and work of The Society apply to:

The Secretary, The Blackheath Society, Studio 2, The Old Bakehouse, 11 Blackheath Village, London, SE3 9LA

HISTORY AND EDUCATION / EVENTS

We maintain a unique archive of more than 20,000 images of Blackheath. We sponsor talks, exhibitions and publications about the history of the area, organise local walks and publish guides.

020 8297 1937
office@blackheath.org
www.blackheath.org
BlackheathSociety
@BlackheathSoc

ANNUAL REPORT

2022 / 2023

3

Chair’s Introduction

8

The Village

4

Transport

9

5

Events and Talks

10 - 12

Treasurer’s Report and Financial Statements

6

Jubilee, Kite Day & Tree planting

13

Architecture Group

7

Planning

14

Society Management and Photo Credits

CHAIR’S INTRODUCTION

Society Chair Paul Watts

I am pleased to present the first annual report of our new Charitable Incorporated Organisation (CIO) structure. Last year was the 85th anniversary of the formation of the Society in 1937 and I very much hope that our founders and original trustees would look favourably on the continued activities of the Society in what has been another very active year.

As you will read later in this annual report, our events team produced a full programme of walks and talks and we welcomed the architecture group, whose events are a great addition to our range of activities. We lit a beacon on the Heath to mark the Queen’s Platinum Jubilee in June and held our second Kite Day there in October, when we also planted our Queen Elizabeth II Oak in memory of Her Majesty.

In the Village, we saw several changes to local businesses with some closing, including our last bank, Barclays, and we welcomed new enterprises. We ran a successful fund-raising campaign to pay for new Christmas lights for the Village and are grateful for the support of many local businesses.

The planning group, with ten volunteers who examine issues of planning policy and scrutinise all applications in our area, continued its important work. There were 668 applications in 2022 (350 in Greenwich and 318 in Lewisham). All were looked at and 85 examined in detail

A major campaign was launched in the autumn when we learnt of Southeastern’s changes to its rail timetable, with all off-peak services at Blackheath terminated at Cannon Street, rather than Charing Cross. The Blackheath Joint Working Party had a quieter year, as its former chair stood down. We are actively encouraging Greenwich and Lewisham Councils to reinstate regular meetings of this important group. Our archive team was busy, digitising much material and it benefited from the donation of further collections during the year.

We welcomed 95 new members, some as a result of the rail campaign. We held several new members’ evenings, and there are always opportunities for both new and existing members to assist the society in its activities. I would like to conclude with my sincere thanks to our volunteers, to my fellow trustees, and especially to our secretary Sacha Bright for her enthusiasm and dedication to the Society during the year.

TRANSPORT

By far the greatest transport issue in the last year has been, and still is, the loss of our off-peak direct train services to Charing Cross and Waterloo which was brought in with no consultation in Southeastern Railways’ December timetable.

This is the most detrimental action imposed by any of the train operating companies over the past 150 years, but no reason for the lack of consultation was given and the Department for Transport considered this to be a minor adjustment to the timetable. The Society immediately mounted a campaign.

We leafleted at stations and on trains on the Bexleyheath line and the Charlton section of the North Kent line, alerting travelers who may not be aware of the imminent changes, and urging them to email the Managing Director of Southeastern Railways, Steve White, to object vigorously.

We challenged Southeastern on the absence of the required Equalities Impact Assessment before the change was announced and assessed the legal possibilities of redress given the absence of consultation and of the timely publication of the EIA.

We then alerted Blackheath Hospital and the Halls, the Clarendon Hotel, schools and Village shops to the changes to warn them how they might affect their users and staff in travelling to and from Waterloo and Charing Cross. We also alerted Society members and the general public through our website and social media, urging then to object.

During a Westminster Hall parliamentary debate in December all MPs in the affected constituencies spoke forcefully against the changes, as the loss of the off-peak direct services on the Bexleyheath line was only one of a range of detrimental impacts.

The minister promised to visit one or more stations to hear firsthand the public

response, and he also promised a full consultation with Southeastern during the development of the May timetable. Neither of these two promises has been fulfilled. Southeastern has claimed that delays at the crossover at Lewisham station (below) was behind the changes.

Shortly before the May timetable was announced Southeastern said that, in response to the very high level of objections from Bexleyheath line users, one direct service per hour to Charing Cross and Waterloo would be reintroduced off peak. This is a welcome first step but we will continue to press for the full restoration of all off-peak direct services to Charing Cross and Waterloo.

There is another piece of good news. Network Rail has completed work on the Kidbrooke railway bridge. It therefore no longer needs a weight restriction to protect the bridge and Lewisham council has reacted very positively to this development.

The council officer leading this issue said: “This is something the Council strongly supports and has been actively encouraging Transport for London to do. I have recently chased them on this matter to seek a decision and will continue to do so until the matter is resolved”. (See the Village story on page 8) .

EVENTS AND TALKS

We held many successful and enjoyable events this year of local and broader interest. Many members attended and they provided a good opportunity to meet friends and make new ones.

The regular Meet and Eat sessions continued at a local pub, The Princess of Wales, and we varied the days on which they were held so that members with regular commitments had an opportunity to come. The gatherings are very informal and we are always delighted to see whoever comes along.

We visited Blackheath Golf Club, which was a treat in a beautiful building at Eltham Lodge with a lovely setting and interesting history (seen above). The Let’s Go Down the Strand walk reminded us of the many hidden jewels that form the history of that part of London.

And the walk round Waterloo and Lambeth illustrated vividly how this area of London has changed over the last 200 years, and continues to be vibrant. We also visited the ancient establishment of Charterhouse in the City, which is both surprising and an excellent example of how institutions adapt to change and survive.

Our Zoom series of talks included the History of Morden College, which prompted recollections from many members about former visits and the many changes that have taken place there. A fascinatingly detailed account of plumbing in the Victorian House proved to be an eye opener, particularly for members who live in such historic dwellings.

It was unfortunate that the Zoom talk on the local area in literature was spoilt by poor WiFi reception that evening, but we plan to reschedule this.

The talk on The History of The Mary Evans Picture Library (see picture above) gave us another opportunity for the Society to hold a joint event in Blackheath High School. It was remarkable to hear how the enthusiasm of Mary and Hilary Evans has created a truly eclectic and international collection.

As the annual report went to press, more walks and visits were planned for the summer and these are listed on the website. Thank you to all who contribute their time and energy to making the Society’s events so enjoyable, interesting and varied. Your support is fully appreciated.

JUBILEE, KITE DAY & TREE PLANTING

It was a bumper year for large events led by the Society on the Heath, with an estimated 2,000 people celebrating the late Queen’s Platinum Jubilee in June, followed by as many people enjoying our Kite Day in October.

A Jubilee concert was organised jointly by the Society and Blackheath Halls on a beautiful evening when seven local choirs of children and adults performed music representing the decades of the Queen’s reign, ranging from classical and opera to musical theatre and gospel.

A dramatic two-metre high beacon was lit by the Young Mayor of Lewisham, representing a new generation engaging in public service.

Earlier in the day, local actor Nick Day took on the role of town crier, announcing the event with a tour around the village, shouting the official “Oyez, oyez” and ringing a dinner bell borrowed from a local school.

The Kite Day in October, now re-established by the Society as an annual event after a break of more than 12 years, enjoyed perfect weather with enough wind to launch some spectacular demonstration kites brought to the Heath by the Kent Kite Flyers, an enthusiasts’ group from the coast.

The public were also encouraged to bring their own kites to fly and we saw some terrific examples, including homemade ones.

The talented children of Grinling Gibbons Primary School, Deptford, again entertained the crowds with their steelpan band (see right) and the Caribbean theme was picked up by the on-site caterers.

There was a special addition to the day, also organised by the Society, with the ceremonial planting of an oak tree at the eastern end of Royal Parade. The Queen Elizabeth II Oak commemorated the sad loss of Her Majesty in September and will be a permanent memorial to her long and dedicated reign.

PLANNING

Thanks to our dedicated team of volunteers and our secretary Sacha’s work in the office, we were able to scan well over 600 planning applications last year, including those for tree work. They covered Lewisham and Greenwich and around 90 applications were subsequently examined in detail.

In addition to this regular effort, considerable time was spent examining and responding to consultations by both councils on major policy issues. In Lewisham we looked in detail at the new draft Local Plan. Our detailed response included a Vision for Blackheath and putting protected views from the Heath into the plan.

A separate and controversial consultation on Lewisham’s new Statement of Community Involvement began in early 2023 and will be reported on next year. In Greenwich we responded in detail to its draft Urban Design Guide.

Our work on planning applications is in three main categories: applications for building in the local conservation areas, trees, and work on major projects proposed for the periphery of Blackheath.

We can be pleased with the outcome on the first category as both councils by and large supported our comments by refusing inappropriate applications or obtaining amendments and conditions.

These included an insensitive proposal for an important modern property at 2 Foxes Dale, also known as The House of Ideas; plans for inappropriate siting of very obtrusive phone masts; and approval for rebuilding the Tea Hut on the Heath.

We have also been involved in preliminary consultation for potential projects in the Village at the station car park and the sorting office behind the Post Office (seen above).

We objected strongly to consultation on a very inappropriate scheme to develop the pleasant green at Richmount Gardens for affordable housing. This has now materialised in a formal application which we are strongly resisting.

In terms of applications for work on trees, for which the policy and legal regime is much less helpful, we can be pleased that our efforts, particularly to object to felling of mature specimens, are successful - for example in The Plantation.

The main peripheral large proposed development in 2022 was at Leegate, where a formal application for a major complex including a 15-storey tower is being contested. This is currently in abeyance following new guidelines emanating from the Grenfell fire.

A significant newly controversial area is the ‘retrofit’ agenda. There is an urgent need to update planning guidelines and guidance on alterations permitted in conservation areas for improving household energy efficiency, and we are lobbying for early action on this.

The guidelines will have to be more pragmatic than those currently in force if the climate agenda is to be progressed.

THE VILLAGE

Despite recession fears and closures in UK high streets, Blackheath is a thriving place to eat, drink and shop. We may no longer have a bank, leaving two empty sites which are difficult to fill, but there have been plenty of newcomers.

We welcomed the following companies to the Village in the past year: Buddha Taste in Royal Parade; On the Heath, Pets Corner, Blackheath Creatives, Rockpool Fishmongers in Montpelier Vale; and 15 Grams Cafe and Jimmy Fairly Opticians in Tranquil Vale.

Nick Ellis (seen below serving in the shop) also became the new owner of John Charles Butchers next to the station .

This year we finally managed to buy new Christmas lights for the Village thanks to kind donations from local businesses. These are stored away and should last many years.

We have been working to try to reduce the amount of traffic moving through the Village and are pleased to report that the bridge works on the A212 in Kidbrooke Gardens have now been completed.

This means the 7.5 tonne weight restriction signs at the 3-way junction near Kidbrooke station can be removed, allowing heavy traffic to use the A road. These signs currently force HGVs to come through the B

road in the Village instead. We will be putting pressure on TfL to remove them and will report on this more fully in our next Newsletter.

We are pleased to announce that the missing weight sign from the entrance to the station (seen below in an earlier photo) has been traced and recovered, and we are working with the Network Rail to establish how it can be more securely fixed to the wall. We are urging the company to repair and repaint the front of the station and we will also report on these efforts in the next Newsletter.

STATEMENT OF FINANCIAL ACTIVITIES

FOR THE PERIOD FROM 27 OCTOBER 2021 TO 31 DECEMBER 2022

INCOME AND ENDOWMENTS FROM: Donations and legacies Charitable activities Investment income Donation from predecessor Charity Fees and supplies Total income EXPENDITURE ON: Charitable activities Total expenditure Gains/losses on revaluation of fixed assets for charity’s own use Gains/losses on investment assets Net income Gross transfers between funds Net movement in funds RECONCILIATION OF FUNDS Total funds brought forward Total funds carried forward	- 608,326 12,871 8,921 39,525 599,864 1,120 662,301 (59,062) (59,062) (9,913) 20,000 613,326 (5,000) 608,326 Unrestricted £	- 36,404 30,900 - - 31,599 - 62,499 (31,095) (31,095) - - 31,404 5,000 36,404 Restricted £	- 644,730 43,771 8,921 39,525 631,463 1,120 724,800 (90,157) (90,157) (9,913) 20,000 644,730 - 644,730 Total 2022 £	593,912 631,463 38,732 8,830 28,469 - 1,600 77,631 (61,080) (61,080) 21,000 - 37,551 - 37,551 Comparatives From Predecessor Charity Total 2021 £

BALANCE SHEET

AS AT 31 DECEMBER 2022

Registration number 1196292

FIXED ASSETS Investments CURRENT ASSETS Stocks Debtors Cash at bank and in hand Creditors: amounts falling due within one year Net current assets Total assets less current liabilities Creditors: amounts falling due after more than one year Net assets THE FUNDS OF THE CHARITY: Restricted income funds Restricted funds Unrestricted income funds Unrestricted funds TOTAL FUNDS	8,328 9,935 70,441 88,704 (21,112) 67,592 625,647 578,055 (917) 644,730 608,326 644,730 2022 (£) 36,404	6,972 8,881 59,952 75,805 (11,360) 64,445 632,413 567,968 (950) 631,463 599,864 631,463 Comparatives from predecessor Charity 2021 (£) 31,599

ARCHITECTURE GROUP

At the start of last year the Blackheath Society took over the activities of the former architecture group of Blackheath Halls, founded in 1989.

In the first full year of our events with the Society we organised five guided tours to buildings and a talk at St Michael’s Church.

Our visit to the Isokon building in Belsize Park on a sunny day in July was led by Magnus Englund, author and director of the Isokon Gallery.

We then visited the local Alms Gate development in Lee Road (below), led by the developer. It was excellent to be able to see how an historic set of buildings was refurbished, while retaining the quality of the original place.

Moving back into town, we went to the Tree House pavilion in Elephant and Castle, a new community cafe in the center of a

major redevelopment, and were lucky to have the architect Hari Phillips and the developer taking us through the process of delivering this extraordinary pavilion and its wider masterplan.

In March we visited Lambeth Palace Library, (seen below) a unique building by Wright and Wright architects.

The same month we went to the Aga Khan Center in Kings Cross, another unique and fascinating building, with many internal gardens, set in the Kings Cross regeneration.

Our talk was given by Tim Bell, of Bell Phillips architects, who focused on working with communities and councils to deliver social housing, including recent infill sites in Greenwich.

This photograph of the Prince of Wales Pond was taken by Tim Keeler

SOCIETY MANAGEMENT

PRESIDENT

Neil Rhind MBE

TRUSTEES

CHAIR VICE-CHAIR Paul Watts Dame Helen Reeves John Bartram Nick Patton Allan Griffin Nicola Peers Sarah Mansfield John Schofield Howard Shields

TREASURER

Andrew Westbrook FCA Diane Summers Ana Sutherland David Walker Liz Wright

SECRETARY

Sacha Bright

The Blackheath Society. A Charitable Incorporated Organisation. Registered Charity number 1196292.

PHOTO CREDITS

The Society would like to thank Society member Tim Keeler for his photograph of wild flowers on the Heath, which appears on the cover of the annual report this year, and for his page 13 photograph of the Prince of Wales pond.

All other photographs were taken by members of the committee or come from the Society’s archive.

This report was produced by John Bartram and designed by Pippa Stanton.

Blackheath Hill in 1906

Charlty registration number: 1196292 The Blackheath Society Annual Report and Financial Statements for the period from 27 October 2021 to 31 December 2022 Field SullSvan Limited 9 Hare & Blllet Road Blackheath London SE3 ORB

The Blackheath society Contents Reference and A¢Jmlnlstratlve Oetalls Tru51ees' Report 2to6 Independent Examlner's Report 7t08 Statement of Flnanclal Activities Balance Sheet io Notes to the Flnanclal Statements iito21

The Blackheath Soclety Reference and Administrative Detalls Trustees Paul Watts- Chair Dame Helen Reeves- Ifice-chalr Andfew Westbrook- Treasurer John 8artram Allan Griffin Sarah Mansfield Nlcholas Patton Nlcola Peers John Sthoffteld Howard Shields Dlane Summers Ana Sutherland DavSd Walker Elizabeth Wri8ht Secretary Satha Bright Presldent Nell Rhind VIcè¥Presldents Davld Quarmby Tony Aldous Lord Stone of Blackheath Charity Re8i5tratlon Number 1196292 Prlnclpal offlce The Old Bakehou5e 11 Blackheath Village Blackheath London SE3 9LA Independent Examlner Field Sullivan Limited 9 Hare & Billet Road Blackheath London SE3 ORB Page I

The Blackheath Soclety Trustees, Report The Trustees present the annual report together with the financlal statements of the charity for the perlod ended 31 December 2022. Chalrfs Introdurtlon l am pleased to present the flrst annual report of our new Charltable Incorporated Organisation ICIOI. The CIO was incorporated In October 2021, and with effect from l January 2022. the activities, assets. and liabilities of the Blackheath SoEiety were transferred to the new structure. Last year was the 85th annlversary of the formation of the Society in 1937 and I very much hope that our founders and orlginal trustees would look favourably on the continued activities of the Society in what has been another very active year. Our events team produced a full programme of walks and talks, Includlng a very entertaining evening "Rock around Blackheath" in May. with many memorles and local links to famous bands and musitlans. We also Ilt a beacon on the Heath to mark HM The Queen's PlatinLtm Jubilee in June and held our second Kite Day there in OctobÈr, when we a150 planted our Queen Ellzabeth 11 Oak in memory of Her Malesty. The architecture group goes from strength to strength and ran a full proEramme of events. In the Village. we Saw several changes to local busln@sses Wlth some c105in& including Barclays our last bank and whilst wè welcome new enlerprise%, we recognise that many local buslnesses arè faclnE challenging times in the current Cost of living crisis and deserve otsr sUPPOrt. We ran è stsceessful fund-raisln@ campaign to pay for new Chrlstmas lights for thèvillage and are grateful for the support of many local businesses. We also supported the restoration of a 8rade11 Ilsted phone box In KinÉswood Place. A blue plaque was unveiled to recognise the Ma5$ Observation social survey oiganlsatlon which started Its Ilfe In Grotes Plao 1937. We a150 8551Sted wlth the project for a new chlldren's play area at Talbot Place, which won a grant from Lewlsham Council, and we look forward to the play area hopefully finally openin818ter this year. The planning group, whlch has ten volunteer5 who examine i55ue5 of planning policy and scrutinise all pplications in our area, continued Its irnportant work. There were 668 plannin8 application5 in 20221350 in Greenwich and 318 in Lewishaml, 311 were looked at and 85 of them were examined In detail. There are several ptstential new projects in the Village which came to our attention In 2022, including proposals for Blackheath Statlon car park, although none have yet commenced. A fuller report on the work of the plar7nlng team in 2022 can be found in the Spring 2023 newsletter. The Society narrowly regained the Golden Elephant trophy in the annual Cricket match against the Gfeenwich Society in July. The West Greenwich Graffiti Removal group, of whlch the Society was a founding member, achleved the milestone of removing over 12,500 defacements since It was formed in 2008. A Major campaign was launched In the Autumn when we learnt of Southeastern tralns changes to the December 2022 rall timetable. with all off-peak service5 at Blackheath bein8 terminated at Cannon Street rather than Charing Cross, removing direct services to Waterloo East and Charing Cross after more than 150 years. We are grateful for the 5UPPOft of existing members. local politiclans, and many new membeis Sn opposin8 the5È thanBes. There has been a token gesture by the rall company in reinslatlng an hourly Charing Cross off-peak Serv1 from May 2023, but the campaign continues. The Blackheath Joint Working Party had a quieter year, 3% its former chair stood down, and we are actlvelv encouraglng Greenwich and iewisham Councils to re-instate regular meetings of this important group. The annual Heath clean-up day in October worklng wlth member5, lotal councillors, and other volunteers was another great success. PaEe 2

The Blackheath Soclety TrusteÈ5' Report Icontlnued) Our archlve team continued to be busy di8ltt5inB much material and benefited from the donatlon of further collectlons during the yeaT. We welcomed 95 hew members Sn 2022, some as a result of the rall campaign. We held several new member5, evenings to understand interests and there are always OPPOrtttnltlès for both new and exlstlng member5 to assist the Society in its many areas of activity. We learnt with deep sadness of the death of local community supporterSir lan Mllls. and a tflbutewas publlshed In the Spring riewsletter. I would Ilke to conclude with my sintere thanks to our many volurhteers, to my fellow Trustees, and especially to our secretary Sacha Brlght for her enthuslasm and dedlcation to ihe SocSety dLbring the year. Trustees and offlcers The trustees and offlcers serving durlng the year and since the year end were as follow5= Chèlr.. Paul Watts lappolnted 13 December 20211 Vice-chalr.. Dame Helen Reeves lappolnted 13 December 20211 Treasurer: Andrew Westbrook lappointed 13 December 20211 Trustees.. John Bartram lappoirbted 13 December 20211 Allan Griffin (appointed 13 December 20211 Sarah Mansfield (appointed 13 December 20211 Nicholas Patton lappolnted 13 December 20211 Nicola Peers {appoSnted 13 Dember 20211 John Schofield lappolnted 13 Decernber 20211 Howard Shields (appointed 13 December 20211 Diane Summers lappolnted 13 December 20211 Ana Sutherland lappointed 22 September 20221 David Walker lappointÈd 13 December 20211 Ellzabeth Wright lappolnted 13 December 2021} Pa8e 3

The Blackheath Socletv Trustees, Report (contlnued) Presldent.. Neil Rhind lappointed 13 December 20211 Secretary.. Sacha BFlght lappoSnted 27 October 20211 Vice-PrÈsident%= David Quarmby (appointed 13 December 20211 Tony Aldous (appointed 13 December 20211 Lord Stone of Blatkheath lappointed 13 De£ember 2021 Rlsk management The Trustees regularly review the malor rlsks to whlch the Soclety is exposeil. Wherè appropriate, systems or procedu¥e5 have be@n e5tabllshed to mitigate the risks thatthe5oclety faces. Internal control risks are mlnimised by the operation of PFocedures for the auihorisation of all transactions and project5, and through the use of B risk re8lSter thal is reviewed regularly by the Trustee5. Publlc Benefft The Trtfrstees confirm that they have referred to the guidance contained in the Charlty Commission's general guidance on public beneftt when reviewing the chafitls objectives and activities and in the planning of future activities. It is the judgement of the Trustees that actlvitie5 In pursuit of the above objectives fully meet the public benefit test, which they have kept in mind in planning programmes for the charlty. In deliveTing servltes nd In the appolntment of slaff, volunteeTS and t¥tsstees the charity operates a strict policy of no discrimination on any grounds. Flnanclal revlew The Societ¢s results on unrestricted funds, before 8alns or losses ot) investment assets, was a surplus of £3,37512021- £8521. This does not Include the £599,864 transferred to CIO from the Societv. The So£lety's annual income, mainly from membershlp fees and investment Sncome, covers routlne office and other overhèads. Expenditure on additional prolect5 ènd actlvities is generally fvnded by reserves or from donations and other sources. There was however an increase in total funds as h result of the gain on investments and recelpt of historical fund% relating to On Blackheath. The Society sèw an Sncrease in total funds of E13,26712021: £37,5511 for the year. Membership saw an increase to 889 households12021'. 8551. The membershlp fee remalns at £20 per annum for 2023 and has been unchanged since 2018. With the Covld-19 pandemic ongolng durlng much of the year, The Soclety conlinued much of its endeavours online to continue to provlde vlrtual 'Walk and talk5, to membèrs. All monles rece5ved to 5UPPOTt these projects and relevant e¥pendTrture is shown under our unrestricted funds In the accounts. Page 4

The Blackheath Socletv Tru5tees' Report Icontinued) The Equities Investment Fund for Chaflties Icharifundl Investments included withln flxed assets was held at 168,05512021; £177,968). The Charifund generated income for the year of £9,52512021.. £8,469). We contlnued to hold a property Investment asset, Ihe freehold of Tranquil Hall in Blackheath Village, which was revalued in 20221$ held at £410,000 in the accounts12021.' f390,00013nd Is rented to Heath House, a local Pieparatory School. The SocietWs total fun(Is were £644,730 at 31 December 202212021.. £631.4631 and we remain in a strong financial posilion. Investmentpollcy andobjectives The Trustees adopt a prudent policy and surplus funds are currently held in bank deposlt accounts, Invested In Charifund unils.The Charifund intome for the year was £9,525 representing a yield of 5.67%12021: 4.76%) on closing valuatlon of £168,055. Polltyon resetves The TrustÈes regularly revlew the SocSetVs requlrements for reserves in the IIEht of the main risks to the orBanlsation. The annual income of the Socletyls derSved from mernbers, subscriptions, donations, investment income and from the rental Income received on Tranqull Hall. The Trustees aim to ensure that annual running COSt5 Hre controlled carefully and are met from annual Income, and that budgets are set a¢cordln@Iy. In the case of special projects, external grants and donations are sought and rat5ed wherever possible, but always In conjunctlon with the use of the Socletvs own destgnated funds. The posslbility always exlstSthat a situation might arise where the Trustees would feel It right to incur signlficani professional and other costs to meet the oblects of the Society. For these reasons, it 15 considered vital to hold sufficient unrestricted financial reserve5 to be drawn on in periods of emergency and cash-flow difficulty to protect the Soclety from ihe risk of insolvency and from serious d15ruptlon to its work, and to enable It to mount any major campaign thought appropriate. The Trustees therefore ¢onsldÈr that the resee$ held are at an approprlate level at 31 December 2022. Page S

The Blackheath Socletv Trustees, Report (contlnued) Statement of Trustèes, Responslbllitle5 The Trustees are responsible for preparin8 the Trustees. ieport and the financlal statements in accordance with the United Kingdom ActountinE Standards Iunited Kingdom Generally Accepted Accounting Practice) and applicable law and regulation5. The law applicable to charities requlres the trustees to prepare financlal statements for each financial period which give 3 true and fairview of the state of affalrs of the charity and of the incomlng reSoUrS and appllcatlon of resouices of the charity for that period. In preparing these financial statements, the trustees are requlred to.. 5elert suStable accounting policies and then apply them consistentlv; observe the methods and principles in the Charities SORP; make judgements and estimate5 Ihat are reasonable and prudent; state whether applicable accountin8 Standards have been followed, sublect to any materi31 departures disclosed and explained In the financial 5tatements- and prepare ihe financtal statements on the 80ing concern basis unles5 It bs Inappropriate to presume that the charlty will continue In bDslness. The trustees are responslble for keeplng proper accounting records that di5c105e with reasonable accuracy at ny time the financial p051tion of the charlty and enable them to ensure that the financial statements comply with the Charities Act 2011. the Charitie5 IA¢counts and Reports) Regulations 2008, and the provisions of the constitution. The trustees are also responsible for safeguarding the assets of the charity and hence for taking reasonable steps for the preventlon and detection of fraud and other iTre8ularitles. Approved by the Trustees of the charity on 19 May 2023 and signed on its behalf by.. Fwdb Paul Watts Chalr and Trustee Page 6

The Blackheath Soclety Independent Examiner's Report to the Trustees of The Blackheath Soclety I reportto thecharlty Trustees on my èxamlnation of theaccounts of the charityfor the year ended 31 December 2022 which tomprise the Statement of Flnancial Activities. the Balance Sheet and related notes. This report is made solely to the charlws Trustee5, as a body, In accordance wlth section 145 of the Charities Act 2011. My work ha5 been undertaken so that I might state to the charitvs trustees those mattefs l am requlred to State to them In thls report and for no other purpose. To the fullest extent permitted by law, I do not accept or assume responslblllty to anyone other than the charity and the tharit¢s trustee5 as a body. for my work, for thls report, or for the oplnions I have formed. Respons5bllltles and basls of report As the charity Trustees of The Blackheath Soclety you are responslble for the preparatlon of the accounts In accordan with the requirements of the Charitles Art 20111'the ACVI. I report in respect of my examination of The Blackheath Society's accounts carried out under section 145 of the 2011 Act and in carrylnÉ out my examination I have followed all the applicable Directlons glven by the CharStv Commlsslon under 5ectlon 145lsllbl of the Att. An independent examination does not Involve gathering all the evidence that would be required In an audit and consequently doe5 not covèr 311 the matters that an auditor considers in Biving their opiniorb on the financial statements. The planning and conduct of an audit goes beyond the limited assurance that an Independent examination can provide. Consequenily l express no opinion as io whether the flnanclal statements pfesent a 'tsue and fairf vlew and my report Is limited to those specific matters set out in the Independent examinels statement. Independent examlnerfs statement Since The Blackheath Society 'S 8ross Income exceeded £250,000 your examlnèr must be a member of a body listed sectlon 145 of the 2011 Act. I confirm that l am qualified to undertake the examinatlon because l am a member of ICAEW, whl¢h Is one of the listed bodies. I have completed my examination. I confirm that no material mattels have come to my attention In connection with the examlnation giving me cause to belleve that in any material respect.. l. accounting records were not kept In respect of The Blackheath Society as requlred by Section 130 of ihe Act; or 2. the financial statement5 (Jo not accord with those records- or 3. the finaneial statemenls do not complywith the accountlng requlTements concernlngthe form and content of accounts set out the Charitie5 (Accounts and Reports) Regulations 2008 other than ar¢y ¥equlrÈment that the accounts give a 'true and fair vlew, whlch is not a rnatter considered a5 Part of an independent examination. I have no cortcems and have come across no other matters in connection with thè èxamination to which attention should be drawn in this report in order to enable a proper understandin8 of the accounts to be reached. Page 7

The Blackheath Soclety Independent Examiner'5 Report to the Trustee5 of The Blackheath Society (contlnued} Klrsty Nicholls FCCA Fleld Sullivan Chartered Accountants 9 Hare & Billet Road Blackheath London SE3 ORB Date.. 2815123 Page 8

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The Blackheath Society (Registration number". 1196292) Balance Sheet as at 31 December 2022 mparatlves from predecessor tharlty 2021 2022 Nrte FIMed assets Investments 13 578,05S 567,968 Current assets stocks Debtors Cash at bank and Fn hand 14 8,328 9,935 70,441 88,704 6.972 8.881 59,952 75,805 15 16 Cfedltors: Amounts falling due within one year 17 121,1121 111,3601 Net ¢urr¢nt assets 67,592 64,445 Total assets lèss current Uabllltles 625.647 632.413 Creditor5: Amounts falling due after more than one year 18 1917 19501 Net assets 644,730 631.463 Funds of the charlty: Resiri£ted income funds Restricied lunds 36,404 31,599 Unresirlrted Income funds Unrestricted funds 608,326 599.864 Total fund5 19 644,730 631.463 The financial statements on pages 9 to 21 werè approved by the Trustees and authorlsed for issue on 19 May 2023 and signed on their behalf by= Paul Watts Trustee Andrew Westbroo Trustee The note5 on pages 11 to 21 form an Integral part of these financial statemènts. Page 10

The Blackheath 5oclety Notes to the Flnancial Statements for the Period from 27 October 2021 to 31 December 2022 I Charlty status The CharSty Is domiciled in England and Wales. The address of Its registered olfice is- The Old Bakehoyse 11 Blackheath VSlla8e Blackheath The Charltable Incorporated Organisatlon ICIOI was Incorporated on 27 October 2021 wlth Charlty number 1196292 and tgok over the business of the Blackheath Society from I january 2022 and all comparatlves arè from the old Blackheath Soclety Charlty number 259843. 2 Accountlng poll¢les statement of compllance The financlal statements have been prepared in accordan with Accountlng and Reportlng by Charitles.. Statement of Recommended Practlce appllcable to charities preparln8 thelr actounts in accordance with the Flnancial Reporting siahdard applicable in the UK and Republic of Ireland IFRS 1021 leffectlve l January 20191- (Charities SORP IFRS 1021- Second edition Octobèr 20191, the Flnancl81 Reportlng Standard appllcable in the UK and RepublSc of Ireland IFRS 1021. They also comply wlth the Companies Act 2006 and Charltles Act 2011. Basls of preparatlon The Blackheaih Soclety meets the definition of a public benefft entlty undei FRS 102. The accounts lfinanclal statements) have been prepared under the hlstorlcal c05t Convention with Items recognlsed at cost or transactlon value unless otherwlse stated In the relevant notel51 to these accounts. Golng Concern The trustees conslder that there are no material uncertaintles about the charlty's ablllly to contlnue as a goin8 concern. Judgements and key sources of Èstlmatlon uncertalnty In the application of the charity's accounting policies, the trustees are requlred to makeJud8ement5. estlmate5 and assumptions about the tarrying amount of assets and liabilities that are not readlly apparent from other source5. The estimates and a550ciated assumptlon5 are based on historical experlence and other factors that are considered to be relevant. Actual results may dlffer from these estlmates. The estimates and underlying assumptions are revlewed on an ongoing basis. Revlsions to accountlng estimate5 are recognised in the perlods in which the estlmate is revised where revlsions affect only thal perlod, or In the peilod of the revi51on and f¢Jture periods where the revisions affects both current and future perlods. Income and endowments Voluntary income includlng donations, gifts, legacle5 and grants that provide core funding or are of a general nature Is recognised when the charity has entltlement to the income, It Is probable that the income will be received and the amovnt can be measured wlth sffICient rellabllltv. Page 11

The Blackheath Society Notes to the Financial Statements for the Period from 27 October 2021 to 31 December 2022 (contlnued) Donutlon5 ond legucles DonatlOll5 and legacles are recognised on a recelvable basls when receipt Is probable and thè amount can be reliably measured. Deferred income Deferred income represents amounts received for future periods and is released to incomin8 resources In the period for which, it has been received. Such income is only defe¥red when.. The donor 5pe¢ifies that the grant or donation must only be used in futUTe accounting period5; or The donoi has imposed conditions which must be met before the charity has uncorhdktional entitlement. Expendlture All expenditure is recognised once there is a legal or constructlve obllgation to that expenditure, it 15 probable settlement is required and the amount Can be measured rellably. All costs are allocated to the applicable expenditure headin8 that aggregate similar costs lo that category. Where c0515 cannot be directly attributed to particular heading5 Ihey have been allocated on a basis consistent with the use of re50urce5, Wlth central staff cost5 allocated on the basis of time spent, and depreclation charges allocated on the portlon of the asset'5 use. Other support costs are allocated based on the Spread of staff costs. Churituble ortlvlrfes Charitable expenditure comprlses thosè costs Trncurred by the charity in the delivery of its activities and service5 for Its beneficlaries. It includes both costs that can be allocated directly to such activitie5 and those costs of an Indlrect nature ne¢e$5ary to support them. Support costs Support Costs include central functions and have been allocated to activity cost cateBorles on a basis con51StÈnt with the use of resources. for example, allocatlng property costs by floor aieas, or per Caplta, staff Costs by the tlme spent and other costs by thelr usage. Governance w5ts These include the costs attributable to the charit$ compliance with constitutional and statutory requirements, Including audlt, strategic management and tTUStees' meetings and relmbuised expenses. Taxatlon The charity is considered to pass the tests set out Sn Paragraph I Sthedule 6 of the Finance Act 2010 and therefore it meets the deflnltlon of a charttablè company for UK corporation tax purp05es. Accordin8ly. the charity is potentlally exempt from t3xatlon in Te5pect of income or capltal gains received wlthin categorie5 covered by Chapter 3 Part 11 of the Corporation Tax Act 2010 orsection 256 of theTaxation of Chargeable Gains Act 1992, to the extent that such income OT 8ains are applied exclusively to charilable purposes. Oepreciation and amortlsatlon Depreciatlon is provided on tanglble fixed assets so as to wrlte off the cost or valuation, less any estlmated resSdual value, over their expected useful economic life a5 follows: PaEe 12

The Blackheath Soclety Notes to the Financial Statements for the Period from 27 Ortober 2021 to 31 December 20221continued) Investment propertles Investment property is carried at fair value, derived from the current maiket prices for comparable real estate determined annually by external valuers. Thevaluers use observable market prices, adjusted if necessaryfor anv diffeTence In the naiure, locatlon or condltlon of the speclflc asset. Changes in fair value are recognised in prgfit or Ios5. F5xed asset Investments Fixed a55el investments, other than PTogfamme related investments, arelncluded at marketV31ue at the balance sheet date. Realised gains and losses on investments are calculated as the difference belween Sales proceeds and thelr market value at the start of the period, or thelr subsequent cost. and are charged or CTedited to the Statement of Financial Activitie5 in the pèriod of disposal. Unreallsed galns and losses represent the movement Sn market values during the period and are credited or charged to the Statement of Financial Activltles based on the market value at the period end. Stock Stock Is valued at the lowèr of cost and estimated sellinÈ pricè less tosts to complete and sell, after due regard for obsolete and slow movlng stocks. Cost is determlned usingthe flrsi.in, first-out IFIFOI. Trade debtOTS Tiade debtors are amount5 due from customers for merchandise sold or seryice5 performed in the ordinary course of buslness. Trade debtOTs ale recognised initially at the Iran5action Pfice. They are subsequently measured at amortised cost Using the effective interest method, less provision for impairment. A provision for the impairment of trade debtors 15 established when there is objective evldence that the charity will not be able to collect all amounts due according to the original terms of the receivables. Cash and cash equlvalents Cash and cash equivalents comprise cash on hand and call dep051ts, arbd other 5hort-teTm highly liquid investments that are ieadily convertible to a known amount of cash and ale subject to an insignificant risk of change in value. Fund structure Unrestrlcted Income funds a¥e general funds that are avallable for use at the trustees dlsuetlon in furtherance of the objectives of the charlty. Restflcted Income funds are those donated for use In a partlcular area or for speclflc purposes, the use of whlch is re5trlcted to that area or purpose. Page 13

The Blackheath Society Notes to the Financlal Statements for the Period from 27 October 2021 to 31 Dernber 2022 (continuedl 3 Income from donations and legacies Comparative5 from predecessor Charltv 2021 Unrèstricted lund5 Restricted funds Totsl 2022 Donations and legacies= OnBlackheath 20,499 Donation5 30S 305 361 LB Lewi5ham 500 500 LBL Beacon 1,000 20,900 8.500 1,000 20.900 8.500 Christmas lights Balcombe Charltable Trust Gift Ald reclaSmed Annual subscrlptlons Life subscriptlOnS 4,673 12.788 411 12,218 348 12.218 12.871 30,900 43,771 38.732 4 Income from charltable activttie5 Comparatfve5 from predecessor Charity 2021 Unrestrfcted fund5 Total 2022 Event income 4,669 4.252 8.921 4.669 4,252 8.921 Sale of publications and cards 8,830 8.830 5 Investment Income Comparatlves from predetessor Charity 2021 UnTestricted funds Total 2022 Bank Interest and dividend5 9,525 30.000 39,525 9.525 30.000 39,525 8,469 20.000 28,469 Income from investtnent properties Page 14

The Blackheath Sotiety Notes to the Flnanclal Statements for the Period from 27 Ortober 2021 to 31 December 2022 (continued) 6 Other Sncome Comparatlves from predecessor Charity 2021 Unrestrlcted funds Restrlcted funds Totsl 2022 Transfer from predecessor charity Fee5 and supplie5 599,864 1,120 61)0,984 31,599 631,463 1,120 632,583 1,600 1.600 31,599 7 Expendlture on charltable actlvftle5 Comparatlves from predecessor Charity 2021 Total 2022 Event expenses Rubbish bins on the Heath 9,550 7,201 937 7.578 Christmas cards Christmas lights Rent and service charge Books Newslettèr and annual report Staff costs 570 20,401 9,723 1,066 2.690 24,047 14,542 707 10.753 4.526 2,240 22,876 11,830 Support Costs Total for perlod ended 31 December 2022 90,157 61.080 Page 15

The 8lackheath Socletv Notes to the Financial Statements for the Period from 27 October 2021 to 31 December 2022 qcontlnuedl 8 Analys5s of support costs Comparatlves from predetessor Charity 2021 Total 2022 Staff tralnlng Insurance 320 297 385 Office expenses Bank charges Othei charges Computer 50ftware and maintenance Pilnting, postage and telephone Sundrie5 Cost of trustee meetings Independent examlnation Bookkeeping Legal and professional 774 92 42 3,000 ¥125 567 2,907 817 612 300 2,298 2,050 3,997 14,542 2,088 2,313 2,388 11,830 9 Trustees remuneration and eMpen5e5 Mo trustees, nor any persons connected wlth them, have recelved any remuneration from the charity duringthe year. 10 Staff costs The aggregate payroll costs were as follows= Comparatl¥es flom prede$50 Charlty 2021 Total 2022 Stsff costs during the period were: Wages and salaries Penslon costs 20,633 3,414 24.047 19.562 3,314 22.876 No employee received emoluments of more than £60,000 during the period. Page 16

The Blackheath Soclety Notes to the Financial Statements for the Perlod from 27 October 2021 to 31 Dember 2022 (continued) 11 Taxation The charity Is a regiSted charlty and is therefore exempt from taxatlon. 12 Tanglble flxed assets Furniture and equipment Total Cost Transfer from predece550r trust Dlsposals 3,283 11,2001 3,283 11,2001 At 31 December 2022 2,083 Depretiatlon Transfer from predecessor triist ElimÈnated on dlsposals 3.283 1,2001 3.283 11,2001 At 31 December 2022 2,083 2,083 Net bookvalue At 31 December 2022 omparativesfrom predesSor Charlty 2021 13 fixed asset Investments Comparatives from predeCeOr Charity 2021 2022 Investment properties Other Investments 410,000 168,055 578,055 390,000 177,968 567,968 Page 17

The Blackheath Soclety Notes to the Flnanclal Statements for the Period from 27 October 2021 to 31 December 2022 (continued) Investmènt propertles Investment propertles Cost orvaluatlon At 27 October 2021 Transfer from predeces50r charity Revaluation 390,000 20,000 At 31 December 2022 410,000 Provlslon At 31 December 2022 Net book value At 31 December 2022 410,000 mpaiatlves from predecessor Charlty 2021 390,00 The freehold property, Tianquil Hall, wa5 bequeathed to the Society in 1975 and is held as investmerkt property. The original value of the property on acqui51tion was £12,500. The property was revalued by Baxter Philip5 on 31 December 2022 at £410,000 as market value, and agreed on as a suitable valuation at 31 December 2022 bv the trustees. Other Investments Unllsted Investments Total Cost or Valuatlon At 27 October 2021 Transfer from predece$50r charlty Revaluation 177,968 19,9131 177,968 19,9131 At 31 December 2022 168,055 168,055 Net book value At 31 Decembei 2022 168,055 168,055 mparatlves from pdece$SOr Charlty 2021 J77.968 177,96 Other investments ar 31 December 2022 comprlse 11,436 units12021: 11,4361 of M&G Investments Charlfund units. PaEe 18

The Blackheath Society Note5 to the Financial Statements for the Perlod from 27 October 2021 to 31 December 2022 (continued) 14 Stock cOmpar1Ve$ from rede¢essoT Charity 2021 2022 Stocks 8,328 6,972 15 Debtors Comparatlves from predecessor Charlty 2021 2022 Prepayments Other debtors 97 9,838 9.935 8,881 8,881 16 Cash and cash equlvalents Comparat*ves from redecessor CharSty 2021 2022 Cash at bank 70,441 59,952 17 CTrdltors: amounts falling due wfthln one year Comparative5 from predecessor Charity 2021 2022 other creditors 7.500 4,038 9,574 21.112 Atcrua15 4,271 7,089 11.360 Deferred income 18 Credltors: amounts falllng due after one year Comparative3from predefe550r Charity 2021 2022 Deferred tn¢ome 917 950 Page 19

The Blatkheath Society Notes to the Flnandal Statements for the Perlod from 27 Ortober 2021 to 31 Decernber 2022 {contlnued) 19 Funds Transfers from predecessor Charltv Other Resour5 recoEnised expended Ealnslllossesl Balance at 31 December 2022 Incomlng resource5 Transfers Unrestrkted funds General Funds 599,864 62,437 159,0621 10,087 15,0001 608,326 Restrlcted fund5 OnBlackheath Chrlstmas Lights Platlnum Jubllee 8eacon Event 31,599 19,1941 120,4011 22.405 5,499 20,900 5,000 1,000 500 11.0001 15001 Kite day Talbot Place 8,500 30,900 8,500 36,404 31,599 131,0951 5,000 Totsl funds 631,463 93,337 190,1571 10,087 644,730 omparatlves from rede$SOr Charlty 21 Incomlng Yesources Res0rceS empended other reco8nlsed Balance at 31 galnslllossesl December 2021 Balance al I January2021 £ nrestrfttedfvnd5 eneral Funds 578,012 57,132 156,2801 21,000 599,864 eslri¢ted funds nBl3ckheath 15,900 20.499 14,8001 31,599 otsl fvnds 593,912 77,631 161,0801 21,000 631,463 The speclfic purposès for whlch the funds are to be applled are as follows.. OnBlackheath these amounts represent monles received from the On Blackheath muslt festiva15 in 2018 and earlierto be used on comrnunity project5 on the heath thal have been proposed by the Blackheathjoint Working Party. Christmas Llehts- to arrange'8lackheath Xmas Ilghts, for the village. Talbot Place- to be vsed for the Talbot Place play area. Page 20

The Blackheath Soclety Notes to the Flnanclal Statements for the Perfod from 27 Ottober 2021 to 31 December 2022 (continued) Note 19 {ContIned1... A total of £631,463 was transferred from the Society when they turned from an unincorporated charity to a CIO, to cover the funds that were held at 31st December 2021. A total of £5,10 was transferred from unrestricted funds to restdcted funds- Chri5tma5 Lights as the Sodety agreed to Contribute £5,000. 20 Analysls of net assets between funds Unrestrlcted funds Total funds at 31 Decembèr 2022 Restrlcted funds Flxed asset investments 578,055 52.300 121,1121 1917 578.055 88,704 121,1121 19171 Current assets 36,404 Current liabilitie5 Creditors over l yea¥ Total net assets 608,326 36,404 644,730 ompar•lvesltom predecessor Ch8rlty 2021 Unrestrlcted funds Total funds at ai December 2021 Re51rlrted funds IKed asset investments 567.968 44,206 {11,3601 19501 567,968 75,805 111,360 1950 rrent assets 31,599 urrent liabilitles reditors over I year otal net JSset5 599,864 15.900 631,463 PaBe 21

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