Trustees’ Annual Report for the period
From 1st April 2024 To 31st March 2025
Charity name: YORK RAILWAY BOWLS & SOCIAL CLUB
Charity registration number: 1196809
Objectives and Activities
| Summary of the purposes of the charity as set out in its governing document |
To promote community participation in healthy recreation for the benefit of the inhabitants of York and the surrounding area by the provision of facilities for the playing of the amateur sport of outdoor bowls. To promote for the benefit of the community of York and the surrounding area, the provision of the facilities for recreation or other leisure time occupation of individuals who have need of such facilities by reason of their age, youth, disabilities, financial hardship or social and economic circumstances, or for the public at large in the interests of social welfare and with the object of improving the condition of life of the said inhabitants. |
| Summary of the main activities in relation to those purposes for the public benefit, in particular, the activities, projects or services identified in the accounts. |
The Club operates and maintains a 6 rink bowling green, clubhouse, associated grounds and car parking for the benefit of its members, the wider bowling community (including visiting Clubs, Bowls England and Yorkshire competitions) and the local community at large. The Club has also advertised and provided coaching sessions for those interested in knowing more about bowling. The Club promotes its non-bowling facilities in order to maximise its income base to improve its financial security. Local businesses and community groups are encouraged to use the facilities for meetings/training sessions and experience the sport of outdoor bowling if they wish. |
| Statement confirming whether the trustees have had regard to the guidance issued by the Charity Commission on public benefit |
All Trustees have received, read and accepted the Charity Commission guidance related to public benefit and the role/responsibilities of trustees. |
Additional information (optional)
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You may choose to include further statements where relevant about:
| You may choose to include | further statements where relevant about: |
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| Policy on grant making | Opportunities for grant funding to support improvements to the club facilities are explored on a continuous basis. |
| Policy on social investment including program related investment |
N/A |
| Contribution made by volunteers |
The Club is managed entirely by volunteers. It could not function without this key group of people who devote a lot of their time to the maintenance and operation of the Green and Club facilities; and to the provision of social events and catering services. The Club is extremely grateful for their continued support. |
| Other | N/A |
Achievements and Performance
| Summary of the main achievements of the charity, identifying the difference the charity’s work has made to the circumstances of its beneficiaries and any wider benefits to society as a whole. |
BOWLS ACTIVITIES The Green was available for bowling activities from mid-April to mid-September 2024; in total 146 days. Either side of this period the green is required to "rest" and be prepared for the following season. The Club facilities are, however, available for use throughout the year. During this period the green was in use on 122 days (83%). Activities during this period included: - members practicing, league games and informal matches - competitions and friendlies with other clubs - hosting national competitions In support of the club's community objectives the green was also made available/hired out for local groups including schools and for coaching and taster sessions. Members were encouraged to record use of the green in the rink book, and this shows that with casual roll-ups and other organised events, the green was used for about 24% of the available time. (This is almost identical to 2022 and 2023 seasons). There were 24 days when no use was recorded. |
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Examples of the extensive and varied usage of the Club's Green are given below: As well as use by members, the green was used to host friendlies, Bowls England national, Yorkshire Bowling Association and local leagues competitions. In addition, the green was hired by outside organisations on 4 occasions, and we ran our annual Open Triples competition, attracting 24 entries. The green was made available to local schools (OLQM, Poppleton Road) and a local organisation helping youngsters who struggle in mainstream education and provide activities for such youngsters. (Ad Astra). We hosted the Visually Impaired Bowls England National Triples Competition; held over 3 days.The feedback from VIBE was very positive: “Firstly, I wish to say a very big thank you to all the members and committee members of YRBSC, for the warm welcome and the encouragement which VIBE received when I initially approached them to ask if they would host our Outdoor Triples. The Club gave VIBE the use of green and facilities, bar and Clubhouse. They catered to all of our requests, breakfast and lunch, not to forget the bar facility everyday after the end of play”. “Thank you also for allowing us to use your Club on 12[th] August in order that we can run our trials in preparation of our selection process for attendance in the World Visually Impaired Championships in Auckland, New Zealand in 2026” We made the green available for an afternoon for the Bowls England Big Bowls Weekend. Coaching/taster sessions were also run for non-members on most Saturdays mornings and other times. Our facilities were appreciated by many of our visitors, with comments such as: “Thank you so much for a great day - it was incredibly enjoyable for everyone and the other group already can't wait to join in July”. “We all really enjoyed our time at your club, and thank you so much for all your help and all you did to make our time with your members so happy”. Internally most of the Club's sections held competitions, and there was also a joint club singles competition. As a club we played in Bowls England competitions, i.e. Men’s Top Club, Men’s Double Fours and Tony Allcock Trophy (mixed double fours) but did not reach the final stages A four from our club won the Ladies YBA (Yorkshire Bowling Association) Fours title and our ladies team won the Ann
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Wilkinson Trophy. A Triple from our Club won the Men’s YBA Triples title. Several men from the Club were regular members of the Yorkshire squad featuring in the Middleton Cup, Alsop Trophy and Balcomb Trophy teams. Ease of booking a slot to play bowls is key to encouraging club members to maximise use of the Green and also the local community to take up the sport. These days people expect to be able to book tickets etc. online, but YRBSC has not had this facility, requiring people to visit the Club to make a Rink booking. To address this problem, over the winter of 2024-25 we explored the possibility of purchasing an online rink booking system and identified a Rink Diary system for implementation by the start of the 2025-26 season. An open meeting with Club members took place in March 2025 to explain the new booking system followed by detailed email guidance notes covering the range of booking requirements from individual members to County and National competitions. Acknowledging that some Club members lack ICT hardware or a smart phone, we purchased a computer for the clubhouse for members to access the system. Work took place during the winter period using professional land surveying equipment to measure the green to create the largest possible rectangle in each direction and from that created 6 equal sized rinks. We have been using a new grass seed since the start of 2024. This is much better than that used previously and we are now seeing the benefit in the turf pile and the resilience of the green. OTHER CLUB ACTIVITIES In addition to the use of the building by people who have been bowling, the club has hosted business, community and social events. Many of the activities make use of the bar and in-house catering offer to enhance the experience. Details of events and comments received are recorded and used in the annual review process to refine the Club Plan for the coming year. Usage of the Club House for non-bowling activities has been similar to the previous year for community and social events. However, the number of business events is down by one third primarily due to a lack of tutors for marine training events. We continue to explore opportunities to develop additional uses of the clubhouse to provide benefits for the local community and businesses and to generate income to support the financial viability of the club.
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| We hold community events including quizzes every month, social evenings, bingo every week, York Speakers Club and dominoes which were not only for club members but also for the the local community. Notable social evenings included a New Years Eve party, pre bowling season social with singer Nigel Heap and Geoff Walker with the local theatre company with Songs from the Shows. The Club is used by local businesses and community groups to hold their events, training sessions and meetings. These events include: Weightwatchers, Fleetways (first aid courses), Streamline Taxis, the Holgate Allotment Association. the York Cruiser Training Centre and Benenden Health. The St. Andrews Society, the Inner Wheel and the Rotary Club use the Club at least twice a year for their social evenings at which pie, peas and mash and a dessert is served. We have hosted 5 funeral wakes, 2 birthday parties, 2 wedding anniversaries and a wedding reception this year. In March we hosted 70 men from the Cheltenham Horse Racing group to pie and peas for their pre racing meet. None of these events would be possible without the Club members who volunteer to help. Comments received from such events include: “Just a quick message to say thank you so much. My friends and I had a great time, I appreciated your help with the bluetooth speaker” “Thank you for your help in celebrating our anniversary. Everyone had an enjoyable evening and the buffet was excellent” “Lovely place and friendly staff” The York Speakers Club (affiliated to the Association of Speakers Clubs) has met fortnightly over the period September 2024 - March 2025. The Speakers Club gives members the chance to practice their public speaking. Members realise new skills and, as their ability improves, so does their confidence. Members receive constructive advice to help them develop as a public speaker. As highlighted in the Bowls Activities section, we welcomed the Vision Impaired Bowlers for three days in August and provided bacon butties every morning and a buffet lunch every day. The Club's Open Triples Committee agreed to donate £150 and the proceeds of the Spider to VIBE. |
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Additional information (optional)
You may choose to include further statements where relevant about:
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| Achievements against objectives set |
Specific actions to address the Club's Objectives are defined and monitored through the Club Plan which is reviewed and refined annually in consultation with Members, the Management team and the Trustees. Key achievements in 2025-26 are summarised below: i)Reducing Energy costs More efficient use of the bar cellar equipment and new heating boiler fitted. Ongoing monitoring and consideration of measures to reduce energy costs. ii)Improved Accessibility(to the Club and its facilities) Based on a detailed Accessibility Review carried out by consultants in 2022, a key element relating to access to the Club House was developed. This encompassed a new ramp access with DDA compliant keyless main door entry system and integrated upgrade to the alarm and CCTV links. A funding package totalling £15k was prepared, and in January 2025 50% grant funding was secured from Sport England subject to the balance being met from community support via Crowdfunding. Work continued into 2025-26 to.this aim. iii) Improved Site Safety Ongoing maintenance improvements to pathways to reduce potential trip hazards iv) Increase Bowling Club membership Ongoing development of links with schools and other groups to increase awareness of the Club's facilities. Development of plans for online booking of Green Rinks to make access to our facilities easier. Introduction of "walk-up" Social Bowling on Friday evenings. v) Raise the profile of the Club Ongoing promotion of coming events via notice board and links on social media including a local press article in July 2024 detailing the work of the Club and including an invitation for new members. vi)Explore and seek grant funding opportunities Successful part funding from Sport England for 'Accessibility Phase 1' scheme and ongoing work on achieving match community crowdfunding. vii) Increased use of Technology for better efficiency and service. Broadband/wifi installed. Plans for improved integration of cctv, intruder and fire alarm systems incorporated in 'Accessibility Phase 1' scheme. viii) Modernise the Clubhouse and security Incorporated within 'Accessibility Phase 1' scheme |
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| Performance of fundraising activities against objectives set |
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| The 100 Club for members continues to help to raise funds to improve Club facilities. Successful Sport England Grant funding towards 'Accessibility Phase 1' scheme |
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| Investment performance against objectives |
N/A |
| Other |
Financial Review
| Review of the charity’s financial position at the end of the period |
The Club accounts for 2024/5 show a small gain of just under £3500. This is despite unexpected expenditure on buildings revaluation and replacement of a liner for the external green water tank, amounting to some £2k. The Club remains in a reasonably healthy position. A significant proportion of the Club’s financial assets is being held as reserves (see below). |
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| Statement explaining the policy for holding reserves stating why they are held |
The Club requires a level of free reserves to safeguard the charitable activities of the Club and protect options for its future development. For example, the reserves are needed to: · Develop (improve/repair/maintain/replace) our premises and equipment in line with changing needs of the membership and organisations to which the Club is affiliated. · Ensure that delays in the receipt of or achieving expected income do not interrupt our day-to-day charitable activities or cause serious financial difficulty to the Club. · Survive unexpected and on-off events that may arise from internal or external causes and have financial implications not covered by insurance. · Survive significant increases in the cost of utilities that may have a major impact on the budget. The Trustees and Management Committee of the York Railway Bowls & Social Club have kept the level of free reserves at £30,000. This policy will be reviewed annually as part of the preparation of the operational budget for the following financial year. |
| Amount of reserves held | £30,000 |
| Reasons for holding zero reserves |
N/A |
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| Details of fund materially in deficit |
N/A |
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| Explanation of any uncertainties about the charity continuing as a going concern |
N/A |
| Additional information (optional) You may choose to include further statements where relevant about: |
Additional information (optional) You may choose to include further statements where relevant about: |
|---|---|
| The charity’s principal sources of funds (including any fundraising) |
Member subscriptions, bar takings, Club house hire and fundraising through bowling and social events |
| Investment policy and objectives including any social investment policy adopted |
£20,000 held in a deposit account £10,000 was put into an Instant Access account from July 2024 |
| A description of the principal risks facing the charity |
Increase in utility charges Deterioration of buildings Membership demographics Membership support for non-bowling activities Lack of volunteers |
| Other | N/A |
Structure, Governance and Management
| Description of charity’s trusts: |
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| Type of governing document |
Written Constitution based on the Charity Commission template. Updated & Approved 29/10/2023 |
| How is the charity constituted? |
Charitable Incorporated Organisation |
| Trustee selection methods including details of any constitutional provisions e.g. election to post or name of any person or body entitled to appoint one or moretrustees |
Elected by Club members but Trustees can appoint additional members as long as they are ratified by members within 3 months. |
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Additional information (optional)
You may choose to include further statements where relevant about:
| Policies and procedures adopted for the induction and training of trustees |
N/A |
|---|---|
| The charity’s organisational structure and any wider network with which the charity works |
The Trustees have devolved day to day responsibility for the running of the Club to a Management Committee comprising: Chair, Treasurer, Bowling Manager, Admin Secretary, Premises Manager and Social Events/Bar Manager. |
| Relationship with any related parties |
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| Other | The success of the Charity is due solely to the tireless work of a small group of volunteers. |
Reference and Administrative details
| Charity name | York Railway Bowls & Social Club |
|---|---|
| Other name the charity uses |
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| Registered charity number | 1196809 |
| Charity’s principal address | Ashton Lane York Y024 4HX |
Names of the charity trustees who manage the charity
| Trustee name | Office (if any) | Dates acted if not for whole year |
Name of person (or body) entitled to appoint trustee (ifany) |
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| 1 | Malcolm Britton | Chair | ||
| 2 | Lyn Britton | |||
| 3 | June Ogden | |||
| 4 | Michael O'Donnell | |||
| 5 | Paul Bunnelll | |||
| 6 | Kalum Taylor |
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Other optional information
Declarations
The Trustees declare that they have approved the Trustees’ report above
| Signature(s) | K TAYLOR |
M O’DONNELL |
|---|---|---|
| Full name(s) | KALLUM TAYLOR | MICHAEL O’DONNELL |
| Position | TRUSTEE | TRUSTEE |
| Date | 26/10/2025 | 26/10/2025 |
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York Railway Bowls & Social Club
1196809
Receipts and payments accounts
CC16a
| For the period from |
01.04.2024 | To | 31.03.2025 |
|---|---|---|---|
Section A Receipts and payments
| A1 Receipts | Unrestricted funds to the nearest £ |
Unrestricted funds to the nearest £ |
Restricted funds to the nearest £ |
Restricted funds to the nearest £ |
Endowment funds to the nearest £ |
Endowment funds to the nearest £ |
Total funds to the nearest £ |
Total funds to the nearest £ |
Last year to the nearest £ |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
Bar |
24,228 | - | - | 24,228 | 22,375 | ||||
| Catering | 6,311 | - | - | 6,311 | 6,608 | ||||
| Subscriptions | 8,194 | - | - | 8,194 | 8,117 | ||||
| Room Hire | 2,830 | - | - | 2,830 | 3,620 | ||||
| Donations | 1,789 | - | - | 1,789 | 1,682 | ||||
| Fundraising | 1,859 | - | - | 1,859 | 2,065 | ||||
| Green Fees | 747 | - | - | 747 | 715 | ||||
| Competition entryfees | - | - | 465 | ||||||
| Players Kit/Workwear | 401 | - | - | 401 | 413 | ||||
| Miscellaneous Income | 1,931 | - | - | 1,931 | 189 | ||||
| Restrictedgrants | - | 1,870 | - | 1,870 | - | ||||
| Sub total(Gross income for AR) | 48,290 | 1,870 | - | 50,160 | 46,248 | ||||
| A2 Asset and investment sales, (see table). |
|||||||||
| - | |||||||||
| - | - | ||||||||
| Sub total | - | - | |||||||
| Total receipts A3 Payments |
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| 46,248 | |||||||||
Bar |
13,575 | 12,515 | |||||||
| Catering | 3,344 | 3,505 | |||||||
| Subscriptions | 414 | 14 | |||||||
| Fundraising | 429 | 650 | |||||||
| Water & Refuse Collection | 798 | 1,042 | |||||||
| Utilities | 6,449 | 5,276 | |||||||
| Independent Examiner's Fee | 600 | 600 | |||||||
| Insurance & Licences | 3,196 | 2,359 | |||||||
| Telephone & IT | 1,204 | 1,378 | |||||||
| Security& Fire Alarm | 459 | 1,064 | |||||||
| Ground Costs & Maintenance | 6,862 | 7,417 | |||||||
| BuildingRepairs & Maintenance | 2,120 | 4,659 | |||||||
| MachineryPurchases | 405 | 260 | |||||||
| Players Kit & Workwear | 30 | 628 | |||||||
| Affiliation EntryFees etc. | 3,101 | 3,806 | |||||||
| Postage & Carriage | 5 | - | |||||||
| Printing& Stationery | 498 | 220 | |||||||
| Professional Fees | 507 | 1,226 | |||||||
| Miscellaneous Expenses | 893 | 756 | |||||||
| Restrictedgrants | 1,788 | ||||||||
| **Sub total ** | |||||||||
| 49,164 | |||||||||
| A4 Asset and investment purchases, (see table) |
|||||||||
| - | |||||||||
| - | |||||||||
| **Sub total ** | - | - | |||||||
| Total payments Net of receipts/(payments) A5 Transfers between funds A6 Cash funds last year end Cash funds this year end |
|||||||||
| 49,164 | |||||||||
| 3,403 | - 2,916 | ||||||||
| - | - | ||||||||
| 51,094 | 54,022 | ||||||||
| 54,497 | 51,106 |
CCXX R1 accounts (SS) 1 13/12/2025
Section B Statement of assets and liabilities at the end of the period
| CCXX R2 accounts (SS) Categories Signed by one or two trustees on behalf of all the trustees B1 Cash funds B2 Other monetary assets B4 Assets retained for the charity’s own use B5 Liabilities B3 Investment assets |
~~2~~ Cash Signature MichaelO'Donnell YRBSC Lloyds (Treasurers + Deposit) Bar Purchases Water Green Plant & Machinery Telephone Utilities Details Details Bar Plant & Machinery Kitchen Plant & Machinery Indoor Fixtures & Fittings Outdoor Fixtures & Fittings Bowls Equipment Lloyds Instant Access Account Sections Bank Accounts Sections Cash Details Details Total cash funds (agree balances with receipts and payments account(s)) Details |
Unrestricted funds Restricted funds to nearest £ to nearest £ 10,069 34,679 108 300 8,894 555 54,497 108 OK OK Unrestricted funds Restricted funds to nearest £ to nearest £ - - - - - - - - - - - Fund to which asset belongs Cost (optional) - - - - - Fund to which asset belongs Cost (optional) Unrestricted - Unrestricted - Unrestricted - Unrestricted - Unrestricted - Unrestricted - - - - Fund to which liability relates Amount due (optional) Unrestricted - Unrestricted - Unrestricted - Unrestricted - - Print Name MR MICHAELO'DONNELL |
Endowment funds to nearest £ |
|---|---|---|---|
| - | |||
| - | |||
| - | |||
| - | |||
| - | |||
| - | |||
| OK | |||
| Endowment funds to nearest £ |
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| - | |||
| - | |||
| - | |||
| - | |||
| - | |||
| - | |||
| Current value (optional) |
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| - | |||
| - | |||
| - | |||
| - | |||
| - | |||
| Current value (optional) |
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| - | |||
| - | |||
| - | |||
| - | |||
| - | |||
| - | |||
| - | |||
| - | |||
| - | |||
| When due (optional) |
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| Date of approval | |||
| MichaelO'Donnell | MR MICHAELO'DONNELL | 26/10/2025 | |
| ~~2~~ | ~~13/12/2025~~ |
CCXX R2 accounts (SS)
YORK RAILWAY BOWLS & SOCIAL CLUB INDEPENDENT EXAMINER'S REPORT TO THE TRUSTEES OF YORK RAILWAY BOWLS & SOCIAL CLUB I report to the trustees on my examination of the accounts of York Railway Bowls & social Club Ithe charity) for the year ended 31st March 2025 whlch are set out on pages I to 2. Responsibilities and basis of report As the charity trustees of the charity you are responsible for the preparation of the accounts in accordance with the requirements of the Charities Act 20111'The Act'l. I report in respect of my examination of the Trustee's accounts carried QLEt under section 145 of the 2011 Act and in carryin8 Out my examination I have followed all the applicable Dirertions given by the charlty Commissioner under section 14515llbl of the 2011 Act. Independent examlner's ststement 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 respett.. 111 accounting records were not kept in respect of the Trust as required by section 130 of the Act,. or 121 the accounts do not accord with those records: or have no concerns and have come atr05s no other matters In connertion with the examination to which attention should be drawn in thls report in order to enable a proper understanding of the accounts to be reached. Nige erard BA FCA Hunt Gee Holroyd Club Chambers Museum Street York YOI 7DN 17th November 2025