Charity number: 1197847
Unaudited
Trustees' report and financial statements
For the Year Ended 31 December 2024
The Monday Group
Contents
| Page | |
|---|---|
| Reference and administrative details of the charity, its trustees and advisers | 1 |
| Trustees' report | 2 - 5 |
| Independent examiner's report | 6 |
| Statement of financial activities | 7 |
| Balance sheet | 8 |
| Notes to the financial statements | 9 - 14 |
The Monday Group
Reference and administrative details of the charity, its trustees and advisers for the year ended 31 December 2024.
Trustees
Stephen Brewis, Chair Brian Davies, Ian Lambert Steve Marshall
Charity registered number
1197847
Principal office
33 Church Mead, Hassocks, BN6 8BW
Bankers
Lloyds Bank, 36-38 Burgess Hill, West Sussex, RH15 9AH
Page 1
The Monday Group
Trustees' report For the year ended 31 December 2024
The Trustees present their annual report together with the financial statements of the charity for the year ended 31 December 2024.
Objectives and Activities
a. Policies and objectives
The preservation, maintenance and protection of public rights of way and other access routes in the countryside centred on Ditchling, for the benefit of the local community and visitors to the area in order to facilitate and encourage their use by all.
b. Activities for achieving objectives
Through the volunteers’ undertaking activities including, but not restricted to, the clearance of overgrowth, the maintenance of path surfaces, the manufacture, assembly, installation and repair of suitable furniture such as stiles, gates, walkways and way-markers, as requested by the landowner, and the provision of occasional seating etc.
Achievements and performance
a. Review of activities
2024 has proved to be another successful year for the Group in which we have been very active in meeting our purpose to maintain and improve the Public Rights of Way in our area, which is gradually expanding, East and West, subject to our own capacities. This is confirmed by the very active support received from the general public by way of reporting problems, plaudits for work done, and, of course, donations made. A more active policy to engage with other organisations is widening our perspectives and good coverage in local publications maintains our profile with the community.
The Kings Award for Voluntary Services. (KAVS), awarded last year (2023), was presented to the Group at the 2024 AGM by the Lord- Lieutenant of East Sussex, Mr Andrew Blackman CStJ. The Group’s purpose has always been to preserve, maintain and protect Public Rights of Way, and other access routes in the countryside, for the benefit of walkers from the local community and visitors to the area, in order to facilitate and encourage their use by all. Members undertake a wide range of activities including the clearance of undergrowth, the maintenance and improvement of path surfaces, the making, installing and repairing of footpath “furniture” such as stiles, gates, and seating. Way-markers are also supplied and maintained to advertise the routes of the paths.
The initiative to facilitate access to the countryside for less mobile walkers whilst retaining control of stock, (consistent with the policies of most outdoor organisations, including the National Trust and the South Downs National Park Authority), by replacing stiles with gates (or gaps) continues. Paths suitable for the end-to-end removal of stiles, are being identified and several have been accomplished. Gates typically require significantly more maintenance than stiles during their life, so the regular surveying activities across the area incorporate inspections. The Group has maintained its “Teams” structure working in a core area centred on Ditchling and expanding into nearby areas of East, Mid and West Sussex.
The Clearance team, with its sub-group, continues to take on tasks, large or small, across the core area. At times the undergrowth seems to turn into overgrowth so they are active all year round. They also work regularly with the Turner Dumbrell Trust in keeping the local landmark of Lodge Hill clear and accessible.
The Gates team, working on both Mondays and Tuesdays at the St George’s workshop, continue to make good use of the facilities there. The research and experimentation in gate manufacture over the last couple of years enables the Group to offer a reliable and cost-effective design that retains the visual appeal of our traditional oak stiles. With changing requirements in the countryside, the installation of gates on footpaths is rapidly approaching the demand for our more traditional stiles.
A total of 302 jobs were completed in 2024, only a marginal increase on the previous year’s total of 291. The increased capacity of the Clearance Teams continues to be effective with a nearly 20% increase in their activity but our traditional work in installing stiles has dropped markedly. This may reflect a change in the perceived need for them and a trend towards more open access since the programme of gate replacement continues to expand.
The installation of boardwalks along badly damaged and waterlogged sections of footpaths has also expanded.
Page 2
The Monday Group
Trustees' report For the year ended 31 December 2024
They have been found to be an effective solution in many places as, compared to dumping large quantities of MOT, they don’t interfere with the natural flow of the water causing the problem and are within our logistical capabilities to transport to remote locations. The Group continues to find its work concentrated in the “core” parishes where our name is better known but we continue to address problems that have been reported through our website and through active surveying of the wider area.
About 75% of the Central Team work is repairs to stiles, signposts, (ours and landowners) steps etc. and the rest is new stiles (very few), boardwalks and surfacing work, steps and handrails etc. In our search for sites to replace stiles, we have concentrated so far on trying to make whole paths around Ditchling stile free. Also making paths radiating out from Devils Dyke car park stile free.
The major clearance work is split across two teams: East and West and the Clearance group also have a small Survey Team who provide detailed reports through a scheduled calendar of walking the local paths. They identify work required on both clearance and maintenance of structures. During each year, work is undertaken by the Clearance teams to clear many miles of overgrowth, enabling easy access to the countryside for people to enjoy and to encourage healthy lifestyles.
For the East team, 2024 was the year of the gate. 11 out of the 54 jobs completed in the year were gate repairs or installations.
The Monday Group West team continues to operate with a small group of workers out of Hurstpierpoint and had a successful but fairly quiet year focussing largely on the build, installation and repair of walkers’ seats and benches which has become one of their trademarks. They also built and installed a causeway and undertook clearance as well as a number of other jobs around Hassocks and Hurstpierpoint which keep the environment looking smart.
Active Membership in 2024 has decreased slightly to 50 workers (2023 was 52). The ‘waiting list’ of potential new members continue to receive regular additions through the web site and at the end of 2024 stood at 24 (17 in 2023).
The Group has worked on the web site at www.mondaygroup.org to ensure that it is constantly updated to keep it current, including a list of major recent work, photographs of work done, and a map which now shows every completed job in the year.
The appreciation of the work done by the Group is often recognised by the general public:
“I'm out walking my dogs daily and have come across several examples of your group's excellent work that makes such a positive impact - especially in these muddy times! I just want to praise the quality of the work and thank you so much for this highly valuable contribution to local communities keeping pathways/stiles maintained and useable.”
“I would like to thank your group for removing a very dangerous, wobbly stile on a footpath into a field adjacent to Frogshole, Banks Road, North Chailey. The new kissing gate that has been constructed is a vast improvement on the wobbly stile which was really an accident waiting to happen. “.
“I run, walk and ride the downs around Lewes and spot your work on stiles etc. The work you all do is invaluable! I don't feel alive unless I have been on the Downs twice in a day. Thank you for everything you all do. When I retire, I will be heading your way.”
Financial review
a. Going concern
After making appropriate enquiries, the Trustees have a reasonable expectation that the charity has adequate resources to continue in operational existence for the foreseeable future. For this reason, they continue to adopt the going concern basis in preparing the financial statements. Further details regarding the adoption of the going concern basis can be found in the below financial review and the accounting policies in the accounts.
b. Financial review
The charity ended the period returning an overall surplus of £6,556 (2023: £3,301).
Page 3
The Monday Group
Trustees' report For the year ended 31 December 2024
The public, local organisations and Parish Councils have continued to contribute generously to the charity to help provide and maintain the public rights of way and enjoy the pleasure in walking the countryside.
The charity ended the financial year in a sound financial position.
c. Reserves policy
The Trustees wish to build sufficient resilience into the charity’s finances to allow for unforeseen expenditure or shortfalls in income on an ongoing basis.
Having considered the current reserves position and projected risks the Trustees consider that it would be prudent to maintain a minimum unrestricted reserve of at least £25,000 to meet such eventualities. This figure is reviewed annually.
Structure, governance and management
a. Constitution
The charity was incorporated on 8 February 2022 as a Charitable Incorporated Organisation. It is governed by its constitution dated 8 February 2022.
b. Method of appointment or election of Trustees
The management of the charity is the responsibility of the Trustees who are elected under the terms of the Charitable Incorporated Organisation.
The minimum number of trustees is 3.
Trustees must retire from office at the conclusion of each Annual General Meeting. They may seek re-election if they wish at the same Annual General Meeting. The Chair is elected at the same Annual General Meeting until the next Annual General Meeting.
Plans for future periods
a. Future developments
Looking to the future, the initiative started in the last few years, to make footpaths more accessible by removing stiles or replacing them with kissing gates along their entire length will be continued in 2025 and beyond. The search for paths suitable for such improvement continues to obtain prior approvals from the relevant landowners. Nonetheless the Group will continue to offer traditional stiles, either step-over or squeeze, where appropriate.
The impact of continuing high local demand from users, coupled with extremes of wet and dry weather, still places a high toll of wear and tear on the surfaces of footpaths so we will continue, where feasible, to maintain our surfacing activity either by way of raised walkways or by infill with clean, approved materials. Similarly, the unstoppable growth of hedgerows and undergrowth alongside paths provides a continuing demand for the Clearance teams' activities.
The additional manufacturing capacity for gates, walkways and our traditional stiles, is now fully functional and will better enable us to meet the demand in the future.
Public Benefit
In shaping our objectives and planning our activities for the year, the Trustees have given consideration to the duties set out in Section 17(5) of the Charities Act 2011, to have regard to public benefit. In particular, the Trustees have considered how the project's planned activities contribute to the overall aims and objects they have set.
Page 4
The Monday Group
Trustees' report For the year ended 31 December 2024
Trustees' responsibilities statement
The Trustees are responsible for preparing the Trustees' report and the financial statements in accordance with applicable law and United Kingdom Accounting Standards (United Kingdom Generally Accepted Accounting Practice).
The law applicable to charities in England & Wales requires the Trustees to prepare financial statements for each financial year which give a true and fair view of the state of affairs of the charity and of the incoming resources and application of resources of the charity for that period. In preparing these financial statements, the Trustees are required to:
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select suitable accounting policies and then apply them consistently;
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observe the methods and principles in the Charities SORP;
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make judgments and accounting estimates that are reasonable and prudent;
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state whether applicable UK Accounting Standards have been followed, subject to any material departures disclosed and explained in the financial statements;
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prepare the financial statements on the going concern basis unless it is inappropriate to presume that the charity will continue in operation.
The Trustees are responsible for keeping proper accounting records that are sufficient to show and explain the charity's transactions and disclose with reasonable accuracy at any time the financial position of the charity and enable them to ensure that the financial statements comply with the Charities Act 2011, the Charity (Accounts and Reports) Regulations 2008 and the provisions of the trust deed. They are also responsible for safeguarding the assets of the charity and hence for taking reasonable steps for the prevention and detection of fraud and other irregularities.
This report was approved by the Trustees, on 8 September 2025, and signed on their behalf by:
Chair: S E Brewis
Treasurer: S D Marshall
Page 5
The Monday Group
Independent examiner's report For the year ended 31 December 2024
Independent examiner's report to the Trustees of The Monday Group (the 'charity')
I report to the charity Trustees on my examination of the accounts of the charity for the year ended period 31 December 2024.
This report is made solely to the charity's Trustees, as a body, in accordance with Part 4 of the Charities (Accounts and Reports) Regulations 2008. My work has been undertaken so that I might state to the charity's Trustees those matters I am required to state to them in an Independent examiner's report and for no other purpose. To the fullest extent permitted by law, I do not accept or assume responsibility to anyone other than the charity and the charity's Trustees as a body, for my work or for this report.
Responsibilities and basis of report
As the Trustees of the charity, you are responsible for the preparation of the accounts in accordance with the requirements of the Charities Act 2011 ('the 2011 Act').
I report in respect of my examination of the charity's accounts carried out under section 145 of the 2011 Act and in carrying out my examination I have followed all the applicable Directions given by the Charity Commission under section 145(5)(b) of the 2011 Act.
Independent examiner's statement
Your attention is drawn to the fact that the charity has prepared the accounts in accordance with Accounting and Reporting by Charities: Statement of Recommended Practice applicable to charities preparing their accounts accordance with the Financial Reporting Standard applicable in the UK and Republic of Ireland (FRS 102) in preference to the Accounting and Reporting by Charities: Statement of Recommended Practice issued on 1 April 2005 which is referred to in the extant regulations but has been withdrawn.
I understand that this has been done in order for the accounts to provide a true and fair view in accordance with the Generally Accepted Accounting Practice effective for reporting periods beginning on or after 1 January 2015. I have completed my examination. I can confirm that no matters have come to my attention in connection with the examination giving me cause to believe that in any material respect:
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accounting records were not kept in respect of the charity as required by section 130 of the 2011 Act; or
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the accounts do not accord with those records; or
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the accounts do not comply with the applicable requirements concerning the form and content of accounts set out in the Charities (Accounts and Reports) Regulations 2008 other than any requirement that the accounts give a 'true and fair' view which is not a matter considered as part of an independent examination.
I have no concerns and have come across no other matters in connection with the examination to which attention should be drawn in this report in order to enable a proper understanding of the accounts to be reached.
Signed: D Blackhall
Dated: 18 September 2025
Page 6
The Monday Group
Statement of financial activities For the period year ended 31 December 2024
| Note Income from: Donations and legacies 2 Charitable activities 3 Investments 4 Total income Expenditure on: Raising funds Charitable activities 5 Total expenditure Transfers between Funds 11 Net income before other recognised gains and losses Net movement in funds Reconciliation of funds: Total funds brought forward Total funds carried forward |
Unrestricted funds Restricted funds Total funds Total funds 2024 £ 2024 £ 2024 £ 2023 £ 18,767 11,911 30,678 30,316 - - - 23 554 - 554 246 |
|---|---|
| 19,321 11,911 31,232 30,585 |
|
| - - - - 12,765 11,911 24,676 27,284 |
|
| 12,765 11,911 24,676 27,284 |
|
| - - - - 6,556 - 6,556 3,301 6,556 - 6,556 3,301 58,456 - 58,456 55,155 |
|
| 65,012 - 65,012 58,456 |
The notes on pages 9 to 14 form part of these financial statements.
Page 7
The Monday Group
Balance sheet As at 31 December 2024
| Note Current assets Debtors 10 Cash at bank and in hand Creditors: amounts falling due within one year 11 Net assets Charity Funds Restricted funds 12 Unrestricted funds 12 Total funds |
2024 £ 4,787 61,899 (1,674) 65,012 - 65,012 65,012 |
2023 £ 173 59,436 (1,153) 58,456 - 58,456 58,456 |
|---|---|---|
The Charity was entitled to exemption from audit under section 477 of the Companies Act 2006.
The members have not required the company to obtain an audit for the year in question in accordance with section 476 of Companies Act 2006.
The Trustees acknowledge their responsibilities for complying with the requirements of the Act with respect to accounting records and preparation of financial statements.
The financial statements have been prepared in accordance with the provisions applicable to entities subject to the small companies’ regime.
The financial statements were approved by the Trustees on 8 September 2025 and signed on their behalf, by:
Chair: S E Brewis
Treasurer: S D Marshall
The notes on pages 9 to 14 form part of these financial statements.
Page 8
The Monday Group
Notes to the financial statements For the year ended 31 December 2024
1. General Information
The Charity is a Charitable Incorporated Organisation and was registered in England and Wales.
The address of the registered office is 33 Church Mead, Hassocks, BN6 8BW.
2. Accounting policies
2.1 Basis of preparation of financial statements
The financial statements have been prepared in accordance with the Charities SORP (FRS 102) Accounting and Reporting Charities: Statement of Recommended Practice applicable to charities preparing their accounts in accordance with the Financial Reporting Standard applicable in the UK and the Republic of Ireland (FRS 102) (effective January 2019), the Financial Reporting Standard applicable in the UK and the Republic of Ireland (FRS 102) and the Companies Act 2006.
These financial statements have been prepared to give a ‘true and fair’ view and have departed from the Charities (Accounts and Reports) Regulations 2008 only to the extent required to provide a ‘true and fair’ view. This departure has involved following the Charities SORP (FRS 102) published on 16 July 2019 rather than the Accounting and Reporting by Charities: Statement of recommended Practice effective from 1 April 2005 which has since been withdrawn.
The Monday Group constitutes a public benefit entity as defined by FRS 102. Assets and liabilities are initially recognised at historical cots or transaction value unless otherwise stated in the relevant accounting policy.
These accounts are prepared in pounds sterling and rounded to the nearest whole pound.
2.2 Income
All income is recognised once the charity has entitlement to the income, it is probable that the income will be received and the amount of income receivable can be measured reliably.
2.3 Expenditure
Expenditure is recognised once there is a legal or constructive obligation to transfer economic benefit to a third party, it is probable that a transfer of economic benefits will be required in settlement and the amount of the obligation can be measured reliably. Expenditure is classified by activity. The costs of the activity are made up of the total of direct costs and shared costs, including support costs.
Support costs are those costs incurred directly in support of expenditure on the objects of the charity. Governance costs are those incurred in connection with administration of the charity and compliance with constitutional and statutory requirements.
Costs of generating funds are costs incurred in attracting voluntary income.
Charitable activities and Governance costs are costs incurred on the charity's operations, including support costs and costs relating to the governance of the charity apportioned to charitable activities.
2.4 Tangible fixed assets and depreciation
All assets costing more than £500 are capitalised.
Tangible fixed assets are carried at cost, net of depreciation. Depreciation is provided at rates calculated to write off the cost of fixed assets, less their estimated residual value, over their expected useful lives on the following bases:
Tools - 25 % Straight line Trailers - 25 % Straight line - Computer equipment 33 % Straight line
Page 9
The Monday Group Notes to the financial statements For the year ended 31 December 2024
1.5 Stock
Stock held, which comprises goods purchased for manufacture, repair and installation work is stated at the lower of cost and net realisable value and excludes donated goods.
1.6 Debtors
Trade and other debtors are recognised at the settlement amount.
1.7 Cash at Bank and in hand
Cash at bank and in hand includes cash and short term highly liquid investments with a short maturity of three months or less from the date of acquisition or opening of the deposit or similar account.
1.8 Liabilities
Liabilities are recognised when there is an obligation at the Balance Sheet date as a result of a past event, it is probable that a transfer of economic benefit will be required in settlement, and the amount of the settlement can be estimated reliably. Liabilities are recognised at the amount that the charity anticipates it will pay to settle the debt or the amount it has received as advanced payments for the goods or services it must provide.
1.9 Financial instruments
The charity only has financial assets and financial liabilities of a kind that qualify as basic financial instruments. Basic financial instruments are initially recognised at transaction value and subsequently measured at their settlement value.
1.10 Fund accounting
General funds are unrestricted funds which are available for use at the discretion of the Trustees in furtherance of the general objectives of the charity and which have not been designated for other purposes.
Restricted funds are funds which are to be used in accordance with specific restrictions imposed by donors or which have been raised by the charity for particular purposes. The costs of raising and administering such funds are charged against the specific fund. The aim and use of each restricted fund is set out in the notes to the financial statements.
Page 10
The Monday Group
Notes to the financial statements For the year ended 31 December 2024
2. Income from donations and legacies
| Donations Grants Total donations and legacies 3. Income from charitable activities Provision of bird boxes 4. Interest on bank deposits Interest on bank deposits 5. Expenditure on charitable activities Direct costs - note 6 Support costs - note 7 Governance costs Total |
Unrestricted funds Restricted funds Total funds Total funds 2024 £ 2024 £ 2024 £ 2023 £ 15,337 11,401 26,738 25,805 3,430 510 3,940 4,511 18,767 11,911 30,678 30,316 Unrestricted funds Restricted funds Total funds Total funds 2024 £ 2024 £ 2024 £ 2023 £ - - - 23 Unrestricted funds Restricted funds Total funds Total funds 2024 £ 2024 £ 2024 £ 2023 £ 554 - 554 246 Unrestricted funds 2024 £ Restricted funds 2024 £ Total funds 2024 £ Total funds 2023 £ 10,074 11,911 21,985 24,588 2,691 - 2,691 2,696 - - - - |
Unrestricted funds Restricted funds Total funds Total funds 2024 £ 2024 £ 2024 £ 2023 £ 15,337 11,401 26,738 25,805 3,430 510 3,940 4,511 |
|
|---|---|---|---|
| 18,767 11,911 30,678 30,316 |
|||
| Unrestricted funds Restricted funds Total funds Total funds 2024 £ 2024 £ 2024 £ 2023 £ - - - 23 |
|||
| Unrestricted funds Restricted funds Total funds Total funds 2024 £ 2024 £ 2024 £ 2023 £ 554 - 554 246 |
|||
| 12,765 11,911 24,676 27,284 |
Page 11
The Monday Group
Notes to the financial statements For the year ended 31 December 2024
6. Direct costs
| Materials Tools Mileage |
Maintenance and Protection of Public Rights of Way Maintenance and Protection of Public Rights of Way 2024 2023 £ £ 18,495 18,263 2,022 5,197 1,468 1,128 |
|---|---|
| 21,985 24,588 |
7. Support costs
| General Expenses Insurance |
Maintenance and Protection of Public Rights of Way Maintenance and Protection of Public Rights of Way 2024 2023 £ £ 2,418 2,479 273 217 |
|---|---|
| 2,691 2,696 |
8. Net income
During the year, no Trustees received any remuneration During the year, no Trustees received any benefits in kind During the year, no Trustees received any reimbursement of expenses
9. Management personnel
The Charity considers its key management personnel to be the Trustees.
10. Debtors
| Debtors Prepayments & Accrued Income |
2024 2023 £ £ 190 - 4,597 173 |
|---|---|
| 4,787 173 |
Page 12
The Monday Group
Notes to the financial statements For the year ended 31 December 2024
11. Creditors: Amounts falling due within one year
| Accruals & Deferred Income | 2024 2023 £ £ 1,674 1,153 |
|---|---|
12. Statement of funds - Prior Year
| Unrestricted funds General Funds Restricted funds Friends of the South Downs Batchelor Monkhouse Dumbrell The Ramblers Association Waterman & Lighterman Plumpton College Other Funders Total of funds |
Balance at 1 January 2024 Income Expenditure Transfers in/out Balance at 31 December 2024 £ £ £ £ £ 58,456 19,321 (12,765) - 65,012 |
|---|---|
| - 2,100 (2,100) - - - 800 (800) - - - 750 (750) - 650 (650) 600 (600) - 7,011 (7,011) - - |
|
| - 11,911 (11,911) - - |
|
| 58,456 31,232 (24,676) - 65,012 |
Page 13
The Monday Group
Notes to the financial statements For the year ended 31 December 2024
Statement of funds - Prior Year
| Unrestricted funds General Funds Restricted funds Hassocks Parish Council Wivelsfield Parish Council Albourne Parish Council Batchelor Monkhouse Dumbrell Tomkins Farm Other Funders Total of funds |
Balance at 1 January 2023 £ 55,155 |
Income £ 16,689 |
Expenditure £ (13,388) |
Transfers in/out £ - |
Balance at 31 December 2023 £ 58,456 |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| - - - - - |
750 200 61 1,563 1,500 9,822 |
(750) (200) (61) (1,563) (1,500) (9,822) |
- - - - - |
- - - - - |
|
| - | 13,896 | (13,896) | - | - | |
| 55,155 | 30,585 | (27,284) | - | 58,456 |
13. Analysis of net assets between funds
Analysis of net assets between funds - Current Year
| Current assets Creditors due within one year |
Unrestricted funds Restricted funds Total funds 2024 £ 2024 £ 2024 £ 66,686 - 66,686 (1,674) - (1,674) |
|---|---|
| 65,012 - 65,012 |
Analysis of net assets between funds – Prior Year
| Current assets Creditors due within one year |
Unrestricted funds Restricted funds Total funds 2023 £ 2023 £ 2023 £ 59,609 - 59,609 (1,153) - (1,153) |
|---|---|
| 58,456 - 58,456 |
Page 14