Trustees’ Annual Report for the period
From 01/09/2024 Period start date To 31/08/2025 Period end date Charity name: Blencogo and District Village Hall
Charity registration number: 1198251
Objectives and Activities
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SORP reference
Summary of the purposes of Para 1.17 The Old School Blencogo together with
the charity as set out in its such other property as may be acquired by
governing document the Organisation shall be held for the
purposes of a village hall for the use of the
inhabitants of the parish of Bromfield and
neighbouring areas, without distinction of
political, religious or other opinions,
including use for lectures, meetings,
classes and for other forms of recreation
and leisure time occupation with the object
of improving the conditions of life for the
inhabitants of the area (from CIO
constitution)
Objective 1: To be accessible, welcoming
and affordable for individuals and
organisations both in and outside the parish
Objective 2: To provide attractive, clean,
accessible and safe facilities for large and
small meetings, social gathering, sporting
events, lectures and educational events
Objective 3: To generate income to
maintain the facilities to a high standard
Objective 4: To consult the community to
identify and continue to meet its needs.
Summary of the main Para 1.17 and The Hall Committee put on regular events
1.19
activities in relation to those (quizzes, ceilidh, carnival, food evenings
purposes for the public etc) and it has regular weekly user-groups
benefit, in particular, the (scouts, art group, garden club, dog
activities, projects or training, craft and chat, WI, book Club,
services identified in the Wine Circle etc). Everything is aimed at
accounts. encouraging and protecting a sense of
community.
Statement confirming Para 1.18 The Trustees have regard to the Charity
whether the trustees have Commission Guidance on public benefit:
had regard to the guidance 1. There must be an identifiable benefit;
issued by the Charity and
Commission on public 2. The benefit must be to the public or
benefit section of the public
(see achievements and performance
below)
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Additional information (optional) You may choose to include further statements where relevant about: SORP reference
| SORP reference | ||
|---|---|---|
| Policy on grant making | Para 1.38 | Not applicable – the Village Hall does not make grants |
| Policy on social investment including program related investment |
Para 1.38 | Not applicable |
| Contribution made by volunteers |
Para 1.38 | A group of over 20 local volunteers (from teenagers to retired) help with the running and maintenance of the Village Hall (Cleaning, grounds maintenance, event organisation, minor maintenance etc.). All community events are organised by the volunteer committee |
| Other | Blencogo & District Village Hall has recently (15/3/22) changed its charitable status to be a Charitable Incorporated Organisation (Charity no. 1198251). Previously from 05 January 2001: Standard registration, Charity No. 1084346 |
Achievements and Performance
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SORP reference
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| Achievements and Performance | Achievements and Performance | Achievements and Performance |
|---|---|---|
| SORP reference | ||
| 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. |
Para 1.20 | A key objective of Blencogo and District Village Hall is to engender community spirit and a sense of communal worth. All the activities provided in the Village Hall aim to improve the physical, mental and emotional wellbeing of people of all ages in the Parish and surrounding area by providing a range of activities that will help to improve an individual's overall health and contribute towards a collective feeling of 'being part of the community'. By continuing to widen the range of opportunities that Blencogo and District Village Hall can deliver it is hoped that individuals might try new experiences and take part in the hobbies and social activities that they enjoy; so engendering a sense of belonging, self-worth and improved wellbeing. Activities provided locally reduce the need for car usage (as noted earlier there is little/ no public transport serving the area) to |
travel to other local centres 5 miles or more away. Many in the community both young and old and have limited incomes. The activities provided in the hall are priced so as to encourage their participation (hence there is not a ‘standard’ letting fee). Similar activities at other venues in Wigton or Aspatria are considerably more expensive. It is the ethos of Blencogo and District Village Hall to keep fees low to maximise participation. It is hoped that participation in a wide range of community activities will continue to build a strong community and create better mental and physical health for everyone.
Additional information (optional) You may choose to include further statements where relevant about:
| Achievements against objectives set |
Para 1.41 | |
|---|---|---|
| Performance of fundraising activities against objectives set |
Para 1.41 | N/A |
| Investment performance against objectives |
Para 1.41 | N/A |
| Other |
Financial Review
| Financial Review | ||
|---|---|---|
| Review of the charity’s financial position at the end of the period |
Para 1.21 | Blencogo and District Village Hall has had a vibrant and eventful year. Following the expiration of our 25-year lease in February 2025, we entered negotiations for a new agreement. During this process, the landlord offered the charity the opportunity to purchase the building. After consulting with the local community and key stakeholders, we decided to develop a business case for funding and to seek community support through financial pledges and fundraising initiatives. Thanks to generous donations and successful fundraising efforts, we were able to offset the initial purchasing costs. Our income this year is broadly in line with last year, boosted by generous donations and contributions to the purchase fund. Despite improved cost controls, the charity has faced significant challenges, including a tripling of electricity costs due to increased usage and rising prices. While we remain financially viable, the increase in rental costs could place this delicate balance at risk. |
| Statement explaining the policy for holding reserves stating why they are held |
Para 1.22 | A small amount roughly 10% plus interest of the finances is retained in a reserve account which is retained at a higher interest because of its limited access |
| Amount of reserves held | Para 1.22 | £1283 |
| Reasons for holding zero reserves |
Para 1.22 | N/A |
| Details of fund materially in deficit |
Para 1.24 | N/A |
| Explanation of any uncertainties about the charity continuing as a going concern |
Para 1.23 | If the charity is unable to purchase the Village Hall, its long-term future will face significant uncertainty. The landlord has confirmed that any new lease will no longer include the previously agreed discounted rate. Instead, it would be a full commercial lease with a substantial 400% increase and a longer-term commitment. To mitigate this risk, the trustees and committee are working tirelessly to strengthen cash flow and secure additional donations. However, at current funding levels, the charity’s cash reserves would be rapidly depleted, making continued operations unsustainable over time. . |
Additional information (optional)
You may choose to include further statements where relevant about:
| The charity’s principal sources of funds (including any fundraising) |
Para 1.47 | The dog training classes and scouts continued to be the highest regular revenue income for the hall. Events like the Race night, Harry’s Quiz and Murder mystery night return the most Non-Charitable Trading Income |
|---|---|---|
| Investment policy and objectives including any social investment policy adopted |
Para 1.46 | N/A |
| A description of the principal risks facing the charity |
Para 1.46 | N/A |
| Other | N/A |
Structure, Governance and Management
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Description of charity’s
trusts:
Type of governing document Para 1.25 Constitution
(trust deed, royal charter)
How is the charity Para 1.25 Charitable Incorporated Organisation
constituted?
(e.g unincorporated
association, CIO)
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| Structure, Governance and Management | Structure, Governance and Management | Structure, Governance and Management |
|---|---|---|
| Description of charity’s trusts: |
||
| Type of governing document (trust deed, royal charter) Para 1.25 Constitution |
||
| How is the charity constituted? (e.g unincorporated association, CIO) Para 1.25 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 more trustees |
Para 1.25 | Eligibility for trusteeship (from constitution): (a) Every charity trustee must be a natural person. (b) No one may be appointed as a charity trustee: • if he or she is under the age of 16 years; or • is disqualified from acting as a charity trustee by virtue of section 178-180 of the Charities Act 2011 (or any statutory re-enactment or modification of that provision) (c) No one is entitled to act as a charity trustee whether on appointment or on any re-appointment until he or she has expressly acknowledged, in whatever way the charity trustees decide, his or her acceptance of the office of charity trustee. |
Additional information (optional) You may choose to include further statements where relevant about:
| Policies and procedures adopted for the induction and training of trustees |
Para 1.51 | N/A |
|---|---|---|
| The charity’s organisational structure and any wider network with which the charity works |
Para 1.51 | N/A |
| Relationship with any related parties |
Para 1.51 | N/A |
| Other |
Reference and Administrative details
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Charity name Blencogo and District Village Hall
Other name the charity uses BLENCOGO AND DISTRICT VILLAGE HALL: 1084346
Registered charity number 1198251
Charity’s principal address The Old School
Blencogo
WIGTON
CA7 0BZ
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Names of the charity trustees who manage the charity
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Dates acted if not for whole Name of person (or body) entitled
Trustee name Office (if any)
year to appoint trustee (if any)
1 Gary Bickley Chairman
2 Paul Benson
3 Andrew Scott
4 Rebecca Blake Secretary
Melanie Treasurer
5
Woolfenden
6 Sarah Chapman
7
8
9
10
11
12
13
14
15
16
17
18
19
20
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– Corporate trustees names of the directors at the date the report was approved
Director name
Name of trustees holding title to property belonging to the charity
Trustee name Dates acted if not for whole year
Funds held as custodian trustees on behalf of others
Description of the assets N/A held in this capacity
Name and objects of the charity on whose behalf the assets are held and how this falls within the custodian charity’s objects Details of arrangements for safe custody and segregation of such assets from the charity’s own assets
Additional information (optional)
Names and addresses of advisers (Optional information)
Type of Name Address adviser
Name of chief executive or names of senior staff members (Optional information)
Exemptions from disclosure
Reason for non-disclosure of key personnel details
Other optional information
Declarations
The trustees declare that they have approved the trustees’ report above.
Signed on behalf of the charity’s trustees
| Signature(s) Full name(s) Position (eg Secretary, Chair, etc) Date |
|
|---|---|
| Gary Bickley Melanie Woolfenden |
|
Chair Treasurer |
|
| 25/11/2025 | |
| 25/11/2025 |
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Blencogo and District Village Hall 1198251
Receipts and payments accounts CC16a
For the period 01/09/2024 31/08/2025
To
from
Section A Receipts and payments
Unrestricted Restricted Endowment
Total funds Last year
funds funds funds
to the nearest £ to the nearest £ to the nearest £ to the nearest £ to the nearest £
A1 Receipts
Donations 160 - - 160 5,100
Hall hire 4,181 - - 4,181 5,142
Events 3,510 - - 3,510 78
Other income 3,500 - - 3,500 -
Non Charitable Trading Income 211 - - 211 2,133
Bank Interest 16 - - 16 18
- - - - 86
- - - - -
- - - - -
- - - - -
- - - - -
- - - - -
- - - - -
- - - - -
- - - - -
- - - - -
- - - - -
- - - - -
- - - - -
- - - - -
- - - - -
- - - - -
Sub total (Gross income for
AR) [ 11,578 ] - - 11,578 12,558
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CCXX R1 accounts (SS)
26/05/2026
1
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A2 Asset and investment
sales, (see table).
- - - -
- - - - -
Sub total - - - - -
Total receipts 11,578 - - 11,578 12,558
A3 Payments
Caretaker - - - 180
Rent 4,257 - - 4,257 1,312
Insurance 2,273 - - 2,273 2,207
Electric 1,641 - - 1,641 597
Gas 187 - - 187 -
Oil 1,503 - - 1,503 1,454
Water 781 - - 781 888
Repairs & Maintenance 521 - - 521 2,457
Mowers 98 - - 98 446
Sundry Expenses 549 - - 549 924
Surveyor costs - - - - 1,500
- - - - -
Sub total [ 11,810 ] - - 11,810 11,966
A4 Asset and investment
purchases, (see table)
- - - - -
- - - - -
- - - - -
- - - - -
- - - - -
Sub total - - - - -
Total payments -
Net of receipts/(payments) 11,578 - - 11,578 12,558
A5 Transfers between funds - - - - -
A6 Cash funds last year end - - - - -
Cash funds this year end 11,578 - - 11,578 12,558
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CCXX R2 accounts (SS)
26/05/2026
2
Section B Statement of assets and liabilities at the end of the period
| 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 |
Unpaid Rent Signature Scouts PCC Contribution Scaffold Tower Staging Details Details Ride-on Mower Push Lawn Mower 20 Tables and 150 Chairs Kitchen Equipment Misc/ Hall Equipment Current Account Reserve Account Cash in Hand Purchase Fund Raising Details Details Total cash funds (agree balances with receipts and payments Purchase Grant Purchase Donation Details |
Unrestricted funds Restricted funds to nearest £ to nearest £ 7,663 - - 1,278 4,713 - 12,376 1,278 Agreement Error Agreement Error Unrestricted funds Restricted funds to nearest £ to nearest £ - - 3,000 - 3,138 - 200 - - - - - - Fund to which asset belongs Cost (optional) - - - - - - - - - - Fund to which asset belongs Cost (optional) Unrestricted 2,000 Unrestricted 500 Unrestricted - Unrestricted - Unrestricted - Unrestricted - Unrestricted - - - - - Fund to which liability relates Amount due (optional) Unrestricted 1,236 Unrestricted 3,500 Unrestricted - 2,750 Unrestricted - - - Print Name G.BICKLEY M.WOOLFENDEN |
Endowment funds to nearest £ - - - |
|---|---|---|---|
| - |
|||
| OK | |||
| Endowment funds to nearest £ - - - - - - Current value (optional) - - - - - Current value (optional) - - 1,000 5,000 1,000 1,200 3,000 - - When due (optional) Date of approval 16/03/2026 16/03/2026 |
CCXX R3 accounts (SS)
26/05/2026
3