## **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