The Gavin Menzies Research Foundation
Trustees’ Annual Report For the period 1st January 2023 to 31st December 2023
Section A: Reference and Administration Details
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Charity Name : Gavin Menzies Research Foundation
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Registered Charity Number : 1198599
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Principal Address : Finsbury Business Centre 40 Bowling Green Lane London EC1R 0NE
Trustees Managing the Charity
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Ian Hudson
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Marcella Menzies
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Vanessa Menzies
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Samantha Murray
Additional Advisers : Not applicable.
Section B: Structure, Governance, and Management
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Governing Document : Constitution of the Gavin Menzies Research Foundation
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Constitution : The Foundation is established as a Charitable Incorporated Organisation (CIO), registered as a foundation on 12 April 2022.
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Trustee Selection : Trustees are appointed based on family lineage and dedication to promoting the Foundation’s objectives.
Additional Governance Information :
The Foundation follows a straightforward structure, with Trustees working collaboratively to manage operations. No additional induction or training was conducted for Trustees in 2023. Major risks are minimal due to the limited financial and operational activities this year.
Section C: Objectives and Activities
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Mission Statement : The Foundation’s mission is to educate the public by supporting research into preColumbian maritime exploration, including examining archaeological records, archives, and literature. We also aim to share the findings of this research with the public.
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Main Activities :
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Website Creation : Established a digital presence through a new website https://gavinmenziesresearchfoundation.org/, intended to host resources, research publications, and news updates.
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Bank Account Setup : Organised a dedicated bank account to streamline future donations and facilitate financial management.
Public Benefit :
The Trustees confirm they have had regard to the guidance issued by the Charity Commission on public benefit when planning the Foundation's activities, ensuring that all efforts support research and public awareness in line with the charity’s objectives.
Section D: Achievements and Performance
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Main Achievements : The Foundation’s primary achievements in 2023 were foundational in nature, setting up essential infrastructure:
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Donation Received : A £5,000 donation was received, earmarked to support future activities and initial operating expenses.
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Online Platform : Developed the Foundation’s online platform, which will serve as a central repository for research and news about early maritime exploration, fulfilling an educational role.
Section E: Financial Review
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Reserves Policy : Given the minimal operational expenditure in 2023, the Foundation has opted to retain the donation received to cover future projects and anticipated operational costs.
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Principal Sources of Funds : The Foundation’s primary source of funding in 2023 was a single donation of £5,000.
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Expenditure : As no expenditure was recorded, the entire donation amount of £5,000 is carried forward into the next financial year to support future activities.
Investment Policy : Not applicable; no investments were made in 2023.
Section F: Other Optional Information
There are no additional details to report.
Section G: Declaration
The Trustees declare that they have approved the Trustees’ Annual Report above.
Signed on behalf of the charity’s trustees
Signature: ______
Full Name : Ian Alexander Hudson Position : Trustee Date :
Gavin Menzies Research Foundation (GMRF) Accounts for the Year Ending 31st December 2023
Statement of Financial Activities (SOFA)
Income Amount (£) Donation 5,000
Total Income 5,000
Expenditure Amount (£)
No Expenditure Recorded 0
Total Expenditure 0
| Net Surplus / (Deficit) | 5,000
Balance Sheet as of 31st December 2023
Assets Amount (£)
Cash in Bank 5,000
Total Assets 5,000
Liabilities Amount (£)
No Liabilities Recorded 0
Total Liabilities 0
| Net Assets | 5,000 |
Notes to the Accounts
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Donation Income : The Foundation received a single donation of £5,000 in 2023, with no other income generated.
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Expenditure : No expenditures were made during this period.
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Funds Carried Forward : As no expenditure was recorded, the entire donation amount of £5,000 is carried forward into the next financial year to support future activities.