Trustees’ Annual Report
For the period from 1[st] January 2024 to 31[st] December 2024
Charity name: The Chesterton House Foundation Charity registration number: 1200466 Registered Address: Chesterton House, 2 Rectory Place, Loughborough, Leics LE11 1UW Telephone: 01509 610472 Email: CHFoundation@chestertonhouse.co.uk
Introduction
I am delighted to present this second annual report on behalf of the Chesterton House Foundation. The report covers the period of our second full financial period from 1[st] January to 31[st] December 2024.
During the year our trustees have considered a number of grant applications, and we have made grants to twelve separate organisations throughout the year. As our charity has become more widely known the number of applications has increased, and we have inevitably been faced with having to say no to some very worthwhile projects. Our trustees have decided to support local organisations doing good work in our community, and we have been able to award grants totalling £11,640 during the year. There is a list of the recipients in this report, and as you will see they cover a wide range of activities, from charities helping people to cope with the effects of illness or debilitating conditions such as MACS, which supports families of children born with rare eye conditions, to organisations working to develop young people such as Starlight Youth Theatre, to local community groups like Rutland Community Ventures, which serves people with dementia. In every case we made sure that the grants we awarded would be used for the benefit of the community and would have a visible impact on the end recipients.
In its second full year our charity has established a solid process and rationale for its work, and the trustees have been much encouraged by the feedback and responses we receive from beneficiaries. There is always much more to do than our resources will permit, and we look forward to continuing to grow in order to better serve our community.
Andy Jervis Chair of Trustees
Objectives and Activities
Purposes
The purposes of the charity as set out in its governing document are:
To advance such charitable purposes (according to the law of England and Wales) as the trustees see fit from time to time.
Grant making policy
In practice the charity will make grants to individuals and organisations whom the trustees consider are worthy of support in accordance with the charitable objectives. These are likely to include (but not be restricted to) charities operating in the local area (Leicestershire, Nottinghamshire and Derbyshire), and will be able to demonstrate a clear need for and effective use of any grants made. Applicants will be expected to demonstrate a benefit to the general public, albeit within their specific area of concern. The trustees will also consider grants to other regional, national or international bodies where they consider it appropriate to do so, for example in response to urgent need as the result of natural disaster or other humanitarian need.
Achievements
During the period we received a number of grant applications, and these were carefully reviewed by the trustees. It was decided to award grants to the following bodies. In making these grants the trustees have at all times had regard to the guidance issued by the Charity Commission on public benefit. They consider that the recipients of funds have demonstrated a clear need and community benefit for the people they serve.
Grant recipients included the following:
Rutland Community Ventures –
www.rutlandcommunityventures.uk - £1,000
RCV provides a range of services to help people to document and share memories and experiences, and runs practical sessions designed to enhance general health and wellbeing and offer support to those living with personal challenges.
Incredible Edible Loughborough -
https://www.incredibleedible.org.uk - £465
Incredible Edible seeks to show how ordinary people can transform their own landscapes and turned disused plots into abundant sources of healthy food, creating powerful connections through food. The Loughborough project applied for a grant to equip its community garden based a few yards away from our offices.
MACS Charity – macs.org.uk - £1,000
We learned that this year 114 families in the UK will be told their babies have no eyes, small eyes, or a cleft in the eye. Many of them will have additional health challenges and be told there’s no hope that their child will ever see. MACS is the UK’s only charity specifically supporting children and adults born with Microphthalmia (small, underdeveloped eyes), Anophthalmia (no eyes) or Coloboma (cleft or gap in the eye structure). These rare conditions develop during pregnancy and can occur alone, with other birth defects, or as part of a syndrome, often leading to additional complex needs.
MACS services enable families affected by these rare conditions to connect with each other and provides access to emotional and practical support, grants, and regional activities. They receive no state funding and are reliant on charitable contributions to ensure the continuity and development of their work, and we were very pleased to be able to support them.
- Starlight Youth Theatre - https://www.starlight youththeatre.co.uk - £1,300
Starlight Youth Theatre is based in Loughborough, and offers recreational performing arts classes to children and young adults aged 10-18 in Charnwood area, with the aim to foster their personal development and creativity. We heard about the work of Starlight,
their productions and successes, and how they help bring out the confidence and creative skills of youngsters. Starlight applied for a grant to buy more wireless microphones to maximise the number of performers able to access this equipment. At a cost of £620 each the Trustees agreed to award a grant of £1,300 to meet the cost of two microphones.
Chord Progression CIC £1,000
Matt Tandy formed Chord Progression Music last year to promote positive mental health and wellbeing through music. He runs sessions run in a full band workshop style, with participants able to chose their instrument and instantly become part of a band, playing popular songs and music. The workshops welcome people of all ages (18+), and abilities. No musical experience is required as everything is taught during the sessions. The results are astounding in musical terms. The feedback from participants is 100% positive as an aid to overall
wellbeing, confidence building, social bonding and cognitive benefits. Matt was looking for help to purchase equipment to enable him to continue with this important work, and we were pleased to be able to support this interesting project.
Leicestershire and Rutland Remap £1,000
REMAP provides a unique free of charge service, designing and producing custom made equipment to local disabled people, where no commercial solution
is available. They are the local branch of a national charity which brings people with technical skills together to manufacture high quality aids and devices, in order that local disabled people can be more independent and have a higher quality of life. We heard from Nick, one of our Trustees, who had been involved with Remap and he explained the projects that they had been able to deliver and how this had improved the lives of disabled people in the area.
Carers Trust £1,000
The Carers Trust supports unpaid carers across the UK, providing them with the resources and guidance needed to manage their roles while maintaining their wellbeing. In 2024, the Chesterton House Foundation awarded a grant to help fund a series of workshops and events aimed at improving the mental health and resilience of local carers in the local area. This grant is contributing to the Trust’s ongoing efforts to offer vital support and respite, ensuring that carers feel seen, valued, and equipped to continue their crucial work.
Charnwood Eco Hub £1,000
Charnwood Eco Hub is a community-driven project that promotes sustainability, creativity, and collaboration among residents of Charnwood. The Chesterton House Foundation awarded a £1,000 grant to help the Eco Hub develop its exciting new “library of things,” scrapstore, and workshop space. This grant will go towards purchasing essential tools and equipment, ensuring the hub is fully equipped to serve the community’s needs. By offering a space where people can borrow tools, share resources, and learn new skills, Charnwood Eco Hub aims to foster a culture of reuse, reduce waste, and provide cost-effective solutions for DIY, crafting, and other community activities.
Helping Hands - Helping Hands Community Trust - £875
Helping Hands Community Trust provides essential support to individuals in South Wigston and surrounding areas, offering services such as benefit advice and debt management. In 2023, the
Chesterton House Foundation awarded a grant to assist with the charity’s core service delivery costs, enabling them to reach over 2,200 people annually. Following this, in 2024, we made a second grant to support their outreach operation, helping them connect with those who may not be able to visit their centres. This funding is helping to establish a professional, visible presence in local hubs, improving their ability to serve the community even further.
Loughborough Parish Church £1,000
All Saints Parish Church, Loughborough, received a grant from the Chesterton House Foundation to contribute to the restoration of the church’s south roof. This vital funding is supporting the preservation of the building, particularly the Burton Chapel, which serves as a key space for children’s
activities and community gatherings. The grant will help the church continue to provide vital services to local families, support the choir and music programmes, and expand its community activities. The restoration of the roof will also enable future sustainability efforts, such as the installation of solar panels and green initiatives, ensuring the church remains a central hub for the local community for generations to come.
Jasmine’s Legacy of Dreams - £1,000
Jasmine’s Legacy of Dreams Charity was founded in memory of Jasmine Moseley to support young cancer patients across the East Midlands. The Chesterton House Foundation awarded a grant to the charity to help fund activities and experiences for young people facing cancer, particularly aimed at improving their wellbeing and mental health
during treatment. This funding allows the charity to provide grants for family holidays, memorable events, and essential equipment that makes a difference at a time when young people are most vulnerable.
Broomleys Cricket Club - £1,000
Broomleys Cricket Club in Coalville, Leicestershire, has been awarded £1,000 funding that will be used to purchase a new sight screen, ensuring the club meets the requirements for Division 1 of the Leicester and Rutland Cricket League. This is part of the club’s ongoing development, which includes the introduction of women’s and junior cricket. With the club’s First Team now competing at a higher level, the new sight screen will help maintain a safe and professional environment for all players.
If you represent an organisation that would like to apply for a grant from the Foundation, you can do so using the form on our website at https://chestertonhouse.co.uk/foundation.
Financial Review
The financial period covered by this Report was from 01-01-2024 to 31-12-2024. At the end of that period the Foundation had funds available of £277.09.
It is not the current policy of the trustees to hold funds in reserve. All funds are immediately available for the purpose of making grants to qualifying applicants at the discretion of the trustees.
The Foundation’s principal source of funds was in the form of gifts and donations. These were received directly to the Foundation bank account, or were made using the PayPal facility on the Foundation’s website page. Other donations were made via Ticketsource arisinge from the Summer Barbecue events put on by Chesterton House, which kindly agreed to donate all sales to the Foundation. We also received a bequest from the estate of a former client of Woodgate Financial Planning Ltd, and several donations through the efforts of Jordan Wong, who very generously nominated the Foundation as recipient of sponsorship of his marathon running efforts. Thanks Jordan!
The Foundation held no assets other than cash at bank and had no liabilities at the end of the period. No trustees held any assets or title on behalf of the Foundation.
All funds are held with NatWest Bank at its Loughborough Branch.
| Date Payee Category |
Payments Receipts Comments |
|---|---|
| 01/01/2024 Opening bank balance brought forward 25/01/2024 Rutland Community Ventures Grant 25/01/2024 Incredible Edible Loughborough Grant 22/03/2024 CHFP Ltd Donations:Corporate 03/06/2024 Just Giving Donations:Sponsorships 04/06/2024 Just Giving Donations:Sponsorships 12/06/2024 Just Giving Donations:Sponsorships 14/06/2024 HMRC Gift Aid 17/06/2024 Just Giving Donations:Sponsorships 24/06/2024 Sumup Donations 24/06/2024 Just Giving Donations:Sponsorships 26/06/2024 Just Giving Donations:Sponsorships 01/07/2024 Just Giving Donations:Sponsorships 03/07/2024 Just Giving Donations:Sponsorships 16/07/2024 Just Giving Donations:Sponsorships 16/07/2024 Just Giving Donations:Sponsorships 23/07/2024 Just Giving Donations:Sponsorships 24/07/2024 Microphthalmia Grant 24/07/2024 Starlight Youth Theatre Grant 24/07/2024 Chord Progression CIC Grant 25/07/2024 CH Summer Barbecue Donations:Events 25/07/2024 Leics Remap Grant 31/07/2024 Ticketsource Ltd Donations:Events 20/08/2024 Gift Donations 10/09/2024 Moss Solicitors Bequest 08/11/2024 CHFP Ltd Donations:Corporate 04/12/2024 Carers Trust Grant |
£1,583.47 £1,000.00 £465.00 £2,500.00 £2.37 Jordan marathon £19.22 Jordan marathon £2.37 Jordan marathon £1,495.21 £193.99 £0.98 test transaction £145.34 Jordan marathon £53.41 Jordan marathon £189.69 Jordan marathon £73.59 Jordan marathon £67.87 Jordan marathon £9.50 Jordan marathon £4.75 Jordan marathon £1,000.00 £1,300.00 £1,000.00 £80.00 CH Summer Barbecue £1,000.00 £1,325.33 CH Summer Barbecue £1,000.00 £600.00 Estate of T Keil £2,570.00 £1,000.00 |
| 04/12/2024 04/12/2024 04/12/2024 18/12/2024 18/12/2024 |
Charnwood Eco Hub Grant £1,000.00 Helping Hands Grant £875.00 Loughborough Parish Church Grant £1,000.00 Jasmine's Legacy Grant £1,000.00 Broomleys Cricket Club Grant £1,000.00 |
|---|---|
| Totals £11,640.00 £10,333.62 |
31/12/2024 Closing bank balance carried forward
£277.09
Structure, Governance and Management
The Foundation is constituted as a Charitable Incorporated Organisation (CIO). Its governing document was dated 4[th] May, 2022.
The Foundation was registered with the Charity Commission on 22[nd] September 2022 under registration number 1200466.
Trustees are appointed by the Board at their discretion, and there are no restrictions on who may act as a trustee, subject to meeting basic criteria around integrity and competence. In practice the Board aims to draw up to 8 trustees from the staffs of companies within the Chesterton House Group of businesses, and up to 4 trustees from persons connected with the group in some way, typically as customers thereof. However these are guidelines and not mandatory requirements and the trustees will consider all applications on their merits.
None of the Foundation’s policies and procedures implies any link to businesses within the Chesterton House Group, or any other related entity. The Foundation is an independent body with its own constitution and trustees will be expected to make decisions on their own merits and without regard to any commercial or other considerations.
Charity Policies
The trustees have created and agreed policies designed to ensure compliance with Charity Commission guidance, and to help the trustees in their work by setting out a framework for administration and decision-making. The policies in place included:
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Conflict of Interest Policy
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Complaints Procedure
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Register of Interest
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Risk Policy
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Investment Policy
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Safeguarding Vulnerable Beneficiaries Policy
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Volunteer Policy
Copies of these documents are available on request.
Names of the charity trustees who manage the charity
As at 31[st] December, 2024 the trustees included the following:
| Trustee name | Office | Date appointed |
|---|---|---|
| Andrew Kevin Jervis | Chair | 02/05/2022 |
| Simon Leese | 31/01/2023 | |
| Rachel Kitching-Burrows | 17/11/2022 | |
| Michael Toms | 17/11/2022 | |
| Jonathan Nicholas Potter | 17/11/2022 | |
| Jane Nancy Vora | 02/05/2022 | |
| Kaushika Chauhan | 02/05/2022 | |
| Carol Davis | 17/01/2024 | |
| Nicholas Hetzel | 17/01/2024 | |
| Anthony Creedy | 17/01/2024 | |
Further details of trustees and copies of relevant documents can be found on the Charity Commission website at https://www.gov.uk/government/organisations/charity-commission or by writing to the Chair of Trustees at the address on page 1 of this Report.
Getting involved
If you would like to get involved with the Chesterton House Foundation, either as a trustee or to support our fundraising efforts, please contact Andy Jervis, Chair of Trustees, at andy.jervis@chestertonhouse.co.uk, or any of our other trustees. We would be delighted to hear from you.
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) Andrew Jervis Jonathan Nicholas Potter Position (eg Secretary, Chair Trustee Chair, etc) Date 27th August 2025