Babbling Vagabonds Limited Report and financial statements For year end 31st March 2024 




Babbling Vagabonds Company number : 04116275 Charity number : 1200574 

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## Contents 

|**Contents**|**3**|
|---|---|
|**Reference & Administrative Details**|**4**|
|**Trustees annual report**|**5**|
|Objectives & Activities|**5**|
|Achievements & Performance|**6**|
|Structure, governance and management|**10**|
|Financial Review|1**2**|
|**Future Plans**|**13**|
|**Independent Examiner's Report**|**16**|
|**Statement of Financial Activities**|**17**|
|**Balance Sheet**|**18**|
|**Notes to the financial statements**|**19**|




Babbling Vagabonds Company number : 04116275 Charity number : 1200574 

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## Reference & Administrative Details 

|**Charity Number:**|1200574||
|---|---|---|
|**Company Number:**|04116275||
|**Registered Office:**|Unit 6, Heritage Business Centre||
||Derby Road||
||Belper||
||Derbyshire||
||DE56 1SW||
|**Trustees:**|Richard Coggins|Chairperson|
||Mark Hornsey|Treasurer (resigned Jan 2024)|
||Tara Hornsey-Saunders|Secretary|
||Phil Coggins|(resigned Jan 2024)|
||Liz McGregor||
||Susan Stones||
||Matt Vale||
|**Independent Examiner:**|Robert Cooper,||
||WIllis Cooper Accountants||
||Unit 6, Heritage Business Centre||
||Derby Road||
||Belper||
||Derbyshire||
||DE56 1SW||
|**Bankers:**|Natwest - National Westminster Bank plc||
||Alfreton Branch||
||1 Chesterfield Road||
||Alfreton||
||DE55 7ZR||
|**Website:**|www.babblingvagabonds.co.uk||
|**Social accounts:**|Facebook - Babbling Vagabonds Storytelling Theatre||
||Twitter - @BabVagabonds||
||Instagram - babblingvagabonds||



Babbling Vagabonds Company number : 04116275 Charity number : 1200574 

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## Trustees annual report 

The Trustees (who are also directors of Babbling Vagabonds Limited for the purposes of company law) are responsible for preparing the Trustees’ annual report and the financial statements in accordance with applicable law and United Kingdom Accounting Standards (United Kingdom Generally Accepted Accounting Practice). 

Company law 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 charitable company and of the incoming resources and application of resources, including the income and expenditure, of the charitable company for that period. In preparing these financial statements, the Trustees are required to: 

- Select suitable accounting policies and then apply them consistently 

- Observe the methods and principles in the Charities SORP 

- Make judgements and estimates that are reasonable and prudent 

- State whether applicable UK Accounting Standards and statements of recommended practice have been followed, subject to any material departures disclosed and explained in the financial statements 

- 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 disclose with reasonable accuracy at any time the financial position of the charitable company and enable them to ensure that the financial statements comply with the Companies Act 2006. They are also responsible for safeguarding the assets of the charitable company and hence for taking reasonable steps for the prevention and detection of fraud and other irregularities. 

This report has been prepared in accordance with the provisions applicable to companies subject to the small companies’ regime of the Companies Act 2006. 

## **Objectives & Activities** 

The objects for which the Company is established are for the public benefit to advance education in the dramatic and visual arts, in particular (but not exclusively), Drama, Mime, Dance and similar Choreographic Arts, Singing and Music by the production, promotion, performance and training. 

Babbling Vagabonds is a storytelling theatre company based in Buxton, Derbyshire. We make theatrical experiences and deliver workshops for all the family. Our work is underpinned by the belief that live theatre and high quality participatory events have the 

Babbling Vagabonds Company number : 04116275 Charity number : 1200574 

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power to create memorable, life-changing moments for everyone, regardless of age or experience. Central to our mission as a charity is to ‘reconnect art with its social function and promote art as a tool for changing the world.’ 

## **Achievements & Performance** 

We have been creating high quality family theatre experiences and community celebration events across Derbyshire since we were founded in 2000. Originally constituted as a not-for-profit limited company, we have recently made the transition to full charitable status, and are delighted to be presenting our first annual report at the beginning of this new chapter in our organisation’s life. 

This report covers the activities of the charity for the first 18 months from our registration with the Charity Commission for England and Wales in October 2022, up to our financial year end on 31st March 2024. NB **:** The financial figures presented, however, are just for the period 1st April 2023 - 31st March 2024. 

During the 18 months since our charitable registration there has been a huge amount of development activity as well as artistic output. Our first 6 months (October to year-end 2023) were about the following work: 

- Establishing clarity in our vision and mission 

- Developing our suit of core activities 

- Investigating and applying for funding and grants for Charitable activities 

During the 2023-24 financial year we have implemented a new way of planning our strategic vision and programme of work, with an integrated financial model to support its delivery. We have also brought in a grant application pipeline, and we have been developing our impact measurement process and evaluation. 

**Who our work helps and how:** Babbling Vagabonds tell life affirming stories for all the family. We do this in imaginative ways using our skills as theatre makers. We collaborate with performers, artists, musicians, makers, technicians, smarty pants and clever clogs from all walks of life, to create the very best work we can. 

Our figures for the past 18 months demonstrate the breadth of impact our work has had: 

- **Audiences:** we performed to 5902 people 

- **Shows:** we performed 69 shows in venues, schools and festivals 

- **Workshops:** 43 participatory workshops in schools and community spaces 

- **Participants:** we engaged with 2151 participants in our workshops 

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Our work is underpinned by the belief that live theatre and high quality participatory events have the power to create memorable, life-changing moments for everyone, regardless of age or experience. The work we create celebrates, educates, engages, enthrals, excites, informs and helps to make sense of ourselves, others and the world we find ourselves in. Central to our mission as a charity is to ‘reconnect art with its social function and promote art as a tool for changing the world.’ 

**Our artistic programme:** over the past 18 months we have continued to produce interactive family theatre shows. Performance and story are at the very heart of everything we do, mixed in with mischief, fun and wonder. We still love the impact we have on all the family from little children who are experiencing their first live theatre event to grandparents who look on fondly both at their family and the magic of the show unfolding before them. 

‘You have given my daughter the gift of enjoying theatre’ Audience member 

## **During the 18 month period, our productions have included:** 

- Christmas 2022 performances of The Christmas Toyshop Mystery in partnership with DerbyLive. We gave 36 performances to a total audience of 2711. The space was a temporary venue (a hard-sided marquee in Derby Market Place) due to The Guildhall Theatre still being closed. Artistically we were very happy and had very positive feedback and reviews. 

- Christmas 2023 performances of The Christmas Toyshop Mystery, touring to 6 Theatre venues (finishing with an 8-day run in partnership with The Brewhouse Arts Centre), and 8 schools. We performed to 2762 people. It was great to rework the show from a previous year with a new cast and a developed design to allow for touring. Very positive feedback from venues, bookers and public. 

- Christmas 2023 performances of Naughty Meg and the Christmas Elves in partnership with DerbyLive and Derby Museums and Art Gallery. We gave 28 performances to a total audience of 2359. A reworking of a BV show from 2014, which was very well received. 

- The creation and delivery of The Curing Chemist street act, initially a commission for Our Street (Buxton Heritage Action Zone), then performed at 3 other outdoor events. A walkabout street act where 2 costumed ‘Victorian Quack doctor’ characters interact with the public giving out ridiculous non-effective remedies for made up ailments. 

- We have delivered 18 performances of Wagon of Wonder at 8 venues over the Spring and summer months. Really successful performances even with the particularly wet weather! 

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‘Justwatchedthis anditwas absolutely brilliant!My cheeks are aching now from laughing so much.’ Audience member 

‘Fabulous show today. We lovedit. Thankyou.’Audience member 

In addition, to the theatre productions, we have delivered a full programme of workshops and community participation. Making space and time to discover new ways in which we can tell stories that matter. We specialise in creating work with primary aged children and their families. But this is not exclusive. For example, the ‘ **Meet and Make** ’ programme has been created in response to our community requests in three specific age groups: 

- Children, primarily through existing groups and schools 

- Families, through holiday workshops offers 

- Adults, through monthly evening sessions 

## **Specific projects have included:** 

- Workshop (varying from 1 hour to day long sessions) - We delivered 13 workshops in Schools, Universities and Conferences in shadow puppetry and storymaking 

- Big Cats Parade - Supporting a larger project by Creeping Toad (a Buxton-based storyteller and poet). We hosted a series of workshops with local people where they were invited to make small hand held cats which would be part of a Buxton parade. We also worked with the community to make a large three person puppet to lead the parade. 

- Bright Futures; Funded by Paul Hamlyn, Teaching for Creativity - This is part of a larger project with 8 artists and eight schools. Our role is working with 2 schools in the High Peak area for 18 days. Supporting the teaching staff in the development of their practice and interactions through creativity with their pupils. 

- Bee Creative - in partnership with Buxton Civic Association we developed and delivered workshops for all the family linked to bees. This was linked to one of the characters in our Wagon of Wonder show. 

- Grotesques of Buxton - in collaboration with local artist Gordon Maclellen (Creeping Toad) and Buxton Our Street (Heritage Action Zone) we facilitated an adult community making project. A series of new Grotesques which were designed and made, and then displayed over 2 weeks in an empty shop window in Buxton 

- Illuminate Buxton - in collaboration with Illuminos (projection company based in the North) and Buxton Our Street (Heritage Action Zone) we project managed a Buxton-wide projection event over 4 nights with 4 projections on 4 different buildings. We estimate that there were audiences of over 6000 people in February Half term. Really positive experience for the local people of Buxton and great to enable a project of such scale in a rural town in Derbyshire. 

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- Rural Rhythms - an Arts Council England supported program of work to provide cultural experiences in rural villages in our local area. We have started the activity but it will continue into the next financial year. 

- We have delivered two yearly Fun Palaces in collaboration with Buxton Crescent Heritage Trust, a ‘for all the family’ arts and crafts drop in event. Fun Palaces are part of an nationwide campaign that happens on the first weekend of October each year. 

**Planning & development:** This period has also seen strong development of the activities that we are planning. We have a new partner for our Christmas Theatre offer - The Brewhouse Arts Centre in Burton-On-Trent, and have built stronger relationships with Buxton Civic Association and Buxton Crescent Heritage Trust. 

Since August, we have been working closely with a local nonprofit consultancy to develop our strategic plan and fundraising approach. Luke Wilkinson from For Goodness Sake Consulting has helped us adapt our existing models of community engagement to suit our new status as a charity, and to find and apply for suitable funders whom we previously were not eligible for. We have also continued to work with Theatre Producer Darren Walter who has supported our theatre touring work for nearly two and a half years. 

**Staff training:** we take very seriously the new demands that the governance of a charity places on us, and over the past 18 months, Trustees and Artistic Directors have undertaken a wide range of training in various areas to support our organisational development: 

## **Strategy and governance** 

- Theory Of Change in 10 steps - Hosted By New Philanthropy Capital 

- Impact measurement for Trustees - Hosted by New Philanthropy Capital 

- Your output is only as good as your input - AI experimentation 

- Web Meeting, AI - Hosted by Charity In Excellence 

## **Evaluation** 

- Essentials of Evaluation - Hosted By The Audience Agency 

- Developing your strategic framework - Hosted by NCP 

## **Marketing** 

- Audience Development Plan - Hosted by The Audience Agency 

- Skillset: How to Create an Audience Development Plan - Hosted by Audience Agency 

- Impact measurement for Trustees - Hosted by New Philanthropy Capital 

- How to improve your website - Hosted by D2N2 

## **Fundraising** 

- Introduction to bid writing - Hosted by Get Grants 

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- Meet The Funder - National Funding Scheme hosted by Get Grants 

- Digital fundraising Workshop - Hosted by Get Grants 

- Fundraising training - Hosted by Arts Derbyshire 

## **Inclusion** 

- Digital Accessibility - Hosted by Digital Culture network 

- Equality in the rural touring network - Hosted by The National Rural Touring Forum 

- ● Curtain Up! On EDI, SEND, Health and safety and safeguarding - Hosted by StageCoach 

- Curtain Up! On Drama - Hosted by Stagecoach 

- A two day conference on “Making Immersive Experiences For Children and Families"- Hosted by Nottingham Lakeside Arts. 

- People centred Practice: involving your community - Hosted by Skillset AA 

**In summary:** Our work continues to capture the imagination of family audiences around Derbyshire. Drawing on our extensive experience, we are thrilled by the opportunities that our new charitable status brings. This transition will allow us to expand the reach and impact of our work throughout the county. Working with various local partners, we will continue to co-create work that nurtures social cohesion, lifelong learning, and well-being, enriching family and community life. 

## **Structure, governance and management** 

Babbling Vagabonds was established as a company limited by guarantee (04116275) in November 2000, and registered as a charity (1200574) in England & Wales on 5th October 2022. 

The Company was established under a Memorandum of Association which established the objects and powers of the charitable company and is governed under its Articles of Association. In the event of the Company being wound up directors are required to contribute an amount not exceeding £1. 

The directors of the company are also charity Trustees for the purposes of charity law and under the company’s Articles are known as members of the Management Committee. Under the requirements of the Memorandum and Articles of Association the members of the Management Committee are elected to serve for a period of three years after which they must be re-elected at the next Annual General Meeting. 

All members of the Management Committee give their time voluntarily and receive no benefits from the charity. 

Babbling Vagabonds Company number : 04116275 Charity number : 1200574 

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Day-to-day management of Babbling Vagabonds is delegated by the Trustees to a Senior Management_Team: 

**Mark Hornsey** Co-Artistic Director with responsibility for Company Management, Finance and Governance **Tara Hornsey-Saunders** Co-Artistic Director with responsibility for Marketing, Community Engagement and Volunteering 

**Phil Coggins** Co-Artistic Director with responsibility for Artistic Projects, Theatre Production and Training 

This team reports to the Board of Trustees at quarterly meetings. At other times during the year, the company employs project based staff, including actors, workshop leaders and associate artists. 


Babbling Vagabonds Company number : 04116275 Charity number : 1200574 

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## **Financial Review** 

Now that Babbling Vagabonds has become a Charity we are open to more funding avenues. We have spent time and resources raising our profile and gathering data on the funding opportunities that are before us. We are committed to keeping our work accessible to all who need it and have been working creatively to structure the finances of our activities accordingly. Charitable status affords us the opportunity to offer reduced and free activities. 

We have spent time restructuring and planning how we move forward, this has included developing a fundraising pipeline - a project management system to help manage all aspects of identifying and applying for funding and grants. 

Our theatre productions continue to offer additional financial support to the Company but the current economic climate is such that it is more challenging than ever to generate significant finance through this alone. 

We have good financial management in place, and have been moving to a new system of reporting to align our activities with the charities SORP (the Charities- Statement of Recommended Practice). 

Babbling Vagabond's income for the financial year 2023-24 was £115,000. This reflects an 185% increase from the previous year. 

- Income: Breakdown of our income 40% from ticket sales at Theatre Productions 

      - 35% income from grant-making bodies 

      - 10% from educational and community workshops and commissions 15% from project management of community projects 

- Expenditure: Delivery of our activities 

      - 61% developing, creating and delivering Theatre Activities and Productions 

   - 21% from educational and community workshops and commissions 18% general costs (inc. company marketing, legal costs, rent, office 

   - costs etc) 

As at 31st March 2024, Babbling Vagabonds has written off a historical debt of £13,021 from Babbling Productions Limited (now ceased trading). This is in agreement that all the ownership of work, artistic rights for productions, props and scripts created by Babbling Productions is handed over to Babbling Vagabonds in its entirety. 

**Reserves policy:** Babbling Vagabonds aims to build up reserves to cover at least 3 months’ operating costs in the event of a drop in income. As at 31st March 2024, our unrestricted reserves were £37,017 which represents 4-5 months’ spending against our 2024-25 budget. 

> Babbling Vagabonds Company number : 04116275 Charity number : 1200574 

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The Trustees consider that this is appropriate given the large expansion we have undertaken recently, and gives us the financial resilience to grow sustainably in the long-term. This policy is reviewed annually. 

**Funding sources:** Aside from income generated through ticket sales (theatre activities) and direct sales (workshops and commissions), a significant funding source has been by way of grants from trusts and foundations. 

We have had some level of support in the past from Arts Council England and other public funders, but as a new charity we now have access to a whole range of new funding bodies we were previously ineligible for. We are very grateful to those trusts and foundations who have shown faith in our work by supporting us for the first time this year, including The Bingham Trust, Derbyshire Foundation, The National Lottery Community Fund (Awards for All England) and Magic Little Grants. 

We have the unique benefit, as a theatre company, of being able to generate a substantial amount of earned income through ticket sales and workshop bookings. Our aim is that this continues to represent a large portion of our income. Income from grants supplements this, and allows us to continue to expand our community offer on an accessible and affordable basis. 

We continue to develop a sustainable financial model: in the coming year we will begin exploring other possible avenues of charitable funding, including individual giving (and the associated benefit of Gift Aid registration) through an ‘angel’ or ‘friends’ scheme, as well as exploring potential corporate partnerships. 

## Future Plans 

Going forward, the Trustees’ intention is to continue running the Charity as it has begun. The Artistic Directors continue to clarify the future activity and have shared a document called the ‘North Star Plan’. 

The North Star Plan supports our vision in delivering grass roots cultural activities. Using the power of theatre, and engaging creative participation opportunities we aim to nurture social cohesion, lifelong learning and well-being, enriching lives across the county. 

All activities will revolve around a central story, with Babbling Vagabonds drawing themes and inspiration from it to develop a program of work. This year's focus will be on the Russian folktale "The Soldier Who Tricked Death." 

Babbling Vagabonds community and education projects are aimed at engaging all ages and backgrounds through participatory arts. This year will see the development and continuing delivery of Rural Rhythms (with Taddington and Biggin), Meet and Make (Buxton 

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Community) and Bright Futures (Newtown and Thornsett Primary Schools). These projects aim to ignite creativity, challenge isolation and make connections within a community. 

Babbling Vagabonds will nurture the next generation of theatre makers as we work towards becoming the artistic drivers within REC Youth Theatre. This is a space where like minded individuals can come together and grow in confidence in a supportive environment. This young people's company will have the opportunity to broaden their theatrical knowledge by becoming involved in Babbling Vagabonds' future productions. 

A dynamic marketing plan will strengthen connections with audiences, participants, and supporters. This will attract vital funding and partnerships to propel our artistic vision forward. 

Future plans include a welcoming physical space for the Company. A venue for the community, hosting workshops, storytelling sessions, and serving as a home for the Youth Theatre. This hub will be a catalyst for artistic exploration and connection. 

**The North Star Plan** guides Babbling Vagabonds Charity towards a future filled with artistic exploration, growth and a deep connection with the Derbyshire community. With this detailed roadmap, we are excited about the transformative journey ahead. 

Approved by order of the board, and signed on its behalf by: 


Richard Coggins Chair 

Date 24/05/2024 

Babbling Vagabonds Company number : 04116275 Charity number : 1200574 

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Babbling Vagabonds Company number : 04116275 Charity number : 1200574 

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I report to the charity trustees on my examination of the accounts of Babbling Vagabonds Limited for the year ended 31 March 2024. 

## **Responsibilities and basis of report** 

As the charity’s trustees (and also its directors for the purposes of company law), you are responsible for preparing the accounts in accordance with the requirements of the Companies Act 2006 (‘the 2006 Act’). 

Having satisfied myself that the accounts of the Company are not required to be audited under Part 16 of the 2006 Act and are eligible for independent examination, I report in respect of my examination of your charities accounts as carried out under section 145 of the Charities Act 2011 Act (‘the 2011 Act’). 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** 

I have completed my examination. I confirm that no material matters have come to my attention in connection with the examination which gives me to believe that in any material respect: 

1. the accounting records were not kept in accordance with section 386 of the 2006 Act, or 

2. the accounts do not accord with those records, or 

3. the accounts do not comply with the accounting requirements of section 396 of the 2006 Act other than any requirement that the accounts give a ‘true and fair view’ which is not a matter considered as part of the independent examination; or 

4. the accounts have not been prepared in accordance with the methods or principles of the Statement of Recommended Practice for accounting and reporting by charities (applicable to charities preparing their accounts in accordance with the Financial Reporting Standard applicable in the UK and Republic of Ireland (frs102)). 

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. 

…............................................ 

**Robert Cooper Willis Cooper Limited** Unit 6, Heritage Business Centre Derby Road Belper Derbyshire DE56 1SW 

Date - 24/05/2024 

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Report and financial statements for the Year Ended 31 Mar 2024 

## **Babbling Vagabonds Limited** 

## Statement of Financial Activities 

|**Unrestricted**<br>**notes**<br>**funds**<br>**INCOME**<br>**Income and endowments from:**<br>Donations and grants<br>**2, 3**<br>182<br>Charitable activities<br>**4**<br>71,361<br>Other<br>**5**<br> -<br>**Total**<br>71,543<br>**EXPENDITURE**<br>**Expenditure on:**<br>Raising funds<br>**6**<br>10,485<br>Charitable activities<br>**7**<br>40,839<br>Other<br>**9**<br>13,021<br>**Total**<br>64,344<br>**Net income before tax for the**<br>**reporting period**<br>7,199<br>Tax payable<br> -<br>**Net income after tax for the**<br>**reporting period**<br>7,199<br>Transfers between funds<br> -<br>**Net movement in funds**<br>7,199<br>**RECONCILIATION OF FUNDS**<br>**Total funds brought forward**<br>29,818<br>**Total funds carried forward**<br>37,017|**Restricted**<br>**funds**<br>43,869<br>-<br>-<br>43,869<br>-<br>18,830<br>-<br>18,830<br>25,039<br>-<br>25,039<br>-<br>25,039<br>-<br>25,039|**Total**<br>**funds**<br>**44,051**<br>**71,361**<br> **-**<br>**115,412**<br>**10,485**<br>**59,669**<br>**13,021**<br>**83,174**<br>**32,238**<br> **-**<br>**32,238**<br> **-**<br>**32,238**<br>**29,818**<br>**62,056**|**Prior year**<br>**funds**<br>70<br>31,237<br>16,972|
|---|---|---|---|
||||48,279|
||||10,522<br>50,975<br> -|
||||61,497|
||||(13,218)<br>-|
||||(13,218)|
||||-|
||||(13,218)|
||||43,036|
||||29,818|



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## Balance Sheet 

|**Unrestricted**<br>**FIXED ASSETS**<br>**notes**<br>**funds**<br>Tangible assets<br>**11**<br>2,717<br>**Total fixed assets**<br>2,717<br>**CURRENT ASSETS**<br>Debtors<br>**12**<br>337<br>Cash at bank and in hand<br>36,661<br>**Total current assets**<br>36,998<br>**CREDITORS**<br>Amounts falling due within<br>one year<br>**13**<br>2,698<br>**NET CURRENT ASSETS**<br>34,300<br>**TOTAL ASSETS LESS**<br>**CURRENT LIABILITIES**<br>37,017<br>**NET ASSETS**<br>37,017<br>**FUNDS OF THE CHARITY**<br>Restricted funds<br>-<br>Unrestricted funds<br>37,017<br>**TOTAL FUNDS**<br>37,017|**Restricted**<br>**funds**<br>-<br>-<br>-<br>25,039<br>25,039<br>-<br>25,039<br>25,039<br>25,039<br>25,039<br>-<br>25,039|**Total this**<br>**year**<br>**2,717**<br>**2,717**<br>**337**<br>**61,700**<br>**62,037**<br>**2,698**<br>**59,339**<br>**62,056**<br>**62,056**<br>**25,039**<br>**37,017**<br>**62,056**|**Total last**<br>**year**<br>1,155|
|---|---|---|---|
||||1,155<br>20,864<br>10,497|
||||31,361<br>2,698<br>28,664<br>29,818<br>29,818<br>-<br>29,818<br>29,818|



The charitable company is entitled to exemption from audit under Section 477(2) of the 

Companies Act 2006 relating to small companies, and the trustees also confirm that the members have not required the charity to obtain an audit in accordance with section 476 of the Companies Act 2006. 

The directors acknowledge their responsibilities for complying with the requirements of the Companies Act with respect to accounting records and the preparation of accounts. 

The financial statements were approved by the Board of Trustees and authorised for issue on 23 May 2024 and were signed on its behalf by: 

…............................................ 

Richard Coggins 

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**Babbling Vagabonds Limited** Report and financial statements for the Year Ended 31 Mar 2024 

## Notes to the Financial Statements 

## **1 Accounting Policies** 

## **Basis of preparing the financial statements** 

The financial statements have been prepared under the historical cost convention with items recognised at cost of transaction value unless otherwise state in the relevant note(s) to these accounts. The financial statements have been prepared in accordance with the Statement of Recommended Practice: Accounting and Reporting by Charities preparing their accounts in accordance with the Financial Reporting Standard applicable in the UK and Republic of Ireland (FRS 102) issued on 16 July 2014, the Financial Reporting Standard applicable to the UK and Republic of Ireland (FRS102), And with the Charities Act 2011. 

## **Public Benefit** 

The charity constitutes a public benefit as defined by FRS102. 

## **Income** 

All income is recognised in the Statement of Financial Activities once the charity has entitlement to the funds, it is probable that the income will be received and the amount can be measured reliably. 

## **Expenditure** 

Liabilities are recognised as expenditure as soon as there is a legal or constructive obligation committing the charity to that expenditure, 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 accounted for on an accruals basis and has been classified under headings that aggregate all cost related to the category. Where costs cannot be directly attributed to particular headings they have been allocated to activities on a basis consistent with the use of resources. 

## **Taxation** 

The charity s exempt from corporation tax on its charitable activities. 

## **Fund accounting** 

General funds are unrestricted which are available for use at the discretion of the Trustees in the furtherance of the general objectives of the charity and which have not been designated for other purposes. Restricted funds are funds which have been raised by the charity for particular purposes. The costs of raising and administrating the funds are charged against the specific fund. The aim and use of restricted funds is set out in the notes to the financial statements. 

## **Tangible Fixed Assets** 

Depreciation is provided at the following annual rates in order to write off each asset over its useful life. 

Computer equipment : 25% on reducing balance Plant and machinery : 25% on reducing balance 

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**Babbling Vagabonds Limited** Report and financial statements for the Year Ended 31 Mar 2024 

|**2**<br>**Donations and Grants**<br>Donations<br>Restricted grants<br>Unrestricted grants|**2024**<br>182<br>43,869<br> -<br>44,051|**2023**<br>70<br>-<br>-|
|---|---|---|
|||70|



## **3 Analysis of Grants** 

We have been successful in raising funds from the following grant schemes: 

- Arts Council England - Rural Rhythms a project that uses local primary schools as the gateway to village wide cultural, creative activities. 

- Awards for All - Meet and Make - delivery of co-created making project for people in and around Buxton with the culmination of a sharing event in the Buxton Fringe Festival 

- - UK Shared Prosperity Fund - for all the family craft workshops and supporting of performances of Wagon of Wonder in Buxton Woods. 

- UK Shared Prosperity Fund - for capital equipment to support activities specifically Meet and Make. 

- Derbyshire Foundation - to support evaluation and impact measurement. 

- Bingham Trust - to offer subsidised tickets for families to our events in Buxton. 

- Magic Little Grants - supporting the Rural Rhythms program through marketing and delivery of activities. 

|Arts Council England<br>Awards for All<br>High Peak Borough Council<br>Derbyshire Foundation<br>Bingham Trust<br>Local Giving - Magic Little Grant<br>**4**<br>**Income from Charitable Activities**<br>Performances<br>Workshops and Educational Outreach|**2024**<br>27,000<br>9,925<br>4,194<br>1,250<br>1,000<br>500<br>43,869<br>**2024**<br>59,065<br>12,297<br>71,361|**2023**<br>-<br>-<br>-<br>-<br>-<br> -|
|---|---|---|
|||-|
|||**2023**<br>23,797<br>7,440|
|||31,237|



20 



**Babbling Vagabonds Limited** Report and financial statements for the Year Ended 31 Mar 2024 

|**5**<br>**Other income**<br>HMRC Theatre Tax Credits<br>**6**<br>**Raising funds**<br>**2024**<br>**Direct**<br>**costs**<br>Cost of generating donations and<br>grants<br>7,100<br>7,100<br>**7**<br>**Expenditure on Charitable Activities**<br>**2024**<br>**Direct**<br>**costs**<br>Programme costs<br>52,899<br>52,899<br>**8**<br>**Support Costs**<br>Subcontract<br>Travel<br>Premises<br>Insurance<br>Office costs<br>Marketing<br>Accountancy<br>Bank charges<br>Depreciation|**2024**<br> -<br>-<br>**2024**<br>**Support**<br>**costs**<br>3,385<br>3,385<br>**2024**<br>**Support**<br>**costs**<br>6,769<br>6,769<br>**2024**<br>5,000<br>339<br>600<br>710<br>1,161<br>250<br>1,189<br>-<br>906<br>10,154|**2024**<br>**Total**<br>**10,485**<br>**10,485**<br>**2024**<br>**Total**<br>**59,669**<br>**59,669**|**2023**<br>16,972|
|---|---|---|---|
||||16,972|
||||**2023**<br>10,522|
||||10,522|
||||**2023**<br>50,975|
||||50,975|
||||**2023**<br>7,966<br>-<br>600<br>712<br>265<br>-<br>1,111<br>4<br>385|
||||11,043|



21 




||||Plant and machinery, etc.|
|---|---|---|---|
||**COST**|||
||At 01 Apr 2023||25,795|
||Additions||2,468|
||At 31 Mar 2024||28,263|
||**DEPRECIATION**|||
||At 01 Apr 2023||24,641|
||Additions||906|
||At 31 Mar 2024||25,546|
||**NET BOOK VALUE**|||
||At 31 Mar 2024||2,717|
||At 31 Mar 2023||1,155|
|**11**|**Debtors: Amounts falling due within one year**|||
|||**2024**|**2023**|
||Trade debtors|337|-|
||Other debtors|-|20,864|
|||337|20,864|
|**12**|**Creditors: Amounts falling due within one year**|||
|||**2024**|**2023**|
||Other creditors|1,678|1,678|
||Accruals|1,020|1,020|
|||2,698|2,698|



22 



## **Babbling Vagabonds Limited** Report and financial statements for the Year Ended 31 Mar 2024 

## **13 Analysis of Net Assets between Funds** 

|**2024**<br>**Unrestricted**<br>**funds**<br>Current assets and Fixed assets<br>39,715<br>Current liabilities<br>2,698<br>37,017|**2024**<br>**Restricted**<br>**funds**<br>25,039<br>-<br>25,039|**2024**<br>**2023**<br>**Total**<br>**Total**<br>**funds**<br>**funds**<br>**64,754**<br>32,516<br>**2,698**<br>2,698<br>**62,056**<br>29,818|
|---|---|---|



**14 Movements in Funds** 

|**Unrestricted funds**<br>**Restricted funds**|**Net**<br>**At**<br>**movement**<br>**1-Apr-23**<br>**funds**<br>29,818<br>7,199<br>-<br>25,039<br>29,818<br>43,869|**Transfers**<br>**between**<br>**At**<br>**funds**<br>**31-Mar-24**<br>-<br>37,017<br>-<br>25,039<br>18,830<br>25,039|
|---|---|---|



## **15 Movements in Restricted Funds** 

|Arts council England<br>Awards for all<br>High Peak Borough Council<br>Derbyshire Foundation<br>Bingham Trust<br>Local Giving - Magic Litlle Grants|**At**<br>**1-Apr-23**<br>-<br>-<br>-<br>-<br>-<br>-<br>-|**Income**<br>**Outgoings**<br>27,000<br>9,050<br>9,925<br>4,936<br>4,194<br>4,194<br>1,250<br>300<br>1,000<br>250<br>500<br>100<br>43,869<br>18,830|**At**<br>**31-Mar-24**<br>17,950<br>4,989<br>-<br>950<br>750<br>400|
|---|---|---|---|
||||25,039|



## **16 Related party transactions** 

A related production company, Babbling Productions Limited, invoiced the charity £45,000 for Artistic work and delivery.  An intercompany debt of £13,021 between the charity and Babbling Productions was written off upon the commencement of charitable status. 

23 



**Babbling Vagabonds Limited** Report and financial statements for the Year Ended 31 Mar 2024 

|**INCOME AND ENDOWMENTS**<br>**Donations and grants**<br>Donations<br>Grants<br>**Charitable Activities**<br>Performances<br>Workshops and Educational Outreach<br>**Other income**<br>HMRC R&D Tax Credits<br>**Total incoming resources**|**2024**<br>182<br>43,869<br>44,051<br>59,065<br>12,297<br>71,361<br> -<br>-<br>**115,412**|**2023**<br>70<br> -|
|---|---|---|
|||70|
|||23,797<br>7,440|
|||31,237|
|||16,972|
|||16,972|
||||
|||**48,279**|



24 



## **Babbling Vagabonds Limited** Report and financial statements for the Year Ended 31 Mar 2024 

|**EXPENDITURE**<br>**Raising funds**<br>Subcontract<br>**Charitable activities**<br>Materials<br>Subcontract<br>Travel<br>Premises<br>Marketing<br>**Support costs**<br>Subcontract<br>Travel<br>Premises<br>Insurance<br>Office costs<br>Marketing<br>Accountancy<br>Bank charges<br>Depreciation<br>**Other costs**<br>Loan waiver<br>**Total resources expended**<br>**NET INCOME**|7,100<br>7,100<br>2,045<br>47,352<br>1,975<br>1,060<br>468<br>52,899<br>5,000<br>339<br>600<br>710<br>1,161<br>250<br>1,189<br>-<br>906<br>10,154<br>13,021<br>13,021<br>**83,174**<br>**32,238**|5,000|
|---|---|---|
|||5,000|
|||1,123<br>42,400<br>99<br>970<br>863|
|||45,454|
|||7,966<br>-<br>600<br>712<br>265<br>-<br>1,111<br>4<br>385|
|||11,043|
|||-|
|||-|
|||**61,497**|
|||**(13,218)**|



25 



## **vagaDonds babbling** 

**Family theatre Outdoor adventure theatre Community arts Work in schoo**