FRIENDS OF DOXFORD PARK
UNAUDITED FINANCIAL STATEMENTS FOR THE YEAR ENDED 31 MARCH 2025
Charity Number: 1201665
External Company Registration: CE031195
DEBÉRE LIMITED
Chartered Accountants Swallow House Parsons Road Washington Tyne and Wear NE37 1EZ
FRIENDS OF DOXFORD PARK
FINANCIAL STATEMENTS
YEAR ENDED 31 MARCH 2025
| CONTENTS | PAGES |
|---|---|
| Officers and professional advisers | 1 |
| 2 to 4 | |
| Independent examiner report |
5 |
| Statement of financial activities | 6 |
| Statement of financial position | 7 |
| Notes to the financial statements | 8 to 13 |
FRIENDS OF DOXFORD PARK OFFICERS AND PROFESSIONAL ADVISERS
YEAR ENDED 31 MARCH 2025
| The Trustees | Mr Robert Makins |
|---|---|
| Mr Anthony Charlton | |
| Mr Neale Brown | |
| Mrs Louise Emma Williamson | |
| Registered office | Doxford Park Lodge |
| Silksworth Road | |
| Sunderland | |
| Tyne and Wear | |
| SR3 2PE | |
| Charity number | 1201665 |
| Company registration number | CE031195 |
| Accountants | Debére Limited |
| Chartered Accountants | |
| Swallow House | |
| Parsons Road | |
| Washington | |
| Tyne and Wear | |
| NE37 1EZ | |
| Bankers | Lloyds Bank plc |
| 120 Lewisham High Street | |
| London | |
| SE13 6JG |
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FRIENDS OF DOXFORD PARK
YEAR ENDED 31 MARCH 2025
The trustees, who are the directors of the organisation for the purpose of Company Law, present their annual directors year ended 31 March 2025.
The financial statements have been prepared in accordance with the accounting policies set out in note 1 to ent of Recommended Practice applicable to charities preparing their accounts in accordance with the Financial Reporting Standard applicable in the UK and Republic of
REFERENCE AND ADMINISTRATION DETAILS
Reference and administrative details are shown on page 1 of the financial statements.
THE TRUSTEES
The trustees who served the charity during the year were as follows:
Mr Robert Makins Mr Anthony Charlton Mr Neale Brown Mrs Louise Emma Williamson
Governance
The Board of Trustees manage the affairs of the charity by holding regular meetings between annual and general meetings.
OBJECTIVE AND ACTIVITIES
The charity was established in 2024 with the following objectives:
The objectives of the charity are to promote for the benefit of the public the conservation, protection and improvements of Doxford Park.
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FRIENDS OF DOXFORD PARK
YEAR ENDED 31 MARCH 2025
ACHIEVEMENTS AND PERFORMANCE
The charity has successfully continued to raise awareness of the work they do and this is evident through the positive feedback received from the local community about the changes that can be seen in the area. On the back of the successful Easter event in March 2024 we have seen an influx of local volunteers getting involved with the charity. There has also been a lot of local residents getting upskilled in the use of the machinery and gaining new knowledge in the method of horticulture. In addition, we have continued to work with local businesses and schools to promote the park and the benefits of working outdoors in a community space which has seen a dramatic incline of businesses and schools partaking in activities within the park.
Serious Incidents
There are no serious incidents to report during this year.
FINANCIAL REVIEW
The charity received income of £26,000 and had expenditure of £24,918 resulting in a surplus of £1,082. These are all unrestricted funds at the year end.
Investment Policy
spent in the short term, so there are few opportunities for long-term investment. Where cash flow allows, funds are held in short term deposit accounts in order to maximise interest receivable.
Reserves Policy
The charity aims to retain enough reserves to cover at least six months unrestricted expenditure, management and support costs.
PLANS FOR FUTURE PERIODS
Moving forward we will be continuing with the work we have started in creating and improving better links to the park and the local community and businesses with the aim that this will attract more people to spend time in the surroundings and reap the health benefits of spending time outdoors. We would also like to further to develop the website to add resources that encourage children and families to complete art/craft activities and games using the items that can be found in the natural environment. Additionally, we would like to continue to collaborate with wider local groups and organisations to help bring the mental health benefits of working and/or spending time outdoors and working in the park to groups that would benefit from this.
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FRIENDS OF DOXFORD PARK
(continued)
YEAR ENDED 31 MARCH 2025
RESPONSIBILITIES OF THE TRUSTEES
The trustees/directors are responsible for preparing the report and the financial statements in accordance with applicable law and regulations.
Company law requires the trustees/directors to prepare financial statements for each financial year. Under that law the trustees/directors have elected to prepare the financial statements in accordance with United Kingdom Generally Accepted Accounting Practice (Under Kingdom Accounting Standards and applicable law). Under company law the trustees/directors must not approve the financial statements unless they are satisfied that they give a true and fair view of the state of the affairs of the company and of the surplus or deficit of the company for that period. In preparing these financial statements, the trustees/directors are required to:
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select suitable accounting policies and then apply them consistently;
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observe the methods and principles in the Charity SORP;
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make judgements and estimates that are reasonable and prudent;
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prepare the financial statements on the going concern basis unless it is inappropriate to presume that the company will continue in business.
The trustees/directors are responsible for keeping adequate accounting records that are sufficient to show and of the 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 company and hence for taking reasonable steps for the prevention and detection of fraud and other irregularities.
INDEPENDENT EXAMINER
A Resolution to appoint Claire Miller at Debére Limited as Independent Examiner for the ensuing year will be proposed at the Annual General Meeting.
SMALL COMPANY PROVISIONS
This report has been prepared in accordance with the special provisions for small companies under Part 15 of the Companies Act 2006.
Signed on behalf of the Trustees
Mrs Louise Emma Williamson Trustee
Date: 5 December 2025
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FRIENDS OF DOXFORD PARK
FRIENDS OF DOXFORD PARK
YEAR ENDED 31 MARCH 2025
I report on the accounts of Friends Of Doxford Park for the year ended 31 March 2025, which are set out on pages 6 to 12.
Respective responsibilities of trustees and examiner
The trustees (who are also directors of the company for the purposes of company law) are responsible for the preparation of the accounts. The trustees consider that an audit is not required for this year under section 144(2) of the Charities Act 2011 Act (the 2011 Act) and that an independent examination is needed.
Having satisfied myself that the charity is not subject to audit under company law and is eligible for independent examination, it is my responsibility to:
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examine the accounts under section 145 of the 2011 Act;
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to follow the procedures laid down in the general Directions given by the Charity Commission under section 145(5)(b) of the 2011 Act; and
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to state whether particular matters have come to my attention.
My examination was carried out in accordance with the general Directions given by the Charity Commission. An examination includes a review of the accounting records kept by the charity and a comparison of the accounts presented with those records. It also includes consideration of any unusual items or disclosures in the accounts, and seeking explanations from you as trustees concerning any such matters. The procedures undertaken do not provide all the evidence that would be required in an audit, and consequently no opinion is out in the statement below.
In connection with my examination, no matter has come to my attention:
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(1) which gives me reasonable cause to believe that in any material respect the requirements:
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to keep accounting records in accordance with section 386 of the Companies Act 2006; and
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to prepare accounts which accord with the accounting records, comply with the accounting requirements of section 396 of the Companies Act 2006 and with the methods and principles of the Statement of Recommended Practice: Accounting and Reporting by Charities
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have not been met; or;
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(2) to which in my opinion, attention should be drawn in order to enable a proper understanding of the accounts to be reached.
Claire Miller BA (Hons) FCA Independent Examiner
ON BEHALF OF DEBÉRE LIMITED Chartered Accountants Swallow House Parsons Road Washington Tyne and Wear NE37 1EZ
Date: 5 December 2025
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FRIENDS OF DOXFORD PARK
STATEMENT OF FINANCIAL ACTIVITIES (INCORPORATING THE INCOME STATEMENT)
YEAR ENDED 31 MARCH 2025
| Unrestricted | Unrestricted | ||
|---|---|---|---|
| Total | Total | ||
| Funds | Funds | ||
| 2025 | 2024 | ||
| Notes | £ | £ | |
| Income and endowments from: | |||
| Donations and legacies | 5 | 1,791 | 1,430 |
| Charitable activities | 6 | 24,209 | 38,380 |
| Total | 26,000 |
39,810 | |
| Expenditure on: | |||
| Charitable activities | 7 | 24,918 | 35,409 |
| Total | 24,918 |
35,409 | |
| Net movements in funds | 9 | 1,082 | 4,401 |
| Total funds brought forward | 4,401 | ||
| Total funds carried forward | 5,483 | 4,401 |
The Statement of Financial Activities includes all gains and losses in the year and therefore a statement of total recognised gains and losses has not been prepared.
All of the above amounts relate to continuing activities.
The notes on pages 8 to 13 form part of these financial statements.
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FRIENDS OF DOXFORD PARK
Registered Number 1201665
STATEMENT OF FINANCIAL POSITION
31 MARCH 2025
| Notes Fixed assets Tangible assets 10 Current assets Debtors 11 Cash at bank and in hand Creditors: amounts falling due within one year 12 Net current assets Total assets less current liabilities Funds Unrestricted income funds 13 Total funds |
2025 £ £ 1,524 100 4,639 4,739 (780) 3,959 5,483 5,483 5,483 |
2024 £ £ 1,706 144 3,298 3,442 (747) 2,695 4,401 4,401 4,401 |
|
|---|---|---|---|
These financial statements have been prepared in compliance with FRS 102, 'The Financial Reporting Standard applicable in the UK and the Republic of Ireland', the Statement of Recommended Practice applicable to charities preparing their accounts in accordance with the Financial Reporting Standard applicable in the UK and Republic of Ireland (FRS 102) (Charities SORP (FRS 102)).
For the period ending 31 March 2025 the company was entitled to exemption from audit under section 477 of the Companies Act 2006 relating to small companies.
Directors/trustees responsibilities:
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The members have not required the company to obtain an audit of its financial statements for the year in question in accordance with section 476;
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The directors/trustees acknowledge their responsibilities for complying with the requirements of the Act with respect to accounting records and the preparation of financial statements.
These financial statements were approved by the Board and authorised for issue on 3 December 2025 and are signed on their behalf by:
Mrs Louise Emma Williamson Trustee
The notes on pages 8 to 13 form part of these financial statements
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FRIENDS OF DOXFORD PARK
NOTES TO THE FINANCIAL STATEMENTS
YEAR ENDED 31 MARCH 2025
1 General information
The charity is a charitable incorporated organisation registered in England and Wales and a registered charity in England and Wales. The address of the registered office is Doxford Park Lodge, Silksworth Road, Sunderland, Tyne and Wear, SR3 2PE.
2 Statement of compliance
The financial statements have been prepared in accordance with applicable to charities preparing their accounts in accordance with the Financial Reporting Standard applicable in the UK Benefit Entity as defined by FRS 102.
3 Accounting policies
The principal accounting policies are set out below. The accounting policies have been adopted consistently throughout the year.
Going concern
The financial statements have been prepared on a going concern basis. The trustees have reviewed and considered relevant information, including the annual budget and future cash flows in making their assessment. Based on these assessments, given the measures that could be undertaken to mitigate the current adverse conditions, and the current resources available, the trustees have concluded that they can continue to adopt the going concern basis in preparing the annual report and accounts.
Cashflow statement
The charity has elected to adopt the exemption from preparing a cash flow statement on the grounds that the charity qualifies as a small charity.
Judgements and Key Sources of estimation uncertainty
The preparation of the financial statements requires management to make judgements, estimates and assumptions that affect the amounts reported. These estimates and judgements are continually reviewed and are based on experience and other factors, including expectations of future events that are believed to be reasonably under the circumstances.
Tangible fixed assets and depreciation
Fixed assets are stated at cost less depreciation. Assets costing less than £200 are not capitalised.
Depreciation is provided on all tangible fixed assets at rates calculated to write off the cost, less estimated residual value, of each asset over its expected useful life, as follows:
Computer equipment 33% straight line Fixtures and fittings 25% reducing balance
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FRIENDS OF DOXFORD PARK
NOTES TO THE FINANCIAL STATEMENTS
YEAR ENDED 31 MARCH 2025
3 Accounting policies (continued)
Incoming resources
All incoming resources are included in the Statement of Financial Activities when the charity is legally entitled to the income.
Voluntary income including donations and grants that provide core funding or are of a generated nature are recognised where there is entitlement, certainty of receipt and the amount can be measured with sufficient reliability.
Investment income and income from charitable activities is recognised on a receivable basis.
Resources expended
Resources expended are brought into the financial statements on an accruals basis. Support costs include those incurred in the governance of the charity and its assets are primarily associated with constitutional and statutory requirements. They include apportionment of staff costs based on an estimate of time spent by staff members on governance matters.
Where costs cannot be directly attributed to a particular heading, they have been allocated to activities on a basis consistent with the use of resources.
Support cost allocation
Support costs are those that assist the work of the charity but do not directly represent charitable activities and include office costs, governance costs and administrative payroll costs. They are incurred directly in support of expenditure on the objects of the charity.
Debtors
Trade and other debtors are recognised at the settlement amount due after any trade discount offered. Prepayments are valued at the amount prepaid net of any trade discounts due.
Cash at bank and in hand
Cash at bank and cash in hand includes cash and short term highly liquid investments with a short maturity of three months or less from the date of acquisition or opening of the deposit or similar account.
Creditors and provisions
Creditors and provisions are recognised where the charity has a present obligation resulting from a past event that will probably result in the transfer of funds to a third party and the amount due to settle the obligation can be measured or estimated reliably. Creditors and provisions are normally recognised at their settlement after allowing for any trade discounts due.
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FRIENDS OF DOXFORD PARK
NOTES TO THE FINANCIAL STATEMENTS
YEAR ENDED 31 MARCH 2025
3 Accounting policies (continued)
Financial instruments
The charity only has financial assets and financial liabilities of a kind that qualify as basic financial instruments. Basic financial instruments are initially recognised at transaction value and subsequently measured at their settlement value with the exception of bank loans which are subsequently measured at amortised cost using the effective interest method.
Fund accounting
The general fund is unrestricted and available for use at the discretion of the directors and trustees in furtherance of the objectives of the charity.
The trustees/directors set up designed funds, which are also unrestricted, where they consider it appropriate.
Restricted funds are shown separately where the funds are only available for specific projects.
4 Statement of Financial Activities for the prior year
| Unrestricted | ||
|---|---|---|
| Total | ||
| Funds | ||
| 2024 | ||
| Notes | £ | |
| Income and endowments from: | ||
| Donations and legacies | 5 | 1,430 |
| Charitable activities | 6 | 38,380 |
| Total | 39,810 | |
| Expenditure on: | ||
| Charitable activities | 7 | 35,409 |
| Total | 35,409 | |
| Net movements in funds | 9 | 4,401 |
| Total funds brought forward | ||
| Total funds carried forward | 4,401 |
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FRIENDS OF DOXFORD PARK
NOTES TO THE FINANCIAL STATEMENTS
YEAR ENDED 31 MARCH 2025
5 Donations and legacies
| Donations 6 Income from charitable activities Sunderland City Council Funds received from Friends of Doxford Park (1199559) |
2025 £ 1,791 2025 £ 24,209 24,209 |
2024 £ 1,430 2025 £ 32,117 6,263 38,380 |
|---|---|---|
7 Costs of charitable activities
| Direct Support Governance Costs Costs Costs £ £ £ Charitable activity 1,918 22,580 420 1,918 22,580 420 overnance costs are made up as follows: 2025 £ Accountancy fees and Independent Examination 420 |
Total Total Funds Funds 2025 2024 £ £ 24,918 35,409 24,918 35,409 2024 £ 360 |
|---|---|
Governance costs are made up as follows:
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FRIENDS OF DOXFORD PARK
NOTES TO THE FINANCIAL STATEMENTS
YEAR ENDED 31 MARCH 2025
8 Staff costs
The aggregate payroll costs were:
| Wages and salaries Social security costs |
2025 £ 17,738 17,738 |
2024 £ 21,831 21,831 |
|---|---|---|
Particular of employees
The average number of persons employed by the charity during the year (including the trustees/directors) was as follows:
| 2025 | 2025 | 2024 | ||||||||||
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| £ | £ | |||||||||||
| Number of management and administration staff | 4 | 4 | ||||||||||
| During the year there was remuneration paid to the trustees/directors of £17,738. | ||||||||||||
| 9 | Net movement in funds | |||||||||||
| 2025 | 2024 | |||||||||||
| £ | £ | |||||||||||
| This is stated after charging: | ||||||||||||
| Depreciation | 685 | 606 | ||||||||||
| Independent E | ||||||||||||
| statements) | 420 | 360 | ||||||||||
| 10 | Tangible fixed assets | |||||||||||
| Fixtures | and Computer |
|||||||||||
| Fittings Equipment |
Total | |||||||||||
| £ | £ | £ | ||||||||||
| Cost | ||||||||||||
| Additions in the period | 1,888 | 424 | 2,312 | |||||||||
| At 1 April 2024 | 503 | 503 | ||||||||||
| 2,391 | 424 | 2,815 | ||||||||||
| At 31 March 2025 | ||||||||||||
| Depreciation | ||||||||||||
| Charge for the period | 472 | 134 | 606 | |||||||||
| At 1 April 2024 | 545 | 140 | 685 | |||||||||
| At 31 March 2025 | 1,017 | 274 | 1,291 | |||||||||
| Net book value | ||||||||||||
| At 31 March 2025 | 1,374 | 150 | 1,524 | |||||||||
| At 31 March 2024 | 1,416 | 290 | 1,706 |
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FRIENDS OF DOXFORD PARK
NOTES TO THE FINANCIAL STATEMENTS
YEAR ENDED 31 MARCH 2025
11 Debtors
| 2025 | 2024 | |
|---|---|---|
| £ | £ | |
| Other debtors | 100 | 144 |
| Debtors are measured at transaction price, less any impairment. |
12 Creditors: Amounts falling due within one year
| 2025 | 2024 | |
|---|---|---|
| £ | £ | |
| Social security costs | 360 | 387 |
| Accruals | 420 | 360 |
| 780 |
747 |
Short terms creditors are measured at the transaction price.
13 Analysis of unrestricted fund movements
For the year ended 31 March 2025:
| Balance | Balance | ||||
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| At 1 | At 31 | ||||
| April | Incoming | Resources | March | ||
| 2024 | Resources | Expended | 2025 | ||
| £ | £ | £ | £ | ||
| Unrestricted funds | 4,401 | 26,000 | (24,918) | 5,483 | |
| For the year ended 31 March 2024: | |||||
| Balance | Balance | ||||
| At 1 | At 31 | ||||
| April | Incoming | Resources | March | ||
| 2023 | Resources | Expended | 2024 | ||
| £ | £ | £ | £ | ||
| Unrestricted funds | - | 39,810 | (35,409) | 4,401 | |
| 14 | Related party transactions |
There were no related party transactions during the year.
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