## **Thundridge Old Church Action Group, a Charitable CIO Charity No: 1202921** # **Trustees’ Annual Report & Statement of Financial Activity for the period 03 May 2023 to 31 March 2024** **Thundridge Old Church Action Group** ## **Trustees’ Annual Report & Statement of Financial Activity for the period 03 May 2023 to 31 March 2024** ## **Table of Contents** |**1.**|**Introduction.................................................................................................4**|**Introduction.................................................................................................4**| |---|---|---| ||1.1|Charitable Objects ............................................................................................. 4| ||1.2|Overview (Executive Summary) ....................................................................... 4| |**2.**|**Activities & Achievements ...........................................................................5**|| ||2.1|Outputs & Outcomes ........................................................................................ 5| ||2.1.1|Charitable Incorporated Organisation (CIO) ..................................................... 5| ||2.1.2|Archaeological Survey and Assessment ............................................................ 5| ||2.1.3|Condition Survey ............................................................................................... 5| ||2.1.4|Education and Outreach ................................................................................... 5| ||2.1.5|Volunteer work ................................................................................................. 6| ||2.2|Looking Ahead ................................................................................................... 6| |**3.**|**Financial Review ..........................................................................................7**|| ||3.1|Financial Position .............................................................................................. 7| ||3.2|Details of Any Funds Materially in Deficit ......................................................... 7| ||3.3|Policy on Reserves ............................................................................................. 7| ||3.4|Principal Sources of Funding ............................................................................. 7| ||3.5|Description of the Principal Risks Facing the Charity ........................................ 7| ||3.6|Remuneration of Trustees ................................................................................ 8| ||3.7|Statutory Statements on Liabilities ................................................................... 8| |**4.**|**Reference and Administration Details ..........................................................9**|| ||4.1|Charity Name & Registration ............................................................................ 9| ||4.2|Charity’s Principal Address ................................................................................ 9| ||4.3|Names of the Trustees Who Manage the Charity............................................. 9| ||4.4|Names of Advisors & Senior Members of Staff................................................. 9| ||4.6|Independent Examiner ...................................................................................... 9| |**5.**|**Accounts for the year ended 31 March 2024 ............................................... 10**|| ||5.1 Receipts and Payments .......................................................................................... 10|| ||5.2 Assets and Liabilities .............................................................................................. 11|| |**6.**|**Structure, Governance & Management ...................................................... 12**|| ||6.1|Type of Governing Document ......................................................................... 12| ||6.2|Statutory Declaration ...................................................................................... 12| ||6.3|Trustee Selection Methods ............................................................................. 12| |**7.0**|**Appendix – Activities ................................................................................. 13**|| _Thundridge Old Church Action Group: Trustees’ Annual Report & Financial Statements 2023/24_ _Page 3 of 16_ ## **Trustees Annual Report & Statement of Financial Activity for the period 03 May 2023 to 31 March 2024** ## **1. Introduction** ## **1.1 Charitable Objects** To preserve for the benefit of the residents of the parish of Thundridge and the public, the grade II listed tower and graveyard of St Mary and All Saints' Church by conserving and maintaining them in sound condition with public access and removing the threat of demolition by creating conditions by which ownership can be transferred from the Diocese of St Albans. To research and advance the education of the public in all aspects of the church’s history, the scheduled monument within which it is sited the immediate environs and the unspoiled historic surrounding River Rib valley. To promote the preservation and maintenance of the same locality as a green and recreational space to the benefit of the environment and the health and welfare of the public ## **1.2 Overview (Executive Summary)** This was a productive year for TOCAG, notably: - Becoming a Charitable Incorporated Organisation - Conducting extraordinary detailed survey work of the moated enclosure and tower and a physical condition survey of the tower that is critical to future planning. - Putting on an 8 week exhibition at Ware Museum and giving the first two of four public talks of the history and significance of the Old Church, the current threats and TOCAGs aims as an organisation, along with online and onsite education and outreach. We look forward in 2024 to what may be a transformative year with great opportunity but also very significant challenges. _Thundridge Old Church Action Group: Trustees’ Annual Report & Financial Statements 2023/24_ _Page 4 of 16_ ## **2. Activities & Achievements** ## **2.1 Outputs & Outcomes** ## 2.1.1 Charitable Incorporated Organisation (CIO) TOCAGs application to be registered as a CIO was approved and it is now able to act, raise funds and enter into agreements independently, which is a critical enabler for achieving its constitutional outcomes. TOCAGs charitable status publicly recognises its aims and has enabled registration with fundraising services such as GoFundMe and PayPal Business, and HMRC for Gift Aid recovery. ## 2.1.2 Archaeological Survey and Assessment In 2023, TOCAG worked with Historic England’s Archaeological Investigation Team to survey the moated enclosure using a drone equipped with high resolution photography and ground radar. The same team returned in March 2024 for a week to carry out a detailed ground survey which will be further developed in summer by the East Herts Archaeological Society in their 125th year conducting a geophysical investigation of the moated enclosure and churchyard, with a variety of equipment available to them, supported as far as possible by TOCAG volunteers. All this will be combined with interpretation of the features and documentary research, into a full archaeological appraisal of the site, with particular focus of the origin of the moated enclosure itself and signs of early occupation. TOCAG also worked separately with the Historic England Geospatial Survey team who used an advanced drone and laser scanning equipment to precisely model the tower inside and out to a resolution down to 1mm, producing a complete orthophotographic record and fully navigable 3D model that is a permanent exceptional and regionally unique resource that is an aid to its further historic and structural investigation and preservation. A publicly accessible version of the 3D model has been published on the website sketchfab.com as ‘Thundridge Old Church’ which can be leveraged as an engaging and educational resource. ## 2.1.3 Condition Survey After over a year of tendering and securing funds from Historic England and the Diocese of St Albans, TOCAG commissioned architects RH Partnership to carry out a physical inspection of the tower inside and out and to produce a condition report. The report made detailed recommendations for repairs to stabilise and preserve the tower but also highlighted potentially serious issues with the roof that need a structural engineer to get direct access inside to investigate further. This is currently the most important next step towards planning the tower’s future. ## 2.1.4 Education and Outreach In early 2023, TOCAG completely refreshed its website and plans to do so again in 2024 to reflect the large amount of progress and new information available as an authoritative and comprehensive reference source and to facilitate more frequent updates to encourage repeat visits. TOCAG also created a social media presence on both Facebook and Instagram to serve as a means of engaging and building a community and signposting to the website for more detailed information. It is a focus of the organisation to invest greater effort in making these channels more effective, training and transferring knowledge to volunteers to be empowered to take greater responsibility. An 8-week exhibition was put on at Ware Museum in the summer, including several new outputs of historical research, including the significance of the site and patrons in the abolition of slavery movement and diplomacy to avoid the American War of Independence and the historical narrative around how the church came to be demolished in 1853. In spring 2024 TOCAG delivered two presentation talks for the Ware Society and the Hertford and Ware Local History Society. Together these were attended by around 120 people and made available _Thundridge Old Church Action Group: Trustees’ Annual Report & Financial Statements 2023/24_ _Page 5 of 16_ online for a short period where it was estimated to have reached a further 50 people. The same talk is booked to be given to the After Eights Ladies group in May and Stanstead Abbots Local History Society in June. These in person events raise awareness of TOCAG and its objectives, provide new contacts for our community engagement and have created offers of help we will be leveraging. TOCAG organised on-site educational events for both Beavers and Cub Scouts which were very well received and extremely enjoyable to host. We have been approached by schools to develop and run on-site educational events. TOCAG attended the ‘Ware’s the Community’ event in the Southern Maltings which built new relationships with other local volunteer organisations as well as the public. ## 2.1.5 Volunteer work The condition survey report identified that parts of the tower are now unsafe. As a result, TOCAG purchased safety HERAS fencing and organised a fun community day to install it. TOCAG consider this to be a model for community engagement and demonstration of capacity to manage the site that it is important to develop further. In response to vandalism of the tower, the need for simple routine maintenance and other issues onsite, TOCAG are seeking guidance on how to get the necessary guidance and approvals to take an active role in the management of the site. ## **2.2 Looking Ahead** Areas for development in 2024 include. - Continue historical research and interpretation to develop interest and significance – engaging volunteers as far as possible. - Bring website up to date as reference and share actively and regularly on social media to build community engagement. - Seek grants and organise investigation of the roof. If possible, consider the same for at least the most urgent remedial works identified in the Condition Survey - Consider opportunities to make the church a better place to visit (e.g. seating, interpretation panels, rebuild front wall) - Develop a capability through professional relationships and community volunteer groups for routine maintenance and minor repair. - As support allows, organise creative events such as: summer service, music/sound/light; drama, community stalls to develop the utility of the site and raise awareness. _Thundridge Old Church Action Group: Trustees’ Annual Report & Financial Statements 2023/24_ _Page 6 of 16_ ## **3. Financial Review** ## **3.1 Financial Position** TOCAG holds modest reserves from private donations, one of a magnitude unlikely to be repeated. It is therefore taking a cautious approach to ensuring any spend delivers maximum benefit. However, these reserves are now sufficient to enable some significant independent objectives. ## **3.2 Details of Any Funds Materially in Deficit** The Charity has no funds which are materially in deficit. ## **3.3 Policy on Reserves** TOCAG reserves are currently small, and there are no committed designations while the new organisation assesses its capabilities. TOCAG has no debt or liabilities. It is expected that any major projects of repair to the tower, one of its principal objectives, will come largely from specific grant sources as restricted funds rather than reserves. Reserves are currently anticipated to be allocated to objectives such as. - Environmental improvements to the churchyard that enhance its utility such as interpretation, seating, security, signage and minor repairs. - Investments in education and outreach such as IT services, research expenses, publishing, and publicity materials. - Operational costs and professional services such as legal and business services. ## **3.4 Principal Sources of Funding** In this financial year funding has been principally through public donations and reclamation of associated Gift Aid, notably one large donation, for all of which we are immensely grateful. Some funds have come from giving public talks, and a small amount from merchandise sales. Whilst TOCAG managed the delivery of the condition survey and was a co-signatory on the Section 17 Management agreement with Historic England, it was practical at the time for the Diocese of St Albans to be the grant recipient and client. It is anticipated that in future TOCAG will take on both roles themselves. Similarly, where TOCAG has undertaken maintenance tasks on behalf of the Diocese of St Albans, it has been simpler for invoices to be presented directly to them rather than to TOCAG with subsequent reimbursement. TOCAG have been notified it is the subject of a future bequest, though not its source or nature. ## **3.5 Description of the Principal Risks Facing the Charity** Governance: There may be insufficient volunteers and trustees to enable the charity to be effective and sustainable in its long term objectives, especially saving the tower from demolition. Mitigation remains to emphasise in all interactions the absolute need for community support from the public and representative bodies. Financial: The resources required to preserve the tower may exceed the capacity for grants and fundraising, notably if the roof is a fundamental structural issue. Mitigation is to prioritise investigation of the roof to quantify this risk and combine this with the findings of the Condition Survey to create a scope of works to address necessary repairs and begin to evaluate and seek sources of funding to those amounts to create a viable business plan. _Thundridge Old Church Action Group: Trustees’ Annual Report & Financial Statements 2023/24_ _Page 7 of 16_ Strategic: It may not be possible to negotiate a mutually satisfactory long term management agreement for the tower. TOCAG will in the meantime try to develop the skills and people to become an organisation capable of taking effective management responsibilities. ## **3.6 Remuneration of Trustees** All Trustees act in a voluntary capacity and receive no remuneration or other material benefits from their services to the Charity. Out-of-pocket expenses necessarily and reasonably incurred by Trustees in promoting the purposes of the Charity are reimbursed at cost. ## **3.7 Statutory Statements on Liabilities** The Trustees declare that: The charity has given no guarantees where potential liability under the guarantee is outstanding at the date of this statement The charity has no debt outstanding at the date of this statement which is owed by the CIO and which is secured by an express charge on any assets of the CIO _Thundridge Old Church Action Group: Trustees’ Annual Report & Financial Statements 2023/24_ _Page 8 of 16_ ## **4. Reference and Administration Details** ## **4.1 Charity Name & Registration** Name: Thundridge Old Church Action Group Charity No: 1202921 Registered with HM Revenue & Customs ## **4.2 Charity’s Principal Address** 3 Meadow View Cottages, Cold Christmas, Thundridge, Hertfordshire SG127SW **e-mail:** friends@thundridgeoldchurch.org **website:** www.thundridgeoldchurch.org ## **4.3 Names of the Trustees Who Manage the Charity** |**_Name_**|**_Office_**|**_Appointed_**|**_Initial term_**|**_Resigned_**| |---|---|---|---|---| |David Blowers|Chair, Treasurer,
Communications,
Administration|03/05/23|4 years|| |Claire Ridgewell||03/05/23|3years|| |Christopher
Melluish||03/05/23|2 years|| |Emma Blowers|Research,
Education and
Outreach|03/05/23|2 years|| ## **4.4 Names of Advisors & Senior Members of Staff** Not Applicable ## **4.6 Independent Examiner** As Thundridge Old Church Action Group income is well below the £25,000 threshold required by the Charity Commission in the period reported, and has limited funds available for professional services, no Independent Examination has been carried out on this report. _Thundridge Old Church Action Group: Trustees’ Annual Report & Financial Statements 2023/24_ _Page 9 of 16_ ## **5. Accounts for the year ended 31 March 2024** ## **5.1 Receipts and Payments** **A1 Receipts** Charitable Service Fees Donations Fundraising Events _**Sub total** (Gross income for AR)_ **----- Start of picture text -----**
Unrestricted Restricted Total Last
funds funds funds year
60 - 60 -
5,584 - 5,584 245
541 - 541 -
6,185 - 6,185 245
**----- End of picture text -----**
**A2 Asset & investment sales** **----- Start of picture text -----**
50
Merchandising 50 - -
Sub total 50 - - 50
Total receipts 6,235 - 6,235 295
**----- End of picture text -----**
## **A3 Payments** Equipment Printing, Stationery and Supplies Repairs and maintenance Cost of fundraising events Membership Fees _**Sub total**_ **----- Start of picture text -----**
20 - 20 -
150 - 150 -
85 - 85 -
- - - 10
- - - 100
255 - 255 110
**----- End of picture text -----**
**A4 Asset & investment purchases** **----- Start of picture text -----**
- - -
Sub total
- - - -
Total payments 255 - 255 110
Net of receipts/(payments)
5,979 - 5,979 185
A6 Cash funds last year end
185 - 185 -
Cash funds this year end
6,164 - 6,164 185
**----- End of picture text -----**
_Thundridge Old Church Action Group: Trustees’ Annual Report & Financial Statements 2023/24_ _Page 10 of 16_ ## **5.2 Assets and Liabilities** ## **Unrestricted funds Restricted funds** |**Categories**
**B1 Cash funds**|**Details**
Bank Accounts
**_Total cash_**
**_funds_**|**6,164**
**6,164**|| |---|---|---|---| |||**6,164**|**-**| |||**6,164**|**-**| The Charity has no Assets or Liabilities of the following categories at the time of reporting. - B2 Other monetary assets - B3 Investment assets - B4 Assets retained for the charity’s own use - B5 Liabilities _Thundridge Old Church Action Group: Trustees’ Annual Report & Financial Statements 2023/24_ _Page 11 of 16_ ## **6. Structure, Governance & Management** ## **6.1 Type of Governing Document** Constitution ## **6.2 Statutory Declaration** The Trustees confirm that they have paid due regard to the guidance issued by the Charity Commission on public benefit in deciding what activities the charity should undertake. ## **6.3 Trustee Selection Methods** There must be at least three charity trustees. If the number falls below this minimum, the remaining trustee or trustees may act only to call a meeting of the charity trustees or appoint a new charity trustee. There is no maximum number of charity trustees that may be appointed to the CIO. Apart from the first charity trustees, every trustee must be appointed for a term of three years by a resolution passed at a properly convened meeting of the charity trustees. In selecting individuals for appointment as charity trustees, the charity trustees must have regard to the skills, knowledge and experience needed for the effective administration of the CIO. Approved by the Trustees and signed on their behalf. 29 March 2024 Dave Blowers (Chair) _Thundridge Old Church Action Group: Trustees’ Annual Report & Financial Statements 2023/24_ _Page 12 of 16_ ## **7.0 Appendix – Activities** **Archaeological Assessment -** Geospatial Survey work and draft diagrammatic and LiDAR outputs, pending addition of geophysical survey data all inputs to archaeological interpretation and assessment report _Thundridge Old Church Action Group: Trustees’ Annual Report & Financial Statements 2023/24_ _Page 13 of 16_ Condition and Tower Survey Thundridge Old Church Action Group.. Tru5tee5'AnnutJl Report & FinuncNtJl Stutement5 2023/24 Page 14 of 16 Exhibition and Talks Thundridge Old Church Action Group.. Tru5tee5' Anntjul Report & FinunciulStutement5 2023/24 Page 15 of 16 Outreach Thundridge Old Church Action Group.. Tru5tee5'AnnutJl Report & FinuncNtJl Stutement5 2023/24 Page 16 of 16