Trustees’ Annual Report
The Old Polperro School CIO
Charity Number: 1204338
Reporting Period: March 2025 to July 2026
Unfortunately, there has been a delay in the timing of the AGM this year due to the sudden and unexpected death of our Treasurer and husband of our Chair of Trustees. Following advice from the Charities commission we have delayed the meeting to give a respectful period to prepare the necessary reports and statements.
Following the previous Annual General Meeting, a significant number of trustees stepped down from the Board. Their decision reflected the increasingly difficult working environment created by ongoing criticism, opposition, and lack of constructive engagement from the Parish Community Council (PCC) who act Landlords of the Village Hall. The remaining trustees nevertheless remained committed to the charitable objectives of the CIO and continued to work diligently on behalf of the village hall and the wider community.
The Hall continues to be used by the Community for a wide range of activities:
Brownies & Guides
Gymnasium
Art Foundation
Wellness/ therapy room Available to rent by qualified /insured therapists.
Saturday Circuits A group set up by a fully qualified /insured resident as a free activity open to all.
Polperro mayor elections
Band practice has taken place throughout the year in the Hall with Goin’South and BMT regular users.
Birthday parties
Antiques valuation morning with Michael Vaughan
Zumba sessions with Maz
Polperro family history society weekend
Dermot Kavanagh 2 day water colour course
May polling for general election
VE Day joint celebration with VH, chapel and British legion
South West water conference hosted and catered
Water carnival registration
Lesa Welch Arts ceramics session
Film screenings with Ian Barber
Sunday Lunch group meets every Sunday
Water carnival fund raiser - film showing
Beyond Paradise film crew hiring hall for filming
Orwell Society talks hosted by Trustees
Christmas lights fayre , reindeer and grotto
Film and Christmas Party for Brownies/Guides / Hyperactive funded By
Trustees – This was also an occasion to commemorate the retirement of Guide leader Karen Bowdler who has worked so hard for many years to run the group for local brownies and guides . The children had a wonderful time.
Wreath making event hosted by Friends of Polperro School - well attended and raised £600 for school funds
First fund raiser for old school house renovation project plantation
held their Quiz night at the hall. All profits to the OSH fund
First Aid training very well attended by local residents and business owners.
The hall is also the Hub for Civic events such as Community council meetings and as a Polling booth.
Throughout the year, the trustees focused on addressing long-standing issues arising from years of underinvestment in the hall's fabric and infrastructure. A programme of repairs and maintenance was developed and implemented to safeguard the building and ensure that it remains a safe, functional, and welcoming community asset for future generations.
The Hall continues to operate with a small surplus. This is due to the revenue from car parking spaces let to local residents. The objective is to use the surplus and hopefully successful grant applications to fund the kitchen and toilet improvement works.
Alongside essential maintenance works, trustees also progressed plans for a programme of improvements designed to enhance the hall's attractiveness and sustainability.
These proposals include upgrading the toilet facilities, creating additional storage space, and installing a fully equipped kitchen. Such improvements would significantly increase the hall's appeal to existing and prospective user groups, improve the experience of those hiring the facility, and help ensure that the hall remains competitive with other local venues.
In January 2026, the Board was strengthened by the appointment of several new trustees who have brought fresh enthusiasm, skills, and ideas to the organisation. The trustees share a commitment to securing the long-term future of both the village hall and the wider charitable assets.
A key area of focus for the new Board is the renovation of the former schoolhouse. Trustees are exploring the opportunity to convert the building into affordable housing for a local family while also creating a sustainable source of rental income. This additional revenue would help fund the substantial programme of repairs and improvements required for the village hall, reducing reliance on grants and enabling the charity to invest in its facilities for the benefit of the whole community.
The trustees remain committed to working collaboratively with all stakeholders and to ensuring that the charity's assets are managed responsibly, transparently, and in accordance with its charitable objectives.
1. Reference and Administrative Details
Charity Name: The Old Polperro School CIO
Charity Number: 1204338
Principal Address:
Polperro Village Hall
The Coombes
Polperro
PL13 2PW
2. Structure, Governance and Management
The charity is a Charitable Incorporated Organisation (CIO), governed by an association model constitution and registered with the Charity Commission in August 2023.
The Village Hall is owned by the Polperro Community with the custodians being the Polperro Community Council (PCC). The CIO leases the premises and is responsible for dayto-day management. The Trustees oversee governance, strategy, and compliance.
3. Objectives and Activities
The object of the charity is to provide and maintain a village hall for the benefit of the local community, supporting recreation, education, and social welfare.
Activities include hosting community groups, events, and programmes that promote wellbeing and inclusion.
4. Achievements and Performance
-
Continued community use of the hall
-
Expanded activities and events
-
Improved communication and engagement
-
Community consultation completed
-
Improved car park management
5. Financial Review
Income is derived primarily from hall hire and car park fees.
Financial systems and controls have been strengthened during the reporting period.
6. Plans for Future Periods
-
Building maintenance and upgrades
-
Improved accessibility and facilities
-
Expanded community activities
-
Increased engagement and participation
7. Key Risks and Uncertainties
-
Building maintenance costs
-
Operational workload
-
Financial sustainability
-
Administrative systems development
8. Public Benefit Statement
The Trustees confirm compliance with Charity Commission guidance on public benefit.
9. Trustee Responsibilities
Trustees are responsible for governance, financial records, safeguarding assets, and compliance.
10. Approval
Signed on behalf of the Trustees:
Name: _____
Position: Trustee
Date: _____
THE OLD POLPERRO SCHOOL CHARITY NUMBER 1204338
RECEIPTS AND PAYMENTS ACCOUNT FOR THE PERIOD 1 OCTOBER 2024 TO 30 SEPTEMBER 2025
| Bank A/C Balance 01.10.24 INCOME Car Parking 13,141.04 Room hire 2,484.25 PAF 5,100.00 Deposit A/C 2,000.00 Other income 3,088.38 Pety Cash INCOME TOTAL PAYMENTS Cleaning 3,721.61 Repairs/Main 5,747.16 Light/Heat 3,840.47 Water 356.00 Council Tax 1,923.47 Waste 664.18 Insurance 643.35 Deposit A/C 19,000.00 Misc 3,317.52 Phone - B/Band 733.72 Pety Cash - PAYMENTS TOTAL |
£ 15,472.41 25,813.67 39,947.48 |
|---|---|
| 1,338.60 |
Balance at 1 October 2024
| Balance at 1 October 2024 | ||
|---|---|---|
| £ | ||
| Bank | 15,472.41 | |
| £ | ||
| Pety Cash | 159.49 | |
| Deposit Account | £ - | (Opened 10.12.24) |
| £ | ||
| TOTAL FUNDS | 15,631.90 | |
| Balance at 30 September 2025 | ||
| £ | ||
| Bank | 1,338.60 | |
| £ | ||
| Pety Cash | 76.94 | |
| £ | ||
| Deposit Account | 17,081.80 | |
| £ | ||
| TOTAL FUNDS | 18,497.34 |
Financial report to the Old Polperro School
In accordance with instructions given to me, I have independently examined the annexed financial statement from the accounting record of The Old Polperro School from information and explanations supplied to me .
I can confirm there are no areas of concern where accounting rules were not followed, disclosures not fully made or accounting records incomplete.
J Bird
78 Carey Park
Killigarth
Polperro
PL13 2JP
THE OLD POLPERRO SCHOOL CHARITY NUMBER 1204338
RECEIPTS AND PAYMENTS ACCOUNT FOR THE PERIOD 1 OCTOBER 2024 TO 30 SEPTEMBER 2025
| Bank A/C Balance 01.10.24 INCOME Car Parking 13,141.04 Room hire 2,484.25 PAF 5,100.00 Deposit A/C 2,000.00 Other income 3,088.38 Pety Cash INCOME TOTAL PAYMENTS Cleaning 3,721.61 Repairs/Main 5,747.16 Light/Heat 3,840.47 Water 356.00 Council Tax 1,923.47 Waste 664.18 Insurance 643.35 Deposit A/C 19,000.00 Misc 3,317.52 Phone - B/Band 733.72 Pety Cash - PAYMENTS TOTAL |
£ 15,472.41 25,813.67 39,947.48 |
|---|---|
| 1,338.60 |
Balance at 1 October 2024
| Balance at 1 October 2024 | ||
|---|---|---|
| £ | ||
| Bank | 15,472.41 | |
| £ | ||
| Pety Cash | 159.49 | |
| Deposit Account | £ - | (Opened 10.12.24) |
| £ | ||
| TOTAL FUNDS | 15,631.90 | |
| Balance at 30 September 2025 | ||
| £ | ||
| Bank | 1,338.60 | |
| £ | ||
| Pety Cash | 76.94 | |
| £ | ||
| Deposit Account | 17,081.80 | |
| £ | ||
| TOTAL FUNDS | 18,497.34 |
Financial report to the Old Polperro School
In accordance with instructions given to me, I have independently examined the annexed financial statement from the accounting record of The Old Polperro School from information and explanations supplied to me .
I can confirm there are no areas of concern where accounting rules were not followed, disclosures not fully made or accounting records incomplete.
J Bird
78 Carey Park
Killigarth
Polperro
PL13 2JP