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2024-12-31-accounts

West Grinstead & District Ploughing & Agricultural Society
Annual report and unaudited financial statements
For the period ended 30 April 2025
Charity registration no. 1207164
Company Registration No. CE035367 (England And Wales)

West Grinstead & District Ploughing & Agricultural Society

Legal and administrative information

Trustees Mr H W Passmore (Appointed 22 February 2024)
Mr F De Boer (Appointed 22 February 2024)
Mr R B Allan (Appointed 22 February 2024)
Mr J M Ford (Appointed 22 February 2024)
Mr C A Modi (Appointed 22 February 2024)
Mr G C Evans (Appointed 22 February 2024)
Mr T J Bennett (Appointed 22 February 2024)
Ms F E I M S Elliott (Appointed 22 February 2024)
Mr T J Martin (Appointed 22 February 2024)
Ms D E Verrall (Appointed 22 February 2024)
Hon Secretaries Mr R B Allan
Ms F E I M S Elliott
Charity number 1207164
Company number CE035367
Principal address H J Burt & Son
53 High Street
Steyning
West Sussex
BN44 3RE
Registered office H J Burt & Son
53 High Street
Steyning
West Sussex
BN44 3RE
Independent examiner Ayres Bright Vickers Limited
Bishopstone
36 Crescent Road
Worthing
West Sussex
BN11 1RL
Bankers HSBC Bank plc
21 High Street
Storrington
West Sussex
RH20 4DR

West Grinstead & District Ploughing & Agricultural Society

Contents

Page
Trustees' report 1 - 3
Independent examiner's report 4
Statement of financial activities 5
Balance sheet 6
Notes to the financial statements 7 - 13

West Grinstead & District Ploughing & Agricultural Society

Trustees' report (including directors' report) For the period ended 30 April 2025

The trustees present their annual report and financial statements for the period ended 30 April 2025.
The financial statements have been prepared in accordance with the accounting policies set out in note 1 to the
financial statements and comply with the charity's governing document, the Companies Act 2006, FRS 102 "The
Financial Reporting Standard applicable in the UK and Republic of Ireland" and the Charities SORP "Accounting
and Reporting by Charities: 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)".

Objectives and activities

The objects of the CIO are:

1. To promote, advance and improve for the benefit of public agriculture, horticulture, viticulture and forestry and rural crafts and skills related to those sectors by the improvement of livestock and the demonstration and showing of livestock, machinery, crafts, products, methods and processes connected with agriculture horticulture, viticulture, forestry and education in those sectors, in particular by the holding of an annual show in West Sussex, or by such other means as the trustees may determine.

2. The advancement of education and training in agriculture, forestry, horticulture and viticulture, in particular through:

The work of the Society began in 2024, carrying on the good work undertaken by the previous unincorporated
society, the closing funds of which were donated to the charity on its incorporation.
In furtherance of these objectives the Society seeks:

1. To promote excellence in agriculture, horticulture, viticulture, and forestry , and to encourage good practice and innovation across these sectors.

2. To preserve and promote traditional rural crafts and skills , helping to maintain and celebrate rural heritage.

3. To improve public understanding and appreciation of farming and countryside industries , through demonstrations, exhibitions, and educational events such as the annual show and ploughing match.

4. To advance education and training in agriculture, horticulture, forestry, and viticulture, particularly for those with limited financial means.

5. To provide bursaries and financial support to individuals undertaking recognised courses that build practical and technical skills relevant to rural industries.

6. To collaborate with schools, colleges, and community groups to promote learning about food production, the environment, and rural life.

7. To inspire young people to explore careers and opportunities in agriculture and the countryside.

8. To foster community engagement and pride in local farming, countryside management, and rural traditions.

The trustees have paid due regard to guidance issued by the Charity Commission in deciding what activities the
charity should undertake.
During the period, the charity delivered a range of activities designed to promote excellence, education, and
engagement across the agricultural and rural sectors, in line with its charitable objects.

Field Competitions and Rural Skills Promotion

Field competitions were held throughout the summer on local farms, aimed at encouraging excellence and good
agricultural practice. The charity’s annual ploughing match and show day featured a variety of competitions and
demonstrations, including ploughing and cultivation, hedge laying, and fencing. Stands also showcased
traditional rural crafts such as bee keeping, hurdle making, and other countryside skills. Livestock
demonstrations, featuring cattle and sheep, further contributed to public understanding and appreciation of
farming and animal husbandry.
- 1 -

West Grinstead & District Ploughing & Agricultural Society

Trustees' report (including directors' report) (continued) For the period ended 30 April 2025

Public Engagement and Education

A “Meet the Farmer” stand was featured at the annual ploughing match, particularly aimed at engaging children
and families. Visitors were able to speak directly with farmers and learn more about modern agriculture. Bursary
recipients were invited to attend and explain how the charity’s support had benefited their studies and career
development.
The charity continued to foster strong links with local schools. Winners of the annual Schools Crop Growing
Competition were recognised at the ploughing match, with pupils attending to receive their awards. Atotal of
seven schools participated in this year’s competition. Financial assistance was also provided to support school
transport for farm visits at Goffs Farm, Southwater, enabling children to experience farming first-hand.

Education and Training Support

The charity’s bursary scheme continued to provide valuable assistance to individuals pursuing training in
agricultural and forestry skills. This year, bursary funding supported courses in telehandler operation and
chainsaw use, helping recipients to gain practical qualifications essential to their work and future careers.

Achievements and performance

Throughout the period under review, the Society maintained engagement with the local and wider community.
Specifically, the following are highlights:
The annual ploughing match attracted around 4,000 attendees, including volunteers, exhibitors, competitors,
and members of the public, reflecting strong community engagement and growing interest in rural lifeand
agriculture.
Field and show competitions successfully promoted good agricultural practice and showcased both traditional
and modern farming techniques.
The “Meet the Farmer” initiative effectively engaged young people and families, fostering greater awareness and
appreciation of farming and food production.
Seven schools participated in the crop growing competition, strengthening the charity’s educational outreach and
partnerships with local schools.
Pupils attending the show day gained valuable hands-on experience and recognition for their achievements in
growing and cultivating crops.
The bursary programme continued to deliver measurable impact, enabling individuals to complete accredited
training and improve their employability within the rural sector.
Support for school transport ensured inclusive access to educational farm visits for pupils who might otherwise
have been unable to attend.
Through these combined activities and outcomes, the charity has made demonstrable progress in advancing its
aims of promoting excellence in agriculture and rural crafts, and supporting education and training within the
sector.

Financial review

In 2025 our income from investments, activities and donations was more than the cost of our charitable activities
and for this period we had a cash flow surplus of £84,621.
The state of our balance sheet and accounts is healthy and we are well positioned to meet the demands of the
current challenging economic environment. The total reserves of the charity at the year end was £84,771.
- 2 -

West Grinstead & District Ploughing & Agricultural Society

Trustees' report (including directors' report) (continued)

For the period ended 30 April 2025

It is the policy of the charity that unrestricted funds which have not been designated for a specific use should be
maintained at a level equivalent to between three and six month’s expenditure. The trustees considerthat
reserves at this level will ensure that, in the event of a significant drop in funding, they will be able to continue the
charity’s current activities while consideration is given to ways in which additional funds may be raised. This level
of reserves has been maintained throughout the period.

Structure, governance and management

The charity is a company limited by guarantee, established by the creation of an association constitution which
was adopted on 22 February 2024.
The trustees, who are also the directors for the purpose of company law, and who served during the period and
up to the date of signature of the financial statements were:
Mr H W Passmore(Appointed 22 February 2024)
Mr F De Boer(Appointed 22 February 2024)
Mr R B Allan(Appointed 22 February 2024)
Mr J M Ford(Appointed 22 February 2024)
Mr C A Modi(Appointed 22 February 2024)
Mr G C Evans(Appointed 22 February 2024)
Mr T J Bennett(Appointed 22 February 2024)
Ms F E I M S Elliott(Appointed 22 February 2024)
Mr T J Martin(Appointed 22 February 2024)
Ms D E Verrall(Appointed 22 February 2024)
Trustees are elected from the membership in accordance with the charity's constitution.
None of the trustees has any beneficial interest in the company. All of the trustees are members of the company
and guarantee to contribute £1 in the event of a winding up.
The officers who manage the charity are as follows:
Mr T J MartinChairman
Ms D E VerrallVice Chairman
Mr R B AllanJoint Hon Secretary
Ms F E I M S ElliottJoint Hon Secretary
Mr J M FordHon Treasurer
The trustees' report was approved by the Board of Trustees.
..............................
Mr F De Boer
Trustee
Dated: 29/10/2025
..............................
Mr J M Ford
Trustee
Dated:29/10/2025
- 3 -

West Grinstead & District Ploughing & Agricultural Society

Independent examiner's report

To the Trustees of West Grinstead & District Ploughing & Agricultural Society

I report to the trustees on my examination of the financial statements of West Grinstead & District Ploughing &
Agricultural Society (the charity) for the period ended 30 April 2025.

Responsibilities and basis of report

As the trustees of the charity (and also its directors for the purposes of company law), you are responsible for
the preparation of the financial statements in accordance with the requirements of the Companies Act 2006.
Having satisfied myself that the financial statements of the charity are not required to be audited under Part 16
of the Companies Act 2006 and are eligible for independent examination, I report in respect of my examination
of the charity’s financial statements carried out under section 145 of the Charities Act 2011. In carrying out my
examination I have followed the Directions given by the Charity Commission under section 145(5)(b) of the
Charities Act 2011.

Independent examiner's statement

I have completed my examination. I confirm that no matters have come to my attention in connection with the
examination giving me cause to believe that in any material respect:
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 financial statements to
be reached.

Andrew Dalglish FCCA

Ayres Bright Vickers Limited
Bishopstone
36 Crescent Road
Worthing
West Sussex
BN11 1RL
Dated: 29/10/2025
- 4 -

West Grinstead & District Ploughing & Agricultural Society

Statement of financial activities including income and expenditure account

For the period ended 30 April 2025

Notes
Income from:
Donations and legacies
2
Charitable activities
3
Investments
4
Total income
Expenditure on:
Charitable activities
5
Net income for the year/
Net movement in funds
Fund balances at 22 February 2024
Fund balances at 30 April 2025
2025
92,110
10,495
1,658
104,263
19,492
84,771
-
84,771
The statement of financial activities includes all gains and losses recognised in the period. All income and
expenditure derive from continuing activities.
The statement of financial activities also complies with the requirements for an income and expenditure account
under the Companies Act 2006.
- 5 -

West Grinstead & District Ploughing & Agricultural Society

Balance sheet

As at 30 April 2025

Notes
Fixed assets
Investments
11
Current assets
Debtors
12
Cash at bank and in hand
Creditors: amounts falling due within one year
13
Net current assets
Total assets less current liabilities
Income funds
Unrestricted funds
2025
£
1,250
84,621
85,871
(1,200)
£
100
84,671
84,771
84,771
84,771
The company is entitled to the exemption from the audit requirement contained in section 477 of the Companies
Act 2006, for the period ended 30 April 2025.
The directors acknowledge their responsibilities for complying with the requirements of the Companies Act 2006
with respect to accounting records and the preparation of financial statements.
These financial statements have been prepared in accordance with the provisions applicable to companies subject
to the small companies regime.
The financial statements were approved by the Trustees on 29/10/2025
The financial statements were approved by the Trustees on 29/10/2025
.............................. ..............................
Mr F De Boer Mr J M Ford
Trustee Trustee
Company Registration No. CE035367
- 6 -

West Grinstead & District Ploughing & Agricultural Society

Notes to the financial statements For the period ended 30 April 2025

1 Accounting policies

Charity information

West Grinstead & District Ploughing & Agricultural Society is a private company limited by guarantee
incorporated in England and Wales. The registered office is H J Burt & Son, 53 High Street, Steyning, West
Sussex, BN44 3RE.

1.1 Accounting convention

The financial statements have been prepared in accordance with the charity's governing document, the
Companies Act 2006, FRS 102 "The Financial Reporting Standard applicable in the UK and Republic of
Ireland" and the Charities SORP "Accounting and Reporting by Charities: 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)". The charity is a Public Benefit Entity as defined by
FRS 102.
The charity has taken advantage of the provisions in the SORP for charities not to prepare a statement of
cash flows.
The financial statementsare prepared insterling, which is the functional currency of the charity. Monetary
amounts in these financial statements are rounded to the nearest £.
The financial statements have been prepared under the historical cost convention. The principal accounting
policies adopted are set out below.

1.2 Going concern

At the time of approving the financial statements, the trustees have a reasonable expectation that the charity
has adequate resources to continue in operational existence for the foreseeable future. Thus the trustees
continue to adopt the going concern basis of accounting in preparing the financial statements.

1.3 Charitable funds

Unrestricted funds are available for use at the discretion of the trustees in furtherance of theircharitable
objectives.
Restricted funds are subject to specific conditions by donorsor grantorsas to how they may be used. The
purposes and uses of the restricted funds are set out in the notes to the financial statements.
Endowment funds are subject to specific conditions by donors that the capital must be maintained bythe
charity.

1.4 Incoming resources

Income is recognised when the charity is legally entitled to it after any performance conditions have been met,
the amounts can be measured reliably, and it is probable that income will be received.
Cash donations are recognised on receipt. Other donations are recognised once the charity has been notified
of the donation, unless performance conditions require deferral of the amount.Income tax recoverable in
relation to donations received under Gift Aid or deeds of covenant is recognised at the time of the donation.
Legacies are recognised on receipt or otherwise if the charity has been notified of an impending distribution,
the amount is known, and receipt is expected. If the amount is not known, the legacy is treated as a
contingent asset.
- 7 -

West Grinstead & District Ploughing & Agricultural Society

Notes to the financial statements (continued)

For the period ended 30 April 2025

1 Accounting policies

(continued)

1.5 Resources expended

Expenditure is recognised once there is a legal or constructive obligation to transfer economic benefit to a
third party, it is probable that a transfer of economic benefits will be required in settlement, andthe amount of
the obligation can be measured reliably.
Expenditure is classified by activity. The costs of each activity are made up of the total of direct costs and
shared costs, including support costs involved in undertaking each activity. Direct costs attributable to a single
activity are allocated directly to that activity. Shared costs which contribute to more than one activity and
support costs which are not attributable to a single activity are apportioned between those activities on a basis
consistent with the use of resources. Central staff costs are allocated on the basis of time spent, and
depreciation charges are allocated on the portion of the asset’s use.
Society dinner costs comprise the charge for the venue and the associated catering and are recognised in the
period in which the event takes place.

1.6 Fixed asset investments

Fixed asset investments are initially measured at transaction price excluding transaction costs, and are
subsequently measured at fair value at each reporting date.  Changes in fair value are recognised innet
income/(expenditure) for the year. Transaction costs are expensed as incurred.
A subsidiary is an entity controlled by the charity. Control is the power to govern the financial and operating
policies of the entity so as to obtain benefits from its activities.

1.7 Cash and cash equivalents

Cash and cash equivalents include cash in hand, deposits held at call with banks, other short-termliquid
investments with original maturities of three months or less, and bank overdrafts. Bank overdrafts are shown
within borrowings in current liabilities.

1.8 Financial instruments

The charityhas elected to apply the provisions of Section 11 ‘Basic Financial Instruments’ and Section 12
‘Other Financial Instruments Issues’ of FRS 102 to all of its financial instruments.
Financial instruments are recognised in the charity's balance sheet when the charitybecomes party to the
contractual provisions of the instrument.
Financial assets and liabilities are offset, with the net amounts presented in the financial statements, when
there is a legally enforceable right to set off the recognised amounts and there is an intention to settle on a net
basis or to realise the asset and settle the liability simultaneously.

Basic financial assets

Basic financial assets, which include debtors and cash and bank balances, are initially measured at
transaction price including transaction costs and are subsequently carried at amortised cost using the effective
interest method unless the arrangement constitutes a financing transaction, where the transaction is
measured at the present value of the future receipts discounted at a market rate of interest. Financial assets
classified as receivable within one year are not amortised.
- 8 -

West Grinstead & District Ploughing & Agricultural Society

Notes to the financial statements (continued)

For the period ended 30 April 2025

1 Accounting policies

(continued)

Basic financial liabilities

Basic financial liabilities, including creditors and bank loans are initially recognised at transaction price unless
the arrangement constitutes a financing transaction, where the debt instrument is measured at the present
value of the future payments discounted at a market rate of interest. Financial liabilities classified as payable
within one year are not amortised.
Debt instruments are subsequently carried at amortised cost, using the effective interest rate method.
Trade creditors are obligations to pay for goods or services that have been acquired in the ordinary course of
operations from suppliers. Amounts payable are classified as current liabilities if payment is due within one
year or less. If not, they are presented as non-current liabilities. Trade creditors are recognised initially at
transaction price and subsequently measured at amortised cost using the effective interest method.

Derecognition of financial liabilities

Financial liabilities are derecognised when the charity’s contractual obligations expire or are discharged or
cancelled.

2 Donations and legacies

Legacies receivable
Donated profits of trading subsidiary
Legacies receivable
West Grinstead & District Ploughing & Agricultural Society
2025
£
82,945
9,165
82,945
82,945
On incorporation of the Society, the entire reserves of the former unincorporated society (of the same name)
were remitted to the incorporated organisation to provide the initial funding to meet the Charity's aims and
objectives.

3 Charitable activities

Society Dinner - ticket sales
Society Dinner - sponsorship income
Society Dinner - raffle income
2025
£
5,670
700
4,125
10,495
- 9 -

West Grinstead & District Ploughing & Agricultural Society

Notes to the financial statements (continued)

For the period ended 30 April 2025

4
Investments
Interest receivable
5
Charitable activities
Bursary and education awards
Society dinner catering costs
Grant funding of activities (see note 6)
Share of support costs (see note 7)
Share of governance costs (see note 7)
Analysis by fund
Unrestricted funds
2025
1,658
2025
£
1,600
6,368
7,968
8,439
1,885
1,200
19,492
19,492
19,492
- 10 -

West Grinstead & District Ploughing & Agricultural Society

Notes to the financial statements (continued)

For the period ended 30 April 2025

6 Grants payable

Grants to institutions (12 grants):
Plumpton College (Bursary training provision)
Pick-ups for Peace - (Ukraine farmers aid)
Stroke Association UK
Sussex Ploughing Association
Ashurst Primary School (farming industry engagement)
Upper Beeding Primary School (farming industry engagement)
Slinfold Primary School (farming industry engagement)
Steyning Primary School (farming industry engagement)
West Grinstead Parish Church
Horsham Matters (Food bank donation)
Farming Community Network (mental health support for farmers)
The Society of Ploughmen
2025
£
961
2,500
1,750
100
300
400
100
100
200
1,500
500
28
8,439

7 Support costs

Support
costs
Governance
costs
£
£
Insurance
277
-
Website and IT costs
1,126
-
Other office costs
93
-
Repairs and maintenance
200
-
Bank charges
155
-
Sundry expenses
34
-
Audit fees
-
480
Accountancy
-
720
1,885
1,200
Analysed between
Charitable activities
1,885
1,200
2025 Basis of allocation
£
277 100% Charitable activities
1,126 100% Chartiable activities
93 100% Charitable activities
200 100% Charitable activities
155 100% Charitable activities
34 100% Charitable activities
480 Governance
720 Governance
3,085
3,085
Governance costs includes payments to the auditors of £480for independent
examination fees.

8 Trustees

None of the trustees (or any persons connected with them) received any remuneration or benefits from the
charity during the period.
- 11 -

West Grinstead & District Ploughing & Agricultural Society

Notes to the financial statements (continued)

For the period ended 30 April 2025

9 Employees

There were no employees during the period.

10 Taxation

The charity is exempt from taxation on its activities because all its income is applied for charitable purposes.

11 Fixed asset investments

Other
investments
Cost or valuation
At 22 February 2024 -
Additions 100
At 30 April 2025 100
Carrying amount
At 30 April 2025 100
2025
Other investments comprise: Notes £
Investments in subsidiaries 15 100
12 Debtors
2025
Amounts falling due within one year: £
Amounts due from subsidiary undertakings 1,250
13 Creditors: amounts falling due within one year
2025
£
Accruals and deferred income 1,200
14 Related party transactions
There were no disclosable related party transactions during the period.
- 12 -

West Grinstead & District Ploughing & Agricultural Society

Notes to the financial statements (continued)

For the period ended 30 April 2025

15 Subsidiaries

These financial statements are separate charity financial statements for West Grinstead & District Ploughing
& Agricultural Society.
Separate company financial statements are required to be prepared by law.
The charitable incorporated organisation is both small and is a parent of a small group so is exempt from the
requirement to prepare consolidated financial statements.
Details of the charity's subsidiaries at 30 April 2025 are as follows:
Name of undertaking Registered Nature of business Class of % Held
office shares held Direct Indirect
West Grinstead Ploughing England & WalesManagement and operation of
Ordinary
100.00
Ltd local annual ploughing match
The aggregate capital and reserves and the result for the year of subsidiaries excluded from consolidation
was as follows:
Name of undertaking Profit/(Loss) Capital and
Reserves
£ £
West Grinstead Ploughing
Ltd 20 120
The investments in subsidiaries are all stated at cost.
The profit derived from the annual ploughing match of the trading subsidiary, West Grinstead Ploughing Ltd,
is remitted to West Grinstead & District Ploughing & Agricultural Society as a charitable donation each year,
as detailed in note 2 of these financial statements.
- 13 -