Stokesley Area Imagination Library | Trustees' Annual Report 2025–26
STOKESLEY AREA
IMAGINATION LIBRARY
Trustees’ Annual Report | 18 June 2025 to 31 March 2026
Registered Charity No. 1213678
stokesleyimaginationlibrary@gmail.com Part of Dolly Parton’s Imagination Library
| Period covered | 18 June 2025 to 31 March 2026 |
| Children enrolled (31 March 2026) | 88 |
| Active enrolled children | 88 |
| Children who have completed the programme |
0 |
| Independent examiner | Hazel Clayson |
Stokesley Area Imagination Library | Trustees' Annual Report 2025–26 | Page 1
Stokesley Area Imagination Library | Trustees' Annual Report 2025–26
1. Objectives and Activities
Purposes of the Charity
Stokesley Area Imagination Library (SAIL) exists to advance the education of children in the Stokesley area by promoting early literacy and a lifelong love of reading. SAIL provides free, highquality, age-appropriate books to children from birth to age five, regardless of family income, through Dolly Parton’s Imagination Library — a world-leading early childhood book gifting programme.
Main Activities for the Public Benefit
SAIL operates as a Local Programme Partner of Dolly Parton’s Imagination Library, the flagship programme of The Dollywood Foundation. Each month, a specially selected, age-appropriate book is posted directly to every registered child’s home, addressed personally to the child, at no cost to the family.
SAIL’s activities during the period 18 June 2025 to 31 March 2026 included:
-
Establishing the charity and registering with the Charity Commission
-
Recruiting founding trustees and putting governance arrangements in place
-
Raising funds to cover the cost of books, postage, and packing for enrolled children
-
Raising awareness of the programme among local families, health professionals, schools, and community groups
-
Hosting a public launch event at Stokesley Library in February 2026
The trustees confirm that they have had regard to the Charity Commission’s guidance on public benefit in planning and carrying out the charity’s activities.
2. Achievements and Performance
Making a Difference in Our Community
SAIL’s first period of operation, from June 2025 to March 2026, has exceeded our expectations and given us great confidence in the future of the programme in the Stokesley area. From a standing start, we successfully registered 88 children and built a strong foundation of community support and local funding partnerships that positions us well for the years ahead.
Our public launch event at Stokesley Library in February 2026 was warmly received by the local community. Families, community organisations, and local supporters came together to celebrate the arrival of Dolly Parton’s Imagination Library in Stokesley, and the response reinforced our belief that all children should have access to books regardless of their family background.
We have been particularly encouraged by the strength of support from local companies, funding bodies and charitable trusts. Their confidence in SAIL has provided a solid financial base from which to grow, and we are grateful to each organisation that has invested in our work and in the children of the Stokesley community.
Key Statistics
| Measure | Figure |
|---|---|
| Children enrolled by 31 March 2026 | 88 |
| Children who have completed the programme (graduated to age 5) |
0 |
Stokesley Area Imagination Library | Trustees' Annual Report 2025–26 | Page 2
Stokesley Area Imagination Library | Trustees' Annual Report 2025–26
| Measure | Figure |
|---|---|
| Active enrolled children at 31 March 2026 | 88 |
| Approximate books gifted during the period | 79 |
The Evidence for What We Do
Our work is supported by a landmark international study (Galea, 2025, Macquarie University) — the largest dataset in the world on shared book reading, drawing on responses from over 86,000 families across five countries including the UK and Republic of Ireland. The research found that children enrolled in the Imagination Library programme in the UK and Republic of Ireland were:
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11x more likely to initiate shared book reading
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9x more likely to demonstrate phonological awareness
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5x more likely to demonstrate alphabet knowledge
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5.5x more likely to spend time reading alone
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On average, their households gained 30 more books
"Speech, language and communication are the weakest areas for our children when they arrive to begin school in the year that they become 5. A good percentage have a significant vocabulary deficit. Sharing books from birth to 5 would help to close that vocabulary gap." — Mrs Madden, Headteacher, Stokesley Primary School
Volunteers
SAIL is run entirely by volunteers. We are deeply grateful to everyone who has given their time and energy to make this programme a reality in the Stokesley area during our first year of operation.
3. Financial Review
Financial Position
SAIL ended its first period of operation in a strong financial position, with total income of £5,997.65 against expenditure of £561.33, resulting in a surplus of £5,436.32 for the period. Reserves held at 31 March 2026 totalled £5,436.32, providing a solid foundation to fund book deliveries for enrolled children in the year ahead.
Income and Expenditure
Income
| Sources | Amount |
|---|---|
| Tees Valley Community | 2,500.00 |
| Lady Hullocks Charity | 1,000.00 |
| Rotary Club | 450.00 |
| Stokesley Town Council | 260.00 |
| Songfest collection | 210.00 |
| Tees Music Songfest | 445.65 |
| Co-operative Society | 250.00 |
Stokesley Area Imagination Library | Trustees' Annual Report 2025–26 | Page 3
Stokesley Area Imagination Library | Trustees' Annual Report 2025–26
| Il Mulino | 250.00 |
|---|---|
| Small donations | 632.00 |
| Total | 5,997.65 |
Expenditure
| Item | Amount |
|---|---|
| Imagination Library Books | 202.94 |
| Imagination Library Marketing | 23.00 |
| Room Hire | 37.50 |
| Miscellaneous | 21.48 |
| Stationery | 32.12 |
| Marketing | 244.29 |
| Total | 561.33 |
Net position for the period: £5,436.32 surplus Reserves held at 31 March 2026: £5,436.32
Reserves Policy
We have no operational expenditure and therefore no reserves are required. However, the trustees aim to hold sufficient funds to ensure continuity of book delivery to all enrolled children in the event of a temporary shortfall in fundraising income. In the first year, SAIL have managed to fulfil the book delivery for all those currently subscribed and end with funds totalling greater than the anticipated cost of the following years book deliveries. In future years, SAIL would like to maintain this position - ensuring that they have sufficient funds for the year ahead.
Principal Sources of Funds
SAIL’s income is derived principally from grants and donations from local organisations and individuals. Supporters during this period included: Stokesley Co-op, Tees Foundation, Lady Hullock’s Charity, Stokesley Rotary, Songfest, Il Mulino and Stokesley Town Council.
Principal Risks
The trustees have identified the primary risk to the charity as securing sufficient and sustained funding to support the long-term delivery of the programme. As a small, volunteer-led charity reliant on grants and donations, there is an inherent risk that income may not keep pace with the cost of delivering books to a growing number of enrolled children.
To mitigate this risk, the trustees are actively diversifying the charity’s funding base, building relationships with a range of local grant-making bodies and community funders, and maintaining a prudent reserves policy. The strong funding response in our first year gives the trustees confidence that this risk can be managed effectively.
4. Structure, Governance and Management
Governing Document
Stokesley Area Imagination Library | Trustees' Annual Report 2025–26 | Page 4
Stokesley Area Imagination Library | Trustees' Annual Report 2025–26
Stokesley Area Imagination Library is a Charitable Incorporated Organisation (CIO) governed by its constitution dated 18 June 2025.
Trustee Recruitment and Appointment
Trustees are recruited from the local community on the basis of their commitment to the charity’s mission and their ability to contribute relevant skills and experience. The board seeks individuals who are rooted in the Stokesley area, willing to give their time on a voluntary basis, and capable of providing sound oversight and strategic direction for the charity. New trustees are welcomed through an informal induction process, including an introduction to the charity’s governing document, its relationship with the Dollywood Foundation, and the operational requirements of the programme.
Organisational Structure
The charity is managed by a volunteer board of trustees. SAIL operates as a Local Programme Partner of Dolly Parton’s Imagination Library (The Dollywood Foundation of the United Kingdom, Registered Charity No. 1121917), which handles book selection, procurement, and postal fulfilment. SAIL is responsible for local enrolment, community outreach, and fundraising. All funds raised by SAIL go directly to the cost of books, postage, and packing for children in the Stokesley area.
5. Reference and Administrative Details
| Detail | Information |
|---|---|
| Charity name | Stokesley Area Imagination Library (SAIL) |
| Registered charity number | 1213678 |
| Period covered | 18 June 2025 to 31 March 2026 |
| Principal address | 74 Wheatlands Great Ayton MIDDLESBROUGH Cleveland TS9 6EF |
| Contact | stokesleyimaginationlibrary@gmail.com |
| Independent examiner | Hazel Clayson |
| Bank | The Co-operative Bank |
Trustees during the period
| Name | Role | Date Appointed | Note |
|---|---|---|---|
| Eileen Driver | Chair | 18 June 2025 | |
| Bridget Lucy Holmstrom | Trustee | 18 June 2025 | |
| Grace Louise Lenihan | Trustee | 18 June 2025 | |
| Mary Christine Shackles | Trustee | 18 June 2025 | |
| Karen Tyerman Boddy | Trustee | 18 June 2025 | Resigned 4 February 2026 |
| Julie Carr | Trustee | 18 June 2025 | Resigned 19 February 2026 |
Stokesley Area Imagination Library | Trustees' Annual Report 2025–26 | Page 5
Stokesley Area Imagination Library | Trustees' Annual Report 2025–26
| Name | Role | Date Appointed | Note |
|---|---|---|---|
| Oliver Connor Snowdon | Trustee | 28 January 2026 | |
| Esther Margaret Bonner | Trustee | 25 February 2026 | |
| Helen Juliet Duggleby | Trustee | 25 February 2026 | |
| Mary Teresa Bilous | Trustee | 02 April 2026 | Appointed after period end — not a trustee for this report |
Declaration
The trustees declare that they have approved this Trustees’ Annual Report.
Signed on behalf of the charity’s trustees:
Signature: E. Driver Full name: Eileen Driver Position: Chair Date: 07/07/2026
Stokesley Area Imagination Library is a registered charity in England and Wales (No. 1213678). Part of Dolly Parton’s Imagination Library, the flagship programme of The Dollywood Foundation of the United Kingdom (Registered Charity No. 1121917).
Stokesley Area Imagination Library | Trustees' Annual Report 2025–26 | Page 6
Stokesley Area Imagination Llbrary. Charlty: 1213678 Year ended 31 March 2026 Page1of1 Unrogtrlcted Unrestrlcted funds funds 3110312026 3110312025 Income Donations Ima ination Libra Total Income 5,925.65 72.00 5,997.65 0.00 Costs Imagination Library Books Imagination Library Marketing Room Hire MislIaneOUS Stationery Marketing 202.94 23.00 37.50 21.48 32.12 244.29 Total Costs 561.33 0.00 Net Income 5,436.32 0.00 Sources Imagination Library Co-operative Bank 619.06 4,817.26 Totsl Cash 6,436.32 0.00 0.00 0.00 Key Metric Number of Children Registered as at 311312026 Cost per Book Funded Months Available Funds as at 311312026 5,436.32 2.60 24 ned: Date:
CHARITY COMMISSION FOR ENGLAND AND WALES Independent examinerfs report on the accounts Sectlon A Independent Examlner'3 Report Report to the trusteesl membern of Stokesley Area imagination Library On accounts for the year ended 31 March 2026 Charoty no (If any) 1213678 Set out on pages I report to the trustees on my examination of the accounts of the above charity ("the Trust.) for the year ended Responslbilities and As the chanty trustees of the Trust, you are responsible for the preparation basls of report of the accounts in accordance with the requirements of the Chanties Act 2011 (Ihe Act.). I report in res$ of my examination of the Trust's accounts carried out under section 145 of the 2011 Act and in carrying out my examination, I have followed the applicable Directions given by the Charty Commission under section 145(5){b) of the Art. I have completed my examination. I confirm that no material matters have come to my attention ( ") in connection with the examination which gives me cause to believe that in, any material respect: accounting records were not kept in accordance with section 130 of the Act or the accounts do not accord with the accounting records Independent examinerfs ststement I have no concems and have come across no other matters in connection with the examination to which attention should be drawn in order to enable a proper understanding of the accounts to be reached. Please delete the words in the br8ckets rf they do not appty. Slgned: Date: 22 June 2026 Name: Hazel Clayson Relevant professlonal quallfication(s) or body (If any): FCA Address: 4 Neasham Court Stokesley North Yorkshire IER October 2018