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2020-12-31-accounts

The Eden Cottages Trust (Registered Charity No. 202576) (Founded in 1927)

Trustees Report and Financial Statements 2020

Index

Index
Page Numbers
Trustees’ Report 1 - 8
Annual Financial Statements
Incorporating:
Independent Examiner’s Report 9
Statement of Financial Activities 10
Balance Sheet 11
Notes to the Accounts 12 - 14

Ivybridge, South Devon 18 March 2021

The Eden Cottages Trust (Registered Charity No. 202576) (Founded in 1927)

Trustees Report for the year ended 31 December 2020

The charity is not known by any other name and its principal address is: Ludbrook Mill

Ludbrook Ivybridge Devon PL21 0LL

1. Trustees

The names of the trustees, all of whom are involved in the management of the trust are:

Trustee name Office (if any) Dates acted if not for
**whole year **
Richard Coombs
JaneEGent Vice Chair
LornaP Howell
Walker S F Lapthorne Chair
Revd Professor Gina Radford
Stephen R Woodcock Hon Treasurer

The trustees are appointed by invitation from the existing trustees; all within the rules as laid down in the trust deed (as amended), which governs the trust. Further details of the trustees are as follows:

Mr. Richard Coombs became a trustee in 2016. For many years he was a corporate law partner with regional law firm Foot Anstey LLP where he advised companies and charities on strategy, governance and major projects. He remains a part time consultant with them but now spends most of his time as a director or trustee of other companies and charities. Richard has lived in Ivybridge for over 30 years.

Mrs. Jane Gent became a trustee in 2010. She has lived with her family in Ivybridge since 1982. She worked in the National Health Service as a Community Occupational Therapist in the Ivybridge and Yealmpton district until her retirement in 2009. As a trustee she continues to build on her professional experience in the local area and to contribute her knowledge and skills to the Trust.

Mrs. Lorna Howell read French and German at St Anne’s College, Oxford, after which she took a TEFLA Diploma and taught in Paris, Nepal and various colleges in UK. She now manages the Lukesland estate on the edge of Ivybridge, including 2 holiday lets and Spring and Autumn garden openings. She continues to teach English to asylum seekers in Plymouth. She is secretary of Harford Church PCC. Lorna became a Trustee in 2010.

Mr. Walker Lapthorne FRICS became a trustee in 2016. He is a retired Chartered Building Surveyor. He is the Chair of Exeter Diocesan Advisory Committee for the Care of Churches. He was formerly managing director of J D C Builders; a South Hams based specialist building contractor, working locally on many significant historic and listed properties. He is a former director of Stratton Creber and was a partner of Taylor Lane and Creber in Plymouth. He is a liveryman of the Worshipful Company of Chartered Surveyors. Since 2004, he has lived locally with wife Debra in a converted watermill at Ludbrook, having previously moved to Ugborough in 1988.

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The Eden Cottages Trust (Registered Charity No. 202576) (Founded in 1927)

The Reverend Professor Gina Radford is Team Vicar Dart and Avon Mission Community (0.5wte). She was appointed to be a trustee on 7 November 2019. Prior to her current role she had a long history of public health experience at local, national and international levels. As a former Deputy Chief Medical Officer for England this included advising Ministers, key officials, professionals and the public. She was a regular speaker at conferences having had considerable experience both at developing national policy and strategy, and in its implementation.

Mr Stephen Woodcock became a trustee in 2012, and has the role of Honorary Treasurer. A business studies graduate and retired professional accountant with extensive experience in the private and public sectors he was Deputy Director of Finance at a world-class university, responsible, inter alia, for that university’s charitable investments. He has lived in Ivybridge since 2011. He is married with three grown up children, is a member of a local golf club and also enjoys walking and DIY.

All trustees complete a Declarations of Interests form.

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The Eden Cottages Trust (Registered Charity No. 202576) (Founded in 1927)

2. Advisers to the Trustees

The advisers to the trustees are:

Bankers: Lloyds Bank PLC Fore Street Ivybridge South Devon PL21 9AD Independent Examiners: Alan Forrester & Co. Ltd. Accountants 75 Mutley Plain Plymouth South Devon PL4 6JJ Solicitors: Tozers Broadwalk House Southernhay West Exeter EX1 1UA Investment Managers: Brooks Macdonald 4 Heron Gate Hankridge Way Taunton TA1 2LR

3. Structure, Governance and Management

3.1 Structure

The Eden Cottages Trust was formally set up on 31[st] August 1927 when Mrs Minnie Pitts Eden bequeathed cash and investments to build and run an almshouse in the town of Ivybridge in South Devon. The organisation operates as an unincorporated charity and is run by trustees. Full details of the trustees are given above. Each appointment is influenced by the applicant’s qualifications and knowledge of the local area. Together, the trustees have wide experience of finance, investments, building maintenance, charity work, public health and the law. The trustees meet formally not less than three times a year to discuss the running of the almshouse. Ad hoc meetings are arranged as and when required.

3.2. Governance

The trustees are bound by the Charity Commissioners Scheme dated 27[th] November 1972, as amended on 19[th] April 2000, 4 November 2016, 24 March 2017 and 17 August 2020. These schemes layout the broad rules within which the trustees must operate. The day to day decisions within that framework are left to the trustees’ discretion.

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The Eden Cottages Trust (Registered Charity No. 202576) (Founded in 1927)

3.3 Management

Running the almshouse falls into five categories:

3.3.1 the maintenance of the property is managed by one of the trustees who is a retired chartered building surveyor.

3.3.2, the trustees call upon professionals, when required, to inspect the property and produce written reports on their findings.

3.3.3 the investments and cash balances, which make up virtually all of the charity’s assets (excluding the land and building), are managed for the trustees, within an agreed investment policy, by professional advisors.

3.3.4 the trustees find new beneficiaries as and when a house or flat becomes available.

3.3.5 finally, the day to day business affairs of the trust are handled by the charity’s Visitor and Clerk (a part-time employee) and its Honorary Treasurer one of the trustees.

4. Related Parties

The charity has no relationship with any related party.

5. Risk Management

The trustees perceive the charity to be exposed to five major risks and endeavour to manage those risks as follows:-

5.1 Fire. This is undoubtedly the greatest risk that the charity faces and the trustees use their best endeavours to try and eliminate the possibility of fire. Current regulations are strictly adhered to and are implemented by the trustees. It is particularly relevant here as the beneficiaries average nearly eighty years of age.

5.2 Water. Each house or flat is now fitted with its own stop cock in addition to the communal one situated outside the main house. Insurance cover for both fire and water risks are reviewed annually.

5.3 Investments. The charity is largely dependent on its investments to generate sufficient income to run the almshouse, both on a daily basis and to cover longer term commitments. No income is forthcoming from central or local government or from any other source. (Beneficiaries make small monthly maintenance contributions). As a high percentage of the charity’s assets are invested in equities (albeit through collective investments) they are therefore exposed to economic and political events which can impact directly on the performance of the Stock Exchange. With this in mind, the charity’s resources are invested in low to moderate risk investments and are currently managed by professional advisors on behalf of the trustees.

5.4 Cash. Approximately 14% of total assets are currently held in cash either deposited with Lloyds Bank or held within the income account of the portfolio. This is a cautionary position in the current economic and political climate. The holding is reviewed regularly.

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The Eden Cottages Trust (Registered Charity No. 202576) (Founded in 1927)

5.5 Internal controls. The charity ensures that the generally accepted levels of internal controls are always in place and are strictly adhered to by its trustees and the visitor and clerk.

6. Objectives and activities

6.1 The Scheme, as noted above at 3.1 and 3.2, sets out in detail the rationale for the charity’s existence and the rules within which it must operate. Broadly they are to:

6.2 The trustees’ main activities during the year have been to undertake routine maintenance to the building and garden. Fuller information on the activities is included in the Annual Review in Section 7 below. The trustees confirm that they have had regard to the guidance issued by the Charity Commission on public benefit.

7. Annual Review for 2020

2020 has been dominated by the global COVID-19 virus crisis. From February, it became clear to the trustees that this would significantly alter the way the Trust could function. Our top priority was to ensure that our residents and staff were all protected, as best we could, consistent with keeping the building secure and maintained and following all relevant Government advice. The trustees can report that the Eden Cottages Trust continues to provide high quality housing for residents eligible under the terms of its trust deed, despite the significant challenges that the crisis has created.

The building fabric has been maintained in good order but contractor visits have been limited to external areas and internal access only when needed, in a Covid compliant way. Before the first lock down, we had legionella tests undertaken on the water supplies, completed a Type 1 Asbestos Survey and reviewed our Health & Safety Policy and Risk Assessment procedures. Since March, and through the second lock down, we have refurbished 2 external balconies and have attended to routine maintenance issues to electrics, lighting, roof slates and the TV distribution system. The continued improvement of the surrounding gardens has been put on hold, but regular attention maintains the calm and tranquil environment.

The sad death of one of our longstanding residents in October and the subsequent relocation of her husband created a void in one house. The trustees are using this break in occupancy to refurbish the bathroom and redecorate the property throughout, whilst seeking new occupiers.

We have worked within our budgetary framework.

The first scheduled meeting of the year, on March 19[th] was postponed as the Chair was shielding. As the response to the crisis developed, the trustees decided not to meet formally and to deal with all business by email and telephone. This system has continued throughout the year.

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The Eden Cottages Trust (Registered Charity No. 202576) (Founded in 1927)

Trustees are kept well-informed of the welfare of residents and maintenance activity at the property by the Visitor and Clerk, Mrs Gill Hucker, who visits and reports regularly by e-mail. The trustees are very grateful to Mrs Hucker for her continued careful concern for the residents’ welfare and her excellent communication during the year. There was increasing concern over the welfare of two of our residents through the year, which was handled with great sensitivity by Mrs Hucker.

The trustees were concerned at the initial financial impact on our investments but our Investment Managers have kept us fully informed and have steered the Trust through these difficult times. The trustees have approved amendments to our Scheme to allow for business meetings to be held remotely.

Chair’s Statement

This has been a very challenging year for the management of the trust. I would like to thank my fellow trustees for their support and also for their flexible attitude to the way the trust has operated. We are now seeing a possible light at the end of this long tunnel, with the roll out of the vaccination programme and I hope that by the summer, we can resume a more normal way of working. We have met all the challenges raised, kept our residents and staff safe, maintained our building and kept an eye on our recovering investment portfolio. This effort will need to be sustained well into 2021.

Walker Lapthorne

8. Policy on Reserves

The charity maintains two reserves.

8.1. An Extraordinary Repair Fund, which may be applied for the extraordinary repair, improvement or rebuilding of the almshouse. The Trust’s policy is to transfer 20% of any annual surplus into this reserve until a maximum of £50,000 is reached; and

8.2. An Accumulated Income Account into which annual surpluses and deficits accumulate, which is used to fund years in which an exceptional level of general maintenance may be required or other exceptional costs arise.

9. Details of any funds in deficit

9.1 No funds are in deficit.

10. Financial Review 2020

10.1 Sources of funding

The Charity’s principal source of funding is its investment income, which was 69% of total income with a further 29% coming from maintenance contributions from residents and the balance from other sundry income.

10.2. Expenditure

Expenditure in the year has principally been on maintaining the property and garden in good condition. Professional costs have been incurred on health & safety surveys, investment management and accountancy fees.

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The Eden Cottages Trust (Registered Charity No. 202576) (Founded in 1927)

10.3. Investment Policy

The charity’s financial resources are invested in a broad range of collective investments; including UK and international fixed interest holdings, investment trusts, unit trusts, property, structured return products, hedge funds & alternatives and cash. They are all managed under the discretionary management of the Trust’s investment manager, who is instructed to maintain a low to medium risk profile. The Scheme governing the Trust allows the trustees to use their discretion with no specific restrictions imposed. Although there are substantial current holdings invested in UK markets, there is direct and indirect exposure to overseas markets, particularly through some of the investment and unit trusts. All securities held are freely realisable and there are no investments in future contracts, options or forward currency transactions. The trustees have discussed but not adopted an ethical investment policy.

Within the portfolio, cash balances vary depending on the timing of purchases and sales but at 31 December 2020 were 2% of the portfolio. The balance between the different kinds of investment and cash is established by reference to funding requirements and the trustees’ judgement, in conjunction with their professional advisers, of future returns and risks in each sector. The investments are required to generate approximately £25,000 of income per annum as the principal source of income to fund the Trust’s activities.

10.4 Income and Expenditure

Total incoming resources for the year were £32,032 a decrease of £4,823 on 2019. This was due to lower investment income as the investment manager delivered less than the target of £25,000 per annum at £22,112. This was mainly due to the unsettled market conditions brought about by the coronavirus pandemic. Income from maintenance contributions fell by £79 due to one of the dwellings becoming vacant very near to the year end.

Total resources expended during the year decreased by £6,430 to £21,136 when compared to 2019. This decrease was due to reduced expenditure on repairs and maintenance and on the garden due to both completion of improvements to the garden in 2019 and limitations on non-essential works imposed by measures to control coronavirus. Other resources expended were carefully managed and were in line with the budget and 2019. The outcome for the year was a surplus of income to expenditure of £10,896; an increase of £1,607 over 2019.

The surplus for 2020 has been transferred to the accumulated income account. The account benefitted from a transfer from the General Investment Fund of £6,967 to reflect the portfolio management fees being paid from the capital account during the year to the investment manager. Within the Unrestricted Funds the trustees maintain a designated fund for Extraordinary Repairs, which stood at £33,001 at 1 January 2020. The trustees’ policy is to transfer 20% of any surplus each year into the Extraordinary Repair Fund. A transfer of £2,180 was therefore transferred to the Extraordinary Repair Fund, which stood at £35,181 at 31 December 2020 and the balance on the Accumulated Income Account, at that date, was £81,533.

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The Eden Cottages Trust (Registered Charity No. 202576) (Founded in 1927)

Key Performance Indicators (KPI’s)

Key Performance Indicators (KPI’s)
2020 2019 2018
Occupancy 95.8% 100.0% 96.6%
Returnon investments
Capital only (1.9%) 10.9% (8.9)%
Total Return* 1.3% 13.6% (5.3)%
FTSE‘100’Index
Total Return Index 6,174.77 6,980.9 5,955.5
Change (11.5%) 17.2% (8.6)%
Consumer Price Index
Index(December) 109.2 108.5 107.1
Change 0.6% 1.3% 2.1%

*Calculated before management fees but after trading expenses

10.5 Investment Performance 2020

The investment manager’s brief is to manage the portfolio with a low to medium risk strategy to produce at least £25,000 of investment income. They are authorised to operate on a discretionary basis which allows them to buy and sell stocks and shares without prior authorisation. Their actions are nevertheless accountable to the trustees via detailed quarterly valuation statements and regular reports, which are considered at trustees’ meetings.

2020 was a poor year for stocks and shares. After distribution of income to the Trust the portfolio closed at £716,201 having started the year at £730,285, a decrease of 1.9%.

The FTSE 100 Total Return Index started the year at 6,980.9 and finished at 6,174.8; a decrease of 11.5%. By comparison, the total return on the Trust’s portfolio was 1.3% and over the same period the linked benchmark to the portfolio, the MSCI WMA Income Total Return Index, was 1.9%. The investment managers therefore obtained a return that was 0.6% points worse than the benchmark.

11. Declaration

The trustees declare that they have approved the trustees’ report above.

Signed on behalf of the charity’s trustees

Signature:

Full Name: Walker Sykes Farrant Lapthorne

Position: Chair

Date: 18 March 2021

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The Eden Cottages Trust (Registered Charity No. 202576) (Founded in 1927)

Independent Examiner’s Report to the Trustees of The Eden Cottages Trust on the accounts for the year ended 31[st] December 2020 Charity No. 202576 as set out on pages 10 to 14 of this report

I report to the trustees on my examination of the accounts of the above charity (“the Trust”) for the year ended 31[st] December 2020.

Responsibilities and basis of report

As the charity trustees, you are responsible for the preparation of the accounts in accordance with the Charities Act 2011 (“the Act”).

I report in respect 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 all the applicable Directions given by the Charity Commission under section 145(5)(b) of the Act.

Independent Examiner’s Statement

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;

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 accounts to be reached.

………………………………….. Sadie Rogers, CA Alan Forrester & Co Ltd Accountants 75 Mutley Plain Plymouth PL4 6JJ

…....................................2021

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The Eden Cottages Trust (Registered Charity No. 202576) (Founded in 1927)

Statement of Financial Activities for the year ended 31 December 2020

Unrestricted Funds Unrestricted Funds Unrestricted Funds Unrestricted Funds Unrestricted Funds Unrestricted Funds Unrestricted Funds Unrestricted Funds Unrestricted Funds Unrestricted Funds
Notes **31 ** December 2020 **31 ** December 2019
Incoming Resources £ £ £ £
Investmentincome 7.3 22,112 26,256
Monthlymaintenance contributions 9,385 9,464
Rent 292 500
Bank interest 227 619
Way-leaves 16 16
Total Incoming Resources 32,032 36,855
Resources Expended
Expensesrelated tofreehold property
Water rates & counciltax 2,007 2,352
Repairs and decoration 3,361 5,061
Upkeep ofgarden 3,280 9,053
Insurance 1,201 1,160
Electricity 123 124
9,972 17,750
Administrationexpenses
Clericalandvisitorsupport 1,795 1,289
Subscriptions 179 170
Otheradministrative costs 240 109
2,214 1,568
Legal& professionalcharges
Accountancyfees 4 918 900
Health& safety surveyfees 1,107 0
Investmentmanager’sfees 6,925 7,348
8,950 8,248
Total Resources Expended 21,136 27,566
Net Incoming Resources Before
Transfers
10,896 9,289
Gross Transfers Between Funds 0 0
Net Incoming Resources Before Other
Recognised Gains /(Losses)
10,896 9,289
Other Recognised (Losses)/Gains
(Losses)/Gains on investment assets (7,117) 70,485
Net Movement in Funds 3,779 79,774
Total Funds brought forward 829,136 749,362
Total Funds carried forward 832,915 829,136

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The Eden Cottages Trust (Registered Charity No. 202576) (Founded in 1927)

Balance Sheet as at 31 December 2020

31 December 2020 31 December 2020 31 December 2020 31 December 2020 31 December 2020 31 December 2020 31 December 2020 31 December 2019 31 December 2019 31 December 2019 31 December 2019 31 December 2019 31 December 2019 31 December 2019
Notes £ £ £ £
Fixed Assets
FreeholdProperty
Cottages andland atIvybridge 6 0 0
Investments 7 716,201 730,285
Total fixed assets 716,201 730,285
Current Assets
Debtors and prepayments 820 590
Cashat bankandin hand 118,910 102,041
Totalcurrent assets 119,730 102,631
Creditors: amounts falling due within
**one year **
Income prepaid 171 253
Accruals 2,845 3,527
3,016 3,780
Net current assets 116,714 98.851
Net Assets 832,915 829,136
Funds of the Charity
Unrestricted Funds
General Investment Fund
Balance broughtforward 730,285 666,984
(Decrease)/Increase in the value of
investmentsretained
(6,836) 64,208
(Loss)/Profit on shares disposed of during
the year
(281) 6,277
Net transfer (to) the Accumulated Income
Account
(6,967) (7,184)
Balance carriedforward 716,201 730,285
Accumulated Income Account
Balance broughtforward 65,850 51,236
Surplusforthe year 10,896 9,289
76,746 60,525
(Deduct) transfer to Extraordinary Repair
Fund
(2,180) (1,859)
Add transfer from the General Investment
Fund
6,967 7,184
Balance carriedforward 81,533 65,850
Extraordinary Repair Fund
Balance broughtforward 33,001 31,142
Add transferred from Accumulated Income
Fund
2,180 1,859
Balance carriedforward 35,181 33,001
Total Funds 832,915 829,136

Chair of Trustees…………………………..

Trustee……………………………………….

Date: 18 March 2021

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The Eden Cottages Trust (Registered Charity No. 202576) (Founded in 1927)

Notes to the 2020 Accounts

1. Basis of preparation

1.1. Basis of accounting

These accounts have been prepared under the historical cost convention with items recognised at cost or transaction value unless stated in the relevant note(s) to these accounts.

These accounts have been prepared in accordance with:

1.2 Change in basis of accounting

There has been no change to the accounting policies (valuation rules and methods of accounting) since last year.

1.3 Changes to previous accounts

No changes have been made to accounts for previous years.

2. Accounting policies

2.1Incoming Resources

2.1.1Recognition of incoming resources

These are included in the Statement of Financial Activities (SoFA) when:

2.1.2 Investment income

This is included in the accounts when receivable.

2.1.3 Investment gains and losses

This includes any gain or loss on the sale of investments and any gain or loss resulting from revaluing investments to market value at the end of the year.

2.2 Expenditure and Liabilities

2.2.1 Liability recognition

Liabilities are recognised as soon as there is a legal or constructive obligation committing the charity to pay out resources.

2.3 Assets

2.3.1Tangible fixed assets for use by the charity

These are capitalised if they can be used for more than one year, and cost at least £500. They are valued at cost or a reasonable value on receipt. At 31 December 2020 the charity had no tangible fixed assets.

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The Eden Cottages Trust (Registered Charity No. 202576) (Founded in 1927)

Notes to the 2020 Accounts ….continued

2.3.2 Investments

Investments quoted on a recognised stock exchange are valued at market value at the year end. Other investment assets are included at the trustees’ best estimate of market value.

3. Trustees Remuneration & Benefits

3.1 No emoluments or benefits were paid directly to any of the trustees during the year.

  1. Accountancy Fees
untancy Fees
Independent examiner’s fees for reporting on the
accounts
Other fees paid to the independent examiner
loyees

Average number of persons employed by the charity
2020
£
730
188
2020

1
2019
£
720
180
2019
1

5. Employees

6. Freehold Property

The charity owns the freehold title to the property known as Eden Cottages in Ivybridge, South Devon. Since the building was completed in June 1927, it has been the charity’s policy not to ascribe a value to the property in the Balance Sheet. It nevertheless forms part of the charity’s assets and comprises the Permanent Endowment Fund. For that reason, the Trustees cannot sell the property on the open market.

The building and any contents that are deemed to be the responsibility of the trustees are insured for £1.4 million. It is also free from any liens and encumbrances and is not a listed building.

7. Investment Assets

7.1 Fixed Asset Investment Assets

Asset Investment Assets
£
Carrying (market) value at beginning of year 730,285
Add: additions to investments at cost 134,347
Less: disposals at carrying value (141,594)
Less: net loss on revaluation (6,837)
Carrying (market) value at end of year 716,201

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The Eden Cottages Trust (Registered Charity No. 202576) (Founded in 1927)

Notes to the 2020 Accounts ….continued

7.2
Analysis of the market value of investments
All investments are listed on a recognised stock exchange.
UK Fixed Interest
International Fixed Interest
UK Equities
North American Equities
Japan, Far East and Emerging Markets Equities
International and Thematic Equities
Hedge Funds and Alternatives
Property
Structured Return
Cash on Capital Account
7.3 Analysis of income from investments
Fixed Interest
Equities
Structured return
Hedge funds and alternatives
International & Thematic
Property
7.4 Material investment holdings
Market
value at
year end
£
Royal London Unit Trust Managers Sterling Credit
Inst Income Z GBP Nav Net
51,765
BNY Mellon Fund Managers Global Funds Plc
US Equity E GBP Distibution
44,926
Artemis Fund Managers- Strategic Bond MI
Income Distribution
44,220
Link Fund Solutions Trojan Income X Income
40,566
Thesis Unit Trust Management Ltd RWC Global
Equity Income L GBP Distibution
39,992
£
130,893
90,039
123,087
44,926
39,329
87,887
80,062
32,420
73,240
701,883
14,318
716,201
£
3,942
6,338
4,750
3,946
2,081
1,055
22,112
% of total
market
value at
year end
%
7.4
6.4
6.3
5.8
5.7

The individual value of all other holdings at 31 December 2020 represented less than 5.0% of the total value of quoted investments.

8. Committed Expenditure

At 31st December 2020 the Trustees had not committed to any material expenditure.

9. Contingent Liabilities

At 31[st] December 2020 the Trustees were not aware of any material contingent liability that may affect the Trust.

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