TALATON PARISH HALL
Registered Charity No. 203652
Russet House, Talaton, Exeter, EX5 2RL
TRUSTEES' ANNUAL REPORT
For the Year Ended 31 August 2025
1. Reference and Administrative Details
| Charity name | Talaton Parish Hall |
|---|---|
| Charity number | 203652 |
| Principal address | Russet House, Talaton, Exeter, EX5 2RL |
| Financial year | 1 September 2024 to 31 August 2025 |
| Charity Commission registration |
Registered with the Charity Commission for England and Wales |
Trustees during the year ended 31[st] August 2025:
| Name | Role |
|---|---|
| Simon Spencer | Chair |
| Alan Franklin | Secretary |
| Simon Jones | Treasurer |
| Kat Blockley | Trustee |
| Tanya Jones | Trustee |
| Gordon Pring | Trustee |
| Tony Hoar | Trustee |
| Kat Blockley | Trustee |
2. Structure, Governance and Management
Governing Document
Talaton Parish Hall is a registered charity governed by its constitution. The charity is an unincorporated association.
Recruitment and Appointment of Trustees
Trustees are elected at the Annual General Meeting of the charity in accordance with the governing document. New trustees are appointed by the existing trustee body as required during the year. All trustees serve in a voluntary capacity and receive no remuneration.
Trustee Induction and Training
New trustees are provided with a copy of the governing document, the most recent accounts, and relevant Charity Commission guidance. Trustees are encouraged to familiarise themselves with the Commission's guidance on the duties and responsibilities of charity trustees.
Organisational Structure
The charity is managed by its trustees who meet regularly throughout the year to oversee the management and operation of the hall. Day-to-day decisions are delegated to the Chair and other officers as appropriate.
Risk Management
The trustees have considered the major risks to which the charity is exposed and are satisfied those systems and procedures are in place to manage those risks. Key risks identified include building maintenance, fire safety, public liability, and financial sustainability. These are managed through regular inspection, appropriate insurance cover, and prudent financial management.
3. Objectives and Activities
Charitable Objectives
The principal object of Talaton Parish Hall is to provide and maintain a village hall for the use and benefit of the inhabitants of Talaton and the surrounding area, for leisure, recreational, social, educational, and other charitable purposes.
Public Benefit
The trustees confirm that they have had regard to the Charity Commission's guidance on public benefit when reviewing the charity's aims and objectives and in planning future activities. The hall is available to all members of the local community regardless of age, background, or ability, providing an accessible and affordable community facility.
Activities During the Year
During the year the hall has been used for a range of community activities including parish council meetings, community events, private hire, classes, charity fun events. The trustees are satisfied that these activities deliver direct benefit to the local community in line with the charity's objectives.
4. Achievements and Performance
Key Achievements
-
The hall continued to provide a valued community facility for the inhabitants of Talaton and surrounding areas throughout the year.
-
A lottery grant of £10,450 and a £450 Talaton Parish Council grant was successfully secured during the year to support the installation of an Audio-Visual System with surround sound during the next financial year.
-
Other achievements were the improvement projects as per detailed in the financial review expenditure below.
Challenges
There were no significant challenges
5. Financial Review
Overview
Total income for the year ended 31 August 2025 was £26,490.98. This exceeds the £25,000 threshold requiring independent examination for the first time in the charity's history. The trustees note that this is due to the exceptional receipt of a lottery grant of £10,900 and that total income is expected to return to below the threshold in future years.
Income
-
Unrestricted income (hall hire, fundraising, donations, etc.): £15,590.98
-
Restricted income - lottery grant: £10,900.00
-
Total income: £26,490.98
Expenditure
Day to day maintenance and utility bills/rates/licences were the main regular spends along with the following projects: -
-
Complete Hall Internal Repainting
-
Hall Floor Refurbishment
-
Window Repairs
-
Kitchen improvements, Cupboards and Blinds
-
Replacement of all Curtains
Reserves Policy
This is contained in the Financial Controls Policy. The trustees aim to maintain sufficient unrestricted reserves to meet ongoing operating costs, plus a contingency for any urgent/emergency repairs in order to ensure the continued operation of the hall in the event of unexpected expenditure or a shortfall in income. The trustees are satisfied that the current level of reserves is adequate.
Going Concern
The trustees have considered the charity's financial position and are satisfied that it remains a going concern. There are no material uncertainties about the charity's ability to continue operating.
Investment Policy
The charity holds its reserve funds in interest-bearing bank accounts. The trustees consider this to be appropriate given the size and nature of the charity.
6. Plans for Future Periods
The Audio-Visual system is expected to be installed before the end of 2025 to use up the lottery grant as intended.
The trustees will continue to seek to maximise the use of the hall and to maintain it in good repair for the benefit of the local community. Total income is expected to remain below the £25,000 independent examination threshold in the coming year.
7. Trustees' Declaration
The trustees confirm that this Trustees' Annual Report has been prepared in accordance with the provisions of the Charities Act 2011 and the Charity Commission's guidance, and gives a true and fair view of the activities and financial position of Talaton Parish Hall for the year ended 31 August 2025.
| Name | Role | Signature & Date |
|---|---|---|
| Simon Spencer | Chair | 29/06/2026 |
| Alan Franklin | Secretary | 29/06/2026 |
| Simon Jones | Treasurer | 29/06/2026 |
Talaton Parish Hall | Registered Charity No. 203652 | Year ended 31 August 2025
TALATON PARISH HALL
Registered Charity No. 203652
CHARITY ANNUAL RETURN
Year Ended 31 August 2025
Section A — Charity Details
| Question | Answer / Information |
|---|---|
| Charity name | Talaton Parish Hall |
| Charity registration number | 203652 |
| Financial year start date | 1 September 2024 |
| Financial year end date | 31 August 2025 |
| Correspondence address | Russet House, Talaton, Exeter, EX5 2RL |
| Charity type / classification | Community / village hall (charitable purposes: community participation, recreation) |
| Areas of operation | Talaton and surrounding parishes, Devon |
| Website (if any) | https://www.talatonparishhall.org.uk/community/talaton- parish-hall-20652/home/ |
Section B — Trustees
Trustees who served during the year ended 31 August 2025:
| Full Name | Role | Appointed | Resigned (if applicable) |
|---|---|---|---|
| Simon Spencer | Chair | Unavailable | |
| Alan Franklin | Secretary | 6thApril 2021 | |
| Simon Jones | Treasurer | 24thMay 2024 | |
| Kat Blockley | Trustee | 15thNov 2022 | |
| Tanya Jones | Bookings Secretary | 26thOct 2022 | |
| Gordon Pring | Trustee | 12thJan 2022 | |
| Tony Hoar | Trustee | 1stSept 2016 |
Section C — Financial Information
| Financial Question | Figure / Answer |
|---|---|
| Total gross income | £26,490.98 |
| Total expenditure | £15,572 |
| Income from government / public bodies (lottery grant) |
£10,450 (National Lottery — restricted fund £ 450 Talaton Parish Council - restricted fund |
| Income from donations and legacies |
£ 520 |
| Income from charitable activities (hall hire, lettings) |
£ 3,987 |
| Income from other trading activities | £ 7,952 |
| Income from investments | £ 895 |
| Funds at start of year (1 September 2024) |
£24,720.79 |
| Funds at end of year (31 August 2025) |
£35,639.86 |
| Does the charity hold permanent endowment? |
No |
| Does the charity own or use land / property? |
Yes the Hall and surrounding land under a lost land conveyance |
| Are accounts independently examined or audited? |
Independently examined (income £26,490.98 — over £25,000 threshold) |
| Name of independent examiner | Mrs Jennifer Capon |
| Examiner's relevant qualification / experience |
Retired Civil Servant, Experience in managing of large budgets. |
Section D — Activities and Public Benefit
| Question | Answer |
|---|---|
| What does your charity do? | Talaton Parish Hall provides and maintains a village hall for the benefit of inhabitants of Talaton and surrounding areas, for leisure, recreational, social, educational and charitable purposes. |
| Who does the charity help? | Maintains and runs the Parish Hall for the community, providing facilities for village organisations, e.g., Produce Association, Art and Pantomime Groups. Hosts a variety of fundraising events and provides a venue for exercise classes and private parties, wakes etc. The Hall is the designated control centre for the |
| village Emergency Plan and stores property belonging to the village associations. |
|
|---|---|
| How does the charity help them? | By providing an accessible and affordable community facility for meetings, events, classes and private hire. |
| Any activities outside England and Wales? |
No |
| Does the charity work with any other organisations? |
No |
| Does the charity employ any staff? | No |
| Number of volunteers | 20 |
Section E — Serious Incidents and Declarations
| Question | Answer |
|---|---|
| Were there any serious incidents during the year? |
No |
| Any fraud, theft or significant financial irregularity? |
No |
| Any safeguarding concerns? | No |
| Any legal proceedings involving the charity? |
Yes – The Hall Issued a CCJ against Mr Andrew Baker T/A Ilumina Painting Maintenance or Baker & Sons for the return of a £300 deposit that was taken but the work never progressed. |
Trustees' Sign-off
We confirm that the information in this preparation document is accurate and complete to the best of our knowledge, and that the Annual Return will be submitted to the Charity Commission on behalf of Talaton Parish Hall.
| Name | Role | Signature & Date |
|---|---|---|
| Simon Spencer | Chair | 29/06/2026 |
| Alan Franklin | Secretary | 29/06/2026 |
| Simon Jones | Treasurer | 29/06/2026 |
Talaton Parish Hall | Registered Charity No. 203652 | Year ended 31 August 2025
Registered Charity
TALATON PARISH HALL
Independent Examination of Annual Accounts for the Year Ended 31 August 2025
1. Trustees' Annual Report
The trustees present their report and the unaudited financial statements of Talaton Parish Hall ('the charity') for the year ended 31 August 2025.
Objectives and Activities
The charity's principal objective is to maintain and operate Talaton Parish Hall for the benefit of the local community, providing a facility for recreational, social, educational, and charitable activities.
Significant Activities During the Year
The hall continued to serve the local community throughout the year. A significant development during the year was the receipt of a lottery grant of £10,450 which is reflected in the total income for the period. This grant income is not expected to recur, and total income is expected to return to below the £25,000 threshold in future years.
Financial Review
Total income for the year was £26,490.98, which exceeds the £25,000 threshold requiring independent examination. This threshold has not previously been exceeded and is not anticipated to be exceeded in future years unless further grant funding is awarded. Trustees have reviewed the financial position and are satisfied that the charity holds adequate reserves to meet its obligations. The Reserves Policy is contained within the Financial Controls Policy
2. Statement of Financial Activities
For the Year Ended 31 August 2025
| Income | Unrestricted £ | Restricted £ |
|---|---|---|
| Hall hire and lettings | £ 3,978 | |
| Fundraising and events | £ 7,952 | |
| Donations and grants (excl. lottery) | £ 970 | |
| Lottery grant income | £10,450.00 | |
| Other income | £ 2,246 | |
| Investments | £ 895 | |
| TOTAL INCOME | £26,491 | (inc. £10,450 grant) |
| Expenditure | Unrestricted £ | Restricted £ |
|---|---|---|
| Utilities (Oil, electricity, water) | £ 2,867 | |
| Repairs and maintenance | £ 2,573 | |
| Projects | £ 8,906 | |
| Administration and other costs | £ 1,226 | |
| TOTAL EXPENDITURE | £ 15,572 | |
| Net movement in funds for the year | £ 10,919.07 | |
| Funds brought forward (1 September 2024) | £ 24,720.79 | |
| Funds carried forward (31 August 2025) | £ 35,639.86 |
3. Balance Sheet
As at 31 August 2025
| Assets and Liabilities | £ |
|---|---|
| Current Assets | |
| Cash at bank and in hand (C/A, Reserve A/C, Savings Bond and Cash) |
£35,282.06 |
| Other debtors / prepayments | £ 357.80 |
| Current Liabilities | |
| Creditors and accruals | (Nil) |
| NET ASSETS | £34,639 |
| Represented by: | |
| Unrestricted funds | £24,739.86 |
| Restricted funds (Lottery grant and Parish Council Grant) |
£10,900 |
| TOTAL FUNDS | £35,639.86 |
4. Notes to the Accounts
4.1 Accounting Policies
-
These accounts have been prepared on a receipts and payments basis in accordance with the Charities Act 2011 and the Charity Commission's guidance.
-
The accounts cover the period 1 September 2024 to 31 August 2025.
-
The charity is not registered for VAT.
4.2 Lottery Grant Income
During the year the charity received a lottery grant of £10,450 (restricted fund), and a parish council grant of £450 – Total £10,900. This grant has been recognised in full in the year of receipt. The purpose and conditions attached to this grant are as follows:
The grant is to be spent in 2025/26 for the installation of an Audio-Visual System with Projector, Blue Ray and Surround Sound and this was the condition of both awards.The trustees confirm that this grant is exceptional and non-recurring. The charity's income is not expected to exceed the £25,000 independent examination threshold in future years unless further grants are awarded.
4.3 Independent Examination Requirement
Because total income exceeded £25,000 for the first time, an independent examination of the accounts is required under Section 145 of the Charities Act 2011. The charity has appointed an independent examiner to carry out this examination.
4.4 Trustees' Responsibilities
The trustees are responsible for preparing the annual report and accounts, ensuring they give a true and fair view of the charity's financial activities during the year and of its financial position at the year end.
5. Independent Examiner's Report
To the trustees of Talaton Parish Hall
Respective Responsibilities of Trustees and Examiner
The trustees are responsible for the preparation of the accounts. The trustees consider that an audit is not required for this year under Section 144(2) of the Charities Act 2011 and that an independent examination is needed under Section 145(1) of the 2011 Act because the gross income exceeded £25,000.
It is my responsibility to examine the accounts under Section 145 of the Charities Act 2011 and to state whether particular matters have come to my attention.
Basis of Independent Examiner's Report
The examination was carried out in accordance with the General Directions given by the Charity Commission. An examination includes a review of the accounting records kept by the charity and a comparison of the accounts presented with those records. It also includes consideration of any unusual items or disclosures in the accounts, and seeking explanations from the trustees concerning any such matters. The procedures undertaken do not provide all the evidence that would be required in an audit and, consequently, no opinion is given as to whether the accounts present a 'true and fair' view and the report is limited to those matters set out in the statement below.
Independent Examiner's Statement
In connection with my examination, no matters have come to my attention:
-
which give me reasonable cause to believe that in any material respect the requirements to keep accounting records in accordance with Section 130 of the Charities Act 2011 have not been met; or
-
to which, in my opinion, attention should be drawn in order to enable a proper understanding of the accounts to be reached.
Signature of Independent Examiner
Mrs Jennifer Capon
22[nd] June 2026 Date Retired Civil Servant, Experience in managing of large budgets. Relevant professional qualification / experience
- 3 Woodman’s Orchard, Talaton, Exeter EX5 2SE
6. Trustees' Declaration
We, the undersigned trustees of Talaton Parish Hall, confirm that the accounts set out on the preceding pages, comprising the Statement of Financial Activities, Balance Sheet, and Notes to the Accounts, represent a true and accurate record of the receipts and payments of the charity for the year ended 31 August 2025, and are approved by the trustees.
| Trustee Name (printed) | Role | Signature |
|---|---|---|
| Simon Spencer | Chair | |
| Alan Franklin | Secretary | |
| Simon Jones | Treasurer | |
Date of approval by trustees: 23[rd] June 2026
Talaton Parish Hall | Registered Charity | Year ended 31 August 2025