REGISTERED CHARITY NUMBER: 204117
REPORT OF THE TRUSTEES AND
FINANCIAL STATEMENTS FOR THE YEAR ENDED 31 DECEMBER 2025
FOR
SPONNE & BICKERSTAFFE CHARITY
SPONNE & BICKERSTAFFE CHARITY
CONTENTS OF THE FINANCIAL STATEMENTS FOR THE YEAR ENDED 31 DECEMBER 2025
| Page | |
|---|---|
| Report of the Trustees | 1 to 5 |
| Independent Examiner's Report | 6 |
| Statement of Financial Activities | 7 |
| Balance Sheet | 8 |
| Notes to the Financial Statements | 9 to 18 |
| Detailed Statement of Financial Activities | 19 to 20 |
SPONNE & BICKERSTAFFE CHARITY
REPORT OF THE TRUSTEES FOR THE YEAR ENDED 31 DECEMBER 2025
The trustees present their report with the financial statements of the charity for the year ended 31 December 2025. The trustees have adopted the provisions of 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) (effective 1 January 2019).
OBJECTIVES AND ACTIVITIES
Objectives and aims
The charity continues to fulfil the requirements of Archdeacon Sponne's Will dated 1447 including the dispensing of help to the 'needy of the Parish' through the Relief in Need Branch.
Through its Almshouse Branch the charity continues the tradition started by Thomas Bickerstaffe in 1689 to provide accommodation for 'ancient men and women to be of good character' drawn exclusively from those who have lived for some time in the Parish of Towcester.
Public benefit
In deciding the activities of the charity the trustees have had regard to the guidance issued by the Charity Commission relating to public benefit and are content that all the charity's activities fall within this guidance
Page 1
SPONNE & BICKERSTAFFE CHARITY
REPORT OF THE TRUSTEES FOR THE YEAR ENDED 31 DECEMBER 2025
ACHIEVEMENTS AND PERFORMANCE Chair's Report
2025 was a busy and exciting year for the Charity, stretching the capacity of our volunteer Feoffees and professional staff alike. I am very grateful for their essential contribution in helping to continue delivering the good works of the charity.
There was much focus during the year on improving the physical environment of the bungalows and common areas maintained by the Charity. Three bungalows underwent an entire refurbishment, new fridges and cookers were provided in others, decking was replaced and additional electrical sockets provided to reflect the evolving requirements for modern-day living. It was pleasing to see the communal area being used by residents for coffee mornings and other events. Some limited income was also gained by hiring out the space to local groups.
Following replacement of the bungalow heating systems last year it became apparent that all was not well. Significant remedial works were carried out by the original contractor (at no cost to the charity) and things appear now to be much better.
The grounds of the Charity's main site are an essential component of what makes Moorfields a pleasant place to live. A new gardening contractor was appointed and proceeded to undertake a significant tiding-up of the grounds. In addition some boundary works were undertaken which caused a little bit of disruption but much less than feared. Residents continue to do a wonderful job in maintaining their own personal gardens and agreed to take on responsibility for maintaining a selection of communal flowerpots.
The Charity and its residents befitted from a hot summer with significant generation from the solar panels. This year was the first year that we had managed to get past administrative hurdles and receive material credits from our electricity supplier for the generation that we had exported to the grid. As a result, we were able to provide our residents with a 7 pence-per-unit reduction on their day-time electricity across the entire year.
2025 was also a year where the Charity continued a general modernisation process. New IT equipment was purchased, new e-mail address adopted and further use of M365 implemented. An archiving project was also undertaken. In addition, the modernisation has included updating the warden's role and job title to Moor Field Almshouse supervisor. A small working group was set-up to look at modernisation of the Charity's constitution, which is due to report in 2026.
On the finance front, the year was a challenging one for the Charity with major expenditure to support maintenance of the bungalows, common areas and grounds. The Charity continued to work hard to maximise the returns from its investments, both financial and physical. During the early summer our bank undertook a major systems upgrade that left us unable to access our money for 12 days. Fortunately, the impact of this was much less than it could have been due to the timing of payments etc.
The Charity's Relief in Need branch continued to provide small scale tangible assistance to those in need within the local community (eg provision of domestic appliances, beds etc). The Charity's funds are limited and determining recipients is always very difficult, but we know that these things make a real difference for people who are struggling. In addition, the Charity continued its issuance of Christmas vouchers to those who had been identified as priorities during the year.
Importantly, the Charity also devoted time to a renewed focus on health and safety. This included completion of a fixed wiring inspection (together with the rectification works that were advised), a fire safety audit and a more structured reporting of regular health and safety checks to the monthly meetings of Feoffees, improving visibility of any issues.
As ever, given the nature of the Charity, the year was filled with both joy and sorrow on the people front. A number of residents departed and new ones joined us to add to our community. The Clerk returned from a period of maternity leave but our long-serving gardener retired. Two new Feoffees were appointed, but we suffered a big loss in the passing of Peter Allen who had been a Feoffee for approaching 40 years and a major figure in the life of the Charity and the wider Towcester community. We remember Peter and all those connected with the Charity who passed away during 2025.
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SPONNE & BICKERSTAFFE CHARITY
REPORT OF THE TRUSTEES FOR THE YEAR ENDED 31 DECEMBER 2025
FINANCIAL REVIEW
Financial position
At the year end the total reserves of the charity are £728,165 which are all restricted funds as per the notes to the financial statements.
Treasurers Report
2025 started well with the finance meeting setting the budget for the year in early January which was approved by the Feoffees at the January meeting.
We agreed we would leave our residents' water contribution at £4/week and raise the residents' contribution by about 4% effective from April 2025. It was looking like 3 of our bungalows would be vacated in 2025 and we therefore budgeted that our residents contribution income would be temporarily reduced in 2025 due to the vacancies. We decided that it would be a good time to refurbish the properties when they became vacant and a Major refurbishment budget of £45,000 was set for the works.
We decided the Laundry facilities would be free of charge for residents starting April 2025.
Our solar panels are performing well, we are still able to subsidise our residents' electricity by about 7p/unit on their day rate this cost the charity £1,149 over the year. Our 10 year interest free loan that paid for the solar pv system stands as of Aug 2025 at £33,284 and two payments of £2,080.75 are made each year to service the loan.
In terms of income and expenditure our total income for 2025 was £103,456 (£133,542 in 2024) and our total expenditure was £138,036 (£140,594 in 2024). This deficit of £34,580 represents an excellent effort from our staff and Feoffees given the one-off expenditure of around £32,000 relating to the refurbishment of four of the bungalows.
One of our remits as a charity is to provide relief in need payments to the residents of Towcester and surrounding areas who find themselves in financial hardship. We budget £5,000 per year and in 2025 we spent £4,970.
The value of our investment funds fell by £12,275 to £299,385. Dividends of £8,964 were received during the year from these investments. Cash held at the year end fell by £29,510 to £39,501, mainly due to the refurbishment of the bungalows.
This concludes my Treasurer's report.
Alan Gilbert Chair, Finance Committee 28/02/2026
Investment policy and objectives
The charity has the power to make any investment which the Trustees see fit. The Trustees will generally invest the bulk of reserves in C.O.I.F. funds but will make other investments as appropriate.
The movements in fixed assets and investments during the year are set out in the notes supporting the financial statements.
Reserves policy
At the year end the cash reserves of the charity stood at £69,011. The charity's policy is to maintain sufficient reserves to maintain the buildings in good order and meet foreseeable needs. Investments are maintained to provide income to help the charity meet its objectives. Investment income is allocated between Almshouse and Relief in Need branches.
Market Value of the Property
The Trustees consider that the market value of the Almshouses as at the year end was £1,250,000 compared with a balance sheet value of £303,512.
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SPONNE & BICKERSTAFFE CHARITY
REPORT OF THE TRUSTEES FOR THE YEAR ENDED 31 DECEMBER 2025
STRUCTURE, GOVERNANCE AND MANAGEMENT Governing document
The charity is controlled by its governing document, a deed of trust and constitutes an unincorporated charity.
The charity is registered with the Charity Commission, and the Governing document was sealed on 5 May 1982.
Recruitment and appointment of new trustees
Trustee selection methods: the body of trustees shall consist when complete of 15 competent persons being:-
Six nominative trustees appointed by Towcester Town Council to serve for four years and nine co-optive trustees who shall be persons who through residence, occupation or employment or otherwise have special knowledge of the parish of Towcester and are appointed for a period of five years. Each new trustee is given Charity Commission booklets and a History of the Charity.
Organisational structure
The trustees delegate most routine operational decisions. The clerk is responsible for the administration and financial administration of the Almshouses and Relief in Need Branch. The site supervisor provides resident support and general site monitoring. The site supervisor may call for medical and/or social services assistance when required and organise emergency repairs and maintenance in conjunction with the trustees.
Decision making
A monthly meeting of trustees is held and the chairman has the casting vote in any decision making. Four separate committees meet to discuss Finance, Major Refurbishments, Relief in Need and Gardening. An additional two committees meet when needed for Staff and emergency planning.
Risk management
The trustees have a duty to identify and review the risks to which the charity is exposed and to ensure appropriate controls are in place to provide reasonable assurance against fraud and error.
REFERENCE AND ADMINISTRATIVE DETAILS Registered Charity number
204117
Principal address
Moor Field Buckingham Way Towcester Northamptonshire NN12 6PE
Trustees
Mr P Allen Mr S Burnley Mrs G Casemen-Jones - Chair of the Feoffees to April 2025 Mr A Gilbert Mr I Massey Mrs K Wheeler Rev P Challen Mr J Lynch Mr A Lohman Mr C Wright - Chair of the Feoffees from April 2025 Mrs J Simm Mrs J Mains Mrs C Johns - appointed 19 February 2025 Mr G Forbes - appointed 18 June 2025
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SPONNE & BICKERSTAFFE CHARITY
REPORT OF THE TRUSTEES FOR THE YEAR ENDED 31 DECEMBER 2025
REFERENCE AND ADMINISTRATIVE DETAILS Independent Examiner Shaw Gibbs Limited Eagle House 28 Billing Road Northampton Northamptonshire NN1 5AJ
Clerk to the Trustees
H Stubbs S Carter
Bankers
CAF Bank Limited 25 Kings Hill Avenue Kings Hill West Malling Kent ME19 4JQ
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INDEPENDENT EXAMINER'S REPORT TO THE TRUSTEES OF SPONNE & BICKERSTAFFE CHARITY
Independent examiner's report to the trustees of Sponne & Bickerstaffe Charity
I report to the charity trustees on my examination of the accounts of Sponne & Bickerstaffe Charity (the Trust) for the year ended 31 December 2025.
Responsibilities and basis of report
As the charity trustees of the Trust you are responsible for the preparation of the accounts in accordance with the requirements of 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 Act and in carrying out my examination I have followed all 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 giving me cause to believe that in any material respect:
-
accounting records were not kept in respect of the Trust as required by Section 130 of the Act; or 2. the accounts do not accord with those records; or
-
the accounts do not comply with the applicable requirements concerning the form and content of accounts set out in the Charities (Accounts and Reports) Regulations 2008 other than any requirement that the accounts give a true and fair view which is not a matter considered as part of an independent examination.
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.
Use of our report
This report is made solely to the charity's trustees, as a body, in accordance with Part 4 of the Charities (Accounts and Reports) Regulations 2008. Our independent examination work has been undertaken so that we might state to the charity's trustees those matters we are required to state to them in an independent examiner's report and for no other purpose. To the fullest extent permitted by law, we do not accept or assume responsibility to anyone other than the charity and the charity's trustees as a body, for our independent examination work, for this report, or for the opinions we have formed.
Nicola Fox FCA Shaw Gibbs Limited Eagle House 28 Billing Road Northampton Northamptonshire NN1 5AJ
Date: 30 April 2026
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SPONNE & BICKERSTAFFE CHARITY
STATEMENT OF FINANCIAL ACTIVITIES FOR THE YEAR ENDED 31 DECEMBER 2025
| Unrestricted fund Notes £ INCOME AND ENDOWMENTS FROM Charitable activities 3 Residents housing - Relief in Need - Investment income 2 - Total - EXPENDITURE ON Charitable activities 4 Residents housing - Relief in Need - Total - Net gains/(losses) on investments - NET INCOME/(EXPENDITURE) - Transfers between funds 17 - Net movement in funds - RECONCILIATION OF FUNDS Total funds brought forward - TOTAL FUNDS CARRIED FORWARD - |
Almshouse Branch £ 92,337 - 8,353 100,690 133,066 - 133,066 (9,250) (41,626) (2,204) (43,830) 711,815 667,985 |
Relief in Need Branch £ - 1,000 1,766 2,766 - 4,970 4,970 (3,025) (5,229) 2,204 (3,025) 63,205 60,180 |
2025 Total funds £ 92,337 1,000 10,119 103,456 133,066 4,970 138,036 (12,275) (46,855) - (46,855) 775,020 728,165 |
2024 Total funds £ 123,682 380 9,480 133,542 134,283 6,311 140,594 7,228 176 - 176 774,844 775,020 |
|---|---|---|---|---|
The notes form part of these financial statements
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SPONNE & BICKERSTAFFE CHARITY
BALANCE SHEET 31 DECEMBER 2025
| Unrestricted fund Notes £ FIXED ASSETS Tangible assets 10 - Investments Investments 11 - Investment property 12 - - CURRENT ASSETS Debtors 13 - Cash at bank - - CREDITORS Amounts falling due within one year 14 - NET CURRENT ASSETS - TOTAL ASSETS LESS CURRENT LIABILITIES - CREDITORS Amounts falling due after more than one year 15 - NET ASSETS - FUNDS 17 Restricted funds TOTAL FUNDS |
Almshouse Branch £ 337,399 239,205 90,000 666,604 4,517 39,501 44,018 (13,512) 30,506 697,110 (29,125) 667,985 |
Relief in Need Branch £ - 60,180 - 60,180 - - - - - 60,180 - 60,180 |
2025 Total funds £ 337,399 299,385 90,000 726,784 4,517 39,501 44,018 (13,512) 30,506 757,290 (29,125) 728,165 728,165 728,165 |
2024 Total funds £ 343,580 311,660 90,000 745,240 4,877 69,011 73,888 (10,823) 63,065 808,305 (33,285) 775,020 775,020 775,020 |
|---|---|---|---|---|
The financial statements were approved by the Board of Trustees and authorised for issue on 22 April 2026 and were signed on its behalf by:
The notes form part of these financial statements
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SPONNE & BICKERSTAFFE CHARITY
NOTES TO THE FINANCIAL STATEMENTS FOR THE YEAR ENDED 31 DECEMBER 2025
1. ACCOUNTING POLICIES
Basis of preparing the financial statements
The financial statements of the charity, which is a public benefit entity under FRS 102, have been prepared in accordance with the Charities SORP (FRS 102) '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) (effective 1 January 2019)', Financial Reporting Standard 102 'The Financial Reporting Standard applicable in the UK and Republic of Ireland' and the Charities Act 2011. The financial statements have been prepared under the historical cost convention, with the exception of investments which are included at market value, as modified by the revaluation of certain assets.
The presentation currency of the financial statements is the Pound Sterling (£).
Going concern
The financial statements have been prepared using the going concern basis as no material uncertainties exist in relation to the charity being a going concern.
Significant judgements and estimates
The preparation of financial statements requires the use of certain critical accounting estimates. It also requires management to exercise its judgement in the process of applying the company accounting policies. The areas involving a higher degree of judgement or complexity, or areas where assumptions and estimates are significant to the financial statements are disclosed within the individual accounting policies below.
Income
All income is recognised in the Statement of Financial Activities once the charity has entitlement to the funds, it is probable that the income will be received and the amount can be measured reliably.
Expenditure
Liabilities are recognised as expenditure as soon as there is a legal or constructive obligation committing the charity to that expenditure, it is probable that a transfer of economic benefits will be required in settlement and the amount of the obligation can be measured reliably. Expenditure is accounted for on an accruals basis and has been classified under headings that aggregate all cost related to the category. Where costs cannot be directly attributed to particular headings they have been allocated to activities on a basis consistent with the use of resources.
Tangible fixed assets
Depreciation is provided at the following annual rates in order to write off each asset over its estimated useful life.
| Almshouse | - 1% on cost |
|---|---|
| Plant and machinery | - 10% on cost |
| Fixtures and fittings | - 10% on cost |
| Furniture | - 10% on cost |
| Office equipment | - 10% on cost |
Fixed assets are stated at cost less accumulated depreciation and accumulated impairment losses. Where parts of an item of property, plant and equipment have different useful lives, they are accounted for as separate items of property, plant and equipment.
Depreciation methods, useful lives and residual values are reviewed at each balance sheet date. The selection of these residual values and estimated lives requires the exercise of judgement. The trustees are required to assess whether there is an indication of impairment to the carrying value of assets. In making that assessment, judgements are made in estimating value in use. The trustees consider that the individual carrying values of assets are supportable by their value in use.
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SPONNE & BICKERSTAFFE CHARITY
NOTES TO THE FINANCIAL STATEMENTS - continued FOR THE YEAR ENDED 31 DECEMBER 2025
1. ACCOUNTING POLICIES - continued
Investment property
Investment property is shown at fair value. Any aggregate surplus or deficit arising from changes in fair value are recognised through the statement of financial activities.
Talbot Meadow and Farthingstone Farm (investment properties) have been included in the financial statements at fair value. This valuation was produced by Berry Morris Chartered Surveyors in January 2009. The trustees are not aware of any material changes since the last valuation.
Taxation
The charity is exempt from tax on its charitable activities.
Fund accounting
Unrestricted funds can be used in accordance with the charitable objectives at the discretion of the trustees.
Restricted funds can only be used for particular restricted purposes within the objects of the charity. Restrictions arise when specified by the donor or when funds are raised for particular restricted purposes.
Further explanation of the nature and purpose of each fund is included in the notes to the financial statements.
Pension costs and other post-retirement benefits
The charity operates a defined contribution pension scheme. Contributions payable to the charity's pension scheme are charged to the Statement of Financial Activities in the period to which they relate.
Financial instruments
Cash and cash equivalents in the balance sheet comprise cash at banks and in hand and short term deposits with an original maturity date of three months or less.
Debtors and creditors with no stated interest rate and receivable or payable within one year are recorded at transaction price. Any losses arising from impairment are recognised in the statement of financial activities under administrative expenses.
Financial liabilities and equity instruments are classified according to the substance of the contractual arrangements entered into. An equity instrument is any contract that evidences a residual interest in the assets of the entity after deducting all of its financial liabilities.
Where the contractual obligations of financial instruments are equivalent to a similar debt instrument, those financial instruments are classed as financial liabilities. Financial liabilities are presented as such in the balance sheet. Finance costs and gains or losses relating to financial liabilities are included in the statement of financial activities. Finance costs are calculated so as to produce a constant rate of return on the outstanding liability.
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SPONNE & BICKERSTAFFE CHARITY
NOTES TO THE FINANCIAL STATEMENTS - continued FOR THE YEAR ENDED 31 DECEMBER 2025
| 2. INVESTMENT INCOME Dividends & bank interest received 3. INCOME FROM CHARITABLE ACTIVITIES Activity Contribution Residents housing Rates Residents housing Heat and light Residents housing Laundry income Residents housing Grants Residents housing Sundry income Residents housing Contribution Relief in Need Grants received, included in the above, are as follows: ECO4 Government Scheme 4. CHARITABLE ACTIVITIES COSTS Residents housing Relief in Need 5. DIRECT COSTS OF CHARITABLE ACTIVITIES Staff costs Rates and water Insurance Light and heat Telephone Property repairs & maintenance Cleaning Garden materials & equipment Gardener time & materials Other garden contractor work Travel and entertainment Relief in Need expenses NAAH subscription Appello costs Carried forward |
Direct Costs (see note 5) £ 126,211 4,970 131,181 |
|
|---|---|---|
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SPONNE & BICKERSTAFFE CHARITY
NOTES TO THE FINANCIAL STATEMENTS - continued FOR THE YEAR ENDED 31 DECEMBER 2025
5. DIRECT COSTS OF CHARITABLE ACTIVITIES - continued
| Brought forward Depreciation |
2025 £ 121,223 9,958 131,181 |
2024 £ 125,592 9,606 135,198 |
|---|---|---|
6. SUPPORT COSTS
| SUPPORT COSTS | ||||
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Governance | ||||
| Management | Finance | costs |
Totals | |
| £ | £ | £ | £ | |
| Residents housing | 2,245 | 61 | 4,549 | 6,855 |
| Support costs, included in the above, | are as follows: | |||
| 2025 | 2024 | |||
| Residents | Total | |||
| housing | activities | |||
| £ | £ | |||
| Postage and stationery | 616 | 1,486 | ||
| General office expenses | 1,099 | 1,308 | ||
| Sundries | 530 | 312 | ||
| Bank charges | 61 | 40 | ||
| Independent Examiners fees - | ||||
| independent examination | 710 | 590 | ||
| Independent Examiners fee - | ||||
| accountancy fees | 2,022 | 1,660 | ||
| Professional and legal fees | 1,817 | - | ||
| 6,855 | 5,396 |
Support costs, included in the above, are as follows:
7. TRUSTEES' REMUNERATION AND BENEFITS
There were no trustees' remuneration or other benefits for the year ended 31 December 2025 nor for the year ended 31 December 2024.
Trustees' expenses
£98 of expenses for travel reimbursement were paid to one Trustee in the financial year (2024 - £116 paid to two Trustees).
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SPONNE & BICKERSTAFFE CHARITY
NOTES TO THE FINANCIAL STATEMENTS - continued FOR THE YEAR ENDED 31 DECEMBER 2025
8. STAFF COSTS
| Wages and salaries Other pension costs |
2025 £ 37,128 478 37,606 |
2024 £ 35,744 465 |
|---|---|---|
| 36,209 |
The average monthly number of employees during the year was as follows:
| Residents warden Handyman Clerk |
2025 2 1 2 5 |
2024 2 1 2 |
|---|---|---|
| 5 |
No employees received emoluments in excess of £60,000.
Key management personnel remuneration totalled £34,151 (2024: £33,671). This includes the Warden and Clerk to the Trustees.
9. COMPARATIVES FOR THE STATEMENT OF FINANCIAL ACTIVITIES
| Unrestricted fund £ INCOME AND ENDOWMENTS FROM Charitable activities Residents housing - Relief in Need - Investment income - Total - EXPENDITURE ON Charitable activities Residents housing - Relief in Need - Total - Net gains on investments - NET INCOME/(EXPENDITURE) - Transfers between funds - Net movement in funds - RECONCILIATION OF FUNDS Total funds brought forward - |
Almshouse Branch £ 123,682 - 7,758 131,440 134,283 - 134,283 5,832 2,989 (4,209) (1,220) 713,035 |
Relief in Need Branch £ - 380 1,722 2,102 - 6,311 6,311 1,396 (2,813) 4,209 1,396 61,809 |
Total funds £ 123,682 380 9,480 133,542 134,283 6,311 140,594 7,228 176 - 176 774,844 |
|---|---|---|---|
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SPONNE & BICKERSTAFFE CHARITY
NOTES TO THE FINANCIAL STATEMENTS - continued FOR THE YEAR ENDED 31 DECEMBER 2025
9. COMPARATIVES FOR THE STATEMENT OF FINANCIAL ACTIVITIES - continued
| Unrestricted fund £ TOTAL FUNDS CARRIED FORWARD - 10. TANGIBLE FIXED ASSETS COST At 1 January 2025 Additions At 31 December 2025 DEPRECIATION At 1 January 2025 Charge for year At 31 December 2025 NET BOOK VALUE At 31 December 2025 At 31 December 2024 COST At 1 January 2025 Additions At 31 December 2025 DEPRECIATION At 1 January 2025 Charge for year At 31 December 2025 NET BOOK VALUE At 31 December 2025 At 31 December 2024 |
Almshouse Branch £ 711,815 Almshouse £ 510,618 - 510,618 201,999 5,107 207,106 303,512 308,619 Furniture £ 20,196 225 20,421 19,268 211 19,479 942 928 |
Relief in Need Branch £ 63,205 Plant and machinery £ 42,900 - 42,900 11,128 3,962 15,090 27,810 31,772 Office equipment £ 4,637 821 5,458 3,154 267 3,421 2,037 1,483 |
Total funds £ |
|
|---|---|---|---|---|
| 775,020 | ||||
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SPONNE & BICKERSTAFFE CHARITY
NOTES TO THE FINANCIAL STATEMENTS - continued FOR THE YEAR ENDED 31 DECEMBER 2025
11. FIXED ASSET INVESTMENTS
| FIXED ASSET INVESTMENTS | |
|---|---|
| Listed | |
| investments | |
| £ | |
| MARKET VALUE | |
| At 1 January 2025 | 311,660 |
| Revaluations | (12,275) |
| At 31 December 2025 | 299,385 |
| NET BOOK VALUE | |
| At 31 December 2025 | 299,385 |
| At 31 December 2024 | 311,660 |
There were no investment assets outside the UK.
| 12. INVESTMENT PROPERTY FAIR VALUE At 1 January 2025 and 31 December 2025 NET BOOK VALUE At 31 December 2025 At 31 December 2024 |
£ 90,000 |
|---|---|
| 90,000 | |
| 90,000 |
Talbot Meadow and Farthingstone Farm (investment properties) have been included in the financial statements at fair value. This valuation was produced by Berry Morris Chartered Surveyors in January 2009. The trustees are not aware of any material changes since the last valuation.
13. DEBTORS: AMOUNTS FALLING DUE WITHIN ONE YEAR
| Other debtors Prepayments and accrued income |
2025 £ 3,302 1,215 4,517 |
2024 £ 3,559 1,318 |
|---|---|---|
| 4,877 |
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SPONNE & BICKERSTAFFE CHARITY
NOTES TO THE FINANCIAL STATEMENTS - continued FOR THE YEAR ENDED 31 DECEMBER 2025
14. CREDITORS: AMOUNTS FALLING DUE WITHIN ONE YEAR
| 2025 £ Other loans (see note 16) 4,161 Trade creditors 243 Other creditors 829 Accruals and deferred income 8,279 13,512 15. CREDITORS: AMOUNTS FALLING DUE AFTER MORE THAN ONE YEAR 2025 £ Other loans (see note 16) 29,125 16. LOANS An analysis of the maturity of loans is given below: 2025 £ Amounts falling due within one year on demand: Other loans 4,161 Amounts falling between one and two years: Other loans - 1-2 years 4,161 Amounts falling due between two and five years: Other loans - 2-5 years 12,482 Amounts falling due in more than five years: Repayable by instalments: Other loans more 5yrs instal 12,482 17. MOVEMENT IN FUNDS Net Transfers movement between At 1/1/25 in funds funds £ £ £ Restricted funds Almshouse Fund 551,202 (36,079) (2,204) Relief in Need Fund 63,205 (5,229) 2,204 Extraordinary Repair Fund 131,500 (6,279) - Chantry Church of St Lawrence 2,134 (38) - Cyclical Maintenance Fund 26,979 770 - 775,020 (46,855) - TOTAL FUNDS 775,020 (46,855) - |
2024 £ 4,161 4,551 92 2,019 10,823 2024 £ 33,285 2024 £ 4,161 4,161 12,482 16,642 At 31/12/25 £ 512,919 60,180 125,221 2,096 27,749 728,165 728,165 |
|---|---|
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SPONNE & BICKERSTAFFE CHARITY
NOTES TO THE FINANCIAL STATEMENTS - continued FOR THE YEAR ENDED 31 DECEMBER 2025
17. MOVEMENT IN FUNDS - continued
Net movement in funds, included in the above are as follows:
| Restricted funds Almshouse Fund Relief in Need Fund Extraordinary Repair Fund Chantry Church of St Lawrence Cyclical Maintenance Fund TOTAL FUNDS |
Incoming resources £ 95,678 2,766 4,242 - 770 103,456 103,456 |
Resources expended £ (129,104) (4,970) (3,962) - - (138,036) (138,036) |
Gains and Movement losses in funds £ £ (2,653) (36,079) (3,025) (5,229) (6,559) (6,279) (38) (38) - 770 (12,275) (46,855) (12,275) (46,855) |
|---|---|---|---|
Comparatives for movement in funds
| Restricted funds Almshouse Fund Relief in Need Fund Extraordinary Repair Fund Chantry Church of St Lawrence Cyclical Maintenance Fund TOTAL FUNDS |
At 1/1/24 £ 562,695 61,809 127,994 2,039 20,307 774,844 774,844 |
Net movement in funds £ 5,043 (2,813) (2,494) 95 345 176 176 |
Transfers between funds £ (16,536) 4,209 6,000 - 6,327 - - |
At 31/12/24 £ 551,202 63,205 131,500 2,134 26,979 775,020 775,020 |
|---|---|---|---|---|
Comparative net movement in funds, included in the above are as follows:
| Restricted funds Almshouse Fund Relief in Need Fund Extraordinary Repair Fund Chantry Church of St Lawrence Cyclical Maintenance Fund ECO4 TOTAL FUNDS |
Incoming resources £ 95,505 2,102 4,040 - 345 31,550 133,542 133,542 |
Resources expended £ (92,811) (6,311) (9,922) - - (31,550) (140,594) (140,594) |
Gains and Movement losses in funds £ £ 2,349 5,043 1,396 (2,813) 3,388 (2,494) 95 95 - 345 - - 7,228 176 7,228 176 |
|---|---|---|---|
The Extraordinary Repair Fund was set up for the purpose of providing for the extraordinary repair, improvement or rebuilding of the Almshouses as and when it is needed.
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SPONNE & BICKERSTAFFE CHARITY
NOTES TO THE FINANCIAL STATEMENTS - continued FOR THE YEAR ENDED 31 DECEMBER 2025
17. MOVEMENT IN FUNDS - continued
The Relief in Need Fund was set up to relieve either generally or individually, persons resident in the Parish of Towcester who are in conditions of need, hardship or distress.
The Chantry Church of St Lawrence, Towcester Fund was set up in 1982 for the purpose of the repair and renewal of the Chantry Church's books and ornaments.
The Almshouse fund was set up in 1982 to enable the Trustees to manage and let all the lands belonging to the Almshouse Branch.
The Cyclical Maintenance Fund was set up to for the purpose of providing for those items of ordinary maintenance and repair of the Almshouses which occur at infrequent intervals. The fund is maintained out of income of the Almshouse Fund and is set aside yearly.
ECO4 - Government grant given under an energy scheme to pay for the electric storage heaters to be replaced with more energy efficient heaters for residents.
Transfers between funds
The Cyclical Maintenance Fund and Extraordinary Repair Fund is maintained out of income of the Almshouse Fund, by annual transfers.
An annual transfer is done for the excess of expenditure over income received for the year, into the Relief in Need Fund from the Almshouse Fund to maintain the Relief in Need Fund at the set amount invested in that fund.
18.
RELATED PARTY DISCLOSURES
There were no related party transactions for the year ended 31 December 2025, nor the year ended 31 December 2024.
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SPONNE & BICKERSTAFFE CHARITY
DETAILED STATEMENT OF FINANCIAL ACTIVITIES FOR THE YEAR ENDED 31 DECEMBER 2025
| INCOME AND ENDOWMENTS Investment income Dividends & bank interest received Charitable activities Contribution Rates Heat and light Laundry income Grants Sundry income Total incoming resources EXPENDITURE Charitable activities Wages Pensions Rates and water Insurance Light and heat Telephone Property repairs & maintenance Cleaning Garden materials & equipment Gardener time & materials Other garden contractor work Travel and entertainment Relief in Need expenses NAAH subscription Appello costs Depreciation of tangible fixed assets Support costs Management Postage and stationery General office expenses Sundries Finance Bank charges |
2025 £ 10,119 80,290 2,361 10,329 303 - 54 93,337 103,456 37,128 478 1,692 2,533 11,969 750 52,487 1,560 4,709 605 750 599 4,970 451 542 9,958 131,181 616 1,099 530 2,245 61 |
2024 £ 9,480 78,639 2,527 9,899 1,197 31,550 250 124,062 133,542 35,744 465 2,063 2,534 15,497 1,235 50,332 1,500 454 4,939 2,250 420 6,310 863 986 9,606 135,198 1,486 1,308 312 3,106 40 |
|---|---|---|
This page does not form part of the statutory financial statements
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SPONNE & BICKERSTAFFE CHARITY
DETAILED STATEMENT OF FINANCIAL ACTIVITIES FOR THE YEAR ENDED 31 DECEMBER 2025
| Finance Governance costs Independent Examiners fees - independent examination Independent Examiners fee - accountancy fees Professional and legal fees Total resources expended Net expenditure before gains and losses Realised recognised gains and losses Realised gains/(losses) on fixed asset investments Net (expenditure)/income |
2025 £ 710 2,022 1,817 4,549 138,036 (34,580) (12,275) (46,855) |
2024 £ 590 1,660 - 2,250 140,594 (7,052) 7,228 176 |
|---|---|---|
This page does not form part of the statutory financial statements
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