**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.
Page 2
**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.
Page 3
**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
Page 4
**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
Page 5
**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:
1. 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
3. 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
Page 6
**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
Page 7
**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
Page 8
**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.
Page 9
continued...
**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.
Page 10
continued...
**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||
|---|---|---|
||||
Page 11
continued...
**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).
Page 12
continued...
**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|
|---|---|---|---|
Page 13
continued...
**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|
||||||
||||||
||||||
||||||
||||||
Page 14
continued...
**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|
Page 15
continued...
**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|
|---|---|
Page 16
continued...
**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.
Page 17
continued...
**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.
Page 18
**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
Page 19
**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
Page 20