## **SUDBURY COMMON LANDS CHARITY** 

## **ACCOUNTS 31 DECEMBER 2020** 

**MOORE GREEN CHARTERED ACCOUNTANTS SUDBURY   SUFFOLK** 



## **SUDBURY COMMON LANDS CHARITY** 

## **INDEX TO ACCOUNTS 31 DECEMBER 2020** 

||Page|
|---|---|
|Charity Information|1|
|Trustees’ Report|2 - 6|
|Statement of Financial Activities|7|
|Balance Sheet|8|
|Notes to the Financial Statements|9 - 19|
|Independent Examiner’s Report|20|





1 

## **SUDBURY COMMON LANDS CHARITY** 

## **CHARITY INFORMATION** 

CLERK TO THE TRUSTEES A Walters Esq AND PRINCIPAL ADDRESS The Christopher Centre OF THE CHARITY 10 Gainsborough Street Sudbury Suffolk   CO10 2EU 

RANGER N Shimwell Esq ASSISTANT RANGER S Morgan Esq BANKERS Barclays Bank Plc 35 Market Hill Sudbury Suffolk   CO10 2EP SOLICITORS Steed & Steed LLP 6 Gainsborough Street Sudbury Suffolk   CO10 2ET 

INDEPENDENT EXAMINERS Moore Green 22 Friars Street Sudbury Suffolk   CO10 2AA INVESTMENT MANAGERS 

Quilter Cheviot One Kingsway London  WC2B 6AN 

REGISTERED CHARITY NUMBER 

212222 



2 

**SUDBURY COMMON LANDS CHARITY** 

## **TRUSTEES’ REPORT YEAR ENDED 31 DECEMBER 2020** 

## TRUSTEES 

The Trustees of the Charity are the same as those of the Sudbury Municipal Charities (SMC) with the addition of four nominative trustees appointed by the Freemen. 

At 31 December 2020 the Trustees (together with their current term of office) were as follows: 

## **Representative Trustees** 

Mrs S Hobson (February 2018-2022) K Robins (November 2018-2022) R Bentley (February 2019-2023) P Whiteley (Vice Chairman) (November 2019-2023) Mrs E Wiles (November 2019-2023) Ms M Berkouwer (November 2020-2024) 

## **Co-Optative Trustees** 

G Challacombe ( November 2019-2024) P Fulcher (Acting Chairman) (July 2018-2023) The Reverend R Titford, ( February 2020-2025) M Geddes (February 2017-2022) R Kemsley ( November 2016-2021) Ms S-J Money (October 2019-2024) 

## N **ominative (Freemen) Trustees** 

A Grimwood (July 2024) N Eley (July 2024) C Wheeler (July 2024) M Wheeler (July 2024) 

On appointment new trustees sign a declaration committing them to giving of their time and expertise. 

The trustees meet as a full committee four times a year, interspersed with meetings of the Finance committee and the Estates committee as required. Other sub committees may be formed from time to time. 

The Trustees undertake an annual inspection program covering all the lands under SCLC management. 



3 

## **SUDBURY COMMON LANDS CHARITY** 

## **TRUSTEES’ REPORT (CONTINUED) YEAR ENDED 31 DECEMBER 2020** 

## THE SCHEME 

The riverside lands around Sudbury have been grazed continuously since they were first recorded by name in the late twelfth century. At that time Amicia de Clare granted rights to St John’s Hospital, adjacent to Ballingdon bridge, to graze four cows and twenty sheep on Portmanscroft and Kingsmere. It is very likely that they were grazed before then. 

Sudbury Common Lands Charity is the body currently charged with managing and conserving these lands for future generations. 

The Sudbury Common Lands Charity was originally formed in 1897 and is now governed by the Charity Commissioners Scheme, dated 14 May 1987. 

The primary objective of the Scheme is to manage the lands, property and fishing rights belonging to the charity; to be used for any charitable purposes for the general benefit of the inhabitants of the town of Sudbury. 

In particular the Trustees are required to manage any grazing land so as to protect and preserve it in its natural state as grazing land for the general benefit of the inhabitants of the town of Sudbury. 

Subject to the approval of the Commissioners the Trustees may acquire land and buildings for appropriation and defray the cost of such acquisition out of the capital or income of the charity. 

After payment of proper costs, charges and expenses associated with the management of the charity the Trustees shall apply the remainder of the income of the charity to Freemen in need, the Sudbury Freemen’s Trust, the Sudbury Municipal Charities and for any charitable purposes for the general benefit of the inhabitants of the town of Sudbury. 

## SUDBURY COMMON LANDS CHARITY DEVELOPMENT 

SCLC was formed under its present Scheme in 1987.  This was triggered by the sale of Harp Close Meadow for £850,000. In the early days the charity enjoyed a large surplus of income over expenditure due to the high interest rates at the time. 

The charity expanded rapidly.  SCLC acquired land, property and farm equipment and recruited 2 rangers to look after its estate.  As investment returns have fallen additional income has been generated through working closely with local councils using our rangers to manage the lands outlined below and ensuring income and expenditure match. 

|Acquired:||Managed:|
|---|---|---|
|1994|The Christopher Centre|1990 The Croft|
|1998|Wardman meadows|1990 Mill Acre|
|2001|Grove Cottage|1994 Walters meadow|
|2013|Guilford meadow|1995 to 2012 Guilford meadow|
|||1996 Friars meadow|
|||1996 Kone Vale|
|||1996 Cornard riverside|
|||1996 Valley Trail – Kingfisher to Ballingdon|
|||2009 Cornard Country Park|
|||2012 Valley Trail – Ballingdon to Rodbridge|
|||2018 Shawlands|
|||2020 Stevensons Centre field and associated areas|
|||2020 Great Cornard Village Green|
|||2020 Stacy Ardley Fields|





4 

## **SUDBURY COMMON LANDS CHARITY** 

## **TRUSTEES’ REPORT (CONTINUED) YEAR ENDED 31 DECEMBER 2020** 

## RISK MANAGEMENT 

The trustees have considered and reviewed the major risks to which the charity is exposed. We have established systems and procedures to manage those risks. 

The trustees consider the major operational risk to be the safety and wellbeing of the rangers, charity volunteers and members of the public using the estate. Appropriate training is given to staff and volunteers. SCLC has an ongoing Health and Safety Program overseen by NFU with regular updates. 

Notices are placed throughout the estate warning members of the public of the risks when using the open access areas with animals. 

The major financial risk is the volatility of investment income. This is reviewed annually with the investment advisors. 

Government grants and local government projects are likely to be affected by current austerity pressures in the country. 

## PUBLIC BENEFIT 

The major benefit is to the people of Sudbury who have enjoyed access to the Common Lands continuously for at least 900 years. The purpose of SCLC is to manage these lands today and create a secure foundation for the future. 

A regular program of walks and lectures is organized by the ranger for a wide range of interested parties, including schools and societies. 

The majority of the land owned by SCLC is a local nature reserve and has been designated as a County Wildlife Site in recognition of extensive ongoing ecological and environmental work. 

Grants made to Sudbury Municipal Charities and to Sudbury Freemen’s Trust enable assistance to be given to aged and needy individuals in Sudbury. 

SCLC owns the Christopher Centre which operates as a separate charity (Registered Charity No.112942). It provides offices and meeting rooms for local charities and organisations in the town. 

## FINANCIAL REVIEW 

The financial statements comply with the Charities Trust Deed, the Charities Act 2011 and the Charities SORP (FRS 102). Accounting policies are detailed in note 1 in the accounts. 

The Trustees recognise their responsibilities in preparing these accounts, to 

- Select and implement suitable accounting policies 

- Ensure judgement is reasonable and prudent 

- Prepare accounts on an ongoing basis 

- Ensure the accuracy and transparency of records 

- Safeguard the assets of the charity 

- Prevent and detect fraud and other irregularities 

- Comply with the above law and regulations 

The Trustees financial policy is to break even on the annual income and expenditure account and to fund development from gifts and bequests from the community. 



5 

## **SUDBURY COMMON LANDS CHARITY** 

## **TRUSTEES’ REPORT (CONTINUED) YEAR ENDED 31 DECEMBER 2020** 

The Trustees’ policy on reserves is to ensure that they are sufficient to meet the short-term running costs and to secure the long-term existence of the Charity. 

A second requirement is to continue the successful development of SCLC by acquiring land, buildings and equipment suitable for our purpose as and when the opportunity occurs. A fund is being established from gifts and bequests for this purpose. 

## SUMMARY OF ACHIEVEMENTS AND PERFORMANCE 2020 

2020  was a year of change for the Charity. The Ranger/Clerk retired as a Ranger and continued as a Clerk/Mentor. The Assistant Ranger was appointed as Ranger following interview and a new Assistant Ranger was appointed following interviews. The staffing budget therefore increased as the New Assistant Ranger had a two month induction period before the existing Assistant Ranger was promoted to Ranger and the Clerk/Mentor was paid for the Mentoring role as well as the position of Clerk. The Charity also set up an office for the Clerk at the Christopher Centre with all the relevant equipment to replace the one in our Clerks home. 

The new Chairman had to temporarily stand down due to illness in the Spring and the Vice Chairman stood in as Acting Chairman for the remainder of the year. 

Covid-19 also had an effect on the Charity. The staff continued to work throughout the year but had to change working practices to comply with the Government Directives. The volunteers only worked for 5 months this year, again to comply with Covid-19 Directives. This led to a program of work having to be adapted and prioritised. The Contract work continued with one small Contract ceasing but being replaced with another one. 

Financially the Charity gave rent holidays for the Christopher Centre and Grove Cottage’s Tenant. Investment income was down, and interest reduced as a result of the impact of Covid-19 on the markets. Even so, the Charity’s Finances remained strong with a deficit of about £8,000 offset by some generous donations. 

On the Estate, 2020 was a year when Covid-19 brought an unprecedented increase in footfall on the whole riverside and Valley Trail but despite this wildlife continued to do well. Unfortunately, this led to greater littering and more clearing up for our Rangers. As a result of restrictions there were no SCLC guided events or school education groups and the Turning On Ceremony was cancelled. 

2020 saw the reintroduction of two graziers on the riverside following many years with just one. The arrangement worked extremely well. 

Water voles were still present in low numbers and the new ‘Remoti’ mink raft attracted an individual twice, setting off the messaging alert to the SCLC phones. Periodically there was an enormous amount of Otter activity, particularly at the Croft and the Mill Race where one was caught in an illegal fish trap. A badger took up residence above ground in the trailer shelter making a large ‘nest’. A young leveret on Reach Meadow pointed to the suitability of the habitat for breeding hares. 

Cetti’s warblers continued to call from thickets around the riverside. The barn owls reared two young on Wardman Meadows bringing the total to fifteen chicks raised since the boxes were installed. One chick was raised in a box in the Cornard Country Park, this being the first for that location. A great white egret was photographed over North Meadow Common, this being the first recorded for our land. There were increasing red kite and raven sightings. 

As a result of lengthy dry spells over the past three years, the early marsh orchid population plummeted to 



6 

## **SUDBURY COMMON LANDS CHARITY** 

## **TRUSTEES’ REPORT (CONTINUED) YEAR ENDED 31 DECEMBER 2020** 

just 34 flowering plants. However, the Deptford pink had its best flowering year since SCLC management began. 

The wet winter and increased footfall led to the deterioration of footpath surfaces. However, despite the wet conditions good progress was made with the winter work program. 

The professionalism of the staff has ensured the Charity has continued to improve the land in it’s management under difficult circumstances and I wish to thank them for this. The Common Lands have been utilised extensively to help people cope with Covid-19 and this shows how important the work od the Charity is for the wellbeing of the people of Sudbury and the surrounding areas. 

Peter Fulcher On behalf of the Trustees 

## 7 May 2021 

```
………………….
```



7 

## **SUDBURY COMMON LANDS CHARITY** 

## **STATEMENT OF FINANCIAL ACTIVITIES FOR THE YEAR ENDED 31 DECEMBER 2020** 

|Notes <br>INCOMING RESOURCES<br>Investment Income<br>2<br>Estate Income<br>3<br>Christopher Centre<br>4<br>Grove Cottage Rent<br>Grants and Donations<br>5<br>Sundry Income<br>6<br>RESOURCES EXPENDED<br>Christopher Centre<br>7<br>Grove Cottage<br>8<br>Estate Management<br>9<br>Charity Management<br>10<br>Grants<br>11<br>Obligatory Disbursements<br>12<br>Net Incoming/(Outgoing) Resources<br>Transfer between funds<br>Gains and (Losses) on Investment Assets<br>Net Movement in Funds<br>Total Funds Brought Forward<br>|Unrestricted    D<br> funds<br>£<br>28,598<br>70,020<br>12,393<br>7,700<br>1,176<br>5,766 <br>125,653  <br>5,657<br>993<br>75,401<br>40,286<br>4,000<br>7,172<br>133,509 <br>(7,856)<br>-<br> -  <br>(7,856)<br>142,977<br>135,121<br>|esignated<br>funds<br>£<br>-<br>-<br>-<br>-<br>18,000<br>  -<br>18,000<br>-<br>-<br>-<br>-<br>-<br> - <br>  -<br>18,000<br>-<br>  -<br>18,000<br>93,084<br>111,084|Restricted<br>funds<br>£<br>-<br>-<br>-<br>-<br> <br>-<br> -<br> -<br>-<br>-<br>-<br>-<br>-<br> -<br> -<br>-<br>-<br>50,484<br>50,484<br>1,765,519<br>1,816,003|2020<br> <br>Total<br>funds<br>£<br>28,598<br>70,020<br>12,393<br>7,700<br>19,176<br>5,766<br>143,653<br>5,657<br>993<br>75,401<br>40,286<br>4,000<br>7,172<br>133,509<br>10,144<br>-<br>50,484<br>60,628<br>2,001,580<br>2,062,208|2019<br>Total<br> funds<br>£<br>38,026<br>57,341<br>16,331<br>9,600<br>31,491<br>4,815<br>157,604<br>5,154<br>970<br>68,463<br>27,565<br>3,296<br>1,350<br>106,798<br>50,806<br>-<br>161,143<br>211,949<br>1,789,631<br>2,001,580|
|---|---|---|---|---|---|





8 

## **SUDBURY COMMON LANDS CHARITY** 

## **BALANCE SHEET 31 DECEMBER 2020** 

|Notes <br>FIXED ASSETS<br>Tangible Assets<br>13<br>Investments<br>14<br>CURRENT ASSETS<br>Stock of Books<br>Cash at Bank and in Hand:<br>Current Account<br>Premium Account<br>Quilter Cheviot<br>CURRENT LIABILITIES<br>Creditors:<br>15<br> <br>TOTAL ASSETS LESS CURRENT LIABILITIES<br>Represented by:<br>FUNDS<br>16<br>Unrestricted Income Fund<br>Designated Capital Fund<br>Total Unrestricted Funds<br>Restricted Funds<br>NET FUNDS<br>17|2020 <br>£<br>£<br>501,268<br>1,455,730<br>1,956,998<br>2,180<br>8,289<br>49,566<br>57,134<br>(11,959)<br>105,210<br>2,062,208<br> <br>135,121<br>111,084<br>246,205<br>1,816,003<br>2,062,208|<br>|2019<br>£<br>-<br>10,777<br>30,536<br>29,006<br>(6,705)|2019|£<br>498,845<br>1,439,121<br>1,937,966<br>63,614<br>2,001,580<br> <br>142,977<br>93,084<br>236,061<br>1,765,519<br>2,001,580|
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
|||<br>||||



Approved by the Trustees on          7 May 2021              and signed on their behalf by: 

P Fulcher – Trustee 

M Berkouwer - Trustee 



9 

## **SUDBURY COMMON LANDS CHARITY** 

## **NOTES TO THE FINANCIAL STATEMENTS YEAR TO 31 DECEMBER 2020** 

## 1 ACCOUNTING POLICIES 

## Basis of accounting 

These financial statements have been prepared under the historical cost convention as modified by the inclusion of investments at market value and in accordance with the provisions of the Statement of Recommended Practice (FRS 102) – Accounting and Reporting by Charities, the Charities Act and relevant accounting standards. 

## Freehold property 

Freehold property comprising The Christopher Centre, The Wardman Meadows and Grove Cottage is shown at cost.  No provision is made for depreciation of this freehold property as explained in Note 13(a) on page 15 of these financial statements. 

## Valuation of investments 

The Charity’s quoted investments are stated in the balance sheet at market value as recommended by the SORP. The effect of including unrealised gains or losses is shown in Note 16. 

## Disposal of investments and land 

Any surplus or deficits arising on the disposal of the Charity’s quoted investments, Common Lands or freehold property are treated as increases/decreases in the restricted Funds of the Charity and are not included in the determination of the Charity’s net incoming (or outgoing) resources for any accounting period, as explained in Note 17 to these financial statements. 

## Depreciation 

Depreciation is provided on plant and machinery and motor vehicles by annual instalments over their estimated useful lives, at a rate of 25% on a reducing balance basis. 

## Lands owned and administered by the Charity 

The basis of accounting for the lands owned and administered by the Charity is explained in Note 13(b) to these financial statements. 

## Restricted and unrestricted funds 

The nature of these funds, within the meaning of the SORP so far as the Charity is concerned, is explained in Note 17 to these financial statements. 



10 

## **SUDBURY COMMON LANDS CHARITY** 

## **NOTES TO THE FINANCIAL STATEMENTS YEAR TO 31 DECEMBER 2020** 

## 1 ACCOUNTING POLICIES (CONTINUED) 

## Investment Income 

Investment income is included when receivable.  Tax credits relating to such income are accrued for by reference to the period when the income to which the credit relates was recognised. 

## Grant Income 

The Charity receives grant income from time to time in relation to works undertaken on its land.  The grant income is released to the profit and loss account as the expenditure to which it relates is incurred. 

## Allocation of Payments 

The Trustees decide the most appropriate heading, within the “Resources Expended” section on page 7, under which each individual expenditure type should be included. 

Realised and Unrealised Gains (Losses) on Investments 

- (a) Realised gains (losses) represents the excess (deficiency) of sale proceeds over the valuation of the investment at the previous year end. 

- (b) Unrealised gains (losses) represents the excess (deficiency) of the valuation of the investments at the year end over the previous year end or, where the investment was purchased during the year, over cost. 

Hire Purchase Agreements 

Assets held under hire purchase agreements are capitalised and disclosed under tangible fixed assets at their fair value.  The capital element of the future payments is treated as a liability and the interest is charged to the profit and loss account on a straight-line basis where appropriate. 



11 

## **SUDBURY COMMON LANDS CHARITY** 

## **NOTES TO THE FINANCIAL STATEMENTS YEAR TO 31 DECEMBER 2020 (CONTINUED)** 

|2.<br>INVESTMENT INCOME<br> <br> <br>Fixed Interest<br>Equities<br>Bank Deposit Accounts<br>3.        ESTATE INCOME<br> <br>RANGER SERVICES (CONTRACTS)<br>Sudbury Town Council<br>Babergh District Council Ranger and Amenity Service<br>Cornard Parish Council<br>RANGER SERVICES (INCIDENTAL)<br>Babergh – Site Security<br>Bloc Management – Grassland Management<br>T Ogle – Grassland Management<br>Babergh – Bin Bags<br>GRASSLAND<br>Grazing income<br>ELS/HLS<br>OTHER ESTATE INCOME<br>Wayleaves<br>Suffolk County Council Walks Festival<br>Mills – Electric Fence Provision|<br> <br>|2020 <br>£<br>6,924<br>21,606<br>68<br>28,598<br> <br>8,611<br>24,313<br>8,145<br>-<br>300<br>-<br>279<br>-<br>28,348<br>24<br>-<br> -<br>70,020|<br> <br>|2019<br>£<br>7,463<br>30,504<br>59<br>38,026<br> <br>6,929<br>23,720<br>7,967<br>1,160<br>300<br>100<br>-<br>2,000<br>15,024<br>69<br>56<br>16<br>57,341|
|---|---|---|---|---|
||||<br>||
||||||





12 

## **SUDBURY COMMON LANDS CHARITY NOTES TO THE FINANCIAL STATEMENTS (CONTINUED) YEAR TO 31 DECEMBER 2020** 

|<br>4.<br>5.|<br> <br>CHRISTOPHER CENTRE<br>Rent<br>Insurance<br>GRANTS & DONATIONS<br>Unrestricted Income Funds<br>Just Giving and Other Donations<br>Designated Income Funds<br>The Essex Trust<br>Mrs Green Legacy|2020 <br>£<br> <br>11,628<br>765<br>12,393<br> <br>1,176<br>18,000<br> -<br> <br>18,000|<br> <br> <br>|2019<br>£<br>14,878<br>1,453<br>16,331<br>5,745<br>7,000<br>18,746<br>25,746|
|---|---|---|---|---|
||||||





13 

## **SUDBURY COMMON LANDS CHARITY** 

## **NOTES TO THE FINANCIAL STATEMENTS YEAR TO 31 DECEMBER 2020 (CONTINUED)** 

|6.|SUNDRY INCOME|2020|2019|
|---|---|---|---|
|||£|£|
||Sudbury Freemen’s Society|675|675|
||Sudbury Municipal Charities|1,144|500|
||NIC Rebate|3,356|3,000|
||Book Sales|591|633|
||Other Income||7|
|||5,766|4,815|
|The|Sudbury Freemen’s Society pay SCLC a turning on fee which is 50% of the grazing rights (note 12).|||
|7.|CHRISTOPHER CENTRE EXPENDITURE|||
||Rent|4,097|3,791|
||Insurance|1,560|1,363|
|||5,657|5,154|
|8.|GROVE COTTAGE EXPENDITURE|||
||Insurance|665|533|
||Repairs and Miscellaneous|328|437|
|||993|970|
|9.|ESTATE MANAGEMENT|||
||Land Management Expenses|9,782|8,719|
||Insurance and Tax|1,875|1,790|
||Ranger Salaries|56,600|52,980|
||Land Rover Running Expenses|3,842|2,480|
||Equipment|-|-|
||Depreciation of Tangible Fixed Assets|3,302|2,494|
||Disposal of Asset|-|-|
|||75,401|68,463|



The Estate Management Committee advises the Trustees on the management of all lands owned by the Charity and lands managed on a contractual basis for other organisations.  Ongoing works include rotational ditch and pond clearance, coppicing, pollarding and other tree management, replacement and repair of stock fencing and general maintenance of land for amenity and/or wildlife habitat. 



14 

## **SUDBURY COMMON LANDS CHARITY** 

## **NOTES TO THE FINANCIAL STATEMENTS YEAR TO 31 DECEMBER 2020 (CONTINUED)** 

|10.   MANAGEMENT AND ADMINISTRATION OF THE CHARITY<br> <br>Investment Management Fees<br>Administration<br> <br>Clerk<br> <br>Independent Examiner and Accountancy<br>Insurance<br> <br> <br>11. GRANTS PAID<br>Sudbury Municipal Charities<br> <br>12. OBLIGATORY DISBURSEMENTS<br>Sudbury Freemen’s Society<br>Sudbury Freemen’s Trust|2020 <br>£<br>8,083<br>10,084<br>17,759<br>3,030<br>1,330<br>40,286<br>4,000<br> <br>4,000<br>1,350<br>5,822<br>7,172|<br> <br>|2019<br>£<br>6,999<br>2,621<br>13,308<br>3,030<br>1,607<br>27,565<br>3,296<br>_<br>3,296<br>1,350<br>  -<br>1,350|
|---|---|---|---|
|||<br> <br> <br>||



The freemen receive grazing income on the historic lands in lieu of taking up their rights. 

The results of 2018 did not mandate any payment to Sudbury Freemen’s Trust under the 1987 scheme. 



15 

## **SUDBURY COMMON LANDS CHARITY** 

## **NOTES TO THE FINANCIAL STATEMENTS (CONTINUED) YEAR TO 31 DECEMBER 2020** 

13.  TANGIBLE FIXED ASSETS 

|13.  TANGIBLE FIXED ASSETS|||||
|---|---|---|---|---|
|<br> <br> <br>Cost (see note 1)<br>At 1 January 2020<br>Additions<br>At 31 December 2020<br>Depreciation<br>At 1 January 2020<br>Charge for Year<br>At 31 December 2020<br>Net Book Values<br>At 31 December 2020<br>At 1 January 2020|Freehold<br>Land and <br> Property  <br>£<br>491,365<br>491,365<br>-<br>-<br> -<br>491,365<br>491,365|Plant,<br>Equipment <br>and vehicle<br>£<br>44,828<br>5,725<br>50,553<br>37,348<br>3,302<br>40,650<br> 9,903<br>7,480|<br>|Total<br>£<br>536,193<br>5,725<br> - <br>541,917<br>37,348<br>3,302<br> - <br>40,650<br>501,268<br>498,845|
|||||<br>|



- (a) Freehold land and property comprises The Christopher Centre (a converted public house in Gainsborough Street, Sudbury, which was acquired in 1992 at a cost totalling £160,287), 40 acres of grazing land, known as The Wardman Meadows (purchased in November 1998 for an amount of £132,501 plus costs of £243) and Grove Cottage (acquired by the Charity during 2001 at a cost of £155,000 plus associated costs of £1,475). 

The Christopher Centre was originally let to Sudbury and District Volunteer Centre (now renamed The Christopher Centre registered charity number 1120942) under a lease dated 5 July 1993, at a rent of £10,000 per annum. The term of the lease has been extended to 4 July 2024 and rent is currently payable at £14,000 per annum. The building is not depreciated as the Trustees believe that due to the refurbishment work undertaken its value is substantially greater than cost and its residual value is not likely to be less than cost. 

Within Freehold Land and Property is £41,860 Capital improvements relating to the renovation and refurbishment of the Grove Cottage property which as it reflects the increase in value of the property is not depreciated. 

14 acres of grazing land known as Guilford Meadow was acquired in January 2016 through a Section 106 provision of the Town and Country Planning Act 1990 whereby the land was transferred by developers of related property to the charity at nil cost. 



16 

## **SUDBURY COMMON LANDS CHARITY** 

# **NOTES TO THE FINANCIAL STATEMENTS (CONTINUED) YEAR TO 31 DECEMBER 2020** 

- (b) The Common Lands owned and administered by Sudbury Common Lands Charity as per Sudbury Common Lands Charity Scheme constituted on 14 May 1987 are as follows: 

Approx area (acres) Description of land 

|x area (acres)|Description of land|
|---|---|
|23.27|Great and Little Fullingpit Meadow|
|45.47|North Meadow (including Brundon Lane Spinney)|
|10.79|Kings Marsh Part 1|
|8.05|Kings Marsh Part 2|
|22.88|Freemen's Great and Little Commons|
|2.81|Coote's Meadow Part 1|
|1.87|Coote's Meadow Part 2|



There is no cost value attributable to the Common Lands held by the Charity since constitution and there is no applicable market value to any of the land because of the status of the lands as Common Lands. 

In addition to the Common Lands described above, the Charity also owns and administers The Wardman Meadow which was purchased 6[th] November 1998 (covering an approx. area of 39.29 acres) and Guilford Meadow which was acquired in January 2016 (covering an approx. area of 12.58 acres). 



17 

## **SUDBURY COMMON LANDS CHARITY** 

## **NOTES TO THE FINANCIAL STATEMENTS (CONTINUED) YEAR TO 31 DECEMBER 2020** 

## 14. QUOTED INVESTMENTS 

The charity’s investments are managed by Quilter Cheviot Limited to whom day to day administration of the investments has been delegated by the trustees. No one investment constitutes more than 15% of the charity’s assets. 

## 15. CREDITORS: 

|<br>Accruals<br>Deferred Income|2020 <br>£<br>8,698<br>3,261<br> <br>11,959|2019<br>£<br>3,460<br>3,245<br>6,705|
|---|---|---|



Deferred income comprises of £3,261 Christopher Centre rents received in advance. 



18 

## **SUDBURY COMMON LANDS CHARITY** 

## **NOTES TO THE FINANCIAL STATEMENTS (CONTINUED) YEAR TO 31 DECEMBER 2020** 

## 16. RECONCILIATION OF MOVEMENT IN NET FUNDS 

|Net Incoming/ (Outgoing) Resources before<br>Other Recognised Gains and Losses (page 4)<br>Realised Gains/ (Losses) on Investments<br>Unrealised Gains/ (Losses) on Investments<br>FUNDS BROUGHT FORWARD<br>AT 01 JANUARY 2020<br>FUNDS CARRIED FORWARD<br>AT 31 DECEMBER 2020|Restricted<br> Funds <br>£<br>-<br>237,952<br>(187,468)<br>1,765,519<br>1,816,003|Unrestricted<br> <br> Income Funds<br> <br>£<br>(7,856)<br>-<br>-<br>142,977<br>135,121|Designated<br> Funds<br>£<br>18,000<br>-<br>-<br>93,084<br>111,084|Total<br>£<br>10,144<br>237,952<br>(187,468)<br>2,001,580<br>2,062,208|
|---|---|---|---|---|
||||||



## 17.  RESTRICTED AND UNRESTRICTED FUNDS 

By virtue of Paragraph 1 of the Scheme established to regulate the Charity, the Trustees consider that all the assets described in the Charity document constitute the restricted funds of the Charity and must be retained under their administration and management.  The Trustees consider these funds to represent an expendable endowment in accordance with the SORP. 

The income of the Charity each year, to the extent it has not been expended in accordance with Paragraphs 26 and 27 of the Scheme, is carried forward as unrestricted funds for disbursement in accordance with Paragraphs 26 and 27 in future years. 

As at 31 December 2020 there is a balance of £19,807 remaining on the A R Wheeler Equipment Replacement Fund. This represents the balance remaining from a legacy totalling £54,750 received from Mr A R Wheeler and designated by the Trustees as an equipment replacement fund for use when required for that purpose. 

In 2016, 14 acres of grazing land known as Guilford Meadow was acquired. In relation to this a grant of £10,031 was received from Babergh District Council for various works to be carried out to the meadowland. It is the conclusion of the Trustees that this amount represents a designated fund and should be treated accordingly. 

During year ended 31 December 2019 the Charity received £18,746 as a legacy from Mrs Green and £7,000 from The Essex Trust which in accordance with the policy of establishing a designated fund for development from bequests and gifts (as outlined in the Trustees’ Report) has been recognised as part of designated funds. The same designation was made regarding funds received in the year ended 31 December 2018 of £15,000 from The Essex Trust and a £20,000 legacy from Mrs Murdoch and also in the year ended 31 December 2017 the Charity received £2,500 from Ecclesiastical Insurance. In 2020 the Charity received an additional £18,000 from The Essex Trust, this is the final year of that Charity. 



19 

## **SUDBURY COMMON LANDS CHARITY** 

## **NOTES TO THE FINANCIAL STATEMENTS (CONTINUED) YEAR TO 31 DECEMBER 2020** 

## 17.  RESTRICTED AND UNRESTRICTED FUNDS (CONTINUED) 

The restricted and unrestricted funds of the Charity are determined to be as follows: 

|||Restricted|Unrestricted|Designated||
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
|||Funds|Funds|Funds|Total|
||Endowment - Expendable|||||
|||£|£|£|£|
|Assets of the Charity at time of its||||||
|Constitution on 14 May 1987:||||||
|Investments, at Cost||14,743|8,000|-|22,743|
|Harp Close Meadow, at Selling Price||850,000|-|-|850,000|
|Cash at bank||6,204|-|-|6,204|
|||870,947|8,000|-|878,947|
|Add:|Net Realised and Unrealised Gains on|||||
||Investments to 31 December 2020|945,056|-|-|945,056|
||A R Wheeler fund|||||
||(net of amounts invested in equipment)|-|-|19,807|19,807|
||Guilford Meadow Grant|-|-|10,031|10,031|
||Ecclesiastical Insurance|-|-|2,500|2,500|
||The Essex Trust|-|-|33,000|33,000|
||Mrs Murdoch Legacy|-|-|20,000|20,000|
||Mrs Green Legacy|-|-|25,746|25,746|
||Accumulated Surpluses on|||||
||And transfers to|||||
||Unrestricted Funds to|||||
||31 December 2020|-|127,121|-|117,403|
|Balances at 31 December 2020||1,816,003|135,121|111,084|2,062,208|
|REPRESENTED BY||||||
|Land|and Property|491,365|||491,365|
|Equipment etc||9,903|||9,903|
|Investments<br>||1,314,735|29,911|111,084 1,455,730||
|Stock|||2,180||2,180|
|Cash and bank balances<br>||________|114,989||114,989|
|||1,816,003|147,080|111,084 2,074,167||
|Less:|Liabilities<br>|________|11,959|______|11,959|
|||1,816,003|135,121|111,084 2,062,208||



18.  TRANSACTIONS WITH TRUSTEES 

The Trustees received no remuneration or payment of expenses. 



20 

## **SUDBURY COMMON LANDS CHARITY** 

## **Registered Number: 212222** 

## **Independent Examiner’s Report to the Trustees of Sudbury Common Lands Charity.** 

I report on the accounts of the Charity for the year ended 31 December 2020 which are set out on pages 6 to 19. 

## Respective Responsibilities of Trustees and Examiner 

As the Charity’s Trustees you are responsible for the preparation of the accounts; you consider that the audit requirement of section 144 (2) of the Charities Act 2011 (the Act) does not apply.  It is my responsibility to state, on the basis of procedures specified in the General Directions given by the Charity Commissioners under section 145 of the Act, whether particular matters have come to my attention. 

## Basis of Independent Examiner’s Report 

My examination was carried out in accordance with the General Directions given by the Charity Commissioners.  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 you as trustees concerning such matters.  The procedures undertaken do not provide all the evidence that would be required in an audit, and consequently I do not express an audit opinion on the view given by the accounts. 

## Independent Examiner’s Statement 

In connection with my examination, no matter has come to my attention: 

- 1) which gives me reasonable cause to believe that in any material respect the requirements 

   - to keep accounting records in accordance with section 41 of the Act;  and 

   - to prepare accounts which accord with the accounting records and to comply with the accounting requirements of the Act 

have not been met ;  or 

2) to which, in my opinion, attention should be drawn in order to enable a proper understanding of the accounts to be reached. 


Matthew M Wilkinson FCA 

Moore Green Chartered Accountants 

22 Friars Street Sudbury Suffolk CO10 2AA 

Dated            7 May 2021 

