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2022-12-31-accounts

SUDBURY COMMON LANDS CHARITY

ACCOUNTS 31 DECEMBER 2022

MOORE GREEN CHARTERED ACCOUNTANTS SUDBURY SUFFOLK

SUDBURY COMMON LANDS CHARITY

INDEX TO ACCOUNTS 31 DECEMBER 2022

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 AND PRINCIPAL ADDRESS OF THE CHARITY

A Walters Esq The Christopher Centre 10 Gainsborough Street Sudbury Suffolk CO10 2EU

RANGER ASSISTANT RANGER BANKERS

N Shimwell Esq J Cresswell Esq Barclays Bank Plc 35 Market Hill Sudbury Suffolk CO10 2EP

INDEPENDENT EXAMINERS INVESTMENT MANAGERS

REGISTERED CHARITY NUMBER

Moore Green 22 Friars Street Sudbury Suffolk CO10 2AA

Quilter Plc One Kingsway London WC2B 6AN 212222

2

SUDBURY COMMON LANDS CHARITY

TRUSTEES’ REPORT YEAR ENDED 31 DECEMBER 2022

TRUSTEES

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

At 31 December 2022 the Trustees (together with their current term of office) were as follows:

Representative Trustees

Mrs S Hobson (February 2022-2026) K Robins (November 2022-2026) R Bentley (February 2019-2023) P Whiteley (Vice Chairman) (November 2019-2023) Ms M Berkouwer (November 2020-2024) D Dale (July 2022-2026)

Co-Optative Trustees

G Challacombe ( November 2019-2024) P Fulcher (Chairman) (July 2018-2023) The Reverend R Titford, ( February 2020-2025) M Geddes (July 2022-2027) R Kemsley ( November 2021-2026) Ms S-J Money (October 2019-2024)

N ominative (Freemen) Trustees

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 2022

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 2022

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 inflationary 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 to the Financial Statements.

The Trustees recognise their responsibilities in preparing these accounts, to

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 2022

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

There were no changes in staffing during the year. Work was carried out at the Depot completing water supply and providing a composting toilet. The latter was provided through a grant and volunteers helped the Ranger staff to erect the toilet. These have both enhanced the facilities for the staff. The provision of an electricity supply was investigated but was not viable. Rechargeable battery lights have been provided. All contracts, apart from one very small one which the Trustees do not consider worthwhile, have been continued for next year. The Charity thank the Rangers, Clerk and volunteers for their work throughout the year.

The Chairman and Vice Chairman have continued in post. The Vice Chairman has indicated that he will be stepping down in 2023 so a new Vice Chairman will be required. It is with regret I have to report that one of the Freeman Trustees Andy Grimwood died during the year. He was a much valued and long serving Trustee.

The working practices have mainly returned to pre-Covid arrangements and volunteer tasks have been reinstated. At the end of the year the volunteer group had expanded with new volunteers joining.

Financially the Charity has coped reasonably well in the difficult financial climate. Along with several donations, one a significant bequeath from the estate of the late Mrs J Moscrop. Half of this bequest has been reinvested but some was used on the purchase of a new tractor to replace the existing one which was becoming unreliable. Another substantial donation was received from Mrs S Fuller along with several other donations during the year. There is a deficit in the Estate expenditure but due to the increase in the cost of living this is likely to be higher in 2023 due to salary increases. These can be covered by use of dividend income. Overall, the Charity’s Finances remain satisfactory.

On the Estate the Avian Flu epidemic affected the bird life on the Common Lands and in particular the Swans. The Town Council helped by setting up a reporting hotline and the District Council disposed of the carcasses. The Rangers were busy responding to the Town Council hotline and assisting the District Council in removing them. Once again, the Charity thank the Rangers for the way they manage this distressing and unpleasant task. In general the diversity of the wildlife continues to improve although the orchids have been badly affected by the very dry year. However, the Deptford Pink is still doing well.

The grazing was provided by one grazier this year. He put smaller cattle on the Common Lands and due to the problems in the previous year stock densities were reduced. With the smaller cattle even with the dry season the meadows were not over grazed, and the densities will be adjusted again next year in consultation with the grazier and dependent on the size of the stock. As ever work was carried out to keep the fencing secure.

Water voles are still present as were otters. Owls are still using nest boxes and the Cetti’s Warbler is now an all-year resident. Red Kite and Buzzards are regularly seen. There have also been sightings of a female Goosander, a Water Rail, Raven and Yellow Wagtail. As well as a badger we now also have a fox frequenting the Depot. Hares are a regular sighting on the Wardman Meadows.

6

SUDBURY COMMON LANDS CHARITY

TRUSTEES’ REPORT (CONTINUED) YEAR ENDED 31 DECEMBER 2022

The professionalism of the Rangers continues to ensure the Charity keeps improving the land in its management under difficult circumstances and I wish to thank them for this and the volunteers for all their work.

The Common Lands have continued to be well utilised extensively to help people with their general wellbeing and exercising their dogs. This shows how important the work of the Charity is for the wellbeing of the people of Sudbury and the surrounding areas. I would also like to thank the Clerk for his help and experience in making this year as Chairmanship easier.

Peter Fulcher On behalf of the Trustees

5 May 2023 

………………….

7

SUDBURY COMMON LANDS CHARITY

STATEMENT OF FINANCIAL ACTIVITIES FOR THE YEAR ENDED 31 DECEMBER 2022

Notes
INCOMING RESOURCES
Investment Income
2
Estate Income
3
Christopher Centre
4
Grove Cottage Rent
Grants and Donations
5
Sundry Income
6
RESOURCES EXPENDED
Christopher Centre
7
Grove Cottage
8
Estate Management
9
Charity Management
10
Grants
11
Obligatory Disbursements
12
Net Incoming/(Outgoing) Resources
Transfer between funds
Gains and (Losses) on Investment Assets
Net Movement in Funds
Total Funds Brought Forward
 Unrestricted
funds
£
34,621
59,074
16,089
10,200
3,258

6,304
129,546
7,659
4,701
76,552
43,324
3,750
2,358
138,344
(8,798)

-
-
(8,798)

136,164
127,366		 Designated
funds
£
-
-
-
-
211,607
-
211,607
-
-
-
-
-
-
-
211,607
-
-
211,607
111,084
322,691		 Restricted
funds
£
-
-
-
-

-
-
-
-
-
-
-
-
-
-

-
-
(224,422)
(224,422)
1,955,791
1,731,369		 2022

Total
funds
£
34,621
59,074
16,089
10,200
214,865
6,304
341,153
7,659
4,701
76,552
43,324
3,750
2,358
138,344
202,809
-
(224,422)
(21,613)
2,203,039
2,181,426		 2021
Total
funds
£
30,152
58,998
16,457
10,200
1,750
4,812
122,369
7,860
912
62,547
43,687
4,250
2,070
121,326
1,043
-
139,788
140,831
2,062,208
2,203,039

8

SUDBURY COMMON LANDS CHARITY

BALANCE SHEET 31 DECEMBER 2022

Notes 2022
£
£
FIXED ASSETS
Tangible Assets
13
541,731
Investments
14
1,454,077
1,995,808
CURRENT ASSETS
Stock of Books
2,055
Prepaid expenses
-
Cash at Bank and in Hand:
Current Account
12,584
Premium Account
129,632
Quilter Plc
50,859
CURRENT LIABILITIES
Creditors:
15
(9,512)
185,618
TOTAL ASSETS LESS CURRENT LIABILITIES
2,181,426
Represented by:
FUNDS
16
Unrestricted Income Fund
127,366
Designated Capital Fund
322,691
Total Unrestricted Funds
450,057
Restricted Funds
1,731,369
NET FUNDS
17
2,181,426
2021
£
2,089
4,897
19,984
45,573
56,602
(9,335)

 2021 2021
£
498,774
1,584,455
2,083,229
119,810
2,203,039
136,164
111,084
247,248
1,955,791
2,203,039



Approved by the Trustees on 5 May 2023 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 2022

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.

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 2022

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

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 2022 (CONTINUED)

2.
INVESTMENT INCOME


Fixed Interest
Equities
Bank Deposit Accounts
3. ESTATE INCOME

RANGER SERVICES (CONTRACTS)
Sudbury Town Council
Babergh District Council Ranger and Amenity Service
Cornard Parish Council
RANGER SERVICES (INCIDENTAL)
Bloc Management – Grassland Management
Babergh – Bin Bags
GRASSLAND
Grazing income
ELS/HLS
OTHER ESTATE INCOME
Wayleaves
Suffolk County Council Walks Festival

2022
£
5,105
29,069
447
34,621

7,220
24,870
11,961
335
-
2,000
12,619
69
-
59,074


2021
£
4,454
25,694
4
30,152

7,013
24,715
11,937
300
249
2,000
12,619
115
50
58,998

12

SUDBURY COMMON LANDS CHARITY NOTES TO THE FINANCIAL STATEMENTS (CONTINUED) YEAR TO 31 DECEMBER 2022


4.
5.

CHRISTOPHER CENTRE
Rent
Insurance
GRANTS & DONATIONS
Unrestricted Income Funds
Just Giving and Other Donations
Designated Income Funds
Donation
Legacy



2022
£

15,817
272
16,089

3,258
5,000
206,607
211,607


2021
£
15,165
1,292
16,457
1,750
-
-
-




13

SUDBURY COMMON LANDS CHARITY

NOTES TO THE FINANCIAL STATEMENTS YEAR TO 31 DECEMBER 2022 (CONTINUED)

6. SUNDRY INCOME

Sudbury Freemen’s Society
Sudbury Municipal Charities
NIC Rebate
Book Sales
Other income		 2022
£
675
500
4,920

150
59
6,304		 2021
£
675
500
3,432
205
-
4,812

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
Insurance
8. GROVE COTTAGE EXPENDITURE
Insurance
Repairs and Miscellaneous

9. ESTATE MANAGEMENT
Land Management Expenses
Insurance and Tax
Ranger Salaries
Land Rover Running Expenses
Equipment
Depreciation of Tangible Fixed Assets
Disposal of Asset
 4,869
2,790
7,659
444
4,257
4,701

19,561
3,292
49,938
1,967
1,156
15,442
(14,804)
76,552		 5,070
2,790
7,860
714
198
912
11,586
2,568
43,287
2,612
-
2,494
-
62,547

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 2022 (CONTINUED)

10. MANAGEMENT AND ADMINISTRATION OF THE CHARITY

Investment Management Fees
Administration
Clerk
Independent Examiner and Accountancy
Insurance
11. GRANTS PAID
Sudbury Municipal Charities
12. OBLIGATORY DISBURSEMENTS
Sudbury Freemen’s Society
Sudbury Freemen’s Trust		 2022
£
11,529
3,422
22,834
3,150
2,389
43,324
3,750

3,750
1,350
1,008
2,358


2021
£
11,843
4,566
22,125
3,150
2,003
43,687
4,250
_
4,250
1,350
720
2,070


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

15

SUDBURY COMMON LANDS CHARITY

NOTES TO THE FINANCIAL STATEMENTS (CONTINUED) YEAR TO 31 DECEMBER 2022

  1. TANGIBLE FIXED ASSETS
13. TANGIBLE FIXED ASSETS



Cost (see note 1)
At 1 January 2022
Additions
Disposals
At 31 December 2022
Depreciation
At 1 January 2022
Charge for Year
Disposals
At 31 December 2022
Net Book Values
At 31 December 2022
At 1 January 2022		 Freehold
Land and
Property
£
491,365
3,828

495,193
-
-

-
495,193

491,365		 Plant,
Equipment
and vehicle
£
50,553
56,767
(29,243)
78,077
43,144
15,442
(27,047)
31,539
46,538
7,409


Total
£
541,918
60,595
(29,243)
-
573,270
43,144
15,442
(27,047)
-
31,539
541,731
498,774

(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 £45,687 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 2022

Approx 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 2022

14. QUOTED INVESTMENTS

The charity’s investments are managed by Quilter Plc 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:


Accruals
Deferred Income		 2022
£
5,870
3,642

9,512		 2021
£
6,045
3,290
9,335

Deferred income comprises of £3,642 Christopher Centre rents received in advance.

16. RECONCILIATION OF MOVEMENT IN NET FUNDS

Net Incoming/ (Outgoing) Resources before
Other Recognised Gains and Losses (page 7)
Realised Gains/ (Losses) on Investments
Unrealised Gains/ (Losses) on Investments
FUNDS BROUGHT FORWARD
AT 01 JANUARY 2022
FUNDS CARRIED FORWARD
AT 31 DECEMBER 2022		 Restricted
Funds
£
-
36,834
(261,256)
1,955,791
1,731,369		 Unrestricted

Income Funds

£
(8,798)
-
-
136,164
127,366		 Designated
Funds
£
211,607
-
-
111,084
322,691		 Total
£
202,809
36,834
(261,256)
2,203,039
2,181,426

18

SUDBURY COMMON LANDS CHARITY

NOTES TO THE FINANCIAL STATEMENTS (CONTINUED) YEAR TO 31 DECEMBER 2022

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 2022 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.

During the year ended 31 December 2022 the charity received a further £5,000 donation from Mrs S Fuller and a legacy of £206,607 from Mrs Jean Moscrop (Freeman). The Trustees have designated these amounts as part of the fund for development as with previous donations and bequests as outlined above.

19

SUDBURY COMMON LANDS CHARITY

NOTES TO THE FINANCIAL STATEMENTS (CONTINUED) YEAR TO 31 DECEMBER 2022

17. RESTRICTED AND UNRESTRICTED FUNDS (CONTINUED)

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

Restricted Unrestricted
Funds Funds
Endowment - Expendable
£ £
Assets of the Charity at time of its
Constitution on 14 May 1987:
Investments, at Cost
14,743
8,000
Harp Close Meadow, at Selling Price
850,000
-
Cash at bank
6,204
-
870,947
8,000
Add: Net Realised and Unrealised Gains on
Investments to 31 December 2022
860,422
-
A R Wheeler fund
(net of amounts invested in equipment)
-
-
Guilford Meadow Grant
-
-
Ecclesiastical Insurance
-
-
The Essex Trust
-
-
Mrs Murdoch Legacy
-
-
Mrs Green Legacy
-
-
Mrs S Fuller
-
-
Mrs J Moscrop Legacy - -
Accumulated Surpluses on
And transfers to
Unrestricted Funds to
31 December 2022
-
119,366
Balances at 31 December 2022
1,731,369
127,366
REPRESENTED BY
Land and Property
495,193
Equipment etc
46,538
Investments
1,189,639
Stock
2,055
Cash and bank balances
__
134,823
1,731,369
136,878
Less: Liabilities
__9,512
1,731,369
127,366		 Designated
Funds Total
£ £
-
22,743
-
850,000
-
6,204
-
878,947
-
860,422
19,807
19,807
10,031
10,031
2,500
2,500
33,000
33,000
20,000
20,000
25,746
25,746
5,000
5,000
206,607 206,607
-
119,366
322,691
2,181,426
495,193
46,538
264,438
1,454,077
2,055
58,253 193,076
322,691 2,190,938
______9,512
322,691 2,181,426

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 2022 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:

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 5 May 2023