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2024-12-31-accounts

SUDBURY COMMON LANDS CHARITY

ACCOUNTS 31 DECEMBER 2024

MOORE GREEN CHARTERED ACCOUNTANTS SUDBURY SUFFOLK

SUDBURY COMMON LANDS CHARITY

INDEX TO ACCOUNTS 31 DECEMBER 2024

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 Bentley AND PRINCIPAL ADDRESS The Christopher Centre OF THE CHARITY 10 Gainsborough Street Sudbury Suffolk CO10 2EU

A Faiers Esq Barclays Bank Plc 35 Market Hill Sudbury Suffolk CO10 2EP

SENIOR RANGER A Faiers Esq BANKERS Barclays Bank Plc 35 Market Hill Sudbury Suffolk CO10 2EP INDEPENDENT EXAMINERS Moore Green 22 Friars Street Sudbury Suffolk CO10 2AA INVESTMENT MANAGERS Quilter Plc One Kingsway London WC2B 6AN REGISTERED CHARITY NUMBER 212222

2

SUDBURY COMMON LANDS CHARITY

TRUSTEES’ REPORT YEAR ENDED 31 DECEMBER 2024

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 2024 the Trustees (together with their current term of office) were as follows:

Representative Trustees

Mrs S Hobson (Vice Chair) (February 2022-2026) K Robins (November 2022-2026) R Bentley (February 2023-2027) P Whiteley (November 2023-2027) D Dale (July 2022-2026) F Wheeler (November 2024-2028)

Co-Optative Trustees

P Fulcher (July 2023-2028) The Reverend R Titford, (February 2020-2025) M Geddes (July 2022-2027) R Kemsley (November 2021-2026) B Ford (July 2024-2029)

Nominative (Freemen) Trustees

Mr M Wheeler (July 2024-2029) Mrs ALE Brown (July 2024-2029) Mrs L Hunt (July 2024-2029) Mr N Eley (Chairman) (July 2024-2029)

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 2024

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 etc (to March 2024)
2020 Great Cornard Village Green (to March 2024)
2020 Stacy Ardley Fields (to March 2024)

4

SUDBURY COMMON LANDS CHARITY

TRUSTEES’ REPORT (CONTINUED) YEAR ENDED 31 DECEMBER 2024

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 2024

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 significant changes in staffing this year, marking the ‘end of an era’ for the charity. A new senior Ranger, Alex Faiers, and a new Ranger, Dick Neill, started in January, under the supervision of Adrian Walters. Interviews were held for the position of Clerk/Administrative officer and Angie Bentley was appointed and started part-time in mid-April, working alongside Adrian 2 days/week until his retirement at the end of June 2024. He has remained true to his word, attending working parties and remaining available for queries and expert input to the odd meeting as required.

The new Chairman took post in March 2024 with Geoff Challacombe, Sarah Jane Money and May Berkouwer resigning during the year. Particular thanks are offered to Geoff for a record 40 years’ legal advice and help, and to May for 20 years’ dedicated service. Bill Ford and Fiona Wheeler were appointed as Co-optative and Representative Trustees respectively. We hope to appoint a new legally trained Trustee shortly.

Financially the Charity has maintained its position with an increase in the investment income and no major capital expenditure, which has offset the increase in staff salaries. The plastering and re-painting of Grove Cottage was finally completed – payment in 2024 of £10,048.80 A donation of £15,000 was received from the Phillips Family Fund and overall, the Charity’s Finances remain healthy.

Generally, the diversity of the plant life is healthy although the orchids were again affected by a dry Spring. However, the Deptford Pink and Lesser Calamint are doing well, and the tiny Harebell colony has expanded.

The cattle were provided by one grazier again this year and discussions are ongoing concerning whether he will take over the tenancy agreement from 2025 onwards. An incident involving cattle/member of the public was reported to the Health & Safety Executive during the year and though resolved, may have raised disquiet. Public access on Freemen’s Great & Little Common is increasing, particularly during summer. The charity is working with the Rural & Wildlife Team at Suffolk Constabulary to raise public awareness, manage behaviour (particularly with dogs) and improve signage.

Water voles are present as are otters, with high levels of otter spraint on the Wardman Meadows. Bats are using pillboxes for hibernacula, with a Natterer identified for the first time at King’s Marsh Meadow. A pair of barn owls are using the Walters Meadow box however squirrels had to be ejected from a box at Pitts Wood. Red Kites, buzzards, kestrels and muntjac deer are regularly seen, whilst a pair of Egyptian geese had 2 goslings in the spring. Hares remain a regular sighting on the Wardman Meadows.

6

SUDBURY COMMON LANDS CHARITY

TRUSTEES’ REPORT (CONTINUED) YEAR ENDED 31 DECEMBER 2024

Following the resignation of Dick Neill to a former position in October, volunteers stepped up to help the Senior Ranger with the bin emptying schedule and volunteer work party days. The number of volunteers has expanded with regular enquiries made. A new ranger, Aaron Bibby, was appointed and started work in late January 2025. The new Ranger team are proceeding well in addressing delays to the winter work programme.

Nigel Eley On behalf of the Trustees

07 May 2025 

………………….

7

SUDBURY COMMON LANDS CHARITY

STATEMENT OF FINANCIAL ACTIVITIES FOR THE YEAR ENDED 31 DECEMBER 2024

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 Designated
funds
funds
£
£
50,328
-
63,436
-
17,733 -
9,350
-
17,493
-
6,953
-
165,293 -
9,385
-
10,904
-
93,436 -
54,786
-
4,600
-
1,350
-
174,461 -
(9,168)
-
-
-
- -
(9,168)
-
111,785 322,691
102,617
322,691		 Restricted
funds
£
-
-
-
-
-
-
-
-
-
-
-
-
-
-
-
-
108,634
108,634
1,832,498
1,941,132		 2024
Total
funds
£
50,328
63,436
17,733
9,350
17,493
6,953
165,293
9,385
10,904
93,436
54,786
4,600
1,350
174,461
(9,168)
-
108,634
99,466
2,266,974
2,366,440		 2023
Total
funds
£
43,650
62,196
16,653
9,350
2,950
6,999
141,798
9,520
12,573
72,000
57,937
4,000
1,350
157,380
(15,582)
-
101,129
85,547
2,181,426
2,266,974

8

SUDBURY COMMON LANDS CHARITY

BALANCE SHEET 31 DECEMBER 2024

Notes
FIXED ASSETS
Tangible Assets
13
Investments
14
CURRENT ASSETS
Stock of Books
Accrued income
Cash at Bank and in Hand:
Current Account
Premium Account
Quilter Plc
CURRENT LIABILITIES
Creditors:
15

TOTAL ASSETS LESS CURRENT LIABILITIES
Represented by:
FUNDS
16
Unrestricted Income Fund
Designated Capital Fund
Total Unrestricted Funds
Restricted Funds
NET FUNDS
17		 2024
£
£
521,708
1,720,908
2,242,616
1,981
2,000
11,596
68,835
49,525
(10,113)
123,824
2,366,440

102,617
322,691
425,308
1,941,132
2,366,440
2023
£
1,998
-
12,120
58,238
59,182
(9,835)

 2023 2023 £
530,096
1,615,174
2,145,270
121,704
2,266,974

111,785
322,691
434,476
1,832,498
2,266,974



Approved by the Trustees on and signed on their behalf by: 07 May 2025

N Eley – Chairman of the Trustees

9

SUDBURY COMMON LANDS CHARITY

NOTES TO THE FINANCIAL STATEMENTS

YEAR TO 31 DECEMBER 2024

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 2024

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 2024 (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
Brundon Lane Maintenance
Mills – Electrical Fence Provision

2024
£
17,630
30,564
2,134
50,328

8,586
28,967
11,193
-
-
2,000
12,620
70
-
-
63,436



2023
£
11,094
29,941
2,615
43,650

7,948
26,422
13,069
-
-
2,000
12,619
69
72
27
62,196




12

SUDBURY COMMON LANDS CHARITY

NOTES TO THE FINANCIAL STATEMENTS (CONTINUED) YEAR TO 31 DECEMBER 2024


4.
5.
 2024 2023
£ £
CHRISTOPHER CENTRE
Rent
16,842
16,100
Insurance
891
553
17,733
16,653
GRANTS & DONATIONS
Unrestricted Income Funds
Just Giving and Other Donations
17,493
2,950
Included within other donations is £15,000 received during the year from The Phillips Fund
(Registered Charity Number 270040).
Designated Income Funds
Donation
- -
Legacy
-
-
-
-

13

SUDBURY COMMON LANDS CHARITY

NOTES TO THE FINANCIAL STATEMENTS YEAR TO 31 DECEMBER 2024 (CONTINUED)

6. SUNDRY INCOME

Sudbury Freemen’s Society
Sudbury Municipal Charities
NIC Rebate
Book Sales
Other income		 2024
£
675
500
5,719

33
26
6,953		 2023
£
675
500
4,929
120
775
6,999


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
Birchall Steel Lease Advice
8. GROVE COTTAGE EXPENDITURE
Insurance
Repairs and Miscellaneous

9. ESTATE MANAGEMENT
Land Management Expenses
Insurance and Tax
Ranger Salaries
Land Rover Running Expenses
Consumables
Depreciation of Tangible Fixed Assets
Training

5,579
3,806
-
9,385
679
10,225
10,904

16,815
3,771
59,815
1,626
265
8,838
2,306
93,436

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 2024 (CONTINUED)

10. MANAGEMENT AND ADMINISTRATION OF THE CHARITY

10. MANAGEMENT AND ADMINISTRATION OF THE CHARITY

Investment Management Fees
Administration
Clerk
Independent Examiner and Accountancy
Insurance
Opening stock of books
Closing stock of books
11. GRANTS PAID
Sudbury Municipal Charities
Sudbury Team Defibrillator

12. OBLIGATORY DISBURSEMENTS
Sudbury Freemen’s Society
Sudbury Freemen’s Trust





2024
£
12,775

3,886
32,149

3,300
2,659

1,998
(1,981)
54,786

4,500
100

4,600
1,350
-
1,350		 2023
£
11,852
8,534
31,789
3,150
2,555
2,055
(1,998)
57,937
4,000
_
4,000
1,350
-
1,350

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 2024

  1. TANGIBLE FIXED ASSETS
13. TANGIBLE FIXED ASSETS



Cost (see note 1)
At 1 January 2023
Additions
Disposals
At 31 December 2024
Depreciation
At 1 January 2024
Charge for Year
Disposals
At 31 December 2024
Net Book Values
At 31 December 2024
At 1 January 2024		 Freehold
Land and
Property
£
495,193
-
-
495,193
-
-

-
495,193

495,193		 Plant,
Equipment
and vehicle
£
78,077
450
-
78,527
43,174
8,838
-
52,012
26,515
34,903


Total
£
573,270
450
-
-
573,720
43,174
8,838
-
-
52,012
521,708
530,096

(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 2024

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 2024

14. QUOTED INVESTMENTS

The charity’s investments are managed by Quilter Cheviot 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		 2024
£
6,230
3,883

10,113		 2023
£
6,013
3,823
9,836

Deferred income comprises of £3,883 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 2024
FUNDS CARRIED FORWARD
AT 31 DECEMBER 2024		 Restricted
Funds
£
-
5,062
103,572
1,832,498
1,941,132		 Unrestricted

Income Funds

£
(9,168)
-
-
111,785
102,617		 Designated
Funds
£
-
-
-
322,691
322,691		 Total
£
(9,168)
5,062
103,572
2,266,974
2,366,440

18

SUDBURY COMMON LANDS CHARITY

NOTES TO THE FINANCIAL STATEMENTS (CONTINUED) YEAR TO 31 DECEMBER 2024

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 2024

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 2024
1,070,185
-
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 2024
-
94,617
Balances at 31 December 2024
1,941,132
102,617
REPRESENTED BY
Land and Property
495,193
Equipment etc
26,515
Investments
1,419,424 (21,207)
Accrued income
2,000
Stock
1,981
Cash and bank balances

129,956
1,941,132
112,730
Less: Liabilities
_____10,113
1,941,132
102,617		 Designated
Funds Total
£ £
-
22,743
-
850,000
-
6,204
-
878,947
-
1,070,185
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
-
94,617
322,691
2,366,440
495,193
26,515
322,691 1,720,908
2,000
1,981
- 129,956
322,691 2,376,553
______10,113
322,691 2,366,440

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 2024 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 07 May 2025