REGISTERED CHARITY NUMBER: 235409
TRUSTEES' REPORT AND
UNAUDITED FINANCIAL STATEMENTS FOR THE YEAR ENDED 31ST MARCH 2025
FOR
THE BROCKLEBANK CHARITABLE TRUST
Richardson Jones Chartered Accountants Mercury House 19-21 Chapel Street Marlow Buckinghamshire SL7 3HN
THE BROCKLEBANK CHARITABLE TRUST
CONTENTS OF THE FINANCIAL STATEMENTS FOR THE YEAR ENDED 31ST MARCH 2025
| Page | |||
|---|---|---|---|
| Reference and Administrative Details | 1 | ||
| Trustees' Report | 2 | to | 4 |
| Independent Examiner's Report | 5 | ||
| Statement of Financial Activities | 6 | ||
| Balance Sheet | 7 | ||
| Notes to the Financial Statements | 8 | to | 11 |
THE BROCKLEBANK CHARITABLE TRUST REFERENCE AND ADMINISTRATIVE DETAILS FOR THE YEAR ENDED 31ST MARCH 2025
TRUSTEES Mrs D B Brocklebank Scott Mrs M E Brocklebank Mr W F Brocklebank PRINCIPAL ADDRESS C/o Blackbirds House The Street Bulmer Suffolk C010 7EW REGISTERED CHARITY NUMBER 235409 INDEPENDENT EXAMINER Richardson Jones Chartered Accountants Mercury House 19-21 Chapel Street Marlow Buckinghamshire SL7 3HN BANKERS CAF Bank Ltd 25 Kings Hill Avenue Kings Hill West Malling Kent ME19 4JQ INVESTMENT MANAGER Charles Stanley & Co Ltd 25 Luke Street London EC2A 4AR
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THE BROCKLEBANK CHARITABLE TRUST
TRUSTEES' REPORT FOR THE YEAR ENDED 31ST MARCH 2025
The trustees present their report with the financial statements of the charity for the year ended 31st March 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 principal object of the Trust is to make grants and donations to registered charities and to individuals as the Trustees think fit. In reviewing potential donees and grant recipients, the Trustees are mindful of the Charity Commission's guidance on public benefit.
All manner of charitable causes are supported, with the main beneficiaries being in the following areas:
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the relief of poverty and suffering
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the advancement of the arts, culture, heritage and science
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the relief of those in need, by reason of youth, age, ill health, disability, imprisonment or financial hardship.
The charities and not-for-profit organisations that are helped by the Trust ensure that the public are benefited not only in the local area, but across the British Isles and further afield.
In setting objectives and planning for activities, the Trustees have given due consideration to general guidance published by the Charity Commission relating to public benefit, including the guidance 'Public benefit: running charity (PB2)'.
ACHIEVEMENTS AND PERFORMANCE Charitable activities
Review of activities
The activities for the year are set out in the attached financial statements.
The Trustees take great interest in the prospects, plans, and development of the charities and individuals who receive grants, by obtaining reports and discussing plans where appropriate. In 2024/2025, the Trustees were glad to continue to support many charities active in a wide range of subjects; peace, religion, welfare, personal development, art, ecology and wildlife.
Investment performance
The Trust's income is predominantly derived from its investments, which are managed by Charles Stanley & Co Ltd. The investments held by the Trust are for the generation of income whilst preserving capital to fund future charitable expenditure. Investments are detailed in note 7 to the accounts. During the year there was a £14,465 realised investment loss (2024: £34,909 gain) and an unrealised gain of £65,201 (2024: £285,906) giving a net total gain on investments of £50,736 (2024: £320,815).
FINANCIAL REVIEW
Financial position
Total income for the year was £25,472 (2024: £1,022,788) and the Trustees gave grants totalling £31,592 (2024: £25,014). Closing funds were £2,770,918 (2024: £2,742,799), all of which are unrestricted.
The Trustees are delighted with the performance of the charity in the year. Notable improvements were made to the Investment Policy framework which the Trustees believe will maintain the purchasing power of the charity's investments and therefore the value of their donations for recipients. Furthermore, the Trustees were able to make grants to a wider range of charities thanks to the increased budget available following James Brocklebank's generous donation in 2023. Overall, the Trustees believe the Trust is on a strong financial footing and will be able to continue to provide support to a wide range of charitable causes over future years.
As alluded to above, the significant events that have affected financial performance in the year were the continuing success of the investment strategy.
The Trustees are happy with Charles Stanley's investment performance against the stated Investment Policy when viewed over the timescales it was designed for and as the portfolio is positioned vis a vis the business cycle.
The funding sources of the charity remain primarily capital growth from the investment portfolio along with a modest amount of income from these same investments.
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THE BROCKLEBANK CHARITABLE TRUST
TRUSTEES' REPORT FOR THE YEAR ENDED 31ST MARCH 2025
FINANCIAL REVIEW
Reserves policy
The Trust exists to make grants to individuals or charitable organisations. It has a policy of maintaining its capital assets to generate investment income to fund these grants. A proportion of the assets is held in cash to enable the Trustees to meet all liabilities of the Trust as well as grants as agreed by the Board of Trustees. Excluding fixed asset investments which are held for the longer term, the Trust has free reserves of £73,714 (2024: £96,331), which are available for donations and to cover the general running costs and support costs of the Trust. The Trustees consider that the current level of reserves is adequate to achieve its objectives. The Trustees aim to distribute £50,000 per annum, but this can vary.
Going concern
The Trustees have a reasonable expectation that the Charity has adequate resources to continue in operational existence for the foreseeable future. For this reason, they continue to adopt the going concern basis in preparing the financial statements. Further details regarding the adoption of the going concern basis can be found in the accounting policies.
FUTURE PLANS
The plans for future years are as they have been for decades: to invest the Trust's assets wisely to preserve purchasing power over the long term and to use capital and income to offer the Trustees a grant-making budget that can support a wide number of worthy causes without significantly eroding the Trust's capital base over time.
STRUCTURE, GOVERNANCE AND MANAGEMENT
Governing document
The charity is controlled by its governing document, a deed of trust and constitutes an unincorporated charity.
The Abell Trust was established by a trust deed dated 29 April 1964 from the private funds of Ann Brocklebank. Ann Brocklebank passed away in 2007. Following a merger with Charles Brocklebank Charitable Trust during 2008 an amendment was made to the deed dated 4 March 2008 and the charity changed its name to The Brocklebank Charitable Trust.
The Trust is a registered charity, number 235409. The Trustees are family members, and it is intended that this should always be so. The Trustees look after the day to day running of the Trust and those serving during the year were:
Mrs D Brocklebank Scott Mrs M E Brocklebank Mr W F Brocklebank
There have been no changes in the objectives since the last annual report.
STATEMENT OF TRUSTEES' RESPONSIBILITIES
The trustees are responsible for preparing the Trustees' Report and the financial statements in accordance with applicable law and United Kingdom Accounting Standards (United Kingdom Generally Accepted Accounting Practice).
The law applicable to charities in England and Wales, the Charities Act 2011, Charity (Accounts and Reports) Regulations 2008 and the provisions of the trust deed requires the trustees to prepare financial statements for each financial year which give a true and fair view of the state of affairs of the charity and of the incoming resources and application of resources, including the income and expenditure, of the charity for that period. In preparing those financial statements, the trustees are required to
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select suitable accounting policies and then apply them consistently;
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observe the methods and principles in the Charity SORP;
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make judgements and estimates that are reasonable and prudent;
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prepare the financial statements on the going concern basis unless it is inappropriate to presume that the charity will continue in business.
The trustees are responsible for keeping proper accounting records which disclose with reasonable accuracy at any time the financial position of the charity and to enable them to ensure that the financial statements comply with the Charities Act 2011, the Charity (Accounts and Reports) Regulations 2008 and the provisions of the trust deed. They are also responsible for safeguarding the assets of the charity and hence for taking reasonable steps for the prevention and detection of fraud and other irregularities.
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THE BROCKLEBANK CHARITABLE TRUST
TRUSTEES' REPORT FOR THE YEAR ENDED 31ST MARCH 2025
Approved by order of the board of trustees on 7th October 2025 and signed on its behalf by:
Mrs D B Brocklebank Scott - Trustee
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INDEPENDENT EXAMINER'S REPORT TO THE TRUSTEES OF THE BROCKLEBANK CHARITABLE TRUST
Independent examiner's report to the trustees of The Brocklebank Charitable Trust
I report to the charity trustees on my examination of the accounts of The Brocklebank Charitable Trust (the Trust) for the year ended 31st March 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:
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accounting records were not kept in respect of the Trust as required by Section 130 of the Act; or
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the accounts do not accord with those records; or
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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.
Kevin Ellerby FCA
Richardson Jones Chartered Accountants Mercury House 19-21 Chapel Street Marlow Buckinghamshire SL7 3HN 07-10-2025 Date: .............................................
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THE BROCKLEBANK CHARITABLE TRUST
STATEMENT OF FINANCIAL ACTIVITIES FOR THE YEAR ENDED 31ST MARCH 2025
| 31.3.25 Unrestricted fund Notes £ INCOME AND ENDOWMENTS FROM Donations and legacies - Investment income 2 25,472 Total 25,472 EXPENDITURE ON Raising funds 3 14,971 Charitable activities Charitable activities 33,118 Total 48,089 Net gains on investments 50,736 NET INCOME 28,119 RECONCILIATION OF FUNDS Total funds brought forward 2,742,799 TOTAL FUNDS CARRIED FORWARD 2,770,918 |
31.3.24 Total funds £ 1,000,000 22,788 1,022,788 7,655 30,692 38,347 320,815 1,305,256 1,437,543 2,742,799 |
|---|---|
The notes form part of these financial statements
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THE BROCKLEBANK CHARITABLE TRUST
BALANCE SHEET 31ST MARCH 2025
| 31.3.25 Unrestricted fund Notes £ FIXED ASSETS Investments 7 2,697,204 CURRENT ASSETS Cash at bank 75,214 CREDITORS Amounts falling due within one year 8 (1,500) NET CURRENT ASSETS 73,714 TOTAL ASSETS LESS CURRENT LIABILITIES 2,770,918 NET ASSETS 2,770,918 FUNDS Unrestricted funds 2,770,918 TOTAL FUNDS 2,770,918 |
31.3.24 Total funds £ 2,646,468 101,485 (5,154) 96,331 2,742,799 2,742,799 2,742,799 2,742,799 |
|---|---|
The financial statements were approved by the Board of Trustees and authorised for issue on 7th October 2025 and were signed on its behalf by:
Mrs D B Brocklebank Scott - Trustee
The notes form part of these financial statements
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THE BROCKLEBANK CHARITABLE TRUST
NOTES TO THE FINANCIAL STATEMENTS FOR THE YEAR ENDED 31ST MARCH 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 Brocklebank Charitable Trust meets the definition of a public benefit entity under FRS 102. Assets and liabilities are initially recognised at historical cost or transaction value unless otherwise stated in the relevant accounting policy.
There were no significant estimates or judgements made by management in preparing these financial statements, except the valuation of investments as calculated by Charles Stanley & Co Ltd.
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.
Grants offered subject to conditions which have not been met at the year end date are noted as a commitment but not accrued as expenditure.
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.
2. INVESTMENT INCOME
| INVESTMENT INCOME | ||
|---|---|---|
| 31.3.25 | 31.3.24 | |
| £ | £ | |
| Dividends and interest | 25,472 | 22,788 |
continued...
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THE BROCKLEBANK CHARITABLE TRUST
NOTES TO THE FINANCIAL STATEMENTS - continued FOR THE YEAR ENDED 31ST MARCH 2025
3. RAISING FUNDS
Investment management costs
| Portfolio management 4. GRANTS PAYABLE Charitable activities The total grants paid to institutions during the year was as follows: Abingdon School Addenbroke's Charitable Trust British Trust for Ornithology Cornish Air Ambulance Dedham Vale Society Friends of Amani Gainsborough's House Society Heritage of London Trust Kay Mason Foundation London Youth Rowing North Creake Church Priscilla Bacon Hospice Charity Roseland Youth Sailing Trust Royal Academy of Arts Ruth Strauss Foundation SAVE St Mary's Church Tall Ships Youth Trust The Fitzwilliam Museum The Gresham's Foundation The Landmark Trust The London Library The Radley Foundation The Wheelyboat Trust War Memorials Trust Wells Community Hospital Trust Other charities Less prior year grants reversed |
31.3.25 £ 14,971 31.3.25 £ 31,592 31.3.25 £ 3,000 5,000 400 500 2,000 70 1,000 1,000 4,920 500 1,500 2,000 1,000 1,300 - - - - - 2,000 500 1,200 - - 750 2,000 952 - 31,592 |
31.3.24 £ 7,655 31.3.24 £ 25,014 31.3.24 £ 1,100 - - - - 840 1,250 1,000 - - - - - - 500 400 2,000 1,000 2,800 2,000 - 500 2,000 1,000 - 1,500 8,124 (1,000) 25,014 |
|---|---|---|
continued...
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THE BROCKLEBANK CHARITABLE TRUST
NOTES TO THE FINANCIAL STATEMENTS - continued FOR THE YEAR ENDED 31ST MARCH 2025
5. SUPPORT COSTS
| SUPPORT COSTS | ||||
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Governance | ||||
| Management | Finance | costs | Totals | |
| £ | £ | £ | £ | |
| Charitable activities | 436 | 68 | 1,022 | 1,526 |
6. TRUSTEES' REMUNERATION AND BENEFITS
There were no trustees' remuneration or other benefits for the year ended 31st March 2025 nor for the year ended 31st March 2024.
Trustees' expenses
There were no trustees' expenses paid for the year ended 31st March 2025 nor for the year ended 31st March 2024.
7. FIXED ASSET INVESTMENTS
| FIXED ASSET INVESTMENTS | |
|---|---|
| MARKET VALUE At 1st April 2024 Additions Disposals Revaluations |
Listed investments £ 2,646,468 74,612 (89,040) 65,164 |
| At 31st March 2025 | 2,697,204 |
| NET BOOK VALUE At 31st March 2025 |
2,697,204 |
| At 31st March 2024 | 2,646,468 |
| There were no investment assets outside the UK. Cost or valuation at 31st March 2025 is represented by: Valuation in 2025 |
Listed investments £ 2,697,204 |
All investments are carried at their fair value. Investment in equities and fixed interest securities are all traded in quoted public markets, primarily the London Stock Exchange. Holdings in common investment funds, unit trusts and open-ended investment companies are at the bid price. The basis of fair value for quoted investments is equivalent to the market value, using the bid price. Asset sales and purchases are recognised at the date of trade at cost (that is their transaction value).
The Trustees delegate the management of their investments to Charles Stanley & Co Ltd. The charity is operating an investment policy that provides for a degree of diversification through investing in a charity fund and government stock. This should protect the charity's exposure to volatility in the market. The charity generally seeks low risk investments wherever possible and does not make use of derivatives and similar complex financial instruments as it takes the view that investments are held for their longer-term growth and annual income. The charity has no material investment holdings in markets subject to exchange controls or trading restrictions.
continued...
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THE BROCKLEBANK CHARITABLE TRUST
NOTES TO THE FINANCIAL STATEMENTS - continued FOR THE YEAR ENDED 31ST MARCH 2025
8. CREDITORS: AMOUNTS FALLING DUE WITHIN ONE YEAR
31.3.25 31.3.24 £ £ Other creditors 1,500 5,154
9. RELATED PARTY DISCLOSURES
There were no related party transactions for the year ended 31st March 2025.
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