THATCHAM PAROCHIAL ALMSHOUSE CHARITY
FINANCIAL STATEMENTS FOR THE YEAR ENDED ON 31 DECEMBER 2025
Charity’s registration number: 239850
THATCHAM PAROCHIAL ALMSHOUSE CHARITY
FINANCIAL STATEMENTS FOR THE YEAR ENDED ON 31 DECEMBER 2025
| CONTENTS | Page |
|---|---|
| Trustees and professional advisors | 1 |
| Report of the Trustees | 2 |
| Independent Examiner’s report | 4 |
| Statement of financial activities | 5 |
| Balance sheet | 6 |
| Notes to the accounts | 7 |
THATCHAM PAROCHIAL ALMSHOUSE CHARITY
TRUSTEES AND PROFESSIONAL ADVISORS
Trustees Name Nominating body Christopher Trevor Druce (Chairman) Thatcham Town Council Michael Jon de Courcy Cole Thatcham Town Council Ivor McArdle Cold Ash Parish Council Gary Puffet Greenham Parish Council Colin Waters (Vice Chairman) Midgham Parish Council Ex officio Revd. Mark Bennet Rector of St Mary's Thatcham Michael Watson Church Warden Sarah Goode Church Warden-resigned Sept 2025 Susan Ball Church Warden-resigned April 2025 Clerk to Trustees Mrs J A Davis Address Central Family Hub Park Lane Thatcham RG18 3PG Bankers Lloyds Bank 5 Bridge Street Newbury RG14 5BQ Fund Managers BlackRock 12 Throgmorton Avenue London EC2N 2DL Independent Tax Avenue Examiners Turnfields Gate Turnfields Thatcham RG19 4PT
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THATCHAM PAROCHIAL ALMSHOUSE CHARITY
REPORT OF THE TRUSTEES FOR THE YEAR ENDED ON 31 DECEMBER 2025
Statement of Trustees Responsibilities
The law applicable to charities in England and Wales requires the trustees to prepare financial statements for each financial year. The trustees have elected to prepare the financial statements on a receipts and payments basis, which properly presents the charity's receipts and payments for the year and its assets and liabilities at the year-end. In preparing these financial statements, the trustees are responsible for:
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Selecting suitable accounting policies and applying them consistently.
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Making judgements and estimates that are reasonable and prudent.
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Preparing the financial statements on a going concern basis unless it is inappropriate to presume that the charity will continue in operation.
The trustees are responsible for keeping sufficient accounting records that disclose with reasonable accuracy at any time the financial position of the charity. These records must enable them to ensure that the financial statements comply with the Charities Act 2011 and the applicable Charity (Accounts and Reports) Regulations. They are also responsible for safeguarding the assets of the charity and taking reasonable steps to prevent and detect fraud or other irregularities.
Constitution
The charity is governed by a Charity Commission Scheme dated 30 August 1988 as amended by an Order of the Commissioners dated 18 March 1996 to provide for appointment of ex-officio Trustees where a Team Ministry exists, and amalgamates the following charities:
| ollowing charities: | |||
|---|---|---|---|
| Thomas Loundyes | 1446 | John Hunt for his poor Kinsfolk | 1590 |
| Nine Shilling Houses | 1585 | John Sargood | 1826 |
| Richard Bye | 1585 | George James Fyfield | 1943 |
| John Hunt for the Poor | 1590 |
The Charity is a member of the Almshouse Association.
The trustees of Thatcham Parochial Almshouse charity are the persons who from time to time are the trustees of Thatcham Relief in Need charity. The charities are known collectively as The Thatcham Parochial Charities.
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Principal activities and review
The object of the Charity is to provide almshouse accommodation for people aged over 55 years who are in housing need & are from within the parishes of either Thatcham, Cold Ash, Greenham or Midgham.
The Trustee board met for the four scheduled meetings throughout 2025. There were two ex-officio Church warden Trustee changes following on from their resignation from their church role. However, in December, the Trustees unanimously approved the appointment of a co-opted Trustee. The role was offered to a previous ex-officio Trustee who through their work in local education and family support, offers extensive experience and knowledge which will prove valuable to the requirements and work of the charity.
After the completion of several flat renovations, by April 2025 the flats were all fully occupied & a register of interest in place for any future vacancies. The variable energy costs still present a challenge however, the income & expenditure for heating & lighting are reviewed at each meeting. The charity does it's very best to seek the most cost-effective contracts & continue to emphasise that no resident will be put into any financial hardship. Other significant works include roof repairs and garden enhancement at Nine Shilling House. In August, the Royal Berkshire Fire & Rescue Safe & Wellbeing technician visited the residents to provide them with advice & support for fire prevention. Alongside fire risk reduction, the visits were tailored to individual needs, relating to health & wellbeing.
Other expenditure during 2025 included a computer upgrade within the charities office and in early 2026 new addressable radio fire alarm systems will be commissioned in all almshouse buildings and residents’ flats. These systems are intelligent fire detection networks where each device such as smoke detectors, heat sensors and call points is assigned a unique address or identification code which allows the central panel to pinpoint the exact location of the triggered device. This will ensure more accurate emergency responses, reduce false alarms and allow for easier system maintenance.
Going forward into 2026, the Trustees will be assessing the properties EPC reports with a view to saving energy and costs to benefit everyone.
Independent Examiner
A resolution to re-appoint Tax Avenue as independent examiner was put to the Trustees following the adoption of the annual accounts and agreed unanimously.
J A Davis
Clerk to the Trustees Date
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THATCHAM PAROCHIAL ALMSHOUSE CHARITY
INDEPENDENT EXAMINER’S REPORT
FOR THE YEAR ENDED ON 31 DECEMBER 2025
I report to the trustees on my examination of the accounts of Thatcham Parochial Almshouse charity for the year ended on 31 December 2025.
Responsibilities and basis of report
As the charity trustees, 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 charity’s accounts carried out under section 145 of the 2011 Act and in carrying out my examination I have followed all the 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 charity 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.
Monika Tabatabaian, MAAT
Tax Avenue 14 July 2026
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THATCHAM PAROCHIAL ALMSHOUSE CHARITY
STATEMENT OF FINANCIAL ACTIVITIES For the year ended 31 December 2025
| Notes Unrestricted Total Accumulated Moor Permanent 2025 Income Meadow Endowment £ £ £ £ Resources arising: Investment income 1,332 1,642 42,750 45,724 Deposit account interest 270 - - 270 Income 2 97,866 - - 97,866 Gross resources for the year 99,468 1,642 42,750 143,860 Resources used: Expenditure 2/3 111,685 616 - 112,301 Changes in resources Before transfers and valuations (12,217) 1,026 42,750 31,559 Transfers 43,776 (1,026) (42,750) - (Loss) gain on revaluation - investments 104,223 5,722 139,436 249,381 (Loss) gain on revaluation - property - - 115,456 115,456 Net movement in resources for the year 135,782 5,722 254,892 396,396 RECONCILIATION OF FUNDS Balance brought forward 725,097 47,277 4,337,186 5,109,560 Net movement in resources 135,782 5,722 254,892 396,396 Balance carried forward 860,879 52,999 4,592,078 5,505,956 Represented by: Property - - 3,235,889 3,235,889 Investments 817,871 52,999 1,356,189 2,227,059 Current assets 43,008 - - 43,008 860,879 52,999 4,592,078 5,505,956 Restricted |
Total 2024 £ 45,232 544 87,501 |
|---|---|
| 133,277 | |
| 145,703 | |
| (12,426) - 58,866 99,685 |
|
| 146,125 | |
| 4,963,435 146,125 |
|
| 5,109,560 | |
| 3,120,433 1,942,678 46,449 |
|
| 5,109,560 |
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THATCHAM PAROCHIAL ALMSHOUSE CHARITY
BALANCE SHEET As at 31 December 2025
| Notes FIXED ASSETS Property 3 Investments 4 Total fixed assets NET CURRENT ASSETS Current account Deposit account Petty cash Sundry debtors/(creditors) Total net current assets Total assets FUNDS Restricted funds Permanent endowment 5 Moor Meadow 5 General fund Accumulated income fund 5 Total funds |
2025 £ 3,235,889 2,227,059 5,462,948 7,819 31,997 56 3,136 43,008 5,505,956 4,592,078 52,999 860,879 5,505,956 |
2024 £ 3,120,433 1,942,678 |
|---|---|---|
| 5,063,111 | ||
| 8,548 36,303 50 1,548 |
||
| 46,449 | ||
| 5,109,560 | ||
| 4,337,186 47,277 725,097 |
||
| 5,109,560 |
Trustees:
Chairman Date: ……………….. Trustee Date ………………..
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THATCHAM PAROCHIAL ALMSHOUSE CHARITY
NOTES TO THE ACCOUNTS For the year ended 31 December 2025
1 Accounting policies
The accounts have been prepared on the receipts and payments basis.
| 2 | Accumulated income fund | 2025 | 2024 |
|---|---|---|---|
| £ | £ | ||
| Income | |||
| Almshouses | |||
| Maintenance | 81,135 | 71,352 | |
| Heating | 13,981 | 13,369 | |
| Donations received | - | 30 | |
| Administration fee from Relief in Need | 2,750 | 2,750 | |
| 97,866 | 87,501 | ||
| Expenditure | |||
| Almshouses | |||
| Repairs | 46,605 | 78,955 | |
| Light and heat | 15,430 | 17,510 | |
| Alternative accommodation | - | - | |
| Council tax on empty property | 310 | 120 | |
| Water | 3,268 | 2,939 | |
| Telephone | 2,065 | 1,970 | |
| Emergency care | 233 | 304 | |
| Window cleaning | 945 | 1,215 | |
| TV Licences | 869 | 843 | |
| Total Almshouse expenses | 69,725 | 103,856 | |
| Adminstration expenses | |||
| Salaries | 26,523 | 25,771 | |
| Insurance | 3,361 | 3,197 | |
| Office rent | 7,166 | 2,865 | |
| Office service charge | - | 2,117 | |
| General expenses and stationery | 1,696 | 577 | |
| Subscriptions | 485 | 487 | |
| Telephone and internet | 1,061 | 818 | |
| Printing | 378 | 209 | |
| Surveyors' fees | - | 4,028 | |
| Examination fees | 1,290 | 1,170 | |
| Total administration expenses | 41,960 | 41,239 | |
| Total expenditure | 111,685 | 145,095 | |
| Excess of expenditure over income | (13,819) | (57,594) | |
| 3 | Moor Meadow fund | ||
| Payment of 6/16 of investment income to | |||
| Thatcham Vicars and Churchwardens | 616 | 608 |
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THATCHAM PAROCHIAL ALMSHOUSE CHARITY
NOTES TO THE ACCOUNTS - CONTINUED For the year ended 31 December 2025
3 TANGIBLE FIXED ASSETS
| At cost or valuation At 31 December 2024 Increase in value in the year At 31 December 2025 Depreciation At 31 December 2024 At 31 December 2025 Net book value at 31 December 2025 Net book value at 31 December 2024 |
45/47 Chapel Nine Shilling Street House Total £ £ £ 1,934,669 1,185,764 3,120,433 71,583 43,873 115,456 |
|---|---|
| 2,006,252 1,229,637 3,235,889 |
|
| - - - |
|
| - - - |
|
| 2,006,252 1,229,637 3,235,889 |
|
| 1,934,669 1,185,764 3,120,433 |
The properties 45,47 Chapel Street and Nine Shilling House have been revalued at 30 June 2025 at the insured cost of £3,235,889 in accordance with the BIA House Rebuilding Cost Index by the insurers Ecclesiastical Insurance Office plc.
| 4 INVESTMENTS MARKET VALUE At the beginning of the year Additional investment Net investment gain (loss) At the end of the year COST at 31 December 202x HOLDINGS - AT MARKET VALUE Bid price £ 31.12.2025 Permanent Endowment 91,725.000 Charinco Distribution 1.440 145,125.403 Charishare Distribution 8.435 Total Extraordinary Repair Fund (Surplus Income) 1,621.809 Charinco Accumulation 48.782 22,000.914 Charishare Accumulation 31.662 Total Moor Meadow Fund 1,630.742 Charinco Distribution 1.440 6,004.849 Charishare Distribution 8.435 Total Surplus Income 3,068.363 Charinco Distribution 1.440 4,475.005 Charishare Distribution 8.435 Total Page 8 |
2025 £ 1,942,678 35,000 249,381 2,227,059 840,812 Value Bid price £ £ 31.12.2024 132,044 1.418 1,224,145 7.488 1,356,189 79,115 46.101 696,592 27.186 775,707 2,348 1.418 50,651 7.488 52,999 4,417 1.418 37,747 7.488 42,164 2,227,059 |
2024 £ 1,873,812 10,000 58,866 |
|---|---|---|
| 1,942,678 | ||
| 805,812 | ||
| Value £ 130,046 1,086,707 1,216,753 68,027 572,762 640,789 2,312 44,965 47,277 4,350 33,509 37,859 |
||
| 1,942,678 |
THATCHAM PAROCHIAL ALMSHOUSE CHARITY
NOTES TO THE ACCOUNTS - CONTINUED For the year ended 31 December 2025
5 FUNDS
| Permanent Endowment Moor Meadow Accumulated fund Surplus income Extraordinary Repair Fund Cash and tangible assets Total |
Balance Increase Balance 31 Dec 2024 (Decrease) 31 Dec 2025 £ £ £ 4,337,186 254,892 4,592,078 |
|---|---|
| 47,277 5,722 52,999 |
|
| 37,859 4,305 42,164 640,789 134,918 775,707 46,449 (3,441) 43,008 |
|
| 725,097 135,782 860,879 |
|
| 5,109,560 396,396 5,505,956 |
6 NOTES ON FUNDS
Extraordinary Repair Fund
The Trustees are required to maintain this fund under the terms of the scheme.
Trustees are reviewing the recommendations of the quinquennial report on property condition before setting aside additional money in the Extraordinary Repair Fund. The long term aim for this fund is to establish it at one third of the insured value of the properties held by the charity.
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