Trustees’ Annual Report
Year ending 31[st] July 2024
Registered Charity No.: 247283
Objectives and Activities
The purpose and objectives of the Federation of Old Cornwall Societies (FOCS) is set out in its constitution: -
The purpose of the FOCS is to facilitate and encourage its societies to collect, record, promote and publish all aspects of Cornish heritage and culture. Including: -
a. the advancement of education by promoting, sustaining, and increasing individual and collective knowledge and understanding of Cornish history and culture.
b. the advancement of citizenship and community development
c. the advancement of the arts, culture, and heritage of Cornwall
d. the advancement of amateur Cornish sports e.g., hurling, and Cornish wrestling
e. the promotion of harmony, equality, and diversity
Objectives - The FOCS shall:
a) take a strategic lead in respect of Cornish heritage and culture issues;
b) promote the Old Cornwall movement, supporting the expansion and retention of Societies. c) provide training and assisting society officers in recording, publishing, and organisational skills as required by society Treasurers and Secretaries.
d) inform society members and the public of news, events, contacts, and locations through the Federation’s website.
e) regularly publish a journal.
f) guide, co-ordinate, facilitate, and promote the work of Societies which includes: i) collecting, recording, and publishing information concerning Cornwall's culture and heritage, to include Cornish history, topography, place names, folklore, traditions, dialect, music, industries, and similar subjects;
(ii) Protecting, recording, and publicising the natural beauty and culture of Cornwall;
(iv) Encouraging the study and use of the Cornish language;
(v) Preserving Cornish antiquities and relics.
(vi) Caring for Cornwall’s environment and its wider ecology both on land and coastal regions.
The Federation will be non-political, non-sectarian, non-discriminatory and operate a policy of equal opportunity.
Confirmation of Regard to Public Benefit Guidance
All trustees are regularly made aware that their activities are of a charitable nature. They are made aware of the need to conform to the guidelines laid down by the Charity Commission. Our activities support the use of community buildings which help to preserve them for public benefit and to develop their community activities and spirit.
Achievements and Performance
Financial Review
The FOCS realised a trading surplus of £4,010.28 (General Surplus £4,224.70 less Publications loss £214.42).
Including investments, reserved and allocated funds a total balance of £176,543.00 has been carried forward at the year end.
The Charity continues to fundraise in pursuit of its objectives.
Reserves & Allocated Funds Policy
The FOCS has a responsible reserve policy: - £75,000 investment to support small grants £18,000 investment to support publishing £50,000 investment to support the acquisition of a storage solution £15,000 operational reserve
This level of reserves has been maintained throughout the year.
Risk Management
The trustees have assessed the major risks to which the charity is exposed and are satisfied that systems are in place to mitigate exposure to the major risks.
Contribution made by Volunteers
All members of the FOCS and member societies contribute their services free of charge and make no charge for their incurred expenses in travelling to help and encourage society activities. All members are volunteers.
Policy on Social Investment Including Program Related Investment
The FOCS requests that all societies report their programme of activities and events for the benefit of its members and the public and to make the best use of the internet and social media to disseminate that information.
Review of the Year 2023-2024
The Federation of Old Cornwall Societies exists to promote the culture, heritage, history, and language of Cornwall.
Strategic Relationships
The FOCS has continued to build organisational alliances with other heritage bodies in Cornwall, meeting with other bodies such as Cornwall Heritage Trust, Gorsedh Kernow etc., and contribute to the work of Bord Ertach Kernow. FOCS has represented the Old Cornwall movement at several events held by external organisations including Exeter University, Bord Ertach Kernow, Gorsedh Kernow, Cornwall National Landscapes, and there is scope for further work in this area.
Reputation Enhancement
The FOCS takes every opportunity to inform every one of the wonderful work the movement does in promoting Cornish culture. Anecdotal feedback suggests that the message is getting through and that the reputation of FOCS and it’s member Societies is on the rise.
FOCS Personnel / Recruitment
The FOCS has an ambition to provide a first-class service for individual Old Cornwall Societies, but to do this we need sufficient, and the right personnel in post. Over the last year the FOCS has recruited and retained some talented people who are doing a great job but there are still significant vacancies. The level of FOCS vacancies impacts capacity & capability.
Member Society Outreach
Executive members have visited all constituent Societies in recent years, and continue to build strong bonds, to ensure that we are meeting the needs of our Societies.
Finances
In the reporting period the FOCS has successfully stabilised the finances. There was a small profit and future projections indicate a balanced/surplus budget for 2024/25.
Governance
During 2023/4 we obtained a grant from Cornwall Council. This enabled us to carry out extensive consultation with members, and resulted in the development of a Business Plan to take the organisation forward. It is intended that the that the Business Plan will be used as the basis for further grant applications going forward.
Tactical Work
Publications : The FOCS has published two journals in the reporting period, and has other publications planned. The FOCS sells publications online and at heritage events.
Heritage and Cultural Events : Each year FOCS organises a variety of events to promote Cornish culture and heritage. Notable events have been the Festival of Walks, Festival of Local Carols in Truro Cathedral, Local Heritage Days across the Duchy.
Cultural Traditions : The FOCS has assisted and encouraged cultural traditions including Midsummer Bonfires, and Crying the Neck.
Projects: The FOCS has supported several internal and partnership projects including Mapping Methodism, Cornish Voices Dialect Project, Kenewgh!, and Cornish Carols.
Considerations and Plans for the Future
Priorities for the coming year include building on our Business Plan and seeking funding for development.
It will also be important to identify a storage solution for publications and audio-visual equipment.
Statement of Trustees Responsibilities
The Charity law requires the trustees to: -
-
select suitable accounting policies and then apply them consistently;
-
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. They are also responsible for safeguarding the assets of the charity and hence for taking reasonable steps
Approved by the Board of Trustees on 2 June 2025 and signed on their behalf by:
...............................................
N. Meek - President
| Federation of Old Cornwall Societies 2024-2025 | Federation of Old Cornwall Societies 2024-2025 | Federation of Old Cornwall Societies 2024-2025 | Federation of Old Cornwall Societies 2024-2025 | Federation of Old Cornwall Societies 2024-2025 | Federation of Old Cornwall Societies 2024-2025 |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| General Account | |||||
| Actual | Actual | ||||
| Year ended | Year Ended | ||||
| Note | 31/07/2023 | 31/07/2024 | |||
| £ | £ | ||||
| Income | |||||
| 4,871.00 | |||||
| Donations and legacies | 3 | ||||
| Business Plan Consultation | 4,871.00 | ||||
| Activities forgenerating funds | 4 | 5,479.26 | 5,994.49 | ||
| Insurance | 336.11 | 484.25 | |||
| Affiliation Fees | 1,976.00 | 3,618.00 | |||
| Festivals | 1,396.15 | 1,545.39 | |||
| Events | 1,771.00 | 246.85 | |||
| Misc | 100.00 | ||||
| Investment Income | 6 | 1,050.72 | 5,291.10 | ||
| NS&I Income Bond | 486.45 | 2,980.79 | |||
| COIF Investment A/C | 564.27 | 2,310.31 | |||
| General Account Total Income | 6,529.98 | 16,156.59 | |||
| Expenditure | |||||
| Cost ofgenerating funds | 7 | 3,572.65 | 6,933.88 | ||
| Business Plan Consultation | 4,160.70 | ||||
| Insurance | 451.00 | 517.41 | |||
| Room hire | 60.00 | 130.00 | |||
| Festivals | 900.00 | 1,123.87 | |||
| Events | 1,750.22 | 815.40 | |||
| Training | 238.77 | 174.50 | |||
| Website Costs | 28.78 | 0.00 |
| Misc Costs | 143.88 | 12.00 | |||
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Transfer Expenditure | 5,295.86 | 4,348.01 | |||
| Transfer of Journals Costs to Publications Account | 4,535.00 | 3,850.00 | |||
| Transfer of AccountancyCosts to Publications Account | 696.00 | 0.00 | |||
| Transfer of NS&I Interest to Publications Account | 64.86 | 498.01 | |||
| Charitable activities | 9 | 566.10 | 650.00 | ||
| Grants to Institutions | |||||
| Grant Nick Cahil Memorial | |||||
| Grant An Daras | |||||
| Grants to OCS | 566.10 | 650.00 | |||
| General Account Total Expenditure | 9,434.61 | 11,931.89 | |||
| General Account Income less Expenditure | -2,904.63 | 4,224.70 | |||
| Publications Account | |||||
| Actual | Actual | ||||
| Year ended | |||||
| Note | 31/01/2023 | 31/07/2024 | |||
| £ | £ | ||||
| Income | |||||
| Other Trading Activities | 5 | 4,009.59 | 4,894.08 | ||
| Journals/OC Books | 72.90 | 2,779.66 | |||
| Sale or Return Book Sales | 2,391.94 | 0.00 | |||
| Paypal Sales | 1,427.61 | 2,114.42 | |||
| NS&I Interest | 117.14 | ||||
| Transfer Income | 4,599.86 | 4,348.01 | |||
| Transfer of Journals Cost from General Fund | 4,535.00 | 3,850.00 |
| Transfer of NS&I Interest from General Fund | 64.86 | 498.01 | |||
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Publications Account Total Income | 8,609.45 | 9,242.09 | |||
| Expenditure | |||||
| Trading activities | 8 | 6,413.84 | 9,456.51 | ||
| ClosingStock Movement | |||||
| Sale or Return Books/Authors Fees | 1,268.50 | 1,253.46 | |||
| Journals | 4,535.00 | 3,850.00 | |||
| OCS Publications | 85.00 | 3,792.50 | |||
| Postage and Packing | 525.34 | 560.55 | |||
| Publications Account Total Expenditure | 6,413.84 | 9,456.51 | |||
| Publications Account Income less Expenditure | 2,195.61 | -214.42 | |||
| Total Income less Expenditure | -709.02 | 4,010.28 | |||
Inde endent Exam4ners Re ort To the Trustees of Federation of Old Cornwall Socleties J report on the accounts of the Charity for the ¥ear ended 31?t July.2024,. Respective responsibillties or trustees and examinèr The charity's trustee5 are responsible for the preparation of the occounls. The charity's trustees consider that at7 audit is not required for thls year under se.ction 144 of the Charities Act 2011 Ithe Chbrities Act) that an independent examinats'on is needed. It is my rE¥sponsibillty to: Examine the a¢count5 under section 145 of the Charitses Act 2011. To follow the procedures laid down in the general Directions given by the Charsty Commtssion (under section 145(5)(b) of the Chaf ities Act), and To state whether partscular matters have come to my attention. 83515 of independent examiner's statement My examination was carried out in accordance with general Directions given by the Charity Commission. An examination Includes a review of the accounting record5 kept by the charity and comparison of the actounts presented with those record5. It also includes consideration of any unusual item5 or disclosures sn the accounts and 5eekin8 explanations from the trustees concerning any such matters. The procedures undertaken do not provide all the eviden'te that would be required In an audit. and cunsequently no opinion 15 given as to whether the.accounts present a 'true and fair, view and tht report is limited to those matters set out in the statement below. Independent examiner's ststement rn connectron'iwith my examination, no matter has come to my attention which gives me reasonable cause to believe that in, any material respect, the requirement5- to keep accounting records in accordance with section 130 of the Charities Act 2011; and to prepare accounts which accord with the accounting records and comply w%th the accounting requirements of the Charitie5 Act have not been rnet; or to which, in my opinion, attention should be drawn in order to enable a proper understanding of the accounts to be reached Mrs Shelley Porter Treasurer to Luxulyan Parochial Church Council I Challow Terrace, Luxufyan, Bodmin PL30 5DP Date..