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2022-12-31-accounts

The City of Rochester Society

The Annual General Meeting of the City of Rochester Society

will be held at

THE GUILDHALL, HIGH STREET, ROCHESTER

on

WEDNESDAY 28 JUNE 2023 at 7.30 for 8.00 pm

Please bring this booklet with you to the AGM. It contains:

The Agenda
The Minutes of the 53rd AGM held on
Wednesday 29 June 2022
The Annual Report for 2022/23
The Summary of Accounts for 2022/23
Rules and Constitution 2017 (for information)		 Page
2
4
6
15
21

ANNUAL GENERAL MEETING

Notice is hereby given that the 54th Annual General Meeting of the City of Rochester Society will be held in the Court Room of the Guildhall Museum, High Street, Rochester at 8.00 p.m. on Wednesday 28 June 2023.

A G E N D A

  1. To receive apologies for absence.

  2. To approve the minutes of the Annual General Meeting held on Wednesday 29 June 2022 and to consider any matters arising from that meeting which are not covered elsewhere on this agenda. A copy of the minutes accompanies this agenda.

  3. To receive the report of the Executive Committee for the year 2022/23, a copy of which also accompanies this agenda, and to discuss any matters arising from it.

  4. To approve the accounts for the financial year 2022/23.

  5. To elect a President of the Society.

  6. To elect the officers of the Society: -

  7. (i) Chairman;

  8. (ii) Vice Chairman;

  9. (iii) Honorary Treasurer;

  10. (iv) Honorary Secretary

including holding ballots if necessary.

  1. To elect up to seven members of the Executive Committee including the holding of a ballot if necessary.

  2. Any other business, during which members may raise points for discussion upon any aspect of the Society's activities or policies.

Addendums to the Agenda

Item 4 above:

A summary of the accounts forms part of the Executive Committee's report. Copies of the final accounts, which will be presented for members' approval at the AGM, may be obtained after 1st June from the Hon Treasurer, Jean Skilling at the address given in the Society's Newsletter or by email: Jean.Skilling@blueyonder.co.uk

2

Item 6 above :

3

Minutes of the 53rd Annual General Meeting of the City of Rochester Society held in the Court Room of the Guildhall Museum, High Street, Rochester at 8.00 p.m. on Wednesday 29 June 2022

The number present at the meeting was 37. The President and the Chairman were unable to attend and the Vice Chairman, Paul Anderson, conducted the meeting in their absence. He was ably supported by Vice President, John Allison. It is hoped to return to the practice of inviting special guests again next year.

The Vice Chairman welcomed members and outlined the course of events for the evening.

1. Apologies for absence

Apologies were received from the following members:

Rob Flood, Elaine Gardner, Bob Howe, Angela Howe, Alan Moss, Pam Moss, Andy Ratcliffe, Simon Shreeve, Cllr. Stuart Tranter.

2. Minutes of the first Special General Meeting held on 13 October 2021

The minutes of the first Special General Meeting held on Wednesday 13 October 2021 were within the booklet containing the Annual Report which had been circulated to members. The minutes were agreed as a true record, duly endorsed and signed by the Vice Chairman.

3. Matters arising

There were no matters arising.

4. Annual Report of the Executive Committee

The Annual Report had been distributed in conjunction with the May Newsletter . It was endorsed by members present and signed by the Vice Chairman.

5. Finance

The accounts for the year 2021/22, which had been signed off by the independent examiners, were presented by the Treasurer. The Treasurer remarked that the Society continued to benefit greatly from income received from the craft fairs. The proposals that the end of the financial year should be altered from the end of March to the end of September and that the Society’s independent examiners should be changed to the firm of Aggarwal & Co. of London Road, Rainham were duly endorsed by members.

The Treasurer added that she would be standing down at the end of the current financial year and invited members interested in succeeding her to make contact as soon as possible.

6. The President and Society Officers

The Executive Committee had proposed that Alan Moss should be invited to remain as President of the Society for a further year and this proposal was unanimously agreed. The four

4

officers of the Executive Committee, who will also act as Society Trustees, are:

Chairman: Rob Flood Vice Chairmen: Paul Anderson Honorary Treasurer: Jean Skilling Honorary Secretary: Christine Furminger

Five other members were appointed to the Executive Committee for the coming year:

Odette Buchanan Terry Clennell Martin Dodsworth James O’Donoghue Ian Smith.

7. Any other business

Society Reorganisation

It was reported that the Executive Committee was holding discussions on behalf of the Society regarding reorganisation and assessment, which were being overseen by Terry Clennell. This project had begun with a series of Zoom meetings and it was proposed that membership views would be sought in due course.

Members meetings

The Secretary apologised for the fact that members’ meetings were not being arranged at present. She was moving back to the area shortly and would then be in a better position to organise these but more assistance was needed from members to assist with duties such as setting up and providing refreshments and it was hoped to organise a rota of helpers.

Rochester Craft Fairs

John Allison gave a speech of thanks on behalf of the President and Chairman at the close of business. He thanked Paul Anderson for stepping into the breach and conducting the meeting with great ability. He also thanked the Executive committee for their hard work during difficult times and Rosemary Clemence for continuing her vital role as Membership Secretary. He particularly emphasised the Society’s gratitude to Ian Smith for running the increasingly successful craft fairs which continued to support and maintain the Society’s healthy bank balance. Ian was stepping down from his role as Craft Fair Organiser at Christmas but thankfully a successor had at last been found and a handover period was due to begin.

There being no further business, the meeting drew to a close and members re-grouped in the Members Room, adjoining the Court Hall, to enjoy an opportunity to socialise with the aid of a raffle organised by Eileen Allison and light refreshments organised by Sarah and Paul Anderson.

………………………………………………………. ………………………………………………….. Chairman Date

5

ANNUAL REPORT OF THE CITY OF ROCHESTER SOCIETY

2022/23

President: Alan Moss

Vice-Presidents:

John Allison Derek Barnard Robert Howe Colin Whyman

Executive Committee – 2022/23

Chairman: Rob Flood

Vice-Chairman: Paul Anderson

Treasurer: Jean Skilling

Odette Buchanan Terry Clennell

Secretary: Christine Furminger Martin Dodsworth Ian Smith

Contents

Introduction

  1. Chairman’s report

Reports of sub-committees and officers

  1. Festivals sub-committee

  2. Finance and General Purposes sub-committee

  3. Planning sub-committee

  4. Publishing, Publicity and Events sub-committee 6. Tours sub-committee

  5. Members’ meetings

  6. Treasurer

  7. Membership Secretary

  8. Society Grants

  9. Website and Social Media

Reports of Society representatives on other organisations

  1. Civic Voice

  2. Medway Tourism Association 14. Rochester City Centre Forum

  3. Dickens Chalet Stakeholder Group

6

Introduction

This report of the Society’s activities over the past year is presented for members’ approval. Any matters concerning the report should be addressed to:

The Secretary, 165 High Street, Halling, Rochester, Kent ME2 1BT

1. Chairman’s Report Rob Flood

7

these meetings are. Now that Christine is local(‘ish) again, I know she’s working on a more extensive programme and we appreciate your support of these events.

Reports of sub-committees and officers

2. Festivals sub-committee

Ian Smith

8

attended Rochester for the Christmas Market, Craft Fair, etc. The Council are saying that it was the most successful Christmas event they had ever put on.

3. Finance & General Purposes sub-committee Rob Flood

4. Planning sub-committee Paul Anderson

9

response to Medway Council for consideration. The major proposals we have considered this year have been the Bardell Wharf development and the Grays Garage development. The lack of enforcement of the “Planning Violation” at the City Wall Wine Bar has also been pursued. Feedback has also been submitted regarding shopfront planning at the Chicken Shop (opposite Eastgate House) and regarding music and alcohol licensing at the relocated Chuck and Blade burger restaurant opposite the George Vaults.

5. Publishing, Publicity and Events sub-committee Rob Flood

6. Tours sub-committee Martin Dodsworth

10

have lost all the European schools and colleges with which we had built up annual visits over the years. The booked tours had 389 customers and raised £1,475 for the Society.

7. Members’ meetings

Christine Furminger

8. Treasurer Jean Skilling

11

directions given by the Charity Commission.

9. Membership Secretary

Rosemary Clemence

10. Society Grants Jean Skilling

12

Reports of Society representatives on other organisations

12. Civic Voice Rob Flood

13. Medway Tourism Association (MTA) James O’Donoghue

14. Rochester City Centre Forum (RCCF) Alan Moss/Rob Flood

13

15. Dickens Chalet Stakeholder Group Alan Moss

…………………………………………………. Secretary

………………………………………… Chairman

……………………………………2023

14

INDEPENDENT EXAMINER'S REPORT TO THE EXECUTIVE COMMITTEE OF THE CITY OF ROCHESTER SOCIETY

I report to the charity trustees ("the Executive committee") on my examination of the accounts of The City of Rochester Society ("the Charity") for the year ended 31 December 2022, which are set out on the following pages.

Responsibilities and basis of report

As the Executive committee of the Charity, 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 Executive committee’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 Commissioner under section 145(5)(b) of the 2011 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:

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.

Richard Abel FCA CTA Aggarwal & Co Ltd, Chartered Accountants 5 London Road Rainham Kent ME8 7RG

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STATEMENT OF FINANCIAL ACTIVITIES FOR THE YEAR ENDED 31 DECEMBER 2022

Notes
2022
2021
INCOME £
£
Income from charitable activities
-
Craft fairs		 37,205
26,710
-
Subscriptions		 2,895
2,860
-
Life membership		 300
270
-
Income from meetings, outings, etc.		 454
-
Income from tours		 3,566
2,205
Sale of publications 2,188
1,746
46,608
33,791
Donations and legacies 380
118

Investment income		 115
3
TOTAL INCOME 47,103
33,912
EXPENDITURE
Expenditure on charitable activities

-
Craft fairs		 20,353
15,776
-
Costs of meetings and book club		 484
26

-
Cost of tours		 233
-
-
Publications		 870
787
-
Newsletter printing		 3,953
2,998

-
Grants and sponsorship		 2,250
2,049
28,143
21,636
Other costs
-
Committee and AGM expenses		 1,123
993

-
Affiliations and subscriptions		 554
571

-
Insurance		 75
285
-
Website costs and amortisation		 663
144
-
Independent examiner's fee		 510
450

-
Other costs		 180
232
TOTAL EXPENDITURE 31,248
24,311
NET INCOME 15,855
9,601
Loss on revaluation of investments (2021 : profit)
6		 (2,016)
32,964
NET MOVEMENT IN FUNDS 13,839
42,565
Total funds brought forward 90,970
48,405
TOTAL FUNDS CARRIED FORWARD 104,809
90,970

All income and expenditure derive from continuing activities and are unrestricted

16

funds.

The Statement of Financial Activities includes all gains and losses recognised in the year.

The notes on the following pages form part of these financial statements.

BALANCE SHEET AT 31 DECEMBER 2022 BALANCE SHEET AT 31 DECEMBER 2022
Notes
2022		 2021
£ £
£		 £
FIXED ASSETS
-
Intangible fixed assets
7		 1,000 1,500

-
Investments
8		 40,948 42,964
41,948 44,464
CURRENT ASSETS
-
Stocks
4,824
5,457
-
Debtors and prepayments
305
302

-
Investments - cash
equivalents on deposit
9,221
9,213
-
Cash at bank and in hand
51,379
49,135
65,729
64,107
CREDITORS: amounts falling due within 1 year

-
Creditors and accrued expenses
598
428

-
Deferred income
2,270
17,173
2,868
17,601
NET CURRENT ASSETS 62,861 46,506
TOTAL ASSETS LESS CURRENT LIABILITIES 104,809 90,970
FUNDS OF THE CHARITY
Unrestricted funds
-
General funds
9		 101,802 89,650
-
Designated funds
9		 3,007 1,320
TOTAL CHARITY FUNDS 104,809 90,970

The notes on the following pages form part of these financial statements. Approved by the Executive Committee on 31[st] May 2023 and signed on their behalf

Mr R Flood Chairman

Mrs J Skilling Treasurer

17

NOTES TO THE FINANCIAL STATEMENTS FOR THE YEAR ENDED 31 DECEMBER 2022

1. STATUTORY INFORMATION

The City of Rochester Society is an unincorporated association registered with the Charity Commission for England and Wales. The Charity's registered number and registered office address can be found within the Trustees' Report.

The presentation currency of the financial statements is the Pound Sterling (£).

2. ACCOUNTING POLICIES

(a) Basis of accounting

The financial statements of the charity, which is a public benefit entity under FRS102, have been prepared in accordance with the Charities SORP (FRS 102) "Accounting and Reporting by Charities: Statement of Recommended Practice applicable to the UK and Republic of Ireland (FRS 102) (effective 1 January 2019)", Financial Reporting Standard 102 "The Financial 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, as modified by the inclusion of investments at fair value.

(b) Going Concern

When preparing the financial statements, the Trustees have assessed whether there are significant doubts about the charity's ability to continue as a going concern. There are no material uncertainties of which the Trustees are aware in making their assessment.

The Trustees consider that the charity has sufficient cash reserves to enable it to meet its obligations as they fall due for a period of at least 12 months from the date of signing of these financial statements. As such, the Trustees are satisfied that the charity has adequate resources to continue to operate for the foreseeable future and they continue to adopt the going concern basis for preparing these financial statements.

(c) Income and debtors

Voluntary income, which includes donations, gifts and legacies, and fundraising income are recognised where there is entitlement, certainty of receipt and the amount can be measured with sufficient reliability.

Life subscriptions are taken to income at £10 per member per year, the balance of monies received being carried forward to future years as deferred income. Investment income is recognised on a receivable basis and arises from interest bearing deposit accounts.

Income from charitable activities includes monies for the Society's craft fairs, subscriptions, tours, meetings and sale of the Society's publications. All amounts exclude value added tax.

Debtors are recognised at the settlement amount after any trade discount offered. Prepayments are valued at the amount prepaid net of any trade discounts due.

(d) Volunteers and donated services and facilities

No value is incorporated into these financial statements for the services provided by volunteers or where services are provided to the charity as a donation that would normally be purchased from suppliers.

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(e) Expenditure and liabilities

Expenditure is recognised when a liability is incurred. Grant payments are recognised when a liability or constructive obligation arises that results in the payment being unavoidable.

Costs of generating funds are those costs incurred in attracting voluntary income. Charitable activities include expenditure associated with the Society's craft fairs, tours, meetings and newsletters.

Liabilities are recognised when there is an obligation at the balance sheet date as a result of a past event, it is probable that a transfer of economic benefit will be required in settlement, and the amount of the settlement can be estimated reliably. Liabilities are recognised at the amount that the charity anticipates it will pay to settle the debt or the amount it has received as advanced payments for good or services it must provide.

(f) Investments

Investments are a form of basic financial instrument and are initially recognised at their transaction value and subsequently measured at their fair value as at the balance sheet date using the closing quoted market price. The statement of financial activities includes the net gains and losses arising on revaluation and disposals throughout the year.

(g) Other financial instruments

The charity enters into basic financial instruments that result in the recognition of financial assets and liabilities like trade and other accounts receivable and payable, loans to and from banks, and other third parties. Basic financial instruments are recognised at amortised cost, with changes recognised in the statement of financial activities.

(h) Intangible fixed assets

Fixed assets are stated at historical cost less accumulated depreciation. Depreciation is provided on all intangible fixed assets at a rate calculated to write off the cost of each asset over its estimated useful life, which is deemed to be three years.

(i) Stocks

Stocks are included at the lower of cost and net realisable value. Stocks consists of publications for resale.

(j) Funds structure

The charity has no restricted funds. Some of the unrestricted income funds have been designated to be for special purposes by the Executive committee.

3. TRUSTEE REMUNERATION

None of the trustees have been paid any remuneration or received any other benefits for the current or preceding year.

4. RELATED PARTY TRANSACTIONS

There are no related party transactions in the current year or previous year.

5. TAXATION

The Society is a registered charity and no provision is considered necessary for taxation.

6. REVALUATION ADJUSTMENT

In the annual accounts for the year ended 31 December 2021 the OEIC fund

19

investments were carried at cost of £10,000. The accounting policy has been changed for this year to 31 December 2022 to comply with FRS102 to include them at fair value. Accordingly, the statement of financial activities for the year to 31 December 2021 has been restated to include £32,964 as the gain to that date. The current year loss of £2,016 reflects the fall in value of the investment due to stock market conditions.

7. INTANGIBLE FIXED ASSETS

Website costs Website costs £
1,500
-
500
500
1,000
1,500
2022
2021
£
£
42,964
10,000
(2,016)
32,964
40,948
42,964
Cost-at 1 January and 31 December 2022
Depreciation

- at 1 January 2022

Charge for year
-at 31 December 2022
Net book values
-at 31 December 2022
-at 31 December 2021
8. FIXED ASSET INVESTMENTS
Market value at beginning of the year
Net loss on revaluation (2021 : gains)
Market value at end of year
Investment comprises a global growth OEIC fund.
9. STATEMENT OF CHANGES IN EQUITY General
funds
Designated
funds
Total
£
£
£
89,650
1,320
90,970
45,413
1,690
47,103
(31,245)
(3)
(31,248)
(2,016)
-
(2,016)
101,802
3,007
104,809
41,948
-
41,948
48,372
3,007
51,379
11,482
-
11,482
101,802
3,007
104,809
Balance at 1 January 2022
Income
Expenditure
Loss on investments
Balance at 31 December 2022
The funds held at the year-end date are as follows:
Fixed assets
Cash
Net other current assets
Total funds

The designated funds are held in relation to repairs or conservation work to the Dickens' Swiss Chalet, which is situated currently in the gardens of Eastgate House, Rochester. The Executive committee have decided that sales of a particular publication and special tours should be set aside for such purpose.

20

THE CITY OF ROCHESTER SOCIETY

RULES AND CONSTITUTION

Charity Registration No 252603

June 2017

21

RULES AND CONSTITUTION OF THE CITY OF ROCHESTER SOCIETY

1. Name. The name of the Society shall be “The City of Rochester Society”.

2. Objectives. The objectives of the Society shall be to promote:

3. Membership. Membership of the Society shall be open to all who are interested in the aims of the Society and shall be in the following categories: life membership, yearly membership (adult), yearly membership (junior) – for those under 19 years of age), yearly membership (corporate). Membership shall lapse if the full subscription is unpaid by 31[st] July in the relevant year. The executive committee may also elect honorary members as it deems appropriate. Honorary members shall not be required to pay a subscription.

4. Subscription. The rate of subscription shall be as recommended by the executive committee and approved by a majority of members present at an annual or special general meeting. A new member joining the Society and paying the first subscription between 1[st] January and 31[st] March in any year shall not be required to pay a further subscription until 1[st] April in the following year. Otherwise, all yearly membership subscriptions shall be renewed on 1[st] April. The Society shall have power to accept donations for any purpose not inconsistent with its aims.

5. Meetings. An annual general meeting shall be held, on a date appointed by the executive committee, between 1[st] May and 30[th] June of each year, to receive the executive committee’s report and audited accounts and to elect members of the said committee. The committee shall decide when members meetings of the Society shall be held and shall give at least fourteen days’ notice of such meetings to all members.

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Special general meetings of the Society shall be held at the request of ten or more members. Thirty members personally present shall constitute a quorum for a general meeting of the Society. Corporate members shall be entitled to send two delegates, each delegate entitled to one vote, to the annual or special general meeting of the Society.

6. Management of the Society. The management of the Society shall be vested in an executive committee consisting of a chairman, vice-chairman, honorary treasurer and honorary secretary and up to seven other members.

The executive committee may appoint other members of the society to serve on the executive committee, but without voting rights.

The executive committee may also appoint other members of the society as officers, in addition to those defined above, but without voting rights. The executive committee shall decide whether such additional officers shall be required to attend meetings of the executive committee.

Five members of the committee shall constitute a quorum provided that one of that number is an officer of the Society.

The chairman, vice chairman, honorary treasurer and honorary secretary shall constitute the trustees of the society.

7. Committee. The Society shall, at every annual general meeting, elect individually the four officers as defined in rule 6 and up to seven other members to constitute the committee for the ensuing year. The executive committee shall take office at the end of the meeting at which they are elected and shall hold office until the end of the next annual general meeting.

Members of the executive committee may be re-elected for a further term or terms of office, save for the four elected officers, as qualified in rule 8.

The executive committee shall determine the upper spending limit that each of the subcommittees defined in rule 9 may be permitted to spend on their own authority on individual purchases and transactions, though not as a component of a project or item which would in total exceed the permitted upper limit of spending.

8. Election of officers. The chairman, vice chairman, honorary treasurer and honorary secretary shall serve for a period of time not exceeding the following:

Chairman and vice-chairman – three years; Honorary treasurer – seven years; Honorary secretary – five years.

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If a nomination for any of the above positions is not forthcoming before the date of the annual general meeting, the above periods of office may be extended by a maximum of two years, subject to the approval of the annual general meeting.

Members of the society who have served the permitted continuous period in any of the elected offices and are therefore debarred for re-nomination will qualify for nomination to that office after a period of at least two years.

The chairman, vice chairman, honorary treasurer and honorary secretary shall form the finance and general purposes sub-committee of the executive committee and shall meet as required. It shall have authority to spend society funds when such a decision cannot await the next meeting of the executive committee.

9. Sub-committees. The executive committee shall create the following sub-committees for the efficient running of the society:

Planning; Members meetings/events; Tours; Publications, Publicity and Promotions; Festivals.

The minimum size of respective sub-committees shall be three and each sub-committee may co-opt other members of the society who have special interests or skills which are deemed to be of benefit to the society, subject to the approval of the executive committee.

At its first meeting following the annual general meeting, the executive committee shall appoint an elected member of the executive committee to each sub-committee.

There shall be no limit on the number of sub-committees upon which an elected member of the executive committee or a member of the society may serve.

The chairman of the society shall be an ex-officio member of all sub-committees.

Each sub-committee shall elect its own chairman at its first meeting following the annual general meeting.

An elected member of the executive committee from each sub-committee shall report to the executive committee, usually in writing, on significant issues or when an executive committee decision is required. In the event that an elected member of the executive committee who is a member of the sub-committee is not available, then a substitute may attend and report to the executive committee, but without voting rights.

24

The executive committee may create working groups as necessary to undertake specific projects.

10. Election of President and Vice-Presidents. A president may be elected at a general meeting of the Society. He or she shall serve in that capacity for a period of one year and shall be eligible for re-election for one or more further terms. One or more vicepresidents may be elected at a general meeting of the Society. Such vice-presidents shall be elected for life. The president and vice-presidents shall not be required to pay a subscription.

11. Appeals. The executive committee shall have the power to make appeals, solicit donations and canvass monies for carrying out the objectives of the Society.

12. Expenses and administration. The executive committee shall, out of monies received by the Society, pay all proper expenses for the management of the Society and shall use the residue of such monies as it thinks fit for or towards the objectives of the Society.

13. Investments. All monies belonging to the Society at any time which are not immediately required for Society purposes shall be invested by the Trustees on behalf of the Society in such investments, securities or property as they consider fit, always complying with the requirements of the Charity Commission.

14. Borrowing. The executive committee may borrow for the objectives of the Society such monies at such rate of interest and in such a manner as it may think fit, provided that the consent of a general meeting of the Society shall first be obtained.

15. Amendments. The constitution may be amended by a two-thirds majority of members present at an annual or special general meeting provided that ten days’ notice of the proposed amendment has been sent to all members and provided that nothing therein contained shall authorise any amendment permitting the expenditure of funds of the Society on any object which is not a charitable object at law.

16. Winding up. In the event of the winding up of the Society the available funds of the Society shall be transferred to such one or more charitable bodies, having objectives similar or reasonably similar to those herein before declared as may be chosen by the executive committee and approved by the Charity Commission.

Explanatory note (This note does not form part of the Rules and Constitution)

The City of Rochester Society was founded in 1967. Its area of interest is that of the City of Rochester as it existed immediately prior to the reorganisation of local government in 1974, which may be described as the urban area of Rochester and Strood.

25

INDEPENDENT EXAMINER'S REPORT TO THE EXECUTIVE COMMITTEE OF THE CITY OF ROCHESTER SOCIETY

I report to the charity trustees ("the Executive committee") on my examination of the accounts of The City of Rochester Society ("the Charity") for the year ended 31 December 2022, which are set out on the following pages.

Responsibilities and basis of report

As the Executive committee of the Charity, 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 Executive committee’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 Commissioner under section 145(5)(b) of the 2011 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:

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.

Richard Abel FCA CTA Aggarwal & Co Ltd Chartered Accountants

5 London Road Rainham Gillingham Kent, ME8 7RG

THE CITY OF ROCHESTER SOCIETY STATEMENT OF FINANCIAL ACTIVITIES FOR THE YEAR ENDED 31 DECEMBER 2022

Notes
INCOME
Income from charitable activities
-
Craft fairs
-
Subscriptions
-
Life membership
-
Income from meetings, outings, etc.
-
Income from tours
-
Sale of publications
Donations and legacies
Investment income
TOTAL INCOME
EXPENDITURE
Expenditure on charitable activities
-
Craft fairs
-
Costs of meetings and book club
-
Cost of tours
-
Publications
-
Newsletter printing
-
Grants and sponsorship
Other costs
-
Committee and AGM expenses
-
Affiliations and subscriptions
-
Insurance
-
Website costs and amortisation
-
Independent examiner's fee
-
Other costs
TOTAL EXPENDITURE
NET INCOME
Loss on revaluation of investments (2021 : profit)
6
NET MOVEMENT IN FUNDS
Total funds brought forward
TOTAL FUNDS CARRIED FORWARD		 2022
£
37,205
2,895
300
454
3,566
2,188
46,608
380
115
47,103
20,353
484
233
870
3,953
2,250
28,143
1,123
554
75
663
510
180
31,248
15,855
(2,016)
13,839
90,970
104,809		 2021
£
26,710
2,860
270
-
2,205
1,746
33,791
118
3
33,912
15,776
26
-
787
2,998
2,049
21,636
993
571
285
144
450
232
24,311
9,601
32,964
42,565
48,405
90,970

All income and expenditure derive from continuing activities and are unrestricted funds.

The Statement of Financial Activities includes all gains and losses recognised in the year.

The notes on the following pages form part of these financial statements.

THE CITY OF ROCHESTER SOCIETY BALANCE SHEET AT 31 DECEMBER 2022

Notes
FIXED ASSETS
Intangible fixed assets
7
Investments
8
CURRENT ASSETS
Stocks
Debtors and prepayments
Investments - cash equivalents on deposit
Cash at bank and in hand
CREDITORS: amounts falling due within
Creditors and accrued expenses
Deferred income
NET CURRENT ASSETS
TOTAL ASSETS LESS CURRENT LIABILITIES
FUNDS OF THE CHARITY
Unrestricted funds
- General funds
9
- Designated funds
9
TOTAL CHARITY FUNDS		 2022
£
£
1,000
40,948
41,948
4,824
305
9,221
51,379
65,729
598
2,270
2,868
62,861
104,809
101,802
3,007
104,809		 2021
£
£
1,500
42,964
44,464
5,457
302
9,213
49,135
64,107
428
17,173
17,601
46,506
90,970
89,650
1,320
90,970		 2021
£
£
1,500
42,964
44,464
5,457
302
9,213
49,135
64,107
428
17,173
17,601
46,506
90,970
89,650
1,320
90,970
90,970
89,650
1,320
90,970

The notes on the following pages form part of these financial statements.

Approved by the Executive Committee on 2023 and signed on their behalf

Mrs J Skilling

Treasurer

THE CITY OF ROCHESTER SOCIETY NOTES TO THE FINANCIAL STATEMENTS FOR THE YEAR ENDED 31 DECEMBER 2022

1 STATUTORY INFORMATION

The City of Rochester Society is an unincorporated association registered with the Charity Commission for England and Wales. The Charity's registered number and registered office address can be found within the Trustees' Report.

The presentation currency of the financial statements is the Pound Sterling (£).

2 ACCOUNTING POLICIES

(a) Basis of accounting

The financial statements of the charity, which is a public benefit entity under FRS102, have been prepared in accordance with the Charities SORP (FRS 102) "Accounting and Reporting by Charities: Statement of Recommended Practice applicable to the UK and Republic of Ireland (FRS 102) (effective 1 January 2019)", Financial Reporting Standard 102 "The Financial 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, as modified by the inclusion of investments at fair value.

(b) Going Concern

When preparing the financial statements, the Trustees have assessed whether there are significant doubts about the charity's ability to continue as a going concern. There are no material uncertainties of which the Trustees are aware in making their assessment.

The Trustees consider that the charity has sufficient cash reserves to enable it to meet its obligations as they fall due for a period of at least 12 months from the date of signing of these financial statements. As such, the Trustees are satisfied that the charity has adequate resources to continue to operate for the foreseeable future and they continue to adopt the going concern basis for preparing these financial statements.

Voluntary income, which includes donations, gifts and legacies, and fundraising income are recognised where there is entitlement, certainty of receipt and the amount can be measured with sufficient reliability.

Life subscriptions are taken to income at £10 per member per year, the balance of monies received being carried forward to future years as deferred income.

Investment income is recognised on a receivable basis and arises from interest bearing deposit accounts.

Income from charitable activities includes monies for the Society's craft fairs, subscriptions, tours, meetings and sale of the Society's publications. All amounts exclude value added tax.

Debtors are recognised at the settlement amount after any trade discount offered. Prepayments are valued at the amount prepaid net of any trade discounts due.

(d) Volunteers and donated services and facilities

No value is incorporated into these financial statements for the services provided by volunteers or where services are provided to the charity as a donation that would normally be purchased from suppliers.

(e) Expenditure and liabilities

Expenditure is recognised when a liability is incurred. Grant payments are recognised when a liability or constructive obligation arises that results in the payment being unavoidable.

Costs of generating funds are those costs incurred in attracting voluntary income.

Charitable activities include expenditure associated with the Society's craft fairs, tours, meetings and newsletters.

THE CITY OF ROCHESTER SOCIETY NOTES TO THE FINANCIAL STATEMENTS FOR THE YEAR ENDED 31 DECEMBER 2022

Liabilities are recognised when there is an obligation at the balance sheet date as a result of a past event, it is probable that a transfer of economic benefit will be required in settlement, and the amount of the settlement can be estimated reliably.

Liabilities are recognised at the amount that the charity anticipates it will pay to settle the debt or the amount it has received as advanced payments for good or services it must provide.

(f) Investments

Investments are a form of basic financial instrument and are initially recognised at their transaction value and subsequently measured at their fair value as at the balance sheet date using the closing quoted market price. The statement of financial activities includes the net gains and losses arising on revaluation and disposals throughout the year.

(g) Other financial instruments

The charity enters into basic financial instruments that result in the recognition of financial assets and liabilities like trade and other accounts receivable and payable, loans to and from banks, and other third parties. Basic financial instruments are recognised at amortised cost, with changes recognised in the statement of financial activities.

(h) Intangible fixed assets

Fixed assets are stated at historical cost less accumulated depreciation. Depreciation is provided on all intangible fixed assets at a rate calculated to write off the cost of each asset over its estimated useful life, which is deemed to be three years.

(i) Stocks

Stocks are included at the lower of cost and net realisable value. Stocks consists of publications for resale.

(j) Funds structure

The charity has no restricted funds. Some of the unrestricted income funds have been designated to be for special purposes by the Executive committee.

3 TRUSTEE REMUNERATION

None of the trustees have been paid any remuneration or received any other benefits for the current or preceding year.

4 RELATED PARTY TRANSACTIONS

There are no related party transactions in the current year or previous year.

5 TAXATION

The Society is a registered charity and no provision is considered necessary for taxation.

6 REVALUATION ADJUSTMENT

In the annual accounts for the year ended 31 December 2021 the OEIC fund investments were carried at cost of £10,000. The accounting policy has been changed for this year to 31 December 2022 to comply with FRS102 to include them at fair value. Accordingly the statement of financial activities for the year to 31 December 2021 has been restated to include £32,964 as the gain to that date. The current year loss of £2,016 reflects the fall in value of the investment due to stock market conditions.

THE CITY OF ROCHESTER SOCIETY NOTES TO THE FINANCIAL STATEMENTS FOR THE YEAR ENDED 31 DECEMBER 2022

7 INTANGIBLE FIXED ASSETS

Website costs

£

Website costs £
Cost
- at 1 January and 31 December 2022
Depreciation
- at 1 January 2022
- charge for year
- at 31 December 2022
Net book values
- at 31 December 2022
- at 31 December 2021		 1,500
-
500
500
1,000
1,500

8 FIXED ASSET INVESTMENTS

Market value at beginning of the year
Net loss on revaluation (2021 : gains)
Market value at end of year		 2022
£
42,964
(2,016)
40,948		 2021
£
10,000
32,964
42,964

Investment comprise a global growth OEIC fund.

9 STATEMENT OF CHANGES IN EQUITY

Balance at 1 January 2022
Income
Expenditure
Loss on investments
Balance at 31 December 2022
The funds held at the year-end date are as follows:
- Fixed assets
- Cash
- Net other current assets
- Total funds		 General
Designated
funds
funds
Total
£
£
£
89,650
1,320
90,970
45,413
1,690
47,103
(31,245)
(3)
(31,248)
(2,016)
-
(2,016)
101,802
3,007
104,809
41,948
-
41,948
48,372
3,007
51,379
11,482
-
11,482
101,802
3,007
104,809

The designated funds are held in relation to repairs or conservation work to the Dickens' Swiss Chalet, which is situated currently in the gardens of Eastgate House, Rochester. The Executive committee have decided that sales of a particular publication and special tours should be set aside for such purpose.

INDEPENDENT EXAMINER'S REPORT TO THE EXECUTIVE COMMITTEE OF THE CITY OF ROCHESTER SOCIETY

I report to the charity trustees ("the Executive committee") on my examination of the accounts of The City of Rochester Society ("the Charity") for the year ended 31 December 2022, which are set out on the following pages.

Responsibilities and basis of report

As the Executive committee of the Charity, 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 Executive committee’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 Commissioner under section 145(5)(b) of the 2011 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:

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.

Richard Abel FCA CTA Aggarwal & Co Ltd Chartered Accountants

5 London Road Rainham Gillingham Kent, ME8 7RG