Annual Report, 2022-2023
It’s fair to say that, although the Covid crisis now seems a somewhat distant memory, we are still experiencing some fallout from the pandemic. This was seen at the start of the year with some of our volunteers being more reluctant to participate in our activities than in the past. However, I feel we are now past that and are virtually back to normal. Having said that, “normal” doesn’t mean it’s easy recruiting volunteers – that remains a critical activity.
Organisations like ours depend on key individuals, not only those who complete the day-today tasks, but those who manage the delivery of our services and take on additional responsibilities. Our challenge this year will be to ensure we have backup for our Treasurer and other team leaders who enable us to provide our broad range of services.
This year we changed our door-to-door collection away from December to spring. This was because of the intense activity around Christmas with Lights-Up (Santa’s Sleigh and collection) and our Singalong. Having the door-to-door too was one activity too many. Holding it in spring was a success but on reflection we should avoid the Easter break in future. We are delighted that the Harpenden Rotary have generously agreed to make WCG one of their supported charities when holding their Classics on the Common event in July.
We are seeing an increase in the number of people being referred to us for support – this is across all activities from delivering transport for medical appointments to the provision of financial and personal support. This year we will again support pupils transitioning to secondary education by providing a stationery pack and scientific calculator.
Our Community Secretary Bel Bluemel personally meets individuals and families that contact us and are in need of help. These may have been referred by one of the dozen or so organisations we have built a relationship with. Many of our clients self-refer and for some it is more than the first time they’ve needed help.
Bel assesses each case and recommends how best we can help. This year has seen a growing need in the community because of the financial situation with families in particular struggling to make ends meet. As in the past, we help through the provision of food vouchers and purchasing household items such as beds, white goods, shoes, floor coverings, fuel bills and so on. We also have a demand for gardening support for those unable to manage – often the elderly or disabled. Unfortunately, this is one area we struggle to meet the growing need.
John Gladwin runs the Wheathampstead Dementia Wellbeing Group who are delighted to have joined the WCG this past year. The Group meets twice a month in the Memorial Hall except August and December (when they go out for a Xmas lunch). The group is made up of both carers and people with dementia and has a strong team of helpers. The first meeting in the month is café style and often has professional visitors to contribute to the demands on members. The second would normally have a speaker, music group, drama etc. Once a quarter the club goes out to lunch at a local pub, garden centre or places that can meet their needs. It has its own small Committee which settles the programme and the arrangements for each gathering.
----- Start of picture text -----
Resident Tony
befriended by Michelle
----- End of picture text -----
Caroline Cordery manages the Companionship Service which continues to offer support to lonely people across the village. At present there are 8 individuals matched with befrienders – but this number varies according to need and the availability of volunteers. All the befrienders do an amazing job, offering their time and support to a vulnerable or lonely person. They make a real difference to somebody’s life often resulting in a genuine friendship across the generations. Caroline works closely with our sister group the Wheathampstead Friends.
Mary Walsh has taken over the management of our Transport Service with Dexter Ghelfi continuing to provide IT support. This year we’ve helped local residents with 444 lifts to medical appointments and the demand
continues to grow. These lifts are mainly provided to elderly
residents going to Hertfordshire hospitals but also to doctors’ surgeries, opticians and dentists.
We have 40 wonderful volunteer drivers with each driver able to volunteer for as few or as many journeys as they like. There is also an equally essential small team of 5 who take the calls and match drivers to the journeys.
Peter Woods leads our Thursday Club supported by a band of volunteers. The Thursday Club provides companionship and support to residents over 60, unable to access other activities without support, or need day to day care either from a carer or family member. The Club, which meets every Thursday, in the Mead Hall in East Lane in term time, provides friendship and entertainment, with lunch, tea and coffee. Val Hughes will be taking over from Peter next term. I’d like to thank Peter for all the hard work he has put into the club having taken over from David Law and restoring it to pre-Covid operation.
Louise Canfield with Lucinda Pilkington organises and runs our Santa’s Sleigh collection and
the grotto held at the village’s lightsup ceremony. This is an important source of revenue to the organisation, and we are grateful to Louise and all of her supporting volunteers for all the effort they put in at this very busy time of the year. Picture shows Santa preparing for a trip around the village. Louise also helps with our marketing along with Morwenna Ellis .
Our biggest problem remains finding volunteers. As with previous years, we still need new drivers for hospital visits, befrienders for lonely individuals or handymen to help an elderly person, this remains a major challenge. Everyone involved in the Community Group is a volunteer. So apart from those already mentioned, a special thanks also to my Vice-Chair, Anne Howie , our Secretary, Sarah Millac and our Treasurer, Mike Greensmith whose report follows below.
Here is a brief summary of our recent activities:
-
The Provision of financial assistance for families in difficulty to help buy furniture and appliances, and support with household costs and school expenses. There was a 34% increase in financial assistance this year over last year.
-
Supplying 120 Tesco food vouchers and 26 Foodbank vouchers for those ~~u~~ nable to afford basic groceries.
-
Helping 15 residents with their gardening and home maintenance
-
The picture shows Sarah presenting a donation to MacIntyre home in the
-
Completing 396 return trips to medical appointments.
-
Through our volunteers, befriending 14 lonely or isolated residents.
-
Enabling 22 residents unable to access other activities to attend our Thursday Club
-
Providing a stationery pack to
-
every St Helen’s and Beech Hyde school leaver in 2022.
-
Supporting Ukrainian refugees
-
by funding English language classes and providing school equipment.
-
Funding a meeting place for
-
Dementia and Mother and Toddler Groups.
Mike is shown presenting stationery packs to primary school leavers.
-
Purchasing a piece of Exercise
-
equipment for use by both able bodied and disabled people at
-
Wheathampstead’s Chapel Gym.
-
Organising a monthly lunch club for elderly residents.
-
Funding the installation of the defibrillator in the High Street .
-
Supporting our two primary schools with funds for essential projects.
-
Organising Santa’s Grotto and 5 Sleigh Runs in our village.
Finally, I would like to thank the residents of Wheathampstead for their financial support and special thanks to the volunteers who help us with our work. Without either, there would be individuals or families in the village who would suffer unnecessarily.
David Johnston (Chair)
Financial Summary for Financial Year 1[st] May 2022 to 30[th] April 2023
Our financial position continues to remain very strong. Total funds at the end of the financial year were approaching £ 80,000. Despite record breaking levels of direct charitable expenditure, very successful fund-raising efforts resulted in a £ 5,170 gain in the year.
Income totalled £ 35,855 and reflected:
-
The decision was made to change our Annual Appeal from Christmas to Spring and was very successful again when viewed with other donations made over the Christmas period.
-
£ 6,682 was received from the transfer of the assets of Wheathampstead United Charities.
-
Donations from Individuals were £ 5,684, included £ 3,115 received around Christmas that would previously have been part of the Annual Appeal totals.
-
Gift Aid of £ 4,896 reflecting a return to a full fundraising programme.
-
The Santa Sleigh runs raised £ 3,823 before Gift Aid, 20% up on 2021.
-
With the end of lockdown, fundraising events took place once again, raising £ 2,103.
Expenditure of £ 27,858 included:
-
£ 21,215 spent in the Direct support of clients and the community, a 62% increase. Many of the stories being these donations are covered elsewhere in this report.
-
With the full fundraising programme, Fundraising costs rose to £ 1,140
-
Expenditure in replacing the technology to support our Transport operations and Social media/marketing accounts for the majority of the £ 5,503
Numbers shown on next page.
Pupils making use of the Jigsaw teaching aide we funded for Beech Hyde school.
FInal1 Year. Fltwtxlal Year: INCQ Coll•rtlons & Dor¥tl¢ Annual appeal Santa Sleigh Cdlections Collection box w¢xeeds Don3tiOn5 from illdual5 Client Contributions DonatiOn5 from Organisations Wheatharnp5tead Parish Council other VillaBe Day Want Stall john Bunyan Chanty Day Carol SingalLY WTC Fund Raisir other Gift Aid Investment IncThne 5.659 3,823 135 12,028 3,172 259 1,136 1,594 79 9Crt) EXPENDITURE Dired Charitable Expenditure Fund raisin8 costs Charity tynnlng ctssts 21,215 1,140 5,503 2758 15.867 4,208 20.881 Tal Exwndlture 2,304 6,917 Excess Income overexpenditure 7,997 970 Grants- from= Gain on Investment Valuation 12,8281 Ev•nts- Proc•ed5 Irom.. 294 1.353 456 370 Total Gi5n In Yeir £ 5,170 £ 3.676 202 115 547 1,819 Other Inrrffie 4,896 2,484 ASSETS Cash Hand and at IrNestsn¢nts 30,584 48,962 28,108 46.269 TLal IrKorne £ 35.855 £ 21,851 TL•l A55ets £ 79,547 £ 74.377 Mike Greensmith (Treasurer)
REGISTERED CHARITY NUMBER: 269899
REPORT OF THE TRUSTEES AND UNAUDITED FINANCIAL STATEMENTS FOR THE YEAR ENDED 30 APRIL2023 FOR WHEATHAMPSTEAD COMMUNITY GROUP
1
WHEATHAMPSTEAD COMMUNITY GROUP
CONTENTS OF THE FINANCIAL STATEMENTS FOR THE YEAR ENDED 30 APRIL 2023
| Page | |
|---|---|
| Report of the Trustees | 3 to 4 |
| Independent Examiner's Report | 5 |
| Statement of Financial Activities | 6 |
| Balance Sheet | 7 |
| Notes to the Financial Statements | 8 |
| Detailed Statement of Financial Activities | 9 to 10 |
2
WHEATHAMPSTEAD COMMUNITY GROUP
REPORT OF THE TRUSTEES FOR THE YEAR ENDED 30 APRIL 2023
MEMBERS OF THE BOARD OF TRUSTEES
Mr David Johnston
Mr Michael Greensmith
Ms Sarah Millac
Ms Anne Howie
ACHIEVEMENTS & PERFORMANCE
It has been another record-breaking year for Wheathampstead Community Group (WCG). All areas of our operations have expanded, and we have brought the Wheathampstead Dementia Wellbeing Group under the WCG umbrella. We have expanded our partnership with Wheathampstead Friends to provide an effective and efficient Companionship network across the Wheathampstead parish.
The decision was made to change the timing of our Annual Appeal from Christmas to Easter. This was generally received by all and raised funds slightly above 2021 levels. Whilst these accounts only reflect a major part of funds raised from the 2023 Appeal, other donations (including £6,682 from the wind-up of Wheathampstead United Charities), increased gift aid and a return of our other fund-raising events result in total incoming resources of £35,855 in the year, compared to £21,851 in 2022/23.
Expenditure on the direct support to our community increased to £21,215 (from £15,086 in 2021/22). This includes the following activities:
-
The Provision of financial assistance for families in difficulty to help buy furniture and appliances, and support with household costs and school expenses.
-
Supplying 120 Tesco food vouchers and 26 Foodbank vouchers for those unable to afford basic groceries.
-
Helping 15 residents with their gardening and home maintenance
-
Completing 396 return trips to medical appointments.
-
Through our volunteers, befriending 14 lonely or isolated residents.
-
Allowing 22 residents unable to access other activities to attend our Thursday Club
-
Providing a stationery pack to every St Helen’s and Beech Hyde school leaver in 2022.
-
Supporting Ukrainian refugees by funding English language classes and providing school equipment.
-
• Funding a meeting place for Dementia and Mother and Toddler Groups.
-
Purchasing a piece of Exercise equipment for use by both able bodied and disabled people at Wheathampstead’s Chapel Gym.
-
Organising a monthly lunch club for elderly residents.
-
Funding the installation of the defibrillator in the High Street .
-
Supporting our two primary schools with funds for essential projects.
-
Organising Santa’s Grotto and 5 Sleigh Runs in our village.
Thank you to all our Executive Committee and our hard-working volunteers, without whom this all would not be possible.
FINANCIAL RESULTS
The charity’s income for the year was £35,856 (2022 - £21,851) and expenditure was £27,858 (2022 - £20,881) giving a surplus before loss on revaluations of investments of £7,998 (2022 - £970).
Total funds carried forward are £79,547 (2022 - £74,377).
3
WHEATHAMPSTEAD COMMUNITY GROUP
REPORT OF THE TRUSTEES FOR THE YEAR ENDED 30 APRIL 2023
STRUCTURE, GOVERNANCE AND MANAGEMENT
Governing document
The charity is controlled by its governing document, a deed of trust, and constitutes an unincorporated charity.
RISK MANAGEMENT
The trustees have considered the major risks to which the charity is exposed and have reviewed those risks and established procedures to manage those risks.
The trustees consider variability of investment returns and market value to constitute the charity’s major financial risk and recent extreme volatility in world stock markets has demonstrated this risk. The trustees adopt a low risk strategy
Approved by order of the board of trustees on 5 July 2023 and signed on its behalf by:
.............................................
Mr David Johnston – Chair
4
INDEPENDENT EXAMINER'S REPORT TO THE TRUSTEES OF WHEATHAMPSTEAD COMMUNITY GROUP
I report on the accounts for the year ended 30 April 2023 set out on pages 6 to 10.
Respective responsibilities of trustees and examiner
The charity's trustees are responsible for the preparation of the accounts. The charity's trustees consider that an audit is not required for this year (under Section 144(2) of the Charities Act 2011 (the 2011 Act)) and that an independent examination is required.
It is my responsibility to:
-
examine the accounts under Section 145 of the 2011 Act
-
to follow the procedures laid down in the General Directions given by the Charity Commission (under Section 145(5)(b) of the 2011 Act); and
-
to state whether particular matters have come to my attention.
Basis of the independent examiner's report
My examination was carried out in accordance with the General Directions given by the Charity Commission. 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 any such matters. The procedures undertaken do not provide all the evidence that would be required in an audit, and consequently no opinion is given as to whether the accounts present a 'true and fair view ' and the report is limited to those matters set out in the statements below.
Independent examiner's statement
In connection with my examination, no matter has come to my attention:
-
(1) which gives me reasonable cause to believe that, in any material respect, the requirements
-
to keep accounting records in accordance with Section 130 of the 2011 Act; and
-
to prepare accounts which accord with the accounting records and to comply with the accounting requirements of the 2011 Act
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.
Beverley Turner
Beverley Turner FCA 30 The Avenue Welwyn Herts AL6 0PP
Date: June 2023
5
WHEATHAMPSTEAD COMMUNITY GROUP
STATEMENT OF FINANCIAL ACTIVITIES FOR THE YEAR ENDED 30 APRIL 2023
| 30 April 2022 |
30 April 2022 | |||||||
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Unrestricted |
Restricted |
Endowment | Total funds | Total funds | ||||
| funds | fund | fund | ||||||
| Notes | £ |
£ | £ | £ | £ | |||
| INCOMING RESOURCES | ||||||||
| Incoming resources from | ||||||||
| generated funds | ||||||||
| Collections and donations | 2 | 20,517 | 4,005 | - | 24,522 | 18,268 | ||
| Grants | 1,480 | - | - | 1,480 | 900 | |||
| Fund raising events | 3 | 2,103 | 370 | - | 2,473 | 317 | ||
| Other income | 4,896 | - | - | 4,896 | 547 | |||
| Investment income | 2,072 | 413 | - | 2,485 | 1,819 | |||
| Total incoming resources | 31,068 | 4,788 | - | 35,856 | 21,851 | |||
| RESOURCES EXPENDED | ||||||||
| Costs of generating funds | ||||||||
| Costs of generating voluntary | ||||||||
| income | 1,140 | - | - | 1,140 | 806 | |||
| Charity running costs | 5,350 | 153 | - | 5,503 | 4,989 | |||
| Charitable activities | ||||||||
| Governance | ||||||||
| Direct charitable spending | 16,903 | 4,312 | - | 21,215 | 15,086 | |||
| Total resources expended | 23,393 | 4,465 | - | 27,858 | 20,881 | |||
| EXCESS OF INCOME OVER | ||||||||
| EXPENDITURE | 7,675 | 323 | - | 7,998 | 970 | |||
| Gain/(Loss) on revaluation of | ||||||||
| investments | (2,351) | (477) | - | (2,828) | 2,706 |
|||
| NET SURPLUS FOR THE | ||||||||
| YEAR | 5,324 | (154) | - | 5,170 | 3,676 | |||
| RECONCILIATION OF | ||||||||
| FUNDS | ||||||||
| Total funds brought forward | 59,188 | 15,189 | - | 74,377 | 55,044 | |||
| TOTAL FUNDS CARRIED | ||||||||
| FORWARD | 64,512 | **15,035 ** | - | 79,547 | 74,377 |
6
WHEATHAMPSTEAD COMMUNITY GROUP
BALANCE SHEET AT 30 APRIL 2023
| 30 April 202330 April 2022 | 30 April 202330 April 2022 | |||||
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Unrestricted | Endowment | Total funds | Total funds | |||
| funds | Restricted | fund | ||||
| fund | ||||||
| £ | £ | £ | £ | £ | ||
| FIXED ASSETS | ||||||
| Investments | 41,635 | 7,327 | - | **48,962 ** | 46,269 | |
| 41,635 | 7,327 | - | 48,962 | 46,269 | ||
| CURRENT ASSETS | ||||||
| Debtors | - | - | - | - | - | |
| Cash at bank and in hand | 22,877 | **7,708 ** | - | 30,585 | 28,108 | |
| 22,877 | 7,707 | - | 30,585 | 28,108 | ||
| CREDITORS | ||||||
| Amounts falling due within one | - | - | - | - | - | |
| year | ||||||
| NET CURRENT ASSETS | 22,877 | 7,708 | - | 30,585 | 28,108 | |
| TOTAL ASSETS LESS | ||||||
| CURRENT LIABILITIES | 64,512 | 15,035 | - | 79,547 | 74,377 | |
| NET ASSETS | 64,512 | 15,035 | - | 79,547 | 74,377 | |
| FUNDS | ||||||
| Unrestricted funds | 64,512 | 59,188 | ||||
| Restricted funds | 15,035 | 15,189 | ||||
| Endowment funds | - | - | ||||
| TOTAL FUNDS | 79,547 | 74,377 |
The financial statements were approved by the Board of Trustees on 5 July 2023 and were signed on its behalf by:
............................................. Mr David Johnston
7
WHEATHAMPSTEAD COMMUNITY GROUP
NOTES TO THE FINANCIAL STATEMENTS FOR THE YEAR ENDED 30 APRIL 2023
1. ACCOUNTING POLICIES
Accounting convention
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 and in accordance with the Financial Reporting Standard for Smaller Entities (effective April 2008), the Charities Act 2011 and the requirements of the Statement of Recommended Practice, Accounting and Reporting by Charities.
Incoming resources
All incoming resources are included on the Statement of Financial Activities when the charity is legally entitled to the income and the amount can be quantified with reasonable accuracy.
Resources expended
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.
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.
2. COLLECTIONS AND DONATIONS
| Annual Appeal Collection box proceeds Donations from individuals Santa Sleigh Collections Client Contributions Donation from Wheathampstead United Charities Donation from organisations FUND RAISING EVENTS Wheathampstead Thursday Club Other Village Day plant stall John Bunyan charity day Carol singalong at Memorial Hall |
2023 £ 5,659 135 5,684 3,823 2,304 5,521 1,396 24,522 2023 £ 370 - 294 1,353 456 2,473 |
2022 £ 12,028 259 1,136 3,172 1,594 - 79 |
|---|---|---|
| 18,268 2022 £ 202 115 - - - 317 |
3. FUND RAISING EVENTS
4. TRUSTEES' REMUNERATION AND BENEFITS
There were no trustees' remuneration or other benefits for the year ended 30 April 2023 nor for the year ended 30 April 2022.
8
WHEATHAMPSTEAD COMMUNITY GROUP
DETAILED STATEMENT OF FINANCIAL ACTIVITIES FOR THE YEAR ENDED 30 APRIL 2023
| Income from Voluntary Sources | 2023 | 2022 | 2022 |
|---|---|---|---|
| £ | £ | ||
| Collections & Donations | |||
| Annual Appeal | 5,659 | 12,028 | |
| Santa Sleigh Collections | 3,823 | 3,172 | |
| Collection box proceeds | 135 | 259 | |
| Donations from individuals | 5,684 | 1,136 | |
| Member/Client Contributions | 2,304 | 1,594 | |
| Donation from Organisations | 1,396 | 79 | |
| Donation from Wheathampstead United | |||
| Charities | 5,521 | ||
| 24,522 | 18,268 | ||
| Grants - from: | |||
| Wheathampstead Parish Council | - | 900 | |
| Other | 1,480 | - | |
| 1,480 | 900 | ||
| Events - Proceeds from: | |||
| Village Day Plant Stall | 294 | - | |
| Other | - | 115 | |
| John Bunyan Charity Day | 1,353 | ||
| Wheathampstead Thursday Club | |||
| fund raising | 370 | 202 | |
| Carol Singalong at the Memorial Hall | 456 | - | |
| 2,473 | 317 | ||
| Other Income | |||
| Proceeds from Internet Café refreshments | - | - | |
| Inland Revenue - Gift aid tax relief on donations | 4,896 | 547 | |
| 4,896 | 547 | ||
| Income from Assets | |||
| Investment Income | 2,485 | 1,819 | |
| Total Receipts | 35,856 | 21,851 | |
| Funds Held | |||
| Accumulated Fund brought forward | 74,377 | 55,044 | |
| Funds from Wheathampstead | |||
| Thursday Club | - | 15,657 | |
| Excess income over expenditure for | |||
| year | 7,998 | 970 | |
| Gain/(loss) on investments | (2,828) | 2,706 | |
| ACCUMULATED FUND as at 30 | |||
| April | 79,547 | 74,377 |
9
WHEATHAMPSTEAD COMMUNITY GROUP
DETAILED STATEMENT OF FINANCIAL ACTIVITIES FOR THE YEAR ENDED 30 APRIL 2023
| Expenditure in the Year | 2023 | 2022 | |
|---|---|---|---|
| £ | £ | ||
| Direct Charitable Expenditure | |||
| Aid to or for persons in need | 6,963 | 4,513 | |
| Grants to local organisations | 9,941 | 6,509 | |
| Wheathampstead support for all initiative | - | 86 | |
| Friends of St Helens School (share of JB Charity income) | - | - | |
| 16,904 | 11,108 | ||
| Fund raising costs | |||
| Annual Appeal | 508 | 545 | |
| Village Day Plant Stall | - | - | |
| JB Charity Day | - | - | |
| Carol Singalong refreshments & Raffle Prizes | 272 | 6 | |
| Santa Sleigh Collection expenses | 359 | 255 | |
| 1,139 | 806 | ||
| Charity running costs | |||
| Costs of January get together for WCG Volunteers | 495 | 320 | |
| Costs of Summer get together for WCG Volunteers | 108 | 185 | |
| WCG Luncheon Club costs | 346 | 236 | |
| Donations and Annual Membership Fees | - | 35 | |
| BT Telephone Costs for transport service | 326 | 285 | |
| Community Telephone Support | 180 | 213 | |
| AGM costs for hall hire & refreshments | 47 | - | |
| Insurance for Public Liability & volunteer drivers | 817 | 836 | |
| Administration costs | 2,370 | 1,375 | |
| CAF Bank Fees | 313 | 300 | |
| Web Site costs | 96 | - | |
| DBS Fees for Volunteers | 251 | 300 | |
| Training courses for volunteers | - | 123 | |
| 5,350 | 4,208 | ||
| Wheathampstead | |||
| Thursday Club | 4,465 | 4,759 | |
| Total expenditure | 27,858 | 20,881 | |
| Excess income over expenditure | 7,998 | 970 | |
| Increase/(Reduction) in valuation of | |||
| investments | (2,828) | 2,706 | |
| ` | SURPLUS FOR THE YEAR | 5,170 | 3,676 |
10
REGISTERED CHARITY NUMBER: 269899
REPORT OF THE TRUSTEES AND UNAUDITED FINANCIAL STATEMENTS FOR THE YEAR ENDED 30 APRIL2023 FOR WHEATHAMPSTEAD COMMUNITY GROUP
1
WHEATHAMPSTEAD COMMUNITY GROUP
CONTENTS OF THE FINANCIAL STATEMENTS FOR THE YEAR ENDED 30 APRIL 2023
| Page | |
|---|---|
| Report of the Trustees | 3 to 4 |
| Independent Examiner's Report | 5 |
| Statement of Financial Activities | 6 |
| Balance Sheet | 7 |
| Notes to the Financial Statements | 8 |
| Detailed Statement of Financial Activities | 9 to 10 |
2
WHEATHAMPSTEAD COMMUNITY GROUP
REPORT OF THE TRUSTEES FOR THE YEAR ENDED 30 APRIL 2023
MEMBERS OF THE BOARD OF TRUSTEES
Mr David Johnston
Mr Michael Greensmith
Ms Sarah Millac
Ms Anne Howie
ACHIEVEMENTS & PERFORMANCE
It has been another record-breaking year for Wheathampstead Community Group (WCG). All areas of our operations have expanded, and we have brought the Wheathampstead Dementia Wellbeing Group under the WCG umbrella. We have expanded our partnership with Wheathampstead Friends to provide an effective and efficient Companionship network across the Wheathampstead parish.
The decision was made to change the timing of our Annual Appeal from Christmas to Easter. This was generally received by all and raised funds slightly above 2021 levels. Whilst these accounts only reflect a major part of funds raised from the 2023 Appeal, other donations (including £6,682 from the wind-up of Wheathampstead United Charities), increased gift aid and a return of our other fund-raising events result in total incoming resources of £35,855 in the year, compared to £21,851 in 2022/23.
Expenditure on the direct support to our community increased to £21,215 (from £15,086 in 2021/22). This includes the following activities:
-
The Provision of financial assistance for families in difficulty to help buy furniture and appliances, and support with household costs and school expenses.
-
Supplying 120 Tesco food vouchers and 26 Foodbank vouchers for those unable to afford basic groceries.
-
Helping 15 residents with their gardening and home maintenance
-
Completing 396 return trips to medical appointments.
-
Through our volunteers, befriending 14 lonely or isolated residents.
-
Allowing 22 residents unable to access other activities to attend our Thursday Club
-
Providing a stationery pack to every St Helen’s and Beech Hyde school leaver in 2022.
-
Supporting Ukrainian refugees by funding English language classes and providing school equipment.
-
• Funding a meeting place for Dementia and Mother and Toddler Groups.
-
Purchasing a piece of Exercise equipment for use by both able bodied and disabled people at Wheathampstead’s Chapel Gym.
-
Organising a monthly lunch club for elderly residents.
-
Funding the installation of the defibrillator in the High Street .
-
Supporting our two primary schools with funds for essential projects.
-
Organising Santa’s Grotto and 5 Sleigh Runs in our village.
Thank you to all our Executive Committee and our hard-working volunteers, without whom this all would not be possible.
FINANCIAL RESULTS
The charity’s income for the year was £35,856 (2022 - £21,851) and expenditure was £27,858 (2022 - £20,881) giving a surplus before loss on revaluations of investments of £7,998 (2022 - £970).
Total funds carried forward are £79,547 (2022 - £74,377).
3
WHEATHAMPSTEAD COMMUNITY GROUP
REPORT OF THE TRUSTEES FOR THE YEAR ENDED 30 APRIL 2023
STRUCTURE, GOVERNANCE AND MANAGEMENT
Governing document
The charity is controlled by its governing document, a deed of trust, and constitutes an unincorporated charity.
RISK MANAGEMENT
The trustees have considered the major risks to which the charity is exposed and have reviewed those risks and established procedures to manage those risks.
The trustees consider variability of investment returns and market value to constitute the charity’s major financial risk and recent extreme volatility in world stock markets has demonstrated this risk. The trustees adopt a low risk strategy
Approved by order of the board of trustees on 5 July 2023 and signed on its behalf by:
.............................................
Mr David Johnston – Chair
4
INDEPENDENT EXAMINER'S REPORT TO THE TRUSTEES OF WHEATHAMPSTEAD COMMUNITY GROUP
I report on the accounts for the year ended 30 April 2023 set out on pages 6 to 10.
Respective responsibilities of trustees and examiner
The charity's trustees are responsible for the preparation of the accounts. The charity's trustees consider that an audit is not required for this year (under Section 144(2) of the Charities Act 2011 (the 2011 Act)) and that an independent examination is required.
It is my responsibility to:
-
examine the accounts under Section 145 of the 2011 Act
-
to follow the procedures laid down in the General Directions given by the Charity Commission (under Section 145(5)(b) of the 2011 Act); and
-
to state whether particular matters have come to my attention.
Basis of the independent examiner's report
My examination was carried out in accordance with the General Directions given by the Charity Commission. 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 any such matters. The procedures undertaken do not provide all the evidence that would be required in an audit, and consequently no opinion is given as to whether the accounts present a 'true and fair view ' and the report is limited to those matters set out in the statements below.
Independent examiner's statement
In connection with my examination, no matter has come to my attention:
-
(1) which gives me reasonable cause to believe that, in any material respect, the requirements
-
to keep accounting records in accordance with Section 130 of the 2011 Act; and
-
to prepare accounts which accord with the accounting records and to comply with the accounting requirements of the 2011 Act
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.
Beverley Turner
Beverley Turner FCA 30 The Avenue Welwyn Herts AL6 0PP
Date: June 2023
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WHEATHAMPSTEAD COMMUNITY GROUP
STATEMENT OF FINANCIAL ACTIVITIES FOR THE YEAR ENDED 30 APRIL 2023
| 30 April 2022 |
30 April 2022 | |||||||
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Unrestricted |
Restricted |
Endowment | Total funds | Total funds | ||||
| funds | fund | fund | ||||||
| Notes | £ |
£ | £ | £ | £ | |||
| INCOMING RESOURCES | ||||||||
| Incoming resources from | ||||||||
| generated funds | ||||||||
| Collections and donations | 2 | 20,517 | 4,005 | - | 24,522 | 18,268 | ||
| Grants | 1,480 | - | - | 1,480 | 900 | |||
| Fund raising events | 3 | 2,103 | 370 | - | 2,473 | 317 | ||
| Other income | 4,896 | - | - | 4,896 | 547 | |||
| Investment income | 2,072 | 413 | - | 2,485 | 1,819 | |||
| Total incoming resources | 31,068 | 4,788 | - | 35,856 | 21,851 | |||
| RESOURCES EXPENDED | ||||||||
| Costs of generating funds | ||||||||
| Costs of generating voluntary | ||||||||
| income | 1,140 | - | - | 1,140 | 806 | |||
| Charity running costs | 5,350 | 153 | - | 5,503 | 4,989 | |||
| Charitable activities | ||||||||
| Governance | ||||||||
| Direct charitable spending | 16,903 | 4,312 | - | 21,215 | 15,086 | |||
| Total resources expended | 23,393 | 4,465 | - | 27,858 | 20,881 | |||
| EXCESS OF INCOME OVER | ||||||||
| EXPENDITURE | 7,675 | 323 | - | 7,998 | 970 | |||
| Gain/(Loss) on revaluation of | ||||||||
| investments | (2,351) | (477) | - | (2,828) | 2,706 |
|||
| NET SURPLUS FOR THE | ||||||||
| YEAR | 5,324 | (154) | - | 5,170 | 3,676 | |||
| RECONCILIATION OF | ||||||||
| FUNDS | ||||||||
| Total funds brought forward | 59,188 | 15,189 | - | 74,377 | 55,044 | |||
| TOTAL FUNDS CARRIED | ||||||||
| FORWARD | 64,512 | **15,035 ** | - | 79,547 | 74,377 |
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WHEATHAMPSTEAD COMMUNITY GROUP
BALANCE SHEET AT 30 APRIL 2023
| 30 April 202330 April 2022 | 30 April 202330 April 2022 | |||||
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Unrestricted | Endowment | Total funds | Total funds | |||
| funds | Restricted | fund | ||||
| fund | ||||||
| £ | £ | £ | £ | £ | ||
| FIXED ASSETS | ||||||
| Investments | 41,635 | 7,327 | - | **48,962 ** | 46,269 | |
| 41,635 | 7,327 | - | 48,962 | 46,269 | ||
| CURRENT ASSETS | ||||||
| Debtors | - | - | - | - | - | |
| Cash at bank and in hand | 22,877 | **7,708 ** | - | 30,585 | 28,108 | |
| 22,877 | 7,707 | - | 30,585 | 28,108 | ||
| CREDITORS | ||||||
| Amounts falling due within one | - | - | - | - | - | |
| year | ||||||
| NET CURRENT ASSETS | 22,877 | 7,708 | - | 30,585 | 28,108 | |
| TOTAL ASSETS LESS | ||||||
| CURRENT LIABILITIES | 64,512 | 15,035 | - | 79,547 | 74,377 | |
| NET ASSETS | 64,512 | 15,035 | - | 79,547 | 74,377 | |
| FUNDS | ||||||
| Unrestricted funds | 64,512 | 59,188 | ||||
| Restricted funds | 15,035 | 15,189 | ||||
| Endowment funds | - | - | ||||
| TOTAL FUNDS | 79,547 | 74,377 |
The financial statements were approved by the Board of Trustees on 5 July 2023 and were signed on its behalf by:
............................................. Mr David Johnston
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WHEATHAMPSTEAD COMMUNITY GROUP
NOTES TO THE FINANCIAL STATEMENTS FOR THE YEAR ENDED 30 APRIL 2023
1. ACCOUNTING POLICIES
Accounting convention
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 and in accordance with the Financial Reporting Standard for Smaller Entities (effective April 2008), the Charities Act 2011 and the requirements of the Statement of Recommended Practice, Accounting and Reporting by Charities.
Incoming resources
All incoming resources are included on the Statement of Financial Activities when the charity is legally entitled to the income and the amount can be quantified with reasonable accuracy.
Resources expended
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.
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.
2. COLLECTIONS AND DONATIONS
| Annual Appeal Collection box proceeds Donations from individuals Santa Sleigh Collections Client Contributions Donation from Wheathampstead United Charities Donation from organisations FUND RAISING EVENTS Wheathampstead Thursday Club Other Village Day plant stall John Bunyan charity day Carol singalong at Memorial Hall |
2023 £ 5,659 135 5,684 3,823 2,304 5,521 1,396 24,522 2023 £ 370 - 294 1,353 456 2,473 |
2022 £ 12,028 259 1,136 3,172 1,594 - 79 |
|---|---|---|
| 18,268 2022 £ 202 115 - - - 317 |
3. FUND RAISING EVENTS
4. TRUSTEES' REMUNERATION AND BENEFITS
There were no trustees' remuneration or other benefits for the year ended 30 April 2023 nor for the year ended 30 April 2022.
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WHEATHAMPSTEAD COMMUNITY GROUP
DETAILED STATEMENT OF FINANCIAL ACTIVITIES FOR THE YEAR ENDED 30 APRIL 2023
| Income from Voluntary Sources | 2023 | 2022 | 2022 |
|---|---|---|---|
| £ | £ | ||
| Collections & Donations | |||
| Annual Appeal | 5,659 | 12,028 | |
| Santa Sleigh Collections | 3,823 | 3,172 | |
| Collection box proceeds | 135 | 259 | |
| Donations from individuals | 5,684 | 1,136 | |
| Member/Client Contributions | 2,304 | 1,594 | |
| Donation from Organisations | 1,396 | 79 | |
| Donation from Wheathampstead United | |||
| Charities | 5,521 | ||
| 24,522 | 18,268 | ||
| Grants - from: | |||
| Wheathampstead Parish Council | - | 900 | |
| Other | 1,480 | - | |
| 1,480 | 900 | ||
| Events - Proceeds from: | |||
| Village Day Plant Stall | 294 | - | |
| Other | - | 115 | |
| John Bunyan Charity Day | 1,353 | ||
| Wheathampstead Thursday Club | |||
| fund raising | 370 | 202 | |
| Carol Singalong at the Memorial Hall | 456 | - | |
| 2,473 | 317 | ||
| Other Income | |||
| Proceeds from Internet Café refreshments | - | - | |
| Inland Revenue - Gift aid tax relief on donations | 4,896 | 547 | |
| 4,896 | 547 | ||
| Income from Assets | |||
| Investment Income | 2,485 | 1,819 | |
| Total Receipts | 35,856 | 21,851 | |
| Funds Held | |||
| Accumulated Fund brought forward | 74,377 | 55,044 | |
| Funds from Wheathampstead | |||
| Thursday Club | - | 15,657 | |
| Excess income over expenditure for | |||
| year | 7,998 | 970 | |
| Gain/(loss) on investments | (2,828) | 2,706 | |
| ACCUMULATED FUND as at 30 | |||
| April | 79,547 | 74,377 |
9
WHEATHAMPSTEAD COMMUNITY GROUP
DETAILED STATEMENT OF FINANCIAL ACTIVITIES FOR THE YEAR ENDED 30 APRIL 2023
| Expenditure in the Year | 2023 | 2022 | |
|---|---|---|---|
| £ | £ | ||
| Direct Charitable Expenditure | |||
| Aid to or for persons in need | 6,963 | 4,513 | |
| Grants to local organisations | 9,941 | 6,509 | |
| Wheathampstead support for all initiative | - | 86 | |
| Friends of St Helens School (share of JB Charity income) | - | - | |
| 16,904 | 11,108 | ||
| Fund raising costs | |||
| Annual Appeal | 508 | 545 | |
| Village Day Plant Stall | - | - | |
| JB Charity Day | - | - | |
| Carol Singalong refreshments & Raffle Prizes | 272 | 6 | |
| Santa Sleigh Collection expenses | 359 | 255 | |
| 1,139 | 806 | ||
| Charity running costs | |||
| Costs of January get together for WCG Volunteers | 495 | 320 | |
| Costs of Summer get together for WCG Volunteers | 108 | 185 | |
| WCG Luncheon Club costs | 346 | 236 | |
| Donations and Annual Membership Fees | - | 35 | |
| BT Telephone Costs for transport service | 326 | 285 | |
| Community Telephone Support | 180 | 213 | |
| AGM costs for hall hire & refreshments | 47 | - | |
| Insurance for Public Liability & volunteer drivers | 817 | 836 | |
| Administration costs | 2,370 | 1,375 | |
| CAF Bank Fees | 313 | 300 | |
| Web Site costs | 96 | - | |
| DBS Fees for Volunteers | 251 | 300 | |
| Training courses for volunteers | - | 123 | |
| 5,350 | 4,208 | ||
| Wheathampstead | |||
| Thursday Club | 4,465 | 4,759 | |
| Total expenditure | 27,858 | 20,881 | |
| Excess income over expenditure | 7,998 | 970 | |
| Increase/(Reduction) in valuation of | |||
| investments | (2,828) | 2,706 | |
| ` | SURPLUS FOR THE YEAR | 5,170 | 3,676 |
10