Charity registration number 277785 (England and Wales)
FRIENDS OF LYDNEY HOSPITAL
ANNUAL REPORT AND UNAUDITED FINANCIAL STATEMENTS FOR THE YEAR ENDED 30 SEPTEMBER 2025
FRIENDS OF LYDNEY HOSPITAL
LEGAL AND ADMINISTRATIVE INFORMATION
| Trustees | Mr J Williams | |
|---|---|---|
| Viscount Bledisloe | ||
| Mrs M Thurston | ||
| Mr A Midgley | ||
| Mrs A Davies | ||
| B Pearman | (Appointed 18 March 2026) | |
| Charity number | 277785 | |
| Principal address | Watts of Lydney Group Limited | |
| Althorpe House | ||
| High Street | ||
| Lydney | ||
| Glos | ||
| GL15 5DD | ||
| Independent examiner | Griffiths Marshall | |
| 4th Floor | ||
| Llanthony Warehouse | ||
| The Docks | ||
| Gloucester | ||
| Gloucestershire | ||
| GL1 2EH |
FRIENDS OF LYDNEY HOSPITAL
CONTENTS
| Page | |
|---|---|
| Trustees report | 1 - 2 |
| Independent examiner's report | 3 |
| Statement of financial activities | 4 |
| Balance sheet | 5 |
| Notes to the financial statements | 6 - 12 |
FRIENDS OF LYDNEY HOSPITAL
TRUSTEES REPORT FOR THE YEAR ENDED 30 SEPTEMBER 2025
The Trustees present their annual report and financial statements for the year ended 30 September 2025.
The financial statements have been prepared in accordance with the accounting policies set out in note 1 to the financial statements and comply with the charity's governing document, the Charities Act 2011 and "Accounting and Reporting by Charities: Statement of Recommended Practice applicable to charities preparing their accounts in accordance with the Financial Reporting Standard applicable in the UK and Republic of Ireland (FRS 102) (effective 1 January 2019)".
Objectives and activities and plans for future periods
The charity's objects have been to support the activities of Lydney & District Hospital as stated in the Declaration of Trust dated 20th April 1979.
Following the closure of Lydney Hospital in May 2024, the Trustees have reviewed the purpose of the Charity, which is now operating as a grant giving organisation supporting health and wellbeing services in the south of the Forest of Dean, being the area formerly served by Lydney Hospital. While the Trustees have not ruled out future support for a new Lydney Health Centre, the Charity is increasingly focused on supporting a broader range of local health related initiatives. The Trustees continue to engage with the NHS Gloucestershire Integrated Health Board, local GP practices, and other stakeholders regarding proposals for a new medical centre for Lydney, planned for the former Co-op site in Newerne Street. Although originally expected to start in 2024, the project has been subject to ongoing delays. During the year, the Trustees developed a clearer grant making strategy under the evolving banner of "Friends of Lydney Hospital & Health" , reflecting transition from a hospital focused charity to a wider community health role. Grants made during the year included Support for Lydney Dial A Ride by purchasing a new community minibus, and an interim grant to Listening Post, a local mental health charity. Grants after the year end include grants to Wyedean Wellbeing for drug/alcohol abuse, Great Oaks Hospice, and Crossroads Gloucestershire for their Active Living programme. The Trustees intend to expand this programme sustainably for clear local benefit.
Achievements and performance and Financial review
The Charity remains in a strong financial position, with total funds in excess of 2 million pounds. The majority of these funds are invested with CCLA Investment Management in their COIF Investment Fund. While the portfolio continues to generate income, its recent performance has been below expectations. The Trustees are therefore actively reviewing alternative investment managers to ensure an appropriate balance between income generation, capital preservation, and long term growth.
The level of reserves enables the Charity to sustain grant making in the region of £80,000 to £100,000, on a long term basis, while preserving the real value of capital. During the year, the Charity received investment income of approximately £56,000 as well as legacies totalling approximately £27,000. Overall the Trustees consider the Charity to be financially robust and well placed to increase its charitable activity in future years.
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.
Structure, governance and management
The Trustees who served during the year and up to the date of signature of the financial statements were: Mr J Williams
Viscount Bledisloe Mrs M Thurston Mr A Midgley Mrs A Davies B Pearman (Appointed 18 March 2026)
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FRIENDS OF LYDNEY HOSPITAL
TRUSTEES REPORT (CONTINUED) FOR THE YEAR ENDED 30 SEPTEMBER 2025
Trustees are approved by existing Trustees and are responsible for the overall governance of the Charity and the safeguarding of assets. When vacancies arise, new Trustees are selected following an appropriate recruitment and interview process. There are no employees - secretarial and administrative services are provided by Watts of Lydney Group without charge.
The Trustees report was approved by the Board of Trustees.
Mrs M Thurston Trustees
19 May 2026
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FRIENDS OF LYDNEY HOSPITAL
INDEPENDENT EXAMINER'S REPORT TO THE TRUSTEES OF FRIENDS OF LYDNEY HOSPITAL
I report to the Trustees on my examination of the financial statements of Friends of Lydney Hospital (the charity) for the year ended 30 September 2025.
Responsibilities and basis of report
As the Trustees of the charity you are responsible for the preparation of the financial statements in accordance with the requirements of the Charities Act 2011.
I report in respect of my examination of the charity’s financial statements carried out under section 145 of the Charities Act 2011. In carrying out my examination I have followed the Directions given by the Charity Commission under section 145(5)(b) of the Charities Act 2011.
Independent examiner's statement
Your attention is drawn to the fact that the charity has prepared the financial statements in accordance with the relevant version of the Statement of Recommended Practice applicable to charities preparing their financial statements in accordance with the Financial Reporting Standard applicable in the UK and Republic of Ireland (FRS 102) in preference to the Accounting and Reporting by Charities: Statement of Recommended Practice issued on 1 April 2005 which is referred to in the extant regulations but has now been withdrawn. I understand that this has been done in order for the financial statements to provide a true and fair view in accordance with UK Generally Accepted Accounting Practice.
I have completed my examination. I confirm that no matters have come to my attention in connection with the
examination giving me cause to believe that in any material respect:
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1 Accounting records were not kept in respect of the charity as required by section 130 of the Charities Act 2011.
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2 The financial statements do not accord with those records; or
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3 The financial statements do not comply with the applicable requirements concerning the form and content of financial statements set out in the Charities (Accounts and Reports) Regulations 2008 other than any requirement that the financial statements give a true and fair view, which is not a matter considered as part of an independent examination.
I have no concerns and have come across no other matters in connection with the examination to which attention should be drawn in this report in order to enable a proper understanding of the financial statements to be reached.
G Lewis (FCA)
Griffiths Marshall 4th Floor Llanthony Warehouse The Docks Gloucester Gloucestershire GL1 2EH
Dated: 19 May 2026
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FRIENDS OF LYDNEY HOSPITAL
STATEMENT OF FINANCIAL ACTIVITIES INCLUDING INCOME AND EXPENDITURE ACCOUNT
FOR THE YEAR ENDED 30 SEPTEMBER 2025
| Unrestricted | Unrestricted | ||
|---|---|---|---|
| funds | funds | ||
| 2025 | 2024 | ||
| Notes | £ | £ | |
| Income from: | |||
| Donations and legacies | 3 | 27,312 | 1,853 |
| Investments | 4 | 56,746 | 55,631 |
| Total income | 84,058 | 57,484 | |
| Expenditure on: | |||
| Charitable activities | |||
| Charitable expenditure | 5 | 74,215 | 11,119 |
| Total expenditure | 74,215 | 11,119 | |
| Net gains/(losses) on investments | 10 | (41,355) | 157,488 |
| Net income/(expenditure) and movement in funds | (31,512) | 203,853 | |
| Reconciliation of funds: | |||
| Fund balances at 1 October 2024 | 2,354,295 | 2,150,442 | |
| Fund balances at 30 September 2025 | 2,322,783 | 2,354,295 |
The statement of financial activities includes all gains and losses recognised in the year. All income and expenditure derive from continuing activities.
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FRIENDS OF LYDNEY HOSPITAL
BALANCE SHEET
AS AT 30 SEPTEMBER 2025
| Notes Fixed assets Tangible assets 12 Investments 13 Current assets Debtors 14 Cash at bank and in hand Net current assets Total assets less current liabilities Creditors: amounts falling due after more than one year 15 Net assets The funds of the charity Unrestricted funds 16 |
2025 £ £ 6,669 1,783,719 1,790,388 31 534,164 534,195 534,195 2,324,583 (1,800) 2,322,783 2,322,783 2,322,783 |
2024 £ £ 8,893 1,825,074 1,833,967 31 522,097 522,128 522,128 2,356,095 (1,800) 2,354,295 2,354,295 2,354,295 |
|---|---|---|
The financial statements were approved by the Trustees on 19 May 2026
Mrs M Thurston Trustees
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FRIENDS OF LYDNEY HOSPITAL
NOTES TO THE FINANCIAL STATEMENTS FOR THE YEAR ENDED 30 SEPTEMBER 2025
1 Accounting policies
Charity information
Friends of Lydney Hospital is an unincorporated charity, and was registered with the Charities Commission on 14 May 1979.
1.1 Accounting convention
The financial statements have been prepared in accordance with the charity's governing document, the Charities Act 2011 and "Accounting and Reporting by Charities: Statement of Recommended Practice applicable to charities preparing their accounts in accordance with the Financial Reporting Standard applicable in the UK and Republic of Ireland (FRS 102) (effective 1 January 2019)". The charity is a Public Benefit Entity as defined by FRS 102.
The financial statements are prepared in sterling, which is the functional currency of the charity.
The financial statements have been prepared under the historical cost convention, modified to include investments at fair value. The principal accounting policies adopted are set out below.
1.2 Going concern
At the time of approving the financial statements, the Trustees have a reasonable expectation that the charity has adequate resources to continue in operational existence for the foreseeable future. Thus the Trustees continue to adopt the going concern basis of accounting in preparing the financial statements.
1.3 Charitable funds
Unrestricted funds are available for use at the discretion of the Trustees in furtherance of their charitable objectives.
Restricted funds are subject to specific conditions by donors or grantors as to how they may be used. The purposes and uses of the restricted funds are set out in the notes to the financial statements.
1.4 Income
Income is recognised when the charity is legally entitled to it after any performance conditions have been met, the amounts can be measured reliably, and it is probable that income will be received.
Cash donations are recognised on receipt. Other donations are recognised once the charity has been notified of the donation, unless performance conditions require deferral of the amount. Income tax recoverable in relation to donations received under Gift Aid or deeds of covenant is recognised at the time of the donation.
Legacies are recognised on receipt or otherwise if the charity has been notified of an impending distribution, the amount is known, and receipt is expected. If the amount is not known, the legacy is treated as a contingent asset.
1.5 Expenditure
Expenditure is recognised once there is a legal or constructive obligation to transfer economic benefit to a third party, it is probable that a transfer of economic benefits will be required in settlement, and the amount of the obligation can be measured reliably.
Expenditure is classified by activity. The costs of each activity are made up of the total of direct costs and shared costs, including support costs involved in undertaking each activity. Direct costs attributable to a single activity are allocated directly to that activity. Shared costs which contribute to more than one activity and support costs which are not attributable to a single activity are apportioned between those activities on a basis consistent with the use of resources. Central staff costs are allocated on the basis of time spent, and depreciation charges are allocated on the portion of the asset’s use.
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FRIENDS OF LYDNEY HOSPITAL
NOTES TO THE FINANCIAL STATEMENTS (CONTINUED) FOR THE YEAR ENDED 30 SEPTEMBER 2025
1 Accounting policies
(Continued)
Expenditure is included on an accruals basis, inclusive of irrecoverable VAT and is recognised when there is a legal or constructive obligation to pay.
1.6 Tangible fixed assets
Tangible fixed assets are initially measured at cost and subsequently measured at cost or valuation, net of depreciation and any impairment losses.
Depreciation is recognised so as to write off the cost or valuation of assets less their residual values over their useful lives on the following bases:
Equipment 25% Reducing balance Fixtures and fittings 25% Reducing balance
The gain or loss arising on the disposal of an asset is determined as the difference between the sale proceeds and the carrying value of the asset, and is recognised in the statement of financial activities.
1.7 Fixed asset investments
Fixed asset investments are initially measured at transaction price excluding transaction costs, and are subsequently measured at fair value at each reporting date. Changes in fair value are recognised in net income/(expenditure) for the year. Transaction costs are expensed as incurred.
1.8 Impairment of fixed assets
At each reporting end date, the charity reviews the carrying amounts of its tangible assets to determine whether there is any indication that those assets have suffered an impairment loss. If any such indication exists, the recoverable amount of the asset is estimated in order to determine the extent of the impairment loss (if any).
1.9 Cash and cash equivalents
Cash and cash equivalents include cash in hand, deposits held at call with banks, other short-term liquid investments with original maturities of three months or less, and bank overdrafts. Bank overdrafts are shown within borrowings in current liabilities.
1.10 Financial instruments
The charity has elected to apply the provisions of Section 11 ‘Basic Financial Instruments’ and Section 12 ‘Other Financial Instruments Issues’ of FRS 102 to all of its financial instruments.
Financial instruments are recognised in the charity's balance sheet when the charity becomes party to the contractual provisions of the instrument.
Financial assets and liabilities are offset, with the net amounts presented in the financial statements, when there is a legally enforceable right to set off the recognised amounts and there is an intention to settle on a net basis or to realise the asset and settle the liability simultaneously.
Basic financial assets
Basic financial assets, which include debtors and cash and bank balances, are initially measured at transaction price including transaction costs and are subsequently carried at amortised cost using the effective interest method unless the arrangement constitutes a financing transaction, where the transaction is measured at the present value of the future receipts discounted at a market rate of interest. Financial assets classified as receivable within one year are not amortised.
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FRIENDS OF LYDNEY HOSPITAL
NOTES TO THE FINANCIAL STATEMENTS (CONTINUED) FOR THE YEAR ENDED 30 SEPTEMBER 2025
1 Accounting policies
(Continued)
Basic financial liabilities
Basic financial liabilities, including creditors and bank loans are initially recognised at transaction price unless the arrangement constitutes a financing transaction, where the debt instrument is measured at the present value of the future payments discounted at a market rate of interest. Financial liabilities classified as payable within one year are not amortised.
Debt instruments are subsequently carried at amortised cost, using the effective interest rate method.
Derecognition of financial liabilities
Financial liabilities are derecognised when the charity’s contractual obligations expire or are discharged or cancelled.
2 Critical accounting estimates and judgements
In the application of the charity’s accounting policies, the Trustees are required to make judgements, estimates and assumptions about the carrying amount of assets and liabilities that are not readily apparent from other sources. The estimates and associated assumptions are based on historical experience and other factors that are considered to be relevant. Actual results may differ from these estimates.
The estimates and underlying assumptions are reviewed on an ongoing basis. Revisions to accounting estimates are recognised in the period in which the estimate is revised where the revision affects only that period, or in the period of the revision and future periods where the revision affects both current and future periods.
3 Income from donations and legacies
| Unrestricted | Unrestricted | |
|---|---|---|
| funds | funds | |
| 2025 | 2024 | |
| £ | £ | |
| Donations and gifts | 27,312 | 1,853 |
4 Income from investments
| Unrestricted | Unrestricted | |
|---|---|---|
| funds | funds | |
| 2025 | 2024 | |
| £ | £ | |
| Other income | 52,662 | 51,034 |
| Interest receivable | 4,084 | 4,597 |
| 56,746 | 55,631 |
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FRIENDS OF LYDNEY HOSPITAL
NOTES TO THE FINANCIAL STATEMENTS (CONTINUED) FOR THE YEAR ENDED 30 SEPTEMBER 2025
5 Expenditure on charitable activities
| Direct costs Depreciation and impairment Sundry Flowers, catering, mosaic Hospital donations Charitable donations Bank charges Refunds Share of support and governance costs (see note 6) Governance Analysis by fund Unrestricted funds |
2025 £ 2,224 36 - 500 69,597 58 - 72,415 1,800 74,215 74,215 |
2024 £ 2,966 846 7,773 3,425 - 104 (7,445 |
|---|---|---|
| 7,669 3,450 |
||
| 11,119 | ||
| 11,119 |
Charitable donations for the year ended 30 September 2025 comprised a £10,000 donation to Listening Post and £59,597 donations to Lydney Dial a Ride (for funding for a new mini bus).
6 Support costs allocated to activities
| Support costs allocated to activities | ||
|---|---|---|
| Governance costs Analysed between: Charitable activities |
2025 £ 1,800 1,800 |
2024 £ 3,450 |
| 3,450 |
The governance costs comprise costs of accountancy, including independent examination fees. The comparative figure for governance costs comprised two years' accountancy fees.
| 7 | Net movement in funds | 2025 | 2024 |
|---|---|---|---|
| £ | £ | ||
| The net movement in funds is stated after charging/(crediting): | |||
| Fees payable for the independent examination of the charity's financial | |||
| statements | 1,800 | 1,800 | |
| Depreciation of owned tangible fixed assets | 2,224 | 2,966 |
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FRIENDS OF LYDNEY HOSPITAL
NOTES TO THE FINANCIAL STATEMENTS (CONTINUED) FOR THE YEAR ENDED 30 SEPTEMBER 2025
8 Trustees
None of the Trustees (or any persons connected with them) received any remuneration or benefits from the charity during the year.
9 Employees
There were no employees during the year.
10 Net gains/(losses) on investments
| Net gains/(losses) on investments | ||
|---|---|---|
| Unrestricted | Unrestricted | |
| funds | funds | |
| 2025 | 2024 | |
| £ | £ | |
| Revaluation of investments | (41,355) | 157,488 |
11 Taxation
The charity is exempt from taxation on its activities because all its income is applied for charitable purposes.
12 Tangible fixed assets
| Equipment Fixtures and fittings £ £ Cost At 1 October 2024 22,675 24,393 At 30 September 2025 22,675 24,393 Depreciation and impairment At 1 October 2024 18,640 19,535 Depreciation charged in the year 1,009 1,215 At 30 September 2025 19,649 20,750 Carrying amount At 30 September 2025 3,026 3,643 At 30 September 2024 4,035 4,858 |
Total £ 47,068 |
|---|---|
| 47,068 | |
| 38,175 2,224 |
|
| 40,399 | |
| 6,669 | |
| 8,893 |
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FRIENDS OF LYDNEY HOSPITAL
NOTES TO THE FINANCIAL STATEMENTS (CONTINUED) FOR THE YEAR ENDED 30 SEPTEMBER 2025
13 Fixed asset investments
| Listed | |
|---|---|
| investments | |
| £ | |
| Cost or valuation | |
| At 1 October 2024 | 1,825,074 |
| Valuation changes | (41,355) |
| At 30 September 2025 | 1,783,719 |
| Carrying amount | |
| At 30 September 2025 | 1,783,719 |
| At 30 September 2024 | 1,825,074 |
| 14 Debtors Amounts falling due within one year: Trade debtors 15 Creditors: amounts falling due after more than one year Accruals and deferred income |
2025 £ 31 2025 £ 1,800 |
2024 £ 31 |
|---|---|---|
| 2024 £ 1,800 |
16 Unrestricted funds
The unrestricted funds of the charity comprise the unexpended balances of donations and grants which are not subject to specific conditions by donors and grantors as to how they may be used. These include designated funds which have been set aside out of unrestricted funds by the trustees for specific purposes.
| At General funds Previous year: At General funds |
1 October 2024 Incoming resources Resources expended Gains and losses At 30 September 2025 £ £ £ £ £ 2,354,295 84,058 (74,215) (41,355) 2,322,783 1 October 2023 Incoming resources Resources expended Gains and losses At 30 September 2024 £ £ £ £ £ 2,150,442 57,484 (11,119) 157,488 2,354,295 |
|---|---|
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FRIENDS OF LYDNEY HOSPITAL
NOTES TO THE FINANCIAL STATEMENTS (CONTINUED) FOR THE YEAR ENDED 30 SEPTEMBER 2025
17 Related party transactions
There were no disclosable related party transactions during the year (2024 - none).
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