OpenCharities

This text was generated using OCR and may contain errors. Check the original PDF to see the document submitted to the regulator.

2023-03-31-accounts

THE OTHONA COMMUNITY

ANNUAL REPORT AND FINANCIAL STATEMENTS

FOR THE YEAR ENDED 31 MARCH 2023

Charity Number 277843

THE OTHONA COMMUNITY

FINANCIAL STATEMENTS

FOR THE YEAR ENDED 31 MARCH 2023

CONTENTS: PAGES
Reference and administrative details 1
Trustees' Annual Report 2-6
Independent examiner's report 7
Statement of financial activities 8
Statement of financial position 9
Notes to the financial statements 10-15

THE OTHONA COMMUNITY

Charity No. 277843

REFERENCE AND ADMINISTRATIVE DETAILS

PRINCIPAL OFFICE

Othona Community House Coast Road Burton Bradstock Bridport Dorset DT6 4RN

TRUST DEED

The Community is governed by a Trust Deed dated 23 June 2008.

TRUSTEES Position Date Date Management Committee
appointed resigned membership
Clare Gough Chair February 2018 Central
Michael Hunt Treasurer March 2021 Central
Joanna Evans January 2021 October 2022 Central
Dan Dutfield Safety March 2021 Central
Mark MacDonald Secretary March 2021 Central
Paul Coleman Safeguarding March 2021 July 2022 Bradwell
Ruth Bull Chair BCC June 2012 June 2022 Bradwell
Steve Barnes September 2020 Bradwell
Sasha East September 2021 Bradwell
Caroline Walker Chair OWD September 2016 October 2022 West Dorset
Elizabeth Sayers Secretary June 2012 June 2022 West Dorset
Janet Webster September 2019 West Dorset
Warren Douglas July 2022
Rachel Tochkell July 2022
Chris Wilson Chair OWD July 2022
John Smith September 2022 Central
Jane Pearse June 2023

COMMUNITY SECRETARY

Geraldine O'Grady was elected as Community Secretary at the AGM in September 2019

PATRONS

Revd Sheila Maxey Most Revd Stephen Cottrell Dr Janet Marshall

REFERENCE AND ADMINISTRATIVE DETAILS Centre Wardens

Richard and Debbie Sanders, Bradwell Othona Community, East Hall Farm, East End Road, Bradwell-on-Sea, Southminster, Essex CM0 7PN Tony Jaques, Othona West Dorset Othona Community, Coast Road, Burton Bradstock, Bridport, Dorset DT6 4RN

INDEPENDENT EXAMINER

Javed Salim Alwyns LLP, Chartered Accountants Crown House, 151 High Road, Loughton, Essex IG10 4LG BANKERS Barclays Bank Plc Dacorum Group, 11 Bank Court, Hemel Hempstead HP1 1BX SOLICITORS Hunt and Hunt Solicitors 22-26 Eastern Road, Romford, Essex RM1 3LT INVESTMENT MANAGERS Epworth Investment Management Limited 9 Bonhill Street, London EC2A 4PE

1

Charity No. 277843

THE OTHONA COMMUNITY

REPORT OF THE TRUSTEES FOR THE YEAR ENDED 31 MARCH 2023

The trustees of The Othona Community ("the Community") present their report and the financial statements for the year ended 31st March 2023. The financial statements have been prepared in accordance with the accounting policies set out in the notes to the accounts and comply with the charity's trust deed 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 (FRS102) (effective 1st January 2019).

Statement of Trustees' Responsibilities

The trustees are responsible for preparing the Trustees' Annual Report and the financial statements in accordance with applicable law and regulations.

The law applicable to charities in England and Wales requires the trustees to prepare financial statements for each financial year in accordance with United Kingdom Generally Accepted Accounting Practice (United Kingdom Accounting Standards and applicable law). The trustees must not approve the financial statements unless they are satisfied that they give a true and fair view of the state of affairs of the charity and of the incoming resources and application of resources of the charity for that period. In preparing these financial statements, the trustees are required to:

The trustees are responsible for keeping sufficient accounting records that disclose with reasonable accuracy at any time the financial position of the charity and enable them to ensure that the financial statements comply with the Charities Act 2011, the Charity (Accounts and Reports) Regulations 2008 and the provisions of the trust deed. They are also responsible for safeguarding the assets of the charity and hence for taking reasonable steps for the prevention and detection of fraud and other irregularities.

Objectives and Activities

  1. The training of theological and other students and lay men and women in the establishment of Christian community centres with an ecumenical purpose.

  2. The provision of community centres for lay men and women and their families for the purpose of voluntary work, study, worship and associated activities designed to further the service for the worldwide Church and for the integration of the Christian view with the whole life of man.

Othona is an open and inclusive Community rooted in the Christian tradition and drawing on a wealth of other inspirations. We welcome people of all ages, abilities, backgrounds and beliefs to our two centres on the quiet coasts of Essex and Dorset.

Through sharing in a daily rhythm of work, learning, worship and play, we seek personal renewal and glimpses of the sacred. In community we explore the relationship between faith and life and encourage one another in caring for the world and its people.

Achievement and Performance

We were able to start the summer season 2022 with a full programme of activities, all the Covid infection control measures had been lifted. Both centres welcomed more guests than before the pandemic and at Bradwell the number of events and visitors was significantly up. The option of camping at Othona Bradwell increased capacity and provided a very affordable option for guests.

The company reported an unrestricted net surplus of income over expenditure during the year of £57,928. After the costs of running the charity have been applied the Charitable Trust had a residual surplus of £26,493. After depreciation was charged there was a small operating deficit of £3,194. See Financial Report below for details.

2

THE OTHONA COMMUNITY

Charity No. 277843

REPORT OF THE TRUSTEES FOR THE YEAR ENDED 31 MARCH 2023

Achievement and Performance (Continued)

Othona Bradwell

Programme in 2022/23

We started the year relieved that covid restrictions were over and determined to rebuild the community after the disruption. Easter led by Phil Martin was very well attended and successful which set the tone for the rest of the spring. The Essex Green Weekend was the best attended and most complicated event we had run with up to 150 people being fed, 5 bands, speakers from national environment charities, and many practical and art workshops. Ever popular spring events like Festival of Song and Spring Watch returned successfully after the covid interruption.

The summer programme was very well attended with Rachel Summers returning for a second ‘Wild Worship’ week bringing in lots of new families. Camp Do Re Mi returned, we explores aspects of wellbeing, made doro dangles in Art Week, sang during music week. A very good summer supported by an excellent team of volunteers.

Othona West Dorset

Covid

Covid was still a factor in our lives in the first half of this period, with last minute cancellations of both visitors and in some cases, facilitators, being part of our reality. In addition, it wasn’t until June 2022 that resident team members were struck down by it, leaving, Kathryn Brooks a six-month short term core member to look after the visitors solo for a few days. Things settled down concerning covid much more in the second half of this year, for which we were grateful.

People - staff and volunteers

Tony - Warden, Liz - Office Co-ordinator, Megan - Housekeeper, and Eleanor and Tom - co-Caterers, continued as long-term resident core members and were joined for six months over the busiest part of the year by Kathryn. Megan gave notice in March 2023 and was due to leave in early April. We have much appreciated Megan’s input into the life of the community here and it is nice to know that she will be living near and intends to continue her involvement in the management of the Four Seasons Studio.

We rely on volunteers working alongside us - we could not function without them. We are so grateful to those who are well-established volunteers in the kitchen and the garden particularly. We recognised that we needed to widen our ‘pool’ of volunteers and in February we held a ‘Discovery Weekend - could you be a Supervol?’ We were very heartened by the numbers who came and expressed real interest in supporting the work here in practical ways. Our long-term aim arising from this event has been to have a volunteer join us for each of our residential events, specifically to help with housework and in supporting cooks in the kitchen. We intend to hold further Discovery Weekends, to continue to develop ways in which folks who wish to can join us in our work here.

Site development

We were successful in a grant application to The Inlight Trust which meant that Maurits Fontein, our groundsman, could clear more of the scrub on site, thus encouraging the growth of our unimproved grassland and the range of plant species which thrive in it, such as the wild orchids.

We embarked on a new fire pit project. The one in the woods has been much appreciated but it is not possible for all visitors to access it. The new fire pit is much nearer the main building and in his visits in this period, Pete Baird from Bradwell constructed a circular concrete base for the pit and later on fashioned a ramp for wheelchair access. The actual building of the stone seating was begun by a group of 18-36 year olds who came on a new event called Summer Community Experience. This arose out of the realisation that many of our regular, valued visitors are older and that intentional steps were needed to grow a younger base. 2 such events took place in 2022 and further ones are intended for 2023.

Facilitators and Events

We were pleased to welcome some new facilitators this year, including Rosie Miles, who led a Spirituality of Walking event and Nicky Temple, whose retreats made effective use of lego in helping participants in their reflections. Another new facilitator offered a valuable retreat on the Enneagram, a topic that has been a regular feature of the programme here over the years. Our former facilitator, Karen Webb, has stepped back and Jeanie Honey, who trained with Karen, has taken the reins. In the summer 2022 season, Andy Howlett and Liberty Rowley led a group on How to be a Counter-Tourist, which involved our intrepid visitors dressing up in cardboard and walking through the streets of Dorchester. Claire Shaw led a new summer event Making Music Magic in the Woods which was particularly for younger children and much appreciated.

3

THE OTHONA COMMUNITY

Charity No. 277843

REPORT OF THE TRUSTEES FOR THE YEAR ENDED 31 MARCH 2023

Achievement and Performance (Continued)

People

Community is all about people. As a charity Othona does not serve any one identifiable ‘in-need’ group. Part of the genius of our community is that a wide diversity of individuals take part on a par with each other, without any sense of being ‘a case’. Nonetheless, we are aware that we welcome a high proportion of visitors to the West Dorset centre who have significant and sometimes complex needs. Whether this be adults with severe learning difficulties and physical disabilities, children with one or more life-threatening allergies, elderly visitors whose limited mobility and hearing makes social life problematic, or young people struggling with mental health issues.

We make no claims to be a therapeutic community as such. None of us is offering the skills of a trained therapist. But there is no doubt that many who spend time with us find it therapeutic in the widest sense. This pastoral aspect of an accepting and spiritually supportive space is one of Othona’s treasures.

During this year we were a resident team of three full timers and one job-sharing couple. Unusually, all team members had come to us with considerable previous experience of Othona. Although we often welcome recruits who are new to the community, this depth of knowledge and affinity can be a particular bonus. Among our visitors, however, we observed an increasing number of new faces this year.

Volunteering

That supportive space relies not only on the resident team but very much on a large number of people who volunteer with us. They do this in all sorts of ways – from the Trust board member to the occasional gardener. This was the year in which we put new thought and energy into recruiting, inducting and supporting more volunteers. Especially those who can join us for a few days at a time and help staff a given event, from its preparation to its aftermath.

The Othona West Dorset Supervol Scheme was born. It is paying dividends. It spreads the load beyond core members, but also gives a way in for supporters who’d like to be more practically involved.

Renewable Energy

Two air source heat pumps and an energy diverter were installed shortly before Christmas. £7,330 (40% of the cost) was covered by a grant from Low Carbon Dorset. The gas boiler that used to heat the chapel and library was removed – a major step away from fossil fuels. The solar thermal array providing hot water to Largesse (staff accommodation) was replaced (having failed).

Grants, Donations and Legacies

Apart from the Low Carbon Dorset grant mentioned above, we benefited from a grant of £2,834 from Dorset Area of Outstanding Natural Beauty towards the cost of scrub clearance to expand our species-rich chalk grassland. We also acknowledge a kind legacy of £2,000 from the late Doris Stallard.

Building Work & Land Management

Both centres continue to work with their respective County Wildlife organisations for advice as to how to manage the land for diversity and habitat protection and enrichment. Othona Essex also works with A Rosha. John Smith was appointed as a Trustee to lead work at both centres to prioritise repair and renewal work and consider the case for development. He is working with a small task and finish committee for each centre and will provide a report for Trustees to consider in November 2023.

Public Benefit Statement

Both centres have welcomed more people and groups than last year. Numbers have been particularly increased at Bradwell. We continue to welcome church groups, faith groups, families and individuals for spiritual refreshment and renewal.

The trustees have referred to the guidance contained in the Charity Commission's general guidance on public benefit when reviewing our aims and objectives and planning our future activities.

The purpose of the charity is enshrined in its objects as described, and the trustees ensure this purpose is carried out for the public benefit of all persons that we serve by delivering a range of services at Bradwell Community Centre and Othona West Dorset Community Centre, to those in need.

4

THE OTHONA COMMUNITY

Charity No. 277843

REPORT OF THE TRUSTEES FOR THE YEAR ENDED 31 MARCH 2023

Investment Policy

The Community has appointed Epworth Investment Management Limited to act as Investment Managers on a retail client basis.

The objectives of the charity's To support the religious and other charitable works carried on by the members of investment are: the Community.

To establish and maintain a sound financial base for the organisation, for today and in future years.

To secure these objectives the charity seeks to produce the best financial return within an acceptable level of risk, seeking to balance income and capital returns. The investment funds are managed to maintain the real capital value of the funds, whilst generating a sustainable level of investment income to support the charity. The current income target is set at approximately £20,000 per annum and the overall total return sought can be quantified as inflation (measured by CPI) plus 3.5% per annum assessed over a rolling 5 year period.

The investment objective for the cash balances and short term reserves (including restricted funds) is to preserve the capital value with a minimum level of risk.

The trustees review its investments on a quarterly basis and have an agreed Investment Policy that is reviewed annually. The Investment Policy was last reviewed in July 2023.

Reserves Policy

The trustees of the charity have considered the need for reserves and have agreed that reserves are required to (a) provide contingency funds to maintain operations, (b) to allow time to respond to significant reductions in expected income and (c) in the event that it is required, to enable the managed closure of some or all of the charity’s activities.

The trustees have assessed the amount required to be held in reserves on a risk basis and consider that a minimum sum of £100,000 should be held for these purposes. At the end of the year the freely available reserves held by the charity were greater than the minimum required reserve amount.

Financial Review

The two centres operate through a wholly owned subsidiary company. The Community has taken advantage of the exemptions available to it to not prepare consolidated accounts. However, the Trustees wish members to know that the company reported an unrestricted net surplus of income over expenditure during the year of £57,928 (2022: £22,330) and had a net asset surplus as at 31 March 2023 of £103,074 (2022: £45,146).

The income received from investments, membership fees and donations has been utilised towards the governance and management costs of the Community. After these costs have been applied there was a residual surplus of £26,493 (2022: £1,844) which has been retained within the Community. Depreciation of £29,687 (2022: £28,503) was charged in the year leading to an operating deficit of £3,194 (2022: deficit £26,659) before transfers and capital gains / losses.

The investment portfolio income continued at lower levels following the capital expenditure incurred in 2020 and 2021. Market conditions were difficult, particularly in the latter part of the year following political and economic turmoil and at the end of the year the investment portfolio showed a reduction in value of £56,058 (2022: gain £46,998) which after transfers from designated reserves resulted in an overall deficit in the community’s funds of £48,822 (2022: deficit £21,266).

During the year no capital withdrawals were made from the investment portfolio to finance either capital projects or the working capital needs of the Centres (2022: £nil).

Trustees are grateful to individual members and supporters who responded to fundraising appeals included in emailed newsletters, donations totalling £6,996 (2022: £6,901) were received.

Trustees have been monitoring spending at both centres on a regular basis and the Community Treasurer meets with the warden every quarter to review financial performance.

The charity maintains a number of restricted funds - these are funds where the donor has placed restrictions on how the money can be used. At the end of March 2023 restricted funds totalled £31,870 (2022: £40,662).

5

THE OTHONA COMMUNITY

Charity No. 277843

REPORT OF THE TRUSTEES FOR THE YEAR ENDED 31 MARCH 2023

The trustees have chosen to designate some of the unrestricted funds for specific purposes. This is at the discretion of the trustees and the need for the designation is kept under regular review. At the end of March 2023 designated funds totalled £52,833 (2022: £64,488).

Structure, Governance and Management

The structure, governance and management of the Othona Community continued to be in accordance with the Trust Deed, as revised in 2008.

The structure of the Trust and the wholly owned Company limited by guarantee remain the same. There is a good range of expertise amongst the Trustee/Directors. Appointments made during the year were; Christina Wilson, West Dorset Link Trustee and chair of the local management committee, Rachel Tocknell and Warren Douglas both West Dorset link Trustees, Steve Barnes as chair of the Bradwell management committee. Elizabeth Sayers and Ruth Bull came to the end of their 10 year terms.

The main focus for governance this year has been a complete review and rewriting of the Safeguarding Policy and Procedures. Codes of Conduct have been written for all staff, volunteers, committee members and Trustee/Directors. We are members of SAFEcic and Thirtyone Eight. The new Policy which includes safer recruitment procedures has resulted in increased work for the management staff when recruiting both staff and volunteers.

Future Plans

To increase access to the centres by: keeping the cost of visiting as competitively priced as we can, offering bursaries to those who need them and having the option of camping at Othona Bradwell. Keeping prices low decreases our profit, this necessitates fundraising for our renewals and repairs and any capital developments.

To fundraise from the membership in order to carry out the necessary works to the accessible shower room at Othona Bradwell. The floor and drainage needs re-laying and the fittings replaced. The estimated cost is £16K

To fundraise to replace the reed bed sewage system at Othona Bradwell. The tank is cracked and irreparable, the reed bed silted beyond refurbishment. Estimates for a septic tank system are in the order of £70-80K. We would like to do the work before the winter because of ground water levels.

To commission a new website, that will link both centres and the Charitable Trust. The current website is based on Drupal 7, this will be unsupported from January 2025. The estimated cost of this is £15K, the funding for this will come from Trust reserves.

To commission an architect to produce options for developing the site and the main house at Othona West Dorset. The estimated cost £15K will be met from Trust funds. The drivers for this exploratory work is that the kitchen is as it was in 1965, there is insufficient storage and refrigeration space, the dining room is cramped and the front terrace is collapsing. There is a desire for more staff and visitor accommodation.

To continue to explore ways of increasing the privacy and comfort of the core staff accommodation at Othona Bradwell.

To continue to recruit and appoint Trustee/Directors and Committee Members to manage the charity and the centres. There is a vacancy at Bradwell for a link Trustee, there will be a vacancy at West Dorset by the end of the year. A vicechair will be recruited.

By order of the Trustees.

Clare Gough Chair of Trustees

23 September 2023

6

THE OTHONA COMMUNITY

Charity No. 277843

INDEPENDENT EXAMINER'S REPORT TO THE

TRUSTEES OF THE OTHONA COMMUNITY

I report to the trustees on my examination of the financial statements of The Othona Community ("the charity") for the year ended 31 March 2023 which comprise the Statement of Financial Activities, the Statement of Financial Position and the related notes.

This report is made solely to the charity's trustees, as a body, in accordance with Section 145 of the Charities Act 2011. My work has been undertaken so that I might state to the charity's trustees those matters that I am required to state to them in this report and for no other purpose. To the fullest extent permitted by law, I do not accept or assume responsibility to anyone other than the charity and the charity's trustees as a body, for my work, for this report, or for the opinions I have formed.

Respective responsibilities of trustees and examiner

As trustees of the charity you are responsible for the preparation of the financial statements in accordance with the requirements of the Charities Act 2011 ("the Act").

I report in respect of my examination of the charity's financial statements carried out under section 145 of the Act and in carrying out my examination I have followed all applicable Directions given by the Charity Commission under section 145(5)(b) of the Act.

An independent examination does not involve gathering all the evidence that would be required in an audit and consequently does not cover all the matters that an auditor considers in giving their opinion on the financial statements. The planning and conduct of an audit goes beyond the limited assurance that an independent examination can provide. Consequently I express no opinion as to whether the financial statements present a ‘true and fair’ view and my report is limited to those specific matters set out in the independent examiner’s statement.

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 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.

Javed Salim FCA Independent Examiner Alwyns LLP Crown House 151 High Road Loughton Essex IG10 4LG

18 October 2023

7

Charity No. 277843

THE OTHONA COMMUNITY

STATEMENT OF FINANCIAL ACTIVITIES FOR THE YEAR ENDED 31 MARCH 2023

Notes
Subscriptions, legacies and donations
Investment income
Other income
TOTAL INCOME
EXPENDITURE
General expenditure and costs
9/13
Other expenditure
7/8
Depreciation
TOTAL EXPENDITURE
Total income less total expenditure
Transfers between Funds
Gains/ (losses) on Investment Assets
4
NET MOVEMENT IN FUNDS
RECONCILIATION OF FUNDS
Restated total funds brought forward
14
Total funds carried forward
INCOME AND ENDOWMENTS		 Unrestricted
Funds
£
19,899
23,622
10,313		 Designated
Funds
£
6,823
-
-		 Restricted
Funds
£
26,084
-
-		 Total
Funds
Year End
31/03/2023
£
52,806
23,622
10,313
86,741
27,341
42,924
29,687
99,952
(13,211)
-
(56,058)
(69,269)
4,036,596
3,967,327		 Restated Total
Funds
Year End
31/03/2022
£
43,901
18,667
3,224
53,834 6,823 26,084 65,792
27,341
-
29,687		 -
8,048
-		 -
34,876
-		 27,470
16,596
28,503
57,028 8,048 34,876 72,569
(3,194)
10,430
(56,058)		 (1,225)
(10,430)
-		 (8,792)
-		 (6,777)
-
46,998
(48,822)
3,931,446		 (11,655)
64,488		 (8,792)
40,662		 40,221
3,996,375
3,882,624 52,833 31,870 4,036,596

All of the above results are derived from continuing activities. There were no other recognised gains or losses other than those stated above.

The notes on pages 10-15 form part of the financial statements.

8

Charity No 277843

THE OTHONA COMMUNITY STATEMENT OF FINANCIAL POSITION AS AT 31st MARCH 2023

Notes
Tangible fixed assets-At Cost
4
Investment portfolio- At Market Value
4
Current assets
Cash at bank and in hand
Short term deposits
Debtors
5
Current Liabilities
Amounts falling due within one year
6
Net current assets
Total assets less current liabilities
Funds
Unrestricted Funds
7
Designated Funds
8
Restricted Funds
9
Fixed assets		 31 March
2023
£
3,115,092
651,832
3,766,924
29,161
241,723
1,342
272,226
71,823
200,403
3,967,327
3,882,624
52,833
31,870
3,967,327		 31 March
2022
£
3,127,019
708,500
3,835,519
147,597
72,119
2,021
221,737
20,660
201,077
4,036,596
3,931,446
64,488
40,662
4,036,596

The notes on pages 10-15 form part of the financial statements.

Approved and authorised for issue by the Trustees on 23 September 2023 and signed on their behalf by:

Clare Gough Chair of Trustees

Michael Hunt Treasurer

9

THE OTHONA COMMUNITY NOTES TO THE FINANCIAL STATEMENTS FOR THE YEAR ENDED 31 MARCH 2023

Charity No. 277843

1 GENERAL INFORMATION

The charity is an unincorporated entity. The address of the principal office is Othona Community House, Coast Road, Burton Bradstock, Bridport, Dorset DT6 4RN.

2 STATEMENT OF COMPLIANCE

These financial statements have been prepared in compliance with FRS102, 'The Financial Reporting Standard applicable in the UK and Republic of Ireland', the 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 (FRS102)(effective 1 January 2019) (Charities SORP (FRS102)) and the Charities Act 2011.

In accordance with FRS 103 (3.3A), the charity is a public benefit entity that has applied the "PBE" prefixed paragraphs.

3 ACCOUNTING POLICIES a. Basis of preparation

The financial statements have been prepared on the historical cost basis, as modified by the revaluation of certain financial assets and liabilities and investment properties measured at fair value through income or expenditure.

The financial statements are prepared in sterling, which is the functional currency of the charity to the nearest £1.

b. Going concern

The trustees have considered the consequences of COVID-19, the war in Ukraine and other events and conditions, and have determined that they do not create a material uncertainty that casts significant doubt upon the charity’s ability to continue as a going concern.

c. Fund accounting

General funds comprise the accumulated surplus or deficit on the Statement of Financial Activities. They are available for use at the discretion of the trustees in furtherance of the general objectives of the Community. Restricted funds are subject to specific restrictive conditions imposed by donors or by the purpose of the appeal. The purpose and use of the restricted funds is set out in the notes to the financial statements. Designated funds are unrestricted funds which have been earmarked by the trustees for particular purposes.

d. Incoming resources

All incoming resources are recognised once the charity has entitlement to the resources, it is certain that the resources will be received and the monetary value of incoming resources can be measured with sufficient reliability. Where income is received in advance of a stay, it is deferred until the charity is entitled to that income. No amounts are included in the accounts for the value of services provided by volunteers.

e. Resources expended

Liabilities are recognised as resources expended as soon as there is a legal or constructive obligation committing the charity to the expenditure. All expenditure is accounted for on an accruals basis. Charitable expenditure comprises those costs incurred by the charity in the delivery of its activities and service for its beneficiaries. It includes those costs that can be allocated directly to such activities and those costs of an indirect nature necessary to support them. Governance costs include those costs associated with meeting the constitutional and statutory requirements of the charity and include the audit fees and costs linked to the strategic management of the charity. Where costs cannot be directly attributed they have been allocated to activities on a basis consistent with use of resources.

f. Tangible fixed assets and depreciation

The freehold functional properties were in 1997 represented within the statement of financial position at insurance reinstatement cost, in consultation with SBJ Stephenson Limited, insurance brokers, to which historic costs incurred since then have been added. Trustees will be reviewing which appropriate basis of valuation to use for these properties during the future. Apart from the yurts, these properties are not depreciated as, in the opinion of the trustees, they have a useful life as buildings greater than fifty years and any depreciation charge is considered immaterial.

At each statement of financial position date, the properties are assessed to determine if there are indicators that the properties may be impaired in value; if there are such indicators of impairment, then a comparison of the properties’ carrying value to its recoverable amount is undertaken. Any excess over the recoverable amount is recognised as an impairment loss and charged as expenditure in the SOFA; the carrying value is reduced appropriately.

g. Fixed asset investment

10

THE OTHONA COMMUNITY

Charity No. 277843

NOTES TO THE FINANCIAL STATEMENTS FOR THE YEAR ENDED 31 MARCH 2023

4 TANGIBLE FIXED ASSETS

Freehold
Land &
Buildings
£
Book/ Market value 1 April 2022
3,127,019
Additions
17,760
Disposals
-
Revaluations
-
Depreciation
(29,687)
Increase / (Decrease) in cash held
-
Book/ Market value 31 March 2023
3,115,092
Net book values
As at 31 March 2022
3,127,019
As at 31 March 2023
3,115,092
Historic Cost as at 31 March 2022
3,127,019
Historic Cost as at 31 March 2023
3,115,092
Investment portfolio at market value comprised
Epworth Equity Fund
Epworth Global Equity Fund
FP Foresight Global Real / Property Income Trust for Charities
L&G UK Property Feeder / Epworth Sterling Soverign Bond Fund
Epworth Corporate Bond Fund
Cash held by Investment Manager		 Freehold
Land &
Buildings
£
3,127,019
17,760
-
-
(29,687)
-		 Investment
portfolio
£
708,500
118,800
(353,206)
(56,058)
-
233,796		 Total
31/03/2023
£
3,835,519
136,560
(353,206)
(56,058)
(29,687)
233,796		 Total
31/03/2022
£
3,797,717
104,298
(14,000)
46,998
(28,503)
(70,991)
3,115,092 651,832 3,766,924 3,835,519
31/03/2022
£
450,980
50,250
126,815
13,327
51,400
15,728
3,127,019 708,500 3,835,519
3,115,092 651,832 3,766,924
3,127,019 671,212 3,798,231
3,115,092 646,739 3,761,831
31/03/2023
£
212,071
51,457
76,000
12,800
49,980
249,524
651,832 708,500

All investments are held in the United Kingdom.

Investment

The charity owns The Othona Community, a company limited by guarantee. This company is regarded as a wholly owned subsidiary of the charity. The charity has taken advantage of the exemptions available to it and has not prepared consolidated accounts.

The Company had a net asset surplus as at 31 March 2023 of £103,074 (2022: £45,146).

5[DEBTORS]

Tax recoverable on Gift Aid donations
Amount due from subsidiary
Other debtors and prepayments		 31/03/2023
£
994
-
348		 31/03/2022
£
1,262
-
759
1,342 2,021

6 LIABILITIES: AMOUNTS FALLING DUE WITHIN ONE YEAR

Amount due to subsidiary
Deferred grant
Creditors and accruals		 31/03/2023
£
61,994
6,841
2,988		 31/03/2022
£
4,453
16,207
71,823 20,660

11

THE OTHONA COMMUNITY

NOTES TO THE FINANCIAL STATEMENTS FOR THE YEAR ENDED 31 MARCH 2023

7 UNRESTRICTED FUNDS

NRESTRICTED FUNDS
1 General (Fixed assets Fund)
2 General Funds		 Restated
Balance
31/03/2022
£
3,505,540
425,906		 Funds
received
£
489
53,345		 Depreciation/
Outgoings
£
(29,687)
(27,341)		 Gain /
(Losses) on
investments
£
(56,058)
-		 Transfer
between
Funds
£
10,430
-		 Balance
31/03/2023
3,430,714
451,910
3,931,446 53,834 (57,028) (56,058) 10,430 3,882,624

1 General (Fixed assets Fund): This represents the fixed assets (land, property and investments) of the charity

2 General Funds: This represents the unrestricted funds generally available to support the activities of the charity

8 DESIGNATED FUNDS

1
OWD Designated Reserve
2
Bradwell Development Fund
3
Bradwell - Bursary Fund
4
OWD Capital Repairs Fund
5
OWD People Fund
6
OWD Four Seasons Fund		 Balance
31/03/2022
£
51,660
-
4,769
-
8,059
-		 Funds
received
£
-
1,260
5,563
-
-
-		 Outgoing
£
(716)
-
(6,841)
-
(491)
-		 Transfer
between
funds
£
(10,430)
-
-
-		 Balance
31/03/2023
40,514
1,260
3,491
-
7,568
-
64,488 6,823 (8,048) (10,430) 52,833

Designated Funds purposes

1 OWD Designated Reserve: This represents funds allocated by the Trustees to support initiatives at Othona West Dorset. An initial allocation of £45,000 was established when the trading company was established.

6 OWD Four Seasons Fund: This was used to support the building of the Four Seasons building at OWD. The project is now completed

9 RESTRICTED FUNDS

1
Bradwell Garden of Peace
2
Bradwell Field Hut
3
Bradwell Wind Turbine
4
Bradwell Essex Community
Foundation Fund
5
OWD Building Fund
6
OWD Chapel Windows Fund
7
Central A Hardy Memorial Fund
8
Richard Mulkern Memorial Fund
9
Central Warden Development Fund		 Restated
Balance
31/03/2022
£
972
-
16,837
9,500
1,513
4,833
713
1,593
4,701		 Funds
received
£
-
-
14,084
12,000
-
-
-
-		 Outgoings
Transfer
between
Funds
£
£
(505)
-
-
(22,741)
-
(10,925)
-
-
-
-
-
(540)
-
(165)
-
-
-		 Balance
31/03/2023
£
467
-
8,180
10,575
1,513
4,833
173
1,428
4,701
40,662 26,084 (34,876)
-		 31,870

Restricted Funds Fund purposes

12

THE OTHONA COMMUNITY

Charity No. 277843

NOTES TO THE FINANCIAL STATEMENTS FOR THE YEAR ENDED 31 MARCH 2023

10 TOTAL COMMUNITY EXPENDITURE

10
TOTAL COMMUNITY EXPENDITURE
Management and administration of charity
Management and administration of charity
11
Pension Scheme costs
TOTAL COMMUNITY STAFF COSTS		 Staff costs
£
354		 Other costs
31/03/2023
£
£
26,987
27,341		 31/03/2022
£
27,470
Staff costs
(1,258)		 Other costs
31/03/2022
28,728
27,470		 31/03/2021
24,103
31/03/2023
£
354		 31/03/2022
£
(1,258)

The charity had no paid employees during the current and previous year.

12 TRUSTEES' REMUNERATION AND EXPENSES

No trustees received any remuneration during the year.

During the year 11 trustees (2022 - 6 trustees) were reimbursed expenses totalling £1,587 (2022 - £2,361) in respect of travel costs.

13

THE OTHONA COMMUNITY

Charity No. 277843

NOTES TO THE FINANCIAL STATEMENTS FOR THE YEAR ENDED 31 MARCH 2023

13 CENTRAL FUND OPERATION INCOME AND EXPENDITURE

CENTRAL FUND OPERATION INCOME AND EXPENDITURE
INCOME
Interest and dividends received
Donations
Grant receivable
Membership subscriptions
Contributions from projects
Other income
Pension Scheme costs
Independent Examiner's Fee
Accountancy and professional
Investment Managers Fees
Database & web site development & management
National Council
Insurance
Publications & marketing
Trustees expenses including travel costs
Trustee meeting costs
Staff expenses
Subscriptions
Legal Expenses
Postage, freight & courier
NET OVERALL SURPLUS FOR THE YEAR
MANAGEMENT AND ADMINISTRATION OF CHARITY		 £
£
23,622
17,991
489
1,419
5,360
4,953
53,834
354
15,997
1,227
2,966
-
502
1,020
1,877
3,285
-
105
-
8
27,341
26,493
Total
Year End
31/03/2023		 £
£
18,667
5,168
-
2,255
-
3,224
29,314
(1,258)
1,780
15,611
315
3,722
355
533
1,095
2,361
2,571
213
172
27,470
1,844
Total
Year End
31/03/2022
354
15,997
1,227
2,966
-
502
1,020
1,877
3,285
-
105
-
8
26,493 1,844

14

THE OTHONA COMMUNITY

NOTES TO THE FINANCIAL STATEMENTS FOR THE YEAR ENDED 31 MARCH 2023

14 PRIOR YEAR'S STATEMENT OF FINANCIAL ACTIVITIES

Subscriptions and donations
Investment income
Other income
TOTAL INCOME
EXPENDITURE
General expenditure an costs
Other expenditure
Depreciation
TOTAL EXPENDITURE
Total income less total expenditure
Transfers between Funds
Gains/ (losses) on Investment Assets
NET MOVEMENT IN FUNDS
RECONCILIATION OF FUNDS
Total funds brought forward
Total funds carried forward
INCOME AND ENDOWMENTS		 Unrestricted
Funds
£
7,423
18,667
3,224
29,314
27,470
-
28,503
55,973
(26,659)
(41,605)
46,998
(21,266)
3,952,712
3,931,446		 Designated
Funds
£
4,478
-
-
4,478
-
2,637
-
2,637
1,841
49,953
-
51,794
12,694
64,488		 Restricted
Funds
£
32,000
-
-
32,000
-
13,959
-
13,959
18,041
(8,348)
9,693
30,969
40,662		 Total
Funds
Year End
31/03/2022
£
43,901
18,667
3,224
65,792
27,470
16,596
28,503
72,569
(6,777)
-
-
46,998
40,221
3,996,375
4,036,596		 Total
Funds
Year End
31/03/2021
£
55,786
14,942
1,136
71,864
24,103
18,910
28,457
71,470
394
-
84,123
84,517
3,911,858
3,996,375

15