## **FRIENDS OF DANESBURY AND QUEEN VICTORIA MEMORIAL HOSPITAL** TRUSTEES' REPORT AND FINANCIAL STATEMENTS FOR THE YEAR ENDED 31 DECEMBER 2024 REGISTERED CHARITY No. 286165 ## **FRIENDS OF DANESBURY AND QUEEN VICTORIA MEMORIAL HOSPITAL** TRUSTEES’ REPORT AND FINANCIAL STATEMENTS FOR THE YEAR ENDED 31 DECEMBER 2024 ## **CONTENTS** ||**Page**| |---|---| |Legal and administrative details|2| |Report of the Trustees|3| |Report of the Independent Examiner|5| |Statement of Financial Activities|6| |Balance Sheet|7| |Statement of Cash Flows|8| |Notes to the Financial Statements|9| 1 ## **FRIENDS OF DANESBURY AND QUEEN VICTORIA MEMORIAL HOSPITAL** LEGAL AND ADMINISTRATIVE DETAILS |REGISTERED CHARITY No:|286165| |---|---| |GOVERNING INSTRUMENT:|Objects and Rules of| ||Friends of Danesbury and| ||Queen Victoria Memorial Hospital| |PRINCIPAL ADDRESS:|School Lane| ||Welwyn| ||Herts AL6 9SB| |BANKERS:|Barclays Bank PLC| ||Welwyn Garden City| ||Herts AL7 1SJ| ||Unity Trust Bank| ||4 Brindleyplace| ||Birmingham| ||B1 2JB| ||United Trust Bank Ltd| ||1 Ropemaker Street| ||London| ||EC2Y 9AW| ||Monmouthshire Building Society| ||John Frost Square| ||Newport| ||NP20 1PX| ||Shawbrook Bank| ||Lutea House| ||Warley Hill Business Park| ||Brentwood| ||CM13 3BE| |INDEPENDENT EXAMINER:|Paul Skipper FCA| ||HBB Audit Limited| ||Hatfield| ||Hertfordshire AL10 0SP| 2 ## **FRIENDS OF DANESBURY AND QUEEN VICTORIA MEMORIAL HOSPITAL** REPORT OF THE TRUSTEES FOR THE YEAR ENDED 31 DECEMBER 2024 The Trustees present their report and financial statements for the year ended 31 December 2024. ## **CHARITABLE OBJECT AND PRINCIPAL ACTIVITY** ## **1 Introduction** In 2001 the Trustees received permission from the Charity Commissioners to provide financial support for all NHS facilities within the parishes of Welwyn and Knebworth currently existing and such other NHS units as may be opened to serve the same population. Danesbury Home and Queen Victoria Memorial Hospital have been situated on the same site since 1993. In 2003 the Friends of both units incorporated into one registered charity. In April 2009 Danesbury became a Neurological Centre and is part of the Hertfordshire Community NHS Trust. At the EGM of 12 February 2019 the aims of the charity were widened to extend the geographical scope to NHS hospitals, homes, clinics and other facilities in the county of Hertfordshire. ## **2 Primary Objective** The Friends continue to provide, as their primary objective, practical and financial support to Danesbury Neurological Centre and Queen Victoria Memorial Hospital in Welwyn. Danesbury Neurological Centre offers a variety of treatment options for adults with a neurological problem such as stroke, Multiple Sclerosis, Parkinson’s disease and other such conditions. The Queen Victoria Memorial Hospital, as part of the Herts Community NHS Trust’s Intermediate Care team, caters for patients who need rehabilitation following a stay in an acute hospital. ## **TRUSTEES AND MANAGEMENT COMMITTEE** The Trustees during the year under review were: Marianne Hawes - Chairman Simon Whitworth - Treasurer Julia Oliver Tony Stowe Joy Wearing Gregory Ainscough Deborah Lee Oldham Jennifer Fowler Jill Conium Secretary - Mrs Beverley Piggott No Trustee received any remuneration for services as a Trustee. No Trustee had any beneficial interest in any contract with the Charity during the year under review. One third of the Trustees together with any new appointee are submitted to the Annual General Meeting of the supporters for election. 3 ## **FINANCIAL REPORT** The results of the year are as detailed in the attached financial statements independently examined by chartered accountants for the Charity. The financial statements comply with the Statement of Recommended Practice, Accounting and Reporting by Charities and the accounting requirements of the Charity's own governing document. Income from our shop supplemented by donations fund both major expenditure for equipment and patient support costs. As in previous years continued financial restraints within the National Health Service have resulted in the Friends responding to the requests of the local management for the purchase of equipment. During the year £65,117 (2023 - £48,762) has been spent on such items and therapy and other patient support. The income raised by the charity shop chiefly provides financial support to the NHS facilities as defined under the Objects and Rules of the Charity. During the year £24,442 (2023 - £22,885) of direct charitable expenditure had been made on capital items of equipment for Danesbury Neurological Centre. All major purchases are made through the NHS having had their approval and are covered by safety guarantees from the manufacturers. ## **Reserves and Projected Expenditure** All reserves are unrestricted funds and the Trustees aim to maintain reserves at a level which will enable the Charity to respond to all reasonable requests by Danesbury Neurological Centre and QVM Hospital for funds, as well as setting aside funds to cover risk associated with operating the charity shop. The reserves of £197,779 carried forward as shown on the Balance Sheet cover committed expenditure of £34,893 (2023: £42,450) as at 1[st] January 2025. ## **Shop Management** The Trustees would like to place on record their appreciation of the management of the shop and all involved in our charitable organisation and to all members of the public for their generous support. ## **Risk Review** The Management Committee has considered the extent to which the Charity could be exposed to significant external risks to funding. Internal risk assessment is regularly reviewed, particularly those related to the operations and finances of our shop and we are satisfied that our monthly reporting system will mitigate our exposure to any major risks. Out of the reserves of £198,814, £40,000 has been set aside for this purpose. ## **Volunteers** The administrative costs of the Charity have been kept to a minimum through the activities of a number of volunteers. Their input is commended and the Trustees acknowledge their invaluable contribution to the quality and success of the service that is provided for the well-being of the patients. The Trustees declare they have approved the Trustees’ Report above. Signed on behalf of the Trustees Marianne Hawes Chairman > 17 October 2025 4 ## **REPORT OF THE INDEPENDENT EXAMINER TO THE TRUSTEES OF FRIENDS OF DANESBURY AND QUEEN VICTORIA MEMORIAL HOSPITAL** I report on the accounts of the Trust for the year ended 31 December 2024, which are set out on pages 6 to 13. ## **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 needed. It is my responsibility to: - examine the accounts under section 145 of the 2011 Act; - follow the procedures laid down in the General Directions given by the Charity Commission (under section 145(5)(b) of the 2011 Act; and - - state whether particular matters have come to my attention. ## **Basis of 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 statement below. ## **Independent examiner’s statement** In the course of 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 comply with the accounting requirements of the 2011 Act have not been met; or - (2) which, in my opinion, attention should be drawn in order to enable a proper understanding of the accounts to be reached. Paul Skipper FCA HBB Audit Limited Hatfield Hertfordshire AL10 0SP 18 October 2025 5 ## **FRIENDS OF DANESBURY AND QUEEN VICTORIA MEMORIAL HOSPITAL** STATEMENT OF FINANCIAL ACTIVITIES FOR THE YEAR ENDED 31 DECEMBER 2024 |INCOMING RESOURCES
NOTES
**Income from:**
Donations
Trading Activities: Shop sales
4

Interest receivable
Government grants
5
Total Incoming Resources

RESOURCES EXPENDED:
**Expenditure on:**
Charitable Activities
6
Raising funds: Shop expenses
4

Other
7
Total Resources Expended
NET INCOME/ EXPENDITURE
FOR THE YEAR

**Reconciliation of funds:**
Fund balances brought forward
at 1 January 2024
Fund balances carried forward
at 31 December 2024|2024
£
12,255
146,405
6,472
-
165,132
65,117
103,599
13,970
182,686
(17,554)
216,368
198,814|2023
£
8,334
141,441
4,155
-
153,930
48,762
97,272
7,921
153,955
(25)
216,393
216,368| |---|---|---| |||| 6 ## **FRIENDS OF DANESBURY AND QUEEN VICTORIA MEMORIAL HOSPITAL** |BALANCE SHEET
AS AT 31 DECEMBER 2024
CURRENT ASSETS
Notes
2024
£
Other debtors
-
Cash and Bank Balances
2
202,238

CREDITORS: Amounts falling
due within one year
3
3,424
198,814
FUNDS (UNRESTRICTED):
198,814|2023
£
-
218,623
2,255
216,368
216,368| |---|---| Approved by the Trustees on 17 October 2025 and signed on their behalf by: CHAIRMAN - M.Hawes TREASURER - S.Whitworth 7 ## **FRIENDS OF DANESBURY AND QUEEN VICTORIA MEMORIAL HOSPITAL** ## STATEMENT OF CASH FLOWS FOR THE YEAR ENDED 31 DECEMBER 2024 |

Cash from/(used) in operating activities
Cash flow from investing activities
Increase/(Decrease) in cash in year

Cash at the beginning of the year
Total cash at the end of the year|2024

£
(22,857)
6,472
(16,385)

218,623
202,238|

| |---|---|---| 8 ## **FRIENDS OF DANESBURY AND QUEEN VICTORIA MEMORIAL HOSPITAL** NOTES TO THE FINANCIAL STATEMENTS FOR THE YEAR ENDED 31 DECEMBER 2024 ## 1. ACCOUNTING POLICIES ## **Basis of Accounting** The accounts have been prepared under the historical cost convention and in accordance with the Statement of Recommended Practice: Accounting and Reporting by Charities preparing their accounts in accordance with the Financial Reporting Standard applicable in the UK and Republic of Ireland (FRS102) issued on 16 July 2014 and the Charities Act 2011. The charity meets the definition of a public benefit entity set out in FRS102. ## **Voluntary Income** Donations, gifts and income from fund raising activities are included in the income and expenditure account when the charity becomes entitled to the income which is normally in the period of receipt. Gift Aid received is included in the income and expenditure account according to the period to which it relates. Income received after deduction of tax at source, including income received from Gift Aid is shown inclusive of the tax recoverable. ## **Goods donated for resale in shops** Income is included in the period in which the goods are sold. No value is ascribed to donated items in stock at the year-end as it is considered to be impractical to do so. ## **Voluntary help** The charity receives very substantial assistance in the form of voluntary help. It is not possible to quantify the value of this help and it is not included in the accounts. 9 ## **FRIENDS OF DANESBURY AND QUEEN VICTORIA MEMORIAL HOSPITAL** NOTES TO THE FINANCIAL STATEMENTS FOR THE YEAR ENDED 31 DECEMBER 2024 |2.
CASH AND BANK BALANCES
Barclays Bank:
Community Account (Home)
Business Premium Account (Home)
Unity Trust Account (Current)
United Trust Account (Deposit)
Monmouth Building Society (Investment account)
Treasurer's Cash Float
3.
CREDITORS: Amounts falling due within one year
Social security and other taxes
Other creditors
Accruals|2024
£
10,344
3,302
13,136
89,398
85,951
107
202,238
2024
£
1,170
1,090
1,164
3,424|2023
£
29,200
3,253
17,138
85,000
83,925
107
218,623
2023
£
788
303
1,164
2,255| |---|---|---| |||| 10 ## **FRIENDS OF DANESBURY AND QUEEN VICTORIA MEMORIAL HOSPITAL** NOTES TO THE FINANCIAL STATEMENTS FOR THE YEAR ENDED 31 DECEMBER 2024 ## 4. NET INCOME FROM SHOP SALES |Sales
Donated Goods
Expenses
Rent and Insurance
Heating, Lighting and Water
Shop Fittings and Maintenance
Refuse Clearance
Health and Safety
Staff Wages
Staff Pensions
Miscellaneous Expenses
Card payment charges
Net Income
|2024
£
146,405
21,511
5,428
103
3,409
367
68,168
735

2,008
1,870
103,599
42,806|2023
£
141,441
22,617
4,509
7,627
3,776
965
54,004
594
1,768
1,412
97,272
44,169| |---|---|---| |||

| The shop lease of 4 High Street, Welwyn, was extended for a further 9 years from 24[th] August 2022. One shop manager and three occasional assistant managers are employed, assisted by unpaid volunteers. Sales income is derived entirely from the sale of donated goods. ## 5. BANK INTEREST RECEIVED |Barclays Business Premium Account
Monmouth Building Society Account
United Trust Account
Shawbrook Bank Account


|2024
£
49
2,025
4,398
. -
6,472


|2023
£
31
821
3,230
73
4,155.| |---|---|---| 11 ## **FRIENDS OF DANESBURY AND QUEEN VICTORIA MEMORIAL HOSPITAL** NOTES TO THE FINANCIAL STATEMENTS FOR THE YEAR ENDED 31 DECEMBER 2024 ## 6. DIRECT CHARITABLE EXPENDITURE |**Patient support for the Danesbury and QVM**
Residents’ therapy support and entertainment

Special Needs computer internet
Patients’ gardens
Other operating leases

Transport for patients

**Capital expenditure on equipment:**
Danesbury and QVM
Total expenditure
7.
ADMINISTRATIVE EXPENSES
**Governance:**
Salaries
Training courses and subscriptions
Printing and stationery
Telephone and internet

Independent Examiners fees
Accountancy
Website
Sundry expenses
|2024
£
19,329
2,557
5,066
11,631

2,092
40,675
24,442

65,117

2024
£
7,150
699

396
1,505
1,757
1,756
141
566
13,970|2023
£
17,061
2,554
4,577
-
1,685
25,877
22,885
48,762
2023
£
2,748
787
469
859
1,062
1,062
220
714
7,921| |---|---|---| 12 ## **FRIENDS OF DANESBURY AND QUEEN VICTORIA MEMORIAL HOSPITAL** NOTES TO THE FINANCIAL STATEMENTS FOR THE YEAR ENDED 31 DECEMBER 2024 ## 8. EMPLOYEE COSTS AND NUMBERS The employee costs during the period were as follows: |2024
£
Wages and Salaries
75,319
Pension Costs
735
76,054
The average numbers of paid employees during the period were as follows:
2024
Office staff
1
Shop staff
4
5|2023
£
51,996
548
52,544
2023
1
3|2023
£
51,996
548
52,544
2023
1
3| |---|---|---| |||4| In addition to these employees the charity receives assistance in the form of voluntary help. No remuneration was paid to the Trustees. ## 9. FEES FOR EXAMINATION OF ACCOUNTS |EES FOR EXAMINATION OF ACCOUNTS||| |---|---|---| ||2024|2023| ||£|£| |Independent examiner’s fees|1,757|1,062| 13