2025-03-31-accounts

Charity registration number 289287 Company registration number 01798526 (England and Wales)

HERNE BAY LITTLE THEATRE

ANNUAL REPORT AND UNAUDITED FINANCIAL STATEMENTS

FOR THE YEAR ENDED 31 MARCH 2025

HERNE BAY LITTLE THEATRE

LEGAL AND ADMINISTRATIVE INFORMATION

Trustees	Mrs Jennifer Manners
	Mr A Beechey
	Mrs Judith Challis
	Ms. Felicity Clare Brambling-Wells (appointed 17thJuly 2024)
	Mrs Sally Church
	Mr David Kemp
	Mr Terrence Jemmett
	Mr Philip Robinson (resigned 17thJuly 2024)
	Ms Jane Pottle
	Ms Michelle Collin
Secretary	Mrs Sally Church
Charity number	289287
Company number	01798526
Registered office	44 Bullers Avenue
	Herne Bay
	Kent
	England
	CT6 8UH
Independent examiner	Dickinsons Accountants (Kent) Limited
	175b Reculver Road
	Herne Bay
	CT6 6PY

HERNE BAY LITTLE THEATRE

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 – 10

HERNE BAY LITTLE THEATRE

TRUSTEES' REPORT (INCLUDING DIRECTORS' REPORT) FOR THE YEAR ENDED 31 MARCH 2025

The trustees present their annual report and financial statements for the year ended 31 March 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 Companies Act 2006 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

Objectives and aims

The principal object of the charity is to advance the education of the public by promoting, understanding and appreciation of the arts of opera and drama in all their aspects.

Significant activities

The charity is engaged in the provision of drama productions and ancillary activities, all of which are conducted on a voluntary basis with amateur status in accordance with the charitable objects of the charity. The charity operates under the name of 'Herne Bay Little Theatre'.

The trustees have paid due regard to guidance issued by the Charity Commission in deciding what activities the charity should undertake.

Achievements and performance

Charitable activities

We are pleased to report that our six shows this year were successful and most of them sold out. Breaking the Code was entered in the KDA Full-length Play Festival. The film shows are still proving popular, which are free to all members. The monthly coffee mornings continue to attract a large turnout of enthusiastic members but the youth group struggled for numbers after several former members moved on. We continue to encourage those who remain whilst are actively trying to recruit more. We were successful in getting planning permission to build the new extension which will increase our dressing room area, giving private changing rooms to fulfil our safeguarding requirements whilst increasing our wardrobe storage. We have applied for a grant from Garfield Weston towards the fitting-out costs but had enough in our reserves to start construction and get the roof on so it will be all watertight. Thus the build has commenced.

Financial review

The charity is a not for profit organisation and therefore seeks to generate sufficient income from its activities to meet day-today expense needs. The trustees consider it prudent to keep some reserves to cover any unexpected capital expenditure in relation to the building and also to cover maintenance of the fabric of the building. 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.

Plans for future periods

A full dramatic programme is in place for the coming year. More building improvement plans are in the pipeline but will have to wait until funds allow.

Structure, governance and management

The charity is controlled by its governing document, a deed of trust, and constitutes a limited company, limited by guarantee, as defined by the Companies Act 2006.

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HERNE BAY LITTLE THEATRE

TRUSTEES' REPORT (INCLUDING DIRECTORS' REPORT) (CONTINUED) FOR THE YEAR ENDED 31 MARCH 2025

The trustees, who are also the directors for the purpose of company law, and who served during the year and up to the date of signature of the financial statements were:

Mrs Jennifer Manners Mr A Beechey Mrs Judith Challis Ms. Felicity Clare Brambling-Wells (appointed 17th July 2024) Mrs Sally Church Mr David Kemp Mr Terrence Jemmett Mr Philip Robinson (resigned 17th July 2024) Ms Jane Pottle Ms Michelle Collin

As required by the Articles of Association, trustees are appointed by the company in general meeting, with occasional trustees being co-opted by the board of trustees. Any co-opted trustee so appointed shall retain their office only until the next Annual General Meeting but is able to stand for re-election.

None of the trustees has any beneficial interest in the company. All of the trustees are members of the company and guarantee to contribute £1 in the event of a winding up.

The Charity is under the control of the trustees who make all the decisions regarding the management of the company.

The trustees' report was approved by the Board of Trustees on the 23[rd] April 2025.

Trustee

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HERNE BAY LITTLE THEATRE

INDEPENDENT EXAMINER'S REPORT TO THE TRUSTEES OF HERNE BAY LITTLE THEATRE

I report to the trustees on my examination of the financial statements of Herne Bay Little Theatre (the charity) for the year ended 31 March 2025.

Responsibilities and basis of report

As the trustees of the charity (and also its directors for the purposes of company law) you are responsible for the preparation of the financial statements in accordance with the requirements of the Companies Act 2006 (the 2006 Act).

Having satisfied myself that the financial statements of the charity are not required to be audited under Part 16 of the 2006 Act and are eligible for independent examination, I report in respect of my examination of the charity’s financial statements carried out under section 145 of the Charities Act 2011 (the 2011 Act). In carrying out my examination I have followed all the applicable Directions given by the Charity Commission under section 145(5)(b) of the 2011 Act.

Independent examiner's statement

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:

1. accounting records were not kept in respect of the charity as required by section 386 of the 2006 Act; or

2. the financial statements do not accord with those records; or

3. the financial statements do not comply with the accounting requirements of section 396 of the 2006 Act other than any requirement that the accounts give a true and fair view which is not a matter considered as part of an independent examination; or

4. the financial statements have not been prepared in accordance with the methods and principles of the Statement of Recommended Practice for accounting and reporting by charities applicable to charities preparing their accounts in accordance with the Financial Reporting Standard applicable in the UK and Republic of Ireland (FRS 102).

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.

Alexander Dickinson FCCA Dickinsons Accountants (Kent) Limited 175b Reculver Road Herne Bay Kent CT6 6PY

Dated: 30th May 2025

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HERNE BAY LITTLE THEATRE

STATEMENT OF FINANCIAL ACTIVITIES INCLUDING INCOME AND EXPENDITURE ACCOUNT FOR THE YEAR ENDED 31 MARCH 2025

Notes Income from: Charitable activities 3 Other trading activities 4 Investments 5 Total income Expenditure on: Raising funds 6 Charitable activities 7 Total expenditure Net expenditure for the year/ Net movement in funds Fund balances at 1 April 2024 Fund balances at 31 March 2025	Unrestricted funds 2025 £ 27,439 4,897 699 33,035 - 22,886 22,886 10,149 142,086 152,235	Unrestricted funds 2024 £ 21,015 9,396 469 30,880 - 20,886 20,886 9,994 132,092 142,086

The statement of financial activities includes all gains and losses recognised in the year.

All income and expenditure derive from continuing activities.

The statement of financial activities also complies with the requirements for an income and expenditure account under the Companies Act 2006.

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HERNE BAY LITTLE THEATRE

BALANCE SHEET AS AT 31 MARCH 2025

Notes Fixed assets Tangible assets 11 Current assets Debtors 12 Cash at bank and in hand Creditors: amounts falling due within one year 13 Net current assets Total assets less current liabilities Income funds Unrestricted funds	2025 £ 4,320 33,510 37,830 (2,635)	£ 117,040 35,195 152,235 152,235 152,235	2024 £ 1,539 36,122 37,661 (4,358)	£ 108,783 33,303 142,086 142,086 142,086

The company is entitled to the exemption from the audit requirement contained in section 477 of the Companies Act 2006, for the year ended 31 March 2025.

The directors acknowledge their responsibilities for complying with the requirements of the Companies Act 2006 with respect to accounting records and the preparation of financial statements.

The members have not required the company to obtain an audit of its financial statements for the year in question in accordance with section 476.

These financial statements have been prepared in accordance with the provisions applicable to companies subject to the small companies regime.

The financial statements were approved by the Trustees on the

Trustee

Company registration number 01798526

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HERNE BAY LITTLE THEATRE

NOTES TO THE FINANCIAL STATEMENTS FOR THE YEAR ENDED 31 MARCH 2025

1 Accounting policies

Charity information

Herne Bay Little Theatre is a private company limited by guarantee incorporated in England and Wales. The registered office is 44 Bullers Avenue, Herne Bay, Kent, CT6 8UH, England.

1.1 Accounting convention

The financial statements have been prepared in accordance with the charity's [governing document], the Companies Act 2006, FRS 102 “The Financial Reporting Standard applicable in the UK and Republic of Ireland” (“FRS 102”) and the Charities SORP "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 charity has taken advantage of the provisions in the SORP for charities not to prepare a Statement of Cash Flows.

The financial statements are prepared in sterling, which is the functional currency of the charity. Monetary amounts in these financial statements are rounded to the nearest £.

The financial statements have been prepared under the historical cost convention, [modified to include the revaluation of freehold properties and to include investment properties and certain financial instruments 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 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.

Endowment funds are subject to specific conditions by donors that the capital must be maintained by the charity.

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

Liabilities are recognised as expenditure as soon as there is a legal or constructive obligation committing the charity to that expenditure, 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 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.

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HERNE BAY LITTLE THEATRE

NOTES TO THE FINANCIAL STATEMENTS (CONTINUED) FOR THE YEAR ENDED 31 MARCH 2025

1 Accounting policies (Continued)

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:

Freehold land and buildings 2% on cost Fixtures and fittings 25% on reducing balance

1.7 Taxation

The charity is exempt from corporation tax on its charitable activities.

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 Charitable activities

Production Programmes Subscriptions Charitable rental income Other income Local authority grant	2025 £ 22,855 - 2,777 1,320 487 - 27,439	2024 £ 16,708 299 2,268 1,180 560 - 21,015

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HERNE BAY LITTLE THEATRE

NOTES TO THE FINANCIAL STATEMENTS (CONTINUED) FOR THE YEAR ENDED 31 MARCH 2025

4 Other trading activities

Fundraising income Sales of food and drink 5 Investments Interest receivable 6 Raising funds Fundraising and publicity Fundraising costs Trading costs Purchase of food and drink	Unrestricted funds 2025 £ 484 4,413 4,897 Unrestricted funds 2025 £ 699 Unrestricted funds 2025 £ - - -	Unrestricted funds 2024 £ 5,234 4,162 9,396 Unrestricted funds 2024 £ 469 Unrestricted funds 2024 £ - - -

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HERNE BAY LITTLE THEATRE

NOTES TO THE FINANCIAL STATEMENTS (CONTINUED) FOR THE YEAR ENDED 31 MARCH 2025

7 Charitable activities

Depreciation and impairment Licences Water and rates Property insurance Light and heat Office expenses Printing, postage and stationery Sundries Property expenses Cleaning Credit and bank charges Share of support costs (see note 8) 8 Support costs Support Governance 2025 costs costs £ £ £ Accountancy 400 - 400 Directors and officers Legal fees 363 - 363 763 - 763 Analysed between Charitable activities 763 - 763	2025 £ 4,600 1,225 (92) 1,317 4,041 2,923 285 2,196 4,215 1,273 140 22,123 763 22,886 Support Governance costs costs £ £ 400 - - - 400 - 400 -	2024 £ 5,067 1,536 (387) 1,447 6,326 952 62 1,208 2,719 1,106 450 20,486
		400 20,886
		2024 £ 400 - 400 400

9 Trustees

None of the trustees (or any persons connected with them) received any remuneration or benefits from the charity during the year.

There were no transactions with related parties during the year, see note 14.

10 Employees

The average number of employees during the year was 0 (2024 - 0).

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HERNE BAY LITTLE THEATRE

NOTES TO THE FINANCIAL STATEMENTS (CONTINUED) FOR THE YEAR ENDED 31 MARCH 2025

11 Tangible fixed assets Cost At 1 April 2024 Additions At 31 March 2025 Depreciation and impairment At 1 April 2024 At 31 March 2025 Carrying amount At 31 March 2024 At 31 March 2025 12 Debtors Amounts falling due within one year: Other debtors Prepayments and accrued income 13 Creditors: amounts falling due within one year Trade creditors Accruals and deferred income 14 Related party transactions Transactions with related parties	Freehold land and buildings £ 159,885 12,400 172,285 56,709 59,907 103,176 112,378	Fixtures and fittings £ 47,096 456 47,552 41,488 42,890 5,608 4,662 2025 £ - 4,320 4,320 2025 £ 1,164 1,471 2,635	Total £ 206,981
			12,856 219,837
			98,197 102,797
			108,784
			117,040
			2024 £ - 1,539 1,539 2024 £ 1,637 2,721 4,358

During the year there were no related party transactions.

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