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2023-03-31-accounts

ARROW RIDING CENTRE Darenth Park Avenue Dartford Kent DA2 6LZ Tel: 01322 294390 Email: arc@arrowridingcentre.com Web: www.arrowridingcentre.com

ACCOUNTS FOR THE YEAR ENDED 31[ST] MARCH 2023

Pages 1 Trustees Report for the year ended 31stMarch 2023
Pages 2-11 Accounts and notes thereon for the year ended 31stMarch 2023
Page 12 Independent Examiner`s Report on the accounts for the year ended 31stMarch 2023

Arrow Riding Centre for the Disabled Registered Charity No: 291623

Member of the Riding for the Disabled Association (RDA)

ARROW RIDING CENTRE FOR THE DISABLED

TRUSTEES REPORT FOR THE YEAR ENDED 31[ST] MARCH 2023

From the legacy we received from the late Simon & Lesley Goldsmith, referred to in our report for last year, we set aside £45,243 as a Covid recovery fund. Unfortunately this sum and a further £2,306 was absorbed in meeting our deficits for 2020/21 and 2021/22. In this financial year with an increase in fund raising and lessons we have managed to reduce this year`s deficit to £10,098.

With a fall in donations as experienced by most UK charities, we are having to concentrate on bringing back our riding and therapy sessions to the level we had prior to 2020. This financial year we have made a good start but still need to find and train more volunteers to continue to make progress.

Under our yard manager Natalie Scott we have been building a new team of horse experienced people and trained instructors. As a pointer to our high standards we have been awarded first place by SEIB for being the best kept yard in the Riding for the Disabled Association. This goes along with the five star rating for a riding establishment given to us by Dartford Borough Council,

These achievements have only been made possible through the help we receive from organizations and individuals in the community. With a special thank you to the members of the Redlibbets Golf Club. And to the people who answer our appeals by donating money through “Kindlink” The latest of which to raise over £1340 for the replacement of our mechanical horse “Jeremy`s” computer when mice decided to take up residence with him. We are in striking distance of this target being reached.

We also thank individuals and local organizations who carry-out projects and repairs to our premises. Currently The Shelby Newstead Charity has arranged for our lighting and electrical system to be upgraded, supplied a new saddle and rugs and have money set aside for the purchase of a new pony or horse. We also have “Emcor UK “ about to start a number of building projects for us.

The demand for our services still continues and will undoubtedly increase with the amount of new property being built in the Dartford area.

Ken Blake

For and on behalf of the Trustees of

Arrow Riding Centre for the disabled. -1-

ARROW RIDING CENTRE FOR THE DISABLED

2022/2023

Establishment and property

The Centre was founded in 1982 by the Dartford Lions. This following permission being given by the Local Health Authority for Arrow to use for riding for the disabled, free of charge, the old farm buildings and land which formed part of the original Darenth Park hospital complex.

During the 1990`s a Public Finance Scheme was established whereby the District Health Authority agreed to release land for housing in exchange for the construction of a new hospital – Darent Valley

The grounds and buildings which we had been using being transferred to Dartford Borough Council (DBC) under a 99 year lease from the Secretary of State for Health. This document stipulating that the property can only be used as public open space/country park and associated uses with the exception of the existing cemeteries and riding school or for agricultural use. No rental sum being charged.

With grants DBC obtained from English Countryside and the Millennium Fund, together with not insignificant sums raised by ourselves through the Bluewater contractors golf day, a loan, other donations and matched funding , DBC has upgraded the parkland areas, our indoor arena, main building and barn

To remain in occupation, however, DBC required us to enter into a lease to include the reconstructed main building, indoor riding arena, barn, some grazing together with two stable wings originally built in 1875

We now hold the property under a lease from DBC for a term of 30 years from 1[st] April 2007. The current rent is £3,000 a year subject to five yearly rent reviews. We are responsible for insurance of the buildings and repairs to the reconstructed parts. With the restrictions on the use of the property being reflected by the rental charge. We also hold under licence from DBC around 20 acres of grazing at a rent of £1 a year. With our being responsible for the internal fencing

DBC makes small grants to local charities run by volunteers. Since 2000 we have been fortunate enough to benefit from such awards for which we are extremely grateful. The sums having completely off-set any rent due.

We only have one area of dispute with DBC. We originally were given occupation of a further building (known as Bailiffs cottage) with a further cottage that was to be refurbished for a resident warden. Unfortunately through lack of funding the second building was never completed and prior to entering into a lease we were asked by DBC to make Bailiffs cottage available for the park warden.

As after some 20 years the warden retired and DBC decided not to replace him – an empty cottage is left with our not being able to re-obtain possession – where we would like a staff member or volunteer to reside - to oversee the protection of our ponies and horses as required under the Animal Welfare Regulation 2018

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ARROW RIDING CENTRE FOR THE DISABLED 2022/23

Objects of the Centre

To help children and adults with physical or learning difficulties by the following:-

Improve head – spine control – eye and hand co-ordination – circulation and muscle relaxation using the pony/horse to provide a unique form of therapy (Hippotherapy).-

Teaching to horse or pony ride. With the opportunity to progress in dressage to competing at National and International levels.

Increase confidence and self-esteem and for us to see that every one who finds a visit to the Centre to be both physically beneficial and enjoyable.

To comply with our health & safety policy and liability insurance – every rider must first have completed an application form. This can be downloaded from our website.

Rider`s safety

We are licenced by DBC under the Animal Welfare Regulation 2018. We have been given a 5 star rating.

We employ a small team of very capable people who have RDA or British Horse Society teaching qualifications as well as considerable equine experience. Also we have two experienced RDA volunteer instructors who give their time to us.

We are also very fortunate to have an extremely talented volunteer Chartered Physiotherapist who gives her services to us and arranges programmes of therapy for both mature and our youngest from 18 months of age.

It is necessary in nearly all lessons to have volunteer horse leaders and side helpers. Each has undergone RDA training and both volunteers and staff have been cleared under our Safeguarding Policy.

Employer and public liability risks are covered under a group policy implemented by the Riding for the Disabled Association (RDA)

Ponies and horses

Our team have been specially trained for the work we do and are:-

Beline Bertie Blue Champ Dolly Jack Mia Truffles William Wilma Jeremy (our mechanical horse) Unfortunately after many years of service and with so many friends Sam reached the end of his life. A great loss to the Centre. During the year and through The Albury Charitable Foundation we purchased Bertie

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2022/23

ARROW RIDING CENTRE FOR THE DISABLED

Membership

Membership is made up from people involved with our development. Currently we have 10 members who are entitled to attend and vote at general meetings either in person or by proxy.

Of that number we have a committee of six persons (trustees) who are responsible for the day-to-day running of the Centre. Each being a volunteer who is “hands on” assisting with lessons, taking care of our ponies and horses – various tasks on the yard – repairs – administration – fund raising etc. The current members being as follows:-

Kenneth Blake FCIS hon chairman/treasurer Marilyn Stapley Valerie Blake BEM hon group organizer Patricia McMullen Noelle Basten hon secretary Christine Luckings

During the year none of the committee members received any honorarium, attendance allowance or other payment of any kind.

Insurance

Of buildings based upon valuations made by Chartered Surveyors acting for DBC (Landlords) who currently insure the buildings and our tack and other equipment with Zurich Insurance plc

Our ponies and horses are not insured the average cost of each being £4,500

Liability insurance is covered under an RDA group policy. The RDA provides us with support and training including safeguarding where our staff and volunteers have been security cleared. In addition none of our trustees are barred or prevented by legislation from acting in that capacity.

During the financial year there were no serious accidents or incidents leading to claims under our policies.

Continuence

Our accounts are prepared on the basis that we shall continue to operate in the future despite the present difficulties. In the event of our closure any remaining assets would have to be transferred to another charity with similar objects to our own.

ARROW RIDING CENTRE FOR THE DISABLED

INCOME & EXPENDITURE ACCOUNT FOR THE YEAR ENDED 31[ST] MARCH 2023

2021/22
42,056

12,962
25,545
26,033
3,984
110,580
2021/22
92,387

3,911
7,117
1,230
1,911
2,432
6,960

8,743

2,203

126,894
7,632

134,526
(23,946 )		 INCOME
2022/23
Donations & sponsorships
(note 1)
44,708
Fund raising
(note 2)
20.907
Riding lessons
40,215
Donations from stabling
27,645
Miscellaneous income
(note 3)
4,362
TOTAL INCOME FOR THE YEAR £ 137,837
EXPENDITURE 2022/23
Salaries & NIC instructors & grooms (note 4)
102.644
Buildings & liability insurance
4,622
Heat, light & water
11,498
Repairs & renewals
2,994
Stationery, telephone, broadband
1,501
Training, transport & subscriptions
1,596
Horse/pony – feed and bedding
7.631
Veterinary & farrier services
8,656
Tack, hygiene & yard expenses
4,593
145,735
Special expenditure
(note 5)2,200
TOTAL EXPENDITURE FOR YEAR
147,935
DEFICIT FOR YEAR -5- (note 6)( 10,098)

ARROW RIDING CENTRE FOR THE DISABLED

BALANCE SHEET AS AT 31[ST] MARCH 2023

2021/22
CURRENT ASSETS
136,849
Bank accounts
(note8)
250
Cash in hand
3,725
Debtors
(note 9)
______
140.824
TOTAL ASSETS
9,459
Creditors & accruals
(note 10)
115.000Reserves and allocated funds (note 7)
124,459

16,365 ASSETS LESS CURRENT LIABILITIES
4,400Less: long term liability (note 11)
11,965
Represented by:-
14,271
Accumulated funds at 31stMarch 2021
(2,306)
Deficit for year
11,965
Transfer from reserves
(note 7)
£



12,984
100,000



£




£		 2022/23
127,850
431
5,970
---------
134,251
112,984
21,267
4,400
16.867
11,965
(10,098)
1,867
15,000
16,867








ARROW RIDING CENTRE FOR THE DISABLED

NOTES TO THE ACCOUNTS FOR THE YEAR ENDED 31[ST] MARCH 2023

NOTE 1 DONATIONS & SPONSORSHIPS OF £25 AND ABOVE

2022/23
Adams Miss Jackie 1,000
Alburys Charitable Foundation 4.200
Albany Park Chapter No 7432 50
Atkins Mrs FP 50
Attwater Derek - 80thBirthday
 80
Barnes Ron & Eileen 400
Bluewater Forum 100
Bowdler Mrs Ann 35
Bramwell Michael & Henrietta 240
Bristow Lynn 170
Bennett Dave & Jo 80
Chick Mr EJ 75
Chillingsworth Gwen 100
Connell Sheila 75
Dartford The Mayor of Dartford`s Charity 3,000
Dartford Active Retirement Association 286
First Give Awards 1,000
Fox Estate Agents - Dartford 300
Ginn Miss Shirley 700
Greenfield Janice 100
Hunnisett Derek and Linda 100
Inner Wheel of Dartford – District 12 50
Jubilee Lodge of North Kent 621
Kennedy Celia 72
Ladies Leisure Centre Dartford 100
Lock Jackie 100
Loriners
 Worshipful Company 900
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ARROW RIDING CENTRE FOR THE DISABLED

NOTES TO THE ACCOUNTS FOR THE YEAR ENDED 31[ST] MARCH 2023

NOTE 1 DONATIONS & SPONSORSHIPS OF £25 AND ABOVE (continued)

2022/23

MacDonald Lodge 250
McMillan Pat 105
Mannion Michael & Mary
 8,275
Maison Maurice Ltd 400
Parker Mrs GM 50
Read Mr & Mrs CH 50
Redlibbets Golf Club
 ] 11,381
Redhead Mrs Olive 250
Rowhill WI 100
Saint Thomas Becket Conclave 250
Shorne & Thorne WI 132
Sittingbourne & Milton Regis Ladies Golf Club 83
Stapley Marilyn 30
Styles Joan 140
U3A Bromley
 238
Walmer Jessica 50
Wanstall Mike & Sally 300
Ward Trina 200
White D & G 70
Wilmington WI 70
Wirefire Cork Lodge 200
Write Trak Ltd 5,200
Other Donations CAF Bank
 45
Via Kindlink fund raising Easter raffle, quiz night, egg hunt etc 719
Anon. donations
 320
Small sums 70
In Memory of
 Jack Diamond 518
Larry Cork 300
Valery Fry 50
Charlotte Hill 553
Luke Tierney
 325
TOTAL DONATIONS
 £44,708
-8-

ARROW RIDING CENTRE FOR THE DISABLED

NOTES TO THE ACCOUNTS FOR THE YEAR ENDED 31[ST] MARCH 2023

NOTE 1 DONATIONS & SPONSORSHIP CONTINUED

2021/22 2022/23
Total Donations
 £42,056 £44,708
-
NOTE 2 FUNDRAISING
Carol concert, dressage, shows, events etc £ 4,984 £ 4,733
Hiring – out our facilities 8,538 16,468
Collection boxes/collections 638 1,690
14,160 22,891
Less: cost of fund raising
 1,198
 1,984
12,962 20,907
NOTE 3 MISCELLANEOUS INCOME
Gift aid recovery
 £ 3,728 £4,054
Bank interest (net of chgs) 106 154
Sale of sundry items
 150 -- 154
3,984 4,362
NOTE 4 SALARIES & NIC
Salaries
 £ 91,445 £ 100,633
Employers NIC
 337 1,407
Work place pension
 605
 605
92,387 102.644

During the year we employed an average of three full-time and three part-time instructors/horse carers. Employers NIC was only payable on sums due to HMRC above £5,000 in the 2022/23 tax year. All employees are paid above the National Living Wage.

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ARROW RIDING CENTRE FOR THE DISABLED

NOTES TO THE ACCOUNTS FOR THE YEAR ENDED 31[ST] MARCH 2023

NOTE 5 SPECIAL EXPENDITURE

2021/22 2022/23
Fencing £ 6,982
Purchase of (Wilma) Bertie 22/23 650 £ 2,200
7.632
NOTE 6 COVID LOCKDOWN RECOVERY
FUND
£ 45,243
Less : deficit 2020/21 23,603
2021/2223,946 47,549
Balance not covered by fund 2,306
written off against reserves
NOTE 7 CHANGES IN RESERVES
Transfer from reserve £ ( 15,000)
New stable block £ 30,000 Building fund 20,000
General Reserve 85,000 General Reserve 80,000
115,000 100,000
NOTE 8 BANKING
Current account with CAF Ltd £ 52,484 £ 47.850
Charity Deposit account
 84,365 80,000
136,849 127,850

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ARROW RIDING CENTRE FOR THE DISABLED NOTES TO THE ACCOUNTS FOR THE YEAR ENDED 31[ST] MARCH 2023

NOTE 9 DEBTORS & PREPAYMENTS

NOTE 10 CREDITORS & ACCRUALS

Gift Aid 1,118 HM Revenue & Customs 1,592
Hire of facilities 2,735 Nest Pension scheme 118
Fund raising 590 Marjorie McClure lesson fund 3,940
Electric supply deposit Octopus 1,287 Feed & Bedding
 1,948
Sundry debtors 240 Electricity
 1,318
Stabling in adv
 530
£5,970 Building insurance
 3,538
£ 12,984

NOTE 11 LONG TERM LIABILITY

In the year 2000 the Riding for the Disabled Association (RDA) loaned us £10,000 towards the cost of building Improvements. This sum being interest free and repayable at £400 a year. The balance currently being £4,400.

The repayment of the balance is in contention with the RDA as the whole sum should have been made as a grant. Our premises being used by other RDA Centre`s and for regional competitions

Assets

Ponies & Horses at cost £25,346 (2021/22 £23,296)
Saddles at yard manager`s valuation 8,000 (2021/22 £ 8,000)
New Holland Tractor purchased 2014/15 18,995 ( Major part of funding donation from
QBE European Insurance Group UK)
Mechanical horse at cost 2018/19 -including
Mounting blocks and installation 47,194 ( purchased from various donations)

Other assets – mainly s/h furniture and tack

All of the above assets have been purchased from donations and gifts. With our charitable status the Trustees do not see any purpose in their inclusion within the balance sheet and having to provide provision for depreciation. In the case of our ponies and horses – this would necessitate write-offs in the event of retirement or the death of an animal.

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ARROW RIDING CENTRE FOR THE DISABLED

ACCOUNTS FOR THE YEAR 1[ST] APRIL 2022 TO 31[ST] MARCH 2023

TO THE TRUSTEES OF THE ARROW RIDING CENTRE FOR THE DISABLED:

The charity trustees are responsible for the preparation of the accounts in accordance with the requirements of the Charities Act 2011 (the Act). Under Section 145(1) (a) of the Act the trustees have elected for the accounts to be examined by an independent examiner. I have been appointed by the trustees to undertake that task.

I report in respect of my examination of the Trust`s accounts carried out under Section 145 of the 2011 Act and In carrying our my examination I have followed all the applicable directions given by the Charity Commission Under Section 145(5)(b) of the Act.

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 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 accounts to be reached.

Signed Alan Buttress 14[th] July 2023

Alan Buttress 109 Coombfield Drive Darenth

Kent DA2 7LE -12-