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 2024
| Pages | 1 | Trustees Report for the year ended 31stMarch 2024 |
|---|---|---|
| Pages | 2-11 | Accounts and notes thereon for the year ended 31stMarch 2024 |
| Page | 12 | Independent Examiner`s Report on the accounts for the year ended 31stMarch 2024 |
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
Page 1
TRUSTEES REPORT FOR THE YEAR ENDED 31[st] MARCH 2024
During the year we increased our therapy and riding lessons. Enrolled a number of new riders and started to reduce our waiting list. However we have not as yet managed to get back to the amount of lessons we provided prior to Covid. This is due to a number of volunteers not returning since that time and our not being to recruit and train sufficient replacements.
Initially for the safety of an individual rider we need the help of three volunteers. One to lead the pony/horse with the two further people - one on each side of the rider. Prior to new volunteers assisting with lessons they have to successfully complete a training course. It can therefore be appreciated that our continuous progress is dependent our enrolling and training further volunteers – which is our priority task.
Like everyone we have the burden of increases in the price of almost all goods and services. In our case particularly that of horse feed, bedding, salaries and utilities.
Although we have increased the price of a number of our services we have not increased the price we charge for therapy and lessons. We are of course a non-profit organization and compared with a commercial riding establishment we clearly subsidise our charges. Our raison d`etre is that we want everyone with a disability to be able to benefit from our services whilst being mindful of the strain on many families finances particularly when they have to support those with disabilities.
As will be seen from our accounts – since covid we have not been able to recover our costs and this year we have incurred a deficit of £19,130. Fortunately we had built up reserves to cover these shortfalls. However this is clearly a situation that cannot continue indefinitely and our best efforts will be made to turn things around.
In addition to the very generous donation from the Mark Masons Benevolent fund for the purchase of “Rosa” we were honoured to be chosen as one of the Mayor of Dartford`s charities (Cllr Paul Cutler) and benefitted in the sum of £3,325. A long time supporter Peter Long and his family raised the magnificent sum of £7,745 for us. Our thanks to all the other kind people and organizations that made donations to us. Not forgetting Dartford Borough Council who through grants allow us to occupy our premises rent free,
A thank you to our staff and volunteers for their enthusiasm which has gone into creating a professional and happy workplace for our riders and visitors to enjoy. On a sad note we recently lost William, the long time leader of our equine team.
Ken Blake honorary chairman/treasurer
ARROW RIDING CENTRE FOR THE DISABLED Page 2
Establishment and property 2023/24
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
Objects of the Centre 2023/24
ARROW RIDING CENTRE FOR THE DISABLED Page 3
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 Wilma Rosa (purchased from a donation
from the Mark Masons Benevolent Fund) and our mechanical horse – Jeremy
Membership 2023/24
ARROW RIDING CENTRE FOR THE DISABLED
Page 4
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 McMillen Noelle Basten hon secretary Christine Luckings
During the year none of the committee members received any honorarium, attendance allowance or 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.
Continuance
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 Page 5
INCOME & EXPENDITURE ACCOUNT FOR THE YEAR ENDED 31[ST] MARCH 2024
| 2022/23 44,708 20,907 40,215 27,645 4,362 137,837 2022/23 102,644 4,622 11,498 2,994 1,501 1,596 7,631 8,656 4,593 145,735 2,200 147,935 (10,098) |
INCOME Donations & sponsorships (note 1) Fund raising (note 2) Riding lessons Donations from stabling Miscellaneous income (note 3) TOTAL INCOME FOR THE YEAR EXPENDITURE Salaries & NIC instructors & grooms (note 4) Buildings & liability insurance Heat, light & water Repairs & renewals Stationery, telephone, broadband Training, transport & subscriptions Horse/pony – feed and bedding Veterinary & farrier services Tack, hygiene & yard expenses Special expenditure (note 5) **TOTAL EXPENDITURE FOR YEAR ** DEFICIT FOR YEAR |
£ |
|---|---|---|
ARROW RIDING CENTRE FOR THE DISABLED Page 6
BALANCE SHEET AS AT 31[ST] MARCH 2024
| 2022/23 CURRENT ASSETS 127,850 Bank accounts (note 6) 431 Cash in hand 5,970 Debtors (note 7) 34,251 TOTAL ASSETS 12,984 Creditors & accruals (note 8) 100.000Reserves and allocated funds (note 9) 112,984 21,267 ASSETS LESS CURRENT LIABILITIES 4,400Less: long term liability (note 10) 16,867 Represented by:- 11,965 Accumulated funds at 31stMarch 2021 (10,098 Deficit for year 1,867 --- Balance of RDA loan waived (note 10) 15,000 Transfer from reserves (note 7) 16,867 |
16,812 80,000 |
£ |
2023/24 £ 112,372 50 6,527 118,949 96,812 22,137 -------- £22,137 16,867 (19,130) (2,263) 4,400 20,000 22,137 |
|---|---|---|---|
ARROW RIDING CENTRE FOR THE DISABLED
Page 7
NOTES TO THE ACCOUNTS FOR THE YEAR ENDED 31[ST] MARCH 2024
NOTE 1 DONATIONS & SPONSORSHIPS OF £25 AND ABOVE
| 2023/24 | |||
|---|---|---|---|
| Albany | Park Chapter No 7432 | 35 | |
| Barnes | Ron & Eileen | 400 | |
| Blake | Ken & Val | 85 | |
| Baden Powell | Lodge 1907 | 500 | |
| Bramwell | Michael & Henrietta | 240 | |
| Bristow | Lynn | 120 | |
| Buttress | Alan | 50 | |
| Clark | Diane | 50 | |
| Coke-Cola | Drinks Company | 1,000 | |
| Dartford | The Mayor of Dartford`s | Charity (Cllr Paul Cutler) | 3,325 |
| Dartford | Masonic Fellowship | 349 | |
| Fox | Estate Agents - Dartford | 300 | |
| Gearly | Martin (for Rosa`s Dentistry) | 200 | |
| HASARA | Sutton-at-hone | 300 | |
| Harry`s | Maternal grandmother | 40 | |
| Honor Oak | Lodge | 250 | |
| Hunnisett | Derek and Linda | 125 | |
| Jeremy | Our mechanical horse (repairs via Kindlink) | 1,310 | |
| Kennedy | Celia | 200 | |
| LAMBARA | Longfield | 135 | |
| Lock | Jackie | 160 | |
| Long | Peter (via Kindlink - London 10 Peak Challenge) | 2,910 | |
| Long | Kirsty as above | 660 | |
| Loriners |
Worshipful Company | (via Peter Long) | 1,725 |
| Mark Masons | Benevolent Fund (for purchase of Rosa) | 7,500 | |
| MacDonald | Lodge | 130 | |
| Maison | Maurice Ltd | 600 | |
| Mannion | Michael & Mary | 7,750 |
ARR0W RIDING CENTRE FOR THE DISABLED NOTES TO THE ACCOUNTS FOR THE YEAR ENDED 31[ST] MARCH 2024 NOTE 1 DONATIONS & SPONSORSHIPS OF £25 AND ABOVE (continued)
Page 8
| Oldcorn David Parker Mrs GM Priory Chapter 5819 Radiant Star Chapter Redlibbets Golf Club Rennie Mrs JM and Miss NL Residents of Brent Lane Rosa towards dental treatment via Kindlink Saint Thomas Becket Conclave Sheldon Charlotte Sittingbourne & Milton Regis Ladies Golf Club Southfleet Independent Retirement Group Stapley Marilyn Styles Joan Sundridge Park Golf Club (via Peter Long) Walsingham Lodge No 2148 Wanstall Mike & Sally Ward Trina Whelan Mrs Elizabeth Wilmington Retirement Group Woodward Ian & Emma Write Trak Ltd Other Donations via Kindlink - towards hay, raffles etc Small sums In Memory of Aunt Zoe (Felix – via Kindlink - London 10 Peak Challenge ) Emily Campbell Mrs Ann Harris Misc donations Lewis Solomon Funeral Service TOTAL DONATIONS |
2023/24 60 50 300 500 800 1,000 291 670 400 62 50 198 270 40 3,450 335 500 40 300 206 1,000 5,200 389 40 1,525 10 20 71 £48,226 |
|---|---|
ARROW RIDING CENTRE FOR THE DISABLED Page 9 NOTES TO THE ACCOUNTS FOR THE YEAR ENDED 31[ST] MARCH 2024
NOTE 1 DONATIONS & SPONSORSHIP CONTINUED
| 2022/23 | 2023/24 | |
|---|---|---|
| Total Donations |
£44,708 | £48,226 |
| - | ||
| NOTE 2 FUNDRAISING | ||
| Carol concert, dressage, shows, events etc £ 4,733 | £ 5,158 | |
| Hiring – out our facilities | 16,468 | 19,632 |
| Collection boxes/collections | 1,690 | 346 |
| 22,891 | 25,136 | |
| Less: cost of fund raising |
1,984 |
1,671 |
| 20,907 | 23,465 | |
| NOTE 3 MISCELLANEOUS INCOME | ||
| Gift aid recovery |
£ 4,054 | £4,163 |
| Bank interest (net of chgs) | 154 | 2,859 |
| Sale of sundry items |
154 | - - |
| 4,362 | 7,022 | |
| NOTE 4 SALARIES & NIC |
||
| Salaries |
£ 100,632 | £ 112,601 |
| Employers NIC |
1,407 | 3,200 |
| Work place pension |
605 |
605 |
| 102.644 | 116,406 |
During the year we employed an average of three full-time and three part-time instructors/horse carerers Employers NIC was only payable on sums due to HMRC above £5,000 in the 2023/24 tax year. All employees are paid above the National Living Wage.
| ARROW RIDING CENTRE FOR THE DISABLED | ARROW RIDING CENTRE FOR THE DISABLED | Page 10 | ||
|---|---|---|---|---|
| NOTES TO THE ACCOUNTS FOR THE YEAR ENDED 31ST | MARCH 2024 | |||
| 2022/23 | 2023/24 | |||
| NOTE 5 SPECIAL EXPENDITURE | ||||
| Purchase of Rosa ( Bertie 22/23) | £2,200 | £7,950 | ||
| NOTE 6 BANKING | ||||
| Current account with CAF Bank Ltd | £47,850 | £32,372 | ||
| Charity Deposit account | 80,000 | 80,000 | ||
| 127,850 | 112,732 | |||
| NOTE 7 DEBTORS & REPAYMENTS | NOTE 8 CREDITORS & ACCRUALS | |||
| Gift Aid | 735 | HM Revenue & Customs 1,991 | ||
| Hire of Facilities | 1,320 | Nest pension scheme | 118 | |
| Fund raising | 280 | Marjorie Mc Clure lessons 2,053 | ||
| Electricity deposit | 1,287 | Shenstone School lessons 2,115 | ||
| Building insurance | 1,655 | Feed & Bedding | 2,581 | |
| Interest on deposit account | 1,250 | Stabling in advance | 500 | |
| Veterinary fees |
342 | |||
| £6,527 | Electricity |
1,237 | ||
| DBC |
5,875 | |||
| £16,812 | ||||
| NOTE 9 CHANGE IN RESERVES | ||||
| Transfer from reserve | (20,000) | |||
| Building fund |
20,000 | Building fund |
20,000 | |
| General Reserve | 80,000 | General Reserve |
80,000 | |
| £100,000 | £80,000 |
ARROW RIDING CENTRE FOR THE DISABLED
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NOTES TO THE ACCOUNTS FOR THE YEAR ENDED 31[ST] MARCH 2024
NOTE 10 LONG TERM LIABILITY
The RDA have very kindly agreed to write-off £4,400. Being the balance of the long term loan
OUR FINANCIAL SITUATION SINCE COVID
Deficit 2020/21 £23,603 21/22 23,946 22/23 10,098 23/24 19,130 76,777 Covid reserve created 20/21 45,243 Balance of deficit to date £ 31,534
ASSETS
Ponies & Horses at cost £29,796 (2022/23 £25,346) Saddles at yard manager`s valuation 6,000 (2022/23 £ 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
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ACCOUNTS FOR THE YEAR 1[ST] APRIL 2023 TO 31[ST] MARCH 2024
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 :-
-
1 accounting records were not kept in respect of the Trust as required by Section 130 of the Act; or
-
2 the accounts do not accord with those records; or
-
3 the accounts do not comply with the applicable requirements concerning the form and content of accounts set our in the Charities (Accounts and Reports) Regulations 2008 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.
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 20[th] May 2024
109 Coombfield Drive Darenth