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2023-03-31-accounts

THE VERA FLETCHER HALL ASSOCIATION

OFFICERS REPORT AND ACCOUNTS

FOR THE YEAR ENDED 31ST MARCH 2023

Charity No: 294070

THE VERA FLETCHER HALL ASSOCIATION

CONTENTS PAGE No:
Charity Information 1
Officers Report 2 - 3
Inspecting Accountant's Report 4
Statement of Financial Activities 5
Balance Sheet 6
Notes to the Accounts 7 - 11

Page 1

THE VERA FLETCHER HALL ASSOCIATION

Charity Information

Officers (& Charity Trustees): M Wilberforce Chairman
T Rees Secretary
S Kirby Treasurer
Charity Number: 294070
Inspecting Accountant: Robin Moon FCMA BCOMM
86 Summer Road
Thames Ditton
Surrey
KT7 0QP
Bankers: HSBC Bank plc
54 Clarence Street
Kingston Upon Thames
Surrey
KT1 1NS

Page 2

THE VERA FLETCHER HALL ASSOCIATION

OFFICERS REPORT

FOR THE YEAR ENDED 31ST MARCH 2023

The Officers present their Report and Accounts for the above year.

OFFICERS

The Officers named on Page 1 have served on the Executive Committee (unless otherwise stated) throughout the year. Appointment of Officers is governed by the Constitution. The Executive Council is authorised to appoint new Officers to fill vacancies arising through resignation or death of an existing Officer.

INVESTMENT POWERS

The Constitution authorises the Officers to make and hold investments using the General Funds of the Charity, but no such investments are presently held.

CONSTITUTION, OBJECTIVES AND POLICIES

The Association was constituted by a Constitution dated 29th January 1986, and its objective is to provide a venue for local social, recreational, educational and leisure activities.

The policy of the Association continues to be to support, sustain, encourage and house (including facilities for the disabled) a wide range of activities as listed in Note 13 on Page 11 of these Accounts. The Officers delegate the day to day responsibility for running the Hall to the Hall Manager.

DEVELOPMENT, ACTIVITIES AND ACHIEVEMENTS

The Officers consider that the performance of the Association this year (as shown on Page 5) has been satisfactory.

Your Association would not be able to provide such a wide service within the local community without the continued support of a large number of willing supporters who give their services voluntarily.

FINANCIAL REVIEW

Funds available and the current level of income generated are sufficient to permit the Association to continue its operations in the medium term.

Page 3

THE VERA FLETCHER HALL ASSOCIATION

OFFICERS REPORT

FOR THE YEAR ENDED 31ST MARCH 2023

STATEMENT OF OFFICERS RESPONSIBILITIES

The Officers listed on Page 1 (who are also the Trustees of the Charity) are required under the Constitution of the Association to prepare Financial Statements for each financial year which give a true and fair view of the state of affairs of the Association and of its results for that period. In preparing those Financial Statements the Officers are required to:

The Officers are responsible for keeping proper accounting records which disclose with reasonable accuracy at any time the financial position of the Association. They are also responsible for safeguarding the assets of the Association and hence for taking reasonable steps for the prevention and detection of fraud and other irregularities.

APPROVAL

The Report was approved by the Officers on 26th September 2023 and signed on their behalf.

M WILBERFORCE

CHAIRMAN OF THE EXECUTIVE COUNCIL

Page 4

INDEPENDENT EXAMINER'S REPORT TO THE EXECUTIVE COUNCIL OF

THE VERA FLETCHER HALL ASSOCIATION

I report on the Accounts of the Association for the year ended 31st March 2023, which are set out on Pages 5 to 11

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 43(2) of the Charities Act 1993) and that an independent examination is needed.

It is my responsibility to examine the Accounts (under section 43(3)(a) of the 1993 Act, to follow the procedures laid down in the General Directions given by the Charity Commissioners (under section 43(7)(b) of the 1993 Act) and to 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 Commissioners. 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 I do not express an audit opinion on the view given by the accounts.

Independent Examiner's Statement

In connection with my examination, no matter has come to my attention:

Robin Moon FCMA BCOMM 86 Summer Road Thames Ditton Surrey KT7 0QP

Date: 7th November 2023

Page 5

THE VERA FLETCHER HALL ASSOCIATION

STATEMENT OF FINANCIAL ACTIVITIES

FOR THE YEAR ENDED 31ST MARCH 2023

Notes
INCOME RESOURCES
Membership
Bank Interest
Hall Rental
Grants
Theatre Income
2
TOTAL INCOMING RESOURCES
RESOURCES EXPENDED
Hall Management and Running Costs
5
Cost of Theatrical and Similar activities
3
Management and Administration of the Association
4
Transfer to Sinking Fund
11
TOTAL EXPENDITURE
Net movement in Funds for the Year
Total Funds brought forward
TOTAL FUNDS CARRIED FORWARD
2023
£
0
377
33,086
5,000
2,379
40,842
39,555
3,779
1,487
5,000
49,821
-8,979
529,007
520,028
2022
£
0
14
17,820
17,267
2,043
37,144
34,128
2,447
3,812
5,000
45,387
-8,243
537,250
529,007

There were no recognised gains or losses for 2022 or 2023 other than those included in the Statement of Financial Activities.

The Notes on Pages 7 to 11 form part of these Financial Statements.

Page 6

THE VERA FLETCHER HALL ASSOCIATION

BALANCE SHEET

FOR THE YEAR ENDED 31ST MARCH 2023

Notes
FIXED ASSETS
Tangible Assets
7
Investment Property
8
CURRENT ASSETS
Debtors
9
Cash at Bank and in Hand
CURRENT LIABILITIES
10
NET CURRENT ASSETS
TOTAL ASSETS LESS CURRENT LIABILITIES
CAPITAL
Unrestricted Funds
Sinking Fund
11
£
£
£
£
18,623
27,935
430,258
430,258
448,881
458,193
6,823
4,514
163,891
161,210
170,713
165,724
1,704
2,047
169,010
163,677
617,891
621,870
520,027
529,006
97,864
92,864
617,891
621,870
2023
2022
£
£
£
£
18,623
27,935
430,258
430,258
448,881
458,193
6,823
4,514
163,891
161,210
170,713
165,724
1,704
2,047
169,010
163,677
617,891
621,870
520,027
529,006
97,864
92,864
617,891
621,870
2023
2022
170,713
1,704
621,870
529,006
92,864
621,870

Approved by the Executive Council on 26th September 2023 and signed on their behalf.

M WILBERFORCE

CHAIRMAN OF THE EXECUTIVE COUNCIL

The Notes on Pages 7 to 11 form part of these Financial Statements

Page 7

THE VERA FLETCHER HALL ASSOCIATION

NOTES TO THE ACCOUNTS

FOR THE YEAR ENDED 31ST MARCH 2023

1. ACCOUNTING POLICIES

1.1. Basis of preparation of Accounts

The Accounts are prepared under the historical cost convention and include the results of the

Association’s operation which are described in the Officers’ Report and all of which are continuing. The Accounts have been prepared in accordance with the Statement of Recommended Practice for Charity Accounts. The Association has taken advantage of the exemption in Financial Reporting Standard No. 1 from the requirements to produce a cashflow statement on the grounds that it qualifies as a Small Charity.

1.2. Tangible Fixed Assets

These represent the assets described below which are used by the Association for its own theatrical Depreciation is provided at rates calculated to write off the cost or valuation of fixed assets, less their estimated residual value, over their expected useful lives on the following basis:

Freehold Buildings Nil (see Note 9) Plant and Machinery 4 year straight line basis

1.3. Income

Membership income is accounted for as received by the Association. The income from theatrical and similar ventures is shown gross, with the associated costs included in Theatrical Costs. Bank interest is accounted for when it is credited to the account.

1.4. Value Added Tax

Value Added Tax is not recoverable by the Charity, and as such is included in the relevant costs in the Statement of Financial Activities.

1.5. Theatrical and similar Events

Expenditure comprises costs incurred in staging shows and similar events.

1.6. Management and administration expenditure

Expenditure on management and administration of the Association includes all expenditure not directly related to the rental activity or theatrical ventures.

Page 8

THE VERA FLETCHER HALL ASSOCIATION

NOTES TO THE ACCOUNTS

FOR THE YEAR ENDED 31ST MARCH 2023

2023 2022
£ £
2. THEATRICAL AND OTHER INCOME
Theatrical & Similar Events 2,379 2,043
3. THEATRICAL AND OTHER COSTS
Theatrical & Similar Events 3,779 2,447
4. ADMINISTRATION EXPENDITURE
Bank Charges 17 39
Sundry Expenses 520 2,325
Printing, Postage and Stationery 536 494
Telephone 95 86
Membership Services 0 0
Legal and Professional Fees 319 868
1,487 3,812
5. HALL MANAGEMENT AND RUNNING COSTS
Hall Management Expenses 6,850 6,187
Water 1,317 1,106
Light and Heat 4,015 2,110
Insurance 2,155 2,987
Repairs and Maintenance - Equipment 9,262 1,381
Repairs and Maintenance - Property 710 5,826
less: expenses covered by Sinking Fund 0 710 0 5,826
Cleaning and Waste Disposal 5,070 4,458
Advertising 865 255
Depreciation 9,311 9,818
Bad Debt provision 0 0
39,555 34,128
6. NET MOVEMENT IN FUNDS FOR THE YEAR
The net movement in funds for the year
is stated after charging:
Depreciation of Tangible Fixed Assets 9,311 9,818

Depreciation of Tangible Fixed Assets

Page 9

THE VERA FLETCHER HALL ASSOCIATION

NOTES TO THE ACCOUNTS

FOR THE YEAR ENDED 31ST MARCH 2023

7. TANGIBLE FIXED ASSETS

Cost
At 1st April 2022
Additions in year
At 31st March 2023
Depreciation
At 1st April 2022
Charge for the year
At 31st March 2023
Net Book Amount
At 31st March 2023
At 31st March 2022
170,717
0
170,717
142,783
9,311
152,094
£18,623
£27,934

Page 10

THE VERA FLETCHER HALL ASSOCIATION

NOTES TO THE ACCOUNTS

FOR THE YEAR ENDED 31ST MARCH 2023

8. INVESTMENT PROPERTY
At Cost
2023
2022
£
£
430,258
430,258

Statement of Recommended Practice (SORP) - Accounting for Charities, recommends that property - the Association has been created with the specific purpose of making the Hall available for - disclosure of the revaluation reserve will not serve any useful purpose - to include the property at a valuation would involve additional costs which your Officers do not consider it necessary to incur.

The effect of taking this approach is that the surplus on revaluation at any particular time will not be recognised.

No depreciation has been provided in respect of the Freehold Property. This is considered appropriate on the grounds that, in common with the hotel industry, the maintaining of the fabric and decoration of the building to a high standard of repair is considered essential to our ability to market our facilities to the community. The cost of any regular maintenance and redecoration work will be written off to the Statement of Financial Activity for the year. Any major structural work will be covered by the regular provision being made in the Sinking Fund referred to in Note 12. The deeds to the Freehold Property are vested in the "Official Custodian for Charities" on behalf of the Trustees.

Page 11

THE VERA FLETCHER HALL ASSOCIATION

NOTES TO THE ACCOUNTS

FOR THE YEAR ENDED 31ST MARCH 2023

9. DEBTORS
Debtors
Prepayments
10. CURRENT LIABILITIES
Creditors
Letting Deposits in Advance
11. SINKING FUND
Balance brought forward
Transfer from Statement of Financial Activity
Transfer to meet the cost of repairs
Accumulated Total carried forward
12. RANGE OF SERVICES ON OFFER AT THE HALL
- wide range of classes (e.g yoga, aerobics etc)
- opera, music and theatre productions
- children's activities including theatre
- community events including public meetings
Annual provision is being made towards the future costs
2023
£
4,398
2,425
6,823
1,452
252
1,704
92,864
5,000
0
97,864
2022
£
263
2,868
3,131
1,749
298
2,047
87,864
5,000
0
92,864

Hall letting details are available from the Hall Manager on 08456 528 529 (charged at local rate)

13. TRUSTEES INTEREST IN CONTRACTS WITH THE CHARITY

None

THE VERA FLETCHER HALL ASSOCIATION

OFFICERS REPORT AND ACCOUNTS

FOR THE YEAR ENDED 31ST MARCH 2023

Charity No: 294070

THE VERA FLETCHER HALL ASSOCIATION

CONTENTS PAGE No:
Charity Information 1
Officers Report 2 - 3
Inspecting Accountant's Report 4
Statement of Financial Activities 5
Balance Sheet 6
Notes to the Accounts 7 - 11

Page 1

THE VERA FLETCHER HALL ASSOCIATION

Charity Information

Officers (& Charity Trustees): M Wilberforce Chairman
T Rees Secretary
S Kirby Treasurer
Charity Number: 294070
Inspecting Accountant: Robin Moon FCMA BCOMM
86 Summer Road
Thames Ditton
Surrey
KT7 0QP
Bankers: HSBC Bank plc
54 Clarence Street
Kingston Upon Thames
Surrey
KT1 1NS

Page 2

THE VERA FLETCHER HALL ASSOCIATION

OFFICERS REPORT

FOR THE YEAR ENDED 31ST MARCH 2023

The Officers present their Report and Accounts for the above year.

OFFICERS

The Officers named on Page 1 have served on the Executive Committee (unless otherwise stated) throughout the year. Appointment of Officers is governed by the Constitution. The Executive Council is authorised to appoint new Officers to fill vacancies arising through resignation or death of an existing Officer.

INVESTMENT POWERS

The Constitution authorises the Officers to make and hold investments using the General Funds of the Charity, but no such investments are presently held.

CONSTITUTION, OBJECTIVES AND POLICIES

The Association was constituted by a Constitution dated 29th January 1986, and its objective is to provide a venue for local social, recreational, educational and leisure activities.

The policy of the Association continues to be to support, sustain, encourage and house (including facilities for the disabled) a wide range of activities as listed in Note 13 on Page 11 of these Accounts. The Officers delegate the day to day responsibility for running the Hall to the Hall Manager.

DEVELOPMENT, ACTIVITIES AND ACHIEVEMENTS

The Officers consider that the performance of the Association this year (as shown on Page 5) has been satisfactory.

Your Association would not be able to provide such a wide service within the local community without the continued support of a large number of willing supporters who give their services voluntarily.

FINANCIAL REVIEW

Funds available and the current level of income generated are sufficient to permit the Association to continue its operations in the medium term.

Page 3

THE VERA FLETCHER HALL ASSOCIATION

OFFICERS REPORT

FOR THE YEAR ENDED 31ST MARCH 2023

STATEMENT OF OFFICERS RESPONSIBILITIES

The Officers listed on Page 1 (who are also the Trustees of the Charity) are required under the Constitution of the Association to prepare Financial Statements for each financial year which give a true and fair view of the state of affairs of the Association and of its results for that period. In preparing those Financial Statements the Officers are required to:

The Officers are responsible for keeping proper accounting records which disclose with reasonable accuracy at any time the financial position of the Association. They are also responsible for safeguarding the assets of the Association and hence for taking reasonable steps for the prevention and detection of fraud and other irregularities.

APPROVAL

The Report was approved by the Officers on 26th September 2023 and signed on their behalf.

M WILBERFORCE

CHAIRMAN OF THE EXECUTIVE COUNCIL

Page 4

INDEPENDENT EXAMINER'S REPORT TO THE EXECUTIVE COUNCIL OF

THE VERA FLETCHER HALL ASSOCIATION

I report on the Accounts of the Association for the year ended 31st March 2023, which are set out on Pages 5 to 11

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 43(2) of the Charities Act 1993) and that an independent examination is needed.

It is my responsibility to examine the Accounts (under section 43(3)(a) of the 1993 Act, to follow the procedures laid down in the General Directions given by the Charity Commissioners (under section 43(7)(b) of the 1993 Act) and to 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 Commissioners. 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 I do not express an audit opinion on the view given by the accounts.

Independent Examiner's Statement

In connection with my examination, no matter has come to my attention:

Robin Moon FCMA BCOMM 86 Summer Road Thames Ditton Surrey KT7 0QP

Date: 7th November 2023

Page 5

THE VERA FLETCHER HALL ASSOCIATION

STATEMENT OF FINANCIAL ACTIVITIES

FOR THE YEAR ENDED 31ST MARCH 2023

Notes
INCOME RESOURCES
Membership
Bank Interest
Hall Rental
Grants
Theatre Income
2
TOTAL INCOMING RESOURCES
RESOURCES EXPENDED
Hall Management and Running Costs
5
Cost of Theatrical and Similar activities
3
Management and Administration of the Association
4
Transfer to Sinking Fund
11
TOTAL EXPENDITURE
Net movement in Funds for the Year
Total Funds brought forward
TOTAL FUNDS CARRIED FORWARD
2023
£
0
377
33,086
5,000
2,379
40,842
39,555
3,779
1,487
5,000
49,821
-8,979
529,007
520,028
2022
£
0
14
17,820
17,267
2,043
37,144
34,128
2,447
3,812
5,000
45,387
-8,243
537,250
529,007

There were no recognised gains or losses for 2022 or 2023 other than those included in the Statement of Financial Activities.

The Notes on Pages 7 to 11 form part of these Financial Statements.

Page 6

THE VERA FLETCHER HALL ASSOCIATION

BALANCE SHEET

FOR THE YEAR ENDED 31ST MARCH 2023

Notes
FIXED ASSETS
Tangible Assets
7
Investment Property
8
CURRENT ASSETS
Debtors
9
Cash at Bank and in Hand
CURRENT LIABILITIES
10
NET CURRENT ASSETS
TOTAL ASSETS LESS CURRENT LIABILITIES
CAPITAL
Unrestricted Funds
Sinking Fund
11
£
£
£
£
18,623
27,935
430,258
430,258
448,881
458,193
6,823
4,514
163,891
161,210
170,713
165,724
1,704
2,047
169,010
163,677
617,891
621,870
520,027
529,006
97,864
92,864
617,891
621,870
2023
2022
£
£
£
£
18,623
27,935
430,258
430,258
448,881
458,193
6,823
4,514
163,891
161,210
170,713
165,724
1,704
2,047
169,010
163,677
617,891
621,870
520,027
529,006
97,864
92,864
617,891
621,870
2023
2022
170,713
1,704
621,870
529,006
92,864
621,870

Approved by the Executive Council on 26th September 2023 and signed on their behalf.

M WILBERFORCE

CHAIRMAN OF THE EXECUTIVE COUNCIL

The Notes on Pages 7 to 11 form part of these Financial Statements

Page 7

THE VERA FLETCHER HALL ASSOCIATION

NOTES TO THE ACCOUNTS

FOR THE YEAR ENDED 31ST MARCH 2023

1. ACCOUNTING POLICIES

1.1. Basis of preparation of Accounts

The Accounts are prepared under the historical cost convention and include the results of the

Association’s operation which are described in the Officers’ Report and all of which are continuing. The Accounts have been prepared in accordance with the Statement of Recommended Practice for Charity Accounts. The Association has taken advantage of the exemption in Financial Reporting Standard No. 1 from the requirements to produce a cashflow statement on the grounds that it qualifies as a Small Charity.

1.2. Tangible Fixed Assets

These represent the assets described below which are used by the Association for its own theatrical Depreciation is provided at rates calculated to write off the cost or valuation of fixed assets, less their estimated residual value, over their expected useful lives on the following basis:

Freehold Buildings Nil (see Note 9) Plant and Machinery 4 year straight line basis

1.3. Income

Membership income is accounted for as received by the Association. The income from theatrical and similar ventures is shown gross, with the associated costs included in Theatrical Costs. Bank interest is accounted for when it is credited to the account.

1.4. Value Added Tax

Value Added Tax is not recoverable by the Charity, and as such is included in the relevant costs in the Statement of Financial Activities.

1.5. Theatrical and similar Events

Expenditure comprises costs incurred in staging shows and similar events.

1.6. Management and administration expenditure

Expenditure on management and administration of the Association includes all expenditure not directly related to the rental activity or theatrical ventures.

Page 8

THE VERA FLETCHER HALL ASSOCIATION

NOTES TO THE ACCOUNTS

FOR THE YEAR ENDED 31ST MARCH 2023

2023 2022
£ £
2. THEATRICAL AND OTHER INCOME
Theatrical & Similar Events 2,379 2,043
3. THEATRICAL AND OTHER COSTS
Theatrical & Similar Events 3,779 2,447
4. ADMINISTRATION EXPENDITURE
Bank Charges 17 39
Sundry Expenses 520 2,325
Printing, Postage and Stationery 536 494
Telephone 95 86
Membership Services 0 0
Legal and Professional Fees 319 868
1,487 3,812
5. HALL MANAGEMENT AND RUNNING COSTS
Hall Management Expenses 6,850 6,187
Water 1,317 1,106
Light and Heat 4,015 2,110
Insurance 2,155 2,987
Repairs and Maintenance - Equipment 9,262 1,381
Repairs and Maintenance - Property 710 5,826
less: expenses covered by Sinking Fund 0 710 0 5,826
Cleaning and Waste Disposal 5,070 4,458
Advertising 865 255
Depreciation 9,311 9,818
Bad Debt provision 0 0
39,555 34,128
6. NET MOVEMENT IN FUNDS FOR THE YEAR
The net movement in funds for the year
is stated after charging:
Depreciation of Tangible Fixed Assets 9,311 9,818

Depreciation of Tangible Fixed Assets

Page 9

THE VERA FLETCHER HALL ASSOCIATION

NOTES TO THE ACCOUNTS

FOR THE YEAR ENDED 31ST MARCH 2023

7. TANGIBLE FIXED ASSETS

Cost
At 1st April 2022
Additions in year
At 31st March 2023
Depreciation
At 1st April 2022
Charge for the year
At 31st March 2023
Net Book Amount
At 31st March 2023
At 31st March 2022
170,717
0
170,717
142,783
9,311
152,094
£18,623
£27,934

Page 10

THE VERA FLETCHER HALL ASSOCIATION

NOTES TO THE ACCOUNTS

FOR THE YEAR ENDED 31ST MARCH 2023

8. INVESTMENT PROPERTY
At Cost
2023
2022
£
£
430,258
430,258

Statement of Recommended Practice (SORP) - Accounting for Charities, recommends that property - the Association has been created with the specific purpose of making the Hall available for - disclosure of the revaluation reserve will not serve any useful purpose - to include the property at a valuation would involve additional costs which your Officers do not consider it necessary to incur.

The effect of taking this approach is that the surplus on revaluation at any particular time will not be recognised.

No depreciation has been provided in respect of the Freehold Property. This is considered appropriate on the grounds that, in common with the hotel industry, the maintaining of the fabric and decoration of the building to a high standard of repair is considered essential to our ability to market our facilities to the community. The cost of any regular maintenance and redecoration work will be written off to the Statement of Financial Activity for the year. Any major structural work will be covered by the regular provision being made in the Sinking Fund referred to in Note 12. The deeds to the Freehold Property are vested in the "Official Custodian for Charities" on behalf of the Trustees.

Page 11

THE VERA FLETCHER HALL ASSOCIATION

NOTES TO THE ACCOUNTS

FOR THE YEAR ENDED 31ST MARCH 2023

9. DEBTORS
Debtors
Prepayments
10. CURRENT LIABILITIES
Creditors
Letting Deposits in Advance
11. SINKING FUND
Balance brought forward
Transfer from Statement of Financial Activity
Transfer to meet the cost of repairs
Accumulated Total carried forward
12. RANGE OF SERVICES ON OFFER AT THE HALL
- wide range of classes (e.g yoga, aerobics etc)
- opera, music and theatre productions
- children's activities including theatre
- community events including public meetings
Annual provision is being made towards the future costs
2023
£
4,398
2,425
6,823
1,452
252
1,704
92,864
5,000
0
97,864
2022
£
263
2,868
3,131
1,749
298
2,047
87,864
5,000
0
92,864

Hall letting details are available from the Hall Manager on 08456 528 529 (charged at local rate)

13. TRUSTEES INTEREST IN CONTRACTS WITH THE CHARITY

None

Report of the Council of

The Vera Fletcher Hall Association for the Year ending 31 March 2023

Introduction

When the Vera Fletcher Hall was radically refurbished and extended over thirty years ago and the Association was established, its aim was to provide high quality facilities for a wide range of activities for the benefit of the local community. There have been changes and shifts in emphasis over the years, but I am pleased to report that the Hall continues to fulfil these original aims.

Activities

Although by the beginning of the year under review, April 2022, the day to day restrictions were largely behind us nationally, the impact of the pandemic was still evident. Whilst the lettings side, the hiring out of the Hall for exercise classes and private functions, recovered to almost prepandemic levels, the theatre side has proved to be much more difficult to get going again.

We had had a few performances programmed for the Autumn of 2022, but these had to be cancelled through lack of demand for tickets, not helped by the unexpected temporary rise in the incidence of Covid. By this time, Giles Shenton, who had been employed to organise and manage the theatrical activities a year previously, suddenly resigned his responsibilities, leaving the committee with a number of problems and loose ends to sort out. Having previously found it impossible to find a volunteer to take charge of the theatre, the Committee resolved to look again for someone to do it on a paid basis.

Thanks to input and introductions from Committee member Hermione Delamere and Hall supporter Tricia Bland, Alice Saywell was approached and agreed to take on the role in October 2022. Despite Alice and the Committee’s best efforts, it has proved nevertheless difficult to attract patrons and sell tickets for our events. Whether people’s habits and attitudes have changed because of and during the pandemic and whether the general squeeze on disposable incomes is to blame, it is hard to say. Anecdotal evidence suggests that even the professional theatre is finding it difficult. In view of the foregoing, the continued support of the RC Sherriff Trust is of course particularly valued.

Thanks to a grant from Surrey County Council through our local County Councillor for the Dittons, Nick Darby, a defibrillator was purchased and mounted on the front of the building in June 2022 to be visible from the public road. This is registered and linked up with the local ambulance service.

Fabric and Equipment

We did not have any major planned maintenance on the building this year and therefore did not need to close it during the summer break. There were a number of repairs and replacements necessary as usual. Unfortunately one of these was the need to replace the motor and controls for the stage curtains in February 2023. This was wholly unexpected and expensive and accounts for a large part of our maintenance expenditure on equipment.

As usual we are indebted to our Honorary Surveyor, Neil Russell, for organising and supervising the work carried out on the Hall.

Annual Officers’ Report and Accounts

Our Honorary Treasurer, Steve Kirby, will present the Accounts and answer any questions at the AGM, but for the record it would be appropriate to include a few comments in this Report.

The Hall rental income was well up as I mentioned earlier, and almost double the previous Covid impacted year, as was to be expected, but of course there were no pandemic related grants, just the very welcome RC Sherriff Trust £5,000.

In the Notes to the Accounts on page 8, the Repairs & Maintenance to Equipment is largely due to the stage curtains motor, but we had less general maintenance. The increase in light and heat reflected more usage and the higher unit costs, of course.

As ever, our thanks are due to Steve Kirby, our Honorary Treasurer, for his careful husbandry of our finances and to particularly acknowledge the time and patience which he has expended in dealing with the problems the UK banking industry seems to put in the way of voluntary organisations such as ours.

The Officers and Committee wish to again thank Robin Moon, our Honorary Inspecting Accountant, for checking and reporting on our Accounts.

Officers, Committee and Volunteers

For the record, the Officers and Committee serving during the year were myself as Chairman, Tom Rees as Hon. Secretary and Steve Kirby as Hon. Treasurer. On the Committee were Neil Russell our Hon. Surveyor and Hermione Delamere, who brings a wealth of experience to the Committee and helps us in many ways. Alice Saywell joined the Committee in October, as mentioned earlier, together with Michael Hunter whose legal and general advice are much valued. In thanking them for their contributions, I would also like to mention David Huddart’s help with the theatre’s technical equipment and last but by no means least, I wish to acknowledge Amelia Craft’s role as Hall Manager, where she keeps the Hall running on a day to day basis, often going beyond her prescribed responsibilities when problems arise.

Without these people and the volunteers who help at our events, the Association could not run the Hall for the benefit of the community.

Martin Wilberforce, Chairman

November 2023