2024-12-31-accounts

Chair report April 2025

It is my privilege to present this report as the Chairperson, reflecting on the achievements and challenges of the past year and outlining our vision for the future.

Review of the past year

The past year has been a highly successful and eventful one for our village hall and playing field. We have continued to grow and engage the community through various activities and improvements.

Key achievements this year include:

• Fireworks Event: Our annual fireworks event was a tremendous success, attracting 1,000 attendees and raising an impressive £7,000 for the hall and playing field.

• New events: We introduced a Wine Tasting Night , which was well received and added variety to our social calendar.

• Quiz nights: We hosted two successful quiz nights , which were both entertaining and great fundraisers.

• Regular pub nights: Our monthly pub nights continue to be a staple in the community, fostering social connections and local engagement.

• Increased hall bookings: The hall bookings have increased significantly over the last year, demonstrating that the hall represents excellent value for money and is truly appreciated as a community asset .

• Our popular and valued coffee mornings : Our coffee mornings continue to be popular and benefit from many regular attendees who value its existence.

• Complete review and update of charity governance and policies

Infrastructure improvements

This year has also seen major developments in our facilities:

• Full hall refurbishment: The village hall has undergone a full refurbishment , enhancing its usability and appeal.

• New sewage system: A new sewage system has been installed, which will be transformational in ensuring modern and sustainable facilities for years to come.

Challenges and lessons learned

While we celebrate our successes, we recognise that maintaining and improving our facilities requires ongoing commitment. We are continuously exploring ways to increase engagement, funding, and community involvement to ensure the longevity of our village hall and playing field.

It is becoming increasingly more difficult to attract volunteers who are willing to commit time and effort to our fundraising activities, which significantly impacts on the number of events we are able to offer. By highlighting our successes, we are hoping to be able to engage more volunteers and therefore expand our social events calendar.

Furthermore, the current economic climate and the cost-of-living crisis presents us with ongoing challenges for our fundraising efforts.

Vision for the future

Looking ahead, we have exciting plans, including:

• Expanding our social calendar with more diverse events , alongside maintaining our regular ones .

• Continuing to improve our facilities, with a key focus on replacing the pavilion in the next few years and maintaining our popular playground.

• Strengthening community involvement and financial sustainability to support future projects.

Acknowledgments

I would like to extend my sincere gratitude to:

• The Committee for their hard work and dedication. We are a very small committee, and each member has worked tirelessly towards our success.

• Our volunteers and supporters, without whom these events would not be possible.

• The local community for their continued participation and enthusiasm.

• Our sponsors who contributed significantly towards the success of our fireworks night.

• Wethersfield Parish Council and Braintree District Council for their ongoing financial support through funds and grants.

Conclusion

As we move forward, I am confident that with collective effort and dedication, Blackmore End Village Hall and Playing Field will continue to thrive as a hub for our community. Thank you all for your support, and I look forward to another fantastic year ahead.

Creat S January 2025 Report Date 31 December 2024 BLACKMORE END VILLAGE HALL Balance Sheot IAII values reported In GBP) Fixed Assets Total Fixed Assets 0.00 Current Assets 1100 Debtors Control Account 1200 Current Account 1210 Bank Reserve Ac¢ounl 1230 Petty Cash 120.00 1,291.80 28,032.98 47.00 Total Current Assets Current Liabilities Totsl CUr￿nt Liabilities NET CUr￿nt Assets Total Assets lass Current Liabilities L9.491.7 Long Term Liabilities Totsl Long Term Liabilities NET Assets Capital and Reserves P&LAccount 29,491.78 Total Capital and Reserrfe5

Shelley Boydell 15 The Paddocks, Bures, C08 5DF 07801492312 [e-mail] Bsc (hons) Psych, CILCA 23" Aprll 2025 Dear Blackmore End Village Hall Committee Members, Small Charity Audit for Blackmore End Village Hall Charity Registration Number: 301255 I trust this letter finds you well. l am pleased to present the results of the internal audit conducted on the financial records of Blackmore End Village Hall for the period ending 31st December 2024. Following a thorough examination, l am pleased to report that the audit has been concluded with limited assurance. This means that there is nothing to suggest that the accounts do not present a true and fair view of the financial affairs of the Village Hall. The financial records continue to be maintained with a high degree of accuracy and integrity, which is commendable. I would like to acknowledge the Committee's positive response to the suggestions made in the previous audit cycle. Of particular note is the implementation of a struclured financial controls framework, which has contributed to enhanced transparency and strengthened financial oversighl. In addition. the Village Hall Committee has reviewed several core governance policies.. Internal Conlrols Finance Policy Trustees Expenses Policy Safeguarding Policy Risk Management Policy Conflict of Interest Policy. Financial Reserves Policy By undertaking these reviews, the Committee has demonstrated a proactive approach to governan￿, compliance. and risk management. l encourage the Committee to revisit these

Shelley Boydell 15 The Paddocks, Bures, C08 5DF 07801492312 [e-mail] Bsc (hons) Psych, CILCA policies annually to ensure they remain effective and compliant with evolving guidance and operational needs. One matter for further altention is Ihe appointment of a safeguarding lead, which has not yet been formalised in the current Safeguarding Policy. It is recommended that a named individual is assigned this responsibility in the near future as per the policy. This addition will strengthen your safeguarding practice and demonstrate compliance with regulatory standards. I commend your efforts lo ensure sound governance and financial practices and remain available for any questions or support you may need in continuing these improvements. If you require any further assistance or have any questions regarding the audit findings, policy implementations, or governance best practices, please do not hesitate to contact me. Yours sin￿rely, Shelley Boydell

Shelley Boydell 15 The Paddocks, Bures, C08 5DF 07801492312 [e-mail] Bsc (hons) Psych, CILCA Income and Expendlture Report Blackmore End viitsge Hall Charlty Registratlon Number: 301255 For Perlod: 0110112024to 3111212024 Income: General Sales Hall Hire- General Hall Hire- Clubs Rental Income Pub Night Income General Committee Activities Interest Earned Grants 20.00 1,975.00 1,968.00 7,800.00 1,791.26 351.00 343.24 38,845.00 53,093.50 Total". Expenses: General Purchases Miscellaneous Purchases Pub Night Costs Water- Hall Hall Everyday Hall Maintenance Hall Fabric Work Village Hall Flat Miscellaneous Expenses Electricity Audit and Accountancy Fees Insurance 95.00 32.668.38 1.360.88 287.29 1.834.88 1.164.99 1.930.90 1.600.00 1.344.00 950.99 150.00 1,234.68 44621.99 Total: Total Surplus: ,471.51 Balance Sheet Year End 2023 Year End 2024 CurrentAccount 3.613.53 17.359.74 47.00 1,508.39 28,032.98 47.00 Reserves Account Petty Cash Debtors 120.00 Creditors 216.59 Total: 21,020.27 29,491.78 Reconciliation 8A71.51 I have carried out a limited assurance audit and the accounts are a true reflection of the stale of the financial affairs of Blackmore End Village Hall. Shelley Boydell