REGISTERED CHARITY NUMBER: 302684
REPORT OF THE TRUSTEES AND UNAUDITED FINANCIAL STATEMENTS FOR THE YEAR ENDED 31 MARCH 2026
FOR
BIDDENDEN VILLAGE HALLS AND SPORTS COMMITTEE
Gibbons Mannington & Phipps LLP Chartered Accountants 82 High Street Tenterden Kent TN30 6JG
BIDDENDEN VILLAGE HALLS AND SPORTS COMMITTEE
CONTENTS OF THE FINANCIAL STATEMENTS FOR THE YEAR ENDED 31 MARCH 2026
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Report of the Trustees 1 to 4
Independent Examiner's Report 5
Statement of Financial Activities 6
Balance Sheet 7
Notes to the Financial Statements 8 to 14
Detailed Statement of Financial Activities 15
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BIDDENDEN VILLAGE HALLS AND SPORTS COMMITTEE
REPORT OF THE TRUSTEES FOR THE YEAR ENDED 31 MARCH 2026
The trustees present their report with the financial statements of the charity for the year ended 31 March 2026. The trustees have adopted the provisions of 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
When planning its activities the charity keeps in mind the Charity Commission's guidance on public benefit.
The object of the charity is the provision and maintenance of the two village halls and various sports facilities for the use of the Parish of Biddenden including use for meetings, lectures and classes and for other forms of recreation and leisure-time occupation.
Public benefit
As a Charitable Trust, the Trustees have an obligation to the local community to provide a public benefit and this obligation is paramount in the management of the Hall and Sports facilities under their management. The Trustees aim to maintain the facilities to a good standard, and hold letting rates down as long as possible, taking account of the cash reserves policy. By their actions the Trustees feel that they are complying with their duty to provide public benefit in accordance with the guidance given by the Charity Commission. They continue to explore other ways of providing the required benefits.
Significant activities
The halls, changing rooms and rifle range are rented out to twenty clubs and groups on a regular basis, as well as being used for private functions. The bowling green, squash courts, and tennis courts are rented out to the clubs on longer term rental agreements. Rental agreements are in place for the six years from 1 April 2020 to 4 May 2026. These allow users access to the facilities subject to agreement with BVHSC and payment of rent. VHSC leases the bowling green, squash courts and pavilion and the tennis courts from Biddenden Parish Council. These leases all expire on 5th May 2026.
ACHIEVEMENTS AND PERFORMANCE
Financial summary
VHSC had an operating surplus of £7,721 for the year (2025, £4,050).
During the year halls rents received were £27,299 (2025, £22,222). The increase reflects a 5% increase in rental charges, and greater activity.
VHSC received the following donations towards the Boiler and Kitchen project:
| Tractorfest ABC Member Grant Scheme KCC Member Grant Scheme Kent Community Foundation |
£1,000 £1,000 £2,000 £1,000 |
|---|---|
| £5,000 |
These funds are held as restricted reserves as the Boiler and Kitchen project will be implemented during 2025/6.
FINANCIAL REVIEW
Investment policy and objectives
The trustees have the power to invest is such assets as they see fit.
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BIDDENDEN VILLAGE HALLS AND SPORTS COMMITTEE
REPORT OF THE TRUSTEES FOR THE YEAR ENDED 31 MARCH 2026
FINANCIAL REVIEW
Reserves policy
Unrestricted funds carried forward amount to £44,135, with a further £35,221 being held for repair and maintenance work on the bowls, squash and tennis facilities. These funds will be used to fund both routine maintenance and larger repair projects such as resurfacing the tennis courts.
The trustees regularly monitor reserves and endeavour to ensure that sufficient funds are available for current operating expenses and other expenditure specifically identified.
STRUCTURE, GOVERNANCE AND MANAGEMENT
Governing document
The charity is controlled by its governing document, a deed of gift dated 6 January 1908, and rules and regulations made and passed on 26 November 1964, as amended by scheme of 3 December 1997. The charity constitutes an unincorporated charity.
Recruitment and appointment of new trustees
Interested clubs and societies from the village are encouraged to have representatives on the Committee, together with village representatives willing to put themselves forward.
Appointments are approved by the Committee.
Decision making
At the periodic trustees' meetings, the trustees agree the broad strategy and areas of activity for the Trust, including consideration of income and expenditure, reserves and risk management policies and performance. The Trust's policies as regards to Safeguarding, Health and Safety, Environment, Risk Management, Privacy, and Data Protection are reviewed and agreed annually.
All trustees give of their time freely and no trustee remuneration was paid in the year. Details of trustee expenses and related party transactions are disclosed in notes 5 and 12 to the accounts.
The trustees hold four regular meetings a year, and ad hoc meetings as and when required. The following officers were elected following the 2025 AGM held on 3rd September 2025:
Tom Lupton Chair Jerry Slinn Vice Chair Jo Piper Secretary and Safedguarding Officer Chris Watts Treasurer David Stone Health and Safety Office
Mrs Elizabeth Rickwood will be stepping down as a trustee at the 2026 AGM having served on the committee for many years.
Mark Boggis resigned on 16th January 2026.
Tom White and Chris Watts were elected to the committee on 3rd September 2025. Stephen Wells was appointed to the committee on 13th November 2025.
Mrs Felicity Brockman continued in her role of day-to-day management of the Halls as caretaker and looking after bookings.
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BIDDENDEN VILLAGE HALLS AND SPORTS COMMITTEE
REPORT OF THE TRUSTEES FOR THE YEAR ENDED 31 MARCH 2026
STRUCTURE, GOVERNANCE AND MANAGEMENT
Induction and training of new trustees
New trustees are given an introductory pack detailing the responsibilities of trustees. On appointment, new trustees sign a trustee declaration statement committing them to giving of their time and expertise. The welcome pack includes a copy of the governing Trust Deed, trustee board and sub-committee minutes, a copy of the last years 'annual reports and accounts', and a copy of the Charity Commission's guidance 'The Essential Trustee: What You Need to Know' and Public Benefit: running a charity' and are required to sign their acceptance of the provisions of the Data Protection Policy.
New trustees are usually representing local interest groups, and therefore training as a Committee member is through attendance at meetings. Committee members are encouraged to attend training sessions organised by Action for Communities in Rural Kent.
Risk Assessment
During the year a risk assessment for the charity was carried out. This reviewed all the identified risks the charity was exposed to.
In respect of children and other vulnerable persons or groups the charity has a Safeguarding Policy in place. This ensures, where relevant, that the bodies or persons which use the facilities under its management have adequate measures in place to keep them from harm and abuse.
In other respects, the trustees are conscious of the importance of compliance and take such steps as are necessary to avoid failure to do so.
A long-term risk is that the halls and sports facilities are well used, and that the rental income generated is enough to cover routine repairs and maintenance costs. Activities to increase use of the facilities include the use of the website and working with user groups to implement the Long-Term Improvement and Development Plan. The Committee recognises that any major improvement work will depend on obtaining grant finance.
Utility costs remain a concern. During the year the following measures were taken at the halls to reduce consumption: a programmable control system was installed, and the halls doors draught proofed.
No serious incident or other such matter occurred during the year that should have been brought to the attention of the Charity Commission.
Long Term Improvement and Development Programme (LTIDP)
In addition to routine maintenance work at all the facilities the following LTIDP projects were implemented in 2025/26:
Squash Club - CCTV Tennis Club - New Floodlights
Health and Safety
The charity has a health and safety policy, and health and safety is discussed at all BVHSC meetings. Routine electrical, fire and general inspections are carried out and recorded.
REFERENCE AND ADMINISTRATIVE DETAILS Registered Charity number
302684
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BIDDENDEN VILLAGE HALLS AND SPORTS COMMITTEE
REPORT OF THE TRUSTEES FOR THE YEAR ENDED 31 MARCH 2026
Principal address Biddenden Village Hall Tenterden Road Biddenden Kent TN27 8BB Trustees T Lupton J Slinn Mrs M Farris Mrs E Rickwood Mrs L Lidgett H Richards Mrs J Oatway Y Shah (resigned 3/9/2025) Mrs J Piper D Falzani K Simmons D P Harrop D J Stone Mrs T Aikman G Down R C Ewence (appointed 24/4/2025) G Knight (resigned 3/9/2025) M Boggis (resigned 16/1/2026) S C Wells (appointed 13/11/2025) C J Watts (appointed 3/9/2025)
Independent Examiner
Gibbons Mannington & Phipps LLP Chartered Accountants 82 High Street Tenterden Kent TN30 6JG
THANKS
VHSC is most grateful for the co-operation and support it gets from its users.
I would like to record thanks to the Officers and Committee for their support over the last 12 months.
Approved by order of the board of trustees on 14 August 2026 and signed on its behalf by:
T Lupton - Trustee
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INDEPENDENT EXAMINER'S REPORT TO THE TRUSTEES OF BIDDENDEN VILLAGE HALLS AND SPORTS COMMITTEE
Independent examiner's report to the trustees of Biddenden Village Halls and Sports Committee
I report to the charity trustees on my examination of the accounts of Biddenden Village Halls and Sports Committee (the Trust) for the year ended 31 March 2026.
Responsibilities and basis of report
As the charity trustees of the Trust you are responsible for the preparation of the accounts in accordance with the requirements of the Charities Act 2011 ('the Act').
I report in respect of my examination of the Trust's accounts carried out under Section 145 of the Act and in carrying out my examination I have followed all 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:
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accounting records were not kept in respect of the Trust as required by Section 130 of the Act; or
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the accounts do not accord with those records; or
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the accounts do not comply with the applicable requirements concerning the form and content of accounts set out 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.
Mr David Ashby FCCA ACA
Gibbons Mannington & Phipps LLP Chartered Accountants 82 High Street Tenterden Kent TN30 6JG
20 August 2026
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BIDDENDEN VILLAGE HALLS AND SPORTS COMMITTEE
STATEMENT OF FINANCIAL ACTIVITIES FOR THE YEAR ENDED 31 MARCH 2026
| Unrestricted Restricted fund funds Notes £ £ INCOME AND ENDOWMENTS FROM Donations and grants - 5,000 Charitable activities Property & halls management 35,092 - Bowls Club - 248 Squash Club - 3,043 Tennis Club - 2,573 Investment income 3 911 - Total 36,003 10,864 EXPENDITURE ON Charitable activities Property & halls management 34,304 - Bowls Club - 852 Squash Club - 3,126 Tennis Club - 864 Total 34,304 4,842 NET INCOME 1,699 6,022 RECONCILIATION OF FUNDS Total funds brought forward 42,436 29,199 TOTAL FUNDS CARRIED FORWARD 44,135 35,221 |
2026 Total funds £ 5,000 35,092 248 3,043 2,573 911 46,867 34,304 852 3,126 864 39,146 7,721 71,635 79,356 |
2025 Total funds £ 249 30,193 962 2,955 2,498 1,260 38,117 32,168 - 1,899 - 34,067 4,050 67,585 71,635 |
|---|---|---|
The notes form part of these financial statements
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BIDDENDEN VILLAGE HALLS AND SPORTS COMMITTEE
BALANCE SHEET 31 MARCH 2026
| Unrestricted Restricted fund funds Notes £ £ FIXED ASSETS Tangible assets 7 9,853 - CURRENT ASSETS Debtors 8 3,494 - Cash at bank 32,501 35,221 35,995 35,221 CREDITORS Amounts falling due within one year 9 (1,713) - NET CURRENT ASSETS 34,282 35,221 TOTAL ASSETS LESS CURRENT LIABILITIES 44,135 35,221 NET ASSETS 44,135 35,221 FUNDS 10 Unrestricted funds Restricted funds TOTAL FUNDS |
2026 Total funds £ 9,853 3,494 67,722 71,216 (1,713) 69,503 79,356 79,356 44,135 35,221 79,356 |
2025 Total funds £ 10,371 5,826 57,083 62,909 (1,645) 61,264 71,635 71,635 42,436 29,199 71,635 |
|---|---|---|
The financial statements were approved by the Board of Trustees and authorised for issue on 19 August 2026 and were signed on its behalf by:
T Lupton - Trustee
C J Watts - Trustee
The notes form part of these financial statements
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BIDDENDEN VILLAGE HALLS AND SPORTS COMMITTEE
NOTES TO THE FINANCIAL STATEMENTS FOR THE YEAR ENDED 31 MARCH 2026
1. STATUTORY INFORMATION
Biddenden Village Halls and Sports Committee is an unincorporated charity, registered with the Charity Commission for England and Wales. The charity's registered number and principal office address can be found in the reference and administrative details in the Report of the Trustees.
2. ACCOUNTING POLICIES
Basis of preparing the financial statements
The financial statements of the charity, which is a public benefit entity under FRS 102, have been prepared in accordance with the Charities SORP (FRS 102) '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)', Financial Reporting Standard 102 'The Financial Reporting Standard applicable in the UK and Republic of Ireland' and the Charities Act 2011. The financial statements have been prepared under the historical cost convention.
Income
All income is recognised in the Statement of Financial Activities once the charity has entitlement to the funds, it is probable that the income will be received and the amount can be measured reliably.
No amounts are included in these accounts for the services donated by volunteers.
Income from the hire of halls and rents and contributions to utilities and repairs from Sports Clubs is accounted for in the period in which it arises.
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.
Expenditure represents the costs of maintaining the property and furthering the objects of the charity.
The charity is not registered for VAT and consequently all costs include VAT where applicable.
Tangible fixed assets
Depreciation is provided at the following annual rates in order to write off each asset over its estimated useful life.
Buildings & improvements
5% on reducing balance
Taxation
The charity is exempt from tax on its charitable activities.
Fund accounting
Unrestricted funds can be used in accordance with the charitable objectives at the discretion of the trustees.
Designated funds represent unrestricted funds that have been set aside by the trustees for a particular future purpose.
continued...
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NOTES TO THE FINANCIAL STATEMENTS - continued FOR THE YEAR ENDED 31 MARCH 2026
BIDDENDEN VILLAGE HALLS AND SPORTS COMMITTEE
2. ACCOUNTING POLICIES - continued
Fund accounting
Restricted funds can only be used for particular restricted purposes within the objects of the charity. Restrictions arise when specified by the donor or when funds are raised for particular restricted purposes.
Further explanation of the nature and purpose of each fund is included in the notes to the financial statements.
Grant income recognition
Grant income has been recognised under the performance model.
Grants that do not specify any future performance-related conditions are recorded when the grant proceeds are received or receivable. Any grant that imposes specified future performance-related conditions is recognised only when the performance-related conditions are met. Grants received before the revenue recognition criteria are satisfied are recognised as a liability
3.
INVESTMENT INCOME
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|---|---|---|
|2026|2025|
|£|£|
|Deposit account interest|911|1,260|
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4. TRUSTEES' REMUNERATION AND BENEFITS
There were no trustees' remuneration or other benefits for the year ended 31 March 2026 nor for the year ended 31 March 2025.
Trustees' expenses
There were no trustees' expenses paid for the year ended 31 March 2026 nor for the year ended 31 March 2025.
5. STAFF COSTS
The average monthly number of employees during the year was as follows:
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|---|---|---|
|2026|2025|
|Bookings and administration|1|1|
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No employees received emoluments in excess of £60,000.
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BIDDENDEN VILLAGE HALLS AND SPORTS COMMITTEE
NOTES TO THE FINANCIAL STATEMENTS - continued FOR THE YEAR ENDED 31 MARCH 2026
| 6. COMPARATIVES FOR THE STATEMENT OF FINANCIAL ACTIVITIES Unrestricted Restricted fund funds £ £ INCOME AND ENDOWMENTS FROM Donations and grants 249 - Charitable activities Property & halls management 30,193 - Bowls Club - 962 Squash Club - 2,955 Tennis Club - 2,498 Investment income 1,260 - Total 31,702 6,415 EXPENDITURE ON Charitable activities Property & halls management 32,168 - Squash Club - 1,899 Total 32,168 1,899 NET INCOME/(EXPENDITURE) (466) 4,516 RECONCILIATION OF FUNDS Total funds brought forward 42,902 24,683 TOTAL FUNDS CARRIED FORWARD 42,436 29,199 |
Total funds £ 249 30,193 962 2,955 2,498 1,260 38,117 32,168 1,899 34,067 4,050 67,585 71,635 |
|---|---|
The information shown above reflects the prior year comparatives figures split between Unrestricted and Restricted Funds for the amounts shown on the Statement of Financial Activities on page 6.
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BIDDENDEN VILLAGE HALLS AND SPORTS COMMITTEE
NOTES TO THE FINANCIAL STATEMENTS - continued FOR THE YEAR ENDED 31 MARCH 2026
7. TANGIBLE FIXED ASSETS
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|---|---|
|Buildings|
|& improvem|
|£|
|COST|
|At 1 April 2025 and 31 March 2026|39,028|
|DEPRECIATION|
|At 1 April 2025|28,657|
|Charge for year|518|
|At 31 March 2026|29,175|
|NET BOOK VALUE|
|At 31 March 2026|9,853|
|At 31 March 2025|10,371|
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The freehold land owned by the charity was acquired as a gift more than 20 years ago and therefore has no cost. This comprises the original Village Hall and the new Village Hall. The insured value of the buildings is in the region of £730,000.
The Pavilion (Changing Rooms and Squash Courts) and the Tennis Courts, are subject to leases dated 4 August 1997 running to 5 May 2026, renewable for a further 21 years thereinafter. The rent is 5pence per annum, if demanded.
The Bowls facilities are subject to a lease dated 10 August 1999 and running to 5 May 2026, renewable for a further 21 years thereinafter. The rent is 5pence per annum, if demanded.
8. DEBTORS: AMOUNTS FALLING DUE WITHIN ONE YEAR
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|---|---|---|
|2026|2025|
|£|£|
|Other debtors|3,494|5,826|
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BIDDENDEN VILLAGE HALLS AND SPORTS COMMITTEE
NOTES TO THE FINANCIAL STATEMENTS - continued FOR THE YEAR ENDED 31 MARCH 2026
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9. CREDITORS: AMOUNTS FALLING DUE WITHIN ONE YEAR
2026 2025
£ £
Other creditors 1,713 1,645
10. MOVEMENT IN FUNDS
Net
movement At
At 1/4/25 in funds 31/3/26
£ £ £
Unrestricted funds
General fund 42,436 1,699 44,135
Restricted funds
Tennis Club 15,224 1,709 16,933
Squash Club 12,461 (83) 12,378
Bowls Club 1,514 (604) 910
-
Boiler and Kitchen Project 5,000 5,000
29,199 6,022 35,221
TOTAL FUNDS 71,635 7,721 79,356
Net movement in funds, included in the above are as follows:
Incoming Resources Movement
resources expended in funds
£ £ £
Unrestricted funds
General fund 36,003 (34,304) 1,699
Restricted funds
Tennis Club 2,573 (864) 1,709
Squash Club 3,043 (3,126) (83)
Bowls Club 248 (852) (604)
-
Boiler and Kitchen Project 5,000 5,000
10,864 (4,842) 6,022
TOTAL FUNDS 46,867 (39,146) 7,721
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BIDDENDEN VILLAGE HALLS AND SPORTS COMMITTEE
NOTES TO THE FINANCIAL STATEMENTS - continued FOR THE YEAR ENDED 31 MARCH 2026
10. MOVEMENT IN FUNDS - continued
Comparatives for movement in funds
| At 1/4/24 £ Unrestricted funds General fund 42,902 Restricted funds Tennis Club 12,727 Squash Club 11,403 Bowls Club 553 |
Net movement At in funds 31/3/25 £ £ (466) 42,436 2,497 15,224 1,058 12,461 961 1,514 |
|---|---|
| 24,683 | 4,516 29,199 |
| TOTAL FUNDS 67,585 |
4,050 71,635 |
| Comparative net movement in funds, included in the above are as follows: Incoming resources £ Unrestricted funds General fund 31,702 Restricted funds Tennis Club 2,497 Squash Club 2,957 Bowls Club 961 |
Resources Movement expended in funds £ £ (32,168) (466) - 2,497 (1,899) 1,058 - 961 |
| 6,415 | (1,899) 4,516 |
| TOTAL FUNDS 38,117 |
(34,067) 4,050 |
Restricted funds represent amounts received from each of the Bowls Club, Squash Club and Tennis Club by way of an agreed rent charge. Maintenance of each Club's property is met from these funds.
The trustees deem these to be Preserved Funds for the benefit of the Clubs who have paid over the money. In this regard, they are considered Restricted Funds as they can be used for no other purpose without the express permission of the Club concerned.
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BIDDENDEN VILLAGE HALLS AND SPORTS COMMITTEE
NOTES TO THE FINANCIAL STATEMENTS - continued FOR THE YEAR ENDED 31 MARCH 2026
11. RELATED PARTY DISCLOSURES
There were no related party transactions for the year ended 31 March 2026.
12. ULTIMATE CONTROLLING PARTY
The charity is controlled by the Board of Trustees.
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BIDDENDEN VILLAGE HALLS AND SPORTS COMMITTEE
DETAILED STATEMENT OF FINANCIAL ACTIVITIES FOR THE YEAR ENDED 31 MARCH 2026
| INCOME AND ENDOWMENTS Donations and grants Donations and grants Investment income Deposit account interest Charitable activities Hall hire & equipment rental Sports Club rents and contributions to utilities and repairs Hire of changing rooms Total incoming resources EXPENDITURE Charitable activities Wages Water charges Insurance Light and heat Cleaning Repairs and maintenance Other expenses Depreciation of buildings & improvements Support costs Finance Bank charges Governance costs Independent examiners fees Total resources expended Net income |
2026 £ 5,000 911 27,299 12,861 796 40,956 46,867 12,228 3,759 3,261 9,180 299 7,041 1,969 519 38,256 60 830 39,146 7,721 |
2025 £ 249 1,260 22,222 13,375 1,011 36,608 38,117 11,526 2,891 3,070 8,736 311 5,379 858 546 33,317 - 750 34,067 4,050 |
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This page does not form part of the statutory financial statements
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