BROWNES HALL
TRUSTEES
and
MANAGEMENT COMMITTEE
Registered Charity Number: 304266
V AT Registration Number: 270750607
MINUTES OF THE ANNUAL GENERAL mEET￿G OF
BROWNES HALL TRUSTEES AND MANAGEMENT COMMITTEE
HELD ON MONDAY 23rd SEPTEMBER 2024 AT 7.30 PM
AT BROWNES HALL
Present
Elected Trustee Members
N Leverton (Vicc Chair), Dr A Griffiths (Secretary),
Mrs S Leverton (Deputy Secretary), Mrs K Wood (Deputy Treasur¢r).
Bookings Secretary and Trustee Member
Mrs A Randall.
Co-opted Trustee Members
Mr G Rowbotham (Treasurer), Miss T Mead (Social Media Contact),
Mr D Wesson (Deputy Health & Safety).
Members of the Public.
Mr R Blackman, Mr R Burke (Chair, Carterton Social Centre Club), Mr T Butler,
fvlrs K Gibson, Miss M Stimpson.
Welcome and opening of the meeting by the Vice Chair
In the absence of the Chair, Mr Leverton, as Vice Chair, opened the meeting at
7.30 pm and thanked all those present for attending.
Apologies for Absence
Apologies were received from Mr A Bennett (Chair).
Minutes of the Annual General Meeting held on Monday 4th September
2023
The minutes wer¢ accepted as a true and accurate record of the meeting and
approved without any amendments. Proposed by Mr Wesson, seconded by
Mrs Randall.
Matters arising from the minutes not othenvise on the agenda
There were no matters arising from the minutes not otherwise on the agend&
Correspondence
The Secretary reported that no itcms of correspondence had been received.

Annual Report from the Chair and Vice Chair
Mr Leverton opened by saying with an acknowledgment that without the
memberg of the Management Team there would be no Brown¢s Hall. Because
of the commitment of the Manag¢mcnt Tcam particularly during thesc difficult
times we have managed to steady what was a fast sinking ship. The financial
pressures upon us were mainly utilities based resulting from the war in Ukraine.
Added to that were the costs of employing extra staff and the rising prices of
cleaning materials. Thankfully through negotiations with the Social Centre Club
Committee an agreement was reached for an enhanced rental payment during
this difficult time. Mr Leverton said that he believed that this clearly showed
our collective commitment to delkver on the wishes of our benefactor,
Mr John Browne.
Mr Leverton then went on to say that it would be wrong not to mention certain
individuals who were no longer Committee members. Mr Jason Mead, for
many years, took on the role as Treasurer and with that the arduous task of staff
wages, utilities contracts and best value from purchasing to ensure we were
compliant and financially sav￿. The present Committee would ask that our
personal thanks are recorded for Jason's unwavering commitment to the
Brownes Hall Trustees and Management Committee.
At this point in the report Mr Leverton said that he would like to remind
members of the sad loss of a long-time supporter of the Management
Committee, Tvfr Alec Wixey. Alec, he said, was the voice of common sense in
the room and a staunch supporter of both the Committee, the Social Centre Club
and his beloved Royal Naval Association. We would ask for a moment of
reflection and for respect to remember Alec and those close to us who havc
passed in the last year. (A minute silence was held).
On a more upbeat note the Vice Chair said that the Committee would lik¢ to
welcome Mr Gary Rowbotham to our team and to thank him for becoming the
Treasurer. This job along with the position of Secretary have the heaviest
workloads and involve a huge amount of legal compliance. Without their
professionalism we quite literally could not function within the law. Our thaDks
to them both.
Mr Leverton said that he had started this report by acknowledging our tharlks to
all of the Management Team. As coinmittee members he felt sure that they
sometimes wondered why they come out on dark nights to discuss, dirty toilets,
broken door locks and other mundane matters. However, if you took a moment
to reflect on the 'end product, of our efforts, in that, amongst other things
the Management Committee facilitate and assist in numerous charity events held
on the recreation ground that in most part we don't levy a fee, we are able to
provide Bingo in the Main Hall free of charge, and host weddings and wakes at
affordable prices. In doing all of this we are allowing people to engage with
other people, to laugh together, to cry together to lend an ear to a friend or
stranger. Supported by the Social Centre Club wc collectively deliver our
services to thousands of rcsidents in an environment that is safe, warni and
welconiing. Be proud that you are part of such a team that is Brownes Hall
Management Committee.
In concluding his report Mr Leverton said that he felt sure that next year would
have its challenges. However, he was confident that we continued to have a
team of committee members that will deliver answers and solutions to any and
all issues that might arise. Our thanks to you all for your continued support.

It was proposed by Mrs Wood, seconded by Mr Blacknian and unanimously
agreed by those prcsent to accept the Annual Report from the Chair and Vice
Chair.
Annual Report from the Treasurer and the Financial Staten)ent for the
Year ended March 31st 2024
The Treasurer opened his Teport by saying that it had been an unusual and
challenging time for Brownes Hall over the last year and a bit and results for
both March 2023 and 2024 reflect the cost pressures that are not unique to us.
To March 2023 there was an overall deficit of £19.000 and to March 2024 the
deficit was £30,000 meaning that reserves were at the lowest level for quite
some time at £28,000 coming into the New Year.
The main reason for these deficits is the increases in energy costs that were not
unique to us. To be crystal clear, the costs wer¢ £1 1,000 to March 2022,
£19,000 to March 2023 and £38,000 to March 2024.
Staff costs have also increased over the years from £18,000 in 2022 to £21,000
in 2023 and then £25,000 to March 2024. This is a mixture of large increases in
the National Minimum Wage and issues with staffing / long terni sickness.
Everyone was locked into power contracts over the above periods but the
previous treasurer changed contracts as soon as it was possible to do so meaning
that we are now back to the same sort of level as in March 2023.
The Management Committee and the Club have been communicating for some
time over the cost pressures and changes to rent and a new highcr rental has
been agreed from around July of this year.
In concluding his report the Treasurer said that a series of cost savings and
reclaims hav¢ also b¢en put into place for other significant costs such as
insurance and perforniing rights all of which means that the Management
Committee are confident there will be no more deficits and surpluses are
planned to build a contingency against future unexpected costs.
Further to what the Treasurer mentioned in his report he then referred the
meeting to the Accountants, Report to the Trustee.Ifor the Year Ending 31st
March 2024 that explained in detail the expenses and income for the financial
year 2023 - 2024.
In the absence of any questions it was then proposed by Mr Leverton, seconded
by Miss Mead and unanimously a￿Ced by those pres¢nt to accept both the
Treasurer's Report and the Accountants ' Report to the Trustees.
This concluded the business for the year 202312024 and the retirement of the
current committee.

Committee of Management (Administering Trustees) for 202412025
Election of Six Trustee Members
In accordance with the Charity Commission Guidelines and Criteria to the
six places availabl¢ as the Elected Members of the Commitlee o
Management until the next Annual General Meeting as stipulated In
Clause 3 of the First Schedule of the Governing Document, six people put
their names forward for election.
It was proposed by Mr Wesson, seconded Mrs Randall and unanimously
agreed by those present that the following six people be duly elected..
Mr A Bennett
Mrs S Leverton
Dr A Griffiths
Mr G Rowbotham
Mr N Leverton
Mrs K Wood
ii. Notification of OrgAnisation Representative Trustee Members
There were no nominations received for organisation representative trustee
members.
iii. Bookings Secretary and Trustee Member
Mrs A Randall
Proposed by Mrs Wood, seconded by Mrs Leverton and unanimously agreed
by those present.
iv. Notification of Co-opted Trustee Members
Miss T Mead (Social Media Contact Person)
Mr D Wesson (Health & Safety)
Both were proposed by Mrs Wood, seconded Mrs Leverton and
unanimously agreed by those present.
Any Other Business
There were no items of Any Other Business.
In the absence of any other business the meeting closed at 7.57 pm.
10. Date and Time of the Next Annual General Meeting
To be decided at a lat¢r date.
Signed.-.
..Vice Chair
(o.

BROWNES HALL
ACCOUNTS
FOR
31 MARCH 2024
LUTION
UNTING LI
Accountants
Ground Floor
2 Compton Way
Witney
Oxfordshire
OX28 3AB

BROWNES HALL
ACCOUNTS
YEAR ENDED 31 MARCH 2024
CONTENTS
PAGE
Accountants, report
Profit and loss account statement of financial
activities general account
Profit and loss account statement of financial
activities property account
Balance sheet
Notes to thé accounts

Page 1
BROWNES HALL
ACCOUNTANTS, REPORT TO THE TRUSTEES
YEAR ENDED 31 MARCH 2024
We report on the accouiits of the Trust for the year ended 31 March 2024, which are set out on pages
2to5.
Respective responsibilities of trustees and exaTnin¢r
The charity's trustees are responsible for the preparatioii of the accouiits. The charity's trustees
consider tliat an audit is not reqiiired for this year uiider sectioii 144 of tlie Charities Act 2011 (the
Charities Act) and that an iiidepeiident examiiiatioii is needed.
It is our respoiisibility to:
xamine the accouiits under section 145 of the Cliarities Act-
to follow the procedures laid down in the general Directions given by th¢ Charity Cominissioii
(under sectLOlI 145(5)(b) of tlie Charities Act- and
to state whether particular matters liave coine to my attentioii.
Basis of independent examiner s report
Our examination was carried out iii accoi'daiice with the general Directions given by the Cliaiity
Commission. An examination includes a review of tlie accounting records kept by the cliai'ity and a
coinparisoii of the accounts presented with those rccords. It also includes consideration of any unusual
items or disclosures in the accounts and seeking explanations from you as trustees concerning any
such Inatters. The pi'ocedures undertakeii do iiot provide all the evidence that would be required in an
audit and consequently no opiiiioii is given as to wlietliei. tlie accounts present a 'true and fail. view,
and the report is limited to tliose matters set OLIt in the statement below.
Independent examiner's statement
In connectioii with our examination, no matter h&s come to our attention"
(l ) which gives us reasonable cause to believe that in any material respect the i'equireinents:
to keep accounting Tecords in accordance with section 130 of tlie Cliarities Act; and
to prepare accounts which accord with the accoiinting records aiid comply with the accounting
requirements of the Cliarities Act
Iiave not beeii met. or
(2) to which, in our opinion, atteiition should be drawn iii order to enable a proper uiiderstandiiig
of the accounts to be reached.
SOLUTIONS IN ACCOUNTING LIMITED
Accountants
2 Compton Way
Witney
Oxfordsliire
OX28 3AB
Date: 22 August 2024

Page 2
BROWNES HALL- GENERAL ACCOUNT
PROFIT AND LOSS ACCOUNT STATEMENT OF FINANCIAL
ACTIVITIES
YEAR ENDED 31 MARCH 2024
2024
2023
TURNOVER
INCOME
Hirings
Social Centre
16,049
37,774
53,823
14,146
28,857
43,003
EXPENSES
Wages and employers national insiii'ance
Staff pensions
Postage and stationery
Hall equipment and supplies
Rates
Water rates
Electricity
Gas
Insurance
Repair£ and maintenance
Window cleaning
Waste collection
Telephone
Sundry expenses
Performing righls
Legal and professioii(il fees
Independant examination
Bank charges
Bank interest
25,136
115
30
3,336
390
3,138
34,884
2,892
4,544
1,839
300
832
384
136
678
600
930
21,090
207
4,519
742
3,458
16,609
2,786
4,235
2,770
360
759
336
2,805
865
62
80,199
(26,376)
62.203
NET LOSS FOR THE YEAR
(19,200)

Page 3
BROWNES HALL- PROPERTY ACCOUNT
PROFIT AND LOSS ACCOUNT STATEMENT OF FINANCIAL
ACTIVITIES
YEAR ENDED 31 MARCH 2024
2024
2023
EXPENSES
Repairs and maintenance
NET LOSS FOR THE YEAR
3,690
(3,690)

Page 4
BROWNES HALL
BALANCE SHEET
31 MARCH 2024
2024
2023
Note
CURRENT ASSETS
VAT
Cash at bank
Cash in hand
1,977
57,486
89
29,661
29,661
59.552
CURRENT LIABILITIES
PAYE and social security
VAT
Accrued expenses
480
331
680
716
600
1,491
1,316
NET CURRENT ASSETS
28,170
28,170
58,236
58,236
NET ASSETS
FINANCED BY:
Reserves
28,170
58,236
TRUSTEE TRUSTEES, APPROVAL OF ACCOUNTS
We approve these accounts for the year ended 31 March 2024 set out on pages 2 to 5 and confirm that
we have made available all Televant records and information foi. theii. preparatiOFA.
Signed for and on behalf of Brownes Hall
.E.

Page 5
BROWNES HALL
NOTES TO THE ACCOUNTS
YEAR ENDED 31 MARCH 2024
SUMMARY OF PROFITS
2024
2023
Net Loss - General Account
Net Loss - Property Account
(26,376)
(3,690)
(30,066)
(19,200)
(19.200)
RESKRVES
Brought
forward
l Apr 23 Profit share
(26,376)
(3,690)
(30,066)
Carried
fonvard
31 Mar 24
General Account
Property Account
39,496
18,740
58,236
13,120
15,050
28,170

Page 1
BROWNES HALL
ACCOUNTANTS. REPORT TO THE TRUSTEES
YEAR ENDED 31 MARCH 2024
We report on the accouiits of the Triist for the year ended 31 March 2024, which al'e set out oil pages
2to5.
Respective responsibilities of trustees and examiner
The charity's trustees are respoiisible for the preparation of the accounts. The charity's trustees
onsider that an aLidit is not required for this year uiider section 144 of tlie Charities Act 2011 (the
Charities Act) and tliat an independent examination is needed.
It is our responsibility to:
exairin¢ the accouiits under section 145 of the Charities Act,
to follow tlie procedures laid down in the general Directions given by the Charity Commissioii
(linder section 145(5}(b) of tlie Charities Act. and
to srate whether particular matters Iiave come to my atteiition.
Basis of independent examiner's report
Our examillation was carried out in accordance wit'h tlie general Directioiis given by the Cliarity
Commission. An examination includes a review of tlie accoullting records kept by the charity and a
comparisoii of the accounts presented witl) tliose i-ecords. It also includes consideration of ￿]Y unusual
iteins or disclosures in the aecounts and s¢¢king explanations from you as trustees concerning ￿]Y
such matters. The pi'ocedures undertaken do iiot provide all the evidence that would be required in an
aiidit and conseqiiently 110 opiiiioii is given as to wliether the accounts present a 'true and fair view,
and the report is limited to those illatters set out iii the statement below.
Independent examiner's statement
In connection with our examination, no matter has come to our attention..
( l ) wliich gives us reasonable cause to beli¢v¢ that in any Inaterial respect the requirements:
to keep accounting records in accordance with section 130 of tlie Charities Act. and
to prepare accounts which accord with tlie accounting records and comply with the accounting
requirernents of the Charities Act
Iiave not been met. or
(2) to which, in our opinion, attention should be drawn in order to enable a proper understanding
of the accounts to be reached.
SOLUTIONS IN ACCOUNTING LIMITED
Aceountants
2 Compton Way
Witney
Oxfordshire
OX28 3AB
Date: 22 August 2024