OpenCharities

This text was generated using OCR and may contain errors. Check the original PDF to see the document submitted to the regulator.

2025-11-02-accounts

Trustees’ Annual Report for the period

From 3rd November 2024 Period start date To 2nd November 2025 Period end date

Charity name: JOHN HODGES' TRUST FOR HARPSDEN HALL Charity registration number: 304312

Objectives and Activities

SORP reference
Summary of the purposes of
the charity as set out in its
governing document
Para 1.17 As set out in clause 4 of the 2005 Scheme:
(a) in the interests of social welfare, to
improve the conditions of life of the
inhabitants of the area of benefit, in
particular but not exclusively the poorer
inhabitants, by (i) the provision and
maintenance of a hall for meetings, lectures,
classes and other forms of recreation,
education and leisure-time occupation, and a
Sunday School for instruction in the
Christian faith or religious services on
Sundays, Ascension Day, Christmas Day
and Good Friday (but on no other day); and
(ii) the provision and maintenance of playing
fields for use by the inhabitants; and
(b) the relief of financial hardship, either
generally or individually, of people living in
the parish by making grants of money for
providing or paying for items, services or
facilities, and the relief of the sick-poor living
in the parish and its surrounding
neighbourhood, either generally or
individually, through the provision of grants,
goods or services.
"The area of benefit" means the
ecclesiastical parish of St Margaret,
Harpsden, Henley-on-Thames and its
surrounding neighbourhood. In July 2025 the
Trustees agreed that, given the imprecision
of this wording in the Scheme, the Good
Causes Committee may use the RG9
postcode area as a working proxy for the
area of benefit.

JOHN HODGES’ TRUST FOR HARPSDEN HALL - Trustees’ Annual Report and Accounts Page 1 of 16

Summary of the main
activities in relation to those
purposes for the public
benefit, in particular, the
activities, projects or services
identified in the accounts.
Para 1.17 and
1.19
•Operation and maintenance of Harpsden
Village Hall and Studio for community
use, with strong bookings during the year
across regular and ad-hoc users
including weddings.
•Provision and maintenance of playing
fields used by Harpsden Cricket Club,
AFC Henley and Henley Golf Club.
•Grant-making to local good causes in the
parish and the wider RG9 area.
•Provision of subsidised premises and
direct grants to Harpsden Pre-School, a
major beneficiary of the Trust.
Statement confirming
whether the trustees have
had regard to the guidance
issued by the Charity
Commission on public
benefit
Para 1.18 The Trustees confirm that they have
complied with the duty in section 17 of the
Charities Act 2011 to have due regard to the
Charity Commission's general guidance on
public benefit in exercising their powers and
duties.

Additional information (optional) You may choose to include further statements where relevant about:

SORP reference
Policy on grant making Para 1.38 The Good Causes Committee, comprising
Mr Jeroen Huysinga as Trustee with Mrs
Sally Birkett (non-trustee), considers grant
applications principally from previously
supported beneficiaries within the area of
benefit (taken as the RG9 postcode area).
New beneficiaries are added where
consistent with the Scheme's objects, in
particular the relief of financial hardship or
the sick-poor. The Committee may also
consider unsolicited proposals.
Policy on social investment
including program related
investment
Para 1.38
Contribution made by
volunteers
Para 1.38
Other

JOHN HODGES’ TRUST FOR HARPSDEN HALL - Trustees’ Annual Report and Accounts

Page 2 of 16

Achievements and Performance

SORP reference
Summary of the main
achievements of the charity,
identifying the difference the
charity’s work has made to
the circumstances of its
beneficiaries and any wider
benefits to society as a
whole.
Para 1.20 Harpsden Village Hall continued to play an
important role at the heart of the local
community. Bookings at the Hall continue to
remain strong, both by regular and ad-hoc
users. Harpsden Pre-School is a core hall
user, with their 2- to 5-year-olds enjoying the
benefits of a spacious room and an enviable
outdoor area, enhanced by regular Forest
School sessions. Other young users of the
Hall included 1st and 3rd Henley Brownies
and the Berkshire and Henley School of
Dance.
Adult users included the Henley Players and
the WI. Events were held at the Hall which
included the ‘Harpsden Hoo-Ha’ – an annual
celebration of local talent in the form of a
mini music festival.
The Hall also continued to be a popular
venue for both adults’ and children’s parties.
The three Playing Fields are actively used by
local inhabitants, Harpsden Cricket Club,
AFC Henley, and Henley Golf Club.
The Trust has maintained its focus on the
relief of financial hardship by donating
£26,738 to Good Causes in the local
community. As in previous years, the grants
to Harpsden Pre-School are the most
significant in terms of scale.

Additional information (optional) You may choose to include further statements where relevant about:

Achievements against Para 1.41 objectives set Performance of fundraising Para 1.41 activities against objectives set Investment performance Para 1.41 against objectives Other

JOHN HODGES’ TRUST FOR HARPSDEN HALL - Trustees’ Annual Report and Accounts Page 3 of 16

Financial Review

Financial Review
Review of the charity’s
financial position at the end
of the period
Para 1.21 •Total receipts rose by 11.7% on the prior
year, driven principally by increased hall
hire and stronger cottage rental income.
•Total payments fell by 2.6%, with the
prior-year Renewals & Improvements
spike of £22,886 not recurring; underlying
operating costs were broadly stable, with
the insurance saving from the switch to
NFU Mutual partially offsetting wage
growth (including the new General
Manager fees from August 2025) and the
Henley Glazing window project of £8,644
in Fixtures & Fittings.
•The Trust generated a net surplus of
£9,978.02 for the year (2024: deficit of
£8,474.25).
•The £15,000 interest-free benefactor loan
was repaid in full on 23 July 2025, funded
by a £15,000 transfer from the
Expendable Endowment (EE) to the
Permanent Endowment.
•A further £30,000 was transferred from
the Expendable Endowment (EE) to the
Extraordinary Repair Fund (ERF) during
the year (split across three £10,000
tranches in April, July and October 2025),
and invested in the ERF portfolio
including a new position in Mercantile
Investment Trust.
Statement explaining the
policy for holding reserves
stating why they are held
Para 1.22 The policy of the Trust is to hold reserves to
ensure that it remains able to support its
operating costs and beneficiaries during a
period of managed adjustment to new
circumstances that might include an
unexpected drop in income or unanticipated
expenditure, or both. In normal
circumstances, the Trust targets reserves in
the Expendable Endowment of £30,000,
equivalent to 9–12 months of operating
costs, with surplus Expendable Endowment
balances transferred to the Extraordinary
Repair Fund. The level of reserves is
informed by the Trust's strategic plans and
financial forecasts and is reviewed and
approved by the Board of Trustees annually.
Amount of reserves held Para 1.22 At 2 November 2025, the Expendable
Endowment cash held at Barclays was
£56,109. The Extraordinary Repair Fund
stood at £187,370 (£162,404 investments at
market value plus £24,966 cash held at
Walker Crips), against a long-term
operational target of £250,000.

JOHN HODGES’ TRUST FOR HARPSDEN HALL - Trustees’ Annual Report and Accounts

Page 4 of 16

Reasons for holding zero
reserves
Para 1.22 N/A
Details of fund materially in
deficit
Para 1.24 N/A
Explanation of any
uncertainties about the
charity continuing as a going
concern
Para 1.23 The Trustees have considered the Trust's
financial position and have no material
uncertainty over the Trust's ability to
continue as a going concern
Additional information (optional)
You may choose to include further statements where relevant about:
The charity’s principal
sources of funds (including
any fundraising)
Para 1.47 Village Hall hire, House rentals (Nos. 1, 2A
and 2B Hall Cottages), sports-ground rents,
investment income from the ERF portfolio,
donations and grants, and occasional
fundraising events
Investment policy and
objectives including any
social investment policy
adopted
Para 1.46 The Trust maintains a diversified,
defensively-positioned portfolio in the
Extraordinary Repair Fund, aiming to provide
a useful and growing dividend income
together with the potential for long-term
capital growth to help protect capital against
inflation. During the year a position in
Mercantile Investment Trust (UK mid- and
small-cap equities) was added using the
£30,000 of EE to ERF transfers. The
portfolio was approximately 90% invested at
the year end
A description of the principal
risks facing the charity
Para 1.46 The Trustees identify the principal risks
facing the Trust as: tenant void and rental-
income risk on the three Hall Cottages;
maintenance and capital cost inflation on the
approx. £3.2m fixed asset base; investment
market volatility affecting the Extraordinary
Repair Fund; safeguarding; and insurance
cost inflation (now mitigated by the switch to
NFU Mutual in April 2026)
Other

Structure, Governance and Management

Description of charity’s trusts:
Type of governing document Para 1.25 Trust Deed: Scheme of the Charity
Commissioners for England and Wales,
sealed 18 August 2005, which replaces the
original Deed of Gift of 15 June 1909 by

JOHN HODGES’ TRUST FOR HARPSDEN HALL - Trustees’ Annual Report and Accounts

Page 5 of 16

John Hodges, with the amendment dated
28 July 2020.
How is the charity
constituted?
Para 1.25 An unincorporated charitable trust
administered by a committee of
management whose members are the
Trustees of the charity.
Trustee selection methods
including details of any
constitutional provisions e.g.
election to post or name of
any person or body entitled
to appoint one or more
trustees
Para 1.25 Under the Scheme the Committee consists
of (i) three ex-officio members, being the
Rector and the two Churchwardens of the
parish of St Margaret, Harpsden, subject to
signing a declaration in the register of
members; (ii) four elected members,
appointed at the AGM, with terms ending at
the following AGM and eligible for re-
election; (iii) one appointed member
nominated by each of: Harpsden Cricket
Club, Harpsden Football Club, the
Parochial Church Council of the parish, and
Harpsden Parish Council; and (iv) up to two
co-opted members appointed by the
committee at a special meeting, with terms
ending at the following AGM. Every new
and re-appointed member signs a
declaration of acceptance in the register of
members before acting.

Additional information (optional) You may choose to include further statements where relevant about:

Policies and procedures
adopted for the induction and
training of trustees
Para 1.51 New trustees receive a copy of the Scheme
(and any amendments) and the latest report
and accounts on first appointment, and sign
the register of members as required by the
Scheme. Conflicts of interest are declared at
every meeting and recorded; new trustees'
standing interests were recorded at the July
2025 AGM (Mr Brockington – Henley Golf
Club, Ms Eldridge – Harpsden Pre-School,
Mr Greenwood – Harpsden Cricket Club).
The charity’s organisational
structure and any wider
network with which the
charity works
Para 1.51 Following the restructure approved at the
AGM on 8 July 2025, day-to-day operations
are managed by a part-time General
Manager (Mr Michael Heinrich, on a one-
year trial from 8 July 2025) supporting the
Hall Manager (Ms Molly Solanke, appointed
29 March 2025). The committee structure
was simplified at the same meeting to three
standing committees: Finance & Investment
(Mr Richard Wilson as Chair, with Mr Jeroen
Huysinga, Mr Rod Birkett and Mr David
Price), Good Causes (Mr Jeroen Huysinga
with Mrs Sally Birkett) and Personnel/HR (Mr
Rod Birkett with Ms Catherine Rubinstein).
The previous Community, Communication,
Sustainability, Infrastructure, Health &

JOHN HODGES’ TRUST FOR HARPSDEN HALL - Trustees’ Annual Report and Accounts

Page 6 of 16

Safety, Lettings, Sports, and Trees &
Hedges committees were disbanded and
their work absorbed into the General
Manager role. The General Manager also
includes all book-keeping and budgeting
responsibilities.
Relationship with any related
parties
Para 1.51 The Trust works closely with its four
nominating partners — Harpsden Cricket
Club, AFC Henley, the Parochial Church
Council of the parish, and Harpsden Parish
Council — each entitled under the Scheme
to appoint a Trustee. Harpsden Pre-School
and Henley Golf Club, although not
nominating bodies under the Scheme, lease
facilities from the Trust and are now also
represented on the Board following Mrs.
Elizabeth Eldridge’s and Mr James
Brockington's appointments as Co-opted
Members on 8 July 2025.
Other

Reference and Administrative details

Charity name John Hodges' Trust for Harpsden Hall
Other name the charity uses Formerly known as Harpsden Hall Trust
Registered charity number 304312
Charity’s principal address The Studio, Harpsden Village Hall
Harpsden
Henley-on-Thames
Oxfordshire
RG9 4HH

JOHN HODGES’ TRUST FOR HARPSDEN HALL - Trustees’ Annual Report and Accounts Page 7 of 16

Names of the charity trustees who manage the charity

1
2
3
4
5
6
7
8
9
10
11
12
13
Trustee name Office (if any) Dates acted if not for
whole year
Name of person (or body)
entitled to appoint
trustee (ifany)
Mr Rod Birkett Joint Chair,
Appointed member
(to 8 Jul 2025);
thereafter
continued as
Elected member
and Chair
Whole year AFC Henley (to 8 Jul
2025), AGM (elected)
thereafter
Dr Michael Heinrich Joint Chair;
Elected member
Stood down as Trustee
at AGM 8 Jul 2025
AGM (elected)
Mr Richard Wilson Elected member Wholeyear AGM(elected)
Mr Jeroen Huysinga Appointed member
(to 8 Jul 2025);
thereafter
continued as
Elected member
Whole year Harpsden Cricket
Club (to 8 Jul 2025)
Mrs Katherine Rees Elected member Stood down at AGM 8
Jul 2025
AGM (elected)
Mr Clive Rose Co-opted member Stood down at AGM 8
Jul 2025
Committee (co-opted)
Ms Catherine Rubinstein Appointed member Whole year Harpsden Parish
Council
Mr David Price Elected member Wholeyear AGM(elected)
Mr Sam Tomkins Appointed member From 23 April 2025 AFC Henley
Mr Mick Greenwood Appointed member From 8 July 2025 Harpsden Cricket
Club
Ms Elizabeth Eldridge Co-opted member
(for Harpsden Pre-
School)
From 8 July 2025 Committee (co-opted)
Mr James Brockington Co-opted member
(for Henley Golf
Club)
From 8 July 2025 Committee (co-opted)

There were no ex-officio Trustees serving during the year; the Rector position remained vacant following the departure of Rev'd Robert Thewsey in July 2024.

– Corporate trustees names of the directors at the date the report was approved Director name N/A

Name of trustees holding title to property belonging to the charity

Trustee name Dates acted if not for whole year
N/A

JOHN HODGES’ TRUST FOR HARPSDEN HALL - Trustees’ Annual Report and Accounts Page 8 of 16

Funds held as custodian trustees on behalf of others

Description of the assets held in
this capacity
N/A
Name and objects of the charity
on whose behalf the assets are
held and how this falls within the
custodian charity’s objects
N/A
Details of arrangements for safe
custody and segregation of such
assets from the charity’s own
assets
N/A

Additional information (optional)

Names and addresses of advisers (Optional information)

Names and addresses of advisers (Optional information) Names and addresses of advisers (Optional information) Names and addresses of advisers (Optional information)
Type of adviser Name
Address
Name of chief executive or names of senior staff members (Optional information)
Dr Michael Heinrich (General Manager, from 8 July 2025)

Dr Michael Heinrich (General Manager, from 8 July 2025)

Exemptions from disclosure

Reason for non-disclosure of key personnel details

Other optional information

JOHN HODGES’ TRUST FOR HARPSDEN HALL - Trustees’ Annual Report and Accounts Page 9 of 16

Declarations The trustees declare that they have approved the trustees. report above. Signed on behalf of the charty's trustees Slgnature(s Full namels Posltlon (eg Secretary. Chalr. etc) Rod Birkett Michael Helnrlch Chalr General Manager Date 07 July 2026 07 July 2026 JOHN HODGES. TRUST FOR HARPSDEN HALL- Trustees. Annual Report and Accounts Page 10 of 16

FINANCIAL STATEMENTS

Receipts & Payments Account

RECEIPTS
Hire of Village Hall
Sports Grounds
Rents - Cottages and Flat
Donations & Grants
Investment Income
Other Receipts
Sub-Total
ASSETS & INVESTMENT SALES
Share Sales
Sub-Total
TOTAL RECEIPTS
PAYMENTS
Wages
Light & Heating
Water & Sewerage
Renewals & Improvements
Repairs & Maintenance
Cleaning
Telephone
Professional Fees
Insurance
Fixtures & Fittings
Running Expenses
Sundry
Marketing
Donations
Bank Charges
2A & 2B Hall Cottages Project
1 Hall Cottages Project
Loan Repayments
Sub-Total
ASSET & INVESTMENT PURCHASES
Share Purchases
Cricket Ground
Sub-Total
TOTAL PAYMENTS
Unrestricted
Restricted &
Endowment
TOTAL 2025
TOTAL 2024
Funds
Designated Funds
Funds
£
£
£
£
£
54,265.08
54,265.08
45,213.67
14,748.40
14,748.40
12,977.82
65,454.14
65,454.14
50,619.14
2,970.48
0.00
2,970.48
10,895.00
4,940.68
4,940.68
5,548.07
0.00
0.00
2,192.05
142,378.78
0.00
0.00
142,378.78
127,445.75
0.00
0.00
0.00
0.00
0.00
0.00
0.00
0.00
142,378.78
0.00
0.00
142,378.78
127,445.75
-18,378.45
-18,378.45
-15,696.29
-8,684.31
-8,684.31
-8,031.15
-376.73
-376.73
-222.20
0.00
0.00
-22,886.11
-7,167.98
-1,898.96
-9,066.94
-8,555.00
-1,978.74
-1,978.74
-1,059.10
-217.84
-217.84
-1,522.90
-1,254.90
-1,254.90
0.00
-8,584.65
-8,584.65
-3,847.65
-8,644.22
-8,644.22
-398.38
-3,332.90
-3,332.90
-5,827.71
-126.00
-126.00
-797.67
0.00
0.00
-167.98
-26,738.08
-26,738.08
-28,600.86
-17.00
-17.00
-102.00
0.00
0.00
0.00
0.00
0.00
-420.00
0.00
-15,000.00
-15,000.00
-10,000.00
-85,501.80
-1,898.96
-15,000.00
-102,400.76
-108,135.00
-30,000.00
-30,000.00
-20,000.00
0.00
0.00
0.00
-7,785.00
0.00
-30,000.00
0.00
-30,000.00
-27,785.00
-85,501.80
-31,898.96
-15,000.00
-132,400.76
-135,920.00
TOTAL NET RECEIPTS /(PAYMENTS) 56,876.98
-31,898.96
-15,000.00
9,978.02
-8,474.25
Transfer from EE to ERF
Transfer from EE to PE
-30,000.00
30,000.00
-15,000.00
15,000.00
SURPLUS /(DEFICIT) NET OF TRANSFERS
11,876.98
-1,898.96
0.00
9,978.02
-8,474.25
Cash at Barclays Bank 03.11.2024
44,231.60
1,898.96
0.00
46,130.56
Cash at Barclays Bank 02.11.2025
56,108.58
0.00
0.00
56,108.58

JOHN HODGES’ TRUST FOR HARPSDEN HALL - Trustees’ Annual Report and Accounts

Page 11 of 16

NCIAL STA f Assèts & Uabll Unrestrictad Funds R88thcted & Endowmènt 2025 DBslgrtai8d Fund5 Funds 2024 CASH FUNDS Barday$ Cash at Walker Crips rotsli Cash Funds 56.109 56,109 24,966 81,075 46.131 13.360 59.491 24. 34,906 56,109 INVESTMENT ASSETS JPMorgan Global Emetgng Ma￿ets Incoff Allianc Tfu81 Aberdeen Diversffied I&G obal Opportunffje$ Trnst HICL 31,535 27.￿8 15.725 29.970 30.LXJO 31,535 27.OC6 15.725 29.970 30.0 25.285 25.536 14,280 12,890 24,684 26.795 Keystone Positive Char Merfantile Inveslmenl Tol•llnvestrn6ntA8s0ts 28.168 1614 28.168 I￿404 129,270 ASSETS RETAINEO FOR CHARrrYs USE village Hall and Sludio" Footbal Farylil~ Cricket Faulilies No 1 Hall Cottage5 No 2A Hall Cottage5 No 2B Hall Cottages Tgt•lAssets Reialned 1.520.126 1.520,126 1.520.126 193.404 193,404 193.404 517.146 517,146 517.146 369.536 9,538 369.538 285.991 285.991 285.991 285.991 285,991 285.991 1171196 3.172.196 3.172,196 LIAPIUT]ES Benefactor Loan luiierestfreel Totsl Li8bilitr85 -15,rrtJO -15.000 AL NET ASSETS 5Q109 187A70 .171196 3A15.675 3.345,957 'Village Hall aThJ StL¥1io indLk5 Harp￿￿ VitsJe Hal. a Studio llat abo￿ Vilaye Hau 8TrJ a fEkJ betu.tbj No. l Hall ColtagES 8s well as separate swe sheds. arNI fuMitU￿ eq￿p￿￿nI Ltsed in fv Wdbge Hall. Footbal Faryli1￿5 indude Football F￿k1 and Pavlion Cricket Faalilies indude Cncet Grol￿. Pavthorts, SW aThl prxtKt rets. Approved by ts Tnolee$ tyi.. 07J 2026 IDatel &'gned on behaifolts Tpjstees by. R(#J Birkett (Print Na￿￿) - IS¥nolurel (Pml Na￿￿) JOHN FW)DGES' TRUST FOR FL4RPSDEN HALL.Tn¢iees' Arr￿ P*120116

Bank Reconciliation

Barclays Current Account

Balance Brought Forward (as of 3rd Nov 2024)
Bank Receipts
Bank Payments
Balance Carried Forward (as of 2nd Nov 2025)
£46,130.56
£142,378.78
£132,400.76
£56,108.58
£188,509.34
=
£188,509.34

JOHN HODGES’ TRUST FOR HARPSDEN HALL - Trustees’ Annual Report and Accounts

Page 13 of 16

Notes to the Accounts

1 . Accoun�ng Policies

The accounts have been prepared on a receipts and payments basis and follow the recommenda,ons in Statement of Recommended Prac,ce: Accoun,ng by Chari,es (SORP 2005).

2. Trustees’ Remunera�on and Expenses

The trustees received no remunera,on during the year.

3. Endowments and Funds

The Unrestricted Funds comprise what the 2005 Scheme refers to as the Expendable Endowment. The Restricted and Designated Funds comprise the Extraordinary Repair Fund and the Cricket Ground Project Fund:

The Endowment Funds comprise what the 2005 Scheme refers to as the Permanent Endowment. These hold the opera,onal fixed assets of the charity and provide ongoing income (receipts) to support the charity’s ac,vi,es.

4. Surplus Receipts

In this financial year, surplus receipts of £9,978.02 were produced. Those will be used to further the objects of the Trust.

JOHN HODGES’ TRUST FOR HARPSDEN HALL - Trustees’ Annual Report and Accounts

Page 14 of 16

CHARITY COMMISSION FOR ENGLAND AND WALES Independent examinerfs report on the accounts Section A Independent Examiner's Report Report to the trusteesl members of harily N3me JOHN HODGES TRUST FOR HARPSDEN HALL On accounts for the year ended NOVEMBER 2025 Charity no (if any) 304312 Set out on pages 11 to 14 IrEwember lo Include the pagè numbers of a¢dilional sfriEeli. I report to the trustees on my examination of the accounts of th8 above charity ('the Trusf) for the year ended 0211112025. Responslbllltles and As the charity trustees of the Trust, you are responsible for the preparation basis of report of the accounts in accordan￿ with the requirements of the Charities Acl 2011 ('the Acr). I report in respect of my examination of the Trust's accounts carried out under section 145 of the 2011 Act and in carying out my examination, I have followèd the applicable Directions giv8n by the Charity Cornmission under section 145(51{bl of the Act. I have completed my examination. I confirrn that no material matters have come to my attention (other than that disclosed below ") in connection with the examination which gives me cause to believe that in, any material respect: acmunting records were not kept in accordance with section 130 of the Act or the accounts do not accord with the accounting records Independent examiner's statement I have no concems and have come across no other matters in connection with the examination to which attention should be drawn in order to enable a proper understanding of the accounts to be reached. Please delete the words in the brackets rf they do not apply. Signed: Date: Y1711ts Name: LUCY APLIN Relevant professional qualifi¢ation(s) or body lif any): ACA {ICAEI Address: HIGHFIELD, 11 ROTHERFIELD ROAD HENLEY-ON-THAMES OXFORDSHIRE RG9 1 NR IER October 2018

Section B Disclosure Only complete ifthe examiner needs to highlight matters of Concern (see CC32, Independent examination of charity acccmjnts: directions and guidance for examiners). Glve here brlef detalls of any items that the examlner wishes to dlsclose. IER October 2018