Trustees’ Annual Report for the period
From April 2023 Period start date March 2024 Period end date
Charity name: Great Blakenham RECREATION GROUND AND VILLAGE HAL L
Charity registration number: 304753
Objectives and Activities
| SORP reference | ||
|---|---|---|
| Summary of the purposes of the charity as set out in its governing document |
Para 1.17 | The charity's purpose is to provide a recreation ground with the authority to construct a building for recreational use by the inhabitants of the Parish of Great Blakenham. |
| 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 |
This facility is intended to be accessible to all residents, regardless of gender, political affiliation, religious beliefs, or other opinions. Specifically, it is designed to host meetings, lectures, classes, and various forms of recreation and leisure activities aimed at improving the quality of life for the local community. |
| 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 and are committed to maximising public benefit while adhering to the Charity Commission's guidance. |
Additional information (optional) You may choose to include further statements where relevant about:
| SORP reference | ||
|---|---|---|
| Policy on grant making | Para 1.38 | The charity actively seeks grant funding to support its objectives and enhance community services. Grant applications are pursued based on alignment with the charity’s mission, prioritising projects that improve facilities, expand programs, and increase accessibility. All grants received are managed transparently and allocated to maximise community benefit. |
| Policy on social investment including program related investment |
Para 1.38 | |
| Contribution made by volunteers |
Para 1.38 | Volunteers play a vital role in the charity’s success, contributing their time and skills to support events, maintenance, and community programs. Their dedication |
ensures the smooth operation of activities such as fundraising events, youth engagement programs, and facility upkeep. The charity remains committed to recruiting, training, and recognising volunteers for their invaluable contributions. Other
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 | As our committee continues to grow, we remain committed to making a meaningful impact within the community. We have established the venue as a safe and welcoming space for young people, a hub for social inclusion to reduce loneliness and isolation, and a vibrant setting for celebrations, including parties, weddings, and public events such as craft fairs. Additionally, we provide a warm and supportive environment for vulnerable members of the community, fostering new friendships and strengthening social connections. Through these efforts, the charity has enhanced the well-being of residents and contributed to a more connected and inclusive society. |
Additional information (optional) You may choose to include further statements where relevant about:
| Achievements against objectives set |
Para 1.41 | Over this financial period, the charity has made significant progress in achieving its objectives. Regular club bookings, including community events, and recreational activities, have strengthened local engagement. The successful hosting of monthly community parties. Ongoing improvements to facilities and increased volunteer participation further support the charity’s mission to enhance the well-being of the Great Blakenham community. |
| Performance of fundraising activities against objectives set |
Para 1.41 | |
| Para1.41 | The charity currently priorities reinvesting |
| Investment performance against objectives |
funds into community programs and facility maintenance rather than financial investments. As a result, there are no significant investment holdings to assess against performance objectives. However, any surplus funds are strategically allocated to enhance the charity’s services, improve infrastructure, and support long- term sustainability. The trustees continuously evaluate financial opportunities to ensure funds are used effectively to benefit the community. |
|
|---|---|---|
| Other |
Financial Review
| Financial Review | ||
|---|---|---|
| Review of the charity’s financial position at the end of the period |
Para 1.21 | At the end of the reporting period, the charity remains in a stable financial position, with income generated through regular club bookings, fundraising events, and community initiatives. Despite economic challenges, the charity has effectively managed its resources to maintain operations and continue providing essential services to the community. |
| Statement explaining the policy for holding reserves stating why they are held |
Para 1.22 | The charity follows a prudent reserves policy to ensure financial sustainability. Reserves are maintained to cover unforeseen expenses, support future development projects, and provide financial security in case of unexpected reductions in income. Holding reserves enables the charity to continue delivering key services and activities without disruption. |
| Amount of reserves held | Para 1.22 | 11,629 |
| Reasons for holding zero reserves |
Para 1.22 | |
| Details of fund materially in deficit |
Para 1.24 | The charity does not have any materially deficit funds. |
| Explanation of any uncertainties about the charity continuing as a going concern |
Para 1.23 | The trustees have assessed the charity’s financial position and, despite economic pressures, believe it remains a going concern. Ongoing fundraising efforts, grant applications, and increased community engagement will help ensure long-term sustainability. However, the trustees continue to monitor financial performance closely and implement strategies to mitigate any potential risks. |
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 | The charity's primary sources of funding include income from regular club bookings, venue hire for private and community events, and fundraising activities such as seasonal fairs, raffles, and sponsored events. Additionally, grant funding and community donations play a vital role in supporting the charity's ongoing initiatives and operational costs. The trustees actively seek new funding opportunities via grants to enhance financial sustainability and expand services. |
|---|---|---|
| Investment policy and objectives including any social investment policy adopted |
Para 1.46 | However, should surplus funds become available, the trustees will explore responsible investment opportunities that align with the charity’s mission while maintaining financial security. Any investment decisions will be made in accordance with ethical guidelines and in the best interests of the charity and its beneficiaries. |
| • Financial Sustainability:Reliance on external fundingand donations |
| A description of the principal risks facing the charity |
Para 1.46 | requires diversification of income sources. • Operational Costs:Rising utility and maintenance expenses necessitate cost-saving measures. • Volunteer & Trustee Engagement: Ongoing recruitment and training are essential for continuity. • Regulatory Compliance:Regular reviews ensure adherence to governance and safety standards. • External Factors:Economic changes and policy shifts may impact operations, requiring strategic planning. |
|---|---|---|
| Other |
Structure, Governance and Management
| Description of charity’s trusts: |
||
|---|---|---|
| Type of governing document (trust deed, royal charter) |
Para 1.25 | Trust deed dates18 JANUARY 1963 |
| How is the charity constituted? (e.g unincorporated association, CIO) |
Para 1.25 | We are constituted as an unincorporated association. |
| 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 | The charity adheres to standard practices as outlined by the Charity Commission for England and Wales. Typically, this involves the appointment of trustees through resolutions passed at properly convened meetings, such as Annual General Meetings (AGMs). The charity ensures that trustee selection aligns with its objectives and complies with regulatory requirements. |
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 | |
|---|---|---|
| The charity’s organisational structure and any wider network with which the charity works |
Para 1.51 | The charity's organisational structure includes an Executive Committee of Trustees from the Parish Council, Church, village and Cycle Speedway. There is a recognised priority to recruit more Trustees and Volunteers to enhance the charity's operations. |
| Relationship with any related parties |
Para 1.51 | |
| Other |
Reference and Administrative details
Charity name Other name the charity uses Registered charity number Charity’s principal address
Names of the charity trustees who manage the charity
| 1 2 3 4 5 6 7 8 9 10 11 12 13 14 15 16 17 18 19 20 |
Trustee name | Office (if any) | Dates acted if not for whole **year ** |
Name of person (or body) entitled to appoint trustee (ifany) |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Kerrie Anne Vipond | Treasurer | |||
| StaceyRunciman | Events Lead | |||
| Avril Hammond | Chair | |||
| Emma Ford | Secretary | |||
| Janet MOlle | Trustee | |||
– Corporate trustees names of the directors at the date the report was approved
Director name
Name of trustees holding title to property belonging to the charity
Trustee name Dates acted if not for whole year
Funds held as custodian trustees on behalf of others
Description of the assets held in this capacity
Name and objects of the charity on whose behalf the assets are held and how this falls within the custodian charity’s objects
Details of arrangements for safe custody and segregation of such assets from the charity’s own assets
Additional information (optional)
Names and addresses of advisers (Optional information)
Type of Name Address adviser
Name of chief executive or names of senior staff members (Optional information)
Exemptions from disclosure
Reason for non-disclosure of key personnel details
Other optional information
Declarations
The trustees declare that they have approved the trustees’ report above.
Signed on behalf of the charity’s trustees
| Signature(s) Full name(s) Position (eg Secretary, Chair, etc) Date |
Kvipond | |
|---|---|---|
| Kerrie Vipond | ||
Treasurer |
||
| 31/01/2025 | ||
| 31/01/2025 |
Recreation Ground and Village Hall Independent Examiners Report Charity Number 304753 Treasurers Account Number 04360460
| Income Hall Hire - Income Cycle / Football - Income Glass Recycling - Income Grants - Income Donations Fundraising / Events Income Hall Deposits Anglian Water Refund Utilities Return Bar Income Total Income Expenditure Phone Utilities Hall Deposit Refunds Website Insurance Cleaners / Cleaning Materials Stationary Repairs & Maintenance Ground Maintenance PLAYQUIP Events Costs Binders Bar License New Furniture / Equipment Misc Expenses Bar Expenditure Total Expenditure Net Income Bank Balances confirmed @ 31.03.24 Main Account Bar Account Fixed Term Deposit Account Interest Account |
11,777.50 £ 890.00 £ - £ 62,651.36 £ 655.00 £ 1,080.30 £ 2,000.00 £ 3,888.58 £ 1,564.00 £ 11,674.11 £ 96,180.85 £ 1,103.94 £ 16,906.16 £ 1,400.00 £ 73.08 £ 1,614.59 £ 1,880.49 £ 34.76 £ 2,383.58 £ 751.56 £ 60,000.00 £ 1,003.65 £ 318.60 £ 180.00 £ 11,188.93 £ 611.27 £ 9,834.22 £ 109,284.83 £ 13,103.98 -£ 21,714.36 £ 2,733.35 £ 11,629.75 £ 118.74 £ 36,196.20 £ |
|---|---|
ROcreatio&t0nd and[lIage Hall CharitNr 304251 My examination has carried out a review of the accounting records kept bythe charity and 8 comparison of the accounts presented with those records. It 81so includes consideration of any unusual items or disclosures in the accounts, and seeks explanations from the 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. In the course of my examination, no matter has come to my attention which gives me reasonable cause to believe that in any material respect the requirements have not been met. Name: Samantha Brown Relevant Professional qu81ificationlprofessional body: AAT fully Qualified. ACCAAdvanced Diploma in Accounting and Business. Address: 44 Chapel Lane, Great Blakenham, Ipswich, IP6 OJU. Date: 2310112025 Signature: