The Hooper & Downer Educational Foundation Narrative in support of 2025 accounts
We are now seeing regular use from several and disparate groups who include the Local Museum, Art Groups, Quilters, local musicians, health groups, Messy Church and several, albeit ad-hoc , users, using our facilities. The Dance Hut dancing school for youngsters goes from strength to strength now generating in excess of £10k per annum.
Rental income from the Cottage, Physiotherapist and Mini Bus Association was £17352 compared to £16784 in 2024.
Overall, Income for 2025 was £40440, compared with £37101 in 2024.
Regular expenditure for 2025 £20668 would appear to compare unfavourably with £18689 in 2024, but this is distorted by the change in 2024 of the method of payment of insurance. A more appropriate comparison would show insurance costs of £4392 in 2025 relative to £4389 in 2023 and not £2522 in 2024.
On the face of the Financial Statement, it would appear that we are cash rich (surplus £6456 in 2025 (£4353 in 2024)) However, External decoration costs expected to be circa £11000, delayed due to ill-health are now planned for 2026, We have been advised by the local Primary School,that there will be a Spike in requests for grants in early 2026. New staff in the school has meant that there has been a delay in raising Grant requests (hence the lower than usual grants awarded (£3361 in 2025, £5844 in 2024)), but that the present economic climate has increased the dependence on charities like ours with more requests coming forward.
Ongoing costs associated with the maintenance of old buildings relate in the most part to repairing rotten woodwork, roofing and condensation, not to mention the need to update electrical systems.
In line with our stated goals, we continued to support the education of local youngsters, particularly those from disadvantaged backgrounds.
On 1st March 2025, Rev Jonathan Swindells became a Trustee and Chairman of the Charity.
Hooper & Downer Educational Foundation
Receipts and Payments Account for the year to 31 December 2025
| 2025 £ Receipts Rents 40,032.41 Interest 407.03 40,439.44 Grant from HDC Sussex Community award 0.00 £40,439.44 Charitable Payments Grants 3,360.58 Other Payments Secretarial Services & Caretaking 7,844.78 Property expenses 16,396.65 Dilapidations 6,421.98 30,663.41 Asset /Investment Purchases 0.00 34,023.99 Net cash surplus/(deficit) for the year 6,415.45 23,449.62 Net cash receipts/(payments) for the year 6,415.45 29,865.07 CCLA Investment Deposit 9,930.60 Lloyds Current Account 19,934.47 2025 Freehold Property - The Old School 1,100,000.00 COIF Charities Investment Fund 66,916.82 CCLA Investment Deposit 9,930.60 Current Account - Lloyds Bank 19,934.47 29,865.07 1,196,781.89 Creditors & Accruals £0.00 Payments Account Income Account Total Receipts Current Assets Total Assets at 31 December Liabilities Page 1 of 2 Total External Payments Cash and Bank Balances at 1 January Cash and Bank Balances at 31 December Statement of Assets at 31 December 2025 Fixed Assets Investments |
7,998.71 11,313.66 7,592.36 9,523.57 13,926.05 |
2024 £ 36,676.27 424.50 |
|---|---|---|
| 37,100.77 0.00 |
||
| £37,100.77 | ||
| 5,843.28 26,904.73 0.00 |
||
| 32,748.01 | ||
| 4,352.76 19,096.86 4,352.76 |
||
| 23,449.62 | ||
| 9,523.57 13,926.05 |
||
| 2024 1,100,000.00 68,247.41 23,449.62 |
||
| 1,191,697.03 | ||
| £0.00 | ||
Independent Examiner's Report to the Trustees of The Hooper and Downer Educational Foundation
I report on the accounts of the Foundation for the year to 31st December 2025 as set out on page 1 of the accounts attached.
Respective responsibilities of trustees and examiner
As the charity's trustees you are responsible for the preparation of the accounts: you consider that the audit requirement of section 43(2) of the Charities Act 1993 (the Act) does not apply. It is my responsibility to state on the basis of procedures specified in the general directions given by the Charity Commissioners under section 43(7)(b) of the Act, whether particular matters have come to my attention.
Basis of independent examiner's report
My examination was carried out in accordance with the general directions given by the Charity Commissioners. An examination includes a review of the accounting records. It also includes consideration of any unusual items or disclosures in the accounts, and seeking explanations from you 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 give an audit opinion on the views given by the accounts.
Independent Examiners's Statement
In connection with my examination, no matter has come to my attention:
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(1) Which gives me reasonable cause to believe that in any material respect the requirements
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to keep accounting records in accordance with section 41 of the 1993 Act; and
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to prepare accounts which accord with the accounting records and comply with the accounting requirements of the 1993 Act
have not been met; or
- (2) to which, in my opinion, attention should be drawn in order to to enable a proper understanding of the accounts to be reached.
Alan Covey Independent Examiner
16-Jan-26
Flat 5 Sheen Court 30 Offington Lane Worthing West Sussex BN14 9RT
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