REGISTERED COMPANY NUMBER: 02430752 (England and Wales) REGISTERED CHARITY NUMBER: 328386
Report of the Trustees and
Unaudited Financial Statements for the Year Ended 31 December 2025
for
The Willow Trust
Monahans Oakley House Tetbury Road Cirencester Glos GL7 1US
The Willow Trust
Contents of the Financial Statements for the Year Ended 31 December 2025
| Page | |
|---|---|
| Report of the Trustees | 1 to 3 |
| Independent Examiner's Report | 4 |
| Statement of Financial Activities | 5 |
| Balance Sheet | 6 to 7 |
| Notes to the Financial Statements | 8 to 15 |
The Willow Trust (Registered number: 02430752)
Report of the Trustees for the Year Ended 31 December 2025
The trustees who are also directors of the charity for the purposes of the Companies Act 2006, present their report with the financial statements of the charity for the year ended 31 December 2025. 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
The principal object of the charity is to provide, without charge, days on the water on fully accessible, purpose-built boats, for adults and children with physical and/or learning disabilities and for those who are seriously ill. This provides a therapeutic, recuperative, and recreational resource.
This is achieved by the operation of two broad beamed canal boats on the Gloucester-Sharpness Canal. Each boat is certified as a passenger Vessel by the Maritime and Coastguard Agency. On a daily basis, on each boat, there is a full-time skipper who is assisted by a minimum of three volunteer crew. The volunteers, who attend regular training sessions of varying levels, are drawn from a pool of around 80 people.
Public benefit
The trustees have paid due regard to the Charity Commission's guidance on public benefit in deciding what activities the charity should undertake. The trustees consider that they have acted in the public benefit.
ACHIEVEMENTS AND PERFORMANCE
Each boat typically takes up to 30 guests. In this year, some 7,000 guests and their carers enjoyed the trips, all totally free of charge.
FINANCIAL REVIEW
Financial position
The financial results for the year show a deficit of income over expenditure of £17,544 (2024: £14,172) after investment gains of £6,996. The directors are satisfied with the financial position, which they consider is adequately disclosed in the attached accounts.
Total funds are £834,585, of which £Nil are held as tangible fixed assets for the charity's use.
Principal funding sources
The charity generates its income from donations. These donations come from local businesses, charitable trusts, local clubs and societies and the general public. It also generates funds from the sale of souvenirs etc.
Investment policy and objectives
Funds are placed with our bank in an interest-bearing account. The charity does utilise other investment opportunities as they arise, but any investment must have the full support of the board of trustees, after taking professional advice.
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The Willow Trust (Registered number: 02430752)
Report of the Trustees for the Year Ended 31 December 2025
FINANCIAL REVIEW
Reserves policy
Early in the charity's financial year commitments are given to beneficiaries wishing to enjoy time on one of the charity's boats. Such is the demand that commitments extend one full season at the very least, leaving unsatisfied demand to be accommodated as soon as it is possible to do so the following season.
The Trustee's policy is to maintain (if and wherever possible) sufficient reserves to meet the operational costs of the charity for a minimum of two years to underpin its commitment to beneficiaries.
The Trustee's considered and informed policy takes fully into account various factors. Not the least (based upon experience and fixed overhead costs) the actual operational costs of the charity relative to the potential new income of the charity which, predominantly, is insecure and unpredictable.
The charity's income may vary considerably from year to year due to unforeseen changes, for example in the value of legacies received and in the income from the value of the investments.
As part of the desire to remain fully operational the Trustees are aware that Marine Insurance is based only on the original build value and not the full replacement costs of the boats. In the event of loss and the need for replacement there would therefore be a shortfall, which would be met from the Trust's reserves.
Also, though with less emphasis upon meeting future operational costs, the Trustees consider prudent some reserves to meet potential capital outlay i.e.: replacement and/or modification of the boats to Maritime and Coastguard Agency regulation standards newly imposed from time to time.
Total funds are £834,585, of which £Nil are held as tangible fixed assets for the charity's use and designated funds of £500,000. Free reserves, being total funds excluding tangible fixed assets and designated funds, total £334,585.
STRUCTURE, GOVERNANCE AND MANAGEMENT
Governing document
The Charity, which is a registered charity (registered Number:328386) is governed by the company's Memorandum and Articles of Association (incorporated 9th October 1989 as amended by Special Resolutions 24 October 1989 and 11 March 2026).
Recruitment and appointment of new trustees
The directors of the company are also charity trustees for the purpose of charity law and under the company's Articles are known as members of the management Committee. Under the requirements of the Memorandum and Articles the members of the Management Committee are elected to serve for a maximum of three years after which they must stand down and offer themselves for re-election at the next Annual General Meeting. Members may stand for a maximum of three terms up to the age of 76.
As a need led charity, the trustees are selected to offer a wide range of skills and experience that are of benefit to the charity.
Organisational structure
Directors/trustees meet every quarter and are responsible for the policy and strategy of the charity.
The CEO reports to the trustee's meetings and has delegated responsibility for the day to day running of the charity.
Induction and training of new trustees
The induction process for trustees included an initial meeting with the Chairman and education on the powers and responsibilities of the trustees, Trustees are provided with a briefing pack which includes a brief history of the trust, a copy of the Trust deed, copies of the minutes of the trustees' meetings and copies of the previous year's annual report and accounts.
The trustees review the skill requirements for the Trustee Board periodically and undertake an annual review of their collective and individual performance and contribution to the Trust.
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The Willow Trust (Registered number: 02430752)
Report of the Trustees for the Year Ended 31 December 2025
STRUCTURE, GOVERNANCE AND MANAGEMENT
Risk management
The trustees have a duty to identify and review the risks to which the charity is exposed and to ensure appropriate controls are in place to provide reasonable assurance against fraud and error.
REFERENCE AND ADMINISTRATIVE DETAILS Registered Company number
02430752 (England and Wales)
Registered Charity number
328386
Registered office
11a Whiteway Court Whiteway Cirencester Glos GL7 7BA
Trustees
J Davidson S Fisher (resigned 16.7.25) V Marsh C Merry A Shufflebotham (appointed 8.1.25) G Turvey M Vesey
Company Secretary
S Wolfe Murray
Independent Examiner
James Gare DChA FCA Monahans Oakley House Tetbury Road Cirencester Glos GL7 1US
Approved by order of the board of trustees on ............................................. and signed on its behalf by: 11 March 2026
................................................................. A Shufflebotham - Trustee
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Independent Examiner's Report to the Trustees of The Willow Trust
Independent examiner's report to the trustees of The Willow Trust ('the Company')
I report to the charity trustees on my examination of the accounts of the Company for the year ended 31 December 2025.
Responsibilities and basis of report
As the charity's trustees of the Company (and also its directors for the purposes of company law) you are responsible for the preparation of the accounts in accordance with the requirements of the Companies Act 2006 ('the 2006 Act').
Having satisfied myself that the accounts of the Company are not required to be audited under Part 16 of the 2006 Act and are eligible for independent examination, I report in respect of my examination of your charity's accounts as carried out under Section 145 of the Charities Act 2011 ('the 2011 Act'). In carrying out my examination I have followed the Directions given by the Charity Commission under Section 145(5) (b) of the 2011 Act.
Independent examiner's statement
I have completed my examination. I confirm that no matters have come to my attention in connection with the examination giving me cause to believe:
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accounting records were not kept in respect of the Company as required by Section 386 of the 2006 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 accounting requirements of Section 396 of the 2006 Act 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; or
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the accounts have not been prepared in accordance with the methods and principles of the Statement of Recommended Practice for accounting and reporting by charities (applicable to charities preparing their accounts in accordance with the Financial Reporting Standard applicable in the UK and Republic of Ireland (FRS 102)).
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.
James Gare DChA FCA
Monahans Oakley House Tetbury Road Cirencester Glos GL7 1US
Date: .............................................9 April 2026
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The Willow Trust
Statement of Financial Activities (Incorporating an Income and Expenditure Account) for the Year Ended 31 December 2025
| Unrestricted fund Notes £ INCOME AND ENDOWMENTS FROM Donations and legacies 3 166,075 Other trading activities 4 14,949 Investment income 5 36,605 Total 217,629 EXPENDITURE ON Raising funds 6 52,346 Charitable activities 7 Canal boat activities 189,823 Total 242,169 Net gains on investments 6,996 NET INCOME/(EXPENDITURE) (17,544) Transfers between funds 18 (100,000) Net movement in funds (117,544) RECONCILIATION OF FUNDS Total funds brought forward 452,129 TOTAL FUNDS CARRIED FORWARD 334,585 |
Designated fund £ - - - - - - - - - 100,000 100,000 400,000 500,000 |
2025 Total funds £ 166,075 14,949 36,605 217,629 52,346 189,823 242,169 6,996 (17,544) - (17,544) 852,129 834,585 |
2024 Total funds £ 170,031 22,399 33,977 226,407 52,805 195,184 247,989 7,410 (14,172) - (14,172) 866,301 852,129 |
|---|---|---|---|
The notes form part of these financial statements
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The Willow Trust (Registered number: 02430752)
Balance Sheet
31 December 2025
| Notes FIXED ASSETS Tangible assets 14 Investments 15 CURRENT ASSETS Debtors 16 Cash at bank CREDITORS Amounts falling due within one year 17 NET CURRENT ASSETS TOTAL ASSETS LESS CURRENT LIABILITIES NET ASSETS FUNDS 18 Unrestricted funds TOTAL FUNDS |
Unrestricted fund £ - 205,493 205,493 4,001 132,259 136,260 (7,168) 129,092 334,585 334,585 |
Designated fund £ - - - - 500,000 500,000 - 500,000 500,000 500,000 |
2025 Total funds £ - 205,493 205,493 4,001 632,259 636,260 (7,168) 629,092 834,585 834,585 834,585 834,585 |
2024 Total funds £ 2,250 198,497 200,747 5,241 652,519 657,760 (6,378) 651,382 852,129 852,129 852,129 852,129 |
|---|---|---|---|---|
The charitable company is entitled to exemption from audit under Section 477 of the Companies Act 2006 for the year ended 31 December 2025.
The members have not required the company to obtain an audit of its financial statements for the year ended 31 December 2025 in accordance with Section 476 of the Companies Act 2006.
The trustees acknowledge their responsibilities for
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(a) ensuring that the charitable company keeps accounting records that comply with Sections 386 and 387 of the Companies Act 2006 and
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(b) preparing financial statements which give a true and fair view of the state of affairs of the charitable company as at the end of each financial year and of its surplus or deficit for each financial year in accordance with the requirements of Sections 394 and 395 and which otherwise comply with the requirements of the Companies Act 2006 relating to financial statements, so far as applicable to the charitable company.
The notes form part of these financial statements
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The Willow Trust (Registered number: 02430752)
Balance Sheet - continued 31 December 2025
These financial statements have been prepared in accordance with the provisions applicable to charitable companies subject to the small companies regime.
The financial statements were approved by the Board of Trustees and authorised for issue on ............................................. and were signed on its behalf by: 11 March 2026
.............................................
A Shufflebotham - Trustee
The notes form part of these financial statements
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The Willow Trust
Notes to the Financial Statements for the Year Ended 31 December 2025
1. STATUTORY INFORMATION
The Willow Trust is a charitable company limited by guarantee, without share capital, incorporated in England and Wales. The registered office address, nature of the charity's operations and principal activities can be found in the Trustees' Report.
2. ACCOUNTING POLICIES
Basis of preparing the financial statements
The financial statements of the charitable company, 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 Companies Act 2006. The financial statements have been prepared under the historical cost convention, with the exception of investments which are included at market value, as modified by the revaluation of certain assets.
The financial statements are prepared on a going concern basis under the historical cost convention, modified to include certain items at fair value. The financial statements are prepared in sterling which is the functional currency of the charity and rounded to the nearest pound.
There are no significant areas of judgements or key sources of estimation uncertainty.
Going concern
The trustees consider that there are no material uncertainties about the Charity's ability to continue as a going concern.
Legal status of the Charity
The charity is a company limited by guarantee and has no share capital. In the event of the charity being wound up, the liability in respect of the guarantee is limited to £1 per member of the charity.
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.
Interest on funds held on deposit is included when receivable and the amount can be measured reliably by the charity; this is normally upon notification of the interest paid or payable by the Bank.
Income from trading activity is accounted for when earned.
Income from government and other grants are recognised at fair value when the charity has entitlement after any performance conditions have been met, it is probable that the income will be received, and the amount can be measured reliably. If entitlement is not met then these amounts are deferred.
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.
Tangible fixed assets
Depreciation is calculated to write off the cost of a tangible fixed asset over the expected useful life of the asset as follows:
Boat and equipment - 5% on cost Motor vehicles - 20% on cost Other equipment - 20% on cost
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The Willow Trust
Notes to the Financial Statements - continued for the Year Ended 31 December 2025
2. ACCOUNTING POLICIES - continued
Taxation
The charity is exempt from corporation tax on its charitable activities.
Fund accounting
Unrestricted funds can be used in accordance with the charitable objectives at the discretion of the trustees.
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.
Pension costs and other post-retirement benefits
The charitable company operates a defined contribution pension scheme. Contributions payable to the charitable company's pension scheme are charged to the Statement of Financial Activities in the period to which they relate.
Investments
Investments are valued at market value at 31st December.
Current assets
Amounts owing to the charity at 31st December in respect of fees, rents or other income are shown as debtors less provisions for amounts that may prove uncollectable.
Current liabilities
Creditors are recognised where the charity has a present obligation resulting from a past event that will probably result in the transfer of funds to a third party and the amount due to settle the obligation can be measured or estimated reliably. Creditors are normally recognised at their settlement amount after allowing for any trade discounts due.
3. DONATIONS AND LEGACIES
4.
| Donations and legacies Gift aid OTHER TRADING ACTIVITIES Souvenir sales Fundraising events |
2025 £ 152,284 13,791 166,075 2025 £ 7,376 7,573 14,949 |
2024 £ 170,031 - 170,031 2024 £ 7,593 14,806 22,399 |
|---|---|---|
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The Willow Trust
Notes to the Financial Statements - continued for the Year Ended 31 December 2025
| 5. INVESTMENT INCOME Deposit account interest and dividends 6. RAISING FUNDS Raising donations and legacies Staff costs Event expenses Cost of souvenirs Sundry expenses 7. CHARITABLE ACTIVITIES COSTS Canal boat activities 8. DIRECT COSTS OF CHARITABLE ACTIVITIES Staff costs Repairs to equipment Boat running expenses Sundry expenses 9. SUPPORT COSTS Management £ Canal boat activities 35,970 |
2025 £ 36,605 2025 £ 46,822 1,077 3,195 1,252 52,346 Direct Support Costs (see costs (see note 8) note 9) £ £ 150,007 39,816 2025 £ 112,373 6,718 9,505 21,411 150,007 Governance Finance costs £ £ 2,250 1,596 |
2024 £ 33,977 2024 £ 46,770 1,581 3,360 1,094 52,805 Totals £ 189,823 2024 £ 112,252 12,643 10,666 21,459 157,020 Totals £ 39,816 |
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The Willow Trust
Notes to the Financial Statements - continued for the Year Ended 31 December 2025
9. SUPPORT COSTS - continued
Support costs, included in the above, are as follows:
| Wages Rent and utilities Sundry expenses Depreciation of tangible fixed assets Independent examiners fee NET INCOME/(EXPENDITURE) Net income/(expenditure) is stated after charging/(crediting): Depreciation - owned assets Independent examination |
2025 Canal boat activities £ 28,093 5,233 2,644 2,250 1,596 39,816 2025 £ 2,250 1,236 |
2024 Total activities £ 28,064 5,740 683 2,537 1,140 38,164 2024 £ 2,537 1,140 |
|---|---|---|
10. NET INCOME/(EXPENDITURE)
11. TRUSTEES' REMUNERATION AND BENEFITS
There were no trustees' remuneration or other benefits for the year ended 31 December 2025 nor for the year ended 31 December 2024.
Trustees' expenses
There were no trustees' expenses paid for the year ended 31 December 2025 nor for the year ended 31 December 2024.
12. STAFF COSTS
| Wages and salaries Social security costs Other pension costs |
2025 £ 171,966 11,282 4,040 187,288 |
2024 £ 170,446 12,758 3,882 187,086 |
|---|---|---|
The average monthly number of employees during the year was as follows:
| Direct charitable activities Fundraising, publicity and admin |
2025 3 1 4 |
2024 3 1 4 |
|---|---|---|
No employees received emoluments in excess of £60,000.
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The Willow Trust
Notes to the Financial Statements - continued for the Year Ended 31 December 2025
| 13. COMPARATIVES FOR THE STATEMENT OF FINANCIAL ACTIVITIES Unrestricted fund £ INCOME AND ENDOWMENTS FROM Donations and legacies 170,031 Other trading activities 22,399 Investment income 33,977 Total 226,407 EXPENDITURE ON Raising funds 52,805 Charitable activities Canal boat activities 195,184 Total 247,989 Net gains on investments 7,410 NET INCOME/(EXPENDITURE) (14,172) RECONCILIATION OF FUNDS Total funds brought forward As previously reported 375,214 Prior year adjustment 91,087 As restated 466,301 TOTAL FUNDS CARRIED FORWARD 452,129 14. TANGIBLE FIXED ASSETS COST At 1 January 2025 and 31 December 2025 DEPRECIATION At 1 January 2025 Charge for year At 31 December 2025 NET BOOK VALUE At 31 December 2025 At 31 December 2024 |
Designated fund £ - - - - - - - - - 400,000 - 400,000 400,000 |
Total funds £ 170,031 22,399 33,977 226,407 52,805 195,184 247,989 7,410 (14,172) 775,214 91,087 866,301 852,129 Plant and machinery £ 492,714 490,464 2,250 492,714 - 2,250 |
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The Willow Trust
Notes to the Financial Statements - continued for the Year Ended 31 December 2025
15. FIXED ASSET INVESTMENTS
| MARKET VALUE At 1 January 2025 Revaluations At 31 December 2025 NET BOOK VALUE At 31 December 2025 At 31 December 2024 There were no investment assets outside the UK. Cost or valuation at 31 December 2025 is represented by: Valuation in 2022 Valuation in 2023 Valuation in 2024 Valuation in 2025 Cost 16. DEBTORS: AMOUNTS FALLING DUE WITHIN ONE YEAR Prepayments 17. CREDITORS: AMOUNTS FALLING DUE WITHIN ONE YEAR Trade creditors Social security and other taxes Accrued expenses |
Listed investments £ 198,497 6,996 205,493 205,493 198,497 Listed investments £ 84,578 6,508 7,411 6,996 100,000 205,493 2025 2024 £ £ 4,001 5,241 2025 2024 £ £ 131 - 5,800 5,177 1,237 1,201 7,168 6,378 |
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The Willow Trust
Notes to the Financial Statements - continued for the Year Ended 31 December 2025
18. MOVEMENT IN FUNDS
| Net movement At 1.1.25 in funds £ £ Unrestricted funds General fund 452,129 (17,544) Designated fund 400,000 - 852,129 (17,544) TOTAL FUNDS 852,129 (17,544) Net movement in funds, included in the above are as follows: Incoming Resources resources expended £ £ Unrestricted funds General fund 217,629 (242,169) TOTAL FUNDS 217,629 (242,169) Comparatives for movement in funds Prior year At 1.1.24 adjustment £ £ Unrestricted funds General fund 375,214 91,087 Designated fund 400,000 - 775,214 91,087 TOTAL FUNDS 775,214 91,087 |
Transfers between At funds 31.12.25 £ £ (100,000) 334,585 100,000 500,000 - 834,585 - 834,585 Gains and Movement losses in funds £ £ 6,996 (17,544) 6,996 (17,544) Net movement At in funds 31.12.24 £ £ (14,172) 452,129 - 400,000 (14,172) 852,129 (14,172) 852,129 |
|---|---|
Comparative net movement in funds, included in the above are as follows:
| Unrestricted funds General fund TOTAL FUNDS |
Incoming resources £ 226,407 226,407 |
Resources expended £ (247,989) (247,989) |
Gains and Movement losses in funds £ £ 7,410 (14,172) 7,410 (14,172) |
|---|---|---|---|
£500,000 designated funds are mentioned in the "Reserves Policy", whereby the Trustees undertake to maintain sufficient reserves to meet the operational costs of the charity for a minimum of 2 years to underpin its commitment to beneficiaries. The funds are also in place to meet any shortfall in the event of needing to replace a boat.
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The Willow Trust
Notes to the Financial Statements - continued for the Year Ended 31 December 2025
19. RELATED PARTY DISCLOSURES
Total donations and event income from trustees was £595.
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