Charity number: 328558
OLD POSSUM'S PRACTICAL TRUST
TRUSTEES. REPORT AND FINANCIAL STATEMENTS
FOR THE YEAR ENDED 31 MARCH 2024

OLD POSSUM'S PRACTICAL TRUST
CONTENTS
Page
Trustees, report
Trustees, responslbilitles statement
Independent auditors, report on tho financial statements
12-14
Statement of financial activities
15
Balance sheet
16
Notes to the financial statements
17-26

OLD POSSUM'S PRACTICAL TRUST
TRUSTEES, REPORT
FOR THE YEAR ENDED 31 MARCH 2024
The Trustees present their annual report together with the audited financial statements of the Charity for the
year 1 April 2023 to 31 March 2024.
The financial statements have been prepared in accordan￿ with the accounting policies set out in note 1 to the
financial ststements and comply with the charity's trust deed, the charities Act 2011 and "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).
Objectlves and activities
The primary object of the charity is to increase knowledge and appreciation of any matters of literary, musical,
theatri￿1. historic or artistic interest.
The Trustees Gontinue to actively seek out and support organisations that fit with its aims, and those of its
founder, Mrs Valerie Eliot, the late widow of T.S.ElioL
Achievements and perforniance
Since the charity was founded in 1990 it has awarded grants of £22,247,398
The Trustees aim to support organisations for an initial period of three years if funds allow and if the project for
which funds are being requested is ongoing. In that way it gives the organisations certainty and enables them to
plan sustainable projects and gives them time to seek altemative funding when our grants end. The grants tend
to be in the region of £5,000 per annum but the Trustees do award higher grants and consider all relevant
requests for fvnding.
Additionally. the Trustees seeks out organisations that work in fields supported by the Trust in particular
Literacy. Poetry. Music and Theatre and those previously supported by its founder Mrs Valerie Eliot. However,
grants are made at the discretion of the Trustees and are not limited to these areas of interest.
This year amongst its 3 year grants the Trust continued to support the Stephen Spender Prtze for Poetry in
Translation. Coram Shakespeare. Propel Magazine and The Royal Court for its work with new writers.
The Trust started a new £25,000 per annum 3-year commitment with the National Theatre for its work with
young writers through its New Views programme. In 2023. the National celebrated the 1 Oth anniversary of the
New Views programme. New Views is a unique springboard for self-expression: an opportunity for students to
write about what matters most to them. Over the last 10 years, 750 educational institutions have taken part. Old
Possum's Practical Trust's support since the start of the programme has empowered more than 12.500 young
people aged 14-19 to tell stories that matter to them. and to grow in confidence and academic ability. Diversity
of experience is key to the programme's success, empowering young people of all backgrounds to show us the
world through their lens.
Page 1

OLD POSSUM'S PRACTICAL TRUST
TRUSTEES. REPORT (CONTINUED)
FOR THE YEAR ENDED 31 MARCH 2024
Achievements and perfomiance (continued)
Archie Barnes, judging panel member and 17-year- old actor (Phaedra, 2023)
"The breadth of talent at thls year's New Views is seriously impressive. The diverse charactern and
Compelling stories reflect the reality of the world we live in, promoting understanding. empathy and
social justice. It is exhilarating to think that one day I might be lucky enough to perfom in a play written
by one or more of the finalists."
lan Rickson, director of 3.2.1
-1 am Trally excited to be working on New Wiews this year. a vital ￿sOUrCe both fi)r first time writers and
the wider culture, especially at a time when they are under such threat in education and oursociety as
a whole."
Keira Grierson, 2023 winner and writer of 3.2.1
"It felt surreal winning the competltion, but I was just overjoyed that my passion for writing had led to
such a great opportunity. Taking part in New Wiews has been such an exciting way for me to express
myself and my writing. I have really eryoyed working on my scrip¢ it has been an amazlng rewardlng
experience."
Page 2

OLD POSSUM'S PRACTICAL TRUST
TRUSTEES. REPORT (CONTINUED
FOR THE YEAR ENDED 31 MARCH 2024
Achievements and perfomiance (continued)
In July, the National hosted the New Views Festival as a celebration of all involved in the project. The winning
script. 3.2.1 by 15-year-old Keira Grierson (Oasis Academy Coulsdon), was directed by lan Rickson. former
artistic director at the Royal Court Theatre. It was performed by a full professional cast in the iconic Olivier
Theatrel 3.2.1 follows the entwined stories of a group of conflicted teenagers as they navigate the pressures of
social media. modem female beauty expectations and young love.
The Trust continued the third year of a 3-year commitment with English National Ballet. The grant this year
was added to English National Ballet's match fund for the Arts for Impact 2024 enabling a doubling of the
donation to £30,000 through Big Give helping to secure the long-term future of Ballet Futures.
The Trust supports organisations working in music and honoured Mrs Valerie Eliot's love of Opera and music by
supporting National Opera Studio (£5,000). Royal College of Music (£5.000) Holland Park Operd (£5,000)
and Young Classical Artist's Trust (£5,000).
We also started a new relationship with The Nucleo Project commencing wtth a grant of £2,500 in 2023-24 and
making a 3-year commitment for a grant of £5,000 from 2024-25.
Nucleo is a "music for social action" project offering free, ensemble-based music-making opportunities to
children and young people through their immersive programme in North Kensington. They run a national
Instrument Donation Bank to get unused instruments into the hands of young musicians and deliver the national
Young Leaders Programme. The young musicians in their Community Programme attend over 100 different
schools. and together they speak over 40 different languages at home.
The Trust also continues to support the music at St Stephen's Church. TS Elioys and Mrs Valerie Eliot's local
church.
St Stephen's Church South Kensington
The Trust commenced its second 3-year commitment with the Britlsh Film Institute "BFI" with an award of
£20,000 in September 2023 supporting them to further develop a strategic BFI Festivals Education Programme
for the 2023 London Film Festival (LFF).
Page 3

OLD POSSUM'S PRACTICAL TRUST
TRUSTEES. REPORT (CONTINUED)
FOR THE YEAR ENDED 31 MARCH 2024
Achievements and perfomiance (continued)
I LONDON
IVAL
The Trust also supported an exhibits'on of the celebrated filmmakers, Powell and Pressburger in October 2023.
The Red Shoes: Beyond the Mirror
.%': VTèO&P";¢,
}. t￿￿4-
A￿r
'Time rushes by. love rushes by, life rushes by. but the red shoes go on.
In this BFI Southbank exhibition, based on Powell and Pressburger's mesmerising 1948 production The Red
Shoes. Inspired by Hans Christian Andersen's classic fairy tale. it tells the story of a young woman whose desire
is to become a leading dancer. Itictoria Page (played by prima ballerina Moira Shearer) secures a
transformative role at the Ballet Lermontov. that of a girl beguiled by a pair of magic red slippers. Gradually. the
boundaries be￿een fact and fiction blur as Page's lrfe intertwines with the feverish part she dances. The
exhibition had over 100 previously unseen costume and production designs, scripts, behind the scenes
photographs and posters. alongside the iconic red ballet shoes featured in the film. The exhibition also featured
personal items owned by Moira Shearer and costumes from Matthew Bourne's recent ballet adaptation. Set
within a specially designed space that brought the film's dazzling centrepiece
the Ballet Lermontov's
fantastical ￿telling of the Red Shoes story - spellbindingly to life. The Red Shoes: Beyond the Mirror exhibition
was made possible due to support from the BFI Philanthropy Powell & Pressburger Consortium and Old
Possum's Practical Trust.
Other notable awards in 202&24 included The Children's Bookshow which established a tour in 2003 with the
aim of bringing the best writers and illustrators of children's literature to theatres and arts venues throughout
England. The writers selected are chosen from a wide variety of countries and cultures to give young people
the opportunity to experience the best children's literature from around the world. with focused attention on
schools in disadvantaged communities in areas ranging from Tower Hamlets in London to those in Newcastle.
The tour is backed up by a series of school workshops. led by the writers at which children are given the
opportunity to work with them on their own creative projects. The tour promotes the enjoyment of poetry by
giving children the opportunity to meet inspiring, intemationally acclaimed poets. it helps foster in children a love
of poetry; and it encourages children to write their own in the school workshops which follow the perfomiances.
Page 4

OLD POSSUM'S PRACTICAL TRUST
TRUSTEES. REPORT (CONTINUED)
FOR THE YEAR ENDED 31 MARCH 2024
Achievements and perfomiance (continued)
We made our second award of £15K to The Anne Frank Trust UK which is an education charity which
empowers 10- to 15-year-olds to Challenge all forms of prejudice. inspired by the lrfe and work of Anne Frank.
Using the diary of Anne Frank as a stsrting point for discussing the impact of unchallenged discrimination, they
deliver programmes enabling young people to become voices for equality and champions of tolerance. 16
young people from across England and Scotland were able to take part in a study trip to the Lake District to
further their learning about the Holocaust and develop their confidence in challenging prejudice. This included
visiting the Lake District Holocaust Project to learn about The Windermere Children from one of the
Windermere Boys. Harry Olmer and author Tom Palmer, as well as exploring the power of creative writing
through the worf( of Dorothy and William Wordsworth in a workshop with poet Clare Shaw.
Anne Frank, a beacon of hope,
In the secret annex. she wrote.
Amidst the darkness. she found solace,
In nature's beauty, she found a promise.
Through her window, she gazed at the sky,
The birds soaring freely. look at how they fly.
She saw the flowers. so vibrant and bold,
Nature's wonders with stories untold.
In her dlary. she challenged prejudice.
Using nature, she found bliss.
For in the natural worjd, there's no divide.
No judgment, no hatred, no need to hide
Anne Frank Ambassador
Thank you, Old Possum's Practical Trust for supportlng the Anne Frank Ambassadorsl
Page 5

OLD POSSUM'S PRACTICAL TRUST
TRUSTEES. REPORT (CONTINUED)
FOR THE YEAR ENDED 31 MARCH 2024
Achievements and performance (continued)
Continuing our work with musical projects we awarded the second instslment of a 3 year grant of £30K per
annum to the Tomorrow's Warriors Trust for their Young Artist Development Programme at the Southbank
Centre - a year-round, weekly development programme that is 1 OOQA free at the point of access for talented
young musicians aged 11-25, where they learn from those who have come through the programme who are
now leading musicians on the UK jazz scene (the embodiment of their 'Each One Teach One. ethos). They work
with c. 150-180 musicians a year, primarily focusing on musicians of colour and female musicians in their Junior
Warriors (aged 11-15). Development Group (15-19). Advanced Development Group (17-25). Jazz Hang (15-
25}, Female Collective (14+), Jau4Strings {17+). Between 85%.900k of their musicians go on to have
successful Careers as professional musicians.
"TOMORROWS WARRIORS runs an acclaimed Young & Emerying Attst Development Pmgramme
FREE for the next generation of aspiring UK Jazz musicians, to keep it accessible across cultural
divides and baffiers, with a particular focus on Black musicians and young women. and those facing
economic hardship."
Fams for City Children were awarded the fourth of their 5- year grant of £10,000 per annum in May 2023,
having previously been supported by Valerie Eliot.
p•ft CITY LHILPREN
We ended our 3-year commitment wtth The Fellx Project with a third annual award of £25,000 in May 2022.
however we have pledged a further 3 years of support at £20K per annum commencing in December 2024.
The Trust's support over the last three years has come at a crucial time for the organisation and has supported
their growth from an organisakn-on delivering 6.4 million meals in 2019 to one that delivered just under 42 million
in 2022. The cost-of-living crisis has seen a surge in demand and therefore the Trust felt it appropriate to
continue their support.
THE
FEI.IX
PROJECT
Page 6

OLD POSSUM'S PRACTICAL TRUST
TRUSTEES. REPORT (CONTINUED)
FOR THE YEAR ENDED 31 MARCH 2024
Achievements and perfom)ance (continued)
The Trust also awarded £5.000 to Refuge, and £5,000 to Hospital Rooms who install athork and run art
classes in NHS mother and baby units as well as £5,000 to Theatre503 a small but well used theatre in
Battersea showcasing new writers and £3,750 to Bradford Literary Festival.
We continued our annual support for the T.S.Eliot Festival at Llttle Gidding and additionally this year we
provided £5.000 to assist with renovations at Farrer House.
Ruth Padel opened the 2023 Festival with a reading of Prufrock. The Fests-val also featured Eliot scholars
Seamus Perry and David Trotter, and poet George Szirtes, winner of the 2004 T S Eliot Prize for Poety.
Financial Review
The investment fund generates income, which is used towards the objectrves of the charity. The fund generated
income in the year to 31 March 2024 of £106,963 {2023: £140.927). In addition, we received royalty income of
£43.000 (2023: £22.000).
Grants made to various charitable institutions in accordance with the charitys objectives totalled 263.675 (2023..
£3,527.074).
After taking account of the above-mentioned grants together with costs of generating income (investrnent
management and legal fees) of £35,500 (2023". £49,558) and governance costs of £19,538 (2023. £10,048), the
charity is showing net incoming resources for the year of £545,835 (2023: £3,453.613). Wtth funds brought
forward totslling £5,412.667. there remains funds carried forward of £5,958,502.
Page 7

OLD POSSUM'S PRACTICAL TRUST
TRUSTEES. REPORT (CONTINUEDI
FOR THE YEAR ENDED 31 MARCH 2024
Financial risk management objectives and policies
Going concern
After making appropriate enquiries, the Trustees have a reasonable expectation that the Charity has adequate
resources to continue in operational existence for the foreseeable future. For this reason, they Continue lo adopt
the going concem basis in preparing the financial statements. Further details regarding the adoption of the
going concern basis can be found in the accounting policies.
Reserves policy
The trustees have estsblished a policy whereby the unrestricted funds. which are the free reseNes of the
charity. should be kept at a minumum level. The charity has minimal operating costs and aims to distribute its
unrestricted income within the year of receipt. Adeduate funds will be retained to cover the small operating
expenses and to enable the trustees to respond to emergency applications for donations, which arise from time
to time.
Investmonts policy
There is no restrictions on the charity's power to invest. The trustees Consider the income requirements, the risk
profile and investment managerfs review of the market prospects in the medium temi. The primary objectives
are for a balance of income and capital growth using the indicator agreed of FTSEIAPCIMS Balanced index with
an appropriate income yield. The Portfolio yielded £106,963 {2023: £140.927) in the year and the trustees are
satisfied with this performance.
Structure, governance and management
The Old Possum's Practical Trust is an unincorporated charity registered with the Charity Commissioners under
registrats.on number 328558 fomied under the Trust Deed dated 29 January 1990.
The names of the trustees who have held office during the year and since the year end are shown on page 7.
The trustee to whom the day to day management of the charty has been delegated is Judith Hooper.
Until her death on 9 November 2012, trustees were appointed by Mrs EV Eliot as Settlor and Patron of the
charity. Following her death the current trustees have the power to appoint new trustees. The number of
trustees shall not be less than two. Trustees do not have any specific temi of office.
New trustees receive an induction from the Board which involves an awareness of a Trustee's responsibilities,
the Trust deed, administrative procedures and the history and approach of the charity. A new trustee would
receive a copy of the previous yearfs financial ststements and a copy of the Charity Commission leaflet 'The
Essential Trustee.. what you need to know".
Methods of appointment or election of Trustees
The management of the Charity is the responsibility of the Trustees who are elected and co opted under the
terms of the Trust deed.
Page 8

OLD POSSUM'S PRACTICAL TRUST
TRUSTEES. REPORT (CONTINUED)
FOR THE YEAR ENDED 31 MARCH 2024
Trustees
Mrs J M Hooper
Mrs C Reihill
Mrs D Simpson
Charity registered
328558
Principal offlce
201 Silbury Boulevard
Moorgate House
Milton Keynes
MK91LZ
Independent auditors
MHA
Chartered Accountants & Statutory Auditors
Moorgate House
201 Silbury Boulevard
Milton Keynes
Bud(inghamshire
MK9111
Banke
Arbuthnot Latham
7 Wilson Street
London
EC2M 2SN
Solicitors
Withers LLP
20 Old Bailey
London
EC4M 7AN
Investment Manager&
Waverton Investment Management
16 Babmaes Street
London
SW1Y 6AH
Website
www.tseliot.comlfoundationlold-
ssums-trustl
Risk Management
The Trustees annually assess the major risks to which the charity is exposed. These mainly relate to investment
management and the grant making process. The Trustees are satisfied that systems are in place to mitigate the
exposure to these major risks.
Disclosure of inforniation to auditors
Each of the persons who are Trustees at the time when this Trustees, report is approved has confimed that:
so far as that Trustee is aware, there is no relevant audit infomiation of which the charity's auditors
a￿ unaware, and
that Trustee has taken all the steps that ought to have been taken as a Trustee in order to be
aware of any relevant audit infomiation and to establish that the charity's auditors are aware of that
infomiation.
Page 9

OLD POSSUM'S PRACTICAL TRUST
TRUSTEES. REPORT ICONTINUED)
FOR THE YEAR ENDED 31 MARCH 2024
Auditors
The auditor. MHA Maclntyre Hudson, is deemed to be reappointed under section 487(2) of the Companies Act
2006.
Following a rebranding exercise on 15 May 2023 the trading name of the companvs independent auditor
changed from MHA Maclntyre Hudsn to MHA.
Approved by order of the members of the board of Trustees and signed on t
'r behalf by:
J Hooper
Trustee
Date".
C Reihill
Trustee
Date..
Page 10

OLD POSSUM'S PRACTICAL TRUST
STATEMENT OF TRUSTEES. RESPONSIBILITIES
FOR THE YEAR ENDED 31 MARCH 2024
The Trustees are responsible for preparing the Trustees, report and the financial statements in accordan￿ with
applicable law and United Kingdom Accounting Standards (United Kingdom Generally Accepted Accounting
Practice).
The law applicable to charFties in England & Wales requires the Trustees to prepare financial statements for
each financial which give a true and fair view of the state of affairs of the Charity and of its incoming resources
and application of resources. including Its income and expenditure, for that period. In preparing these financial
statements, the Trustees are required to..
select suitable accounting policies and then apply them consistently.
observe the methods and principles of the Charities SORP (FRS 102)",
make judgments and accounting estimates that are reasonabte and prudent;
slate whether applicable UK Accounting Standards (FRS 102) have been followed. subject to any
material departures disclosed and explained in the financial statements",
prepare the financial ststements on the going concern basis unless it is inappropriate to presume that the
Chartywill continue in business.
The Trustees are responsible for keeping adequate accounting records that are sufficient to show and explain
the Charitys transactions and disclose with reasonable accuracy at any time the financial position of the Charity
and enable them to ensure that the financial ststements comply with the Charities Act 2011, the Chaiity
(Accounts and Reports) Regulations 2008 and the provisions of the Trust deed. They are also responsible for
safeguarding the assets of the Charity and hence for taking reasonable steps for th
, prevention and detection of
fraud and other irregularities.
Approved by order of the members of the board of Trustees and signed on
s behalf by=
J Hooper
Trustee
Date:
C Reihill
Trustee
Date:
7 J,-/-.L4
Z*-l) o
Page11

OLD POSSUM'S PRACTICAL TRUST
INDEPENDENT AUDITORS. REPORT TO THE MEMBERS OF OLD POSSUM'S PRACTICAL TRUST
Opinion
We have audited the financial statements of Old Possum's Practical Trust (the 'charity') for the year ended 31
March 2024 which comprise the Statement of financial activities, the Balance sheet, the Statement of cash
flows and the related notes. including a summary of significant accounting policies. The financial reporting
framework that has been applied in their preparation is applicable law and United Kingdom Accounting
Standards, including Financial Reporting Standard 102 'The Financial Reporting Standard applicable in the UK
and Republic of Ireland, (United Kingdom Generally Accepted Accounting Practice).
The financial statements have been prepared in accordance with Accounting and Reporting by Charities
preparing their accounts in accordance with the Financial Reporting Standards applicable in the UK and
Republic of Ireland (FRS 102) in preference to the Accounting and Reporting by Charities: Stalement of
Recommended Practice issued on 1 April 2005 which is refe￿ed to in the extant regulations but has been
withdrawn.
This has been done in order for the accounts to provide a true and fair view in accordance with the Generally
Accepted Accounting Practice effective for reporting periods beginning on or after 1 January 2015.
In our opinion the financial statements..
give a true and fair view of the state of the charity's affairs as at 31 March 2024 and of ￿S incoming
resources and application of resources for the year then ended:
have been properly prepared in accordan￿ with United Kingdom Generally Accepted Accounting
Practice., and
have been prepared in accordance with the requirements of the Charities Act 2011.
Basis for opinion
We conducted our audit in accordance with Intemational Standards on Auditing (UK) {ISAs (UK)) and applicable
law. Our responsibilities under those standards are further described in the Auditors. responsibilities for the audit
of the financial statements section of our report. We are independent of the charity in accordance with the
ethical requirements that are relevant to our audit of the financial statements in the United Kingdom, including
the Financial Reporting Council's Ethical Standard, and we have fulfilled our other ethical responsibilities in
accordance with these requirements. We believe that the audit evidence we have obtained is sufficient and
appropriate to provide a basis for our opinion.
Conclusions relating to going concem
In auditing the financial statements. we have concluded that the Trustees. use of the going concern basis of
accounting in the preparation of the financial statements is appropriate.
Based on the work we have perfomied, we have not identrfied any material uncertainties relating to events or
conditions that, individually or collectively, may cast significant doubt on the charity's ability to continue as a
going concern for a period of at least twelve months from when the financial statements 8re authorised for
issue.
Our responsibilities and the responsibiltties of the Trustees with respect to going concern are described in the
relevant sections of this report.
Page 12

OLD POSSUM'S PRACTICAL TRUST
INDEPENDENT AUDITORS. REPORT TO THE MEMBERS OF OLD POSSUM'S PRACTICAL TRUST
(CONTINUED)
Other inforniation
The other information comprises the information included in the Annual report other than the financial
statements and our Auditors, report thereon. The Trustees are responsible for the other information contained
within the Annual report. Our opinion on the financial 5tstements does not cover the other information and,
except to the extent otherwise explicitly stated in our report, we do not express any form of assurance
conclusion thereon. Our responsibility is to read the other infomiation and, in doing so, consider whether the
other infomiation is materialty inconsistent with the financial statements or our knowledge obtained in the course
of the audit. or otherwise appears to be materially misststed. If we identrfy such material inconsistencies or
apparent material misstatements. we a￿ required to determine whether this gives rise to a material
misstatement in the financial statements themselves. If, based on the work we have performed, we conclude
that there is a material misstatement of this other information. we are required to report that fact.
We have nothing to report in this regard.
Matters on whi¢h we are required to report by exception
We have nothing to report in respect of the following matters where the Charities (Accounts and Reports)
Regulations 2008 requires us to report to you rf, in our opinion=
the information given in the Trustee5' report is inconsistent in any material respect with the financial
statements., or
sufficient accounting records have not been kept" or
the financial statements are not in agreement with the accounting records and returns" or
we have not received all the information and explanations we require for our audit.
Responsibilities of trustees
As explained more fully in the Trustees, responsibilities statement. the Trustees are responsible for the
preparation of the financial statements which give a true and fair view, and for such intemal control as the
Trustees determine is necessary to enable the preparation of financial statements that are free from material
misstatement, whether due to fraud or error.
n preparing the financial statements, the Trustees are responsible for assessing the charity's ability to continue
as a going concern, disclosing, as applicable, matters related to going concem and using the going concern
basis of accounting unless the Trustees either intend to liquidate the charity or to cease operations, or have no
realistic alternative but to do so.
Page 13

OLD POSSUM'S PRACTICAL TRUST
INDEPENDENT AUDITORS. REPORTTO THE MEMBERS OF OLD POSSUM'S PRACTICAL TRUST
(CONTINUED)
Auditors. responsibillties for the audit of the financial statements
We have been appointed as auditor under section 144 of the Charities Act 2011 and report in accordance with
the Act and relevant regulations made or having effect thereunder.
Our objectives are to obtain reasonable assurance about whether the financial statements as a whole are free
from material misstatement, whether due to fraud or error. and to issue an Auditors, report that includes our
opinion. Reasonable assurance is a high level of assurance, but is not a guarantee that an audit conducted in
accordance with ISAS (UK) will ahvays detect a material misstatement when it exists. Misstatements can arise
from fraud or error and are considered material rf, individually or in the aggregate. they could reasonably be
expected to influence the economic decisions of users taken on the basis of these financial statements.
Irregularities, including fraud. are instances of non-compliance with laws and regulations. We design
procedures in line with our responsibilities. outlined above. to detect material misstatements in respect of
irregularities. including fraud. The extent to which our procedu￿$ are capable of detecting irregularities,
including fraud is detailed below:
Enquiry of management around actual and potential litigation and claims-
Enquiry of entity staff in compliance functions to identify any instance of non-compliance with laws and
regulations.,
Performing audit work over the risk of management override of controls, including testing of journals
entries and other adjustments for appropriateness. evaluation the business rationale of signrficant
transactions outside the normal course of business and reviewing accounting estimates for bias.,
Reviewing financial statements disclosures and testing to supporting documentation to assess
compliance
with applicable laws and regulations.
A further description of our responsibilities for the audit of the financial statements is located on the Financial
Reporting Council's website at.. www.frc.o
.uklauditorsres
nsibilities. This description forms part of our
Auditors, report.
Use of our report
This report is made solely to the chartvs trustees. as a body, in accordance with Part 4 of the Charities
(Accounts and Reports) Regulations 2008. Our audit work has been undertaken so that we might state to the
Charity's trustees those matters we are required to state to them in an Auditors, report and for no other purpose.
To the fullest extent pemiitted by law, we do not accept or assume responsibility to anyone other than the
charity and its trustees, as a body, for our audit work, for this report, or for the opinions we have fomied.
MHA
Chartered Accountants
Statutory Auditors
MiFton Keynes
Date: 2? ￿2(
MHA are eligible to act as auditors in temis of section 1212 of the Companies Act 2006.
MHA is the trading name of Maclntyre Hudson LLP, a limited liability partnership in England and Wales
(registered number OC312313)
Page 14

OLD POSSUM'S PRACTICAL TRUST
STATEMENT OF FINANCIAL ACTIVITIES
FOR THE YEAR ENDED 31 MARCH 2024
Unrestrlcted Endowment
funds
funds
2024
2024
Total
funds
2024
Total
funds
2023
Note
Income and endowments from:
Donations and legacies
Investments
43,133
106.963
43.133
106.963
22,094
140,927
Total income and endowments
150,096
1 50.096
163.021
Expenditure on:
Raising funds
Charitable activities
35,500
35,500
296,937
49,558
3,549,677
296,937
Total expenditure
296,937
35,500
332,437
3,599.235
Net expenditure befo￿ net
gainsl(losses) on investments
Net gainsl(losses) on investments
{146.841)
{35,500)
728,176
{182,341) {3,436.214)
728,176
(17,399)
Net {expenditure)lincome
Transfers beiween funds
(146,841)
146,841
692,676
(146,841)
545,835
(3,453,613)
Total transfer8
146.841
(146.841)
Net movement in funds
545,835
545.835
(3,453.613)
Reconciliation of funds".
Total funds brought forward
Net movement in funds
5,412,667
545,835
SN12.667
545,835
8,866.280
13,453,613)
Total funds carried forward
5.958.502
5,958.502
5,412,667
The Statement of financial activities includes all gains and losses recognised in the year.
The notes on pages 17 to 26 form part of these financial statements.
Page 15

OLD POSSUM'S PRACTICAL TRUST
BALANCE SHEET
AS AT 31 MARCH 2024
2024
2023
Note
Flxed assets
Investments
11
5,968,329
5,409.485
5,968,329
5,409.485
Current assets
Debtors
Cash at bank and in hand
12
480
15,674
23.663
15,674
24,143
Creditors.. amounts falling due within one
year
13
(25,501)
(20,961)
Net current liabilities l assets
{9,827)
3,182
Total assets less current liabilities
5,958.502
5,412.667
Total net assets
5,958.502
5.412,667
Charity funds
Endowment funds
5,958,502
5,412,667
Restricted funds
Unrestricted funds
Total funds
5.958.502
5.412,667
The financial statements were approved anfl authorised for issue by the Trustees
signed on their behalf by..
J Hooper
Trustee
Date:
Mrs C Rei
Trustee
Date..
371,.IzOt-Lk
Lo LV-
The notes on pages 17 to 26 form part of these financial statements.
Page 16

OLD POSSUM'S PRACTICAL TRUST
NOTES TO THE Flf4ANCIAL STATEMENTS
FOR THE YEAR ENDED 31 MARCH 2024
General Infomiation
The Charity is a registered charity in England and Wales and is unincorporated. The address of the
principal office is Moorgate House, 201 Silbury Boulevard, Milton Keynes MK9 1 LZ. The principal place of
business is Flat 3, Kensington Court Gardens, London, W8 5QE.
Figures in the financial statements and the notes have been rounded to the nearest whole number in
GBP.
Accounting poli¢les
2.1 Basis of preparation of financial statements
The financial statements 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 accordan￿ wtth the Financial Reporting Standard applicable in the UK
and Republic of Ireland (FRS 102) (effective 1 January 2019), the Financial Reporting Standard
applicable in the UK and Republic of Ireland (FRS 102) and the Chartties Act 2011.
The financial statements have been prepared to give a 'true and fairf view and have departed from
the Charities (Accounts and Reports) Regulations 2008 only to the extent required to provide a 'true
and fair, view. This departure has involved following the Charities SORP (FRS 102) published in
October 2019 rather than the Accounting and Reporting by Charities.. Statement of Recommended
Practice effectNe from 1 April 2005 which has since been withdrawn.
Old Possum's Practical Trust meets the definition of a public benefit entity under FRS 102. Assets
and liabilities are initially recognised at historical cost or transaction value unless otherwise stated in
the relevant accounting policy.
2.2 Going concern
At the time of approving the financial statements. the trustees have a reasonable expectation that
the Charity has adequate resources to continue in operational existence for the forseeable future.
Thus the trustees continue to adopt the going concern basis of accounting in preparing the financial
statements.
2.3 Income
All income is recognised once the Charity has entttlement to the income, it is probable that the
income will be received, and the amount of income receivabSe can be measured reliably.
Legacies are recognised on receipt or othenvise rf the charity has been notified of an impending
distribution. the amount is known. and receipt is expected. If the amount is not known, the legacy is
treated as a conts-ngent asset.
Page 17

OLD POSSUM'S PRACTICAL TRUST
NOTES TO THE FINANCIAL STATEMENTS
FOR THE YEAR ENDED 31 MARCH 2024
Accounting policies (continued)
2.4 Expenditure
Expenditure is recognised On￿ there is a legal or constructive obligation to transfer economic
benefit to a third paty, it is probable that a transfer of economic benefits will be fequired in
settlement and the amount of the obligation can be measured reliably. Expenditure is classified by
activity. The costs of each activity are made up of the total of direct costs and shared costs,
including support costs involved in undertaking each activity. Direct costs attributable to a single
activity are alk)cated directly to that activity. Shared costs which contribute to more than one activity
and support costs which are not attributable to a single activity are apportioned be￿een those
activities on a basis consistent with the use of resources.
Expenditure on raising funds includes all expenditure incurred by the Charity to ￿lse funds for its
charitable purposes and includes costs of all fundraising activtties. events and non<haritable
trading.
Expenditure on charitable activities is incurred on directly undertaking the activities which further the
Charitys objectives. as well as any associated support costs.
Grants payable are Charged in the year when the offer is made except in those c2ses where the
offer is conditional, such grants being recognised as expenditure when the conditions attaching are
fulfilled. Grants offered subject to conditions which have not been met at the year end are noted as a
commitmenc but not accrued as expenditure.
AII expenditure is inclusive of irrecoverable VAT.
2.5 Investments
Fixed asset investments are a form of financial instrument and are initialty recognised at their
transaction cost and subsequently measured at fair value at the Balance sheet date, unless the
value cannot be measured reliabFy in which case it is measured at cost less impairment. Investment
gains and losses. whether realised or unrealised. are combined and presented as 'Gainsl(Losses)
on investments, in the Statement of financial activities.
2.6 Debtors
Trade and other debtors are recognised at the settlement amount after any trade discount offered.
Prepayments are valued at the amount prepaid net of any trade discounts due.
2.7 Cash at bank and in hand
Cash at bank and in hand includes cash and short-term highly liquid investments with a short
maturity of three months or less from the date of acquisition or opening of the deposit or similar
accounL
Page 18

OLD POSSUM'S PRACTICAL TRUST
NOTES TO THE FINANCIAL STATEMENTS
FOR THE YEAR ENDED 31 MARCH 2024
Accountlng policies (continued)
2.8 Liabilities and provisions
Liabilities are recognised when there is an obligation at the Balance sheet date as a result of a past
event. it is probable that a transfer of economic benefit will be required in settlement, and the
amount of the settlement Can be estimated reliably.
Liabilities are recognised at the amount that the Charity anticipates it will pay to settle the debt or the
amount it has received as advanced payments for the goods or services it must provide.
Provisions are measured at the best estimate of the amounts required to settle the obligation. Where
the effect of the time value of money is material, the provision is based on the present value of those
amounts. discounted at the pre-tax discount rate that reflects the risks specific to the liability. The
unwinding of the discount is recognised in the Statement of financial activities as a finance cost.
2.9 Financial Instruments
The Charity only has financial assets and financial liabilits-es of a kind that qualify as basic financial
instruments. Basic financial instruments are initially recognised at transaction value and
subsequently measured at their settlement value with the exception of bank loans which are
subsequently measured at amortised cost using the effectrve interest method.
2.10 Fund accounting
General fund5 are unrestrtcted funds which are available for use at the discretion of the Trustees in
furtherance of the general objectives of the Charity and which have not been designated for other
purposes.
Investment income, gains and losses are allocated to the appropriate fund.
Income from donations and legacies
Unrestricted
funds
2024
Total
funds
2024
Totsl
funds
2023
Donations
Royaty income
133
43,000
133
43,000
94
22,000
43,133
43,133
22,094
Page 19

OLD POSSUM'S PRACTICAL TRUST
NOTES TO THE FINANCIAL STATEMENTS
FOR THE YEAR ENDED 31 MARCH 2024
Invèstment Income
Unrestricted
funds
2024
Total
funds
2024
Total
funds
2023
UK Equities and Unit Trusts
Interest Re￿1vable
Overseas Equities
24,031
9.237
73.695
24,031
9,237
73.695
35,096
11,710
94,121
106.963
106.963
140,927
Investment management costs
Endowment
funds
2024
Total
funds
2024
Total
funds
2023
Investment management
35,500
35.51JO
49,558
Anatysis of grnnts
Grants to
Institutions
2024
Total
funds
2024
Total
funds
2023
Grants & donations
283.675
263,675
3,527,074
Page 20

OLD POSSUM'S PRACTICAL TRUST
NOTES TO THE FINANCIAL STATEMENTS
FOR THE YEAR ENDED 31 MARCH 2024
Grants Payable for the year
2024
2023
Educational Support
Barnsley Civic Enteprise Ltd - writing groups
Hounslow Action for Youth
Anno's Africa
St Elizabeth's RC Primary School
Farms for City Children
The Children's Bookshow
The Anne Frank Trust UK
Coram Shakespeare Schools Festival
Tristan Carter (cello tuition)
500
1.000
4.300
4.300
2,500
10.000
20,000
15,000
5.000
2.400
10,000
20,000
15,000
5,000
55,800
59.200
Support for Disadvantaged Groups
The Book Trade Charity
Great Brickhill Charity re= Ukraine
The Felix Project (emergency funding)
The Laurie Todd Foundation
Dalgarno Trust {foodbank)
Refuge (emergency funding)
Ride2Give
Camphill Community Trust. Milton Keynes
Unicef
Hospital Rooms (Bethlem Mental Health Unit)
The Daisy Garland
Great Omiond Street Hospital
The Big Issue Foundation
10.000
5.000
25.000
2.000
1,500
5,000
1,500
10,000
5,000
5,000
1,500
5,000
5,795
1,010
5,000
17.29S
71,010
Support for the Arts
Arkbound Foundation
British Film Institute
Exeter Literary Festival
Stephen Spender Prizerrrust
St stephen's Church - music
Friends of Little Gidding (Eliot Festival)
English National Ballet
Bradford Literary Festival
5,000
20,000
10,000
5,000
15,000
4,000
15,000
20,000
5,000
15.000
4.000
15.000
3,750
Page 21

OLD POSSUM'S PRACTICAL TRUST
NOTES TO THE FINANCIAL STATEMENTS
FOR THE YEAR ENDED 31 MARCH 2024
British Film Institute - Powell & Pressburger exhibition
Garsington Opera Education
Julian Quartet- reading four Quartets
Festival of Cats
Royal Court Theatre
National Opera Studio
Holland Park Opera
Wiltons Music Hall
British Library
Little Gidding Trust- Farrar House - retreat centre
INK from pen to performance
International Organ Festival
National Theatre
Sound & Music
Royal College of Music
Unicom Theat￿ (Carol Jenner Productions)
The Little Angel Theatre
The Nucleo Project
Propel Magazine Ltd
V&A Museum
15.000
50,000
1,000
2,150
5,000
5,000
5.000
5.000
5,000
5,000
7,500
10,469
5,000
4,680
10,000
25,000
25.000
5.000
5,000
5,000
2,000
5,000
2,500
5,000
5.000
5.400
5.000
1.495
Young Classical Artists
Weslbury Arts Centre
StAnza. Scotland's Poetry Festival
Tomorrow's Warriors Trust
5,000
4.500
30.000
5,000
30,000
Theatre 503
The T.S. Eliot Foundation
Vox Urbane
No longer required
3.150,000
1,500
{7,500)
190,580
3,396,864
Total
263,675
3,527,074
Page 22

OLD POSSUM'S PRACTICAL TRUST
NOTES TO THE FINANCIAL STATEMENTS
FOR THE YEAR ENDED 31 MARCH 2024
Analysis of expenditure on charitable activitles
Summary by fund type
Unrestricted
funds
2024
Total
2024
Total
2023
Grant funding, support costs , governance costs and
donation to The T.S. Eliot Foundation
296,937
296,937
3,549,677
Analysis of expenditure by acttvities
Grant
funding of
activities
2024
Support
costs
2024
Totsl
funds
2024
Total
funds
2023
Grant funding. support costs, governance
costs & donats'ons
263.675
33,262
296,937
3,549.677
Analysls of support costs
Support costs
Total
funds
2024
Total
funds
2023
Salaries & social security
Bank charges
Sundry
Website costs
9,840
59
3,020
805
19,538
8,768
69
2,063
1,655
10.048
Governance costs- Audit and accountancy
33,262
22,603
Page 23

OLD POSSUM'S PRACTICAL TRUST
NOTES TO THE FINANCIAL STATEMENTS
FOR THE YEAR ENDED 31 MARCH 2024
10. Trustees. remuneratron and expensas
During the year, no Trustees received any remuneration or other benefits (2023 - £NIL).
During the year ended 31 March 2024, no Trustee expenses have been incurred {2023 - £NIL).
11.
Fixed asset investments
Llsted
investments
Cost or valuation
At 1 April 2023
Additions
On acquisition of subsidiaries
Disposals
Foreign exchange movement
5,409,485
532.480
(47,271)
(654,541)
728.176
At 31 March 2024
5.968.329
Net book value
At 31 March 2024
5,968,329
At 31 March 2023
5.409,485
12. Debtors
2024
2023
Due withln one year
Prepayments and accrued income
480
480
Page 24

OLD POSSUM'S PRACTICAL TRUST
NOTES TO THE FINANCIAL STATEMENTS
FOR THE YEAR ENDED 31 MARCH 2024
13.
Creditors: Amounts falling due within one year
2024
2023
Other taxation and social security
Accruals and deferred income
510
24,991
510
20,451
25,501
20.961
14.
Summary of funds
Summary of funds - current year
Balance at
31 March
2024
Balance at 1
April 2023
Transfers
inlout
Galnsl
(Losses)
Income Expenditure
General funds
Endowment
funds
150,096
{296,937)
146.841
5,412,667
135,500)
{146.841)
728,176
5,958,502
5,412,667
150,096
{332,437)
728.176
5,958,502
15. Analysis of net assets between funds
Analysis of net assets between funds - Current period
Endowment
funds
2024
Total
funds
2024
Fixed asset investments
Current assets
Creditors due within one year
5,968,329
15.674
(25,501)
5,968,329
15.674
{25,501)
Total
5,958,502
5,958,502
Page 25

OLD POSSUM'S PRACTICAL TRUST
NOTES TO THE FINANCIAL STATEMENTS
FOR THE YEAR ENDED 31 MARCH 2024
16. Related party transactions
Old Possum's Practical Trust made a donation of £nil during the year to The T.S. Eliot Foundation for the
purchase of The T. S. Eliot Archive {2023- £3,150,000).
Old Possum's Pradical Trust received a donation of £43,000 during the year from Set Copyrights Limited
(2023 - £22,000).
Page 26