Charlty registration number 504634 CHESTER CIVIC TRUST ANNUAL REPORT AND UNAUDITED FINANCIAL STATEMENTS FOR THE YEAR ENDED 31 MARCH 2025 ) Hargreaves & Woods CHARTERED ACCOUNTANTS & BUSINESS ADVISf RS CHESTER CIVIC TRUST CONTENTS Paga Legal and administrative information Trustees, report Independent examiner's report Statement of financial activities Balance sheet Notes lo the financial statements 10-16 CHESTER CIVIC TRUST LEGAL AND ADMINISTRATIVE INFORMATION Trustees Mis C M Russell Mr N Clarke Mr G Cattin Ms S M Harris Mrs J Evans Mrs V F Mustill-Daniels MrA D Pannell Mis H McNae Mr J S Langtree MBE Ms K McKay Mrs C Phillips MrA R Barton Mr D J Evans Mrs R A Davidson Mr P W Cocker Mr J D Herson Mr D J Tweed Mr B Dutlon Mr A Taylor-Jones Mrs J A Harrad-Roberts Charlty registration England and Wales 504634 Principal address Bishop Lloyds Palace 51-53 Watergate Street Row Chester CH12LE Independent examiner James Hargreaves FCA Cholmondeley House Dee Hills Park Chester Cheshire CH3 SAR CHESTER CIVIC TRUST TRUSTEES. REPORT FOR THE YEAR ENDED 31 MARCH 2025 The truslaes present their annual report and financial statements for the year ended 31 March 2025. The financial statements have been prepared in accordance with the accounting policies set out in note 1 to the financial statements and comply with the charily's goveining document. the Charities Act 2011 and "Accounting and Reporting by Charities: Slatemenl of Recommended Praclice applicable lo charities preparing their accounts in accordan￿ with the Financial Reporting Standard applicable in the UK and Republic of Ireland IFRS 102)" {effective 1 January 2019). Objectlves and activltles The main mission of the Trust is to preseNe 8nd improve the built environment in and around Chestér and to enhance the quality of life of its citizens. To achieve Ihis mission it has set itself the following objectives.. To foster civic pride and public interest in Chester's buildings and their settings.. To champion good architecture, planning and design, and promote suslainabilily- To preserve and enhance Chestevs archileclural and cultural heritage., To improve the quality of life for people in Chester Public benefit The trustees have paid due regard to guidance issued by the Charity Commission iii deciding ￿al activities the charity should undertake. Achievements and performaiice CHAIR'S ANNUAL REPORT 2025 2024125 has béen a year of celebration for Chester Ciwc Trust. A'Blue Sapphire. 65th anniversary of the founding of Chester Civic Trust in 1960 coupled with the 50th anniversary of the European ArchileGtural Heritage Year (EAHY) in 1975. It was very appropriate that one of the highlighls of 2025 was the visil to our HQ, Bishop Lloyd's Palace, by HRH Duke of Gloucester as the blue sapphire is traditionally the gemstone of royaltyl HRH had previously vi51ted the city in 1975 to see at first hand the restoration work that was being carried out in the Bridgeg4te Action Area, one of the pilot projects of the EAHY. The key contrÈbulion of Chester Civic Trust at the time was the reinstatement of the medieval High Cross oulside Sl Péter's Church. The High Cross had stood at the Cross from 1476 to 1646 when il was demolished after the surrender of Chester to the Parliamentarians in 1646. To celebrale both significant anniversaries, a successful Dinner was held at Chez Jcwles restaurant in June. The Trust's finances are in good shape, thanks in part to generous legaues received from Dr Ajlan Pullin and Keith Truman, a long-standing member of the Events Ctjnmillee. Membership numbers have remained stable and covered adminislralive costs. The income from ￿lI[erS that pays for utility bills and ￿paIrS and maintenance has incréased. We have slarted negotiations with Cheshire Wesl and Chester BoroLtgh Council to renew the Bishop Lloyd's Palace lease. Over the last 12 months we have moved into the digital age and increased the use of electronic communications to members. Memb8rs have welcomed the introduction of online bookings and payments. In common with most small charities. Cheslef Civic Trust is lotally dependenl on volunteers. We have no paid staff. Whilst il can be invidious to mention individuals we should thank David Colclough for taking on the role of building manager and Rob Ford for the bookkeeping function. Liz Pieedy continues to represent the Trust on a numbér of heritage committees 2nd organisations. Faye Muslill-Daniels is the membership secretary who also has overall responsibility for hirers. We urgenlly need volunteers who have basic IT skills who can help with admin tasks a couple of hours a week- please get in touth! CHESTER CIVIC TRUST TRUSTEES, REPORT {CONTINUED) FOR THE YEAR ENDED 31 MARCH 2025 The Trust is fortunate to have 5 hard-working Committee Chairs. The indefatigable Karen McKay, the Chair of Events Committee, organises a diverse range of lalks and walks and visils. Highlights in the past year have included a 5 day visit to Ihe Suriey Hills foGussing on the Watts Village and Gallery and day visits lo the World of Glass in Sl Helens and the Pontcysyllte World Herilage Site at Llangollen. Forthcoming events include a study tour of Ihe Viking Influen￿ in North Lincolnshire, a residenlial visit lo Gdansk and North Poland and a day visit to Bradford: the 2025 City of Culture. Andrew Pannell, the Chair of New Wort(8 Committee and John Tweed, the Chair of Strategic Planning. are leading discussions wth the local authority and the developers of the 2nd Phase of Northgate and the revision of the Local Plan. Tony Barton, the Chair of the Heritage Committee is leading the EAHY commemorations and Nick Clarke, the Chair of Communications Committee is th8 Trust's link with our Corporate Members and individual members. The contribution of the Officers and Trustees should be acknomdedged - Peter Cocker for navigating the Trust thiough the choppy waters of changing from an unincorporated to an incorporated charity, Sarah and Graham Callin and Jane Harrad Roberts for publicising the work of Ihe Twsl to members, IoGal residents and businesses and Peter Hadfield for chairing the Judging Panel of the annual Good, Bad and Ugly Awards. This year's Annual General Meeting will be held in the Cathedral Refeciory on Thursday 2nd October. The Presidenl of Chester Civic Trust, Lady Alexis Redmond MBE, the Lord Lieutenant of Cheshire will be our guest speaker. I would like lo thank all members for their continuing support in 2024125. Flnanclal review Income from room hire al Bishop Lloyd's Palace increased again this year lo £13,010 compared to £9,375 in the previous year. This is in part because we have retained a number of regular hirers who came on bo¥d in the previous financial year. Expenditure associated with the upkeep and running of Bishop Lloyd's Palace, which is largely made up of rent, insui'ance, ulililies and cleaning, amounted to £8,738. which is significantly higher than the previaus year where these costs totaled £6,778. The increase is almost entirely down to substantial increases in utility costs gas. electric and water, although around half of the water costs were recovered from the flat above BLP after the end of this financial year. Office administralion G05ts, which include printing and postage, were broadly in line with previous years. No significant repairs were carried out in the year. Events held during Ihe year generated a surplus of £2,535 compared to a surplus of £1.287 in the wevious year. A substantial part of this was down to the success of the garden party for which attendance was at full capacity. Other events generated surpluses of belween £40 and £330. Income from membership subscriptions increased again this year from £6,560 to £8,238. Investment income decreased lo £470 compared to £831 in Ihe previous year. There were no sales or purchases of investments during the year, The market value of the portrolio also showed modest growth in the year, increasing by £605 compared to an increase over the previous year of £5,578. Chester CiviG Trust was extremety fortunate to Teceive two subslantial legacies durlng the year amounting to £30.651, 8s well as generous donation of £1,000. Taking all of the above into account, the overall result for Ihe year was a surplus of £40,712 compared with a surplus in the previous finanaal year of £11.059. CHESTER CIVIC TRUST TRUSTEES. REPORT (CONTINUED) FOR THE YEAR ENDED 31 MARCH 2025 R&se￿e8 policy Overall the Tru81's reserves (excluding third party funds) increased from £86,948 al 31 March 2024 to £127,660 at 31 March 2025. 01 this amount, £84.770 represents unrestricted general reserves and £42,890 represents unrealised gains on investments. The Trust's reserves policy is lo hold unrestricted funds. not committed or invested, equiv8lÈnt to 3 months. expenditure on establishment expenses and SeNi￿S to members. As costs have continued to increase. Ihis figure is now considered to equale lo approximately £4,000 {2024'. £2.500) of expenditure. Unrestricted reserves which are not commilled or invested as at 31 March 2025 stand at £57,233 {2024: £17,126). The reserves policy reqtjirement has therefore been comfortably met. The Trustees aim is to continue to retain rese￿eS at a levél which continues lo meel this requirement going fO￿ard whilst also retaining funds to cover essential expenditure on repairs and renewals. Structure, governance and management The trustees who served during the year and up to Ihe date of signature of the financial slalements were- Mrs C M Russell Mr N Clarke Mr G Catlin Ms S M Harris Mrs J Evan5 Mrs V F Mustill-Daniels MrA D Pannell Mrs H McNae Mr J S Langlree MBE Ms K McKay Mrs C Phillips MrA R Barton Mr D J Evans Mrs R A Davidson Mr P W Cocker MrJ D Herson Mr D J Tweed Mr B Dutton MrA Taylor-Jones Mrs J A Harrad-Roberts Recruitment and appoii?Iment of trustees Trustees are nominated by members and nominations are approved annually at the AGM. There are 6 Executive OffiGers - the Chair, 3 Vice-chairs. Hon Secretary and Hon Treasurer plus 5 further Tnjstees who are the Chairs of the 5 Commiltees - Strategic Development. New Works. Herilage, Communications and Events. These Trustees are agreed by the members of Ihe individual Committee and approved by the Executive Committee. The Membership Secretary is invited also to be a member of the EXe￿tiVe and a Trustee. Nane of the trustees has any beneficial interest in the charity. CHESTER CIVIC TRUST TRUSTEES. REPORT (CONTINUED) FOR THE YEAR ENDED 31 MARCH 2025 The TrLfsI is governed by the Executive Committee comwising.. the three Custodian Trustees (who se￿e in per￿luitY) the Officers of the Trust (Chairman, Vice-chairmen. Hon Secret8ry and Hon Treasurer) who are elected annually- belween 8 and 12 elec*ed members elected annually (who serve a maximum term of 3 years) - the President and all Vice-Presidents plus any co-opted members {non-voting) The Executive Committee meets at approximately six-weekly inleNals and decides all policy matters relating lo the affairs of the Trust. 11 also approves all significant financial decisions in advance of expenditure being incurred. The voting members of the Executive are the Trustees of the Trust. Five sub-committees support the Executive Commiltee" New Works Strategic Development Communications Events Heritage President Lady Alexis Redmond MBE Vice Presidents Graham Fisher stephen Langtree Cyril Morris Chairman Christine Russell Vice Chairmen Peter Cocker John Herson David Evans Hon Secretary Graham Catlin Hon Treasurer Sue Harris Execulive Committee Members (Elected) Nick Clarke Jean Evans Karen McKay Hilarie McNae Faye Mustill-Daniels Andrew Pannell stephen Langtree Tony Barton Ruth Davidson Jane Harrad-Roberts Executive Committee Members (tsopled) Cynthia Phillips Custodian Truste8S Brian Dulton Alislair Jone5 John Tweed Membership Secretary Faye Mustill-Daniels CHESTER CIVIC TRUST TRUSTEES. REPORT (CONTINUED) FOR THE YEAR ENDED 31 MARCH 2025 Olhermalteis Mambership At 31st March 2025 thére were 340 individual and joint members of Chestei Civic Trust and 11 Corporate members. The trustees, report was approved by the Board of Trustees. Mrs C Russell Trustee 26 January 2026 CHESTER CIVIC TRUST INDEPENDENT EXAMINER'S REPORT TO THE TRUSTEES OF CHESTER CIVIC TRUST I report to the trustees on my examination of the financial statements of Chester Civic Trust (the charity) for the year ended 31 March 2025. Responslbilities and basis of report As the trustees of the charity you are responsible for the preparation of the financial statements in accordance with the requirements of thc Charitlco Act 2011. I report in respect of my examination of the charity's financial slatemenls carried out under section 145 of the Charities Act 2011. In carrying out my examination I have followed the Directions given by the Charity Commission under section 145{5)(b) of the Charilies Act 2011. Independent examiner's statement Your attention is drawn to the fact that the charily has prepared the financial statements in accordanTr with the relevant version of the Statement of Recommended practi￿ applicable to chanlies oreparing their financial statements in accordance with the Financial Reporting Standard applicable in the UK and Republic of Ireland {FRS 102} in preference to the Accounting and Reporting by Charities." Statement of Recommended Practice issued on 1 April 2005 which is referred to in the extant regulations but has now been withdrawn. l understand that this has been done in order for the financial statements to provide a true and fair view in accordan￿ with UK Generally AC￿pted AGGounling Practice. 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 that in any material respect.. accounting records were not kept in respect of the charity as required by section 130 of the Charities Act 2011. the financial statements do not accord with those records., or the financial statements do not comply wth the applicable requirements Con￿rning the fomi and content of financial statements set out in the Charities (Accounts and Reports) Regulations 2008 other than any requirement Ihal the financial slatements give a true and fair view, which is not a matter considered as part of an independent examination. 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 undetstanding of the financial slalements to be reached. James Hargreaves FCA Cholmondeley House Dee Hills Park Chester Cheshire CH3 SAR 26 January 2026 CHESTER CIVIC TRUST STATEMENT OF FINANCIAL ACTIVITIES INCLUDING INCOME AND EXPENDITURE ACCOUNT FOR THE YEAR ENDED 31 MARCH 2025 Unrestricted funds 2025 Unrestrlcted funds 2024 Notes Income and endowments from: Donalions and legacies Charitable activities Other trading activities Investments Other income 32,719 22.472 8,238 470 116 583 21,217 6,560 831 391 Total income 64,015 29,582 Expenditure on: Raising funds Charitable activities 7.883 16.025 6,408 17,693 Total expenditure 23,908 24,101 Nel gainsl{losses) on investments 14 605 5,578 Net income and movement In funds 40,712 11,059 Reconciliation of funds-. Fund balances al 1 April 2024 86,948 75,889 Fund balances at 31 March 2025 127.660 86,948 The statement of financial activities indudes all gains and losses recognised in the year. All income and expenditure darive from continuing aclivities. The notes on pages 1010 16 form part of these financial statements. CHESTER CIVIC TRUST BALANCE SHEET ASAT 31 MARCH 2025 2025 2024 Notes Fixed assets Investments 16 70,427 69,822 Current assels Debtors Cash at bank and in hand 17 9,929 67.076 297 17,841 77.005 18,138 Credltors: amounts falling due wllhln one year 18 {1g.772) {1.012) Net current assets 57,233 17,126 Total assets less current liabiltties 127,660 86,948 The funds of the charity Unrestricted funds 19 127,660 86,948 127,660 86,948 The notes on pages 10 to 16 form part of these financial statements. The financial statements were approved by Ihe tnjstees on 26 January 2026 Mrs C M Russell Trustee CHESTER CIVIC TRUST NOTES TO THE FINANCIAL STATEMENTS FOR THE YEAR ENDED 31 MARCH 2025 Accounting policies Charlty Informatlon Chester Civic Trust is a is a public benefit entily and a registered charity in England and Wales and is unincorpcirated. The address of the principal office is Bishop Lloyds Palace, 51 53 Watergate Street Row, Cheslér, CH12LE. 1.1 Basis of preparation The financial statements have been prepared in accordance wrth the charity's governing document, the Charities Act 2011, FRS 102 "The Financial Reporting Standard applicable in the UK and Republic of Ireland. I'FRS 102°) and the Charities SORP "Accounting and Reporting by Charities,, Statement of Recommended Practice applicable to charities prepar¢ng Iheir accounts in accordance with the Financial Reporting Standard applicable in the UK and Republic of Ireland (FRS 102>" (effective 1 January 2019). The charity is a Public Benefit Entity as defined by FRS 102. The charity has taken advantage of the provisions in the SORP for charities not to prepare a Stat￿ent of Cash Flows. The financial statements have departed from the Charities (Accounts and Reports) Regulations 2008 only to the extent required to provide a true and fail view. This departuie has involved following the Statement of Recominended Practice for charities applying FRS 102 r2ther than the version of the Slatemenl of Recommended practi￿ which is referred to in the Regulations tmjl which has since been withdrawn. Tha financial statements are prepared in steding. which is the funclional currency of the chartly. Monelary amounts in these financial stalemenls are rounded lo the nearest £. The financial statements have been prepared under the histOriC81 cost convention, modified to Include the revaluation of freehold properties and to indude inveslment properties and certain financial instruments at fair value. The principal accounting wlicies adopted are set out below. 1.2 Going concem At the lime of approving the financial statements, the trustees have a reasonable expectation thal Ihe chartly has adequale resources lo continue in operalional existence for the foreseeable fulure. Thus the trustees continue lo adopt the going concem basis of accounling in preparing the financial statements. 1.3 Charitable funds Unrestricted funds are available for use at the discretion of the trustees in furtherance of their charitable objectives. Reslricted funds are subject lo specific c￿ditIOnS by donors or grantors as to how they may be used. The purposes and uses of the restricted funds are sel out in the notes to the financial statements. Endowment funds are subject to specific