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2023-07-31-accounts

For Annual Report 2022-2023

Minutes of the

17th ANNUAL GENERAL MEETING of the

Teesdale & Weardale

Search & Mountain Rescue Team

Held at Chris Scott Base, Durham At 18.45hrs Friday 10th November 2023

1. Opening Remarks

Team President Graeme GILL welcomed all the members to the AGM and congratulated them on the voluntary work that they do.

2. Apologies

Tom Keenan, David Thompson, David Clarke, Pete Bell, David Bartles-Smith, Alicia Stanley, Alan Best, Leslie Sutherland, Andy Bottrill, Gabriel Damaszk, Paul Fell, Claire White, Scott Bisset, Helen James, Rich Warne

Attendance

Steve Owers, Mike Needham, Jane Ascroft, Don McCartney, Andy Neill, Mark Sauer, James Chilcott, Des Toward, Dave Wigham, Sarah Hall, Eric Gilhooley, Adam Hearn, John Little, Mark Sauer, James Siddle, Russ West, Dan Taylor, Ben Blackett-Ord, Hamish Carrick, Graeme Gill

3. Minutes of the 2022 AGM

The Minutes were accepted as a true and acceptable reflection of the 2022 AGM.

Agenda items 5.1-5.18: Team Officers had produced their reports (as contained herein) for the Team Members prior to this meeting.

4. Presentation of Service Certifcates

30-year MREW certifcates:

Paul FELL

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25-year MREW certifcates:

Adam HEARN Rich WARNE

20-year MREW certifcates:

Pete BELL Russ WARNE

10-year MREW certifcates:

Damian BUBB Eric GILHOOLEY Helen JAMES

The Team Leader Steve OWERS congratulated all on their achievement. Only two were present this evening and MREW were yet to deliver the certificates. A proper presentation would be arranged.

5. Team Leader’s Report

Steve OWERS

Team Leader’s Report

Callouts this year are down from a very high number in 2022 of 53 to 35 this year. This lower number appears to be because we had had a particularly quite start to the year Jan-Mar. Our average over the last few years callouts has been between 35-45. Looking at the type of calls the number of searches for missing vulnerable people on behalf of the Police is down this year while to number of ‘ambulance assist’ e.g. injured mountain bikers in Hamsterley Forest is up. On 2 occasions this year we have had to call on helicopter assistance, both at Cauldron Snout, once utilising the Great North Air ambulance and the other occasion HM Coastguard Helicopter from Prestwick

During the summer we sadly lost a retired member of the Team, Ian Findlay at the age of 87. Ian was a true gentleman and a valued team member until he retired from the team at the age of 70. He had an encyclopaedic knowledge of the flora and fauna of upper Teesdale and could walk or carry a stretcher for miles all in his trade mark wellington boots. A true character

We had hoped to present the Kings Coronation medals awarded to mountain rescue volunteers who have been operational for at least 5 years by now. Unfortunately they have not yet been delivered to MREW who distribute them to the Teams despite a number of requests by MREW to the Home Office.

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We continue to work closely with partner agencies Police, Fire, Ambulance, Coast Guard and Local Resilience Forum (LRF) etc. Examples include assisting with training of Lost Person Search Managers for the Police, working with Fire & Rescue on plans for underground incidents, working with NEAS on a regional response to severe weather and sitting on various groups within the Local Resilience Forum

The pressure on all Team members continues to grow and we are trying to make the commitment to the Team as easy as possible but maintaining the high standards we expect in relation to response and safety. This is the first year of modified minimum training requirement which clearly sets out what is required over a 2-year period to maintain competency. We have also introduced a number of ‘free’ training sessions which allows individual Team members to maintain their skills at a time better suited to them.

All of the above takes a great deal of organising and I would particularly like to thank all of our committee members who often work away unnoticed in background. Without them the Team could not function. I would like to say a special thanks to one of our committee members and his wife, Dave and Kay Wigham. To say it has been a baptism of fire for Dave’s first year as Vehicle Lead is a bit of an understatement. Dave has put hundreds of hours into trying to keep all of our vehicles on the road ably assisted as his support driver Kay. Thank you both very much.

Last but certainly not least I would like to thank all team members and their families for the commitment they have shown over the last 12 months. Without this commitment we would not be able to provide the service we do to the people of County Durham and Darlington.

Finance Lead’s Report

The Team remains in a health financial position despite donation from the public being down this year. Our accountant will explain the reason for this in a minute during Acceptance of Accounts.

Donations from the public, in one form or another, make up 85% of our income. We have a wide variety of funding streams including donations, events we run like the 3 Peaks, entries to the Great North Run, street collections, collecting boxes, medical cover etc. This has the advantage for us that we do not have to rely on one major income stream such as a large event and a poor year from one income stream is often balance out by an increase in another. Working with the Fundraising Lead we have been trying to promote events which do not require a large commitment from Team members. However support from team members at the smaller events such as street collections is still vital. Having a Treasurer who is also the Team Leader is not ideal. Looking forward I finally have a team member who will shadow me this year and may, and I do stress may, take on the role in the future.

There is no way I could do the Treasurers role without a great deal of help, in particular from our bookkeeper Alison and I want to thank her on behalf of the Team for all of the work she puts in.

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6. Deputy Team Leader’s Reports

Deputy Team Leader’s Report

The end of my first year as a DTL feels as though it has come in a heartbeat. In that time, the Team has experienced its share of highs, lows, and challenges. As usual, we have come through it all together thanks to the effort, skill, and dedication of each and every one of you.

The amount of work it takes to keep the Team running, often behind the scenes, is significant to say the least and I would like to thank everyone who has taken on or contributed to that work.

This meeting sees Alicia Wheeler standing down as Medical Lead. I would like to take this opportunity to thank her (and her band of helpers) for all her efforts in keeping our Team members trained and our patients safe.

Much of the past year has been spent trying to find ways to simplify and streamline processes to make ourselves operationally more efficient. Over the next year, I plan to further drive improvement and look forward to supporting our new Medical Lead in their role.

Water Lead’s Report

This last year has seen further bedding in of our in-water training programme, which I am pleased to say was well attended. The skills and abilities of those taking part have been high, as has their enthusiasm for getting cold and wet.

In the coming year we will look to develop our training package as well as invest in equipment to support us in both training and operational deployments. Thanks to all those who have assisted me over the past year.

Crag Lead’s Report

The past year has seen the implementation of our ‘simplifying rope rescue’ project which aimed to bring technical rope rescue firmly into the mainstream of Team activity. This has been achieved by merging rope skills into as many training activities as possible as well as investing heavily in newer, more efficient, and intuitive equipment.

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It has been pleasing to see the Team put these skills into practice on a number of callouts to effect the safe, effective, and efficient rescue of people in need.

The coming year will see further developments in this area and changes to embed rope rescue skills at the core of our foundation training.

Thanks to all those attending and assisting with this as usual. Special thanks to Eric who’s persistent and herculean efforts to keep our kit inspected and maintained underpin everything we do.

.

6.2 Deputy Team Leader’s / MRSDE Lead’s Report Des TOWARD

DTL

Although I seem to be on the phone most days dealing with Team related issues, I probably would be telling porkies if I said I was as busy as the TL and other DTL's.

Over the past year I have tried to make myself available to answer any questions and "put things" right if possible.

As a Team I think we are pretty damn good and can hold our heads up in the world of MR. Thank you.

From what I have noted over the past year 3 people have stood out as going well beyond and in my opinion deserve a special thank you - Eric for his constant attention to detail with the equipment, Dave W for his constant fight to keep our fleet on the road and finally Steve as Team leader for steering us all in the right direction.

MRSDE

We currently have 4 operational search dogs on the Team although I am very selective where and when I deploy Wisp due to her age and a historic injury that occasionally flares up.

We have 2 puppies that have just started the long and sometimes painful training journey.

We continue to train locally and nationally.

As always thanks to our local landowners, farmers, and gamekeepers for allowing us to work the dogs on their land .

6.3 Deputy Team Leader’s / Canoe Group Lead’s Report

John LITTLE

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DTL

It has felt like another busy year for the Team particularly behind the scenes. This year’s vehicle troubles have been exceptional by any standards and we're all very grateful to Dave for the hours and miles he's put in getting problems fixed. As things stand there are still issues to resolve and I'll continue working with Dave over the coming months to seek resolutions.

Also behind the scenes, three Search Managers have completed a three-day MREW Advanced Search Management Course (let’s hope we don't need it!). Radio and Comms have also given us a few challenges over the year, and I'd like to thank Adam, Andy, and Mark for their behind the scenes work keeping these essential systems operating.

The Team has had about 35 callouts over the last 12 months. The majority of these callouts have been to assist NEAS with remote incidents. Of the searches most were resolved very quickly with only about half a dozen involving a prolonged search effort. I would also like to thank everyone who's continued to support me in my role this year.

Canoe Team

It's been another quiet year operationally for the Canoe Team - December last year we had a long and successful search of the River Tees where the Canoe Team found the missing male 28km below Broken Scar. More recently we had a 20km search on the River Wear down to Durham but didn't find anything. We have recruited two new Canoe Team members and have equipped most of the Canoe Team members with buoyancy aids, helmets, dry suits etc. I would like to thank everyone who's supported our training and searches and Dave Wigham deserves a particular mention.

7. Equipment Lead’s Report

Eric GILHOOLEY

Equipment purchases

This year the majority of purchases have been in three areas:

We also had a major upgrade with the replacement of our Petzl I’D descenders with ‘Maestro’ descenders for use in crag rescue. Although more expensive than I’Ds the

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‘Maestro’s’ are more mechanically efficient. It was also quite a shock to find that one of these had to be replaced by Petzl after a defect was found.

Next year things will be a little busier, and expensive as some textile and plastic based equipment is coming to the end of its working life and will need replacing e.g. ropes and harnesses.

Equipment issues

The major equipment issue during the year has been concern over possible problems with the safety of our vacuum mats. There has been an issue with the rigidity of recently designed vacuum mats. Our vacuum mats are an older design and were checked and found to be safe. However, the leadership of MREW has decided to subsidise the purchase of new vacuum mats for all teams and we will be taking advantage of this to upgrade our mats and we will be purchasing three Ferno Rescue-lite body splint kits with a 50% discount.

`The Bell stretchers are currently showing a little more wear that I would expect at this stage in their checking and servicing cycle. I would be grateful if team members handle them gently when loading and unloading them from vehicles.

Equipment checking programme.

The equipment checking programme is up to date and I am very grateful, as usual, for the support of those who come to the team training sessions and enthusiastically get involved in the checking programme. The programme could not be completed without your help. Thank you.

8. Training Lead’s Report Don McCARTNEY

This year saw the introduction of a new, bi-annual approach to training. It was envisaged that this would reduce our over- reliance on the core few within the team who constantly go above and beyond to deliver training as well as supporting the operation of the team. To this end, we have been semi-successful. Whilst we still rely on these experts in their respective fields to run the majority of our core sessions and weekend exercises, we have seen several others come forwards and run sessions on a Wednesday evening. The training sessions have been well attended and as a result a good proportion of the team have already met the minimum training requirements for this period. I should reiterate however, that these are minimum requirements, and all team members are still encouraged to continue attending training sessions.

We also saw the introduction of a new training requirement recording system. We are still experiencing some technical issues with this which should hopefully be ironed out in the not too distant future.

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I am indebted, as are the team for the wealth of high-quality training opportunities we have put on over the last twelve months. From the Winter Skills Weekend in the Cairngorms, our joint capabilities discussion with Coast Guard (to a packed-out auditorium) to our rope play within the garage. Each session has allowed us as a team to hone our skills and allow us to present our best selves when we are called upon.

I have thoroughly enjoyed my eye-opening year as training lead. Thank you to everyone who has supported the organisation, running and attendance throughout the year. Unfortunately other draws on my time have grown over the year, so I will be passing over the baton. Thank you.

9. Support Members’ Lead’s Report

Chris ROBERTS

There are currently a number of Support Team Members within the Team, either providing essential support to an officer, or in their own right. In no particular order these include:

Thanks to all who have provided this work.

Two newsletters have been produced and circulated this year; a New Year, and a Summer edition. Thanks to all those team members who have submitted articles and photographs to make this possible.

10. Hon. Secretary’s Report

Andy NEILL

Nothing of value to report.

11. Press & PR Lead’s Report

Jane ASCROFT

Our presence on social media has continued to grow in the last 12 months with our Facebook audience increasing to 6,330 and our Instagram audience increasing to 1,180.

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There have been 94 posts on Facebook over the last 12 months, up 18% on the previous year. Reach has been good with 12 posts having a reach of over 6,000. It always helps when MREW share our posts and there is scope to link in more with MREW, SARDA and our neighbouring Teams.

Six articles have been published in the Teesdale Mercury and one in the Northern Echo. As is evident from the numbers, it is much harder to get articles published in the Northern Echo.

The website has been updated with the older photos being replaced with more recent ones and the text tidied up where necessary. Thanks to John Little for his patience with my many amendments.

Finally, 100+ of the better quality Team photos have been transferred to a folder on SharePoint within the Press & Publicity Working Group area. This means that we have a central storage point for our photos rather than being reliant upon photos stored on individual members’ computers or cloud storage.

Some of you may be aware that I am stepping down as Press and Publicity officer. Thank you for the support over the last 12 months, not least to Steve who has tried in vain to teach me how to write good press releases. Please support my replacement by continuing to provide high quality photos from any Team activity.

12. Fundraising Lead’s Report

Sarah HALL

We have had a busy year fundraising.

We had 7 runners this year who took part in the Great North Run for us. Unfortunately, I couldn’t partake in the Great North Run as I was unwell, but I have deferred my place to next year and I also did the Kielder Half Marathon instead… which was awful!

We also had 3 successful street collections so far this year. We held a collection in Durham in December of last year, raising £1,085, Barnard Castle in May of this year, raising £740 and Darlington in September raising £1,015. Thank you to all who attended. There will also be a further street collection in Durham City on Saturday 2nd December.

Some of our team members attended the Raby Castle Open Farm Day in June. Also, in June, one of our Team members and his neighbours opened their gardens, which they do each year to raise money for the team.

Towards the start of June, 4 of our team members guided a group of 9 Durham University students who were taking part in a National 3 Peaks challenge. The students were all raising funds to help support Teesdale & Weardale Mountain Rescue while getting chance to walk the highest mountains in Scotland, England, and Wales for the first time. Well done to everyone who took part.

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13. Group Leaders’ Report

James CHILCOTT

Winter training in the Cairngorms was great to have back in the calendar for 2023 and give us chance to train on some terrain and conditions not available in our region. The visit to another MR team and time with their team members for insight into their region callouts along with our own team building and social side made for good weekend. Hopefully the 2024 weekend trip to the Lake District will be a similar benefit to train in a different area and possibly chance to work with some MR team members from another team.

The 3 Peaks event was a success from a team fundraising and event challenge completion. The single bus seems to not be too taxing of our team member time and good will as only requires 4 team members to attend but generates a good value fundraising return. I think important we maintain this yearly event as if the team ever struggles financially, it would be possible to scale up number of buses with just a few more team members and so team fundraising would increase. At the current time while team is financially stable, I feel limiting event to one bus per year will help ensure team members remain available for more important training/callout involvement.

Commitment from current team members and new trainees to training sessions seems to have been good in 2023 and makes the sessions better for session planners when maximum number of people are there so great if we can continue that into 2024.

Finally I would like to thank the people that continue to put vast amounts of work in behind the scenes to keeping the team running. Equipment, vehicles, financial, team management, numerous training sessions organised for medical, crag, water, trainees all go into keeping the team operational while all unpaid voluntary. It is the responsibility of all of us in team to keep reminding those people their efforts are worth it.

14. Casualty Care Lead’s Report

Alicia WHEELER

I have enjoyed my short but sweet year of being the medical lead and would like to thank all of those that have supported me throughout the year both in terms of helping out with training as well as behind the scene helping with medical equipment and medications.

I have tried to focus medical training on basic skills and have been really pleased with the effort and commitment put in by team members to continue to improve their skills. We had 6 team members pass their casualty care exam last year (a mixture of recertifying and first time candidates) and hope to have several more again in the upcoming exam.

I wish the incoming medical lead all the best and hope that everyone will continue to support them in this busy role.

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15. Search Management Lead’s Report

Pete BELL

Search management has continued in 2023 against a background of reduced searches for missing persons. This is not because of a decrease in missing persons in County Durham, but due to the success of social media influencing them being found.

However progress has been made in documenting ‘pre-plans ‘for searches in Hamsterley forest, missing/injured at the Weardale ski centre and similarly at High Force with Raby personnel.

Discussions with CDDFRS regarding underground rescue in disused metal mines in County Durham, have resulted in FRS document detailing their position for these incidents. This document is currently with them, awaiting its final sign-off.

Three team members have attended the MREW advanced search managers course at the Emergency Planning College at Easingwold, all successfully completed the course and are certified for five years.

Work has been ongoing with improving communication flow in searches and this will continue.

There are many areas of development within search management, one of which is the challenge of integrating drones into searches. Drone technology is constantly involving with respect to hardware such as the drone platforms, cameras etc. Drone software is a field of development external to MR, but also within MR, and very recently this has been used in to bring a search to closure, this being the first time this technology has been used ‘live’.

16. Vehicle Lead’s Report Dave WIGHAM

The vehicles this year have had no major problems, though minor problems have sometimes proved difficult to get on top of.

Mob2

Mob2 is mechanically reliable but it’s electronics are now close to ten years old, and some systems are no longer supported by either Land Rover or Lucas the OEM supplier. The lack of support for the electronic side of the vehicle may cause the Team problems in the future. The breakdown of the immobiliser unit was just such an example. The Team was looking at a very expensive multi thousand-pound repair and the lack of a vehicle for months until a cottage industry repair shop was located that could carry out the repair to the immobiliser unit.

Mob1

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Mob1 this year had only been off road with easily fixable operator error problems until a MAF and Turbo electronic problem. This has proved difficult to get on top for reasons again outside of the Team’s control. These are National problems such as, long lead times to get access to external workshops, rarity of spare parts and rarity of special tools. This is compounded by the fact that Mob1 is actually quite a rare specification that went out of production shortly after the team bought it.

Alpha

Alpha / Control as a vehicle is a very reliable unit. Current concerns are the height of the vehicle mast which has led to a number of tree branch strikes, other than training of drivers to avoid routes with overhanging trees there’s little that can be done on this front. A roof walkway needs to be ordered and fitted assist maintenance of the mast and to improve safety for those working on the roof. This has been designed and priced and only needs the OK from the committee to be bought fitted. The onboard generator is another concern due to lack of UK support. It will be serviced shortly and have its software controls reset. In the long term we will look at what options there are for a replacement if needed.

Future replacement of a 4X4 vehicle

Currently there is no UK option for a cost-effective vehicle to replace Mob2 Land Rover. New vehicles are entering the market. The Ineos Grenadier is being marketed as a Land Rover replacement; however it is still in its Series 1 phase, and we should avoid it until it becomes a more established brand, and more is known about the vehicle. Toyota are releasing the latest commercial Land Cruiser which shows some promise. Undoubtably another team will buy and convert one of these vehicles at which point we would be wise to go and have a look at theirs.

17. Acceptance of 2022/2023 Financial Statement

Steve OWERS

The Team Accounts (running until end July 2023) had been circulated to Team Members previously. They were formally agreed at this meeting

18. Election of President and Vice Presidents

The following were unanimously approved:

Role Candidate
President Graeme GILL

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Vice Presidents Alan BEST,
David CLARK,
David THOMPSON,
Pete BELL.
Chris ROBERTS
David BARTLES-SMITH

19. Election of Ofcers and Committee Members

The Following were unanimously approved:

Role Candidate
Team Leader Steve OWERS
DeputyTeam Leader Rich WARNE
DeputyTeam Leader John LITTLE
DeputyTeam Leader Des TOWARD
Hon Secretary To be co-opted
Hon. Treasurer Steve OWERS
TrainingLead Jane ASCROFT
Group Leaders (4) James CHILCOTT
Rich WARNE
Press & Public Relations
Lead
Vacant
Equipment Lead Eric GILHOOLEY
FundraisingLead Sarah HALL
Transport Lead Dave WIGHAM
CasualtyCare Lead Paul RENWICK
Radio & IT Systems Lead Mark SAUER
Operational Support
Team Lead
Chris ROBERTS
Search Management
Lead
Pete BELL
CragLead Rich WARNE
Water Lead Rich WARNE
Canoe GroupLead John LITTLE
MRSD(England) Lead Des TOWARD

20. Date & Time of 2024 AGM

TBA

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Charity Registration Number: 508877

Teesdale and Weardale Search and Mountain Rescue Team

Accounts

For the Year Ending

31 July 2023

Teesdale and Weardale Search and Mountain Rescue Team

Accounts

Year Ended 31 July 2023

Page
Trustees' Annual Report 1
Independent Examiner's Report to the Trustees 3
Statement of Financial Activities 4
Statement of Financial Position 5
Notes to the Accounts 6
The Following Pages Do Not Form Part of the Accounts
Detailed Statement of Financial Activities 17

Teesdale and Weardale Search and Mountain Rescue Team

Trustees' Annual Report

Year Ended 31 July 2023

The trustees present their report and the unaudited accounts of the charity for the year ended 31 July 2023.

Objectives and Activities

The charity's objects are to provide a mountain search and rescue service for the whole of County Durham, from the highest fells in the West to the Coastal Communities of the North Sea. The policies adopted in furtherance of these objects are to respond to requests by the police to a range of incident types, from injured or lost people in the hills to vulnerable missing people in urban settings, and there has been no change in these during the year.

The charity operates 24 hours per day, 365 days per year.

The trustees have paid due regard to guidance issued by the Charity Commission in deciding what activities the charity should undertake.

Achievements and Performance

A detailed review of the activities, achievements & performance is filed with the financial statements and is available from www.charitycommission.gov.uk.

Financial Review

It is the policy of the charity that unrestricted funds which have not been designated for a specific use should be maintained at a level equivalent to at least three months' expenditure. The trustees consider that reserves at this level will ensure that, in the event of a significant drop in funding, they will be able to continue the charity's current activities while consideration is given to ways in which additional funds may be raised. This level of reserves has been maintained throughout the year.

The trustees have assessed the major risks to which the charity is exposed and are satisfied that systems are in place to mitigate exposure to the major risks.

Structure, Governance and Management

The charity is controlled by its governing document, a deed of trust, and constitutes an unincorporated charity.

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Teesdale and Weardale Search and Mountain Rescue Team

Trustees' Annual Report (continued)

Year Ended 31 July 2023

Reference and Administrative Details

Registered charity name Teesdale and Weardale Search and Mountain Rescue Team Charity registration number 508877 Principal office The Chris Scott Mountain Search & Rescue Centre Lanchester Road Durham County Durham DH1 5RA

The Trustees

Mr J S Owers Mr D W Toward Dr J Little Mr P Bell Mr E Gilhooley Mr D Lee (Resigned 11 November 2022) Mr M Tomlinson (Resigned 18 September 2022) Mr J Chilcott Mr A Neill (Resigned 11 November 2022) Mr A Bottrill (Resigned 11 November 2022) Mr D Miller (Resigned 11 November 2022) Mr R Warne Mr M Colledge Mr C Roberts Mr M Needham (Resigned 11 November 2022) Mrs J Ascroft (Appointed 11 November 2022) Ms A Stanley (Appointed 11 November 2022) Mr D McCartney (Appointed 11 November 2022) Independent Examiner Lisa Hutchinson FMAAT 5 Coronation Terrace Fir Tree Crook County Durham DL15 8BP

The trustees' annual report was approved on .............................. and signed on behalf of the board of trustees by:

Mr J S Owers Trustee

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Teesdale and Weardale Search and Mountain Rescue Team

Independent Examiner's Report to the Trustees of Teesdale and Weardale Search and Mountain Rescue Team

Year Ended 31 July 2023

I report to the trustees on my examination of the accounts of Teesdale and Weardale Search and Mountain Rescue Team ('the charity') for the year ended 31 July 2023.

Responsibilities and Basis of Report

As the trustees of the charity you are responsible for the preparation of the accounts in accordance with the requirements of the Charities Act 2011 (‘the Act’).

I report in respect of my examination of the charity's accounts carried out under section 145 of the 2011 Act and in carrying out my examination I have followed all the applicable Directions given by the Charity Commission under section 145(5)(b) of the Act.

Independent Examiner's Statement

I have completed my examination. I confirm that no material matters have come to my attention in connection with the examination giving me cause to believe that in any material respect:

  1. accounting records were not kept in respect of the charity as required by section 130 of the Act; or

  2. the accounts do not accord with those records; or

  3. the accounts do not comply with the applicable requirements concerning the form and content of accounts set out in the Charities (Accounts and Reports) Regulations 2008 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.

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.

Lisa Hutchinson FMAAT Independent Examiner

5 Coronation Terrace Fir Tree Crook County Durham DL15 8BP

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Teesdale and Weardale Search and Mountain Rescue Team

Statement of Financial Activities

Year Ended 31 July 2023

2023 2022
Unrestricted Restricted
funds funds Total funds Total funds
Note £ £ £ £
Income and endowments
Donations and legacies 4 32,835 3,000 35,835 58,480
Charitable activities 5 6,794 6,794 2,203
Other trading activities 6 6,015 6,015 7,404
Investment income 7 459 459 84
Other income 8 90
──────── ─────── ──────── ────────
Total income 46,103 3,000 49,103 68,261
════════ ═══════ ════════ ════════
Expenditure
Expenditure on raising funds:
Costs of other trading activities 9 7,360 7,360 3,415
Expenditure on charitable activities 10,11 45,250 1,556 46,806 55,174
──────── ─────── ──────── ────────
Total expenditure 52,610 1,556 54,166 58,589
════════ ═══════ ════════ ════════
──────── ─────── ──────── ────────
Net (expenditure)/income (6,507) 1,444 (5,063) 9,672
════════ ═══════ ════════ ════════
Transfers between funds 13,447 (13,447)
──────── ──────── ──────── ────────
Net movement in funds 6,940 (12,003) (5,063) 9,672
Reconciliation of funds
Total funds brought forward 284,882 13,159 298,041 288,369
───────── ──────── ───────── ─────────
Total funds carried forward 291,822 1,156 292,978 298,041
═════════ ════════ ═════════ ═════════

The statement of financial activities includes all gains and losses recognised in the year. All income and expenditure derive from continuing activities.

The notes on pages 6 to 15 form part of these accounts.

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Teesdale and Weardale Search and Mountain Rescue Team

Statement of Financial Position

31 July 2023

2023 2022
Note £ £
Fixed Assets
Tangible fixed assets 15 45,661 49,235
Current Assets
Debtors 16 17,255 8,437
Cash at bank and in hand 236,401 241,673
───────── ─────────
253,656 250,110
Creditors: amounts falling due within one year 17 6,339 1,304
───────── ─────────
Net Current Assets 247,317 248,806
───────── ─────────
Total Assets Less Current Liabilities 292,978 298,041
═════════ ═════════
Funds of the Charity
Restricted funds 1,156 13,159
Unrestricted funds 291,822 284,882
───────── ─────────
Total charity funds 18 292,978
═════════
298,041
═════════

These accounts were approved by the board of trustees and authorised for issue on ........................, and are signed on behalf of the board by:

Mr J S Owers Trustee

Dr J Little Trustee

The notes on pages 6 to 15 form part of these accounts.

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Teesdale and Weardale Search and Mountain Rescue Team

Notes to the Accounts

Year Ended 31 July 2023

1. General Information

The charity is a public benefit entity and a registered charity in England and Wales and is unincorporated. The address of the principal office is The Chris Scott Mountain Search & Rescue Centre, Lanchester Road, Durham, County Durham, DH1 5RA.

2. Statement of Compliance

These accounts have been prepared in compliance with FRS 102, 'The Financial Reporting Standard applicable in the UK and the Republic of Ireland', the 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) (Charities SORP (FRS 102)) and the Charities Act 2011.

3. Accounting Policies

Basis of Preparation

The accounts have been prepared on the historical cost basis, as modified by the revaluation of certain financial assets and liabilities and investment properties measured at fair value through income or expenditure.

The accounts are prepared in sterling, which is the functional currency of the entity.

Going Concern

There are no material uncertainties about the charity’s ability to continue.

Judgements and Key Sources of Estimation Uncertainty

The preparation of the financial statements requires management to make judgements, estimates and assumptions that affect the amounts reported. These estimates and judgements are continually reviewed and are based on experience and other factors, including expectations of future events that are believed to be reasonable under the circumstances. The trustees consider that there are no significant estimates or judgements affecting these financial statements.

Fund Accounting

Unrestricted funds are available for use at the discretion of the trustees to further any of the charity's purposes.

Designated funds are unrestricted funds earmarked by the trustees for particular future project or commitment.

Restricted funds are subjected to restrictions on their expenditure declared by the donor or through the terms of an appeal, and fall into one of two sub-classes: restricted income funds or endowment funds.

6

Teesdale and Weardale Search and Mountain Rescue Team

Notes to the Accounts (continued)

Year Ended 31 July 2023

3. Accounting Policies (continued)

Income

All incoming resources are included in the statement of financial activities when entitlement has passed to the charity; it is probable that the economic benefits associated with the transaction will flow to the charity and the amount can be reliably measured. The following specific policies are applied to particular categories of income:

Expenditure

Expenditure is recognised on an accruals basis as a liability is incurred. Expenditure includes any VAT which cannot be fully recovered, and is classified under headings of the statement of financial activities to which it relates:

All costs are allocated to expenditure categories reflecting the use of the resource. Direct costs attributable to a single activity are allocated directly to that activity. Shared costs are apportioned between the activities they contribute to on a reasonable, justifiable and consistent basis.

Tangible Assets

Tangible assets are initially recorded at cost, and subsequently stated at cost less any accumulated depreciation and impairment losses.

7

Teesdale and Weardale Search and Mountain Rescue Team

Notes to the Accounts (continued)

Year Ended 31 July 2023

3. Accounting Policies (continued)

Depreciation

Depreciation is calculated so as to write off the cost or valuation of an asset, less its residual value, over the useful economic life of that asset as follows:

Equipment - 15% reducing balance Motor vehicles - 12% straight line

Impairment of Fixed Assets

A review for indicators of impairment is carried out at each reporting date, with the recoverable amount being estimated where such indicators exist. Where the carrying value exceeds the recoverable amount, the asset is impaired accordingly. Prior impairments are also reviewed for possible reversal at each reporting date.

Financial Instruments

The charity only has financial assets and liabilities 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.

Debtors

Trade and other debtors are recognised at the settlement amount due after any trade discount offered. Prepayments are valued at the amount prepaid net of any trade discounts due.

Accrued income and tax recoverable is included at the best estimate of the amounts receivable at the balance sheet date.

Cash at Bank and in Hand

Cash at bank and cash 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 account.

8

Teesdale and Weardale Search and Mountain Rescue Team

Notes to the Accounts (continued)

Year Ended 31 July 2023

3. Accounting Policies (continued)

Creditors

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.

Taxation

The company is considered to pass the tests set out in Paragraph 1 Schedule 6 of the Finance Act 2010 and therefore it meets the definition of a charitable company for UK corporation tax purposes. Accordingly, the company is potentially exempt from taxation in respect of income or capital gains received within categories covered by Chapter 3 Part 11 of the Corporation Tax Act 2010 or Section 256 of the taxation of Chargeable Gains Act 1992, to the extent that such income or gains are applied exclusively to charitable purposes.

4. Donations and Legacies

Unrestricted Restricted Total Funds
Funds Funds 2023
£ £ £
Donations
Donations 22,460 22,460
Collection boxes 2,855 2,855
Street collections 2,637 2,637
Gift aid income 3,094 3,094
Vehicle fuel donation 1,500 1,500
Teesdale and Weardale Stones 289 289
Grants
Weardale AAP 3,000 3,000
──────── ─────── ────────
32,835 3,000 35,835
════════ ═══════ ════════
Unrestricted Restricted Total Funds
Funds Funds 2022
£ £ £
Donations
Donations 40,448 40,448
Collection boxes 1,069 1,069
Street collections 2,360 2,360
Gift aid income 4,104 4,104
Vehicle fuel donation 1,668 1,668
Teesdale and Weardale Stones 413 413
Grants
Weardale AAP 8,418 8,418
──────── ─────── ────────
50,062 8,418 58,480
════════ ═══════ ════════

9

Teesdale and Weardale Search and Mountain Rescue Team

Notes to the Accounts (continued)

Year Ended 31 July 2023

5. Charitable Activities

Unrestricted Total Funds Unrestricted Total Funds
Funds 2023 Funds 2022
£ £ £ £
Communications income 2,014 2,014 1,063 1,063
Income from medical cover 3,500 3,500 1,000 1,000
Training income 1,280 1,280 140 140
─────── ─────── ─────── ───────
6,794 6,794 2,203 2,203
═══════ ═══════ ═══════ ═══════

6. Other Trading Activities

Unrestricted Total Funds Unrestricted Total Funds
Funds 2023 Funds 2022
£ £ £ £
Associate member subscriptions 150 150
Fundraising income 6,015 6,015 7,254 7,254
─────── ─────── ─────── ───────
6,015 6,015 7,404 7,404
═══════ ═══════ ═══════ ═══════
Investment Income
Unrestricted Total Funds Unrestricted Total Funds
Funds 2023 Funds 2022
£ £ £ £
Bank interest receivable 459 459 84 84
════ ════ ════ ════
Other Income
Unrestricted Total Funds Unrestricted Total Funds
Funds 2023 Funds 2022
£ £ £ £
Sale of equipment 90 90
════ ════ ════ ════
Costs of Other Trading Activities
Unrestricted Total Funds Unrestricted Total Funds
Funds 2023 Funds 2022
£ £ £ £
Fundraising costs 7,360 7,360 3,415 3,415
═══════ ═══════ ═══════ ═══════

7. Investment Income

8. Other Income

9. Costs of Other Trading Activities

10

Teesdale and Weardale Search and Mountain Rescue Team

Notes to the Accounts (continued)

Year Ended 31 July 2023

10. Expenditure on Charitable Activities by Fund Type

Unrestricted Restricted Total Funds
Funds Funds 2023
£ £ £
Costs of charitable activities (see page 18) 45,250 1,556 46,806
════════ ═══════ ════════
Unrestricted Restricted Total Funds
Funds Funds 2022
£ £ £
Costs of charitable activities (see page 18) 51,259 3,915 55,174
════════ ═══════ ════════
11. Expenditure on Charitable Activities by Activity Type
Activities
undertaken Total funds Total fund
directly 2023 2022
£ £ £
Costs of charitable activities (see page 18) 46,806 46,806 55,174
════════ ════════ ════════
12. Net (Expenditure)/Income
Net (expenditure)/income is stated after charging/(crediting):
2023 2022
£ £
Depreciation of tangible fixed assets 15,201
════════
20,991
════════

13. Staff Costs

The average head count of employees during the year was Nil (2022: Nil).

No employee received employee benefits of more than £60,000 during the year (2022: Nil).

14. Trustee Remuneration and Expenses

None of the trustees (or any persons connected with them) received any remuneration or benefits from the charity during the current or previous year.

11

Teesdale and Weardale Search and Mountain Rescue Team

Notes to the Accounts (continued)

Year Ended 31 July 2023

15. Tangible Fixed Assets

Motor
Equipment vehicles Total
£ £ £
Cost
At 1 August 2022 21,123 167,872 188,995
Additions 11,627 11,627
──────── ───────── ─────────
At 31 July 2023 32,750 167,872 200,622
════════ ═════════ ═════════
Depreciation
At 1 August 2022 19,205 120,555 139,760
Charge for the year 838 14,363 15,201
──────── ───────── ─────────
At 31 July 2023 20,043 134,918 154,961
════════ ═════════ ═════════
Carrying amount
At 31 July 2023 12,707 32,954 45,661
════════ ═════════ ═════════
At 31 July 2022 1,918 47,317 49,235
════════ ═════════ ═════════
Debtors
2023 2022
£ £
Prepayments 2,646 1,912
Gift aid recoverable 3,600 1,800
VAT debtor 8,507 4,574
Other debtors 2,502 151
──────── ───────
17,255 8,437
════════ ═══════
Creditors: amounts falling due within one year
2023 2022
£ £
Trade creditors 6,339 1,304
═══════ ═══════

16. Debtors

17. Creditors: amounts falling due within one year

12

Teesdale and Weardale Search and Mountain Rescue Team

Notes to the Accounts (continued)

Year Ended 31 July 2023

18. Analysis of Charitable Funds

Unrestricted funds

Unrestricted funds
At 1 August At
2022 Income Expenditure Transfers 31 July 2023
£ £ £ £ £
General funds 76,799 40,744 (19,628) (43,380)
54,535
Fixed assets 49,235 (15,201) 11,627 45,661
Vehicle replacement
fund 41,176 20,000 61,176
Contingency fund 26,000 26,000
Specific team areas 37,627 5,359 (14,882) 25,200 53,304
Audrey Jones legacy 10,208 (2,899) 7,309
Pam Wright legacy 43,837 43,837
───────── ──────── ──────── ──────── ─────────
284,882 46,103 (52,610) 13,447 291,822
═════════ ════════ ════════ ════════ ═════════
At 1 August At
2021 Income Expenditure Transfers 31 July 2022
£ £ £ £ £
General funds 62,444 57,201 (17,346) (25,500)
76,799
Fixed assets 70,226 (20,991) 49,235
Vehicle replacement
fund 36,176 5,000 41,176
Contingency fund 26,000 26,000
Specific team areas 29,547 2,642 (15,062) 20,500 37,627
Audrey Jones legacy 11,483 (1,275) 10,208
Pam Wright legacy 43,837 43,837
───────── ──────── ──────── ──────── ─────────
279,713 59,843 (54,674) 284,882
═════════ ════════ ════════ ════════ ═════════

13

Teesdale and Weardale Search and Mountain Rescue Team

Notes to the Accounts (continued)

Year Ended 31 July 2023

18. Analysis of Charitable Funds (continued)

Restricted funds

Restricted funds
At 1 August At
2022 Income Expenditure Transfers 31 July 2023
£ £ £ £ £
Youth Section fund 2,162 (2,162)
Base Security 1,410 (941) (469)
Scotto Trust 4,500 (3,667)
833
Search Computers 584 (261) 323
Weardale AAP 4,503 3,000 (354) (7,149)
──────── ─────── ─────── ──────── ───────
13,159 3,000 (1,556) (13,447)
1,156
════════ ═══════ ═══════ ════════ ═══════
At 1 August At
2021 Income Expenditure Transfers 31 July 2022
£ £ £ £ £
Youth Section fund 2,162 2,162
Base Security 1,410 1,410
Scotto Trust 4,500 4,500
Search Computers 584 584
Weardale AAP 8,418 (3,915) 4,503
─────── ─────── ─────── ──── ────────
8,656 8,418 (3,915) 13,159
═══════ ═══════ ═══════ ════ ════════

The Vehicle Replacement fund contains funds that have been earmarked for the purpose of replacing team vehicles as they age.

The Contingency fund is money that has been set aside to cover any working capital requirements in the event of a fall in income or unexpected expenditure, for example the loss of a vehicle through accident or theft or fire at one of our bases.

The Specific Team Areas funds include areas of team activities both operational and training e.g. Crag, Water, Comms, Dogs etc.

The Youth Section fund represents money that was specifically donated to run the youth section of the team. We no longer have a youth section but the fund will remain until a decision is made as to whether restarting the youth section is viable. This remains a restricted fund.

The grant from Weardale AAP is for base security and the installation of an additional radio repeater and wireless licence to enable us to expand the radio network.

14

Teesdale and Weardale Search and Mountain Rescue Team

Notes to the Accounts (continued)

Year Ended 31 July 2023

19. Analysis of Net Assets Between Funds

Unrestricted Restricted Total Funds
Funds Funds 2023
£ £ £
Tangible fixed assets 45,661 45,661
Current assets 252,500 1,156 253,656
Creditors less than 1 year (6,339) (6,339)
───────── ─────── ─────────
Net assets 291,822 1,156 292,978
═════════ ═══════ ═════════
Unrestricted Restricted Total Funds
Funds Funds 2022
£ £ £
Tangible fixed assets 49,235 49,235
Current assets 236,951 13,159 250,110
Creditors less than 1 year (1,304) (1,304)
───────── ──────── ─────────
Net assets 284,882 13,159 298,041
═════════ ════════ ═════════

20. Related Parties

There were no disclosable related party transactions during the current or previous year.

15

Teesdale and Weardale Search and Mountain Rescue Team

Management Information

Year Ended 31 July 2023

The Following Pages Do Not Form Part of the Accounts.

16

Teesdale and Weardale Search and Mountain Rescue Team

Detailed Statement of Financial Activities

Year Ended 31 July 2023

2023 2022
£ £
Income and endowments
Donations and legacies
Donations 22,460 40,448
Collection boxes 2,855 1,069
Street collections 2,637 2,360
Gift aid income 3,094 4,104
Vehicle fuel donation 1,500 1,668
Teesdale and Weardale Stones 289 413
Weardale AAP 3,000 8,418
──────── ────────
35,835 58,480
──────── ────────
Charitable activities
Communications income 2,014 1,063
Income from medical cover 3,500 1,000
Training income 1,280 140
─────── ───────
6,794 2,203
─────── ───────
Other trading activities
Associate member subscriptions 150
Fundraising income 6,015 7,254
─────── ───────
6,015 7,404
─────── ───────
Investment income
Bank interest receivable 459 84
──── ────
Other income
Sale of equipment 90
──── ────
──────── ────────
Total income 49,103 68,261
════════ ════════

17

Teesdale and Weardale Search and Mountain Rescue Team

Detailed Statement of Financial Activities (continued)

Year Ended 31 July 2023

2023 2022
£ £
Expenditure
Fundraising costs
Fundraising costs 7,360 3,415
─────── ───────
Expenditure on charitable activities
Insurance 2,440 2,628
Premises costs 1,100 3,935
Vehicle expenses 6,159 8,127
Accountancy and bookkeeping fees 2,247 1,182
Communications 3,979 2,699
Depreciation 15,201 20,991
Equipment purchases 8,256 8,447
Training 6,408 6,228
Other costs 1,016 937
──────── ────────
Expenditure on charitable activities 46,806 55,174
════════ ════════
──────── ────────
Total expenditure 54,166 58,589
════════ ════════
──────── ────────
Net (expenditure)/income (5,063) 9,672
════════ ════════

18

Charity Registration Number: 508877

Teesdale and Weardale Search and Mountain Rescue Team

Accounts

For the Year Ending

31 July 2023

Teesdale and Weardale Search and Mountain Rescue Team

Accounts

Year Ended 31 July 2023

Page
Trustees' Annual Report 1
Independent Examiner's Report to the Trustees 3
Statement of Financial Activities 4
Statement of Financial Position 5
Notes to the Accounts 6
The Following Pages Do Not Form Part of the Accounts
Detailed Statement of Financial Activities 17

Teesdale and Weardale Search and Mountain Rescue Team

Trustees' Annual Report

Year Ended 31 July 2023

The trustees present their report and the unaudited accounts of the charity for the year ended 31 July 2023.

Objectives and Activities

The charity's objects are to provide a mountain search and rescue service for the whole of County Durham, from the highest fells in the West to the Coastal Communities of the North Sea. The policies adopted in furtherance of these objects are to respond to requests by the police to a range of incident types, from injured or lost people in the hills to vulnerable missing people in urban settings, and there has been no change in these during the year.

The charity operates 24 hours per day, 365 days per year.

The trustees have paid due regard to guidance issued by the Charity Commission in deciding what activities the charity should undertake.

Achievements and Performance

A detailed review of the activities, achievements & performance is filed with the financial statements and is available from www.charitycommission.gov.uk.

Financial Review

It is the policy of the charity that unrestricted funds which have not been designated for a specific use should be maintained at a level equivalent to at least three months' expenditure. The trustees consider that reserves at this level will ensure that, in the event of a significant drop in funding, they will be able to continue the charity's current activities while consideration is given to ways in which additional funds may be raised. This level of reserves has been maintained throughout the year.

The trustees have assessed the major risks to which the charity is exposed and are satisfied that systems are in place to mitigate exposure to the major risks.

Structure, Governance and Management

The charity is controlled by its governing document, a deed of trust, and constitutes an unincorporated charity.

1

Teesdale and Weardale Search and Mountain Rescue Team

Trustees' Annual Report (continued)

Year Ended 31 July 2023

Reference and Administrative Details

Registered charity name Teesdale and Weardale Search and Mountain Rescue Team Charity registration number 508877 Principal office The Chris Scott Mountain Search & Rescue Centre Lanchester Road Durham County Durham DH1 5RA

The Trustees

Mr J S Owers Mr D W Toward Dr J Little Mr P Bell Mr E Gilhooley Mr D Lee (Resigned 11 November 2022) Mr M Tomlinson (Resigned 18 September 2022) Mr J Chilcott Mr A Neill (Resigned 11 November 2022) Mr A Bottrill (Resigned 11 November 2022) Mr D Miller (Resigned 11 November 2022) Mr R Warne Mr M Colledge Mr C Roberts Mr M Needham (Resigned 11 November 2022) Mrs J Ascroft (Appointed 11 November 2022) Ms A Stanley (Appointed 11 November 2022) Mr D McCartney (Appointed 11 November 2022) Independent Examiner Lisa Hutchinson FMAAT 5 Coronation Terrace Fir Tree Crook County Durham DL15 8BP

The trustees' annual report was approved on .............................. and signed on behalf of the board of trustees by:

Mr J S Owers Trustee

2

Teesdale and Weardale Search and Mountain Rescue Team

Independent Examiner's Report to the Trustees of Teesdale and Weardale Search and Mountain Rescue Team

Year Ended 31 July 2023

I report to the trustees on my examination of the accounts of Teesdale and Weardale Search and Mountain Rescue Team ('the charity') for the year ended 31 July 2023.

Responsibilities and Basis of Report

As the trustees of the charity you are responsible for the preparation of the accounts in accordance with the requirements of the Charities Act 2011 (‘the Act’).

I report in respect of my examination of the charity's accounts carried out under section 145 of the 2011 Act and in carrying out my examination I have followed all the applicable Directions given by the Charity Commission under section 145(5)(b) of the Act.

Independent Examiner's Statement

I have completed my examination. I confirm that no material matters have come to my attention in connection with the examination giving me cause to believe that in any material respect:

  1. accounting records were not kept in respect of the charity as required by section 130 of the Act; or

  2. the accounts do not accord with those records; or

  3. the accounts do not comply with the applicable requirements concerning the form and content of accounts set out in the Charities (Accounts and Reports) Regulations 2008 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.

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.

Lisa Hutchinson FMAAT Independent Examiner

5 Coronation Terrace Fir Tree Crook County Durham DL15 8BP

3

Teesdale and Weardale Search and Mountain Rescue Team

Statement of Financial Activities

Year Ended 31 July 2023

2023 2022
Unrestricted Restricted
funds funds Total funds Total funds
Note £ £ £ £
Income and endowments
Donations and legacies 4 32,835 3,000 35,835 58,480
Charitable activities 5 6,794 6,794 2,203
Other trading activities 6 6,015 6,015 7,404
Investment income 7 459 459 84
Other income 8 90
──────── ─────── ──────── ────────
Total income 46,103 3,000 49,103 68,261
════════ ═══════ ════════ ════════
Expenditure
Expenditure on raising funds:
Costs of other trading activities 9 7,360 7,360 3,415
Expenditure on charitable activities 10,11 45,250 1,556 46,806 55,174
──────── ─────── ──────── ────────
Total expenditure 52,610 1,556 54,166 58,589
════════ ═══════ ════════ ════════
──────── ─────── ──────── ────────
Net (expenditure)/income (6,507) 1,444 (5,063) 9,672
════════ ═══════ ════════ ════════
Transfers between funds 13,447 (13,447)
──────── ──────── ──────── ────────
Net movement in funds 6,940 (12,003) (5,063) 9,672
Reconciliation of funds
Total funds brought forward 284,882 13,159 298,041 288,369
───────── ──────── ───────── ─────────
Total funds carried forward 291,822 1,156 292,978 298,041
═════════ ════════ ═════════ ═════════

The statement of financial activities includes all gains and losses recognised in the year. All income and expenditure derive from continuing activities.

The notes on pages 6 to 15 form part of these accounts.

4

Teesdale and Weardale Search and Mountain Rescue Team

Statement of Financial Position

31 July 2023

2023 2022
Note £ £
Fixed Assets
Tangible fixed assets 15 45,661 49,235
Current Assets
Debtors 16 17,255 8,437
Cash at bank and in hand 236,401 241,673
───────── ─────────
253,656 250,110
Creditors: amounts falling due within one year 17 6,339 1,304
───────── ─────────
Net Current Assets 247,317 248,806
───────── ─────────
Total Assets Less Current Liabilities 292,978 298,041
═════════ ═════════
Funds of the Charity
Restricted funds 1,156 13,159
Unrestricted funds 291,822 284,882
───────── ─────────
Total charity funds 18 292,978
═════════
298,041
═════════

These accounts were approved by the board of trustees and authorised for issue on ........................, and are signed on behalf of the board by:

Mr J S Owers Trustee

Dr J Little Trustee

The notes on pages 6 to 15 form part of these accounts.

5

Teesdale and Weardale Search and Mountain Rescue Team

Notes to the Accounts

Year Ended 31 July 2023

1. General Information

The charity is a public benefit entity and a registered charity in England and Wales and is unincorporated. The address of the principal office is The Chris Scott Mountain Search & Rescue Centre, Lanchester Road, Durham, County Durham, DH1 5RA.

2. Statement of Compliance

These accounts have been prepared in compliance with FRS 102, 'The Financial Reporting Standard applicable in the UK and the Republic of Ireland', the 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) (Charities SORP (FRS 102)) and the Charities Act 2011.

3. Accounting Policies

Basis of Preparation

The accounts have been prepared on the historical cost basis, as modified by the revaluation of certain financial assets and liabilities and investment properties measured at fair value through income or expenditure.

The accounts are prepared in sterling, which is the functional currency of the entity.

Going Concern

There are no material uncertainties about the charity’s ability to continue.

Judgements and Key Sources of Estimation Uncertainty

The preparation of the financial statements requires management to make judgements, estimates and assumptions that affect the amounts reported. These estimates and judgements are continually reviewed and are based on experience and other factors, including expectations of future events that are believed to be reasonable under the circumstances. The trustees consider that there are no significant estimates or judgements affecting these financial statements.

Fund Accounting

Unrestricted funds are available for use at the discretion of the trustees to further any of the charity's purposes.

Designated funds are unrestricted funds earmarked by the trustees for particular future project or commitment.

Restricted funds are subjected to restrictions on their expenditure declared by the donor or through the terms of an appeal, and fall into one of two sub-classes: restricted income funds or endowment funds.

6

Teesdale and Weardale Search and Mountain Rescue Team

Notes to the Accounts (continued)

Year Ended 31 July 2023

3. Accounting Policies (continued)

Income

All incoming resources are included in the statement of financial activities when entitlement has passed to the charity; it is probable that the economic benefits associated with the transaction will flow to the charity and the amount can be reliably measured. The following specific policies are applied to particular categories of income:

Expenditure

Expenditure is recognised on an accruals basis as a liability is incurred. Expenditure includes any VAT which cannot be fully recovered, and is classified under headings of the statement of financial activities to which it relates:

All costs are allocated to expenditure categories reflecting the use of the resource. Direct costs attributable to a single activity are allocated directly to that activity. Shared costs are apportioned between the activities they contribute to on a reasonable, justifiable and consistent basis.

Tangible Assets

Tangible assets are initially recorded at cost, and subsequently stated at cost less any accumulated depreciation and impairment losses.

7

Teesdale and Weardale Search and Mountain Rescue Team

Notes to the Accounts (continued)

Year Ended 31 July 2023

3. Accounting Policies (continued)

Depreciation

Depreciation is calculated so as to write off the cost or valuation of an asset, less its residual value, over the useful economic life of that asset as follows:

Equipment - 15% reducing balance Motor vehicles - 12% straight line

Impairment of Fixed Assets

A review for indicators of impairment is carried out at each reporting date, with the recoverable amount being estimated where such indicators exist. Where the carrying value exceeds the recoverable amount, the asset is impaired accordingly. Prior impairments are also reviewed for possible reversal at each reporting date.

Financial Instruments

The charity only has financial assets and liabilities 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.

Debtors

Trade and other debtors are recognised at the settlement amount due after any trade discount offered. Prepayments are valued at the amount prepaid net of any trade discounts due.

Accrued income and tax recoverable is included at the best estimate of the amounts receivable at the balance sheet date.

Cash at Bank and in Hand

Cash at bank and cash 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 account.

8

Teesdale and Weardale Search and Mountain Rescue Team

Notes to the Accounts (continued)

Year Ended 31 July 2023

3. Accounting Policies (continued)

Creditors

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.

Taxation

The company is considered to pass the tests set out in Paragraph 1 Schedule 6 of the Finance Act 2010 and therefore it meets the definition of a charitable company for UK corporation tax purposes. Accordingly, the company is potentially exempt from taxation in respect of income or capital gains received within categories covered by Chapter 3 Part 11 of the Corporation Tax Act 2010 or Section 256 of the taxation of Chargeable Gains Act 1992, to the extent that such income or gains are applied exclusively to charitable purposes.

4. Donations and Legacies

Unrestricted Restricted Total Funds
Funds Funds 2023
£ £ £
Donations
Donations 22,460 22,460
Collection boxes 2,855 2,855
Street collections 2,637 2,637
Gift aid income 3,094 3,094
Vehicle fuel donation 1,500 1,500
Teesdale and Weardale Stones 289 289
Grants
Weardale AAP 3,000 3,000
──────── ─────── ────────
32,835 3,000 35,835
════════ ═══════ ════════
Unrestricted Restricted Total Funds
Funds Funds 2022
£ £ £
Donations
Donations 40,448 40,448
Collection boxes 1,069 1,069
Street collections 2,360 2,360
Gift aid income 4,104 4,104
Vehicle fuel donation 1,668 1,668
Teesdale and Weardale Stones 413 413
Grants
Weardale AAP 8,418 8,418
──────── ─────── ────────
50,062 8,418 58,480
════════ ═══════ ════════

9

Teesdale and Weardale Search and Mountain Rescue Team

Notes to the Accounts (continued)

Year Ended 31 July 2023

5. Charitable Activities

Unrestricted Total Funds Unrestricted Total Funds
Funds 2023 Funds 2022
£ £ £ £
Communications income 2,014 2,014 1,063 1,063
Income from medical cover 3,500 3,500 1,000 1,000
Training income 1,280 1,280 140 140
─────── ─────── ─────── ───────
6,794 6,794 2,203 2,203
═══════ ═══════ ═══════ ═══════

6. Other Trading Activities

Unrestricted Total Funds Unrestricted Total Funds
Funds 2023 Funds 2022
£ £ £ £
Associate member subscriptions 150 150
Fundraising income 6,015 6,015 7,254 7,254
─────── ─────── ─────── ───────
6,015 6,015 7,404 7,404
═══════ ═══════ ═══════ ═══════
Investment Income
Unrestricted Total Funds Unrestricted Total Funds
Funds 2023 Funds 2022
£ £ £ £
Bank interest receivable 459 459 84 84
════ ════ ════ ════
Other Income
Unrestricted Total Funds Unrestricted Total Funds
Funds 2023 Funds 2022
£ £ £ £
Sale of equipment 90 90
════ ════ ════ ════
Costs of Other Trading Activities
Unrestricted Total Funds Unrestricted Total Funds
Funds 2023 Funds 2022
£ £ £ £
Fundraising costs 7,360 7,360 3,415 3,415
═══════ ═══════ ═══════ ═══════

7. Investment Income

8. Other Income

9. Costs of Other Trading Activities

10

Teesdale and Weardale Search and Mountain Rescue Team

Notes to the Accounts (continued)

Year Ended 31 July 2023

10. Expenditure on Charitable Activities by Fund Type

Unrestricted Restricted Total Funds
Funds Funds 2023
£ £ £
Costs of charitable activities (see page 18) 45,250 1,556 46,806
════════ ═══════ ════════
Unrestricted Restricted Total Funds
Funds Funds 2022
£ £ £
Costs of charitable activities (see page 18) 51,259 3,915 55,174
════════ ═══════ ════════
11. Expenditure on Charitable Activities by Activity Type
Activities
undertaken Total funds Total fund
directly 2023 2022
£ £ £
Costs of charitable activities (see page 18) 46,806 46,806 55,174
════════ ════════ ════════
12. Net (Expenditure)/Income
Net (expenditure)/income is stated after charging/(crediting):
2023 2022
£ £
Depreciation of tangible fixed assets 15,201
════════
20,991
════════

13. Staff Costs

The average head count of employees during the year was Nil (2022: Nil).

No employee received employee benefits of more than £60,000 during the year (2022: Nil).

14. Trustee Remuneration and Expenses

None of the trustees (or any persons connected with them) received any remuneration or benefits from the charity during the current or previous year.

11

Teesdale and Weardale Search and Mountain Rescue Team

Notes to the Accounts (continued)

Year Ended 31 July 2023

15. Tangible Fixed Assets

Motor
Equipment vehicles Total
£ £ £
Cost
At 1 August 2022 21,123 167,872 188,995
Additions 11,627 11,627
──────── ───────── ─────────
At 31 July 2023 32,750 167,872 200,622
════════ ═════════ ═════════
Depreciation
At 1 August 2022 19,205 120,555 139,760
Charge for the year 838 14,363 15,201
──────── ───────── ─────────
At 31 July 2023 20,043 134,918 154,961
════════ ═════════ ═════════
Carrying amount
At 31 July 2023 12,707 32,954 45,661
════════ ═════════ ═════════
At 31 July 2022 1,918 47,317 49,235
════════ ═════════ ═════════
Debtors
2023 2022
£ £
Prepayments 2,646 1,912
Gift aid recoverable 3,600 1,800
VAT debtor 8,507 4,574
Other debtors 2,502 151
──────── ───────
17,255 8,437
════════ ═══════
Creditors: amounts falling due within one year
2023 2022
£ £
Trade creditors 6,339 1,304
═══════ ═══════

16. Debtors

17. Creditors: amounts falling due within one year

12

Teesdale and Weardale Search and Mountain Rescue Team

Notes to the Accounts (continued)

Year Ended 31 July 2023

18. Analysis of Charitable Funds

Unrestricted funds

Unrestricted funds
At 1 August At
2022 Income Expenditure Transfers 31 July 2023
£ £ £ £ £
General funds 76,799 40,744 (19,628) (43,380)
54,535
Fixed assets 49,235 (15,201) 11,627 45,661
Vehicle replacement
fund 41,176 20,000 61,176
Contingency fund 26,000 26,000
Specific team areas 37,627 5,359 (14,882) 25,200 53,304
Audrey Jones legacy 10,208 (2,899) 7,309
Pam Wright legacy 43,837 43,837
───────── ──────── ──────── ──────── ─────────
284,882 46,103 (52,610) 13,447 291,822
═════════ ════════ ════════ ════════ ═════════
At 1 August At
2021 Income Expenditure Transfers 31 July 2022
£ £ £ £ £
General funds 62,444 57,201 (17,346) (25,500)
76,799
Fixed assets 70,226 (20,991) 49,235
Vehicle replacement
fund 36,176 5,000 41,176
Contingency fund 26,000 26,000
Specific team areas 29,547 2,642 (15,062) 20,500 37,627
Audrey Jones legacy 11,483 (1,275) 10,208
Pam Wright legacy 43,837 43,837
───────── ──────── ──────── ──────── ─────────
279,713 59,843 (54,674) 284,882
═════════ ════════ ════════ ════════ ═════════

13

Teesdale and Weardale Search and Mountain Rescue Team

Notes to the Accounts (continued)

Year Ended 31 July 2023

18. Analysis of Charitable Funds (continued)

Restricted funds

Restricted funds
At 1 August At
2022 Income Expenditure Transfers 31 July 2023
£ £ £ £ £
Youth Section fund 2,162 (2,162)
Base Security 1,410 (941) (469)
Scotto Trust 4,500 (3,667)
833
Search Computers 584 (261) 323
Weardale AAP 4,503 3,000 (354) (7,149)
──────── ─────── ─────── ──────── ───────
13,159 3,000 (1,556) (13,447)
1,156
════════ ═══════ ═══════ ════════ ═══════
At 1 August At
2021 Income Expenditure Transfers 31 July 2022
£ £ £ £ £
Youth Section fund 2,162 2,162
Base Security 1,410 1,410
Scotto Trust 4,500 4,500
Search Computers 584 584
Weardale AAP 8,418 (3,915) 4,503
─────── ─────── ─────── ──── ────────
8,656 8,418 (3,915) 13,159
═══════ ═══════ ═══════ ════ ════════

The Vehicle Replacement fund contains funds that have been earmarked for the purpose of replacing team vehicles as they age.

The Contingency fund is money that has been set aside to cover any working capital requirements in the event of a fall in income or unexpected expenditure, for example the loss of a vehicle through accident or theft or fire at one of our bases.

The Specific Team Areas funds include areas of team activities both operational and training e.g. Crag, Water, Comms, Dogs etc.

The Youth Section fund represents money that was specifically donated to run the youth section of the team. We no longer have a youth section but the fund will remain until a decision is made as to whether restarting the youth section is viable. This remains a restricted fund.

The grant from Weardale AAP is for base security and the installation of an additional radio repeater and wireless licence to enable us to expand the radio network.

14

Teesdale and Weardale Search and Mountain Rescue Team

Notes to the Accounts (continued)

Year Ended 31 July 2023

19. Analysis of Net Assets Between Funds

Unrestricted Restricted Total Funds
Funds Funds 2023
£ £ £
Tangible fixed assets 45,661 45,661
Current assets 252,500 1,156 253,656
Creditors less than 1 year (6,339) (6,339)
───────── ─────── ─────────
Net assets 291,822 1,156 292,978
═════════ ═══════ ═════════
Unrestricted Restricted Total Funds
Funds Funds 2022
£ £ £
Tangible fixed assets 49,235 49,235
Current assets 236,951 13,159 250,110
Creditors less than 1 year (1,304) (1,304)
───────── ──────── ─────────
Net assets 284,882 13,159 298,041
═════════ ════════ ═════════

20. Related Parties

There were no disclosable related party transactions during the current or previous year.

15

Teesdale and Weardale Search and Mountain Rescue Team

Management Information

Year Ended 31 July 2023

The Following Pages Do Not Form Part of the Accounts.

16

Teesdale and Weardale Search and Mountain Rescue Team

Detailed Statement of Financial Activities

Year Ended 31 July 2023

2023 2022
£ £
Income and endowments
Donations and legacies
Donations 22,460 40,448
Collection boxes 2,855 1,069
Street collections 2,637 2,360
Gift aid income 3,094 4,104
Vehicle fuel donation 1,500 1,668
Teesdale and Weardale Stones 289 413
Weardale AAP 3,000 8,418
──────── ────────
35,835 58,480
──────── ────────
Charitable activities
Communications income 2,014 1,063
Income from medical cover 3,500 1,000
Training income 1,280 140
─────── ───────
6,794 2,203
─────── ───────
Other trading activities
Associate member subscriptions 150
Fundraising income 6,015 7,254
─────── ───────
6,015 7,404
─────── ───────
Investment income
Bank interest receivable 459 84
──── ────
Other income
Sale of equipment 90
──── ────
──────── ────────
Total income 49,103 68,261
════════ ════════

17

Teesdale and Weardale Search and Mountain Rescue Team

Detailed Statement of Financial Activities (continued)

Year Ended 31 July 2023

2023 2022
£ £
Expenditure
Fundraising costs
Fundraising costs 7,360 3,415
─────── ───────
Expenditure on charitable activities
Insurance 2,440 2,628
Premises costs 1,100 3,935
Vehicle expenses 6,159 8,127
Accountancy and bookkeeping fees 2,247 1,182
Communications 3,979 2,699
Depreciation 15,201 20,991
Equipment purchases 8,256 8,447
Training 6,408 6,228
Other costs 1,016 937
──────── ────────
Expenditure on charitable activities 46,806 55,174
════════ ════════
──────── ────────
Total expenditure 54,166 58,589
════════ ════════
──────── ────────
Net (expenditure)/income (5,063) 9,672
════════ ════════

18