Samlesbury War Memorial Hall Management Commitee Registered Charity No. 521317 Chair’s Annual Report 2025
31st December 2025
The Managing Trustees present the report for the year ended 31st December 2025 which should be read in conjunction with the accounts for the same period.
Legal status
The charity is established by a scheme made by the Ministry of Education under section 18 of the Charities Act 1960. The Charity Commission number is 521317.
Objects, policies, and organisaton
The object of the charity is the provision and maintenance of a village hall for the use of the inhabitants of Samlesbury and the neighbourhood without distinction of sex, political, religious, or other opinions, and for the use of meetings, or lectures and classes, and for other forms of recreation and leisure time occupation with the object of improving the conditions of life for the said inhabitants.
The Hall is available for hire by any individual or organisation approved by the Trustees in accordance with the scale of charges adopted for the time being. It is intended that such charges shall cover the normal expenditure for maintaining The Hall. Significant improvements are funded from specific appeals, fundraising and grants.
The Management Committee of Trustees is elected or appointed on an annual basis with the officers being elected from the membership of the committee. The AGM is usually held in April.
Review for the year
Thanks must go to all of the Trustees whose dedication and commitment to Samlesbury War Memorial Hall has ensured its smooth running and improved facilities during the past year.
2025 has been another successful year regarding bookings due to the loyalty of our regular hirers as well as additional one off bookings. The hall is booked almost every single day of the year.
A particular highlight of the year was our joint Samlesbury War Memorial Hall Trustees and Samlesbury Young Farmers summer event held on Saturday 23[rd] August. Along with partners and friends and our Honorary President Jim Slater and his wife Teresa, we all enjoyed a BBQ cooked in the new BBQ area at the edge of the patio and we sat out on the new patio tables and chairs in the sunshine. Burgers and sausages were kindly provided by Peter Jackson (YF) of Heskin Hall and the Samlesbury Memorial Hall Trustees provided buns, rolls and the drinks. Everyone helped to make the evening a success and further developed the close ties between the Trustees of The Hall and our young farmers and friends. The Young Farmers have been using the hall for some 90 years so they are a part of our shared history as well as a vital part of our local community.
Our Burns Night Ceilidh held on Saturday 25[th] January 2025 proved to be sell out. Ticket numbers were limited to 80 to allow for dancing to the Ceilidh band “Frolicking Pete & The Fumbling Fingers” whilst a Scottish Supper of Haggis, Neeps and Tatties was provided and served by Broadway pantry followed by a wee dram of whiskey. The music and dancing continued until after 11pm and the night was enjoyed by so many that both the band and Broadway Pantry were asked to come back in 2026 to repeat this winning Burns Night formula. Thanks must go to the Trustees who supported this event on the night.
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The Regular Monthly Quiz Nights have again proved popular, running during the winter months on a Saturday from September to March with a break in summer from April to August whilst everyone is busy. These events with a different quizmaster each month, have been attended by between 50-80 quizzers averaging around 70. The option for quizzers to have a choice of ‘with’ or ‘without’ supper and priced appropriately has been welcomed with usually 5-10 people opting for no supper and the majority choosing either Hot Pot or Cheese Bake provided by Broadway Pantry. Thanks must go to the Trustees who support the Quiz Nights every month, helping to set up, serve and clean and tidy away afterwards.
Samlesbury War Memorial Hall hosted the village Remembrance wreath laying commemorations on Tuesday 11[th] November 2025. After a wreath was placed at the Village Cross on Cuerdale Lane, a wreath was placed at the foot of the War Memorial Plaque in front of the Hall. The Reverend Nathanial Gilmore led the Remembrance commemorations along with Stephen Fawcett the Vice Chair of the Parish Council. A twominute silence at 11am was respected, after which villagers enjoyed a warming cuppa and cake in the Committee Rooms where information boards display details depicting the life of each soldier listed on the War Memorial Plaque.
The community gardens at The Hall, tended by John Greaves with the help of the Civic Society, are open to all. These include the Centenary Garden with its seasonal produce and fragrant flowers for sale, in addition to the colourful blooms surrounding the Flagpole at the roadside, the poignant flower bed in front of the War Memorial Silhouette Statue, along with the magnificent hanging baskets and floral displays all around The Hall look beautiful throughout the year thanks to the dedication and commitment of John Greaves and his team.
The contract for keeping the grounds mown and tidy by Millars Ground Maintenance Services will continue going forward with remedial work to weeds and edging on the perimeter path.
The fabric of The Hall has kept the Trustees focussed on the maintenance of the building, whilst continually seeking to make improvements to ensure The Hall is fit for purpose both now and in the future.
Again, numerous maintenance actions and decorating tasks have been completed by our own “Mr SWMH Fix It”, Barry Dixon, who we contact for ad hoc ongoing repairs. This has continued to be successful with Barry being available at short notice to carry out repairs both large and small.
The Building & Refurbishment sub-Committee, established for ongoing improvement projects and maintenance work, have worked hard to secure grant funding from many sources for both small and large projects. This has been led by Julia Marsden along with Julia Dixon and Cathy Evans to whom our grateful thanks must be given.
Maintenance of the building has been incorporated within new improvement projects for grant funding where possible.
The kitchen refurbishment and redecoration resulted in a more modern and accessible space with many user groups commenting on the improvements and being a positive asset for hirers with all enjoying the results. The renovation of the Canadian Maple sprung floor in the Main Hall has made the hall more aesthetically pleasing and practical to use for all hirers and has ensured that our regular dance clubs continue to enjoy our dance floor to the highest of standards.
A schedule of work for future projects has been produced and prioritised. Various grant applications have meant that we received £19,948 from The National Lottery Community Fund which will fund the refurbishment of the Committee Rooms, redecoration of the exterior of the building and replacement flooring to the lobby area. Plans for decorating and carpeting the Committee Rooms and the other projects included in this grant are well underway to begin in January 2026. We received a grant from SRBC Community Hub which paid for new notice bords and supports Young
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Farmers, Lady Farmers, Samlesbury Lunch Club and the Memorial Modellers with hire fees. They have also included support for the 2026 Ceilidh. Although other schemes have been applied for, these are the two successful funding sources for 2025.
There has also been and will continue to be an investment in new technology with new TVs which can be used for presentations in The Club Room Committee Room, and a TV in the Hallway with information about the soldiers in whose memory the hall was built, presented on a loop, along with details of regular classes and forthcoming events. Our needs and desires continue to be assessed regarding the provision of new security cameras, ‘Hive’ heating and a Building Management system and grant funding for these management facilities explored going forward.
Improvements in cost savings with continued replacement to lights inside with LEDs and for additional safety and security outside the building, has been undertaken by our regular electrician Sam Brown.
Measures to regulate the heating throughout the building have been attempted and further improvements to make the heating system more effective and efficient are also planned.
Improvements to the car park lines and the one-way directional arrows and new entrance and exit signs, have not only made the car park look more attractive but also safer for both drivers and pedestrians to use. Further improvements to the gravel car park beyond the barrier have been discussed and are planned.
There have been problems with some of the new grey stackable chairs in the Main Hall. Lomas Office Supplies in Blackburn are assessing the 120 purchased to address the problem.
The 40 old purple chairs in the Committee Rooms are to be replaced once redecoration has taken place and the new carpets have been fitted early 2026.
Again, minor repairs and improvements have been required in the ladies, gents and disabled toilets mainly completed by our plumber Nick Whiteside.
Our cleaner Jacqueline Massey continues to provide an outstanding weekly cleaning service, with flexibility for additional cleaning for one off events when required. Jacq also arranges for the replacement of toilet rolls and paper towels along with other consumables from System Hygiene Supplies with the invoices going directly to our Treasurer.
The www.samlesburymemorialhall.co.uk is accessed by potential hirers and generates interest and new bookings. The drone footage with a “birds-eye” view of the hall and grounds is a new additional feature along with the historical information about the hall and the fabulous facilities. The latest information and booking details for potential hirers to view the current availability make the booking process simpler and streamlined.
The ongoing commitment of Julia Dixon as Booking Secretary has ensured the smooth running of the booking process for hirers and regular users alike. Gaining bookings from regular users for the year in advance and showing new hirers around the hall can be very time consuming. Thank you Julia for your dedication, persistence and patience.
The financial position of the Hall is very strong and hire income is healthy. See attached 2025 Treasurer’s Report.
Thanks go to our Treasurer Cathy Evans for her diligent and dedicated work regarding the monthly accounts along with her involvement in so many other matters at The Hall.
Hire charges have been reviewed in the light of increasing costs and adjustments made. These will continue to be reviewed on an annual basis.
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The CAF Bank Account is still proving to be an effective way of managing the hall finances and its use will continue. The ‘Square’ card reader has been used for events including the Quiz Nights and Ceilidh, with a small cost for its use in allowing easy electronic payments to be made.
The Hall insurance was renewed with Ansvar at the end of December.
We are indebted to Jennifer McNamee FFA/FIPA for the supervisory role she is professionally carrying out as our Independent Examiner for the accounting functions and her input is welcomed. The Annual Accounts were not approved at the 2025 AGM, however they were completed later in the year when further information from Alison Gerrard our previous Independent Examiner was provided to Jennifer. Jennifer kindly waived her fee in favour of Hall funds.
The Trustees have met monthly to fulfil their roles of management. We held the AGM on the 15th of April 2025 where the Annual Report for 2024 was agreed and accepted by all those present. Cath Randall stood down in July 2025 after many years as a Trustee and we thank her for her support over the years. As we have places available, new Trustees are being sought on an ongoing basis.
Finally, tremendous thanks must go to all the supporters of Samlesbury War Memorial Hall, in particular the Trustees. Their commitment of time, energy, skills, and knowledge shows in the continued success of The Hall. Thanks are to be expressed to the officers of the committee who have worked tirelessly once again. The Hall could not continue to function however, without the support of so many interested people, who hire the hall, support events and are part of The Hall’s wider community.
The Trustees continue to look ahead, particularly as a War Memorial should reflect its original purpose and objectives. The Hall has met its obligations since it opened in 1922 and is in a secure financial position to sustain its role for the benefit of the local rural community and the wider area for many years to come.
Commitee for 2025
Ms Caroline Coughlin - Chair - Samlesbury Church PCC Mr Gordon Barton - Vice Chair - Elected Mrs Cathy Evans - Treasurer - Elected Mrs Julia Marsden - Secretary & Website Management - Elected Mrs Caroline Marshall - Deputy Secretary - Co-Opted Mrs Julia Dixon - Booking Secretary - Co-Opted Mrs. Janet Young - Elected Mrs Clare Lewis - Safeguarding - Parish Council Mr Gwyn Lewis - Legal Advisor - Co-opted Mr John Greaves - Maintenance Co-ordinator - Co-opted Mr James Nairey - Samlesbury Young Farmers Ms Beth Baldwin - Website Management - Samlesbury Young Farmers Mr Scott Bennett - Samlesbury Young Farmers Mrs Jane Clarke - St Mary & John Southworth Mr Simon Clarke - Health & Safety - Co-opted Vacant - Balderstone & District W.I.
Mr Jim Slater - Honorary Life President
Signed……………………………………………………Date…………………………… This Annual Report and Accounts are approved by the Management Committee
Signed………………………………………………Date………………………………… Caroline Coughlin (Chair)
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| SamlesburyWar Memorial Hall | SamlesburyWar Memorial Hall | SamlesburyWar Memorial Hall | SamlesburyWar Memorial Hall | SamlesburyWar Memorial Hall | SamlesburyWar Memorial Hall | |||||||
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Statement Of Financial Activities | ||||||||||||
| For the Year Ended 31st December 2025 | ||||||||||||
| Unrestricted | Restricted | Total | 2024 | |||||||||
| Income & Expenditure | ||||||||||||
| Income: | ||||||||||||
| Charges to Users | 37,075 | 37,075 | 31,469 | |||||||||
| Donations & Grants | 1 | 1 | 151 | |||||||||
| Fund Raising | 5,747 | 5,747 | 3,296 | |||||||||
| Feed In Tariff | 904 | 904 | 693 | |||||||||
| Interest Earned | 528 | 528 | 462 | |||||||||
| 44,255 | 44,255 | 36,071 | ||||||||||
| Direct Charitable Expenditure: |
||||||||||||
| Provision of Hall | ||||||||||||
| Electricity | 5,740 | 5,740 | 4,851 | |||||||||
| Water | 462 | 462 | 665 | |||||||||
| Insurance | 2,270 | 2,270 | 2,214 | |||||||||
| CleaningMaterials & Supplies | 5,760 | 5,760 | 2,543 | |||||||||
| FundraisingExpenses | 5,349 | 5,349 | 1,855 | |||||||||
| Telephone | 727 | 727 | 543 | |||||||||
| Licences & Subscriptions | 970 | 970 | 702 | |||||||||
| Repairs | 6,758 | 6,758 | 16,975 | |||||||||
| Replacements & Improvements | 4,697 | 4,697 | 21,097 | |||||||||
| Website & Marketing | 165 | 165 | 179 | |||||||||
| IT Software & Consumables | 684 | 684 | 634 | |||||||||
| Grant Consultancy | 3,471 | 3,471 | - | |||||||||
| Miscellaneous & General Expenses | 2,257 | 2,257 | 1,845 | |||||||||
| Charitable donations | 150 | 150 | 580 | |||||||||
| Depreciation | 389 | 833 | 1,222 | 1,462 | ||||||||
| Bank charges | 115 | 115 | 76 | |||||||||
| 39,964 | 833 | 40,797 | 56,221 | |||||||||
| Other Expenditure: | ||||||||||||
| Management & administration of the charity |
||||||||||||
| - | ||||||||||||
| Total Expenditure | 39,964 | 833 | 40,797 | 56,221 | ||||||||
| Net Income/(Expenditure)for the Year | 4,291 | (833) | 3,458 | (20,150) | ||||||||
| Funds Balance Brought Forward | 62,011 | 8,882 | 70,893 | 91,043 | ||||||||
| Funds Balance Carried Forward £ | 66,302 | 8,049 | 74,351 | 70,893 | ||||||||
Samlesbury War Memorial Hall
Balance Sheet as at 31st December 2025
| Notes Fixed Assets 2 Memorial Hall Fixtures & Fittings Furniture & Equipment Current Assets Stock Debtors Prepayments Balances at Bank: CAF Gold Account CAF Account Cash Current Liabilities Creditors & Accruals 3 Net Current Assets Net Assets REPRESENTED BY FUNDS Unrestricted Restricted |
2025 31,234 3,419 245 34,898 - (2,523) 280 27,279 40,163 171 65,370 (25,917) 39,453 £ 74,351 66,302 8,049 £ 74,351 |
2024 31,234 4,560 326 36,120 110 (96) 359 16,791 20,339 286 37,789 (3,016) 34,773 £ 70,893 62,011 8,882 £ 70,893 |
|---|---|---|
Chairman
For and on behalf of the Managing Committee
I have examined the financial records of Samlesbury War Memorial Hall for the year ended 31st December 2025, and confirm that these Accounts are in accordance with them
Jennifer McNamee
Samlesbury War Memorial Hall
Cash Flow Statement
for the year ended 31st December 2025
| Notes 2025 Sources of Funds Net Income/(Expenditure) for the year 3,458 Add back depreciation ((non cash item) 2 1,222 Operating Cash Flow 4,680 Movements in working capital Decrease/(Increase) in Stock 110 Decrease/(Increase) in Debtors & Prepayments 2,540 Increase/(Decrease) in Creditors 22,901 25,551 Funds from operations 30,231 Aplications of funds Capital Expenditure - Net cash Inflow/(Outflow) for the year 30,231 Cash balances brought forward 37,416 Cash balances carried forward £ 67,647 Represented by: Deposit Account 27,279 Current Account 40,163 Cash 171 £ 67,613 |
2024 (20,150) 1,462 (18,688) (80) 2,359 918 3,197 (15,491) - (15,491) 52,907 £ 37,416 16,791 20,339 286 £ 37,416 |
|---|---|
Samlesbury War Memorial Hall
Notes to the Accounts 31st December 2025
1 Accounting Policies
a) General
These accounts have been prepared under the historical convention, and in accordance with applicable accounting standards and the Statement of Recommended Practice for Charities.
b) Fixed Assets
The Memorial Hall is shown at its historic cost plus addititons since at cost
c) Depreciation
No depreciation is provided on the hall building as any replacement or substantial improvement will be separately funded.
Furniture and equipment, and fixturs and fittings are depreciated at varying rates, dependent upon their estimated useful lives, given reasonable maintenance
Furniture and equipment 25% reducing balance Fixtures and fittings 12.5% straight line
2 Fixed Assets
| 2 Fixed Assets | |||
|---|---|---|---|
| Fixtures Furniture & Village & Fittings Equipment Hall Cost At 1st January 13,773 1,454 31,234 Added - - - At 31st December 13,773 1,454 31,234 Depreciation At 1st January 9,213 1,128 - Added 1,141 81 - At 31st December 10,354 1,209 - Net Book Value At 1st January 4,560 326 31,234 At 31st December £ 3,419 245 31,234 3 Creditors 2025 2024 Accounts payable 2,628 2,171 Accruals 314 495 Bond prepayments 650 350 Prepayments next year 1,420 Deferred Income Grants 2025 20,905 - £ 25,917 £ 3,016 |
Fixtures Furniture & Village & Fittings Equipment Hall 13,773 1,454 31,234 - - - 13,773 1,454 31,234 9,213 1,128 - 1,141 81 - 10,354 1,209 - 4,560 326 31,234 |
Total 2025 46,461 - 46,461 10,341 1,222 11,563 36,120 34,898 |
2024 46,461 - |
| 46,461 | |||
| 8,879 1,462 |
|||
| 10,341 | |||
| 37,582 | |||
| 36,120 | |||
There are no liabilities payable more than twelve months after the year end
| SamlesburyWar Memorial Hall | SamlesburyWar Memorial Hall | SamlesburyWar Memorial Hall | SamlesburyWar Memorial Hall | SamlesburyWar Memorial Hall | SamlesburyWar Memorial Hall | |||||||
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Statement Of Financial Activities | ||||||||||||
| For the Year Ended 31st December 2025 | ||||||||||||
| Unrestricted | Restricted | Total | 2024 | |||||||||
| Income & Expenditure | ||||||||||||
| Income: | ||||||||||||
| Charges to Users | 37,075 | 37,075 | 31,469 | |||||||||
| Donations & Grants | 1 | 1 | 151 | |||||||||
| Fund Raising | 5,747 | 5,747 | 3,296 | |||||||||
| Feed In Tariff | 904 | 904 | 693 | |||||||||
| Interest Earned | 528 | 528 | 462 | |||||||||
| 44,255 | 44,255 | 36,071 | ||||||||||
| Direct Charitable Expenditure: |
||||||||||||
| Provision of Hall | ||||||||||||
| Electricity | 5,740 | 5,740 | 4,851 | |||||||||
| Water | 462 | 462 | 665 | |||||||||
| Insurance | 2,270 | 2,270 | 2,214 | |||||||||
| CleaningMaterials & Supplies | 5,760 | 5,760 | 2,543 | |||||||||
| FundraisingExpenses | 5,349 | 5,349 | 1,855 | |||||||||
| Telephone | 727 | 727 | 543 | |||||||||
| Licences & Subscriptions | 970 | 970 | 702 | |||||||||
| Repairs | 6,758 | 6,758 | 16,975 | |||||||||
| Replacements & Improvements | 4,697 | 4,697 | 21,097 | |||||||||
| Website & Marketing | 165 | 165 | 179 | |||||||||
| IT Software & Consumables | 684 | 684 | 634 | |||||||||
| Grant Consultancy | 3,471 | 3,471 | - | |||||||||
| Miscellaneous & General Expenses | 2,257 | 2,257 | 1,845 | |||||||||
| Charitable donations | 150 | 150 | 580 | |||||||||
| Depreciation | 389 | 833 | 1,222 | 1,462 | ||||||||
| Bank charges | 115 | 115 | 76 | |||||||||
| 39,964 | 833 | 40,797 | 56,221 | |||||||||
| Other Expenditure: | ||||||||||||
| Management & administration of the charity |
||||||||||||
| - | ||||||||||||
| Total Expenditure | 39,964 | 833 | 40,797 | 56,221 | ||||||||
| Net Income/(Expenditure)for the Year | 4,291 | (833) | 3,458 | (20,150) | ||||||||
| Funds Balance Brought Forward | 62,011 | 8,882 | 70,893 | 91,043 | ||||||||
| Funds Balance Carried Forward £ | 66,302 | 8,049 | 74,351 | 70,893 | ||||||||
Samlesbury War Memorial Hall
Balance Sheet as at 31st December 2025
| Notes Fixed Assets 2 Memorial Hall Fixtures & Fittings Furniture & Equipment Current Assets Stock Debtors Prepayments Balances at Bank: CAF Gold Account CAF Account Cash Current Liabilities Creditors & Accruals 3 Net Current Assets Net Assets REPRESENTED BY FUNDS Unrestricted Restricted |
2025 31,234 3,419 245 34,898 - (2,523) 280 27,279 40,163 171 65,370 (25,917) 39,453 £ 74,351 66,302 8,049 £ 74,351 |
2024 31,234 4,560 326 36,120 110 (96) 359 16,791 20,339 286 37,789 (3,016) 34,773 £ 70,893 62,011 8,882 £ 70,893 |
|---|---|---|
Chairman
For and on behalf of the Managing Committee
I have examined the financial records of Samlesbury War Memorial Hall for the year ended 31st December 2025, and confirm that these Accounts are in accordance with them
Jennifer McNamee
Samlesbury War Memorial Hall
Cash Flow Statement
for the year ended 31st December 2025
| Notes 2025 Sources of Funds Net Income/(Expenditure) for the year 3,458 Add back depreciation ((non cash item) 2 1,222 Operating Cash Flow 4,680 Movements in working capital Decrease/(Increase) in Stock 110 Decrease/(Increase) in Debtors & Prepayments 2,540 Increase/(Decrease) in Creditors 22,901 25,551 Funds from operations 30,231 Aplications of funds Capital Expenditure - Net cash Inflow/(Outflow) for the year 30,231 Cash balances brought forward 37,416 Cash balances carried forward £ 67,647 Represented by: Deposit Account 27,279 Current Account 40,163 Cash 171 £ 67,613 |
2024 (20,150) 1,462 (18,688) (80) 2,359 918 3,197 (15,491) - (15,491) 52,907 £ 37,416 16,791 20,339 286 £ 37,416 |
|---|---|
Samlesbury War Memorial Hall
Notes to the Accounts 31st December 2025
1 Accounting Policies
a) General
These accounts have been prepared under the historical convention, and in accordance with applicable accounting standards and the Statement of Recommended Practice for Charities.
b) Fixed Assets
The Memorial Hall is shown at its historic cost plus addititons since at cost
c) Depreciation
No depreciation is provided on the hall building as any replacement or substantial improvement will be separately funded.
Furniture and equipment, and fixturs and fittings are depreciated at varying rates, dependent upon their estimated useful lives, given reasonable maintenance
Furniture and equipment 25% reducing balance Fixtures and fittings 12.5% straight line
2 Fixed Assets
| 2 Fixed Assets | |||
|---|---|---|---|
| Fixtures Furniture & Village & Fittings Equipment Hall Cost At 1st January 13,773 1,454 31,234 Added - - - At 31st December 13,773 1,454 31,234 Depreciation At 1st January 9,213 1,128 - Added 1,141 81 - At 31st December 10,354 1,209 - Net Book Value At 1st January 4,560 326 31,234 At 31st December £ 3,419 245 31,234 3 Creditors 2025 2024 Accounts payable 2,628 2,171 Accruals 314 495 Bond prepayments 650 350 Prepayments next year 1,420 Deferred Income Grants 2025 20,905 - £ 25,917 £ 3,016 |
Fixtures Furniture & Village & Fittings Equipment Hall 13,773 1,454 31,234 - - - 13,773 1,454 31,234 9,213 1,128 - 1,141 81 - 10,354 1,209 - 4,560 326 31,234 |
Total 2025 46,461 - 46,461 10,341 1,222 11,563 36,120 34,898 |
2024 46,461 - |
| 46,461 | |||
| 8,879 1,462 |
|||
| 10,341 | |||
| 37,582 | |||
| 36,120 | |||
There are no liabilities payable more than twelve months after the year end