York philharmonic Male Voice Choir
Registered Charity No. 529713
Trustees’ Annual Report
For the Year 01 September 2024 to 31 August 2025
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Trustees’ Annual Report (V1.1) for the year 01 September 2024 to 31 August 2025
TRUSTEES, ANNUAL REPOR FOR THE YEAR I" SEPTEMBER 2023 to 31" AUGUST 2024 Contents Page number LEGAL AND ADMINISTIIATIVE INFORMATION STRucfuRE, GOVERNANCE AND MANAGEMENT TRUST£ES' ANNUAL REPORT Trustees, Annual Report IVI.11 for the year 01 September 2024 to 31 August 2025 age
LEGAL AND ADMINISTRATIVE INFORMATION
STATUS
The York Philharmonic Male Voice Choir (The Fletcher Memorial Choir) is an associaJon governed by our ConsJtuJon, dated 15 July 2020, and Rules dated 12 June 2023.
directed to the Choir Secretary, Mr JD Thomson, by email at yorkphilchoir@gmail.com or by post at 42 Rowntree Wharf, NavigaJon Road, York, YO1 9XA. Any current correspondence should be addressed to the address shown on the Choir’s Charity Commission entry.
This Trustee Annual Report covers the 12 months 1[st] September 2024 to 31[st] August 2025. As the turnover of the choir is less than £250k the annual accounts will be presented on a receipts and payments basis. As turnover for the year is over £25k, a Trustees Annual Report (TAR) has been prepared and will be registered with the Charity Commission. In accordance with Charity Commission rules an electronic Annual Return will be made every year and reference can be made to the Financial Statement that is a separate document to this report.
GOVERNING OFFICERS
The Choir is governed by up to eight Trustees of the Choir who are elected annually by the membership at the Annual General MeeJng (AGM). There were no changes in Trustees during the year between AGMs. Ex-officio officers are also appointed at the AGM.
| AGM Elected | AGM Elected | |
|---|---|---|
| Role | 22/07/24 | 22/09/25 |
| President | Mrs J Waggo|Mrs J Waggo |
|
| Chair | Mr M Wash | Mr R Askew |
| Secretary | Mr D Thomson | Mr S Poole |
| Treasurer | Mr M Clarke | Mr M Clarke |
| Membership RepresentaJve 1 | Mr A Houghton | Mr D Lampi` |
| Membership RepresentaJve 2 | Mr S Poole | Mr M Nokes |
| Membership RepresentaJve 3 | Mr R Askew | Vacant |
| Membership RepresentaJve 4 | Mr D Lampi` | Vacant |
| Membership RepresentaJve 5 | Vacant | Vacant |
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Trustees’ Annual Report (V1.1) for the year 01 September 2024 to 31 August 2025
An Extraordinary General MeeJng (EGM) was held on 28[th] October 2024 as our Secretary, Derek Thomson, had to stand down due to ill health. Michael Nokes was duly elected as a Trustee and Secretary unJl the next AGM. In addiJon, Adrian Houghton stood down as a Trustee and Vice Chair also due to ill health. Rob Askew was duly elected as Vice Chair.
Whilst the choir year ended 31[st] August 2025, the AGM was held on 22[nd] September 2025 immediately ader the weekend in which we celebrated our centenary.
INDEPENDENT EXAMINER
Karen Wood ACMA, CGMA Outsource AccounJng Services & Independent ExaminaJons, Hiscox Building, Peasholme Green, York, YO1 7PR.
LEGAL ADVISERS
The Choir has not had the need to appoint a legal adviser.
INSURANCE ADVISERS
The Choir has not appointed an insurance adviser and is insured by a policy arranged through the NaJonal AssociaJon of Choirs by Marsh Commercial (Hull), Ground Floor, Unit 5, Hesslewood Office Park, Ferriby Road, Hull, HU13 0QF. The policy is underwri`en by Ansvar Insurance.
PROPERTY AND CUSTODIAN TRUSTEES
The Choir owns no interests in land or property and holds no assets or funds as custodian trustees on behalf of others.
BANKERS
Unity Trust Bank plc, Nine Brindley Place, Birmingham B1 2HB (2 accounts; 1 current, 1 savings), and
NaJonal Savings and Investments, Glasgow G58 1SB (1 investment account)
STRUCTURE, GOVERNANCE AND MANAGEMENT
MEMBERSHIP
VoJng membership of the Choir is open to anyone over the age of 18. At 31[st] August 2025 there were 61 voJng members. There are also 8 honorary life members who have no voJng rights.
There are regularly between 50 and 55 members at each rehearsal evening and there’s never a shortage to assemble sufficient singers for our performances. We are nevertheless always on the
Trustees’ Annual Report (V1.1) 4 | P a g e for the year 01 September 2024 to 31 August 2025
lookout for new members. Weekly secJonal rehearsals were led by our AMD and around 20 regularly reJre for a post rehearsal social drink and informal sing at The Snickleways pub.
Social acJviJes this year included a centenary golf day, Chair’s ‘birthday bash’, ten-pin bowling, and an informal music night where members get to pracJce solos and small group songs in front of family and Friends.
The Choir is also supported by The Phillies, an independent group that consists of member’s wives and partners that as well as organising their own social events, also arrange and serve refreshments and organise raffles at our own concerts, fund raising events, and soirees.
newsle`er, prize draw, and a free Jcket to one of our Christmas TradiJons concerts.
ORGANISATION
In addiJon to the eight trustees, the Choir’s Management Commiee includes the Choir’s Musical Director (MD), Berenice Lewis, _ex officio_ who this year clocked up 25 years as our MD, together with a representaJve from each of the four secJons of the Choir elected at the AGM each year. For 2024/25 these representaJves were re-elected; Mr R Go (2[nd] tenor) and Mr P Newman (baritone). Mr R Samwell (bass) and Mr O Innes (2[nd] tenor) were newly appointed representaJves. These commiee members assist the Trustees in governing the Choir but in this capacity do not have voJng rights at commiee meeJngs. The Management Commi`ee met on 5 occasions during the year.
Various acJviJes are entrusted to working groups set up by the Trustees in April 2009 under the Choir’s Rules. Concerts Group (responsible for all aspects of performances not requiring overnight accommodaJon); Tour Group (responsible for those events requiring overnight accommodaJon); and the Publicity/Media Group (aimed at promoJng the Choir’s acJviJes and bringing them to the aenJon of a wider audience). The Uniforms Group established to consider the purchase of a new uniform that were delivered from October 2023 was disbanded and Richard Pearson elected as Uniforms Officer to manage the ongoing need to dress new members. The Centenary Planning Group conJnued its work that included coordinaJng the producJon of commemoraJve centenary lapel badges, a centenary programme, and a full update to the book, “Sound Fellows – The Story of York Philharmonic Male Voice Choir – 100 Years of Song, 1925 to 2025” wrien by our very own Colin Hockridge. These groups meet as and when required and aend Management Commiee meeJngs also as and when required.
The Musical Development Group (MDG) was disbanded during the year with sole responsibility for repertoire, rehearsals, music quality, and training of members reverJng to the Musical Director.
publicity/media Group. Two new Member Trustees were appointed at the AGM, Rob Askew and David Lampi`.
Richard Kay, our deputy musical director took a sabbaJcal from the choir leading to his eventual resignaJon to focus more on his MD role with Harrogate MVC.
RELATED ORGANISATIONS
The Choir is a member of the NaJonal AssociaJon of Choirs (NAC), a naJonal body formed by choirs to give a collecJve voice, representaJon and to provide a wide support and advice funcJon. The NAC is itself a charity, registraJon number 1014630.
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Trustees’ Annual Report (V1.1) for the year 01 September 2024 to 31 August 2025
INTERNAL CONTROLS AND RISK MANAGEMENT
The Trustees regularly review the risks to the charity and have established systems and procedures to miJgate any risks idenJfied and implemented procedures designed to minimise any potenJal impact on the charity should those risks materialise.
During the current cost of living crisis, the greatest risk to the Choir during this reporJng period remained the choir’s financial security and members’ health.
following the replacement of our performance uniforms in late 2023 and the addiJonal expenditure incurred as we celebrated our 100[th] anniversary. Further Sponsorship and DonaJons, to the tune of around £10k, were secured for our Centenary year, and other opJons are being considered for increasing revenue for day-to-day operaJons. Other key risks include damage to the Choir’s reputaJon, failure to protect the health and welfare of its members, and failure to maintain a strong membership base. The la`er is a conJnuing discussion at management meeJngs and is not unique to this choir. During 24/25 we conJnued with our social media presence with more regular posts about forthcoming concerts, the benefits of singing, and how to become involved with the choir. A refresh of our website resulted in a more modern look with addiJonal informaJon for visitors, including pages specifically focused on our centenary celebraJon events.
conducted a review of their reserves policy in 2024/5 and agreed that the policy should remain unchanged. This was recorded at the AGM.
Risks to our musical team were considered, and it was agreed that succession planning should commence to secure long-term musical direcJon, providing stability and flexibility going into and beyond our Centenary year. Consequently, the trustees appointed a new deputy MD, Ms Emilie Bels, who took up her post in January 2025.
The choir has 3 nominated first aiders. First aid provision was reviewed in 24/25, resulJng in refresher first-aid-at-work training for 3 first aiders, along with the purchase of 2 new first-aid kits, one of which is more suitable for taking to ‘away’ concerts. The Health & Safety Policy was reviewed during the 23/24 choir year.
TRUSTEES’ ANNUAL REPORT
ending 31[st] August 2025, have been prepared in accordance with the ChariJes Act 2011 and AccounJng and ReporJng by ChariJes: Statement of Recommended PracJce applicable to chariJes preparing their accounts in accordance with the Financial ReporJng Standard 102. The financial statement has been subjected to an independent examinaJon by Outsource AccounJng Services.
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Trustees’ Annual Report (V1.1) for the year 01 September 2024 to 31 August 2025
OBJECTIVES AND AIMS
Our objec-ves
The charitable objecJves of York Philharmonic Male Voice Choir are ‘the study and pracJce of choral music to foster public knowledge and appreciaJon of such music by means of public performance’.
Our aims
The Choir seeks to achieve these objecJves by giving public performances in various musical styles at a variety of venues (oden in support of other charitable organisaJons) and by offering opportuniJes for male singers to develop and pracJse their skills in rehearsal and performance.
ACTIVITIES AND ACHIEVEMENTS
venues throughout the year in pursuance of our charitable aims. The Trustees consider that the Choir’s acJviJes, summarised below, provide public benefit both to those who join the Choir to sing, those who support us, and to the wider community who a`end our performances.
How we achieve our objec-ves
We normally achieve our objecJves through encouraging prospecJve members to a`end rehearsals and learn about and pracJce choral singing. Most prospecJve members become full members and are expected to improve their singing skills and, having reached an acceptable standard (assessed by means of a ‘voice assessment’), perform in Choir concerts. We also achieve our objecJves by giving public performances in a variety of venues throughout our local area and, on occasion, more widely naJonally and internaJonally.
Income from travellers for the 2024 Cork Tour and ring-fenced income for Centenary Sponsorship are the principal reason for turnover this year being over £25,000.
In October 2024 The Fletcher Memorial Trophy was presented to Roger and Linda Samwell for their long and dedicated service to the choir, Roger having held a number of posts during his many years as a member and Linda as a ‘Phillie’ and our Queen of raffles, St Crux jewellery sales , and bucket ra`ling.
At our centenary dinner on 20[th] September 2025, the Fletcher Memorial Trophy was renamed to the Fletcher Lewis Memorial Trophy in recogniJon of the 25 years of outstanding musical leadership by our MD Berenice Lewis who was also presented with the trophy for the 25/26 choir year.
New members
appearing in front of some new audiences, including The York Proms and our own centenary concert at York’s Barbican Theatre. It is expected that the efforts will not bear fruit perhaps unJl the 25/26 choir year. However, we conJnue to see a trickle of prospecJve members come along to rehearsals, and in 24/25, 7 new members joined the choir. Unfortunately, 6 members led the choir.
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Trustees’ Annual Report (V1.1) for the year 01 September 2024 to 31 August 2025
Concerts
During the year we performed at venues in York, Selby Abbey, Wilberfoss, Newby Hall (which was also hosJng Tractor Fest), Gunnerside, the Impossible Restaurant in St Helen’s Square, York; Easingwold (with Jubilate Ladies Choir that included our President), and Whitby. A joint concert with The Golden Rail Band was performed to a full house at the Joseph Rowtree Theatre in September ‘24, which is becoming an annual event. We made no donaJons to our three chosen chariJes during 24/25 to our there e chosen chariJes, Shine 21, Menfulness, and the North Yorkshire Music Therapy Centre. However, the intenJon is to split all profits made from our centenary concert in York’s Barbican Theatre on 21[st] September 2025 between them.
Once again, we had a packed schedule of Christmas events, which generate most of our annual concert income, including our 4-night run of Christmas TradiJons at Bar Convent, Holy Trinity, Goodramgate, and York Railway StaJon. A smaller group also returned to lead the singing at an annual Dignity memorial service at York City Church for those who have lost family and friends over the year. A song requested at the railway staJon sing prompted a £100 donaJon!
We once again took part in the York Community Choir FesJval at the Joseph Rowntree Theatre in March. Our own annual summer concert in July, with the theme of The Phil through 100 years, which included favourites voted by members from the past 100 years, took place in The DeGrey Rooms as The Citadel was unavailable due to building work.
A new event for the choir was The York Proms held in the Museum Gardens. This open-air concert has been growing in size since its incepJon, and we were fortunate enough to perform in front of around 2000 people, leading up to the opening singing of the naJonal anthem. This was delayed and we had to remain on stage whilst the crowd, and ourselves, enjoyed commentary by the York Town Crier as England’s Ladies team took penalJes to win the Women’s Euro 2025 – a very memorable moment.
Compe--ons and Fes-vals
Each year the Choir parJcipates in at least one choral fesJval or compeJJon. Once again, the Choir competed in the Eskdale FesJval of the Arts on a sunny April day in Whitby and were awarded a 1[st] , and 2[nd] , and a joint 2[nd] out of the three classes entered. As well as a compeJJon, this is a great social occasion for the choir and its supporters where we can meet up with other like minded folk and enjoy a plate of Yorkshire’s best fish and chips, and an ice cream.
Community performances
It is clear to see from the Concerts secJon above that most of our performances are in the community and oden for the community. As well as facilitaJng the enjoyment and appreciaJon of choral music the Choir helps raise funds for a wide variety of chariJes and community-based organisaJons including churches where we sing by invitaJon. A number of these are free of fees or performed at reduced fees to enable the financial proceeds to benefit other organisaJons and chariJes. These community events also open the Choir to new audiences and occasionally will a`ract new members.
We also lead the singing at two of The Lord Mayor of York’s Christmas Cheer events that are held for the over 60’s in York’s Assembly Rooms.
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Trustees’ Annual Report (V1.1) for the year 01 September 2024 to 31 August 2025
FINANCIAL REVIEW
Reserves Policy
The Trustees have agreed that the Choir’s free reserves (excluding designated or restricted funds), should be set at a level that would fund one year’s normal operaJng costs excluding depreciaJon and any extra-ordinary items. At the end of August 2025 that policy would indicate a required cash level of reserves of around £18k
Investment Policy
The Trustees hold the Choir’s reserves between NaJonal Savings and Unity Trust Bank which is a member of the Financial Services CompensaJon Scheme and at a level that is no greater than that guaranteed by the scheme. The Trustees aim to take li`le or no risk to loss of capital value and any investments will only be made where they can be readily redeemed in cash. The choir currently holds around two years’ reserves, similar to that at August 2024 and thus remains within the choir’s reserves policy limits.
Financial Performance 2024/25
The choir is using ‘receipts and payments’ accounts. As stated in the Financial Statement, there were no funds materially in deficit at 31 August 2025. The Choir this year had a modest modest surplus of income over expenditure of £5813 (£24,514 deficit at 31 August 2024 due largely to the purchase of new uniforms during 23/24). This includes £5391 sponsorship and donaJons for our centenary celebraJons. There is also a liability of £350 outstanding for financial audit. On 31 August 2025, total choir funds stand at £34,332, up from £28,519 in August 2024.
Economic challenges
and must conJnue with acJve recruitment to a`ract new members to sustain the Choir and perform sufficient income earning concerts.
In addiJon to Members, Friends, 200 Club (our licensed lo`ery), ad-hoc donaJons and concert fee income (including Jcket sales, raffles, and refreshments), we held our annual St Crux fundraising day on 31 May 2025 raising £1400. Net profit from our Christmas TradiJons was around £6.5k, and around £1.6k from our summer concert
PLANS FOR THE FUTURE
Our centenary concert in York’s Barbican Events Centre is being planned for 21[st] September 2025 which will bring together over 200 voices from 5 local choirs and brass ensemble with whom we have shared stages in the past. We’ll be welcoming representaJves from our Choir friends from Munster and Lochem, together with other special guests who have supported the choir over the years.
This event immediately follows our centenary dinner that is being held at York’s Milner Hotel, for around 200 guests, including members of 2 choirs from Munster and Lochem with whom we have had a special post second world war relaJonship.
A refresh of our website took place early in 24/25 to give a more modern feel and improved informaJon about what the choir can offer younger members. It will also be reconfigured to handle concert JckeJng as the playorm we currently use will be closing at the end of December 2024.
It is also likely that an overseas tour will be arranged to take place during 2027.
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Trustees’ Annual Report (V1.1) for the year 01 September 2024 to 31 August 2025
TRUSTEES. RESPONSIBILITIES IN RELATION TO THE FINANCIAL STATEMENTS Law applicable to charities in England and Wales requires the Trustees to prepare financial statements for each financial year, which give a true and fair view of the charit5 financial activities during the year and of its financial position at the end of the year. In preparing financial statements giving a true and fair view, the Trustees are required to= select suitable accounting policies and then apply them consistently. observe the methods and principles of the Charities, Statement of Recommended Practice ISORPI. make judgements and estimates that are reasonable and prudent. state whether applicable accounting standards have been followed, subject to any departures disclosed and explained in the financial statements. prepare the financial statements on a 'going concern, basis unless it 15 inappropriate to presume the charity will continue in operation. The Trustees are responsible for keeping accounting records which disclose with reasonable accuracy at any time the financial position of the charity and to enable them to ensure that the financial statements comply with The Charities Act 2011. They are also responsible for safeguarding the assets of the charity and hence for taking reasonable steps for the prevention and detection of fraud and other irregularities. TRUSTEES, APPROVAL OF THE TAR AND ACCOUNTS The Trustees declare that they have approved the Trustee5 Annual Report and Accounts Slgnature: Name: Rob Askew ICh¥lrl Dated: Trustees, Annual Report IVI.11 for the year 01 September 2024 to 31 August 2025
York Philharmonic Male Voice Choir Charity number 529713
Financial statements for the year ended
31st August 2025
Charity accounts preparation & independent examination service
York Philharmonic Male Voice Choir
| Contents | |
|---|---|
| Index | Page |
| Independent Examiner's Report | 1 |
| Receipts & payments accounts | 2 |
| Statement of assets and liabilities | 3 |
| Notes to the accounts | 4 |
Independent examiner’s report to the trustees
I report on the accounts of: York Philharmonic Male Voice Choir for the year ended: 31st August 2025 which are set out on pages 2 to 4.
Responsibilities and basis of report
As the charity trustees of the Trust 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 Trust as required by section 130 of the Act; or
-
2 the accounts do not accord with those records
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.
01/05/2026
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Date:
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Karen Wood ACMA
Outsource independent examination service 2 Galligap Lane Osbaldwick York YO10 3NR
1
York Philharmonic Male Voice Choir Charity number 529713
| Receipts & Payments Accounts for the year ended: 31st August 2025 |
Receipts & Payments Accounts for the year ended: 31st August 2025 |
Receipts & Payments Accounts for the year ended: 31st August 2025 |
Receipts & Payments Accounts for the year ended: 31st August 2025 |
Receipts & Payments Accounts for the year ended: 31st August 2025 |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Total receipts Receipts Members subscriptions Bank interest Concert income Tour income Gift aid reclaimed Friends subscriptions 200 club subscriptions Merchandise sales Other performances Fundraising & donations Centenary events & donations Centenary events & merchandise Balance brought forward Balance carried forward Net of receipts/(payments) Tour costs Accountancy fees Total payments Payments Music & recording media 200 club prizes Hire of hall for rehearsals & storage Minor equip & other sundry costs Office & administration costs Musical direction & expenses Friends prizes/gifts/entry fees Marketing , advertising & website Transfers between funds Bank charges Accompanist Insurance Fundraising costs Concert & uniform expenses Donations to other organisations Centenary costs |
Unrestricted funds £ 1,264 8,962 1,220 1,274 28 - 16,353 2,503 5,391 3,303 - 417 40,715 - 1,066 3,385 6,926 5,539 2,442 556 350 163 470 300 - 222 173 - 8,962 97 30,651 10,064 1,949 22,319 34,332 |
Restricted funds £ - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - 4,251 - - - - - 4,251 (4,251) (1,949) 6,200 - |
2025 Total funds £ 1,264 8,962 1,220 1,274 28 - 16,353 2,503 5,391 3,303 - 417 40,715 - 1,066 3,385 6,926 5,539 2,442 556 350 163 470 300 4,251 222 173 - 8,962 97 34,902 5,813 - 28,519 34,332 |
2024 Total funds £ 2,021 7,617 640 1,161 19,939 2,916 12,846 5,186 - - 1,694 644 |
| 54,664 | ||||
| 24,461 579 889 6,119 5,456 1,140 608 330 1,315 376 131 207 408 1,414 34,080 1,369 |
||||
| 78,882 | ||||
| (24,218) - 52,737 |
||||
| 28,519 |
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York Philharmonic Male Voice Choir
Charity number 529713
Statement of Assets and Liabilities at: 31st August 2025
| Current bank account Savings bank account Investment savings account Cash in hand for floats Assets Cash at bank and in hand |
Unrestricted funds £ 2,780 14,587 16,814 151 34,332 |
Restricted funds £ - - - - - |
2025 Total funds £ 2,780 14,587 16,814 151 34,332 |
2024 Total funds £ 1,421 10,170 16,814 114 |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| 28,519 |
| Liabilities Independent review fee |
Unrestricted funds £ 350 350 |
Restricted funds £ - - |
2025 Total funds £ 350 350 |
2024 Total funds £ 350 |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| 350 |
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York phllharmonic Malevolce Cholr Charity number 529713 Notes to the accounts for the year ended: 3tst Au8USt 2025 l. Basis of Accounts The trustees have taken advantage of section 144121 of the Charities Act 2011 and prepared the accounts on a receipts and payments basis. 2. Restrlrted Income funds Fund name Purpose Choir ntenar¥ events To fijnd choir centenary events during the calendar year 2025 B•Fanc• bllwd Incorni vesour¢es expended funds Balan fwd Choir ntenary events 6.200 6,200 4.251 4,251 11.9491 (1,949) Unrestricted funds The funds set aside for the Centenary last year were spent on the Centenary costs this year. Funds collected for Centenary events this year were not restricted. Surplus funds were transferred to unrestricted fijnds to further fund the choir. Approval of accounts for the year ended: 3tst August 2025 The report and accounts were approved at a meeting of the trustees held on.. Date Signed for and on behalf of the trustees: Si8nature Slgnature Name Name