MCHF Trustees meeting: 20th January 2026
Attendees: Ray Jones, Keely Cummins, Tim Jones, June Roberts, Becci Wilcox, Faye Brennan.
Welcome
1. Apologies
Liz Wynne and Dave Griffiths
2. Internet banking
Ray contacted trustees via MCHF Trustees WhatsApp group 9[th] January 2026 to discuss moving to internet banking following an issue with a cheque being rejected (this has happened on 3 occasions now). Waiting to hear from Barclays as to why it was stopped. Cheque has been reissued and has cleared. Not our bank that’s at fault. £150.00 compensation was given last time, but cheques bouncing is not good.
Bank are starting to charge for cheques and cash withdrawals and deposits.
Trustees all in agreement that moving to internet banking will be faster, easier and will futureproof the financial transactions of the charity. This will be a benefit for the charity to use.
Discussed and all agreed.
We have 2 accounts, both are going to be charged at £4.50 fee per month. One account receives gift aid payments and concern is if we close this we will lose more than £4.50 in people not re signing up to donate. Ray to look into payment forwarding.
3. Accounts
Keely queried the cost of food £3000 . Ray explained payment for KAVS was put under food (£650 approx) so no separate payment for this. Accounts appear to show large payments for food – some of this is Tesco where the shop also included resources such as hats[1] .
Keely suggested the meal could be a way of making a saving, suggested we pay for our own meal. Ray explained the meal cost £750 last year[2] , and is a thank you for the staff for their time and volunteering. Suggested revisiting when we know the cost of this year. Have had money come in to help with VAT and accommodation.
Ray not concerned about finances currently. Some larger expenses in 2025 i.e. KAVS, £4000 deposit for accommodation and hats, not ongoing costs.
Discussed this year £250.00 for Greenwood and ice creams – feels this was excessive. Also £300 for the food at Greenwood.
1 This Tesco shop was circa £160, of which circa £55 was spent on hats and suncream.
2 Ray advised meal at Sapori cost circa £500 and drinks at the meal circa £250.
Requested we have a breakdown of the food costs with a view to review where we can make savings, if at all. I.e. source ice creams from a supermarket rather buying from the venue. Compared to last year the actual cost (without one off costs from this year) £100 increase.
Suggested MCHF pay for the meal and staff pay for own drinks, MCHF pay towards meal . Chinese and staff cover the rest, or staff pay for drinks in Wetherspoons before meal[3] takeaway during the holiday can be scrapped (£160)[4] . To be revisited.
Agreed to move the KAVS food to KAVS column[5] .
Accounts agreed by all.
4. VAT
HMRC do not agree that we meet all of the criteria for us to meet threshold for no VAT (although we do meet some). There is no right of appeal. Although we do teach, we are a holiday. We will need to pay £3000 roughly moving forwards. This will not be an issue providing accommodation price does not go up. Someone associated with rotary left £4200 which has been gifted to us this year.
5. Mini buses
Keely has emailed Mab Lane and Park View – has not had a response yet.
We need 5. Ray hoping – 3 from Park Dean Trust, 1 from Park Dean (15 seater), 1 from Mab Lane.
May have to take out insurance, for the van and 3[rd] Park Dean and mab lane. Until we have the ok for these buses, we can’t get quote for insurance. Looking into group policy which would include all vans and staff. Need confirmation that all over 25 over 3 years ago, with license can drive. No decision can be made yet.
20% off to hire bus for 8 days is £1500. Keely suggested we hire one for one day only, Sunday, when all are needed. Ray to look into this[6] .
Formby scout bus would be £600 - possibility.
Other option is to hire one minibus and pay own insurance. Hire cost £400. They don’t know if we would be able to get insurance to cover a hired vehicle.
6. Safeguarding training
2 year certificate, Ray was told 3 years. This course is shorter but only lasts 2 years. SafeCIC will do training again in 2 years free of charge which will give another 2 years.
3 Ray advised cost of drinks in Wetherspoons was £62 in 2025. 4 Ray advised trustees following this meeting that the actual cost of Chinese takeaway was £110 5 Ray advised this has now been moved.
6 Ray has looked into this, cost is around £400 for the weekend, business closed on Sundays so cannot hire for one day only. Suggested pursuing Mab Lane and extra bus from Park Dean, and take out group insurance.
Discussed that all staff need to complete this so that all renew at same time, and all through the charity.
7. Plan for the week
Has been amended to include Prestatyn. Infants on site for lunch on weds. Has been sent to all staff.
Wrote to owner of Bewilderwood, has not responded – re cost. Ray will call him[7] .
8. Any other business
Becci and boys coming for whole week. Boys to be counted in the children’s numbers. To go straight to PGL. Tim for the whole week as well. Faye, GP training in August, will not know where this will be until nearer the time. Will request leave as soon as she knows where she will be, will not know rota till June/July, potential that may miss part of the week. TBC.
9. Date of next meeting
- 2[nd] June 2026 7.30pm
7 Ray has contacted Bewilderwood and has emailed their Operations Manager.
The Merseyside Children's Holiday Fund
(Regi { Charity No. 702960}
Accounts
Year Ended 31st December 2025
The Merseyside Children's Holiday Fund Year Ended 31st December 2025
Fund Certificate
We approve the attached accounts and confirm that, to our knowledge and belief, they accurately represent a complete record of all transcactions made during the year ended 31st December 2025 and the state of affairs as at that date.
Ray Jones BEM (Chairman and Treasurer) On behalf of the Merseyside Children's Holiday Fund
Date ........ ee.
Independent examiner’s report to the trustees of The Merseyside Children’s Holiday Fund.
I report to the trustees on my examination of the accounts of MCHF for the year ended 31 December 2025.
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 and 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:
-
accounting records were not kept in respect of the Trust as required by section 130 of the Act; or
-
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.
Signed vo cassseseeacsueseacsucasenesueaenecueatencaeaesaeaneaeeaseneneess
Name: John McCormick BSc FCA
Address: 41 Ryder Crescent. Aughton. Ormskirk. Lancashire. L39 SEY
Date: veteseenees
The Merseyside Children's Holiday Fund Year Ended 31st December 2025 Income and Expenditure Account
| Income: | 2025 £ |
£ | 2024 £ |
£ |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Rotary | 3,000.00 | 3,000.00 | ||
| West Derby WasteLand | 3,000.00 | 0.00 | ||
| ParkView | 1,000.00 | 1,000.00 | ||
| Fletcher Group | 500.00 | 0.00 | ||
| Shoestring | 0.00 | 600.00 | ||
| Dawn Horn | 150.00 | 100.00 | ||
| Lions | 150.00 | 150.00 | ||
| HMRC Tax Refund | 208.59 | 185.04 | ||
| Allan Jones | 140.00 | 100.00 | ||
| Speedo Mick Foundation | 6,000.00 | 12,000.00 | ||
| Inner Wheel | 150.00 | 0.00 | ||
| Tim JonesGAYE | 2,580.00 | 2,400.00 | ||
| Tom Morris | 10,000.00 | 10,000.00 | ||
| Ed Davies | 160.00 | 0.00 | ||
| D Stinton | 100.00 | 0.00 | ||
| MadgeNewton | 0.00 | 20.00 | ||
| GiftAid Payments | 456.00 | 456.00 | ||
| Chris Kehoe | 50.00 | 0.00 | ||
| Lloyds Bank | 150.00 | 0.00 | ||
| BWM Accountancy | 4,112.06 | 0.00 | ||
| Donations from Public | 15.00 | 0.00 | ||
| Jacqui Gardner | 60.00 | 0.00 | ||
| LizWynne | 70.00 | 150.00 | ||
| 32,051.65 | 30,161.04 | |||
| Expenditure: | ||||
| Personal Insurance | 646.88 | 478.05 | ||
| Safeguarding &DBS |
335.20 | 0.00 | ||
| KAVS | 652.36 | 1,158.97 | ||
| Coaches | 2,500.00 | 2,750.00 | ||
| PocketMoney | 100.00 | 9.00 | ||
| Food, Drink, Sweets, Ice Cream | 2,330.58 | 1,972.03 | ||
| Petrol, Diesel, Tunnel Fees | 984.49 | 680.36 | ||
| Park Hall Farm | 251.00 | 197.10 | ||
| Stamps, Stationery etc | 279.97 | 307.81 | ||
| Clothes | 180.24 | 20.00 | ||
| FirstAid | 49.03 | 79.58 | ||
| Presents, Gifts & Prizes | 322.43 | 109.95 | ||
| Accomodation | 14,303.34 | 10,315.00 | ||
| Meg's Bench | 0.00 | 15.88 | ||
| Plas Madoc | 350.00 | 350.00 | ||
| Ten Pin Bowling | 170.00 | 147.00 | ||
| Greenwood Centre | 1,560.00 | 960.00 | ||
| Llandudno Boats | 0.00 | 150.00 | ||
| Bouncy Castle | 225.00 | 200.00 | ||
| Wonderland | 105.00 | 0.00 | ||
| Zoo | 120.00 | 0.00 | ||
| Cinema | 200.00 | 250.00 | ||
| Infant Play Centre | 84.00 | 144.50 | ||
| Sports Equipment | 35.00 | 37.96 | ||
| 25,784.52 | 20,333.19 | |||
| Excess ofIncome over Expenditure | 6,267.13 | 9,827.85 | ||
| Opening Bank | 20,093.27 | 10,387.38 | ||
| Opening Cash | 271.96 | 150.00 | ||
| 20,365.23 | 10,537.38 | |||
| Closing Bank (after o/s cheque) | 26,170.21 | 20,093.27 | ||
| Closing Cash | 462.15 | 271.96 | ||
| £26,632.36 | £20,365.23 |
30,161.04
The Merseyside Children's Holiday Fund
(Regi { Charity No. 702960}
Accounts
Year Ended 31st December 2025
The Merseyside Children's Holiday Fund Year Ended 31st December 2025
Fund Certificate
We approve the attached accounts and confirm that, to our knowledge and belief, they accurately represent a complete record of all transcactions made during the year ended 31st December 2025 and the state of affairs as at that date.
Ray Jones BEM (Chairman and Treasurer) On behalf of the Merseyside Children's Holiday Fund
Date ........ ee.
Independent examiner’s report to the trustees of The Merseyside Children’s Holiday Fund.
I report to the trustees on my examination of the accounts of MCHF for the year ended 31 December 2025.
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 and 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:
-
accounting records were not kept in respect of the Trust as required by section 130 of the Act; or
-
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.
Signed vo cassseseeacsueseacsucasenesueaenecueatencaeaesaeaneaeeaseneneess
Name: John McCormick BSc FCA
Address: 41 Ryder Crescent. Aughton. Ormskirk. Lancashire. L39 SEY
Date: veteseenees
The Merseyside Children's Holiday Fund Year Ended 31st December 2025 Income and Expenditure Account
| Income: | 2025 £ |
£ | 2024 £ |
£ |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Rotary | 3,000.00 | 3,000.00 | ||
| West Derby WasteLand | 3,000.00 | 0.00 | ||
| ParkView | 1,000.00 | 1,000.00 | ||
| Fletcher Group | 500.00 | 0.00 | ||
| Shoestring | 0.00 | 600.00 | ||
| Dawn Horn | 150.00 | 100.00 | ||
| Lions | 150.00 | 150.00 | ||
| HMRC Tax Refund | 208.59 | 185.04 | ||
| Allan Jones | 140.00 | 100.00 | ||
| Speedo Mick Foundation | 6,000.00 | 12,000.00 | ||
| Inner Wheel | 150.00 | 0.00 | ||
| Tim JonesGAYE | 2,580.00 | 2,400.00 | ||
| Tom Morris | 10,000.00 | 10,000.00 | ||
| Ed Davies | 160.00 | 0.00 | ||
| D Stinton | 100.00 | 0.00 | ||
| MadgeNewton | 0.00 | 20.00 | ||
| GiftAid Payments | 456.00 | 456.00 | ||
| Chris Kehoe | 50.00 | 0.00 | ||
| Lloyds Bank | 150.00 | 0.00 | ||
| BWM Accountancy | 4,112.06 | 0.00 | ||
| Donations from Public | 15.00 | 0.00 | ||
| Jacqui Gardner | 60.00 | 0.00 | ||
| LizWynne | 70.00 | 150.00 | ||
| 32,051.65 | 30,161.04 | |||
| Expenditure: | ||||
| Personal Insurance | 646.88 | 478.05 | ||
| Safeguarding &DBS |
335.20 | 0.00 | ||
| KAVS | 652.36 | 1,158.97 | ||
| Coaches | 2,500.00 | 2,750.00 | ||
| PocketMoney | 100.00 | 9.00 | ||
| Food, Drink, Sweets, Ice Cream | 2,330.58 | 1,972.03 | ||
| Petrol, Diesel, Tunnel Fees | 984.49 | 680.36 | ||
| Park Hall Farm | 251.00 | 197.10 | ||
| Stamps, Stationery etc | 279.97 | 307.81 | ||
| Clothes | 180.24 | 20.00 | ||
| FirstAid | 49.03 | 79.58 | ||
| Presents, Gifts & Prizes | 322.43 | 109.95 | ||
| Accomodation | 14,303.34 | 10,315.00 | ||
| Meg's Bench | 0.00 | 15.88 | ||
| Plas Madoc | 350.00 | 350.00 | ||
| Ten Pin Bowling | 170.00 | 147.00 | ||
| Greenwood Centre | 1,560.00 | 960.00 | ||
| Llandudno Boats | 0.00 | 150.00 | ||
| Bouncy Castle | 225.00 | 200.00 | ||
| Wonderland | 105.00 | 0.00 | ||
| Zoo | 120.00 | 0.00 | ||
| Cinema | 200.00 | 250.00 | ||
| Infant Play Centre | 84.00 | 144.50 | ||
| Sports Equipment | 35.00 | 37.96 | ||
| 25,784.52 | 20,333.19 | |||
| Excess ofIncome over Expenditure | 6,267.13 | 9,827.85 | ||
| Opening Bank | 20,093.27 | 10,387.38 | ||
| Opening Cash | 271.96 | 150.00 | ||
| 20,365.23 | 10,537.38 | |||
| Closing Bank (after o/s cheque) | 26,170.21 | 20,093.27 | ||
| Closing Cash | 462.15 | 271.96 | ||
| £26,632.36 | £20,365.23 |
30,161.04