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2025-04-05-accounts

THE COUNTESS OF VERULAM'S 1988 CHARITY TRUST

ANNUAL REPORT AND FINANCIAL STATEMENTS FOR THE YEAR ENDED 5 APRIL 2025

THE COUNTESS OF VERULAM'S 1988 CHARITY TRUST

ANNUAL REPORT AND FINANCIAL STATEMENTS FOR THE YEAR ENDED 5 APRIL 2025

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Reference and Administrative Information 1
Trustees’ Annual Report 2-4
Independent Examiner's Report 5
StatementofFinancial Activities 6
Balance Sheet 7
Schedule ofinvestments and Income 8
NotestotheFinancialStatements 9-14

THE COUNTESS OF VERULAM'S 1988 CHARITY TRUST

REFERENCE AND ADMINISTRATIVE INFORMATION FOR THE YEAR ENDED 5 APRIL

2025

A registered charity, registered with the Charity Commission for England and Wales as number 800122.

Principal Office:

Maynes Farmhouse Gorhambury St Albans Herts AL3 6AF

The Trustees are:

Countess of Verulam The Earl of Verulam Viscount Grimston

Solicitors:

Currey & Co LLP 33 Queen Anne Street London WIG 9HY

Bankers:

Weatherbys Bank 22 Sackville Street Mayfair London WIS 3DN

Investment Manager:

Cazenove Capital 12 Moorgate London EC2R 6DA

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THE COUNTESS OF VERULAM'S 1988 CHARITY TRUST TRUSTEES' ANNUAL REPORT FOR THE YEAR ENDED 5 APRIL 2025

The Trustees are pleased to present their report together with the financial statements of the charity for the year ended 5 April 2025. The financial statements have been prepared in accordance with the accounting policies set out in the notes to the accounts and comply with the charity's governing document, the Charities Act 2011 and Accounting and Reporting by Charities: 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) effective 1 January 2019.

Structure, governance and management

The Trust has charitable status and was set up by Countess of Verulam by Deed dated 20 May 1988.

The management of the Charity is vested in the Trustees and they actively review the perceived major risks which the Charity faces and the Trustees are satisfied that the systems in place mitigate those risks.

The Trustees have received appropriate briefing on their responsibilities under the law relating to charities and their duty to ensure that their charitable activities are for the public benefit. The appointment of new trustees is vested in the Settlor during her life. The selection of future trustees will have regard to the skills, knowledge and experience needed for the effective administration of the Charity. Induction and training for trustees is provided where relevant.

Objectives and activities

The purpose of the charity is to provide financial assistance to good causes.

The Trustees may pay or apply the unrestricted capital and income of the Charity to or for such charitable institutions or purposes as the Trustees in their absolute discretion think fit.

The Trustees carry out these objectives by regularly considering appeals from other charities and making policy and funding decisions.

Public Benefit

The Trustees confirm that they have complied with the duty in section 17 of the Charities Act 2011 and have referred to the guidance contained in the Charity Commission's general guidance on public benefit when reviewing the Charity's aims and objectives and in planning future activities and setting the donations policy for the year. The benefit that arises is the provision of funding to organisations that demonstrate charitable purpose.

oO:

THE COUNTESS OF VERULAM'S 1988 CHARITY TRUST

TRUSTEES' ANNUAL REPORT FOR THE YEAR ENDED 5 APRIL 2025

Achievements and performance

During the year the Trustees made grants totalling £64,052 [2024: £69,253] in furtherance of their objectives and continue to make grants to charitable organisations both on a one-off and recurring basis. The larger grants awarded during the year are stated in the notes to the financial statements.

The Trustees are content with the progress made in the financial year ended 5 April 2025 and look forward to expanding their work with charities in the years to come.

Financial review

The Trustees received £63,757 in investment income in the financial year ended 5 April 2025 [2024: £60,778] and the Trustees have achieved their intention of spending the income on charitable activities.

Net outgoing resources for the year were £62,825 [2024: incoming £1,199,414]. In addition, the Trust realised a gain on investments of £47,586 [2024: loss £9,557] and made an unrealised loss of £105,123 [2024: gain £225,011].

Investment policy

The Trustees have instructed the Investment Manager that the portfolio is to be invested to produce a suitable mixture of income in order that the level of grants may be maintained and capital growth to secure the future of the Charity over the coming years.

The investment policy is monitored by regular investment reports and meetings with the Investment Manager. A breakdown of the investments held during the financial year ended 5 April 2025 can be seen on page 8.

Reserves policy

It is the intention of the Trustees to sustain the unrestricted funds at a level which will provide sufficient funds for the level of grants paid and to cover the Charity's management and administration costs. At the Balance Sheet date the unrestricted reserves amounted to £2,712,224 [2024 £2,775,049].

3-

THE COUNTESS OF VERULAM'S 1988 CHARITY TRUST

TRUSTEES’ ANNUAL REPORT FOR THE YEAR ENDED 5 APRIL 2025

Statement of Trustees’ Responsibilities

The Trustees are responsible for preparing the Trustees’ Report and the financial statements in accordance with applicable law and regulations.

The law applicable to charities in England and Wales requires the trustees to prepare financial statements for each financial year in accordance with United Kingdom Generally Accepted Accounting Practice (United Kingdom Accounting Standards and applicable regulations). Under that law the trustees must not approve the - financial statements unless they are satisfied that they give a true and fair view of the state of affairs ofthe charity - and of the incoming resources and application of resources of the charity for that period.

In preparing these financial statements the trustees are required to:

The Trustees are responsible for keeping adequate accounting records which are sufficient to show and explain the charity's transactions and disclose with reasonable accuracy at any time the financial position of the charity and enable them to ensure that the financial statements comply with the Charities Act 2011, the Charities (Accounts and Reports) Regulations 2015 and the provisions of the Trust Deed. 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. Z; 2. Ss Approved by the Trustees on. 4. Le tan be? ....and signed on their behalf by:

THE EARL OF VERULAM

Trustee La Psesiss

A

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THE COUNTESS OF VERULAM'S 1988 CHARITY TRUST INDEPENDENT EXAMINER'S REPORT FOR THE YEAR ENDED § APRIL 2025

I report on the accounts of the Countess of Verulam 1988 Charity Trust for the year ended 5 April 2025, which are sel out on pages 6-14.

Respective responsibilities of Trustees and Examiner

As the Charity's Trustees you are responsible for the preparation of the accounts. You consider that an audit is not required for this year under Section 144 of the Charities Act 2011 (the 2011 Act) and that an independent examination ts needed.

It is my responsibility to examine the accounts under section 145 of the 2011 Act, follow the procedures laid down in the general Directions given by the Charity Commission under Section 145(5)(b) of the 2011 Act, and state whether particular matters have come to my attention.

Basis of independent examiner's report

My examination was carried out in accordance with the general Directions given by the Charity Commission. An examination includes a review of the accounting records kept by the Charity and a comparison of the accounts presented with those records. It also includes consideration ofany unusual items or disclosures in the accounts, and seeking explanations from you as Trustees concerning any such matters. The procedures undertaken do not provide all the evidence that would be required in an audit, and consequently no opinion ts given as to whether the accounts present a ‘true and fair view' and the report is limited to those matters set out In the statement below.

Independent examiner's statement

In connection with my examination, no matter has come to my attention

(a) which gives me reasonable cause to believe that in any material respect the requirements:

~ to prepare accounts which accord with the accounting records and comply with the accounting requirements of the 2011 Act

have not been met; or

(b) to Which, in my opinion, attention should be drawn in order to enable a proper understanding of the accounts to be reached.

~

Trevor James (FCA, DehA, FCIE) Dormer Cottage

West Broyle Chichester

West Sussex, POI9 3PR

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35m

THE COUNTESS OF VERULAM'S 1988 CHARITY TRUST

STATEMENT OF FINANCIAL ACTIVITIES FOR THE YEAR ENDED 5 APRIL 2025

Audited
2025 2025 2024
Unrestricted Total Prioryear
Note funds funds total funds
£ bs £
Income from:
Investments 3 63,757 63,757 60,778
Donations # : 1,000,000
Total 63,757 63,757 1,060,778
Expenditure on:
Charitable activities 4 69.045 69,045 76.818
Total 69.045 69.045 76,818
Net income/(expenditure) (5,288) (5,288) 983,960
Gains/(losses) on investment assets 8 (57,537) 575537 215,454
Net movement in funds (62,825) (62,825) 1,199,414
Reconciliation of funds:
Total fundsbrought forward 2,775,049 2,775,049 1,575,635
Totalfundscarriedforward 2,712,224 2,712,224 2,775,049

The notes of pages 9 to 13 form part of the financial statements.

~G-

THE COUNTESS OF VERULAM'S 1988 CHARITY TRUST

BALANCE SHEET

AS AT 5 APRIL 2025

Note 2025
Total
Audited
2024
funds Prior year
funds
£ £
Fixed Assets:
Investments 8 2,605,910 2.737.073
Total Fixed Assets 2,605,910 2,737,073
Current Assets:
Cash atbank
©
9 107,547 41,176
Current Liabilities:
Accruals 1,233 3,200
NetCurrent Assets or Liabilities 106,314 37.976
Total Net Assets or Liabilities 2.712.224 2,775,049
The Funds ofthe Charity: oe
Unrestricted funds 10 2,712,224 2.775.049
TotalCharityFunds 2.712.224 2.775,049
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The notes of pages 9 to 14 form part of the financial statements.

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THE COUNTESS OF VERULAM'S 1988 CHARITY TRUST

NOTES TO THE FINANCIAL STATEMENTS FOR THE YEAR ENDED 5 APRIL 2025

  1. General Information The Countess of Verulam’s 1988 Charity Trust is an unincorporated charity registered with the Charity Commission for England and Wales. The charity’s principal office is Maynes Farmhouse, Gorhambury, St Albans, Herts, AL3 6AF.

  2. Accounting Policies a) Basis of financial statements preparation The financial statements of the charity, which is a public benefit entity, have been prepared in accordance with the Charities SORP (FRS 102) ‘Accounting and Reporting by Charities: 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) (effective 1 January 2015)', the Financial Reporting Standard applicable in the United Kingdom and Republic of Ireland (FRS 102) and the Charities Act 2011. The financial statements have been prepared under the historical cost convention.

The functional currency is sterling.

b) Preparation of the accounts on a going concern basis

The financial statements of the charity have been prepared on the going concern basis as the Trustees believe that adequate cash resources will be available to cover the charity’s requirements for working capital and capital expenditure for at least the next twelve months. We are not aware of any other factors which could put into jeopardy the charity’s going concern status during or beyond this period.

f) Donations Donations are accounted for when there is evidence of entitlement to the donation, receipt is probable and its amount can be measured reliably. Entitlement usually arises immediately on its receipt. However, some donations may include terms or conditions which must be met before the charity is entitled to the resources.

g) Raising funds Expenditure is accounted for on an accruals basis and has been classified under headings that aggregate all costs related to that category and are shown in the notes to the financial statements.

THE COUNTESS OF VERULAM'S 1988 CHARITY TRUST

NOTES TO THE FINANCIAL STATEMENTS FOR THE YEAR ENDED 5 APRIL 2025

Accounting Policies (continued)

h) Charitable grants

2. Remuneration of Trustees

In the financial year to 5 April 2025 the Trustees did not receive any remuneration or have their expenses reimbursed by the Charity.

3. Investment income

Investment income Audited
2025 2024
£ £
Income from investments 61,501 60,534
Bank interest 2,256 244
63,757 60,778

4. Charitable activities

2025 2025 Direct Support costs costs (see note5) (see note6) Total

Charitable expenditure

Charitable expenditure

£ £ £
64,052 4,993 69,045
64,052 4,993 69,045
Audited Audited
2024 2024
Direct Support
costs costs
(see note5) (see note6) Total
£ £ £
69,253 7,505 76,818
69,253 7,565 76,818

§.Direct Costs

Analysis of grants made

Institutions Individuals Total
£ £ £
Advancement ofthe arts, culture, heritage or science 33,452 - 34,453
Health 3,200 7,200
Poverty 15,650 - 22,300
Education 11,750 - 5.300
64,052 = 69,253

-10-

THE COUNTESS OF VERULAM'S 1988 CHARITY TRUST

NOTES TO THE FINANCIAL STATEMENTS FOR THE YEAR ENDED 5 APRIL 2025

5. Direct Costs (continued)

The Charity undertook no direct charitable activities but awarded grants to a number of institutions in furtherance of its charitable objectives. These are as follows:

furtherance of itsits charitable objectives. These are as follows:
Audited
2025 2024
£ £
StMichael’s Church St Albans, and friends of 5,000 7,712
Garsington Opera 1,280 6,880
CH CH Benefaction 10,000 -
Amber 5,000 10,000
International Organ Festival 5,000 12,000
Young People’s Puppet Theatre 1,000 1,000
Electric Umbrella 2,000 -
Youthtalk 1,000 -
The Hospice ofSt Francis 2,000 4,000
Rennie Grove Hospice 1,000 2,000
Keech House Hospice 1,000 -
Hertfordshire Community Foundation 1,000 1,000
Hatfield House Chamber Music Festival 2,000 1,000
Helping Herts 1,000 -
High Sheriffs Fund 1,000 -
The Goldsmiths Foundation 1,000 -
Brunswick Vocal Arts 1,000 1,000
Addenbrooke Charitable Trust 1,000 -
Dacorum Mencap 1,000 -
Dicky Buckle Fund 2,000 =
Herts Domestic Abuse 1,000 -
NewEngland Art Club 1,500 -
Riding forthe Disabled 1,000 -
Survival International 1,000 -
Friends ofSt Lawrence 1,000 -
Fondazione Milano PerLa Scala 2,122 -
Open Door 4,000 3,000
School Readers 1,000 1,000
StAlbansCathedral : 1,000

(continued)

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THE COUNTESS OF VERULAM'S 1988 CHARITY TRUST

NOTES TO THE FINANCIAL STATEMENTS FOR THE YEAR ENDED 5 APRIL 2025

5. Direct Costs (continued)

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|||||||||| |---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---| |2025|Audited| |£|2024|£| |British|Snowboard|Foundation|-|1,000| |Lockers|Park|-|1,000| |Little|Saxham|Parochial|Council|-|1,000| |Chapter of Peterborough|Cathedral|-|1,000| |NYJO|-|1,200| |The|Aukland|Project|-|2,000| |The|Brain Tumour|Charity|-|1,000| |Living Room|-|2,000| |The|Pony|Club|-|1,000| |Tring|Park|School|of Performing|Arts|-|1,000| |Other grants|(equal to|or|individually|less|than|£1,000)|6,150|5,461| |Total|for|the year|64,052|69,253|

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||||| |---|---|---|---| |6.|Support|costs|Audited| |2025|2024| |£|£| |Administration|expenses|4,993|7,565| |4,993|7,565|

----- End of picture text -----

Administrative expenses include Independent Examiner’s fees of £260 (2024: Auditor’s fees of £2,500)

7. Staff costs

There are no employees so consequently no staff costs have been incurred.

=12=-

THE COUNTESS OF VERULAM'S 1988 CHARITY TRUST

NOTES TO THE FINANCIAL STATEMENTS FOR THE YEAR ENDED 5 APRIL 2025

8. Fixed asset investments Audited
2025 2024
£ £
Marketvalue brought forward 2,737,073 1,501,488
Additions 674,000 1,456,781
Less disposal proceeds (747,626) (436,650)
Net gains/(losses) on investments 57,537 215,454
Market value carried forward 2,605,910 2,737,073
Geographical analysis Audited
2025 2024
£ £
UnitedKingdom investments 455,136 475,455
Overseas investments 2,150,774 2,279,618
2,605,910 2,737,073

The book value of the investments at 5 April 2025 is £2,531,737.

The investments are in UK and International equities and bonds.

Net gains/(losses) on investments includes realised gains for the year of £47,586 [2024: loss £9,557] and unrealised losses on revaluation to market value of £105,155 [2024: gain £225,011].

9, Cash at bank Audited
2025 2024
£ £
Weatherbys 5,150 8,637
Cazenove Capital 102,397 32,539
107,547 41,176

243-

THE COUNTESS OF VERULAM'S 1988 CHARITY TRUST

NOTES TO THE FINANCIAL STATEMENTS FOR THE YEAR ENDED 5 APRIL 2025

10. Movementin funds 2025 Audited
2024
£ £
Unrestricted funds:
Balance brought forward 2,775,049 1,575,635
Net movement in funds (62.825) 1,199,414
Balance carried forward 2,712,224 2,775,049
Net movement in funds included in the above are as follows:
Gains and Movement
Income Outgoings Losses in funds
£ £ £ £
Unrestrictedfunds 63,757 (69,045) (57,537) (62,825)

11. Related party transactions

In the year ended 5 April 2025 there were no donations from related parties. In the prior year ended 5 April 2024 a company in which the Trustees, The Earl of Verulam and Viscount Grimston, are directors made donations to the charity of £1,000,000.

All the trustees provide their time on a voluntary basis to the charity.

-j4-