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2026-03-15-accounts

Charity Registration No. 801385

CLACTON & NORTH EAST ESSEX ARTS & LITERARY SOCIETY

ANNUAL REPORT AND UNAUDITED FINANCIAL STATEMENTS

FOR THE YEAR ENDED 15 MARCH 2026

92 Station Road Clacton on Sea Essex CO15 1SG

CLACTON & NORTH EAST ESSEX ARTS & LITERARY SOCIETY

CONTENTS

Page
Company information 1
Trustees report 2 - 4
Independent examiner's report 5
Statement of financial activities 6
Balance sheet 7
Notes to the financial statements 8 - 15

CLACTON & NORTH EAST ESSEX ARTS & LITERARY SOCIETY

COMPANY INFORMATION

Trustees Mrs M Stephens
Mr J Snow
Mrs Z Gilbert
Mrs D Day
Mrs L Schatten
Mrs E Weston
Mrs V Horley
Charity number 801385
Independent examiner TC Group
92 Station Road
Clacton on Sea
Essex
CO15 1SG

CLACTON & NORTH EAST ESSEX ARTS & LITERARY SOCIETY

TRUSTEES REPORT

FOR THE YEAR ENDED 15 MARCH 2026

The trustees present their annual report and financial statements for the year ended 15 March 2026.

The financial statements have been prepared in accordance with the accounting policies set out in note 1 to the financial statements and comply with 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)” (as amended for accounting periods commencing from 1 January 2016).

Objectives and activities

The trustees have regard to the public benefit general guidance issues by the Charity Commission, as evidenced through the delivery of a variety of different services.

The object of the Charity is to promote, improve, develop and maintain public education in an appreciation of Science and the Arts, including the Arts of literature, music and drama. The Trustees' policy is to attract high calibre presentations in the pursuit of excellence as declared in the words of the Society's motto "Praestantiam petimus". However, as a significant number of the residents of the area have reached retirement age, it is also the Trustees' policy to ensure that the presentations are affordable to prospective members.

It is present practice to arrange sixteen presentations during a season, which extends from mid-October to early March, with a break during the Christmas period. Approximately one half is devoted to music (in many forms) and among the remainder, evenings are given to drama, poetry, dance, film and adventure of a scientific nature.

Local residents are invited to become members of the Charity by purchasing a season ticket which permits entry to all presentations. The proceeds from these memberships form the greater part of the Charity's income. In addition, non-members may purchase tickets for individual performances, subject to availability.

Achievements and performance

The trustees have invested in line with the Trustees Act 2000. The investment aim was to obtain a return of 5% annually with the possibility of some growth in capital to cover inflation. Due to the volatility of the global economy this has not always been possible, however over the 18 years the investment has been in place it has increased allowing the Trustees to withdraw £70,084 and enabling the Trustees to continue to support its aims. The funds are monitored regularly and we are satisfied they are performing well compared with other funds of a similar type.

CLACTON & NORTH EAST ESSEX ARTS & LITERARY SOCIETY

TRUSTEES REPORT (CONTINUED)

FOR THE YEAR ENDED 15 MARCH 2026

Financial review

The charity's financial year commences on 16th March each year and ends on the 15th March of the following year. Membership in 2025/26 closed at 778, which included 15 Life members. Membership numbers are still well below pre Covid levels, but increasing the subscription fee has resulted in a surplus of £1,625 during this financial period.

In order to limit the cost of the season's presentations, the Charity seeks sponsorship from local companies and members of the Society and these contributions are used to help meet the cost of hiring the theatre in which the Charity's presentations are made. The Society also attempts to increase income by welcoming donations from members and organising fund raising activities. The income from fund raising has improved but is still below historic levels. With the cost of both the venue and the artiste rising each year and the Charity's previously stated aims to enhance presentations as well as continuing to limit the cost of the season ticket, the Trustees are fully aware of the situation and are taking steps to increase our Membership to pre Covid levels. The Trustees are conscious that the Society has an advance contractual commitment to an agreed programme and its attendant cost, before knowing what its membership and related income will be. This is and continues to be a risk.

However, since the Society received generous donations from the estates of former members, the Society is in a less precarious position. Some of the money received has been, and will continue to be, spent to further the aims and objectives of the Society and to enhance presentations. The entire cost of at least one presentation in each season is met from these funds.

The Trustees have a responsibility to maintain funds to ensure the financial security of the Society and its future viability and in doing so they have to bear in mind several very important factors. The present venue which we hire for presentations is large enough to cater for over eight hundred members, whose membership fees produce sufficient income to cover most of the cost of those presentations, hiring the theatre and running costs of the Society. However the Society has no guarantee that this venue will always be available. If this facility should be withdrawn, because all other venues in the locality are considerably smaller, we would be unable to sustain the Society in its present form and capital would be needed. In addition, the advancement in the technical equipment required to be hired for many performances increases costs.

At the end of the year under review, the General Funds of the Charity stood at £224,418. The only restricted fund of the Society is £2,000 from the Mr & Mrs Tom England Memorial Fund which was received, as a one off grant, by the Society during the 1997/98 season. All the Charity's money is held with HSBC, COIF Charity Funds or invested with HDH Investment Services Limited under a general investment account.

Structure, governance and management

The governing instrument of the Clacton and North East Essex Arts and Literary Society is a constitution adopted on 14 March 1989 and registered on 13 April 1989 with the Charity Commission.

The Trustees are known as the Officers of the Society and they, together with up to ten other members, form the Management Committee. All trustees (officers) and other committee members act in an honorary capacity and are appointed annually.

CLACTON & NORTH EAST ESSEX ARTS & LITERARY SOCIETY

TRUSTEES REPORT (CONTINUED)

FOR THE YEAR ENDED 15 MARCH 2026

Plans for future periods

The Charity is regarded locally and nationally as one of some standing. It has a good working relationship with the local authority, Tendring District Council, who own the theatre hired by us and who provide staff at a cost to us for lighting, sound etc. However the Society has been obliged to accept that the local authority is not prepared to give any assurance about the future use of the theatre beyond the period for which the annual budget has been approved.

The trustees, who served during the year and up to the date of signature of the financial statements were:

Mrs M Stephens Mr J Snow Mrs Z Gilbert Mrs D Day Mrs L Schatten Mrs E Weston Mrs V Horley

The trustees report was approved by the Board of Trustees.

Mrs M Stephens

President Dated: 8 April 2026

CLACTON & NORTH EAST ESSEX ARTS & LITERARY SOCIETY

INDEPENDENT EXAMINER'S REPORT

TO THE TRUSTEES OF CLACTON & NORTH EAST ESSEX ARTS & LITERARY SOCIETY

I report to the trustees on my examination of the financial statements of Clacton & North East Essex Arts & Literary Society (the charity) for the year ended 15 March 2026.

Responsibilities and basis of report

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

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

Independent examiner's statement

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

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 financial statements to be reached.

Alan Brown FCA Independent Examiner

92 Station Road Clacton on Sea Essex CO15 1SG

Dated: 9 April 2026

CLACTON & NORTH EAST ESSEX ARTS & LITERARY SOCIETY

STATEMENT OF FINANCIAL ACTIVITIES INCLUDING INCOME AND EXPENDITURE ACCOUNT

FOR THE YEAR ENDED 15 MARCH 2026

Unrestricted
Restricted
funds
funds
2026
2026
Notes
£
£
Income from:
Donations and legacies
2
1,825
-
Charitable activities
3
65,855
-
Other trading activities
4
951
-
Investments
5
6,177
-
Total income
74,808
-
Expenditure on:
Raising funds
6
12,392
-
Charitable activities
7
73,512
-
Total expenditure
85,904
-
Net gains/(losses) on
investments
10
12,721
-
Net income/(expenditure) and
movement in funds
1,625
-
Reconciliation of funds:
Fund balances at 16 March
2025
222,793
2,000
Fund balances at 15 March
2026
224,418
2,000		 Total
Unrestricted
Restricted
funds
funds
2026
2025
2025
£
£
£
1,825
2,002
-
65,855
63,545
-
951
820
-
6,177
2,043
-
74,808
68,410
-
12,392
16,030
-
73,512
67,853
-
85,904
83,883
-
12,721
10,773
-
1,625
(4,700)
-
224,793
227,493
2,000
226,418
222,793
2,000		 Total
2025
£
2,002
63,545
820
2,043
68,410
16,030
67,853
83,883
10,773
(4,700)
229,493
224,793

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

CLACTON & NORTH EAST ESSEX ARTS & LITERARY SOCIETY

BALANCE SHEET

AS AT 15 MARCH 2026

Notes
Fixed assets
Tangible assets
12
Investments
13
Current assets
Stocks
14
Debtors
15
Cash at bank and in hand
Creditors: amounts falling due within
one year
16
Net current assets
Total assets less current liabilities
Income funds
Restricted funds
17
Unrestricted funds		 2026
£
50
8,872
29,851
38,773
(7,963)		 £
26
195,582
195,608
30,810
226,418
2,000
224,418
226,418		 2025
£
64
7,390
36,695
44,149
(21,421)		 £
35
202,030
202,065
22,728
224,793
2,000
222,793
224,793

The financial statements were approved by the Trustees on 8 April 2026

Mr J Snow

Trustee

CLACTON & NORTH EAST ESSEX ARTS & LITERARY SOCIETY

NOTES TO THE FINANCIAL STATEMENTS

FOR THE YEAR ENDED 15 MARCH 2026

1 Accounting policies

Charity 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 113 Holland Road, Clacton on Sea, Essex, CO15 6HB.

1.1 Accounting convention

The financial statements have been prepared in accordance with 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)” (as amended for accounting periods commencing from 1 January 2016). The charity is a Public Benefit Entity as defined by FRS 102.

The financial statements have departed from the Charities (Accounts and Reports) Regulations 2008 only to the extent required to provide a true and fair view. This departure has involved following the Statement of Recommended Practice for charities applying FRS 102 rather than the version of the Statement of Recommended Practice which is referred to in the Regulations but which has since been withdrawn.

The entity satisfies the critera of being a qualifying entity as defined in FRS 102. As such, advantage has been taken of the following disclosure exemptions available under paragraph 1.12 of FRS 102:

The financial statements are prepared in sterling, which is the functional currency of the charity. Monetary amounts in these financial statements are rounded to the nearest £.

The financial statements have been prepared under the historical cost convention. The principal accounting policies adopted are set out below.

1.2 Going concern

At the time of approving the financial statements, the trustees have a reasonable expectation that the charity has adequate resources to continue in operational existence for the foreseeable future. Thus the trustees continue to adopt the going concern basis of accounting in preparing the financial statements.

1.3 Charitable funds

Unrestricted funds are available for use at the discretion of the trustees in furtherance of their charitable objectives.

Restricted funds are subject to specific conditions by donors or grantors as to how they may be used. The purposes and uses of the restricted funds are set out in the notes to the financial statements.

1.4 Incoming resources

Income is recognised when the charity is legally entitled to it after any performance conditions have been met, the amounts can be measured reliably, and it is probable that income will be received.

CLACTON & NORTH EAST ESSEX ARTS & LITERARY SOCIETY

NOTES TO THE FINANCIAL STATEMENTS (CONTINUED)

FOR THE YEAR ENDED 15 MARCH 2026

1 Accounting policies

(Continued)

Cash donations are recognised on receipt. Other donations are recognised once the charity has been notified of the donation, unless performance conditions require deferral of the amount. Income tax recoverable in relation to donations received under Gift Aid or deeds of covenant is recognised at the time of the donation.

Income in relation to outings that are to be taken after the year end have been deferred.

Turnover is measured at the fair value of the consideration received or receivable and represents amounts receivable for goods and services provided in the normal course of business, net of discounts, and other sales related taxes.

1.5 Resources expended

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 attribute 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.

1.6 Tangible fixed assets

Tangible fixed assets are initially measured at cost and subsequently measured at cost or valuation, net of depreciation and any impairment losses.

Depreciation is recognised so as to write off the cost or valuation of assets less their residual values over their useful lives on the following bases:

Plant and machinery

25% reducing balance

The gain or loss arising on the disposal of an asset is determined as the difference between the sale proceeds and the carrying value of the asset, and is recognised in the statement of financial activities.

1.7 Investments

Listed investments, are initially recognised at cost, which includes the purchase cost and any directly attributable expenditure. Subsequently it is measured at fair value at the reporting end date.

CLACTON & NORTH EAST ESSEX ARTS & LITERARY SOCIETY

NOTES TO THE FINANCIAL STATEMENTS (CONTINUED)

FOR THE YEAR ENDED 15 MARCH 2026

1 Accounting policies

(Continued)

1.8 Stocks

Stocks are stated at the lower of cost and estimated selling price less costs to complete and sell. Cost comprises direct materials and, where applicable, direct labour costs and those overheads that have been incurred in bringing the stocks to their present location and condition.

1.9 Cash and cash equivalents

Cash and cash equivalents include cash in hand, deposits held at call with banks, other short-term liquid investments with original maturities of three months or less, and bank overdrafts. Bank overdrafts are shown within borrowings in current liabilities.

2 Donations and legacies

Unrestricted Unrestricted
funds funds
2026 2025
£ £
Donations 1,825 2,002

3 Charitable activities

Unrestricted Unrestricted
funds funds
2026 2025
£ £
Subscription income 47,053 43,385
Box office income 2,850 1,755
Sponsorship income 3,300 3,300
Raffles income 1,385 1,572
Outing income 11,044 13,378
Badges and books income 223 155
65,855 63,545

CLACTON & NORTH EAST ESSEX ARTS & LITERARY SOCIETY

NOTES TO THE FINANCIAL STATEMENTS (CONTINUED)

FOR THE YEAR ENDED 15 MARCH 2026

4 Other trading activities

Unrestricted Unrestricted
funds funds
2026 2025
£ £
Tax reclaimed 951 820
Investments
Unrestricted Unrestricted
funds funds
2026 2025
£ £
Income on other investments 5,483 1,039
Bank interest received 694 1,004
6,177 2,043
Raising funds
Unrestricted Unrestricted
funds funds
2026 2025
£ £
Fundraising
Raffles 256 299
Outings 7,470 11,683
Badges and books 14 25
Total fundraising 7,740 12,007
Investment management
Portfolio management 4,652 4,023
12,392 16,030

5 Investments

6 Raising funds

CLACTON & NORTH EAST ESSEX ARTS & LITERARY SOCIETY

NOTES TO THE FINANCIAL STATEMENTS (CONTINUED)

FOR THE YEAR ENDED 15 MARCH 2026

7 Charitable activities

Unrestricted Unrestricted
funds funds
2026 2025
£ £
Depreciation 9 12
Artists fees 55,417 49,819
Hospitality 189 185
Hire of theatre 12,096 12,240
Hire of equipment 1,368 975
Advertising 45 333
Insurance 358 358
Printing, postage and stationery 1,928 1,825
Sundry 354 342
Independent examination fees 1,199 1,164
Website 384 384
Bank charges 165 216
73,512 67,853
73,512 67,853

8 Trustees

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

There were four trustees (2025: two) who received £563 (2025: £591) as reimbursement of expenses such as stationery and postage.

9 Employees

There were no employees during the year (2025: none).

CLACTON & NORTH EAST ESSEX ARTS & LITERARY SOCIETY

NOTES TO THE FINANCIAL STATEMENTS (CONTINUED)

FOR THE YEAR ENDED 15 MARCH 2026

10 Net gains/(losses) on investments

Unrestricted Unrestricted
funds funds
2026 2025
£ £
Revaluation of investments 12,133 6,316
Realised gains on listed investments 588 4,457
12,721 10,773

11 Taxation

The charity is exempt from taxation on its activities because all its income is applied for charitable purposes.

12 Tangible fixed assets

Tangible fixed assets
Plant and
machinery
£
Cost
At 16 March 2025 7,157
At 15 March 2026 7,157
Depreciation and impairment
At 16 March 2025 7,122
Depreciation charged in the year 9
At 15 March 2026 7,131
Carrying amount
At 15 March 2026 26
At 15 March 2025 35

CLACTON & NORTH EAST ESSEX ARTS & LITERARY SOCIETY

NOTES TO THE FINANCIAL STATEMENTS (CONTINUED)

FOR THE YEAR ENDED 15 MARCH 2026

13
Investments
Fair value
At 16 March 2025
Income reinvested
Net gains or losses
Investment costs deducted
At 15 March 2026
All investments shown above are held at valuation.
14
Stocks
Raw materials and consumables
15
Debtors
Amounts falling due within one year:
Other debtors
Prepayments and accrued income
16
Creditors: amounts falling due within one year
Accruals and deferred income
17
Restricted funds
16
Mr and Mrs Tom England - Memorial Fund		 2026
£
202,029
5,483
12,722
(24,652)
195,582
2026
2025
£
£
50
64
2026
2025
£
£
-
300
8,872
7,090
8,872
7,390
2026
2025
£
£
7,963
21,421
Balance at
March 2025
Balance at
15 March 2026
£
£
2,000
2,000
2,000
2,000

CLACTON & NORTH EAST ESSEX ARTS & LITERARY SOCIETY

NOTES TO THE FINANCIAL STATEMENTS (CONTINUED)

FOR THE YEAR ENDED 15 MARCH 2026

18 Unrestricted funds

The unrestricted funds of the charity comprise the unexpended balances of donations and grants which are not subject to specific conditions by donors and grantors as to how they may be used. These include designated funds which have been set aside out of unrestricted funds by the trustees for specific purposes.

At 16 March Incoming Resources Gains and At 15 March
2025 resources expended losses 2026
£ £ £ £ £
General funds 222,793 74,808 (85,904) 12,721 224,418
Previous year: At 16 March Incoming Resources Gains and At 15 March
2024 resources expended losses 2025
£ £ £ £ £
General funds 227,493 68,410 (83,883) 10,773 222,793

19 Related party transactions

There were no disclosable related party transactions during the year (2025 - none) other than the transactions listed in note 8.