Trustees' Annual Report for the period
| From | Period start date | Period start date | To 2024 |
Period end date | Period end date | |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| **1st ** | October | 2024 | 30th | September | 2025 |
Section A Reference and administration details
Charity name Stewartby Village Hall
Other names charity is known by
Registered charity number (if any) 802515
Charity's principal address Stewartby Village Hall
Churchill Close
Stewartby
Postcode MK43 9LU
Names of the charity trustees who manage the charity
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Dates acted if not for whole Name of person (or body) entitled
Trustee name Office (if any)
year to appoint trustee (if any)
Lee Melville Chair
1
2 Terri Banks Vice Chair
3 Sally Law
4 Louise Burnage
5 Lloyd Haley
6
Michele Serino
7
Daisy Fraser Left June 2025
8
Thomas Williams Left September 2025
9
10
11
12
13
14
15
16
17
18
19
20
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Names of the trustees for the charity, if any, (for example, any custodian trustees)
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Name Dates acted if not for whole year Official Custodian Trustee for the Charity is Stewartby & Kempston Hardwick Parish Council
Names and addresses of advisers (Optional information)
Type of adviser Name Address Accounts Assessor Leena Bains Independent Examiner (Accountant)
Name of chief executive or names of senior staff members (Optional information)
Section B Structure, governance and management
Description of the charity’s trusts
Deed of Trust 20[th] August 1989 Type of governing document (eg. trust deed, constitution) Charitable Trust How the charity is constituted (eg. trust, association, company) The charity is run by the members of the Parish Council. Members of the Trustee selection methods Council automatically act as Trustees. (eg. appointed by, elected by)
Additional governance issues (Optional information)
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You may choose to include additional information, where relevant, about:
Originally on a full repairing lease, this historic Village Hall was later transferred into the hands of the Parish Council. The Charitable Trust was then set up in 1989.
The Hall was built in the 1930s and is covered by a Section 4 Conservation Order, as is the original Stewartby village. Any repairs carried out must be sympathetic to this order, and external works need to gain planning permission to ensure conservation area requirements are met.
-
policies and procedures adopted for the induction and training of trustees;
-
the charity’s organisational structure and any wider network with which the charity works;
-
The property is fully maintained and insured, as required for use by the
-
works; public, and has a Premises Licence issued by Bedford Borough Council.
-
• relationship with any related The Trustees are all local members of the community, and are responsible
-
parties; for the day to day running of the Hall. Bi-monthly meetings are held
-
• trustees’ consideration of throughout the year, usually on the second Thursday of the month. There major risks and the system and are currently vacancies for membership. (Nine members allowed). The procedures to manage them. AGM is normally held annually in October. The Annual Accounts have been independently examined; prepared on a Cash basis, they are submitted to the Charity Commission as required. A permanent part time employee takes bookings for the Hall, does the book keeping, and prepares monthly and annual reports for the Trustees. In addition to income from lettings, the Parish Council ensures that there is money for the day to day running of the Hall and ensures that marketing and expenditure is done in accordance with the funds available where possible. We also apply for funding for projects to update the Hall and ensure that it complies with the health and safety and other relevant
legislation.
Previous improvements included a new bar area, kitchen, and windows. Recent additions include an access ramp and hearing loop, meaning we are compliant, as much as is possible, with the disability and diversity regulations for the building. Grants were obtained to enable installation of a new infrared heating system, with SMART remote-control, throughout the hall.
Section C Objectives and activities
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| Summary of the objects of the charity set out in its governing document Summary of the main activities undertaken for the public benefit in relation to these objects (include within this section the statutory declaration that trustees have had regard to the guidance issued by the Charity Commission on public benefit) Additional details of objectives and activities (Optional information) |
The provision and maintenance of a village hall for the use of the inhabitants of Stewartby and the surrounding areas, in the Marston Vale, without distinction of political, religious, or other opinions, including use for meetings, 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 Parish Council is based at the hall, and holds monthly meetings in the committee room or nearby sports pavilion. Regular group use includes: Irish Dance, Boxercise, Taekwondo, Brazilian Jui Jitsu, Belly Dancing, Pilates, Musical Drama and Street Dance, plus various Child and Baby Play Groups and Classes. In addition, many weekend bookings are for local and non-local users, typically children’s parties, birthday, anniversary, and wedding parties, and occasional Craft Fairs or Public Consultations. These uses assist us in attaining the objectives as outlined above. The Trustees and Parish Council run occasional free events for the public, including an annual Christmas Fair and Light Switch On event. The Hall is the designated Polling Station for Stewartby, and an Emergency Assistance Centre in the case of a local disaster occurring. Declaration: The Trustees have had regard to the guidance issued by the Charity Commission on public benefit. From the above actions the Managing Trustees have attempted to comply with their duty to the charity to provide a continuing Public Benefit in the exercising of their powers and duties. |
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In addition to its governing documents the Hall also has a Hall Hire Policy, and Fire Safety Policy in place, which are reviewed periodically.
You may choose to include further statements, where relevant, about:
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policy on grantmaking;
-
policy programme related investment;
-
contribution made by volunteers.
Section D Achievements and performance
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Section D Achievements and performance
Summary of the main During the past year we have continued with the ongoing maintenance of achievements of the charity the Village Hall and have also concentrated on increasing bookings to during the year increase revenue. This revenue will then be reinvested in the building so that we are able to continue to modernise. Regular fire risk and H&S assessments are carried out, and the Hall upgraded to meet the latest legislation. The above work has brought the Hall up to a standard compatible with other local venues. Together with web site and social media advertising, the Hall is increasingly booked at weekends, whilst still providing a pleasant environment for users throughout the week. More work will continue in the coming year. The Committee has also had the following statutory maintenance carried out; PAT Testing, Emergency Exit Testing, Fire Extinguisher Testing, First Aid Box checks. These are all currently compliant.
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Section E Financial review
Given that our biggest expense, over and above day to day running Brief statement of the charity’s costs, is the maintenance and improvement of the building, and further policy on reserves that whilst most of this expenditure can be planned for, there may well be substantial, unforeseen costs, the Trustees deem it prudent to aim to establish a designated Building Reserve (but not a Restricted fund). In this way the Hall can continue to provide an essential facility for local residents over the years to come.
Details of any funds materially Nil in deficit
Further financial review details (Optional information)
The Charity's regular income is from Hall lettings, to both local residents You may choose to include and non-residents. Any essential large maintenance work will, where additional information, where possible, be funded by the Parish Council and we will continue to look for relevant about: grant money so that some other work is possible. • the charity’s principal sources of funds (including any All improvements to the hall are done with benefit and comfort of the Hall fundraising); users in mind. Moreover, the Hall is now of a sufficient standard to compete with other local Halls for weekend hire. • how expenditure has supported the key objectives Currently, the Hall does not have a sufficient surplus to consider of the charity; investments. All Balances are held in a Bank Current Account.
- investment policy and objectives including any ethical investment policy adopted.
Section F Other optional information
Section G Declaration
The trustees declare that they have approved the trustees’ report above.
Signed on behalf of the charity’s trustees
Lee Melville Terri Banks Signature(s) Lee Melville Terri Banks Full name(s) Position (eg Secretary, Chair, Trustee Chair Trustee Vice Chair etc) Date 1[st] December 2025
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Trustees' Annual Report for the period
| From | Period start date | Period start date | To 2024 |
Period end date | Period end date | |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| **1st ** | October | 2024 | 30th | September | 2025 |
Section A Reference and administration details
Charity name Stewartby Village Hall
Other names charity is known by
Registered charity number (if any) 802515
Charity's principal address Stewartby Village Hall
Churchill Close
Stewartby
Postcode MK43 9LU
Names of the charity trustees who manage the charity
----- Start of picture text -----
Dates acted if not for whole Name of person (or body) entitled
Trustee name Office (if any)
year to appoint trustee (if any)
Lee Melville Chair
1
2 Terri Banks Vice Chair
3 Sally Law
4 Louise Burnage
5 Lloyd Haley
6
Michele Serino
7
Daisy Fraser Left June 2025
8
Thomas Williams Left September 2025
9
10
11
12
13
14
15
16
17
18
19
20
----- End of picture text -----
Names of the trustees for the charity, if any, (for example, any custodian trustees)
TAR
1
Name Dates acted if not for whole year Official Custodian Trustee for the Charity is Stewartby & Kempston Hardwick Parish Council
Names and addresses of advisers (Optional information)
Type of adviser Name Address Accounts Assessor Leena Bains Independent Examiner (Accountant)
Name of chief executive or names of senior staff members (Optional information)
Section B Structure, governance and management
Description of the charity’s trusts
Deed of Trust 20[th] August 1989 Type of governing document (eg. trust deed, constitution) Charitable Trust How the charity is constituted (eg. trust, association, company) The charity is run by the members of the Parish Council. Members of the Trustee selection methods Council automatically act as Trustees. (eg. appointed by, elected by)
Additional governance issues (Optional information)
TAR
2
You may choose to include additional information, where relevant, about:
Originally on a full repairing lease, this historic Village Hall was later transferred into the hands of the Parish Council. The Charitable Trust was then set up in 1989.
The Hall was built in the 1930s and is covered by a Section 4 Conservation Order, as is the original Stewartby village. Any repairs carried out must be sympathetic to this order, and external works need to gain planning permission to ensure conservation area requirements are met.
-
policies and procedures adopted for the induction and training of trustees;
-
the charity’s organisational structure and any wider network with which the charity works;
-
The property is fully maintained and insured, as required for use by the
-
works; public, and has a Premises Licence issued by Bedford Borough Council.
-
• relationship with any related The Trustees are all local members of the community, and are responsible
-
parties; for the day to day running of the Hall. Bi-monthly meetings are held
-
• trustees’ consideration of throughout the year, usually on the second Thursday of the month. There major risks and the system and are currently vacancies for membership. (Nine members allowed). The procedures to manage them. AGM is normally held annually in October. The Annual Accounts have been independently examined; prepared on a Cash basis, they are submitted to the Charity Commission as required. A permanent part time employee takes bookings for the Hall, does the book keeping, and prepares monthly and annual reports for the Trustees. In addition to income from lettings, the Parish Council ensures that there is money for the day to day running of the Hall and ensures that marketing and expenditure is done in accordance with the funds available where possible. We also apply for funding for projects to update the Hall and ensure that it complies with the health and safety and other relevant
legislation.
Previous improvements included a new bar area, kitchen, and windows. Recent additions include an access ramp and hearing loop, meaning we are compliant, as much as is possible, with the disability and diversity regulations for the building. Grants were obtained to enable installation of a new infrared heating system, with SMART remote-control, throughout the hall.
Section C Objectives and activities
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| Summary of the objects of the charity set out in its governing document Summary of the main activities undertaken for the public benefit in relation to these objects (include within this section the statutory declaration that trustees have had regard to the guidance issued by the Charity Commission on public benefit) Additional details of objectives and activities (Optional information) |
The provision and maintenance of a village hall for the use of the inhabitants of Stewartby and the surrounding areas, in the Marston Vale, without distinction of political, religious, or other opinions, including use for meetings, 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 Parish Council is based at the hall, and holds monthly meetings in the committee room or nearby sports pavilion. Regular group use includes: Irish Dance, Boxercise, Taekwondo, Brazilian Jui Jitsu, Belly Dancing, Pilates, Musical Drama and Street Dance, plus various Child and Baby Play Groups and Classes. In addition, many weekend bookings are for local and non-local users, typically children’s parties, birthday, anniversary, and wedding parties, and occasional Craft Fairs or Public Consultations. These uses assist us in attaining the objectives as outlined above. The Trustees and Parish Council run occasional free events for the public, including an annual Christmas Fair and Light Switch On event. The Hall is the designated Polling Station for Stewartby, and an Emergency Assistance Centre in the case of a local disaster occurring. Declaration: The Trustees have had regard to the guidance issued by the Charity Commission on public benefit. From the above actions the Managing Trustees have attempted to comply with their duty to the charity to provide a continuing Public Benefit in the exercising of their powers and duties. |
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In addition to its governing documents the Hall also has a Hall Hire Policy, and Fire Safety Policy in place, which are reviewed periodically.
You may choose to include further statements, where relevant, about:
-
policy on grantmaking;
-
policy programme related investment;
-
contribution made by volunteers.
Section D Achievements and performance
TAR
5
Section D Achievements and performance
Summary of the main During the past year we have continued with the ongoing maintenance of achievements of the charity the Village Hall and have also concentrated on increasing bookings to during the year increase revenue. This revenue will then be reinvested in the building so that we are able to continue to modernise. Regular fire risk and H&S assessments are carried out, and the Hall upgraded to meet the latest legislation. The above work has brought the Hall up to a standard compatible with other local venues. Together with web site and social media advertising, the Hall is increasingly booked at weekends, whilst still providing a pleasant environment for users throughout the week. More work will continue in the coming year. The Committee has also had the following statutory maintenance carried out; PAT Testing, Emergency Exit Testing, Fire Extinguisher Testing, First Aid Box checks. These are all currently compliant.
TAR
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Section E Financial review
Given that our biggest expense, over and above day to day running Brief statement of the charity’s costs, is the maintenance and improvement of the building, and further policy on reserves that whilst most of this expenditure can be planned for, there may well be substantial, unforeseen costs, the Trustees deem it prudent to aim to establish a designated Building Reserve (but not a Restricted fund). In this way the Hall can continue to provide an essential facility for local residents over the years to come.
Details of any funds materially Nil in deficit
Further financial review details (Optional information)
The Charity's regular income is from Hall lettings, to both local residents You may choose to include and non-residents. Any essential large maintenance work will, where additional information, where possible, be funded by the Parish Council and we will continue to look for relevant about: grant money so that some other work is possible. • the charity’s principal sources of funds (including any All improvements to the hall are done with benefit and comfort of the Hall fundraising); users in mind. Moreover, the Hall is now of a sufficient standard to compete with other local Halls for weekend hire. • how expenditure has supported the key objectives Currently, the Hall does not have a sufficient surplus to consider of the charity; investments. All Balances are held in a Bank Current Account.
- investment policy and objectives including any ethical investment policy adopted.
Section F Other optional information
Section G Declaration
The trustees declare that they have approved the trustees’ report above.
Signed on behalf of the charity’s trustees
Lee Melville Terri Banks Signature(s) Lee Melville Terri Banks Full name(s) Position (eg Secretary, Chair, Trustee Chair Trustee Vice Chair etc) Date 1[st] December 2025
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– Stewartby Village Hall Independent review of the Village Hall Accounting Records
Financial Year from 1[st] October 2024 to 30[th] September 2025
Background
The Clerk was appointed as the RFO (Responsible Finance Officer) in October 2018 and has been responsible for maintaining comprehensive working papers to support all entries in the cashbook, and for submitting the Annual Return to the Charities Commission on an annual basis.
The Charity’s financial position for the year ending September 2025 was:
| Year Ending September 2025 |
Year Ending September 2024 |
Variance (£) | Variance (%) | |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Income | £44,058 | £35,707 | -£8,351 | 23% |
| Expenditure | £45,725 | £38,870 | £6,855 | 18% |
| Net Position | -£1,667 | -£3,162 |
In the financial year ending September 2025, the village hall income has increased from the previous year. This is due to increased bookings of the village hall and a grant for £3k from the Parish Council. Similarly, expenditure has also increased from last year due to an increase in heating costs and the insurance premium.
The previous year’s Annual Return and Accounts was submitted to the Charities Commission on time on 15 July 2025.
An independent review of the Charity’s financial records has been undertaken and findings are summarised in Appendix 1.
I would like to thank the Clerk and the Chair for their co-operation during this review.
S L Bains 10 March 2026
Appendix 1
| Test | Findings | Recommendations | |
|---|---|---|---|
| A | Appropriate accounting records have been kept properly throughout the year |
The Charity’s financial transactions are recorded in a cashbook using an Excel spreadsheet. This includes all receipts and payments made during the year. A summary for all income and expenditure is recorded each month. |
None |
| B | Accounting records are complete |
Quotes are obtained and accepted by Trustees before payments are approved in the bi-monthly meetings, and transactions are recorded in the Minutes. All payments are authorised on a Payment Authorisation form by two Authorising officers. Payments are made online via BACS or Direct Debits which have been set up. |
None |
| C | Compared the accounts with the underlying accounting records |
A sample of payments during the period from October 2024 to September 2025 were tested and agreed to supporting invoices. No issues noted. |
None |
| D | Verified receipts and payments to vouchers such as invoices, bank statements, and receipts. |
A sample of receipts received during the period from October 2024 to September 2025 as recorded in the cashbook were agreed to supporting bank statements. No issues were identified. |
None |
| E | Expected income was fully received, properly recorded and promptly banked |
The Village Hall receives income primarily from: • hall hire • room bookings • community events For hall Hire, the Charity raises invoices, and for party bookings, customers complete booking forms. A sample of receipts received in the year as recorded in the cashbook was verified to the bank statement. |
None |
| F | Other records are kept up to date |
Village Hall Trustees meetings have been taking place every 2 months. Minutes are noted and signed off by the Chair. The Charity’s financial position is reported and discussed at every meeting. This includes details of the Budget and the actual spend to date along with the Clerk’s financial report. No issues were identified. |
None |