THE TROLLOPE SOCIETY
ANNUAL REPORT
FOR THE YEAR ENDED MARCH 31[st] 2021
THE TROLLOPE SOCIETY
CONTENTS
| Page | |
|---|---|
| Trustees’ report | 1 - 3 |
| Independentexaminer’sreport | 4 |
| Statement of financial activities | 5 |
| Balance sheet | 6 |
| Notes to the financial statements | 7 - 12 |
THE TROLLOPE SOCIETY TRUSTEES’ REPORT FOR THE YEAR ENDED MARCH 31[st ] 2021
The Trustees present their report and the financial statements for the year ended March 31[st] , 2021.
Trustees
The following Trustees have held office since April 1[st] , 2020:
Dominic Edwardes Jennifer Bryant-Pearson Susan Cooper David Glass Priscilla Hungerford
The Trustees have the power to appoint new Trustees. Members are invited to become Trustees at the Annual General Meeting.
The Trustees are required to discuss matters of policy three or four times a year. The Trustees have considered the risks to the future of the Society and consider that these are under control.
Governing Instrument
The Society is a registered charity, governed by a Trust deed dated September 1[st] , 1987, varied by a deed dated March 20[th] , 1990, which provides that the Trustees shall stand possessed of the Trust Fund and the income thereof upon trust to apply the same for the following educational purpose, namely the study and publication of the works of Anthony Trollope.
Address and charity number
P O Box 505 Tunbridge Wells TN2 9RW
Charity No: 803130
Honorary Secretary
Susan Cooper
Bankers
Lloyds 39 Piccadilly London W1V OAA
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THE TROLLOPE SOCIETY TRUSTEES’ REPORT FOR THE YEAR ENDED MARCH 31[st] 2021
Objectives and activities
The objects of the charity are the study and publication of the works of Anthony Trollope. Significant achievements in pursuit of these include the holding of seminars in London, York, Manchester, Oxford, Edinburgh and elsewhere for the purpose of studying and discussing selected novels. Interest remains high with a steady flow of new members.
Public benefit statement
The Trustees confirm that they have complied with the duty under section 17 (5) of the Charities Act 2011 to have due regard to the Charity Commission’s general guidance on public benefit, ‘Charities and Public Benefit’.
The Trollope Society’s charitable purpose is enshrined in its objects for the advancement of the education of the public in the life and work of Anthony Trollope, and subject thereto and in default thereof for such purpose for the advancement of education as the Trustees in their absolute discretion shall direct.
In fulfilment of its charitable purposes, the Society continues to maintain in print the novels of Anthony Trollope, publishes the journal ‘Trollopiana’, provides an annual lecture and supports local discussion groups.
Investment policy
The Society receives income on an annual basis through membership subscriptions, sales of books, and donations. It has no permanent endowment. Consequently, the Trustees do not consider it prudent to invest for the longer term. Its policy for investment is therefore to retain funds as cash and place them on bank deposit at the best rate obtainable commensurate with security, whilst retaining flexibility to use those funds for the Society’s stated aims.
Risk review
The Trustees have assessed the major risks to which the charity is exposed, in particular those related to the operations and finances of the Trust and are satisfied that systems are in place to mitigate the exposure to major risks.
Financial review
The policy on reserves is to maintain a free balance sheet of at least three months’ operating expenses. The purpose of the designated funds is explained in note 14 to the accounts. The net current assets of the charity at the year-end amounted to £64,394 (2020: £39,981). Surplus funds are held on deposit. The principal funding sources are members’ subscriptions, donations, and the sale of books.
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THE TROLLOPE SOCIETY TRUSTEES’ REPORT FOR THE YEAR ENDED MARCH 31st 2021
Review of the year
The Trollope Society responded to the challenge of the coronavirus pandemic by cancelling our physical activities and developing a programme of online events. In October our AGM was held on Zoom. Francesca Simon, author of the bestselling series of Horrid Henry children’s books, gave the Trollope Society’s 33rd Annual Lecture on the subject of ‘Anthony and Me’. We were fortunate to receive a grant from the Coronavirus Community Support Fund, towards our ‘Pick Up A Trollope’ (PUAT) campaign held in the Autumn. Members of the public were asked to choose their favourite novel from a selection of nine made by notable Trollopians. We received 1,200 votes from members of the public and 366 people registered for an online read of the winning novel, Barchester Towers. In February we received a further small grant from the National Lottery Community Fund to support our online activities until the end of March 2021. We held several talks, including ‘Julian Fellowes in conversation with Gyles Brandreth’, which proved to be our most successful online event to date. We went on to read Doctor Thorne on Zoom, which attracted 250 participants. Over the last year our online activities have proved successful. We have seen an increase in donations, membership, and sales of books.
Plans for the future
As we move out of the pandemic we will cautiously restart our physical meetings. We will continue to offer an online programme alongside these. We hope to be able to hold a dinner and reschedule the postponed Trip to Florence as soon as it is prudent to do so. Following the success of the production of the Barsetshire tea-towel and map we plan to introduce a range of merchandise to be sold via our online shop.
Trustees’ responsibilities
The Trustees are responsible for preparing the Trustee’s Report and the financial statements in accordance with applicable law and United Kingdom Accounting Standards (United Kingdom Generally Accepted Accounting Practice).
The 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 state of affairs of the Charity and of the incoming resources and application of resources of the Charity for that period. In preparing these accounts, the Trustees are required to:
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select suitable accounting policies and then apply them consistently.
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observe the methods and principles in the Charities SORP.
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make judgements and estimates that are reasonable and prudent.
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state whether applicable accounting standards have been followed, subject to any material departures disclosed and explained in the financial statements.
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Prepare the financial statements on the going concern basis unless it is inappropriate to presume that the Charity will continue in operation.
The Trustees are responsible for keeping proper accounting records which 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. 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. This report was approved by the Trustees on
Signed on behalf of the Trustees Dominic Edwardes Chairman and Trustee
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THE TROLLOPE SOCIETY INDEPENDENT EXAMINER’S REPORT TO THE TRUSTEES
I report on the accounts of the charity for the year ended 31 March 2021 which are set out on pages 5 to 12.
This report is made solely to the charity’s trustees, as a body, in accordance with section 145 of the Charities Act 2011, and regulations made under section 154 of that act. My work has been undertaken so that I might state to the charity’s trustees those matters I am required to state to them in this report and for no other purpose. To the fullest extent permitted by law, I do not accept or assume responsibility to anyone other than the charity and the charity’s members as a body, for my work, for this report.
Respective responsibilities of trustees and examiner
The charity’s trustees are responsible for the preparation of the financial statements. The charity’s trustees consider that an audit is not required for this year under section 144 (2) of the Charities Act 2011 (the 2011 Act) and that an independent examination is needed.
It is my responsibility to:
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examine the financial statements under section 145 of the 2011 Act;
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follow the procedures laid down in the General Directions given by the Charity Commission under section 145 (5)(b) of the 2011 Act; and
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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 financial statements presented with those records. It also includes consideration of any unusual items or disclosures in the financial statements 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 is given as to whether the financial statements 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:
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(1) which gives me reasonable cause to believe that in any material respect the requirements
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to keep accounting records in accordance with section 130 of the 2011 Act; and
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to prepare financial statements which accord with the accounting records and comply with the accounting requirements of the 2011 Act
have not been met; or
- (2) to which, in my opinion, attention should be drawn in order to enable a proper understanding of the financial statements to be reached.
Finsbury Robinson Ltd. 237 Westcombe Hill London SE3 7DW
Date:
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THE TROLLOPE SOCIETY STATEMENT OF FINANCIAL ACTIVITIES FOR THE YEAR ENDED 31 MARCH 2021
| Notes Incoming Resources Incoming Resources from generated funds Voluntary Income 2 Activities for generating funds 3 Investment Income 4 Lottery Grants Income from resources from charitable activities 5 Total Incoming Resources Resources Expended Charitable activities 6 Governance costs 7 Net incoming (outgoing) resources for the year Balances brought forward at 1 April 2020 Balances carried forward at 31 March 2021 |
Total Total Unrestricted Designated Funds Funds Funds Funds 2021 2020 35,832 35,832 17,405 12,335 12,335 3,699 702 702 666 8,270 8,270 4,182 4,182 14,421 |
|---|---|
| 61,322 61,322 36,191 |
|
| 47,405 47,405 34,654 595 595 831 |
|
| 48,000 48,000 35,485 |
|
| 13,322 13,322 705 40,221 1,771 41,992 41,287 |
|
| 53,543 1,771 55,314 41,992 |
The financial statements were approved by the Board of Trustees on
Dominic Edwardes David Glass Trustee Trustee
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THE TROLLOPE SOCIETY BALANCE SHEET AS AT MARCH 31st 2021
| Notes Fixed assets Tangible assets 9 Current assets Debtors 11 Cash at bank 10 Creditors: amounts falling due within one year 12 Net current assets Total assets Creditors: amounts fallling due after more than one year Loan of indefinite duration (non interest bearing) Provision for unexpired subscriptions Net assets 13 Funds Unrestricted 14 Designated 15 Net funds |
8,195 105,152 |
2021 11,874 64,394 |
6,093 87,551 |
2020 19,874 39,981 |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| 113,346 | 93,644 | |||
| -48,952 | -53,663 | |||
| -10,000 -10,954 |
-10,000 -7,862 |
|||
| 76,268 | 59,855 | |||
| -20,954 | -17,862 | |||
| 55,314 | 41,992 | |||
| 53,543 1,771 |
40,221 1,771 |
|||
| 55,314 | 41,992 |
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THE TROLLOPE SOCIETY NOTES TO THE FINANCIAL STATEMENTS FOR THE YEAR ENDED MARCH 31[st] 2021
1 Accounting policies
The accounts (financial statements) have been prepared in accordance with 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) - (Charities SORP (FRS 102)), the Financial Reporting Standard applicable in the UK and Republic of Ireland (FRS 102) and the Companies Act 2006.
The accounts have been prepared under the historical cost convention with items recognized at cost or transaction value unless otherwise stated in the relevant note(s) to these accounts.
1.1 Preparation of accounts on a going concern basis
The financial statements have been prepared on a going concern basis, which is dependent upon the continued support of the members.
1.2 Incoming resources
Subscription income is accounted for on a pro-rated basis
1.3 Resources expended
Liabilities are recognised as resources expended where there is a legal or constructive obligation committing the Society to the expenditure. All expenditure is accounted for on an accruals basis.
1.4 Stocks
Stocks of books for resale are valued at the cost of reprinting rare titles in 2016-18.
1.5 Fixed assets
The library of antiquarian books is stated at remaining cost, following sale of a portion of the library in 201718.
1.6 Interest receivable
Interest on funds held on deposit is included when receivable and the amount can be measured reliably by the society; this is normally upon notification of the interest paid or payable by the bank.
1.7 Fund Accounting
Unrestricted funds are available for use at the discretion of the Trustees in furtherance of the general objectives of the charitable society and have not been designated for any other purpose.
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THE TROLLOPE SOCIETY NOTES TO THE FINANCIAL STATEMENTS FOR THE YEAR ENDED MARCH 31[st] 2021
1.8 Cash at Bank and in hand
Cash at bank and in hand includes cash and short term liquid investments with a maturity of up to one year from the date of acquisition or opening of the deposit or similar account.
1.9 Debtors
Debtors are recognised at the settlement amount after any discount offered. Prepayments are valued at the amount repaid net of any discount.
1.10 Creditors and provisions
Creditors and provisions are recognised where the society has a present obligation resulting from a past event that will probably result in the transfer of funds to a third party and the amount due to settle the obligation can be measured or estimated reliably. Creditors and provisions are normally recognised at their settlement amount after allowing for any discount.
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THE TROLLOPE SOCIETY STATEMENT OF FINANCIAL ACTIVITIES FOR THE YEAR ENDED 31 MARCH 2021
| 2 Voluntary Income Subscriptions Donations 3 Activities for generating funds Sales of books Other sales 4 Investment Income Interest Receivable 5 Income resources from charitable activities Sales to TSNY Members Events 6 Lottery Grants Lottery Grant for Pick Up a Trollope campaign Lottery Grant for Dr Thorne reading Expenditure for Pick up a Trollope campaign Expenditure for Dr Thorne reading |
2021 13,532 22,300 35,832 8,930 3,405 12,335 702 4,182 0 4,182 6,500 1,770 8,270 9,556 1,770 |
2020 12,207 5,198 |
|---|---|---|
| 17,405 | ||
| 3,367 332 |
||
| 3,699 | ||
| 666 4,048 10,372 |
||
| 14,420 | ||
Expenditure for Pick up a Trollope campaign was also part funded by donations from the Pledge Dinner brought forward from the previous financial year
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THE TROLLOPE SOCIETY STATEMENT OF FINANCIAL ACTIVITIES FOR THE YEAR ENDED 31 MARCH 2021
| 7 Charitable activities Trollopiana Movement of Stock Publicity and Promotion Postage Member's events Production Storage and dispatch of books Support costs Administration Accommodation Office expenses Subscriptions Management expenses Bank and credit card charges 8 Governance costs Annual general meeting Accountancy |
2021 10,750 8,000 5,492 1,431 11,000 60 2,043 5,686 0 2,057 0 0 886 47,405 2021 0 595 595 |
2020 11,146 2,000 2,000 378 9,774 0 1,071 4,931 0 1,935 40 447 932 |
|---|---|---|
| 34,654 | ||
| 2020 266 565 |
||
| 831 |
| Expenses reimbursed to trustees totaled £2498.40. | Trustees received no remuneration | during | |
|---|---|---|---|
| the year | |||
| 9 | Tangible fixed assets | 2021 | 2020 |
| Library of antiquarian books | 1,075 | 1,075 | |
| Book stock | 10,799 | 18,799 | |
| 11,874 | 19,874 | ||
| 10 | Cash at bank and in hand | ||
| Cash at bank | 105,152 | 87,551 |
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THE TROLLOPE SOCIETY STATEMENT OF FINANCIAL ACTIVITIES FOR THE YEAR ENDED 31 MARCH 2021
| 11 Debtors Debtors and prepayments VAT recoverable 12 Creditors: amounts due within one year Charter deposits Accruals and deferred income VAT payable 13 Analysis of net assets between funds Fixed assets Net current assets Liabilities due after one year 14 Analysis of unrestricted funds Unrestricted reserve Retained earnings Surplus for the year 15 Designated funds The Trollope Memorial Fund |
2021 7,501 694 8,195 2021 42,494 6,459 48,952 Unrestricted Designated Funds Funds 11,874 |
2020 5,350 743 |
|---|---|---|
| 6,093 | ||
| 2020 42,494 11,169 |
||
| 53,663 | ||
| Total 11,874 64,394 -20,954 |
||
| 62,623 1,771 |
||
| -20,954 | ||
| 53,543 2021 27,739 12,482 13,322 53,543 2021 1,771 1,771 |
55,314 | |
| 2020 27,739 11,777 705 |
||
| 40,221 | ||
| 2020 1,771 |
||
| 1,771 |
The Trollope Memorial Fund was established to pay for the carving and installation of a memorial stone to Anthony Trollope in Westminster Abbey in 1993. The resultant surplus is held against future costs.
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THE TROLLOPE SOCIETY
MANAGEMENT INFORMATION
FOR THE YEAR ENDED MARCH 31[st] 2021
THE TROLLOPE SOCIETY INCOME AND EXPENDITURE ACCOUNT FOR THE YEAR ENDED 31 MARCH 2021
| Expenditure Trollopiana and Promotion Movement of Stock Promotion and Pulic Relations Administration Accommodation Office Expenses Management Expenses Postage Bank and credit card charges Members' events Annual general meeting Accountancy Storage and despatch Production Income Subscriptions Gift aid - subscriptions Donations and gift aid thereon Income from goods and services Sales of Trollope novels Sale of other books Members Events Lottery Grant for Dr Thorne Lottery for Pick up a Trollope Interest receivable Other sales Surplus for the year |
2021 10,750 8,000 5,492 5,686 0 2,057 0 1,431 886 11,000 0 595 2,043 60 48,000 11,513 2,019 22,300 4,182 8,930 1,770 6,500 702 3,406 61,322 13,322 |
2020 11,146 2,000 2,000 4,931 0 1,975 447 378 932 9,774 266 565 1,071 0 |
|---|---|---|
| 35,485 | ||
| 10,681 1,525 5,198 4,048 3,367 10,373 666 332 |
||
| 36,190 | ||
| 705 |
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