North Down & Ards U3A Annual Report and Financial Statements For the year ended 31st March 2024 Charities No. 100089
North Down & Ards U3A Contents eNo. Reference and Administrative Details Trustees, Report Statement of Trustees, Responsibilities io Independent Examiner's Report li Statement of Financial Activities 12 Statement of Financial Position 13 Notes to the Financial Statements 14-18
North Down & Ards U3A Reference and Administrative Details Chairperson Valerie Dickson Trustees Mary Cromey Pat Browne Marian Baxter Coralie Hanna Linda Morton Jacqui McNarry Michael Richardson Kate Lockhart Charity Registration Number 100089 Principal Office Resource Centre North Down Community Network 5 Castle Park Bangor BT20 4TF Independent Examiner RRAS Nl Limited 25 Ardvanagh Avenue Conlig Newtownards BT23 7XE
North Down & Ards U3A Trustees, Report The trustees present the annual report together with the financial statemtns of the charityfor the year ended 31st March 2024. Trustees and officers The trustees and offices serving during the year and since the year end were as follows: Trustees Carson Wilson {died 16 October 2023) David Murray (resigned 26 July 20231 Pat Browne Valerie Dickson Marian Baxter Kate Lockhart Adam Harbinson (resigned l April 20231 Wendy Swanston (appointed 8 September 2023, resigned 8 December 2023} Michael Richardson (appointed 22 June 20231 Jacqui McNarry (appointed 22 June 2023) Mary Cromey {appointed 22 June 20231 Coralie Hanna lappointed 22 June 20231 Linda Morton {appointed 22 June 2023} Chairperson Valerie Dickson
North Down & Arda u3a Trusteeg Report CARSON WILSON. It was with great Sadness that we learned about our highly respected and much-loved former Chair's passing on 16 October last year. Carson was full of energy and enthusiasm for our u3a and many members will have missed getting his regular issue of jokes and also those who joined him in the Cryptic Crosswords online. CONSTITUTION. Due to the impact of Covid on the management of the u3a organisation, the Annual General Meeting (AGM} had been held during the month of June overthe last few years. However, with the removal of Covid restrictions, it was decided that the next AGM i.e.2024, should revert to April. which is in line with the requirements of our Constitution. Some time ago. a number of changes were proposed to the Constitution dated 30 April 2015, In particular, to provide the Committee with more flexibility in meeting the quorum requirement of IO% of the membership, which was difficult to meet, due to fewer members attending the AGM. Subsequently, a detailed comparison of the proposed changes to the Constitution of 2015 was undertaken and initially it was agreed that the word "Executive" should be dropped from the reference to the Committee. Some minor changes to the phraseology throughout the Constitution were made, with the major amendment made to set a lower quorum for the AGM of IO% of the membership or 50 people- a much more achievable requirement. Two Special General Meetings were held on 25 January and 29 February 2024 and the Constitution dated 29 February 2024 was subsequently formally adopted. srRUCTURE GOVERNANCE AND MANAGEMENT. The governing document of this Charity is its Constitution as adopted at the Special General Meeting of 29 February 2024. The Trustees are members of the Committee, elected by the membership at the Annual General Meetings (or occasionally co-opted). The management Committee who served during the year and up to the date of this report, are set out on page l. The Charity is affiliated to the Third Age Trust (Charity No: 288007) and 15 the co-ordinating body for all u3a groups within the UK. The management Committee has assessed the major risks to which the Charity is exposed, and is satisfied that systems are in place to mitigate exposure to major risks.
OBJECTIVES AND AcfiviTIES ACHIEVEMENTS AND PERFORMANCE. North Down & Ards u3a is devoted to its commitment as set out in Clause 2.1{i) of its Constitution dated 29 February 2024 i.e. The advancement of education of the public and in particular the education of older people and those who are not in full time employment". FINANCES. The finances of the ND&Au3a are in the control of ourTreasurer and Groups Treasurer both of whom do an excellent job each year, in ensuring that all of our income and expenditure, and all related financial accounts and records are maintained in accordance with agreed procedures. In September 2023, which is halfway into the financial year, the Treasurer reported that our surplus at the end of the financial year stands at £29,069, which includes £5,846 transferred from the reserves account into the current account on 26 March 2024. MEMBERSHIP. Our membership continues to grow and this past year we attracted 126 new members. It is good to see so many new members keen to join the NDAu3a which has so many things to offer by putting people together in a relaxed and friendly atmosphere, to talk, share their experience5 and explore new horizons. Throughout the year, much appreciated work and progress was made by our Membership Matters team, with a review being carried out of some of the procedures and this resulted in some changes being made to the membership application process, pro-forma letters. and application form. In addition, a new Member5hlp Policy was introduced and this can be seen on our website. AcfiviTY GROUPS. Over the last 12 months our active interest groups continued to increase gradually, and we still have over 100 different groups with 9 new groups having being created and being run since our last AGM. In some cases, these are being run by relatively new members. Groups started include: Boiled Eggs- Pop-up Comedy, Chair Yoga, German Conver5ation5, Gig Buddies, Gym Buddie5, Psychology I, Psychology 2, Smart People and Spanish Beginners. In the case of Psychology and Spanish Beginners, more leaders are required to facilitate the demand. Available places in existing groups were snapped up almost immediately when advertised by email. Sadly, some groups only lasted a short while and some of our Seader5 relocated to be close to family. Boiled Eggs and Gardening 4 have now aSed. Our thanks to all the leaders and convenors, past and present, who continue to give their time and expertise devoted to running all of our attivities. A great deal of work was carried out by several of our Group Leaders and Convenors, on drafting a very comprehensive, and much needed, update of our Leader's and Convenor's Handbook, which was ultimately agreed by the Committee and can now be viewed on our website. Our grateful thanks must go to all of those who participated in the production of this new guide. A simple Beacon Users Guide, Quick Start-up Guide for New Convenors, and Paying Rent for Room Hire Guide, were also produced and are available on the website in the "Running a Group" section.
BEACON ADMIN15fRATION. Kate Lockhart our Beacon Systems Administrator ha5 worked tirelessly training our new leaders and convenors, and Committee members, in using Beacon, our membership database. This year some new features were introduced. If any members need help with Beacon, which most users find makes life a lot easier for keeping track of members and money. they can contact Kate. {DetaiS5 on the website and in the Directory) EZINE. We continue to keep in touch with our members through the issue of our Ezine and the regular issue of monthly news update. Following a discussion between the Ezine team and the Committee, to consider the focus and direction of the Ezine, it was agreed that due to the effort and skills needed to produce it, and given the other commitments of the Ezine team, in future it would now issue only 4 times a year i.e. February, April, August and November. ACCOMMODATION. During 2023 a great deal of research and evaluation had been carried out by our Accommodation team regarding a plan to move into permanent accommodation. However, due to the loss of EU funding and the increasing number of bids to the National Lottery, our bid for Lottery Funding had been unsuccessful. It was later agreed by the Committee, that the premises currently used by u5 at the North Down Community Resource Centre, was adequate for our current needs and that members should be reminded that they should make much more use of it, if at all feasibSe. Apart from the availability of a room at the Resource Centre, the accommodation situation, overall. remained extremely tight and this, added to the fact that rooms used for some time by the Committee and other groups at the Foodbank would no longer be available to us. it was found necessary to find new venues. Our thanks must go to our Rooms Co-ordinator, who had been successful in relocating both the Committee and several other groups displaced due to the unavailability of the Foodbank. NEW MEMBERS MEETINGS. Following a disappointing attendance at the October New Members Meeting, the Membership team proposed a new format to the Committee. As now stated on the application form, new members would be invited to a New Members Meeting wtthin a few months of joining, where we will answer any questions, they may have about the organisation and its activities as well as considering some of their suggestions for taking the ND&Au3a forward. MONTHLY MEETINGS. Some minor changes to the organisation of the monthly meetings were implemented recently and these changes appear to be working reasonably well so far. Our March meeting attracted over 100 members and a programme of speakers for the year ahead has been put together. Our Refreshments
Team and Group members continue to provide a warm welcome with tea and coffee each month. Any idea5 for potential new speakers are always welcome. POLICIES AND GUIDANCE. Two new policy papers were approved by the Committee during the year viz: Dats Protection Policy and Membership Policy. As Covid is still around, Peter Gay took the lead in putting together some Covid guidance. Following a number of queries from members, guidance on running group events and social events has been compiled and approved by the Committee. Guidance has also been developed for Social and Group event5. All of these documents can be found on the website. Work will begin soon on a review of all of our remaining policies and consideration will be given to the need to introduce some new ones. if appropriate. EVENTS. A number of Social and Group events were held during the year. A 60's night, complete with DJ, music and outFits from that decade was organised by the Tennis Group in the Imperial Bar, Bangor on 19 April 2023. Two of our ever-popular quizzes were held in Bangor Golf Club during the year on 23 November 2023 and 14 March 2024. On I" May, 120 of our members travelled to Downpatrick to ride on a steam train to Inch Abbey. Refreshments were served from the buffet car and the group were entertained for nearly an hour by 16 of the Bangor Ukes. Janet Holland hosted the first Vintage Film Fesiival from 15-17 August 2023 in Studio IA, Hamilton Road, Bangor. The films shown across the 3 nights were The Thomas Crown Affair, Alice's Adventures in Wonderland (the ballet) and The Maltese Falcon. Over 80 members attended a talk followed by refreshments in the CrawFordsburn Inn on 22 th Novernber to mark the 60 Anniversary of the death of C S Lewis. A Christmas Cheer event for over 100 members was held in Bangor Library on 15 December 2023. Mulled wine, mince pies and other tempting morsels were served and entertainment was provided by the wonderful guitar group. A QUESTA trip to Parliament Buildings, Stormont followed by lunch was held on 30 January 2024. A piano recital attended by approx. 90 members was held in Bangor Carnegie Library on 30 March 2024. The event proved to be very popular with the guest pianist receiving a Standing ovation from the audience Regional events included: the Regional Summer School in Greenmount Agricultural College, Antrim on 14 and 15 June 2023 attended by 8 members from ND&Au3a. The wide-ranging programme included some very interesting talks and activities, the most successful of which were canoeing and wine tasting. There was also a conference dinner and some wonderful jazz entertainment: and ND&Au3a had the privilege of hosting the SONGFEST 2023 in the Elim Conference Centre on 11 May 2023. Eight choirs from U3As across the Province, including Monaghan took part in this very popular event.
Inter enerdtional Grou Approximately 50 members of the Intergenerational Group continue to work with children from local primary schools on the Time to Read Initiative. Members give an hour a week to read with pupils from Primary 2 upwards. The outcomes of these programme5 have been evaluated by local universities and show major gains for pupils including increased self-confidence and self-esteem as well as improvements in their reading age. FINALLY. My first year in office has been an interesting experience and I would like to acknowledge the efft)rts and the staunch 5UPPOrt of our Vice-chair Mary Cromey, together with the rest of the Committee, all of whom have contributed to making the North Down & Ards u3a such a vibrant organisation. Some of our Committee members will be leaving us and I would like to acknowledge their commitment to the organisation and offer my thanks for the valued contribution they have made during their tenure. It just remains for me to say that the Trustees can again view this year as one of success and progress, despite some difficulties along the way. Approved by the Trustees of the Charity on 25 April 2024 and signed on its behalf by: Valerie Dickson Trustee Chair
North Down & Ards u3a Statement of Trustees, Responsibilities The Trustees are responsible for preparing the Trustees, Report and the Financial Statements in accordance with the Financial Reporting Standards applicable in the UK and the Republic of Ireland IFRS 102) and applicable law and regulations. The law applicable to charities in Northern Ireland requires the Trustee5 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 financial statement5, the Trustees are required to: Select suitable accounting policies and then apply them consistently; Observe the methods and principles in the Charities SORP (Statement of Recommended Practice) (FRS 102); Make judgements and estimates that are reasonable and prudent; State whether applicable accounting standards have been followed, subject to any material departures disclosed and explained in the financial statements; and Prepare the financial statements on the going concern basis unless it is inappropriate to presume that the charity will continue in business. The Trustees are responsible for keeping proper accounting records that 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 (Northern Ireland) 2022, the applicable Charities (Accounts and Reports) Regulations (Northern Ireland} 2015, and the provisions of the Constitution. The Trustees are also responsible for safeguarding the assets of the charity and hence for taking reasonable steps for the prevention and detettion of fraud and other irregularities. The trustees are responsible for the maintenance and integrity of the corporate and financial information included on the charitable company's website. Legislation governing the prepardtion and dissemination of financial statements may differ from legislation in otherjurisdictions. Approved by the Trustees of the charity on 25 April 2024 and signed on its behalf by: Valerie Dickson Trustee Chair io
North Down & Ards U3A Independent Examiner's Report For the year ended 31st March 2024 Indendent Examiner's Re ort to the Trustees of North Down & Ards U3A I report on the accounts of the Charity for the year ended 31st March 2024, which are set out on pages 12 to 18. Res ective Res onsibilities of chari trustees and examiner As the charity's trustees you are responsible for the preparation of the accounts. The charity's trustees consider that an audit is not required for this year under section 65121 of the Charities Att (Northern Ireland) 2008 and that an independent examination is needed. The charity is preparing accrual accounts and l am qualified to undertake the examination by being a qualified member of Chartered Accountants Ireland. It is my responsibility to: examine the accounts under section 65 of the Charities Act (Nl) 2008 follow the procedures laid down in the general Directions given by the Charity Commission for Northern Ireland undersection 65{91{b} of the Charities Act state whether particular matters have come to my attention. Basls of Snde endent examiner's re ort I have examined your charity accounts as required under section 65 of the Charities Act and my examination was carried out in accordance with the general Directions given bythe Charity Commission for Northern Ireland. My examination included a review of the accounting records kept by the charity and a comparison of the accounts presented with those records. It also included consideration of any unusual items or disclosures in the accounts, and seeking explanations from you as charity 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 accounts present a 'true and fair view, and the report is limited to those matters set out in the next statement. Inde endent examiner's statement In connection with my examination, no matter has come to my attention: (11 which gives me reasonable cause to believe that in any material respect the requirements: to keep accounting records in accordance with section 63 of the Charities Act {Nl} 2008 - to prepare accounts which accord with the accounting records, comply with the accounting requirements of the Charities Act INI) 2008 which are consistent with the methods and principles of the SORP: Accounting and Reporting by Charities. have not been met or 121 to which, in my opinion, attention should be drawn in order to enable a proper under- standing of the accounts to be reached. Name: Qualification: Address: Date: Elise Richardson Chartered Accountant IFCAI- Membership No. 09c0743 25 Ardvanagh Avenue, Conlig, Nemownards, BT23 7XE 22nd April 2024 li
North Down & Ards U3A Statement of Financial Artivities For the year ended 31st March 2024 Unrestricted Funds 2024 Unrestricted Funds 2023 Notes to The Accounts Income and Endowments Donations and legacies Investments Other Total Income rom 3,380 87 41,406 44,873 4,145 17 41,546 45.708 enditure on Charitable activities Governance costs 46,870 600 47.470 44,743 1,296 46,039 Net Deficit in funds {2,597) (331) Reconciliation of funds Total funds brought forward Total funds carried forward 41.651 39,054 41,982 41,651 li All of the charity's activities derive from continuing operations during the above two periods. The funds breakdown for 2024 & 2023 are shown in note 11. The notes on pages 14 to 18 form an integral part of these financial statements. 12
North Down & Ards U3A Staternent of Financial Position As at 31st March 2024 Unrestricted Funds 2024 Unrestricted Funds 2023 Notes to The Accounts FixedAssets Tangible Assets 5,235 6,993 Current Assets Cash at bank and in hand 35,069 35,069 35,954 35,954 Creditors.. Amountsfalling due within one year io 1,250 1,250 1,296 1,296 Net Current Assets 33,819 34,658 Long term liobilities Net Assets 39,054 41,651 Funds of the churity Unrestricted funds li 39,054 41,651 39,054 41,651 The financial statements on pages 12 to 18 were approved by the trustees, and authorised for issue on 25 April 2024 and signed on their behalf by: Signed by: Chairperson / Trustee Print Name: Valerie Dickson Date: 9o£y- The notes on pages 14 to 18 form an integral part of these financial statements. 13
North Down & Ards U3A Notes to the Accounts For the year ended 31st March 2024 l. Accountin Policies ststement of compliance The financial statements have been prepared in accordance with the 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 U K and Republic of Ireland IFRS 102) (effective l January 20151- (Charities SORP {FRS 10211, the Financial Reporting Standard applicable in the UK and Republic of Ireland IFRS 1021 and the Charities Act (Northern Ireland) 2022. The accounts are prepared in Sterling, which is the functional currency of the Charity. Monetary amounts in these financial statements are rounded to the nearest £. Basis of preparation North Down & Ards U3A meets the definition of a public entity under FRS 102. The accounts (financial statements) have prepared under the historical costs convention with items recognised at cost or transaction value unless otherwise stated in the relevant notelsl to these accounts. Going concern The trustees consider that there are no material uncertainties about the charity's ability to continue as a going concern. Income and endowments Voluntery income including donations, gifts, legacies and grants that provide core funding or are of a general nature are recognised when the charity has entitlement to the income, it is probable that the income will be received and the amount can be measured with sufficient reliability. Investment income Bank interest is recognised upon receipt. Expenditure All expenditure is recognised once there is a legal or constructive obligation to that expenditure, it is probable settlement is required and the amount can be measured reliably. All costs are allocated to the applicable expenditure heading that aggregate similar costs to that category. Where costs cannot be directly attributed to particular headings they have been allocated on a basis that is consistent with the use of resources, with central staff costs allocated on the basis of time spent, and depreciation charges allocated on the portion of the asset's use. Other supporting costs are allocated based on the spread of staff costs. Charitsble activities Charitable expenditure comprises those costs incurred by the charity in the delivery of its activities and services for its beneficiaries. It includes both costs that can be allocated directly to such activities and those Costs of an indirect nature necessaryto support them. Governance costs These include the costs attributable to the charity's compliance with constitutional and statutory requirements, including external examination, strategic management and trustees meetings and reimbursed expenses. 14
North Down & Ards U3A Notes to the Accounts (continued) For the year ended 31st March 2024 Taxation The charity is considered to pass the tests set out in Paragraph I Schedule 6 of the Finance Act 2010 and therefore meets the definition of a charitable company for UK corporation tax purposes. Accordingly, the charity is potentially exempt from taxation in respect of income or capital gains received within categories covered by Chapter 3 Part 11 of the Corporation Tax Act 2010 or Section 256 of the Taxation of Chargeable Gains Act 1992, to the extent that such income or gains are applied exclusively to charitable purposes. Tangible fixed assets Property, plant and equipment are initially measured at cost and subsequently measured at cost or valuation, net of depreciation and any impairment losses. Depreciation is recognised to write off the cost or valuation of assets less their residual value over their useful life on the following basis: Fixtures, fittings and equipment - 20% straight line 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 net incomellexpenditurel for the year. Exemption from preparing a cash flow statement The charity opted to early adopt Bulletin I published on 2 February 2016 and have therefore not included a cash flow statement in these financial statements. Nature and purpose of Funds Unrestricted funds are available for general purposes in accordance with the the charity'5 purposes. There are no restricted funds or endowments. Trustee remuneration, benefits and expenses No trustees are paid any remuneration or receive any other benefits from the charity. Expenses are only paid to refund expenditure in relation to charity business. 15
North Down & Ards U3A Notes to the Accounts (continued) For the year ended 31st March 2024 2. Income om Donotions ond le ocies Unrestricted Unrestricted Funds Funds 2024 2023 Gift aid reclaimed Grants, including capital grants Donations from individuals 2,539 821 20 3,380 2,545 1,600 4,145 3. Investment Income Unrestricted Unrestricted Funds Funds 2024 2023 Interest receivable on bank deposits 87 87 17 17 4. Other Income Unrestricted Unrestricted Funds Funds 2024 2023 Social income Hall rental income Membership subscriptions Group income Miscellaneuos 2,058 17,588 15430 6,270 60 41,406 3,195 14,995 22507 849 41,546 16
North Down & Ards U3A Notes to the Accounts (continued) For the year ended 31st March 2024 5. Ex enditure on charitable artivities Unrestricted Unrestricted Funds Funds 2024 2023 Third Age Trust costs Marketing and publicity costs Group and event costs Hall rental costs Administrative costs Social expenditure Loss on sale of equipment Depreciation, amortisation and other similar costs Mi5cellaneuos 10,103 1,625 4,837 22,158 1,935 3,353 631 1,551 677 46,870 9,771 2,421 5107 19,143 916 4,334 3,051 44,743 6. Goverance costs Unrestricted Unrestricted Funds Funds 2024 2023 Independent Examiner fees 600 600 1,296 1,296 7. Taxation The charity is a registered charity and is therefore exempt from taxation. 8. Tan ible xed assets Fixtures, fittings & Equbpment Cost At l April 2023 Additions Disposals At 31 March 2024 15,257 1,869 3,461 13,665 Depreciation At l April 2023 Charge for year Disposals At 31 March 2024 8,264 1,551 1,385 8,430 Net Book Value At l April 2023 6,993 At 31 March 2024 5.235 17
North Down & Ards U3A Notes to the Accounts (continued) For the year ended 31st March 2024 9. Bank and cash in hand Unrestricted Unrestricted Funds Funds 2024 2023 Bank and cash in hand 35,069 35,069 35,954 35,954 10. Creditors.. omounts due within one eor Unrestricted Unrestricted Funds Funds 2024 2023 Creditors Accruals 650 600 1,250 1,296 1,296 11. Funds Unrestricted Unrestricted Funds Funds 2024 2023 General Opening Balance 41,651 41,982 Incoming resources Resource5 expended 44,873 {47,4701 45,708 146,0391 Closing Balance 39,054 41,651 18