CAUSEWAY u3a RECEIPTS AND PAYMENTS ACCOUNTS FOR THE YEAR ENDED 31ST MARCH 2024 Charity No: NIC 104728 CAUSEWAY u3a RECEIPTS AND PAYMENTS ACCOUNT FOR THE YEAR ENDED 31ST MARCH 2024 CONTENTS Page Chairperson's Report Treasurer's Report Trustees, Report Independent Examiner's Report 10 Receipts and Payments Account 11 Statement of Assets and Liabilities 12 Notes to the Accounts 13 Page 2 of 13 CAUSEWAY u3a RECEIPTS AND PAYMENTS ACCOUNT FOR THE YEAR ENDED 31ST MARCH 2024 Causeway u3a AGM Chair's Report for the Year April 2023 to March 2024 Hello Everyone Well, here we are again, ready for another AGM as Causeway reaches its 30th year. It is impossible for me to thank everyone who has contributed to the success of our activities throughout the year so I hope you will forgive me if I mention only a few. Our membership continues to grow, we now have over 1350 members which is a fantastic number. Our Membership Secretary, David Johnston, has been very busy over the last few weeks dealing with renewals, so many thanks to David for that. Loretto Blackwood manages our web-site with quiet efficiency, offering members information and comprehensive documentation. Clare Carter has continued to produce our bi-monthly Newsletter, as she has tirelessly for many years, but she has now decided to hand over to a new team put together by Brendan Mu51an. My heartfelt thanks to Clare and my best wishes to the new team. John Moore has sadly decided to give up his technical role supervising the sound for our monthly meetings after some 15 years of dedicated Service for which we are all very grateful. I wish to thank our activity co-ordinator Mary O'Hare for all her efforts in keeping an eye on the wide range of our activities which run from Art to Yoga. Each one depend5 upon the expertise freely given by members within the philosophy of the u3a movement and without their hard work Causeway u3a could not function. My deepest gratitude goes to all our group leaders and activity co-ordinators, particularly to those retiring this year. If Causeway is to continue to flourish we need members to undertake these vital tasks, and your Committee would be delighted to offer advice and assistance to anyone interested in taking on these responsibilities. This year we have had once again some enjoyable day trips and holidays, none of which would have been possible without the painstaking research and negotiating skills of their leaders for which l am very grateful. Our Vice-chair, Ken Canavan, has organised several successful day trips, including a memorable visit to Armagh in December which had ended with carols round an open fire in Killymoon Castle. He also led the autumn holiday to Harrogate which was much enjoyed by participants, particularly the visit to York Minster. Rosalind Pritchard continues to coordinate our international holidays, leading a partyto Lake Garda in May. After an inauspicious start with atrocious weather on the drive from the airport to the hotel, the tour proved a great success with good hotels, a well-balanced programme, an excellent tour manager and experienced local guides. The holiday was provided in conjunction with Riviera Travel, from whose financial support, through its generous Affinity scheme, Causeway u3a has greatly benefi'ted. (You can find further details of the scheme on our website.) The Activity Fair was held in September when our group leaders gathered to enrol members in our huge range of activities. This eventwas actually'buzzing,, and forthis I must givethanks to our Secretary, Alan Sharp, who worked tirelessly to that end. It was held, as always, in the Lodge Hotel, which is generous in its hospltality for our monthly meetings and other activities. Page 3 of 13 CAUSEWAY u3a RECEIPTS AND PAYMENTS ACCOUNT FOR THE YEAR ENDED 31ST MARCH 2024 We have enjoyed a varied range of speakers and charity presentations for those monthly meetings, again thanks to Ken Canavan's wide range of contacts. Ken and Tenia Woods organised a very successful Christmas lunch at the Royal Court Hotel in Portrush with some fantastic entertainment from Katy Bustard and the children of her harp school and our own Singing for Fun group. Professor Malachy O'Neill, the Director of Regional Engagement at Ulster University, is a firm friend of Causeway u3a and we are very grateful to the University for the access it offers to its facilities, and seminars and lectures in the English and History departments. Many of our members reciprocate by for volunteering as subjects for various research projects. We also enjoy an excellent relationship with Causeway Coast and Glens Borough Council and have cooperated with them in the preparatt'on of an Age-Friendly strategy for the Borough. Foyle u3a have been very helpful, offering advice and opening their ftnancial workshops to our members. Our Support Network ran a session on Falls in the Home sadly based in part upon the unfortunate experience of Barry Williamson, who, along with Pat Fulton, led the meeting. Joe Henderson organised four first aid seminars with the assistance of the British Red Cross which were very well attended. Joe has undertaken thi5 role for five years, for which we express our thanks, butwould now like to pass the reins to someone else- anotheropportunity so please don't be shyl As you can see from the Treasurer's report, our finances are in a very healthy state, and l am grateful to Brendan Mullan for his oversight and for the research he and Nigel Creighton have undertaken in the search for a more user-friendly administrative package which seems to be bearing fruit. Brendan is also very active in the Northern Ireland Region, I'm not sure where he finds the time! Kate McGurk remains remarkably persistent in her pursuit of obtaining HMRC'S approval for Causeway to collect gift aid. This has now become a national problem and the Third Age Trust is undertaking negotiations on behalf of the movement. I would also like to offer a massive thank you to Rosemary Peters Gallagher for her advice on various problems throughout the year and for acting as the examiner of our accounts. Finally, many thanks to our excellent committee, to which Pat Fulton, Robert Irvine and Anna Logan were co-opted this year. We have really gelled and for me it has been a pleasure to chair such convivial meetings. I read somewhere recently that, at our age, we are wiser and more creative than ever. There you have it, the wisdom and humour of age is ours. So enjoy. Barbara Foster Chair, Causeway u3a, 2023-2024 Page 4 of 13 CAUSEWAY u3a RECEIPTS AND PAYMENTS ACCOUNT FOR THE YEAR ENDED 31ST MARCH 2024 TREASURER'S REPORT This year has seen an improvement in our financial position since our last AGM in 2023. The funds balance at the 31" March year end is £52,232 an increase of over£12,000 on last year's balance. As well as income from membership fees and activities we also received total donations from Riviera Travel of £5,529 (2023 £3,345), from rnembers who booked holidays with them and requested their Affinity Partnership scheme to be applied to Causeway u3a {up to IO% of the holiday cost is donated). The cost of the holidayto the member is unaffected by using this scheme. Note that it is a condition of the scheme that payments made by Riviera Travel go into the U3A's funds and are not passed back to the person or persons booking the holiday. Our finances are strong and leave us well able to cope with the challenges which businesses and charities currently face. I must acknowledge the assistance of Nigel Creighton in collecting activity group fees using Sumup. This has proved to be a very efficient way of collecting activity fees and has saved me as Treasurer and activity group leaders a considerable amount of time. In addition, our Membership Secretary, David Johnson, has made a sterling effort to collect membership fees, no small task as we now have nearly 1,400 members. Causeway u3a is a voluntary organisation and without the willing work of all our volunteers, we would not be able to continue. During the year our bank, HSBC, closed its Coleraine branch. In light of this your committee has approved the opening of an account with the Ulster Bank. This is currently underway. The accounts are prepared on a Receipts and Payments basis in line with the recommendation of the Third Age Trust and the Charity Commission for Northern Ireland. All equipment purchased is therefore written off against receipts in the year of purchase. The Statement of Assets and Liabilities attached shows assets that are assessed to have a notional value, together with the balances held in cash. In conclusion our finances are in very healthy order and for this reason your committee have accepted my proposal that the membership subscription remains unchanged. Brendan Mullan Treasurer Page 5 of 13 CAUSEWAY u3a RECEIPTS AND PAYMENTS ACCOUNT FOR THE YEAR ENDED 31ST MARCH 2024 TRUSTEES. ANNUAL REPORT The Trustees present their report forthe financial year l April 2023 to 31 March 2024. CHARITABLE OBJECTIVES The Objects of Causeway u3a are: to advance the education of the public and in particular the education of older people no longer in full time gainful employment in Causeway Coast and its surrounding locality. and the provision of facilities for leisure time and recreational activities with the object of improving the conditions of life for the above persons in the interest5 of their social welfare. PUBLIC BENEFIT STATEMENT The benefits that flow from the purpose is keeping older minds active and involved through the acquisition of knowledge or furthering of knowledge in specific areas of interests to the recipient. Causeway u3a provides the older person in its area with educational benefits which they would not otherwise be able to access at a minimal cost. Further benefit5 that flow from this purpose are improved health awareness of issues related to older people and physical and mental health maintained and/or improved through the uptake of activities provided hence reduction in demand for public health services. Also, the bringing together of isolated people and introducing them to new interests and friends therefore giving them a new outlook on life. This is especially pertinent to the Causeway area where people choose to retire to. The beneficiaries are the current I,OOO+ members of Causeway u3a, who are retired orsemi- retired men and women living in the Coleraine, Portstewart and Portrush catchment area. There is no possibility of any harm or possibility of harm outweighing the benefits. ACHIEVEMENTS AND ACTIVITIES These are set out in the Chairperson's Report on page 3. Page 6 of 13 CAUSEWAY u3a RECEIPTS AND PAYMENTS ACCOUNT FOR THE YEAR ENDED 31ST MARCH 2024 TRUSTEES. ANNUAL REPORT (Cont'd) Financlal performance Almost all our activities have now resumed following the covid epidemic and the credit balance against activitr'es reflects the payment in advance for courses that will run from April until the summer. Balance held at the end of March 2023 was £39,427, balance at the end of March 2024 is £52,232. The accounts are produced on a receipts and payments basis therefore the balance carried forward reflects payments in advance for activities. The Trustees are content that the charity has sufficient reserves to continue to function effectively. It should be noted that all reserves are unrestricted. Rlsk Management The Trustees have assessed the major risks to which the Charity is exposed, in particular those relating to the finances and operations of the Charity and are satisfied that systems and processes are in place to mitigate the exposures to the major risks. Reserves Policy The Trustees aim to ensure that sufficient reserves are maintained for the efficient operation of the charity. All reserves are unrestricted. Reference and Admlnlstrative Information Governance and related organisations Causeway u3a, charity number 104728, was registered with The Charity Commission for Northern Ireland on 4 March 2016, The charity is a member of the Third Age Trust as an unincorporated association and has a governing constitution which was last formally amended at the AGM on 23 April 2009. Causeway u3a and its property are administered and managed in accordance with its constitution bythe members of the Executive Committee, who are elected from amongst themselves by the membership at the AGM. The roles and responsibilities of the members of the Executive Committee or Trustees are set out in the governing constitution. The Committee typically meets once per month between September and April. At each meeting the Treasurer presents the latest accounts for review and discussion. The meeting5 provide a forum to: review recent activities," plan forthcoming events; discuss the development of the charity. and also, received reports from other officers on their areas of responsibility. Further ad hoc meetings are called if required. The Annual Report and Accounts are approved by the Committee and then presented to the members at the Annual General Meeting No funds are held by Causeway u3A as a custodian trustee. Page 7 of 13 CAUSEWAY u3a RECEIPTS AND PAYMENTS ACCOUNT FOR THE YEAR ENDED 31ST MARCH 2024 TRUSTEES, ANNUAL REPORT (Cont'd) Statement of Trustees Responsibilities The Trustees are responsible for preparing the Annual Report and Accounts in accordance with applicable law and with UK Accounting Standards. The Trustees are also responsible for keeping adequate accounting records that disclose with reasonable accuracy at any time the financial posits'on of the Charity and enable them to ensure thatthe financial statements comply with the Charities Act. They are also responsible for safeguarding the assets of the Charity and hence fortaking reasonable steps forthe prevention and detection of fraud and other irregularities. In so far as the Trustees are aware: there is no relevant information of which the Charity's Independent Examiner is unaware; and, the Trustee5 have taken all reasonable steps to make themselves aware of any relevant audit information and to establish that the auditor is aware of that information. Trustees The Trustees of the Charity for the year were: Barbara Foster Ken Canavan Brendan Mullan Dr Alan Sharp David Johnston Dr David Eastwood Sir Paul Girvan Mary O'Hare Nigel Creigton Patricia Fulton Chair Vice-chair Treasurer Secretary Principal Address c/0 Barbara Foster 24 Woodvale Road Portstewart BT55 7JF Bankers HSBC 20-22 Railway Road Coleraine BT521PD Page 8 of 13 CAUSEWAY u3a RECEIPTS AND PAYMENTS ACCOUNT FOR THE YEAR ENDED 31ST MARCH 2024 TRUSTEES, ANNUAL REPORT (Cont'd) Independent Examiner Dr R I Peters Gallagher OBE FCA Moore {Nl) LLP 32 Lodge Road Coleraine County Londonderry BT52 INB Signed on behalf of the Trustees by: Barbara Foster Chalr Date: Page 9 of 13 CAUSEWAY u3a RECEIPTS AND PAYMENTS ACCOUNT FOR THE YEAR ENDED 31ST MARCH 2024 INDEPENDENT EXAMINERS REPORT Independent examiners report to the charity trustees of Causeway u3a I report on the accounts of the Charity for the year ended 31 st March 2024. Respective Responsibilities of Charity Trustees and Examiner As the charity's Trustees you are responsible for the preparation of the accounts in accordance with the Charities Act (Northern Ireland) 2008. It is my responsibility to: Examine the accounts under section 65 of the Charities Act Follow the procedures laid down in the general directions given by the Charity Commission under section 65{9) {bl of the Charities Act State whether particular matters have come to my attention. Basls of Independent Examiner's Report 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 by the Charity Commission for Northern Ireland under section 65{9)Ib) of the Charities Act. 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. My role is to state whether any material matters have come to my attention giving me cause to believe: That accounting records were not kept in accordance with section 63 of the Charities Act That the accounts do not accord with those accounting records That the accounts do not comply with the accounting requirements of the Charities Act That there is further information needed for a proper understanding of the accounts to be reached Independent examiner's ststement I have completed my examination and have no concerns in respect of the matters111 to (4) listed above and, in connection with following the Directions of the Charity Commission for Northern Ireland; I have found no matters that require drawing to your attention. Signed; Name". Dr R. l. Peters Gallagher OBE, FCA Moore (Nl) LLP, Chartered Accountants 32 Lodge Road Coleraine, BT52 INB Address: Date: 1st MAY 2024 Page IOof13 CAUSEWAY u3a RECEIPTS AND PAYMENTS ACCOUNT FOR THE YEAR ENDED 31ST MARCH 2024 CAUSEWAY u3a Statement of Receipts and Payments- Year Ended 31 March 2024 Unrestricted Funds Restricted Funds Total 2024 Total 2023 Receipts Voluntary Receipts Donations 5,529 5,529 3,345 246 Grants Other voluntary receipts 30 30 From Charitable Activities Membership Fees Activity Fees Outings 14,568 51,643 37,549 14,568 51,643 37,549 15,117 52,731 45,234 Total Receipts 109,319 109,319 116,673 Payments Cost of Charitable Activities Governance Costs Third Age Trust 80,650 7,491 7,875 80,650 7,491 7,875 89,559 7,832 5,386 Asset and Investment Purchase Purchase of Equipment 498 498 1,746 Total Payments 96,514 96,514 104,523 Net Receipts 12,805 12,805 12,150 Transfers tollfrom funds Surplus for the year 12,805 12.805 12,150 Pagell of13 CAUSEWAY u3a RECEIPTS AND PAYMENTS ACCOUNT FOR THE YEAR ENDED 31ST MARCH 2024 CAUSEWAY u3a Statement of Assets and Liabilities - Year Ended 31 March 2024 Unrestricted Funds Restricted Funds Total 2024 Total 2023 Funds Reconciliation Cash at bank 31.3.22 39,427 39.427 27,277 Surplus thi5 year end 12,805 12,805 12,150 Cash at bank 31.3.23 52,232 52,232 39,427 Bank Balances No I Current Account 30,874 20,429 929 23,469 14,770 1,188 39,427 No 2 Current Account Multi-currency credit cards 52,232 Other Assets Iunrestrlcted Fund) Audio Visual systems lat cost) Table Tennis table lat costl Table Tennis table (sale proceeds) Inkjet printers (at Costl Other equipment (at costl 965 690 -200 475 965 690 -200 475 1,930 1,930 Approved by the Trustees Isr MAY 2024 and signed on their behalf by: Barbara Foster Chair Brendan Mullan Treasurer Page 12 of 13 CAUSEWAY u3a RECEIPTS AND PAYMENTS ACCOUNT FOR THE YEAR ENDED 31ST MARCH 2024 NOTES TO THE ACCOUNTS l. Related Party Transattions No transactions with related parties or trustees occurred during the year. 2.Trustee Remuneration No remuneration was paid to any trustee during the year. 3. Trustee Expenses No expenses were paid to anytrustee during the year. 4. Accounting Policies The Charities Act (Northern Ireland) 2008 and The Charities (Accounts and Reports) Regulations (Northern Ireland) 2015 permit a charity to prepare a Receipts and Payments Account and a Statement of Assets and Liabilities where gross income in the fi'nancial year does not exceed £250,000. Therefore, Receipts and Payments Accounts and a Statement of Assets and Liabilities have been prepared and presented for the year ended 31st March 2024. All Income is recorded when received. All Expenditure is recorded when paid. 5. Flxed Assets Fixed assets are defined as items held for functional use, with a useful life longer than one year, and with a value above the capitalisation threshold. For all equipment the threshold is £200. Valuations have been provided for all such assets on the basis of their cost when acquired. Assets are not depreciated. All equipment is written off within three years of the purchase date. 7. Independent Scrutiny The Charities (Accounts and Reports) Regulations (Northern Ireland) 2015 requires any charity registered in Northern Ireland to have its accounts reviewed or audited. Where gross income in the financial year does not exceed £250,000 the review may be an Independent Examination by and Independent Person. Causeway u3a have chosen to exceed this minimum requirement by engaging a qualified person to undertake the review for the year to March 2024. Page 13 of 13