Registration No. NI636050
4 CORNERS FESTIVAL
ANNUAL REPORT AND ACCOUNTS
YEAR ENDED 31st MARCH 2024
4 CORNERS FESTIVAL
YEAR ENDED 31st MARCH 2024
CONTENTS
| Page | |
|---|---|
| Legal and Administrative Information | 1 |
| Members’ Report | 2-8 |
| Independent Examiner’s Report | 9 |
| Statement of Financial Activity | 10-11 |
| Balance Sheet | 12-13 |
| Statement of Cash Flows | 14 |
| Notes to the Accounts | 15-17 |
4 CORNERS FESTIVAL
YEAR ENDED 31st MARCH 2024
LEGAL AND ADMINISTRATIVE INFORMATION
| Date of Incorporation | 27 January 2016 | |
|---|---|---|
| Members | Reverend David A Campton | |
| Anthony F Hennessey | ||
| Fr Martin J Magill (Co-Chair) | ||
| Edward J Petersen | ||
| Reverend Robert S Stockman (Co-Chair) | ||
| Steven Gregg | ||
| Heather Palmer | ||
| Gerard Sowney | appointed 17/11/2023 | |
| Registered Office | 77 University Street | |
| Belfast | ||
| Co Antrim | ||
| BT7 1HL | ||
| Administrator | Megan Boyd | |
| Company Registration No. | NI 636050 | |
| HMRC Charities Registration No. | NI 00955 | |
| Charities Commission NI Reg No. | NIC 107877 | |
| Bankers | Danske Bank | |
| Donegall Square West | ||
| Belfast | ||
| BT1 6JS |
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4 CORNERS FESTIVAL
YEAR ENDED 31st MARCH 2024
MEMBERS’ REPORT
The members present their annual report together with the financial statements for the year 1st April 2023 to 31st March 2024.The members confirm that the Annual Report and financial statements of the charity comply with the current statutory requirements, the requirements of the charity's governing document and the provisions of the Statement of Recommended Practice (SORP) applicable to charities preparing their accounts in accordance with the Financial Reporting Standards applicable in the UK and Republic of Ireland (FRS 102) (effective 1 January 2015) as amended by update Bulletin 1 (effective 1 January 2015).
Objectives and Activities
a. History and Purposes
4 Corners Festival was initially incorporated in January 2016 as a charitable company. It seeks to inspire people from across the city of Belfast to transform it for the peace and prosperity of all. It consists of innovative events designed to entice people out of their own "corners" of the city and into new places where they will encounter new perspectives, new ideas and new friends.
The objects of 4 Corners Festival are:
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a) The provision of an annual festival in Belfast which acts as an inspiration to people from across the city; to transform it for the peace and well-being of all.
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b) To engage in relationship building and conflict transformation activities which support communities and societies who are experiencing or have experienced conflict.
b. Public benefit
When setting our aims and objectives and in planning our activities for the year we have given careful consideration to the Charity Commission for Northern Ireland’s guidance on public benefit to ensure that the activities have helped to achieve the charity’s purposes and provide a benefit to the beneficiaries.
The public benefit requirement states that purposes must be for the public benefit to be charitable. The benefits which flow from the Festival's purposes are increased opportunities for people living, working and socialising in Belfast to meet those from different backgrounds, become more familiar with and comfortable in shared spaces within the city and engage in cross-community consideration of issues affecting communities, leading to potential for improved community relations and a more peaceful and shared society.
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4 CORNERS FESTIVAL
YEAR ENDED 31st MARCH 2024
MEMBERS’ REPORT (Cont’d)
c. Achievements and Performance
4 Corners Festival 2024
The 2024 4 Corners Festival ran from 1 - 11 February 2024. The theme was Our Stories… Towards A Culture Of Hope and events were designed to share stories of personal and community hopes and inspire positive, inclusive attitudes towards the future development of Belfast. Most events were in-person, with some also streamed online.
As in previous years, the committee organised Festival events in all four corners of the city. Most events were open to the public and all were free to attend. Events included walking tours, panel discussions, drama, interviews, music and youth events.
The Festival opened on 1 February with the launch of the A Culture Of Hope Exhibition at Artcetera which remained open for the duration of the Festival. Westcourt Camera Club partnered with the Festival for a second year to produce works exploring the stories of people who have come to make Belfast their home. Scheduled to coincide with Late Night Art, the event attracted significant attendance.
The opening Sunday evening of the Festival offered Biblical thought from Clare Hayns, College Chaplain at Christ Church Oxford, who was joined by her illustrator son Micah to unpack the stories of lesser-known women from the Scriptures. Clare and Micah also facilitated the Festival’s annual lunchtime discussion for students held at the Methodist and Church of Ireland Chaplaincy at Queen’s University.
Having previously participated in the 2021 Festival event Rough Justice, Declan Lawn and Adam Patterson were warmly welcomed back in 2024 to discuss the issues explored in their highly successful NI police drama series Blue Lights.
The annual Friday night ‘In Conversation’ event featured music and interviews with TRÚ whose members (representing Irish nationalist, Ulster-Scots and British-Ukrainian heritages) shared stories of their personal backgrounds and the folk tales woven into their songs.
Five public figures - Nuala McKeever, John Barry, Tara Mills, Bishop Andrew Forster and Máirtín Ó Muilleoir - took part in The Stories That Shape Us, speaking about a book that was significant in their lives with excerpts of these works read by local actors.
Other key events included Elma Walsh speaking about the hope-filled legacy of her son Donal and ‘Discovering Jesus In The Other’, a launch of the new book by Bishop Alan Abernethy, retired Church of Ireland Bishop of Connor, and Jim Deeds, Catholic lay Pastoral Worker, in which they reflect on their life and faith journeys in the context of the Troubles.
Two popular annual events took place during the afternoon of the final Saturday of the Festival. The 2024 Wonderful Wander was based in East Belfast, taking in part of Connswater Greenway and reflecting on the industrial, natural and artistic history of the area. Knitting 4 Corners Together provided an opportunity for craft lovers to gather and discuss the themes of the festival while producing items to be gifted to local charities.
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4 CORNERS FESTIVAL
YEAR ENDED 31st MARCH 2024
MEMBERS’ REPORT (Cont’d)
The annual Radio Ulster broadcast service featured Rev Doug Gay unpacking biblical teaching on hope. This year the Festival was delighted to be invited to contribute to a televised morning service on RTE with Jim Deeds and Bishop Alan Abernethy speaking on themes from their book and a cross-denominational ensemble leading worship.
With a strong link to the theme of 2024, Belfast Stories Project partnered on two daytime workshops - Craic & Chronicles and Match Box City - at which participants explored the links between memories, stories and spaces.
Another partnership event in the programme was the Big Lunch Launch at which festival attendees gathered to share a meal and hear about an opportunity to promote cohesion in their local community. Event partners The Corrymeela Community and The Eden Project provided information on their Big Lunch project that will roll out later in 2024, encouraging participants to host their own inclusive community meal or party thereby extending the festival’s legacy in bringing Belfast together and building a culture of hope.
‘Celebrating Young Voices - Hopes For The Future’, developed in partnership with YMCA, Youthlink and Politics In Action, provided a platform for young people to express their hopes for themselves and for Belfast. Hedley Abernethy facilitated a panel of young people who are leading the way in various spheres of influence and attendees were invited to share and discuss their own views through interactive activities.
Other youth activities included a primary school drama project, an environmental action afternoon and partnership events with Peace Players NI and Ulster University.
Play It By Ear drama company worked with the Festival for a sixth year, developing a bespoke drama project entitled Deadbeat Avenue which explored themes of hope and community. Pairs of neighbouring primary schools from the North, South, East and West of the city received workshops for their P5 year group before selected pupils took part in dress rehearsals and a public performance in Methodist College’s Whitla Hall.
West Belfast hosted the pilot of a new format of youth event that is intended to be rolled out annually in a different ‘corner’ of the city each year. Young people gathered at St John’s Parish Hall to learn about the shared history of Belfast City Cemetery before undertaking clean-up activities on both that site and the nearby Forth Meadow Greenway. As part of the initiative members of the public were invited to submit requests for the graves of loved ones to be tidied prior to them visiting the cemetery after the Festival, increasing accessibility and promoting the cemetery as a shared and safe space.
For the sixth consecutive year, Peace Players NI partnered with the festival on a sports and community relations event. The Game Of 4 Corners attracted young people from schools, youth clubs and Peace Players networks to develop sports and team skills in integrated groups and explore the commonality between our stories and the supportive networks created by healthy communities.
The Festival’s successful long term partnership with Ulster University saw the delivery of the creative writing event Write Purpose Write Hope facilitated by award-winning local author Sue Divin. who led the pupils through workshops exploring how to address topical issues
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4 CORNERS FESTIVAL
YEAR ENDED 31st MARCH 2024
MEMBERS’ REPORT (Cont’d)
through writing and use fiction as a tool to promote empathy and peace. Some of the work produced was showcased on the Festival’s website.
The closing event of the Festival was held in St Comgall’s with Rev Doug Gay sharing powerful and challenging teaching on forgiveness from the story of Jonah. Music was provided by singer-songwriter Eilidh Patterson and attendees could view the So Much A Part Of Us exhibition detailing the story of Presbyterians in West Belfast.
Initially established as an online activity during the pandemic, the format of Night Prayer has evolved in recent years to complement the delivery of hybrid festivals, this year framing the programme with prayer through gatherings held following each Sunday evening event, led again by Jim Deeds, with guest Kiran Young Wimberly at the opening Sunday session.
The streaming of a number of festival events, and provision of online content facilitated connections with those unable to attend in person, for example due to health or caring responsibilities. Excalibur Press, with support from Inside Voice Productions were contracted to provide digital event management and content remains accessible via the Festival’s website and YouTube channel, creating potential for increased engagement throughout the year.
A team of event volunteers provided valuable support to the Festival directors and committee across the delivery of the festival programme in the areas of stewarding, set-up and catering.
The Festival benefitted over 3300 people during its delivery by providing them with opportunities to connect with new people, spaces and ideas either in person or online. All events were free to attend and online materials remain free to access via the Festival’s website and YouTube channel, increasing potential for more people to engage with this content and consider the issues explored. Positive feedback was received from attendees at both main programme and youth events. The majority of young participants felt that the event they participated in played a positive role in bringing people from different backgrounds together. They identified improved attitudes towards others and their shared environment, increased confidence and skills development as outcomes of taking part in the events. We are pleased to have been able to provide opportunities for children and young people to come together for fun, learning and creativity, encourage them to look forward with hope and to support continued collaboration between neighbouring primary schools in Belfast.
An online survey of attendees at events within the main programme showed that the majority of respondents felt comfortable in a shared space/space they wouldn’t traditionally attend; felt more connected with others and increased their knowledge of cultural traditions and backgrounds as a result of attending a festival event. 99% felt that the event played a positive role in bringing people from different backgrounds together.
Festival Promotion
Ruthless Media, with support from Excalibur Press were contracted to provide media and marketing support. The 2024 programme was released in December 2023 at a preview event for the Festival’s Friends, funders and event partners. We were delighted to be joined at this event by Liz Weir, Declan Lawn and the Sing For Life Choir as we unpacked the theme of the festival and looked ahead to key events. A printed programme was produced
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4 CORNERS FESTIVAL
YEAR ENDED 31st MARCH 2024
MEMBERS’ REPORT (Cont’d)
and events details were also shared via listings sites, mailing lists and the Festival’s website. Church engagement and social media played key roles in connecting with audiences. The festival also secured coverage in newspapers and on radio and TV. The 2024 Festival across print, broadcast, online and social channels had a reach of approximately 4.1 million. Bringing the Festival’s message into the public square in this way promoted broader consideration and discussion of community relations issues and progress towards improved communication and peace-building initiatives.
Carbon Offsetting
During the year 23/24 the 4 Corners Festival pledged to become carbon neutral. Recognising the importance of addressing the impact of our actions on the planet, it was agreed that the carbon produced by the festival be calculated and offset on an annual basis. The 2023 Festival generated 5.5 tonnes of carbon. This was offset by a donation to Belfast Hills Partnership to plant trees on the Festival’s behalf. During the 2024 launch event in December 2023 a cheque was presented to Belfast Hills Partnership which was equivalent to a greater carbon footprint than that of the 2023 festival, effectively making the Festival not just carbon neutral but carbon negative.
Income and Funding
All events were free to attend thanks to the generous support of funders and contributors. Funding for the 2024 festival was secured from The Executive Office Central Good Relations Fund, the Department of Foreign Affairs Reconciliation Fund, Belfast City Council’s Good Relations Fund and St Anne’s Cathedral sit-out. A successful application was also made to this last fund in relation to 2024/25 and was awarded in Feb 2024. Linen Quarter BID provided financial support for the ‘Stories That Shape Us’ event held at the Clayton Hotel. ‘Craic And Chronicles’ and ‘Match Box City’ were supported by the Belfast Stories Project. The Festival partnered with the Eden Project and the Corrymeela Community to deliver the Big Lunch Launch. Long-term event partner Ulster University provided in-kind support for the event for sixth form pupils hosted at their Belfast Campus. Valued financial support was also received from the Friends of the Festival who give on a monthly basis, improving the Festival’s sustainability and budget planning. One-off donations were also gratefully received at events. These regular and one-off donations assist in the Festival’s long-term strategy to become less reliant on funding bodies and enable the continued practice of setting aside a proportion of unrestricted reserves to be designated to the delivery of future festivals. This practice supported the delivery of the 2024 festival and will continue to contribute to the delivery of future festivals. The directors are grateful for the support of funding bodies, partner organisations, host venues and the general public as they seek to build the work of the Festival and improve financial sustainability.
Governance
During the period from 1 Apr 2023 - 31 March 2024, having completed the 6 month trial scheme, Gerard Sowney joined the board of directors of the 4 Corners Festival, bringing valued experience of cross community engagement and education. Directors, committee members and staff continue to build good working relationships with others working in the sector, facilitating shared learning, partnership and increased promotional reach.
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4 CORNERS FESTIVAL
YEAR ENDED 31st MARCH 2024
MEMBERS’ REPORT (Cont’d)
4 Corners Festival is a company limited by guarantee and registered with the Charities Commission for Northern Ireland (NIC 107877), governed by a Board of Trustees: Rev Fr Martin Magill, Parish Priest, St John The Evangelist, Rev Robert S Stockman, Minister of Fitzroy Presbyterian Church, Rev David Campton, Superintendent at Belfast Central Mission, Edward Petersen, Clonard Monastery Peace Ministry Co-ordinator, Anthony Hennessey, chartered accountant, Heather Palmer, HR Consultant, Steven Gregg, Engineer and Gerard Sowney, Lagan College Chaplain. The charity is controlled by its governing document, its Memorandum and Articles of Association dated 22nd January 2016.
The company's administrator is Megan Boyd.
The company's board and its administrator hold bi-monthly meetings. The company also has a planning committee comprising board representatives and other church and community participants. This committee meets monthly throughout the year.
The company applied for registration with the Charities Commission NI on 2nd March 2020 and this was confirmed on 7th September 2020.The organisation follows the Charities Commission's guidance and sets a target for reserves based on our cash flow requirements and an assessment of the risks facing the organisation. Our aim is to hold reserves at a level which is not excessive but does not put our solvency at risk. The trustees review the amount of reserves that are required to ensure that they are adequate to fulfil the charity's continuing obligations on a regular basis at their meetings.
We hold reserves for the following reasons
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a) To meet contractual liabilities should the company have to close, including redundancy pay and amounts due to creditors.
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b) To ensure that the charity can continue to provide a stable and quality programme of activity and allow for financial flexibility to respond to new initiatives and changing circumstances that may arise during the year.
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c) To fund risks that may materialise which may result in an unexpected increase in expenditure and/or a reduction in income.
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d) To provide working capital when funding is paid in arrears and place the charity in a position where it could apply for funding which can be paid up to 12 months in arrears.
The trustees have set aside reserves of £29,500 which they believe is adequate to provide both financial stability and the means for the development of our principal activity. The trustees have prepared a cashflow to 31st October 2025 and are satisfied that there is no material impact on income. An expenditure review shows that the organisation has adequate reserves to meet all predicted liabilities.
Statement of Members' Responsibilities
The members, who are also directors of 4 Corners Festival for the purpose of company law, are responsible for preparing the Members' Report and the accounts in accordance with applicable law and United Kingdom Accounting Standards (United Kingdom Generally Accepted Accounting Practice).
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4 CORNERS FESTIVAL
YEAR ENDED 31st MARCH 2024
MEMBERS’ REPORT (Cont’d)
Company Law requires the Members to prepare accounts for each financial year which give a true and fair view of the state of affairs of the company and of the incoming resources and application of resources, including the income and expenditure, of the charitable company for that year.
In preparing these accounts, the Members are required to:
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select suitable accounting policies and then apply them appropriately
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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 UK Accounting Standards have been followed, subject to any material departures disclosed and explained in the accounts and
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prepare the accounts on the going concern basis unless it is inappropriate to presume that the company will continue in operation.
The Members are responsible for keeping adequate accounting records that disclose with reasonable accuracy the financial position of the company and enable them to ensure that the accounts comply with the Companies Act 2006. They are also responsible for safeguarding the assets of the company and hence for taking reasonable steps for the prevention and detection of fraud and other irregularities.
The Members' report was approved by the Board of Members
Dated
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4 CORNERS FESTIVAL
YEAR ENDED 31st MARCH 2024
INDEPENDENT EXAMINER’S REPORT
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4 CORNERS FESTIVAL
YEAR ENDED 31st MARCH 2024
STATEMENT OF FINANCIAL ACTIVITIES FOR THE YEAR ENDED 31st MARCH 2024
| Incoming Resources Notes Donations & Misc Inc Grant Income 1 Outgoing Resources Salaries Events Other Expenses Net Incoming Resources Balance brought forward Transfer to designated funds |
Unres’ted Res'ted Desig'ed Total 2023 Funds Funds Funds £ £ £ £ £ 10,898 - - 10,898 14,619 62,943 - 62,943 62,411 |
|---|---|
| 10,898 62,943 - 73,840 77,030 |
|
| £ £ £ £ £ - 19,604 2,385 21,989 21,978 4,977 42,475 3,515 50,967 47,832 691 865 100 1,655 1, 168 |
|
| 5,668 62,943 6,000 74,610 70,978 |
|
| 5,230 - -6,000 -770 6,052 20,537 - 27,500 48,037 41,985 - 8000 - 8000 - - |
|
| 17,767 - 29,500 47,267 48,037 |
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4 CORNERS FESTIVAL
YEAR ENDED 31st MARCH 2024
STATEMENT OF FINANCIAL ACTIVITIES (Cont’d)
All amounts above relate to the continuing operations of the company
The company has no recognised gains or losses other than those included in the results above and therefore no separate statement of total recognised gains and losses has been presented.
There is no difference between the net incoming resources and the funds retained for the period stated above and their historic cost equivalents.
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4 CORNERS FESTIVAL
YEAR ENDED 31st MARCH 2024
BALANCE SHEET AS AT 31st MARCH 2024
| Notes Current Assets Cash at bank and on hand Debtors and Prepayments 5 Stock Current Liabilities Creditors and Accruals 6 Net Current Assets Represented by Unrestricted Funds Restricted Funds Designated Funds |
2024 £ 33,228 19,415 - 52,643 5,376 47,267 £ 17,767 - 29,500 47,267 |
2023 £ 25,720 27,108 - |
|---|---|---|
| 52,828 | ||
| 4,791 | ||
| 48,037 | ||
| £ 20,537 - 27,500 |
||
| 48,037 |
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4 CORNERS FESTIVAL
YEAR ENDED 31st MARCH 2024
For the financial year ended 31st March 2024 the company was entitled to exemption from audit under Section 477 of the Companies Act 2006 relating to small companies.
These financial statements have been prepared in accordance with the special provisions relating to companies subject to the small companies regime within Part 15 of the Companies Act 2006. Approved and authorised by the Board on and signed on its behalf by
Fr Martin Magill Director
Anthony Hennessey Director
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4 CORNERS FESTIVAL
YEAR ENDED 31st MARCH 2024
STATEMENT OF CASH FLOWS
| Surplus for the year Add: Depreciation Investment income received Fixed Assets purchased Increase in Debtors Decrease in Creditors Decrease in Stock Increase in Bank Balance Opening Bank Balance Closing Bank Balance |
2024 2023 £ £ -770 6,052 - - |
|---|---|
| -770 6,052 - - - - |
|
| -770 6,052 - 7,693 - 4,038 585 3,550 - - |
|
| 7,508 5,564 |
|
| 7,508 5,564 25,720 20,156 |
|
| 33,228 25,720 |
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4 CORNERS FESTIVAL
YEAR ENDED 31st MARCH 2024
NOTES TO THE ACCOUNTS
| 1. Grant Income The Executive Office Central Good Relations Funding Belfast City Council - Good Relations Funding Linen Quarter BID Dept of Foreign Affairs & Trade - Reconciliation Fund St Anne’s Cathedral Sit-out |
2024 2023 £ £ 36,315 37,350 3,700 3,850 1207 - 20,871 20,611 850 600 |
|---|---|
| 62,943 62,411 |
2. General Information
The company is a private company, limited by guarantee, incorporated in Northern Ireland.
The address of its registered office is:
| 77 University Street | |
|---|---|
| Belfast BT7 1HL | |
| HMRC Charities Number | NI 00955 |
| Company Registration No | NI 636050 |
| NI Charities Commission Ref Number | NIC 107877 |
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4 CORNERS FESTIVAL
YEAR ENDED 31st MARCH 2024
NOTES TO THE ACCOUNTS (Cont’d)
3. Accounting Policies
The principal accounting policies applied in the preparation of these financial statements are set out below. They have been consistently applied to all of the years presented unless otherwise stated.
Statement of Compliance
3.1 These financial statements have been prepared in accordance with Financial Reporting Standard 102 Section 1A – ‘The Financial Reporting Standard applicable in the UK and Republic of Ireland’ and the Companies Act 2006. They have been prepared in accordance with the company's governing document. The company is a Public Benefit Entity as defined by FRS 102.
Notwithstanding the provisions in the SORP for charities applying FRS 102 Update Bulletin 1 the directors have decided to prepare a Statement of Cash Flows.
3.2 Going Concern
At the time of approving the accounts the Members have a reasonable expectation that the company has adequate resources to continue in operational existence for the foreseeable future. The directors have reviewed the ongoing impact of Covid - 19 and are satisfied that it will not have a negative effect on the charity's going concern assumption.
3.3 Charities Commission NI
The company applied for registration with the Charities Commission NI on 2nd March 2020 and this was confirmed on 7th September 2020. The company was recognised as a charity for tax purposes by H M Revenue and Customs in line with Para 1 of Schedule 6 Finance Act 2020 with effect from 27th January 2016.
3.4 Basis of preparation
These financial statements have been prepared using the historical cost convention.
3.5 Charitable Funds
Unrestricted funds are available for use at the discretion of the members in furtherance of their charitable objectives unless the funds have been designated for other purposes.
Restricted funds are subject to specific conditions by donors 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.
Designated funds are funds set aside by the members for specific future projects and to meet contractual liabilities should the charity have to close including redundancy payments, amounts due to creditors and commitments under leases.
3.6 Incoming Resources
Income is recognised when the company is legally entitled to it after any performance conditions have been met, the amounts can be measured reliably, and it is probable that the income will be received.
Cash donations are recognised upon receipt.
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YEAR ENDED 31st MARCH 2024
NOTES TO THE ACCOUNTS (Cont’d)
3.7 Resources Expended
Liabilities are recognised as expenditure as soon as there is a legal or constructive obligation committing the company to that expenditure, it is probable that settlement will be required and the amount of the obligation can be reliably measured. All expenditure is accounted for on an accruals basis.
3.8 Stock
Stock is stated at the lower of cost and nett realisable value.
4. Staff numbers
The average number of employees for the year was 1.
5. Debtors
----- Start of picture text -----
2024 2023
£ £
Grants due 17,656 23,120
6. Creditors and Accruals
£ £
Creditors & Accruals: falling due within one year 5,376 4,791
----- End of picture text -----
6. Creditors and Accruals
7. Members
None of the members (or any persons connected with them) received any remuneration or benefits from the company during the year.
8. Related Party Transactions
There were no related party transactions during the year. (2023 - none)
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