Skylark IX Recovery Trust
Annual Report and Accounts for the year ended 31 March 2025
To be presented at the Annual General Meeting on 22 October 2025
1. Reference and Administrative Details
Charity Name: Skylark IX Recovery Trust Charity Number:SC001219 Registered Address: ℅ 1 Quay Street Dumbarton G82 1LG Website: http://www.skylarkix.com/ Independent Examiner/Auditor:
2. Chair’s Introduction
The past year has been one of significant progress and renewed community engagement for the Skylark IX Recovery Trust. Against a challenging backdrop of limited resources, our team, volunteers, and partners have continued to deliver transformative programmes connecting recovery, heritage, and community. Highlights of the year include:
The production of the Dunkirk Commemorative Concert, commemorating the anniversary of Operation Dynamo and honouring the Skylark IX’s historic role. The concert involved a local school, other charities and members of the local community.
A visit from the Lord-Lieutenancy, recognising the Trust’s contribution to recovery, community and heritage.
The Trust’s nomination for the King’s Award for Voluntary Service, a powerful testament to our volunteers’ dedication
The engagement of a new Community engagement officer -
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A visit from Neil Gray, Cabinet Secretary for Health and Social Care in the Scottish Parliament.
Development of the Rowing School
Fundraising and planning for representatives of the Trust to travel to Dunkirk for the 8th anniversary of Operation Dynamo
The Trust continues to be inspired by Skylark IX’s legacy — a symbol of hope, recovery, and resilience — and to build on that legacy through skills, connection, and community.
- Structure, Governance and Management
Skylark IX Recovery Trust is a Scottish Charitable Incorporated Organisation (SCIO) governed by its constitution. Trustees meet regularly to oversee strategy, governance, and financial management.
The charity continues to work closely with key partners including Alternatives, West Dunbartonshire, The Scottish Maritime Museum (Denny Tank), and local community groups. Volunteers remain at the heart of our activities, providing essential support in delivering our programmes and events.
4. Charitable Purposes and Aims
The Skylark IX Recovery Trust exists to:
Preserve and celebrate the heritage of the Dunkirk “Little Ship” Skylark IX.
Support people in recovery from addiction to rebuild their lives through heritage, craft, and water-based activity.
Our aims for 2024/25, aligned with Corra Foundation funding outcomes, were to: Provide skills training in heritage craft and water-based physical activities for people in recovery.
Support people to develop practical life and employability skills within a team-based environment.
- Activities and Key Focus Areas (2024–2025) The key areas of focus were:
Development and coordination of wood-craft skills workshops at the Denny Tank Museum.
Development and relaunch of the Skylark IX Community Rowing Project.
Strengthening communications between partners, volunteers, and the local community.
- Achievements and Performance Participation and Engagement Over 100 people engaged across projects.
Over 300 volunteer hours recorded.
Over 35 community members regularly involved in Skylark IX Community Rowing (at least 10 in recovery).
Programmes Delivered
Two 12-week woodcraft workshops delivered at Denny Tank Museum.
Two 6-week canoe skills workshops delivered to participants in recovery.
Skylark IX Community Rowing Project successfully relaunched, promoting connection, physical wellbeing, and teamwork.
Online donations platform launched, generating an additional £197.68 in unrestricted income.
Funding Awarded £11,503 from WDC Mental Health and Wellbeing Fund for canoeing programme.
Continued funding from the Corra Foundation, enabling delivery of recovery and heritage projects.
Community and Heritage
Successful Dunkirk Commemorative Concert marking 84 years since Operation Dynamo.
Lord-Lieutenancy visit recognising the charity’s role in recovery and heritage engagement.
Nomination for the King’s Award for Voluntary Service.
Continued engagement through talks, local heritage networks, open days, and rowing events.
7. Challenges
Balancing multiple roles within our limited volunteer base
Resource constraints – demands on a limited staff time and management capacity.
Funding limitations – reliance on small grants and core Corra support.
Despite these pressures, collaborative working and community commitment allowed the Trust to maintain delivery and impact.
8. Impact
Over 100 people engaged across projects.
Over 300 hours of volunteering recorded.
63% of participants took up additional opportunities (training, volunteering, or further activities).
25% of participants achieved First Aid certification.
100% of participants reported feeling supported in their recovery journey.
Average participant engaged in two or more Skylark projects, reflecting strong continuity and community connection.
9. Looking Ahead to 2025–2026
Our aims for the coming year include:
Oar-building project with Skylark IX rowers and recovery community participants.
Deliver another block of woodwork skills workshops.
Continue to build the Community Rowing Project, aiming for it to become self-led by 2026.
Restart oral history project to capture voices from veterans, recovery participants, and community members.
Prioritise grant fundraising and donor development.
Develop a 2026 strategic vision and long-term sustainability plan.
Strengthen trustee board with additional expertise in fundraising, governance, boat building and strategy.
11. Statement of Trustees’ Responsibilities
The trustees are responsible for preparing the Annual Report and Financial Statements in accordance with the requirements of the Charities and Trustee Investment (Scotland) Act 2005 and the Charities Accounts (Scotland) Regulations 2006.
The trustees confirm that they have complied with their duty to act in the interests of the charity, to ensure that its assets are used exclusively for charitable purposes, and that the accounts give a true and fair view of the charity’s financial position.
12. Acknowledgements
The Trustees wish to thank all volunteers, funders, and partners — particularly Corra Foundation, Alternatives,West Dunbartonshire Council, and the Scottish Maritime Museum for their continued support.
Special thanks to the Skylark IX crew, recovery community participants, and everyone who contributes to keeping the Skylark IX story alive.
Approved by the Board of Trustees on 22/10/25 and signed on its behalf by:
Date: 22/10/25
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