Our Community Kitchen Trustees’ Annual Report From 1 August 2023 to 31 July 2024
Charity Contact Information
Our Community Kitchen (OCK)
Scottish Charity Number: SC048677
Facebook: Our Community Kitchen East Lothian
OCK Annual Report 2023/2024 Approved on 23 May 2025
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Charlty Trustees The Trustees detailed below were appointed or re-appointed within the approprrate goveman outlined in the organisation's constitution and ratified at the AGM held 17 February 2025. Note= During this reporting period Betsy Fowler became a Trustee in July 2024 and resigned, which was accepted by the Board of Trustees (effective from 3 February 2025). uncompromising determination to meet our local community needs resulted in the inception of OCK in 2018. Her dedication and relentless commitment enabled the organisation to grow and expand continuously (further reducing isolation and loneliness year after year (currently
140 vulnerablelisolated participants attend OCK per week for food. friendship, and activities). was instrumental in establishing 0 community gardens (one at Meadowpark School for Autism and Tynebank Resource Centre for people with complex needs). These community resources and utilised significantly by the community and participants of both organisations. exceptional at motivating staff and volunteers culminating in a pool of fity with a diverse lange of skillslexperience to continually enhance the services provided. tenacity to ensure the success of OCK and meet our community needs resulted in her raising £40k in the first, which increased annually, to a phenomenal £216,939 in 2024. OCK Annual Report 202312024 Approved on 23 May 2025 Page 3 of 22
OCK Objectives and Activities
Purpose
The relief of those in need by reason of age, ill-health, disability, financial hardship, or other disadvantage by creating a safe, supporting and welcoming environment, providing nutritious food, participation in various activities and offering opportunities for friendship to develop thereby reducing isolation.
The organisation’s purposes are:
The relief of those in need by reason of age, ill-health, disability, financial hardship, or other disadvantage by creating a safe, supporting and welcoming environment, providing hearty food, offering opportunities to connect by bringing people together thereby reducing isolation, and offering a range of social activities.
The provision of recreational facilities, or the organisations of recreational activities with the object of improving the conditions of life for the intended beneficiaries but not limited to board games, bingo, singing, dancing, talks from invited speakers and outings.
Provision of therapeutic, learning experiences within local community gardens which are accessible to all, with a focus on delivery of intergenerational projects which make a positive difference in the lives of participants of all ages. This will be delivered through the Our Community Garden (OCG) project.
What We Do
In addition to providing nutritious food, OCK provides recreational facilities, or the organisation of recreational activities with the object of improving the physical and mental health for the intended beneficiaries through a variety of activities and events.
Our Community Garden (OCG) is a branch of OCK whose mission is to establish community gardens that are ‘accessible to all.’ Its purpose is to bring people of all ages and abilities together to plant, grow and cook food and enabling friendships to form.
OCG creates a “positive difference” for those within the local community by providing a therapeutic and learning resource. A key aspect of OCG is to deliver intergenerational projects and initiatives that bring children and adults in the local community together for the benefit of everyone involved.
Who We Help
OCK operates an inclusive policy and consequently is open to all members of the local community. We are committed to the principle of equality regardless of age, disability, gender reassignment, marriage and civil partnership, pregnancy or maternity, race, religion or belief, sex, or sexual orientation. In addition, we will apply equal opportunities policies that are fair, equitable and consistent with skills and abilities.
OCK Annual Report 2023/2024 Approved on 23 May 2025
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Liability of Charity Trustees
The Charity Trustees of OCK (in their capacity as members - see clause 11) have no liability to pay any sums to help to meet the debts (or other liabilities) of the organisation if it is wound up; accordingly, if the organisation is unable to meet its debts, the Charity Trustees will not be held responsible.
The Charity Trustees have certain legal duties under the Charities and Trustee Investment (Scotland) Act 2005; and clause 7 does not exclude (or limit) any personal liabilities they might incur if they are in breach of those duties or in breach of other legal obligations or duties that apply to them personally.
General Structure
The structure of the organisation consists of the BOARD who hold regular meetings and control the activities of the organisation; for example, the Board is responsible for monitoring and controlling the financial position of the organisation. The Board appoints Charity Trustees to fill vacancies, and the people serving on the Board (in their capacity as members of the organisation) have power to amend the Constitution itself.
Under the Constitution, no-one can be a member unless he/she is also a Charity Trustee of the organisation. The Charities and Trustee Investment (Scotland) Act 2005 requires certain decisions to be taken by the Charity Trustees in their capacity as members of the organisation.
Board
The maximum number of Charity Trustees is five and the minimum number of Charity Trustees is three. The Trustees have the power to co-opt trustees with specific skills for a set period e.g. Surveyor or Engineer to support a building project. A person will not be eligible for election or appointment to the Board if he/she is disqualified from being a Charity Trustee under the Charities and Trustee Investment (Scotland) Act 2005 or an employee of the organisation
Appointment/Retiral of Trustees
The Board may at any time appoint any person to be a Charity Trustee - by way of a resolution passed by a majority vote at a Board meeting, subject to a maximum of 7 Trustees. All Trustees will be in place until the next AGM following their appointment where they can stand to be reelected until the following AGM.
OCK Annual Report 2023/2024 Approved on 23 May 2025
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OCK Main Activities
Our Community Kitchen exists to reduce social isolation across the local community for people of all ages and abilities by bringing people together to eat nutritious food, participate in activities and social events which enable friendships to form.
OCK was established following analysis of extensive research conducted by our Founder, to identify the needs of the local community and it was evident that many of the people in the local community were suffering from isolation or loneliness which was a contributory factor to a variety of health issues.
Preliminary funding was granted by the Big Lottery and OCK commenced with bringing people in our local community together to enjoy healthy and nutritious food. Since its inception, OCK has continued to mature and development on an incremental basis with participants enjoying food, partaking in activities/exercises, and stimulating interaction resulting in an increase in their physical and mental health.
OCK is at the heart of our local community and is widely supported by residents, businesses, and other charitable organisations.
OCK Annual Report 2023/2024 Approved on 23 May 2025
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OCK Social Activities
OCK has an innovative and experienced Activities Co-ordinator to organise and accompany participants on day trips, develop, and organise a varied programme of after lunch activities, walking & outdoor activities, and day trips. The Co-ordinator also actively promotes OCK within the local community to attract additional participants who would benefit from nutritional food, social activities, and companionship.
OCK Annual Report 2023/2024 Approved on 23 May 2025
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Our Garden Activities
Our Community Garden (OCG) was established under the OCK umbrella with the sole purpose to create community gardens that are ‘accessible to all’ to reduce isolation and loneliness within the local community. It generates a “positive difference” for our community by providing an accessible, therapeutic, and learning resource.
OCK Annual Report 2023/2024 Approved on 23 May 2025
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Structure, Governance and Management
OCK is a registered Scottish Charitable Incorporated Organisation (SCIO) and operates under a formal Constitution (amended and ratified by the Charity Trustees at the organisation’s AGM held on 17 February 2025).
OCK’s Constitution sets out its purpose, structure, administrative procedures and describes how it will operate. The trustees have responsibility to ensure that OCK complies with its Constitution and associated policies outlined at the end of this document.
OCK Annual Report 2023/2024 Approved on 23 May 2025
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Trustee recruitment and appointment
The Board may at any time appoint any person to be a Charity Trustee - by way of a resolution passed by majority vote at a Board meeting. OCK has a diverse board with an eclectic amalgamation of skills and experience necessary to achieve the organisation’s aims and objectives.
Achievements and performance
General
Since its inception in 2018, OCK has continued to grow incrementally. It has been another successful year for OCK in relation to increasing the number of participants attending and enhancing the social, educational, and physical activities offered to our participants with the purpose of reducing isolation and loneliness within our local community.
Our Founder/Manager, staff and volunteers continue to work innovatively and collaboratively to identify new opportunities and initiatives for the ultimate benefit of our participants.
Notable Highlights
Following consultation with a local primary school we established an Intergenerational Programme. This was a collaborative initiative to bring children and adults in the local community together to participate in a variety of activities for the benefit of everyone involved. The innovative initiative was extremely successful, wonderful friendships developed and has been extended for another year.
OCK Annual Report 2023/2024 Approved on 23 May 2025
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In 2023, a joint partnership was established with Tynebank Resource Centre to create another community garden to reduce isolation and loneliness within the local community. Extensive work was conducted by our Garden Co-ordinator, local supporters, and volunteers to transform the widespread and overgrown area into a community resource comprising of an abundance of fruit and vegetables, raised beds (accessible to all for educational and wellbeing sessions) and beautiful creative spaces for the benefit of the local community.
We have further developed partnerships in the local community by providing volunteering opportunities for pupils from our local High School undertaking their Duke of Edinburgh Awards and Meadowpark School for Autism to raise their confidence and self-esteem.
We have maintained and developed our partnership relationships with local businesses in addition to establishing new ones. The development of these local relationships resulted in an increase in participants attending OCK.
Once again, we were successful in securing funding via financial donations from individuals and local businesses, gifts in kind, local and national grants (annual accounts refer).
Recruitment
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OCK continued to benefit from a significant pool of forty-two volunteers with a diverse range of skills and experience. They are a resolute and invaluable resource who undertake a variety of activities and services within the kitchen/gardens and aligned to our core values.
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The financial equivalent of the volunteer support is £60,952.32 per annum (based on six volunteers each day for four hours @ the basic wage of £12.21 = £293.04. Four days per week = £1,172.16 per week x 52 weeks per year = £60,952.32.).
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We have also benefitted extensively from local businesses and community volunteers supporting us with a variety of activities required to develop and maintain our new community garden.
Fundraising
Our Fundraising Team, Staff and Volunteers raised funds for OCK by organising or participating in the events below which were a tremendous success.
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Quiz Night
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Community Fun Run
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Halloween Disco
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Three Craft Fairs
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Toby Walk
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Promotional Day at Dunbar Garden Centre
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Bag Packing at Tesco
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Clothes Soiree
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Afternoon Tea
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Half Marathon
OCK Annual Report 2023/2024 Approved on 23 May 2025
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Our Social Activities
OCK strives to achieve its objective of reducing isolation and loneliness in the local community by providing a diverse range of activities (summarised in the list below and photographs incorporated).
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Quizzes
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Card Making
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Easter Bonnets
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Weaving and Crochet
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Quizzes
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Singalongs
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Sketching
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Exercise and Dance
Day Trips
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North Berwick Seabird Centre
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Museum of Flight
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Kelpies and Bo'ness Railway
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Botanic Gardens Edinburgh
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Prestongrange Mining Museum
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Ratho Barges
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Collinton Tunnel
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Dobbies Garden Centre
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Wild West Street
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Royal Yacht Britannia
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Soutra Cafe
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Marine Hotel for Afternoon tea
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Our Community Garden Activities
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Second Community Garden Established
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Creation of a wildlife pond
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Developed a mini orchard
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Native planting to attract pollinators
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Installation of a hedgehog house and feeding station
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Installation of a camera train to capture/share visits from local wildlife
In 2023, a joint partnership was established with Tynebank Resource Centre to create another community garden to reduce isolation and loneliness within the local community.
Funds were raised via a grant from Tyne and Esk Rural Development Fund which enabled OCK to clear the overgrown area, install raised beds, a polytunnel and a potting shed. We received a kind donation of a toolshed and second-hand greenhouse which have both been refurbished and widely utilised.
An additional grant from the East Lothian Climate Hub enabled OCK to support and encourage nature in the garden by undertaking some of the activities mentioned above.
This incredible initiative would not have been possible without the valued assistance from our local supporters/businesses and the immense commitment by our wonderful volunteers. Their contributions enable OCK to transform a vacant space into a community resource comprising of an attractive and accessible space which allows us to grow fruit and vegetables, support nature and provide opportunities for people of all ages and abilities to enjoy spending time outdoors to enhance their physical and mental wellbeing.
In addition to the local community utilising the garden attendees at Tynebank Resource Centre for people with complex needs also enjoy the garden. We have three regular small groups from Meadowpark School for Autism who attend for volunteering and educational purposes in addition to a small gardening group from Tynebank Resource Centre.
This successful new initiative has enabled OCK to provide additional opportunities for social interaction with members of the local community to reduce isolation and loneliness.
OCK Annual Report 2023/2024 Approved on 23 May 2025
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OCK Annual Report 2023/2024 Page 14 of 22 Approved on 23 May 2025
Financial review
Overall income increased from £166,539 to £216,939. Overall expenditure increased from £148,857 to £194,072.
Statement of the charity’s policy on reserves
The Trustees believe that it is appropriate for OCK to maintain a level of reserves sufficient to allow it to cope with changes in demand for its activities and to meet any unforeseen expenditure.
The surplus of receipts over payments for the period was £22,867.
Unrestricted Funds of £69,553 and Restricted funds of £147,386.
Funds raised during the year will be spent in furtherance of OCK's objectives over the coming years.
Donated Facilities and Services
We continue to receive food, commodities, and services from local businesses.
Future Plans
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Income Generation Initiative to extend the opportunities available to sell our Frozen Food
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Ongoing collaboration with the local school to continue and expand the Intergenerational Initiative.
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To be self-sufficient by growing an abundance of fruit and vegetables needed to supply OCK on a weekly basis.
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Provide further development opportunities for children with autism by offering supervised volunteering roles within OCK.
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Continue to explore opportunities to expand and develop a community well being centre incorporating a variety of community groups.
OCK Annual Report 2023/2024 Approved on 23 May 2025
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Policy Documents
At OCK we provide equal opportunities and are committed to the principle of equality regardless of age, disability, gender reassignment, marriage and civil partnership, pregnancy or maternity, race, religion or belief, sex, or sexual orientation. We will apply policies that are fair, equitable and consistent with skills and abilities.
We ask our staff, volunteers, and participants to support us in the implementation of these policies to ensure equality of opportunities in addition to other legal, conduct and grievance polices.
A copy of OCK policies detailed below are available on request:
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Confidentiality and non-disclosure
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Equal Opportunities
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First Aid Policy
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GDPR and Privacy Statement
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Home Working
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Participants
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Respect and Dignity
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Safeguarding
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Staff Contract and Policies
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Volunteer Agreement and Policies
Our Values
At OCK we live by “Our Values” from Volunteers, Staff, & Manager to Board of Trustees.
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Patience
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Empathy
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Kindness
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Compassion
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Dependability
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Nurturing
OCK Annual Report 2023/2024 Approved on 23 May 2025
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Declaration
I Karen Dick certify that the information provided in this Annual Report is true and complete to the best of my knowledge as Chairperson of Our Community Kitchen (OCK).
Signed on behalf of the charity trustees:
Chairperson Designation Date 23 May 2025
OCK Annual Report 2023/2024 Approved on 23 May 2025
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Appendlx l - Plctorlal Analysls of Ongolng Development and Progresslon of OCK Surnmary of Income & Expenditure Since Inception 2018 Summary of OCK Income & Expenditure 2019-2024 tZ50.0 £?,0 t),0 Z019 20ZO 2021 2025 ZQZ4 Income ll Expenditure Summary of Opportunities Created. Staff, Volunteers & Participants (Weekly) Breakdown of Currentstaff, Volunteers & Participants Staff • Volunteers Participants OCK Annual Report 202312024 Approved on 23 May 2025 Page 18 of22
OUR COMMUNITY KITCHEN YEAR ENDED 31 JULY 2024 STATEMENT OF RECEIPTS AND PAYMENTS
| Incoming resources Donations towards meals National Lottery - kitchen Robertson Trust Foundation Scotland (Baillie Gifford) Impact funding (Silf) Volunteer Centre East Lothian Bank of Scotland Foundation Lammermuir Larder Just Giving ELC Tyne & Esk Fund B&Q foundation McInroy & Wood 50/50 Club Other donations and fundraising National Lottery - garden One Partnership Funding (ELC) McCarthy & Stone Other donations and fundraising Total receipts Resources expended Food People costs Utilities Activities 50/50 Club Other Garden supplies and equipment Total payments Surplus/(deficit) for the period Reconciliation of Funds Total funds brought forward Transfers Total funds carried forward |
Unrestricted Restricted Total Total Funds Funds Funds 2024 Funds 2023 £ £ £ £ |
|---|---|
| 21,521 21,521 20,903 31,000 31,000 48,210 15,000 15,000 15,000 0 4,800 27,206 27,206 0 12,780 12,780 18,864 21,600 21,600 0 1,500 1,500 2,280 13,004 13,004 0 14,321 14,321 0 5,000 5,000 0 5,000 5,000 0 7,325 7,325 8,540 21,203 912 22,115 25,709 9,360 9,360 9,750 7,200 7,200 8,000 0 3,000 3,007 3,007 1,483 |
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| 69,553 147,386 216,939 166,539 |
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| 21,450 21,450 15,413 12,634 110,849 123,483 99,379 5,767 5,767 3,239 4,691 4,691 7,984 3,635 3,635 4,674 13,283 13,283 15,118 21,763 21,763 3,050 |
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| 56,769 137,303 194,072 148,857 |
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| 12,784 10,083 22,867 17,682 20,439 72,835 93,274 69,964 12,982 12,982 - 0 0 |
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| 46,205 69,936 116,141 87,646 |
Approved by the Trustees on 23 May 2025
and signed on their behalf by
OCK Annual Report 2023/2024 Approved on 23 May 2025
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OUR COMMUNITY KITCHEN SCIO STATEMENT OF BALANCES 31 JULY 2024
| Bank and Cash In Hand Opening balance Surplus for Year Closing balance Represented by: Bank balances Cash Reserves Unrestricted Income funds Restricted Income Funds Closing balances Other assets Kitchen Equipment Other equipment Total |
Total Funds Total Funds 31/07/2024 31/07/2023 £ £ |
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| 93,274 75,592 22,867 17,682 |
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| 116,141 93,274 115,775 92,795 366 479 |
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| 116,141 93,274 46,205 20,439 69,936 72,835 |
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| 116,141 93,274 |
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| 31/07/2024 31/07/2023 £ £ 1,220 1,220 0 0 |
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| 1,220 1,220 |
The financial statements were approved by the Board of Trustees on 23 May 2025 and were signed on its behalf by:
OCK Annual Report 2023/2024 Approved on 23 May 2025
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The accounts have been prepared on a receipts and payments basis.
2. Restricted Funds
The charity has received funding from a number of sources which are for use in specified ways to support the activities of the Community Kitchen.
| Opening | Balance | Transfer | Transfer | Balance | |||||
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Balance | at | (to)/from | at | ||||||
| **01/08/2022 ** | Receipts | **Payments ** | **31/07/2023 ** | Receipts | **Payments ** | **unrestricte ** | 31/07/2024 | ||
| £ | £ | £ | £ | £ | £ | £ | £ | ||
| National Lottery -kitchen | 2,508 | 46,660 | 32,207 | 16,961 | 31,000 | 49,038 | 1,077 | - |
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| Area Partnerships | 2,897 | 2,446 | 451 | - | 451 |
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| Foundation Scotland | 2,857 | 2,857 | - | 2,857 |
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| Vol. Centre E Lothian | 12,373 | 16,690 | 13,262 | 15,801 | 13,692 | 12,513 | 16,980 |
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| Robertson Trust | 2,500 | 15,000 | 13,750 | 3,750 | 15,000 | 15,000 | 3,750 |
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| National Lottery - garden | 6,994 | 9,750 | 4,149 | 12,595 | 9,360 | 21,955 |
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| One Partnership | 5,779 | 8,000 | 4,148 | 9,631 | 7,200 | 16,831 |
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| Impact funding (SILF) | - | 27,206 | 24,978 | 2,228 | |||||
| ELC Tyne & Esk | - | 14,321 | 14,359 | 38 | - | ||||
| Bank of Scotland Foundation | - | 21,600 | 13,965 | 7,635 | |||||
| B&Q Foundation | - | 5,000 | 4,443 | 557 | |||||
| Other | 9,788 | 8,565 | 7,564 | 10,789 | 3,007 | 3,007 | - | 10,789 | - |
| 45,696 | 104,665 | 77,526 | 72,835 | 147,386 | 137,303 | - | 12,982 | 69,936 |
A review of other balances brought forward from previous years has resulted in the remaining balances being recategorised as unrestricted and they have been transferred accordingly.
OCK Annual Report 2023/2024 Approved on 23 May 2025
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Independent Examiner’s Report to the Trustees of Our Community Kitchen SCIO
Registered Charity Number SC048677
I report on the accounts of the charity for the period ended 31 July 2024.
Respective responsibilities of trustees and examiner
The charity’s trustees are responsible for the preparation of the accounts in accordance with the terms of the Charities and Trustee Investment (Scotland) 2005 Act and the Charities Accounts (Scotland) Regulations 2006. The charity trustees consider that the audit requirement of Regulation 10(1) (d) of the 2006 Accounts Regulations does not apply. It is my responsibility to examine the accounts as required under section 44(1) (c) of the Act and to state whether particular matters have come to my attention.
Basis of independent examiner’s statement
My examination is carried out in accordance with Regulation 11 of the Charities Accounts (Scotland) Regulations 2006. An examination includes a review of the accounting records kept by the charity and a comparison of the accounts presented with those records. It also includes consideration of any unusual items or disclosures in the accounts, and seeks explanations from the trustees concerning any such matters. The procedures undertaken do not provide all the evidence that would be required in an audit, and consequently I do not express an audit opinion on the accounts.
Independent examiner’s statement
In the course of my examination, no matter has come to my attention
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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 44(1) (a) of the 2005 Act and Regulation 4 of the 2006 Accounts Regulations
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to prepare accounts which accord with the accounting records and comply with Regulation 9 of the 2006 Accounts Regulations have not been met, or
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to which, in my opinion, attention should be drawn in order to enable a proper understanding of the accounts to be reached.
23 May 2025
OCK Annual Report 2023/2024 Approved on 23 May 2025
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