Regeneration Group
Drongan Rankinston and Stair Regeneration Group
Trustees’ Annual Report and Financial Statement for the Period 1° April 2024 to 318 March 2025
VEE IN anN HANNAHSTON WOODS PROJECT
Drongan_Rankinston_and_sn Stair Annual Report_and Accounts _2024-2025.docx
rye |50050486
Drongan Rankinston and Stair Regeneration Group
Annual Report
2024 - 2025
Reference and Administration Details
Charity Name: Drongan Rankinston and Stair Regeneration Group
Registered charity number: SC050486 Charity’s Principal Address: The Auld Hoose, Little Spierston KA18 2QG Charity Email address: Facebook page: Drongan, Rankinston and Stair Regeneration group
Names of the Charity Trustees
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Drongan Rankinston and Stair Regeneration Group
Annual Report
2024 - 2025
Structure, Governance and Management
Governing Document
The Drongan, Rankinston and Stair Regeneration Group (DRS) is governed by its constitution which has been established to benefit the geographical Community Council area of Drongan, Rankinston & Stair, East Ayrshire. DRS was registered as a Scottish Charity, a Scottish Charitable Incorporated Organisation (SCIO) on 21[st] September 2020.
The DRS has 6 charity trustees who meet for a Board (Committee) meeting the 2nd Tuesday of each month. Decisions are reached based on a simple majority of those present and entitled to vote. The quorum for a Board (Committee) meeting is five members; at a Members meeting, (Annual General Meeting (AGM)), the quorum is 8 or 25% of the membership.
Trustee Recruitment and Appointment
The Trustees (the Committee) are appointed or re-appointed by the members at the Members meeting (AGM), which is normally held in May of each year. The maximum number of Trustees is twenty; the minimum number of Trustees is five.
Objectives and Activities
Our vision is to be an area proud of its identity, that is flowering and prosperous, where our community aspires to greater things while working together.
Charitable Purposes
The Organisation's purposes are:
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The advancement of citizenship or community development.
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The provision of recreational facilities, or the organisation of recreational activities, with the object of improving the conditions of life for the persons for whom the facilities or activities are primarily intended.
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The advancement of environmental protection or improvement.
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The relief of those in need by reason of age, ill health, disability, financial hardship or other disadvantage.
Summary of Main Activities in Relation to These Objectives
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The Committee of volunteers meets monthly throughout the year (Aug - Nov, then Jan- May) to plan and prepare the projects required and to oversee the running of DRS.
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Communication and consultation with the three communities is through the DRS’s newsletter, it’s Facebook page of Drongan, Rankinston & Stair Regeneration Group and local press advertising of events, and Twitter @DRSRegen.
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Volunteers are welcome to attend the Friends of Hannahston Woods subgroup meetings, where they can have their say on the management and activities within Hannahston woods. There is a Facebook page Friends of Hannahston Woods for latest news.
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Drongan Rankinston and Stair Regeneration Group
Annual Report
2024 - 2025
Achievements and Performance
Achievements this year have been:
Hannahston Community Woods:
Hannahston Woods has had a number of events in the year.
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Fruit tree planting
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Students from Ayrshire College planted 14 fruit trees and 4 Cob nut trees.
EBS SLCF Application for an Outdoor Classroom
DRS had previously applied to the Scottish Landfill Communities Fund (SCLF) for the provision of an outdoor classroom will enhance the learning experience of children and young people coming to events at the woodland. It will enable a wider range of activities to be offered on site by providing all weather protection and a place for resources to be held on site. The grant was approved in Sep 2023. The planning application is at preplanning stage.
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Drongan Rankinston and Stair Regeneration Group
Annual Report
2024 - 2025
Wear and tear
Vandalism continues to be an occasional problem.
Guidelines for dog walkers
Guidelines for dog walkers, have been produced to help ensure the woods are safe and fun for everyone.
Grass cutting
A contractor was employed to cut the Grass rounds the woods.
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Ash dieback
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A contractor was employed to conduct tree felling and maintenance in the mature section of the woodland.
Activities and Events
Many annual activities and events take place. DRS are grateful for the time and energy of all the volunteers and supporters of DRS. This support is crucial for the operation of DRS and to ensure long term it remains applicable to the whole of the three communities. We are looking forward to developing and delivering our annual activities and events again this year, together.
Easter Egg Hunt 2024
The hunt also provided an opportunity to fundraise for Hannahston Woods.
Page 5 of 13
Drongan Rankinston and Stair Regeneration Group
Annual Report
2024 - 2025
Annual Spring Clean
A week during near easter in which volunteers picked litter.
2nd generation Action Plan
- DRS is developing the 2[nd] generation Action Plan. DRS organised a range of information sessions throughout all three communities. DRS then followed up with a large information session/coffee morning in Drongan Community Centre, where we invited other partners/organisations along to have their own information stall. This created conversations, partnerships and welcomed some new volunteers to help develop the next Community-led Action Plan. We are in the process of trying to obtain 40% household surveys. We have also linked in with both Primary and secondary schools to ensure we capture the younger generation’s views.
Climate Action Town
DRS has been identified as one of the Climate action towns through Architecture and Design Scotland. DRS is in the process of working with the team to encourage conversations around climate change. This information will also feed into our next 5 year action plan
Working in partnership with EAC Environmental Health
- We continue to encourage the community to keep our woodlands clean and tidy and free from litter and dog foul.
Hannahston Woodlands fundraising
As part of the business plan for the purchase and future care of Hannahston Woodlands various money making ideas were suggested. An example of this is the calendar.
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Drongan Rankinston and Stair Regeneration Group
Annual Report
2024 - 2025
Hannahston Woodlands wildlife
The woodlands have an abundance of wild life, with local photographers recording some for sharing and promoting. Some examples are published on facebook and a few are in the Calendar following.
Hannahston & Community Woodland Wildlife Calendar
A Calendar was produced and sold locally to great acclaim. The proceeds of the sales and sponsorships of the months were a very successful fundraising activity and used for the upkeep and improvement of the Hannahston woodlands.
Hannahston Woodlands new sign
A new sign was installed near the road entrance
Nature Day
In 2024 Galloway & Southern Ayrshire UNESCO biosphere hosted a nature day at Hannahston Woods.
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Drongan Rankinston and Stair Regeneration Group
Annual Report
2024 - 2025
Financial Review
The DRS income received from non Hannahston Woods project funds, is zero, the spend is £64, leaving a balance in Unrestricted general funds (Available Reserves) of £84 . The major expense is for Insurance £53.
The reserve policy is to maintain cash reserves at a level equivalent to 6 months operating expenses, which this year is £32. This year the Available Reserves are £84 which is more than required. Insurance renewal is due in October 2025.
Hannahston Woods projects started this year with £4,103, received £11,249, spent £6,501 resulting in holding £8,852 .
Plans for the Future
The Committee continues to plan to regenerate the three communities.
The programme of works, currently planned and identified in the business plan includes:
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Hannahston Woods - income generation from sponsorships and fundraising ideas being put into action.
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A Five-year Action plan for the three communities.
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Outdoor Educational Classroom in Hannahston Community Woodlands.
To retain Hannahston Community Woodland as an attractive, accessible and affordable local venue for the whole of the community.
DRS relies on the time, energy and skills of all the committee, volunteers and its supporters. DRS also recognises all the previous committees and supporters who have contributed to making DRS the vibrant community group it is now.
Declaration
The Trustees declare that they have approved the Trustees’ report above.
Signed on behalf of the Charity’s Trustees by:
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Signature(s):
Full Name(s):
Position:
Date:
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Drongan Rankinston and Stair Regeneration Group
Annual Report
2024 - 2025
Independent Examiner’s Report to the Trustees of Drongan Rankinston and Stair Regeneration Group
I report on the accounts of the charity for the period 1st April 2024 to 31st March 2025 which are set out on pages 10 to 13.
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 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 2006 Accounts Regulations. 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 view given by 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, and
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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
- to which, in my opinion, attention should be drawn in order to enable a proper understanding of the accounts to be reached.
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Drongan Rankinston and Stair Regeneration Group
Annual Report
2024 - 2025
Drongan Rankinston and Stair Regeneration Group
Receipt and Payments Account for the period 1st April 2024 to 31st March 2025
Statement of receipts and payments
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|||||||||||
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
|Unrestricted|Restricted|Total|Total|
|General|Designated|Hannahston|
|funds|funds|Woods|Grants|2025|2024|
|Note|£|£|£|£|
|Receipts|
|Donations|1|ie)|(6)|(@)|16)|ie)|600|
|Grants|O|5,000|O|2,400|7,400|1,615|
|Fundraising|)|ie)|ie)|fe)|6)|ie)|
|Charitable|activities|
|Hire|of|Hannahston/Easter egg|ie)|ie)|190|ie)|190|670|
|Calendar|Sales|(@)|(@)|2,660|fe)|2,660|50|
|Sponsorships|(8)|(8)|1,000|ie)|1,000|1,360|
|Total|receipts|0|5,000|3,850|2,400|11,250|4,295|
|Payments|
|Fundraising|activities|ie)|(6)|(@)|(6)|ie)|(@)|
|Charitable|activities|
|Repairs|& maintenance|2|ie)|(@)|0|ie)|"|ie)|ie)|
|Insurance|3|54|0|159|ie)|213|208|
|Seneral|expenses & G'nance|4|10|(@)|0|0”|10|498|
|Facility|improvements|5|(6)|(@)|ie)|(@)|(6)|(@)|
|Hannahston|Project|6|(8)|4,286|934|1,122|6,342|979|
|Total|payments|64|4,286|1,093|1,122|6,565|1,685|
|Net|receipts/(payments)|(64)|714|2,757|1,278|4,685|2,610|
|Cash|balance|at start of year|148|(@)|2,488|2,311|4,947|2,186|
|Surplus/(deficit)|(64)|714|2,757|=1,278|4,685|151|
|Cash|balance|at end|of year|84|714|5,245|3,589|9,632|2,337|
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Drongan Rankinston and Stair Regeneration Group
Annual Report
2024 - 2025
Drongan Rankinston and Stair Regeneration Group
Receipt and Payments Account for the period 1st April 2024 to 31st March 2025
Statement of Balances
Unrestricted Restricted Total Total Available Designate Hannahston Reserves Funds Woods_ Grants 2025 2024 £ £ £ £ £ £ Bank and Cash Balances Bank Current account 84 714 5,245 3,589 9,632 2,337 Fixed Assets Land and Buildings Hannahston Community Woods 60,000 0 0 0 60,000 60,000 (Purchased 22-12-2020)
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Drongan Rankinston and Stair Regeneration Group
Annual Report
2024 - 2025
Drongan Rankinston and Stair Regeneration Group
Notes to the accounts for the period 1st April 2024 to 31st March 2025
Basis of accounting
These accounts have been prepared on the Receipts and Payments basis in accordance with the Charities & Trustee Investment (Scotland) Act 2005 and the Charities Accounts (Scotland) Regulations 2006 (as amended).
Grants
| Restricted funds | Brought forward | Receipts | Payments Carried forward | Payments Carried forward |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| £ | £ | £ | £ | |
| Hannahston Woods | 2,488 | 3,850 | 1,093 | 5,245 |
| EACVillage Signs | 696 | 6) | O | 696 |
| PB Event | 1,615 | 0 | ie) | 1,615 |
| CVO Hannahston Nature Day | (@) | 2,400 | 1,122 | 1,278 |
| 4,799 | 6,250 | 2,215 | 8,834 |
Hannahston Woods All funds raised will be used to purchase, repair, maintain and improve Hannahston Woods EAC Village Signs EAC for signs at the entrance to the villages. PB Event £1615 Participatory Budgeting for viewing platform barrier.
CVO East Ayrshire Ltd
CVO Hannahston Nature Day £2,400 Community Mental Health and Wellbeing Fund Small Grants Programme Year 4
| UnRestrictedfunds Brought |
forward | Receipts | Payments | Carried forward |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| £ | £ | £ | £ | |
| Designated: The Stairway Charitable Trust | (@) | 5,000 | 4,285 | 715 |
| Other: Available Reserves (General) |
148 | ¢) | 64 | 84 |
| 148 | 5,000 | 4,349 | 799 |
The Stairway Charitable Trust
This fund is designated towards paying for the work to plan, prepare and improve the facilities at Hannahston Woods. £3,820 was designated and used clear Ash dieback and Grass cutting. £715, is not yet allocated. Available; These are the free cash reserves (General) in the Unrestricted funds Reserves
Related Party Transactions
Trustee Remuneration
No remuneration was paid to trustees during this financial period.
Trustee Expenses
No trustee received payment for expenses.
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Drongan Rankinston and Stair Regeneration Group
Annual Report
2024 - 2025
Notes to the Accounts
Additional analysis
| Notes to the Accounts Additional analysis |
||||||
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Receipts | Unrestricted | Restricted | Total | Total | ||
| General | Designated |
Hannahston |
||||
| Funds | Funds | Project | Grants | 2025 | 2024 | |
| (1) Donations | £ | £ | £ | £ | £ | £ |
| Individuals | 0 | 0 | 0 | 0 | 0 | 0 |
| Drongan Community Associati | 0 | 0 | 0 | 0 | 0 | 600 |
| 0 | 0 | 0 | 0 | 0 | 600 | |
| Payments | ||||||
| (2) Repairs and Maintenance | ||||||
| 0 | 0 | 0 | 0 | 0 | 0 | |
| 0 | 0 | 0 | 0 | 0 | 0 | |
| (3) Insurance | ||||||
| 54 | 0 | 159 | 0 | 213 | 208 | |
| 54 | 0 | 159 | 0 | 213 | 208 | |
| (4) General expenses & G'nance | ||||||
| Governance | 0 | 0 | 0 | 0 | 0 | 0 |
| General expenses: Stamps | 10 | 0 | 0 | 0 | 10 | 498 |
| 10 | 0 | 0 | 0 | 10 | 498 | |
| (5) Facility improvements | 0 | |||||
| 0 | 0 | 0 | 0 | 0 | 0 | |
| 0 | 0 | 0 | 0 | 0 | 0 | |
| (6) Hannahston project | ||||||
| Calendar | 0 | 0 | 864 | 0 | 864 | 840 |
| Wooden Sign parts | 0 | 0 | 70 | 0 | 70 | 0 |
| Ash die back removal | 0 | 2,220 | 0 | 0 | 2,220 | 0 |
| Grass Cut D L Services | 0 | 1,600 | 0 | 0 | 1,600 | 0 |
| Nature day 2025 1st invoices | 0 | 0 | 0 | 1,122 | 1,122 | 0 |
| Hand tools | 0 | 466 | 0 | 0 | 466 | 0 |
| Repairs & Bird Seed | 0 | 0 | 0 | 0 | 0 | 139 |
| 0 | 4,286 | 934 | 1,122 | 6,342 | 979 |
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