Charity registration number 1126553
Company registration number 06488972 (England and Wales)
THE WHITSTABLE CASTLE TRUST
ANNUAL REPORT AND UNAUDITED FINANCIAL STATEMENTS
FOR THE YEAR ENDED 31 MARCH 2024
THE WHITSTABLE CASTLE TRUST
LEGAL AND ADMINISTRATIVE INFORMATION
Trustees
Mrs L M Annable
Ms G Glover Cllr
Mr M Northover
Mr AJ Farrow
(Appointed 25 May 2023)
Mrs CJ Parry
(Appointed 10 May 2023)
C Humber
(Appointed 1 May 2024)
Charity number
1126553
Company number
06488972
Independent examiner
MMP Limited
18/20 Canterbury Road
Whitstable
Kent
CT5 4EY
THE WHITSTABLE CASTLE TRUST
CONTENTS
Page
Trustees' report
1 - 2
Independent examiner's report
3
Statement of financial activities
4
Balance sheet
5
Notes to the financial statements
6 - 14
THE WHITSTABLE CASTLE TRUST
TRUSTEES' REPORT (INCLUDING DIRECTORS' REPORT)
FOR THE YEAR ENDED 31 MARCH 2024
- 1 -

The trustees present their annual report and financial statements for the year ended 31 March 2024.

The financial statements have been prepared in accordance with the accounting policies set out in note 1 to the financial statements and comply with the charity's [governing document], the Companies Act 2006 and "Accounting and Reporting by Charities: Statement of Recommended Practice applicable to charities preparing their accounts in accordance with the Financial Reporting Standard applicable in the UK and Republic of Ireland (FRS 102)" (effective 1 January 2019).

Objectives and activities

The charity is a charitable company limited by guarantee. It is governed by a memorandum and articles of association. Its objects are:

 

- to promote for the benefit of the public the renovation and preservation of Whitstable Castle and its grounds as a building of special architectural and historical interest.

 

- to advance the education of the public in the historical and architectural value of the castle and in its renovation and preservation.

 

- to promote for the benefit of the inhabitants of Whitstable and visitors to Whitstable and the surrounding areas, without distinction of sex, sexual orientation, race or of political, religious or other opinions by associating together the said residents and local authorities, voluntary and other organisation in a common effort to advance education and to provide facilities in the interest of social welfare for recreation and leisure-time occupation with the object of improving the conditions of life for the said inhabitants.

 

The trustees do not foresee any material change in the activities of the company.

The trustees have paid due regard to guidance issued by the Charity Commission in deciding what activities the charity should undertake.

Achievements and performance
Financial review

It is the policy of the charity that unrestricted funds which have not been designated for a specific use should be maintained at a level equivalent to between three and six month’s expenditure. The trustees consider that reserves at this level will ensure that, in the event of a significant drop in funding, they will be able to continue the charity’s current activities while consideration is given to ways in which additional funds may be raised. This level of reserves has been maintained throughout the year.

The trustees have assessed the major risks to which the charity is exposed, and are satisfied that systems are in place to mitigate exposure to the major risks.

Structure, governance and management

The charity is controlled by its governing document, a deed of trust, and constitutes a limited company, limited by guarantee, as defined by the Companies Act 2006.

 

The trustees, who are also the directors for the purpose of company law, and who served during the year and up to the date of signature of the financial statements were:

Mrs J H Harrison
(Resigned 17 May 2024)
Mrs L M Annable
Ms G Glover Cllr
Mr R E Seijo
(Resigned 1 May 2024)
Mrs J P Law
(Resigned 1 May 2024)
Mr M Northover
Mr AJ Farrow
(Appointed 25 May 2023)
Mrs CJ Parry
(Appointed 10 May 2023)
C Humber
(Appointed 1 May 2024)
THE WHITSTABLE CASTLE TRUST
TRUSTEES' REPORT (INCLUDING DIRECTORS' REPORT) (CONTINUED)
FOR THE YEAR ENDED 31 MARCH 2024
- 2 -

 

 

None of the trustees has any beneficial interest in the company. All of the trustees are members of the company and guarantee to contribute £1 in the event of a winding up.

Supplier payment policy

The company's current policy concerning the payment of trade creditors is to follow the CBI's Prompt Payers Code (copies are available from the CBI, Centre Point, 103 New Oxford Street, London WC1A 1DU).

 

The company's current policy concerning the payment of trade creditors is to:

 

The trustees' report was approved by the Board of Trustees.

Mrs CJ Parry
Chairman
26 July 2024
THE WHITSTABLE CASTLE TRUST
INDEPENDENT EXAMINER'S REPORT
TO THE TRUSTEES OF THE WHITSTABLE CASTLE TRUST
- 3 -

I report to the trustees on my examination of the financial statements of The Whitstable Castle Trust (the charity) for the year ended 31 March 2024.

Responsibilities and basis of report

As the trustees of the charity (and also its directors for the purposes of company law) you are responsible for the preparation of the financial statements in accordance with the requirements of the Companies Act 2006 (the 2006 Act).

Having satisfied myself that the financial statements of the charity are not required to be audited under Part 16 of the 2006 Act and are eligible for independent examination, I report in respect of my examination of the charity’s financial statements carried out under section 145 of the Charities Act 2011 (the 2011 Act). In carrying out my examination I have followed all the applicable Directions given by the Charity Commission under section 145(5)(b) of the 2011 Act.

Independent examiner's statement

Since the charity’s gross income exceeded £250,000 your examiner must be a member of a body listed in section 145 of the 2011 Act. I confirm that I am qualified to undertake the examination because I am a member of , which is one of the listed bodies.

I have completed my examination. I confirm that no matters have come to my attention in connection with the examination giving me cause to believe that in any material respect:

1

accounting records were not kept in respect of the charity as required by section 386 of the 2006 Act; or

2

the financial statements do not accord with those records; or

3

the financial statements do not comply with the accounting requirements of section 396 of the 2006 Act other than any requirement that the accounts give a true and fair view which is not a matter considered as part of an independent examination; or

4

the financial statements have not been prepared in accordance with the methods and principles of the Statement of Recommended Practice for accounting and reporting by charities applicable to charities preparing their accounts in accordance with the Financial Reporting Standard applicable in the UK and Republic of Ireland (FRS 102).

I have no concerns and have come across no other matters in connection with the examination to which attention should be drawn in this report in order to enable a proper understanding of the financial statements to be reached.

Claire Dean FCCA
MMP Limited
Chartered Certified Accountants
18/20 Canterbury Road
Whitstable
Kent
CT5 4EY
Dated: 26 July 2024
THE WHITSTABLE CASTLE TRUST
STATEMENT OF FINANCIAL ACTIVITIES
INCLUDING INCOME AND EXPENDITURE ACCOUNT
FOR THE YEAR ENDED 31 MARCH 2024
- 4 -
Unrestricted
Restricted
Total
Unrestricted
Restricted
Total
funds
funds
funds
funds
2024
2024
2024
2023
2023
2023
Notes
£
£
£
£
£
£
Income and endowments from:
Donations and legacies
4
14,256
-
14,256
13,325
-
13,325
Charitable activities
3
713,610
32,000
745,610
673,736
41,300
715,036
Other trading activities
5
51,230
-
51,230
36,761
-
36,761
Investments
6
1,660
-
1,660
375
-
375
Other income
7
2,575
-
2,575
1,802
-
1,802
Total income
783,331
32,000
815,331
725,999
41,300
767,299
Expenditure on:
Charitable activities
8
795,800
32,001
827,801
731,050
41,300
772,350

Taxation

12
7
-
7
100
-
100
Total expenditure
795,807
32,001
827,808
731,150
41,300
772,450
Net expenditure for the year/
Net movement in funds
(12,476)
(1)
(12,477)
(5,151)
-
(5,151)
Fund balances at 1 April 2023
65,217
-
65,217
70,368
-
70,368
Fund balances at 31 March 2024
52,741
(1)
52,740
65,217
-
65,217

The statement of financial activities includes all gains and losses recognised in the year.

All income and expenditure derive from continuing activities.

The statement of financial activities also complies with the requirements for an income and expenditure account under the Companies Act 2006.
THE WHITSTABLE CASTLE TRUST
BALANCE SHEET
AS AT 31 MARCH 2024
31 March 2024
- 5 -
2024
2023
Notes
£
£
£
£
Fixed assets
Tangible assets
13
15,444
15,275
Current assets
Stocks
14
26,494
15,175
Debtors
15
35,067
7,643
Cash at bank and in hand
187,625
203,384
249,186
226,202
Creditors: amounts falling due within one year
16
(211,890)
(176,260)
Net current assets
37,296
49,942
Total assets less current liabilities
52,740
65,217
Income funds
Restricted funds
(1)
-
Unrestricted funds - general
52,741
65,217
52,740
65,217

The company is entitled to the exemption from the audit requirement contained in section 477 of the Companies Act 2006, for the year ended 31 March 2024.

The directors acknowledge their responsibilities for complying with the requirements of the Companies Act 2006 with respect to accounting records and the preparation of financial statements.

The members have not required the company to obtain an audit of its financial statements for the year in question in accordance with section 476.

These financial statements have been prepared in accordance with the provisions applicable to companies subject to the small companies regime.

The financial statements were approved by the Trustees on 26 July 2024
Mrs CJ Parry
Chairman
Company registration number 06488972
THE WHITSTABLE CASTLE TRUST
NOTES TO THE  FINANCIAL STATEMENTS
FOR THE YEAR ENDED 31 MARCH 2024
- 6 -
1
Accounting policies
Charity information

The Whitstable Castle Trust is a private company limited by guarantee incorporated in England and Wales. The registered office is .

1.1
Accounting convention

The financial statements have been prepared in accordance with the charity's [governing document], the Companies Act 2006, FRS 102 “The Financial Reporting Standard applicable in the UK and Republic of Ireland” (“FRS 102”) and the Charities SORP "Accounting and Reporting by Charities: Statement of Recommended Practice applicable to charities preparing their accounts in accordance with the Financial Reporting Standard applicable in the UK and Republic of Ireland (FRS 102)" (effective 1 January 2019). The charity is a Public Benefit Entity as defined by FRS 102.

 

The charity has taken advantage of the provisions in the SORP for charities not to prepare a Statement of Cash Flows.

The financial statements are prepared in sterling, which is the functional currency of the charity. Monetary amounts in these financial statements are rounded to the nearest £.

The financial statements have been prepared under the historical cost convention, [modified to include the revaluation of freehold properties and to include investment properties and certain financial instruments at fair value]. The principal accounting policies adopted are set out below.

1.2
Going concern

At the time of approving the financial statements, the trustees have a reasonable expectation that the charity has adequate resources to continue in operational existence for the foreseeable future. Thus the trustees continue to adopt the going concern basis of accounting in preparing the financial statements.

1.3
Charitable funds

Unrestricted funds are available for use at the discretion of the trustees in furtherance of their charitable objectives.

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.

Endowment funds are subject to specific conditions by donors that the capital must be maintained by the charity.
1.4
Income
Income is recognised when the charity is legally entitled to it after any performance conditions have been met, the amounts can be measured reliably, and it is probable that income will be received.

Cash donations are recognised on receipt. Other donations are recognised once the charity has been notified of the donation, unless performance conditions require deferral of the amount. Income tax recoverable in relation to donations received under Gift Aid or deeds of covenant is recognised at the time of the donation.

Legacies are recognised on receipt or otherwise if the charity has been notified of an impending distribution, the amount is known, and receipt is expected. If the amount is not known, the legacy is treated as a contingent asset.
1.5
Expenditure

Liabilities are recognised as expenditure as soon as there is a legal or constructive obligation committing the charity to that expenditure, it is probable that a transfer of economic benefits will be required in settlement and the amount of the obligation can be measured reliably. Expenditure is accounted for on an accruals basis and has been classified under headings that aggregate all cost related to the category. Where costs cannot be directly attributed to particular headings they have been allocated to activities on a basis consistent with the use of resources.

THE WHITSTABLE CASTLE TRUST
NOTES TO THE  FINANCIAL STATEMENTS (CONTINUED)
FOR THE YEAR ENDED 31 MARCH 2024
1
Accounting policies
(Continued)
- 7 -
1.6
Tangible fixed assets

Tangible fixed assets are initially measured at cost and subsequently measured at cost or valuation, net of depreciation and any impairment losses.

Depreciation is recognised so as to write off the cost or valuation of assets less their residual values over their useful lives on the following bases:

Plant and equipment
20% on cost
Computers
20% on cost

The gain or loss arising on the disposal of an asset is determined as the difference between the sale proceeds and the carrying value of the asset, and is recognised in the statement of financial activities.

1.7
Impairment of fixed assets

At each reporting end date, the charity reviews the carrying amounts of its tangible assets to determine whether there is any indication that those assets have suffered an impairment loss. If any such indication exists, the recoverable amount of the asset is estimated in order to determine the extent of the impairment loss (if any).

1.8
Stocks

Stocks are stated at the lower of cost and net realisable value, after making due allowance for obsolete and slow moving items.

Net realisable value is the estimated selling price less all estimated costs of completion and costs to be incurred in marketing, selling and distribution.

1.9
Cash and cash equivalents

Cash and cash equivalents include cash in hand, deposits held at call with banks, other short-term liquid investments with original maturities of three months or less, and bank overdrafts. Bank overdrafts are shown within borrowings in current liabilities.

1.10
Taxation

The charity is exempt from corporation tax on its charitable activities.

1.11
Retirement benefits

Payments to defined contribution retirement benefit schemes are charged as an expense as they fall due.

2
Critical accounting estimates and judgements

In the application of the charity’s accounting policies, the trustees are required to make judgements, estimates and assumptions about the carrying amount of assets and liabilities that are not readily apparent from other sources. The estimates and associated assumptions are based on historical experience and other factors that are considered to be relevant. Actual results may differ from these estimates.

 

The estimates and underlying assumptions are reviewed on an ongoing basis. Revisions to accounting estimates are recognised in the period in which the estimate is revised where the revision affects only that period, or in the period of the revision and future periods where the revision affects both current and future periods.

THE WHITSTABLE CASTLE TRUST
NOTES TO THE  FINANCIAL STATEMENTS (CONTINUED)
FOR THE YEAR ENDED 31 MARCH 2024
- 8 -
3
Charitable activities

Trading

Grounds upkeep and maintenance

Total
2024
Total
2023
2024
2024
£
£
£
£

Catering

415,269
-
415,269
393,004

Venue hire and hospitality

221,119
-
221,119
199,207

Tea gardens

44,659
-
44,659
49,274
Plant sales
3,763
-
3,763
-

Local authority grants

-
-
-
23,775
Charitable rental income
28,800
-
28,800
28,717
Standard earned income - CCC maintenance fund
-
32,000
32,000
9,300
713,610
32,000
745,610
715,036
Analysis by fund
Unrestricted funds - general
713,610
-
713,610
673,736
Restricted funds
-
32,000
32,000
41,300
713,610
32,000
745,610
715,036
For the year ended 31 March 2023
Unrestricted funds - general
673,736
-
673,736
Restricted funds
-
41,300
41,300
673,736
41,300
715,036
THE WHITSTABLE CASTLE TRUST
NOTES TO THE  FINANCIAL STATEMENTS (CONTINUED)
FOR THE YEAR ENDED 31 MARCH 2024
3
Charitable activities
(Continued)
- 9 -
THE WHITSTABLE CASTLE TRUST
NOTES TO THE  FINANCIAL STATEMENTS (CONTINUED)
FOR THE YEAR ENDED 31 MARCH 2024
- 10 -
4
Donations and legacies
Unrestricted
Unrestricted
funds
funds
general
general
2024
2023
£
£
Donations and gifts
8,951
3,665
Membership fees
175
130
Tips and gratuities
5,130
9,530
5
Other trading activities
Unrestricted
Unrestricted
funds
funds
general
general
2024
2023
£
£
Fundraising events
51,230
36,761
6
Investments
Unrestricted
Unrestricted
funds
funds
general
general
2024
2023
£
£
Interest receivable
1,660
375
7
Other income
Unrestricted
Unrestricted
funds
funds
general
general
2024
2023
£
£
Other income
2,575
1,802
THE WHITSTABLE CASTLE TRUST
NOTES TO THE  FINANCIAL STATEMENTS (CONTINUED)
FOR THE YEAR ENDED 31 MARCH 2024
- 11 -
8
Charitable activities

Trading

Castle upkeep and admin

Grounds upkeep and maintenance

Total
2024
Total
2023
2024
2024
2024
£
£
£
£
£
Depreciation and impairment
4,815
248
-
5,063
5,401
Staff costs
292,246
120,307
30,784
443,337
438,003

Catering supplies and equipment

181,978
-
-
181,978
176,030

Wedding and event costs

49,328
-
-
49,328
28,032

Laundry

3,039
-
-
3,039
5,304

Rates and water

-
8,507
-
8,507
9,354

Insurance

-
23,885
-
23,885
12,130

Light and heat

-
29,912
-
29,912
26,363

Telephone

-
4,641
-
4,641
(3,941)

Printing, postage, stationery and advertising

-
4,593
-
4,593
5,128

Sundries

-
3
-
3
25

Castle and gate house expenses

-
47,795
1,217
49,012
48,794

Computer supplies

-
6,668
-
6,668
5,801

Maintenance

-
2,295
-
2,295
2,490
531,406
248,854
32,001
812,261
758,914
Share of support costs (see note 9)
5,911
3,051
572
9,534
8,289
Share of governance costs (see note 9)
3,724
1,922
360
6,006
5,147
541,041
253,827
32,933
827,801
772,350
Analysis by fund
Unrestricted funds - general
541,041
253,827
932
795,800
731,050
Restricted funds
-
-
32,001
32,001
41,300
541,041
253,827
32,933
827,801
772,350
For the year ended 31 March 2023
Unrestricted funds - general
517,854
212,390
806
731,050
Restricted funds
-
-
41,300
41,300
517,854
212,390
42,106
772,350
THE WHITSTABLE CASTLE TRUST
NOTES TO THE  FINANCIAL STATEMENTS (CONTINUED)
FOR THE YEAR ENDED 31 MARCH 2024
- 12 -
9
Support costs
Support costs
Governance costs
2024
Support costs
Governance costs
2023
£
£
£
£
£
£

Bank charges

8,259
-
8,259
7,189
-
7,189

Payroll costs

1,275
-
1,275
1,100
-
1,100

Legal fees and professional fees

-
3,606
3,606
-
2,847
2,847

Accountancy

-
2,400
2,400
-
2,300
2,300
9,534
6,006
15,540
8,289
5,147
13,436
Analysed between
Charitable activities
9,534
6,006
15,540
8,289
5,147
13,436
10
Trustees
None of the trustees (or any persons connected with them) received any remuneration or benefits from the charity during the year.
11
Employees

The average monthly number of employees during the year was:

2024
2023
Number
Number
25
25
Employment costs
2024
2023
£
£
Wages and salaries
413,766
405,849
Social security costs
22,545
24,960
Other pension costs
7,026
7,194
443,337
438,003
There were no employees whose annual remuneration was more than £60,000.
12

Taxation

Unrestricted
Unrestricted
funds
funds
general
general
2024
2023
Taxation
7
100
THE WHITSTABLE CASTLE TRUST
NOTES TO THE  FINANCIAL STATEMENTS (CONTINUED)
FOR THE YEAR ENDED 31 MARCH 2024
12

Taxation

(Continued)
- 13 -
13
Tangible fixed assets
Plant and equipment
Computers
Total
£
£
£
Cost
At 1 April 2023
31,682
1,239
32,921
At 31 March 2024
31,682
1,239
32,921
Depreciation and impairment
At 1 April 2023
11,523
891
12,414
Depreciation charged in the year
4,815
248
5,063
At 31 March 2024
16,338
1,139
17,477
Carrying amount
At 31 March 2024
15,344
100
15,444
At 31 March 2023
14,927
348
15,275

 

14
Stocks
2024
2023
£
£
Stocks
26,494
15,175
15
Debtors
2024
2023
Amounts falling due within one year:
£
£
Trade debtors
36,070
452
Prepayments and accrued income
(1,003)
7,191
35,067
7,643
THE WHITSTABLE CASTLE TRUST
NOTES TO THE  FINANCIAL STATEMENTS (CONTINUED)
FOR THE YEAR ENDED 31 MARCH 2024
- 14 -
16
Creditors: amounts falling due within one year
2024
2023
£
£
Other taxation and social security
19,506
18,659
Trade creditors
44,536
62,586
Other creditors
80,400
80,400
Accruals and deferred income
67,448
14,615
211,890
176,260
17
Analysis of net assets between funds
Unrestricted funds
Restricted funds
Total
Unrestricted funds
Restricted funds
Total
2024
2024
2024
2023
2023
2023
£
£
£
£
£
£
Fund balances at 31 March 2024 are represented by:
Tangible assets
15,444
-
15,444
15,275
-
15,275
Current assets/(liabilities)
37,296
-
37,296
49,942
-
49,942
52,740
-
52,740
65,217
-
65,217
18
Related party transactions

There were no disclosable related party transactions during the year (2023 - none).

2024-03-312023-04-01falsefalseCCH SoftwareiXBRL Review & Tag 2024.2064889722023-04-012024-03-3106488972bus:Director22023-04-012024-03-3106488972bus:Director32023-04-012024-03-3106488972bus:Director62023-04-012024-03-3106488972bus:Director72023-04-012024-03-3106488972bus:Director82023-04-012024-03-3106488972bus:Director92023-04-012024-03-3106488972bus:Director12023-04-012024-03-3106488972bus:Director42023-04-012024-03-3106488972bus:Director52023-04-012024-03-31064889722024-03-31064889722023-03-31064889722022-04-012023-03-3106488972bus:FRS1022023-04-012024-03-3106488972bus:IndependentExaminationCharity2023-04-012024-03-3106488972bus:FullAccounts2023-04-012024-03-31xbrli:purexbrli:sharesiso4217:GBP