The trustees present their annual report and financial statements for the year ended 31 December 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 Memorandum and Articles of Association, 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)”.
The objectives are to promote any charitable purpose which will encourage the exercise and maintain the standards of crafts both ancient and modern, preserve and improve craftsmanship and promote and increase the interest of the public herein particularly in the county of Cornwall.
The charity complies with the public benefit requirement through its charitable objectives.
The trustees confirm that they have referred to the guidance contained in the Charity Commission's general guidance on public benefit when reviewing the charity's aims and objectives and in planning future activities. In particular, the trustees consider how planned activities will contribute to the aims and objectives set.
Chairman's report
My report covers the end of 2024 and the bulk of 2025. The charity has been very busy throughout, keen to maintain lively exhibitions and creative challenges for its makers.
It’s fair to say that the charity has had another tricky year, with expected challenges ahead. However, in an effort to mitigate these challenges, with the help of our Membership we have been able to set up two new sub-committees; a Marketing Group to help promote the Charity and an Education Group who have been instrumental in organising a program of workshops and lectures. This is very positive along with a much larger Trusteeship we feel more able to deal with the future.
2024 was a busy year for our members. This year’s main exhibition was inspired by Tim Rogers and was named “Above and Below” . As ever wonderful work emerged which was so well displayed by Elinor. Concurrently we staged three focuses, the first being Sara Beaven’s prints combined with Karl Owen's amazing ceramics and this was followed by Trevor Price’s prints and Howard Moody’s wood turning. Lastly was Karen Berg’s textiles and these were combined with Richard Phethean’s unique ceramics.
The last show of 2024 was the competition for the Christmas decoration. Throughout the Christmas period Elinor organised the traditional Christmas Decoration Competition. This year it was won by Heather Frary. A truly delightful piece. Congratulations. We also tried a new idea of a decoration fundraiser, which was great fun and raised approximately £400. The Foyer at Christmas looked beautiful with the tree, fairy lights and the two Christmas Focuses by Heather Frary Glass and Henrietta Villiers Printmaking. It looked vibrant and seasonal.
At the end of January, we held the winter warm up meeting. The main topic of conversation was the upcoming exhibition,” Woodland Wonderland.” There was close contact with the National Trust as it was celebrating the Trust's 70th birthday. Walks with National Trust’s Head Ranger Neil Stevenson were organised, and Reece offered a raku workshop. The walks were inspirational to the members. The exhibition opened at the beginning of May to great aplomb. This followed our annual Craftsmanship show. Superb work was made, and Elinor did a first-class job displaying the collection.
Throughout the year a focus is given to selected members. This year we have been treated to shows by Graham Black (prints) Paula Downing (Ceramics), Lesley Harry (printmaking) and Jane Smith (Ceramics and Glass). These shows always shine a new light on the maker’s progress. Although for Craftsmanship at the beginning of 2025 there was a break from the norm, we felt that it would be a perfect time to try a mixed show which turned out to be a great alternative to focuses and we were able to show a greater selection of work in the Foyer.
The two new sub-committees mentioned above have reported back to the Trustees and well researched ideas have then been adopted by the board. We thank the two groups for their enthusiasm and hard work. The committee was shown a very good marketing presentation headed by Maya Ullman and Suzy Sharpe.
We welcome Suzy Sharpe to the Board of Trustees along with Reece Ingram and Jane Smith. The trustees need fresh blood as it helps to reflect on best practice. May we remind the membership that you are always welcome to apply to join the trustees’ committee. We said goodbye to Lisa Wisdom, who was an invaluable member of the committee. Her lifetime experience has been missed. The Chair would also like to take the moment to thank the committee for its hard work and constant support.
Lastly, we would like to thank the sales team for their continued enthusiasm and diligence. We would particularly like to thank Elinor as she has had a lot to deal with this year and has risen to the challenge.
The Association's largest item of expenditure is wages which totalled £66,312 (2023: £72,437). Commission receivable totalled £89,938 (2023: £91,389). The Association made a surplus this year of £2,296 (2023: deficit of £11,607).
The Association's resources are partly invested in the COIF Charities Investment Fund and the balance is on deposit at Barclays.
The trustees aim to ensure the charity's long term viability and aim for at least six months reserves to be held. This policy will be reviewed on an annual basis. Unrestricted funds at 31 December 2024 totalled £49,638 (2023: £47,342), which included general reserves of £9,638 (2023: £7,342) and free reserves of £7,699 (2023: £4,918).
The trustees regularly review the cash held by the charity and place any surplus funds in an interest bearing deposit account when appropriate.
Risk management
The trustees have assessed the major risks to which the charity is exposed and are satisfied that they are operating systems which mitigate the charity's exposure.
Tax status
Being a registered charity, Cornwall Crafts Association is exempt from corporation tax on its investments and other income.
We are thrilled to say that world renowned Automatist Paul Spooner will be giving a Lecture on his work, past and present. Paul’s work is extremely popular and has been displayed in exhibitions all over the world, we are so privileged to have him. This will take place towards the end of November 2025.
Our annual AGM will be on Saturday 15th November, which always gives the attending Membership an opportunity to ask questions and hear how the charity has performed during the year. We always try to make it as inclusive as possible with lunch and refreshments provided.
Our Autumn/Winter Exhibition 2025 opens on Saturday 4th October 2025 with a Private View. This exhibition starts with a Focus on our newly selected Members; Printmaker Adrian Holmes, Guitar Maker Martin Douglas, Silversmith Barnabas Taylor, Ceramicist Lucy Claydon and Textile Artist Rosie North. This Focus will welcome us into the festive period, when we will be highlighting Christmas Gifts. We will be having our annual Christmas Tree decoration competition, where the winner wins full membership for a year. Entrants are all selected Cornwall Craft Association members. The theme for 2025 being ‘A Cornish Christmas’, we think it is a classic title and should inspire some interesting decorations. At the same time, we will also be running a little Christmas fundraiser where our members will donate to the charity a decoration or a Christmas card, the proceeds of which will all go to the charity. This day is meant to be fun for visitors and members with mince pies, short bread and mulled apple juice for everyone.
We are delighted to be staging a full program of Workshops, all run by our Members; Claire Armitage (lino printmaker), Suzy Sharpe (mono printing) Reece Ingram (ceramic bird making), Debbie Rudolph (textile weaving) and Maya Ullman (recycled jewellery making.) We are so pleased to say that these are booking up fast.
Our Spring Exhibition Craftsmanship 2026 opens at the end of January 2026, this opening is always combined with our Winter Warm Up Meeting where we get together with the Membership for an inspirational lecture for the year ahead, the Membership being treated to pasties, and other refreshments. 2026 will also include a program of six focuses, yet to be decided. Our feature Summer Exhibition 2026 will open after Easter, with the theme not yet confirmed but we are considering a theme around Birds.
Governing document
The charity is incorporated as a company limited by guarantee under the provisions of the Companies Act 2006. Its governing constitutional documents are its Memorandum and Articles of Association which are publicly available from the Registrar of Companies via its website.
Members of the charitable company guarantee to contribute an amount not exceeding £1 to the assets of the company in the event of a winding up.
The trustees, who are also the directors for the purpose of company law, and who served during the year were:
Suitable individuals are identified by the existing trustees on the basis of their skills and knowledge and are invited to become trustees. New trustees are inducted into the workings of the charity.
The trustees are responsible for the overall control of the charity.
Some members of the previous and current managing committees who are also craftsmen sold items using the Association and details of these are reported in note 8 of the financial statements.
Remuneration policy for key management
The trustees consider the trustees (including Elinor Lamond) to comprise the key management personnel of the charity, to be in charge of directing and controlling, running and operating the charity on a day to day basis.
The pay of the senior staff is reviewed annually and normally increased in accordance with average earnings. In view of the nature of the charity, the trustees benchmark against pay levels in other similar organisations.
Statement of disclosure to independent examiner
So far that the trustees are aware, there is no relevant information of which the charity's independent examiner is unaware.
Additionally the trustees have taken all the steps that they ought to have taken as trustees in order to make themselves aware of any relevant information and to establish that the charity's independent examiner is aware of that information.
This report has been prepared in accordance with the special provision of Part 15 of the Companies Act 2006 relating to Small Companies.
The trustees' report was approved by the Board of Trustees.
The trustees, who are also the directors of Cornwall Crafts Association (Limited by Guarantee) for the purpose of company law, are responsible for preparing the Trustees' Report and the financial statements in accordance with applicable law and United Kingdom Accounting Standards (United Kingdom Generally Accepted Accounting Practice).
Company law requires the trustees to prepare financial statements for each financial year which give a true and fair view of the state of affairs of the charity and of the incoming resources and application of resources, including the income and expenditure, of the charitable company for that year.
In preparing these financial statements, the trustees are required to:
- select suitable accounting policies and then apply them consistently;
- observe the methods and principles in the Charities SORP;
- make judgements and estimates that are reasonable and prudent;
- state whether applicable UK Accounting Standards have been followed, subject to any material departures disclosed and explained in the financial statements; and
- prepare the financial statements on the going concern basis unless it is inappropriate to presume that the charity will continue in operation.
The trustees are responsible for keeping adequate accounting records that disclose with reasonable accuracy at any time the financial position of the charity and enable them to ensure that the financial statements comply with the Companies Act 2006. They are also responsible for safeguarding the assets of the charity and hence for taking reasonable steps for the prevention and detection of fraud and other irregularities.
I report to the trustees on my examination of the financial statements of Cornwall Crafts Association (Limited by Guarantee) (the charity) for the year ended 31 December 2024.
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 the Directions given by the Charity Commission under section 145(5)(b) of the 2011 Act.
I draw to your attention that the firm at which I am partner provides bookkeeping services to the charity. We have complied with FRC's Revised Ethical Standard in this regard.
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:
accounting records were not kept in respect of the charity as required by section 386 of the 2006. Act; or
the financial statements do not accord with those records; or
the financial statements do not comply with the accounting requirements of section 396 of the 2006 Act other than any requirement that the financial statements give a true and fair view, which is not a matter considered as part of an independent examination; or
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 financial statements 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.
Investments
The statement of financial activities includes all gains and losses recognised in the year. All income and expenditure derive from continuing activities.
Cornwall Crafts Association (Limited by Guarantee) is a private company limited by guarantee incorporated in England and Wales. The registered office is Trelissick Gallery, Trelissick, Feock, TRURO, Cornwall, TR3 6QL.
These financial statements have been prepared in accordance with FRS 102 “The Financial Reporting Standard applicable in the UK and Republic of Ireland” (“FRS 102”), “Accounting and Reporting by Charities” the Statement of Recommended Practice for charities applying FRS 102, the Companies Act 2006 and UK Generally Accepted Accounting Practice as it applies from 1 January 2019. The charity is a Public Benefit Entity as defined by FRS 102.
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. The principal accounting policies adopted are set out below.
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.
Unrestricted funds are donations and other incoming resources received or generated for general charitable purposes.
Designated funds are unrestricted funds of the charity which the trustees have decided at their discretion to set aside to use for a specific purpose.
Restricted funds are to be used for specific purposes as laid down by the donor. Expenditure which meets the criteria is identified to the fund, together with a fair allocation of overheads and support costs.
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.
Commission represents income earned from sales of work and accounted for on a receivable basis.
Annual subscriptions from members are recognised for the year that they are received.
Income from donations and grants is included in income when receivable, except as follows:
When donors specify that donations and grants given to the charity must be used in future accounting periods, the income is deferred until those periods.
When donors impose conditions which have to be fulfilled before the charity becomes entitled to use such income, the income is deferred and not included in incoming resources until the pre-conditions have been met.
When donors specify that donations and grants are for particular restricted purposes, which do not amount to pre-conditions regarding entitlement, this income is included in incoming resources of restricted funds when receivable.
All income arising on investments is accounted for on a receivable basis.
Expenditure is recognised once there is legal or constructive obligation to make a payment to a third party, it is probable that settlement will be required and the amount of the obligation can be measured reliably. Expenditure is classified under the following activity headings:
Expenditure on charitable activities includes the costs of crafts people and exhibitions and other costs undertaken to further the purposes of the charity and their associated support costs.
Support costs are those costs that assist the work of the charity but do not directly represent charitable activities and include office costs and governance costs. They are incurred in support of expenditure on the objects of the charity.
Governance costs represent the cost of accountancy fees and legal and professional costs.
Tangible fixed assets are initially measured at cost and subsequently measured at cost, net of depreciation and any impairment losses.
Depreciation is recognised so as to write off the cost of assets less their residual values over their useful lives on the following bases:
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 net income/(expenditure) for the year.
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).
Cash at bank and in hand includes cash and short term highly liquid investments with a short maturity of three months or less from the date of acquisition or opening of the deposit or similar account.
The charity has elected to apply the provisions of Section 11 ‘Basic Financial Instruments’ and Section 12 ‘Other Financial Instruments Issues’ of FRS 102 to all of its financial instruments.
Financial instruments are recognised in the charity's balance sheet when the charity becomes party to the contractual provisions of the instrument.
Financial assets and liabilities are offset, with the net amounts presented in the financial statements, when there is a legally enforceable right to set off the recognised amounts and there is an intention to settle on a net basis or to realise the asset and settle the liability simultaneously.
Basic financial assets, which include debtors and cash and bank balances, are initially measured at transaction price including transaction costs and are subsequently carried at amortised cost using the effective interest method unless the arrangement constitutes a financing transaction, where the transaction is measured at the present value of the future receipts discounted at a market rate of interest. Financial assets classified as receivable within one year are not amortised.
Basic financial liabilities, including creditors and bank loans are initially recognised at transaction price unless the arrangement constitutes a financing transaction, where the debt instrument is measured at the present value of the future payments discounted at a market rate of interest. Financial liabilities classified as payable within one year are not amortised.
Debt instruments are subsequently carried at amortised cost, using the effective interest rate method.
Trade creditors are obligations to pay for goods or services that have been acquired in the ordinary course of operations from suppliers. Amounts payable are classified as current liabilities if payment is due within one year or less. If not, they are presented as non-current liabilities. Trade creditors are recognised initially at transaction price and subsequently measured at amortised cost using the effective interest method.
Financial liabilities are derecognised when the charity’s contractual obligations expire or are discharged or cancelled.
The charity is exempt from tax on income and gains to the extent that these are applied to further its charitable objects.
The cost of any unused holiday entitlement is recognised in the period in which the employee’s services are received.
Termination benefits are recognised immediately as an expense when the charity is demonstrably committed to terminate the employment of an employee or to provide termination benefits.
Payments to defined contribution retirement benefit schemes are charged as an expense as they fall due.
Cash flow statement
Under Charities SORP (FRS102) the Charity is classed as a Small Charity and is not required to prepare a cash flow statement.
Investments and investment income
All investments are stated at fair value. The movement shown in the statement of financial activities comprises both realised and unrealised gains and losses.
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.
There were no specific judgements, estimates or assumptions that were critical to the preparation of the these financial statements.
One of the trustees received remuneration (including employers' national insurance and pension contributions) of £31,044 (2023: £31,080) for services provided to the charity as gallery manager and administrator. Permission was granted by the Charity Commission to remunerate this trustee.
No trustees were reimbursed expenses during the year (2023: £Nil).
The average monthly number of employees during the year was:
The remuneration of key management personnel was as follows:
The charity operates a defined contribution pension scheme for all qualifying employees. The assets of the scheme are held separately from those of the charity in an independently administered fund.
The charity is exempt from taxation on its activities because all its income is applied for charitable purposes.
Deferred income is included in the financial statements as follows:
Deferred income relates to membership fees received in advance for the following year.
The unrestricted funds of the charity comprise the unexpended balances of donations and grants which are not subject to specific conditions by donors and grantors as to how they may be used. These include designated funds which have been set aside out of unrestricted funds by the trustees for specific purposes.
The following funds have been designated by the trustees for the following purposes:
The continency fund is held to cover unforeseen expenditure.
The future projects fund will fund any specific one off projects planned.
General funds include cumulative gains on investments measured at fair value of £148 (2023: £135).
Transactions with trustees have been disclosed in Note 8.
During the year the partner of a trustee was paid £1,345 (2023: £1,780) for services provided in relation to the set up of exhibitions. There was £nil (2023: £nil) outstanding as at the year end.