REGISTERED COMPANY NUMBER: 04329669 (England and Wales)

REGISTERED CHARITY NUMBER: 1090544

Report of the Trustees and

Unaudited Financial Statements for the Year Ended 31 January 2025

for

Wickham Community Association

Page

Reference and Administrative Details

1

Report of the Trustees

2

to

5

Independent Examiner's Report

6

Statement of Financial Activities

7

Balance Sheet

8

to

9

Notes to the Financial Statements

10

to

21

TRUSTEES

Katherine Short

Benjamin Warwick

Alison Neasom (resigned 10.11.2024)

Robert John Barnett

Neale Turner

Denise Searle (appointed 1.2.2024)

Sarah Jane Louise Cook (appointed 5.6.2024)

REGISTERED OFFICE

Mill Lane

Wickham

Hampshire

PO17 5AL

REGISTERED COMPANY NUMBER

04329669 (England and Wales)

REGISTERED CHARITY NUMBER

1090544

INDEPENDENT EXAMINER

Maximus Accountancy Services Limited

47 Kensington Road

Chichester

West Sussex

PO19 7XS

SOLICITORS

Knight Polson

4 Leigh Road

Eastleigh

SO50 2NE

BANKERS

Lloyds Bank

43 West Street

Fareham

PO16 0BE

The trustees who are also directors of the charity for the purposes of the Companies Act 2006, present their report with the financial statements of the charity for the year ended 31 January 2025. The trustees have adopted the provisions of 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

Objectives and aims

Our aims are:

- To promote the benefit of the inhabitants of Wickham and district, without discrimination, to advance education and to provide facilities in the interest of social welfare for recreation and leisure time occupation, for the betterment of the people concerned.

- To establish and maintain a Community Centre.

- To promote any other charitable scheme in furtherance of the above aims.

The objectives of the association are:

- To enhance the lives of those who live, work and learn in the local area

- To provide facilities that are affordable and accessible to the local community

- To be a centre of excellence and a role model for Hampshire Community Associations

- To make Wickham Community Centre a natural hub and meeting place for all Wickham organisations

- To make Wickham Community Centre appealing to businesses, local people and clubs as a venue for meetings, events and activities

- To achieve community cohesion by supporting activities that allow individuals of different backgrounds to share experiences

- To be financially sustainable through good business practice and by attracting funding through sponsorship, grants and business revenue, which subsidises community events and activities.

Wickham Community Association is committed to:

- Being non-discriminatory with regard to sexual orientation, race or political, religious or other opinions.

- Being sensitive to the needs of children, the elderly and vulnerable.

- Working with Local Authorities, voluntary organisations and inhabitants in advancement of the objectives of the Association.

- Providing a safe and good environment for the activities of the Association and any other users of Wickham Community Centre and grounds.

Wickham Community Centre is home to Wickham Community Association and aspires to be the hub of the community for everyone in the Parish of Wickham and surrounding areas.

ACHIEVEMENTS AND PERFORMANCE

Charitable activities

Challenges

This report reflects the operation of the Association in 2024/25 - a year of both consolidation and continued change. The cost-of-living crisis has persisted, the UK and world economies remain uncertain, and millions of households continue to feel under immense pressure managing their budgets.

In 2023/24, trustees and staff focused on consolidating operational gains made in the previous year, delivering an affordable and accessible set of services, and expanding Community Benefit initiatives. In 2024/25, the focus has been on building upon these achievements, introducing new community projects, and further balancing the sometimes competing needs of our varied stakeholder groups, all while adapting to changes within both the trustee and staff teams.

The number and range of activities held at the Centre - including private hire, groups, societies, and Community Benefit programmes - have continued to grow and diversify. This supports the Centre's aim to benefit individuals from Wickham and the wider area without distinction, and it has attracted many new users.

Performance

Centre hire booking remains our key internal source of income and in 2024/25 it increased by 18%, building on the 20% growth achieved the previous year. Both the number and variety of private hire bookings and community events rose notably. The administration team has stabilised following the appointment of the Operations Manager and Administration Assistant in 2023/24, and feedback on customer service remains positive.

Finance

Although booking income has continued to grow strongly, the Centre is unable to survive on this revenue stream alone. During the year under review, the Association secured several funding awards for specific Community Benefit initiatives and successfully gained capital funding for key projects - most notably new front doors, enhancements to the Main Hall, much-needed renovations to the Long Room and the extension and modernisation of our solar power installation. Restricted grants remain vital to enabling the Centre to undertake significant works on the ageing building and to fund otherwise unaffordable community programmes, such as the Pantry, which continues to deliver measurable benefits but relies heavily on external donations and grants.

The funding awards received in 2024/25 were key to achieving an overall surplus in the year. However, the trustees are pleased to note that the Association has returned to break-even before taking into account the effect of depreciation and the loss on disposal of fixed assets. Trustees and staff remain fully committed to maximising grant applications, donations, and other funding opportunities, while continuing to grow internal revenue and exercising close control of operating cost.

Trustees and Management

The Board of Trustees has continued to evolve during 2024/25, with recruitment efforts ongoing to ensure a broad and diverse range of skills and experiences. The nationwide challenge of attracting and retaining volunteers persists, with numbers still not fully recovered since the pandemic. Trustees are committed to ongoing efforts to strengthen both trustee and volunteer numbers.

Kat Short has continued as Chair throughout 2024/25, with Neale Turner serving as Treasurer since November 2023. New trustees Sarah and Denise have joined, ensuring fresh perspectives and experience on the Board. Ben and Bob also remained as trustees.

At the year-end, the Board comprised six trustees. Monthly meetings have continued, alternating between in-person and online formats.

Centre management remains under Kate English, supported by the Operations Manager, Administration Assistant, Pantry Coordinator, and three Caretakers. The staffing team was fully resourced as at 31 January 2025.

Building Improvements

Building maintenance has remained a priority. Capital funding support has enabled the Association to undertake several major projects this year. The Long Room renovation was completed and continues to be well-used; in the Main Hall, new staging and projection facilities offer our hirers an improved experience; new front doors have upgraded both security and accessibility; and the replacement and extension of our array of solar panels, together with its associated battery storage, will help us to achieve significant energy savings in the future. Other smaller improvements have updated our facilities and enhanced energy efficiency throughout the Centre.

Community Benefit

The Wickham Pantry and Community Fridge have continued to provide crucial support to local people - in 2024/25 the Pantry supported around 65 families each week, funded by a mix of government schemes, food waste reduction organisations, local donors, and individuals. The Warm Room continued through the winter, and Social Suppers expanded, serving free hot meals - including dessert - to adults and children alike. The monthly Lunch Club for the over-55s and Wickham Flicks film screenings have continued to draw regular attendees.

The Community Garden has flourished, with Social Prescribing remaining a valued part of its programme. The Wickham Men's Shed has also grown this year, providing valuable support for various hard landscaping projects and contributing to wider community activities. A new sporting initiative, pickleball, was introduced and has quickly become a very popular activity, attracting participants of all ages and abilities.

Thanks to awards from Winchester City Council, Hampshire County Council, and other funders, a range of events and projects took place in 2024/25, including seasonal celebrations and creative initiatives. The Meon Valley Food Bank, Homestart Hampshire, and the Winchester Citizen's Advice Bureau Wickham Hub have all maintained a strong presence at the Centre.

Volunteers remain vital to delivering many of these initiatives, making recruitment and retention a strategic priority for the year ahead.

Conclusion

The Association continues to deliver an ambitious programme in challenging economic conditions. Priorities for the coming year remain clear: securing funding for capital projects, ensuring operational sustainability, and supporting our people, including volunteers, trustees, and Centre users.

The trustees confirm that they have had due regard to the Charity Commission's guidance on public benefit.

FINANCIAL REVIEW

Financial position

In the year under review the charity made a surplus of £58,197 (2024 £8,244) which increased reserves. The charity now holds reserves of £743,163 (2024 £684,966) which include free reserves (excluding fixed assets used for charitable purposes and restricted funds) of £110,541 (2024 £114,177).

Reserves policy

The Association's reserve policy is to hold sufficient liquid unrestricted reserves to enable it to:

- Withstand unforeseen financial setback.

- Cover staff redundancy and other closure costs should the Association have to close the centre.

- To provide working capital where funding is paid in arrears.

- To take advantage of opportunities which the trustees consider will benefit the charity and the community it serves.

The reserves policy is reviewed annually. For the year 2024-25 it was £70,000 (2024 £70,000); going into 2025-26 it has been increased to £80,000, reflecting the growth in activities within the centre and increasing operation costs.

STRUCTURE, GOVERNANCE AND MANAGEMENT

Governing document

Wickham Community Association is a charitable company limited by guarantee. Its objects, powers and other constitutional matters are set out in its most recent Memorandum and Articles of Association, approved by the members on 17 July 2016,

Its objects are to promote the benefits and improve the conditions of life for the inhabitants of Wickham and district by:

- Provision of facilities in the interest of social welfare for recreation and leisure time activities;

- Establishment, maintenance and management of a centre for community activities.

In the attainment of the above objects the charity shall be non-party in politics and non-sectarian in religion.

Recruitment and appointment of new trustees

Governance and management are enhanced when there is a multi-faceted Board of Trustees. There is no declared Board size but the preferred balance is 12 to 15 members. At the end of the financial year there were six members. Increasing trustee numbers remains an absolute priority and will be achieved through a variety of means including reaching out through social media channels. Elections are held annually having regard to the Charity Commission's guidance CC30 "Finding New Trustees". Provision is made for co-option during the year.

This report has been prepared in accordance with the special provisions of Part 15 of the Companies Act 2006 relating to small companies.

Approved by order of the board of trustees on 29 October 2025 and signed on its behalf by:

Katherine Short - Trustee

Independent examiner's report to the trustees of Wickham Community Association ('the Company')

I report to the charity trustees on my examination of the accounts of the Company for the year ended 31 January 2025.

Responsibilities and basis of report

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

Having satisfied myself that the accounts of the Company 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 your charity's accounts as 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.

Independent examiner's statement

Since your charity's gross income exceeded £250,000 your examiner must be a member of a listed body. I can confirm that I am qualified to undertake the examination because I am a member of the Institute of Chartered Accountants in England and Wales, 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:

1.	accounting records were not kept in respect of the Company as required by Section 386 of the 2006 Act; or

2.	the accounts do not accord with those records; or

3.	the accounts 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 accounts 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 accounts to be reached.

Hilary Julian BA FCA DChA

Maximus Accountancy Services Limited

47 Kensington Road

Chichester

West Sussex

PO19 7XS

30 October 2025

2025

2024

Unrestricted

Restricted

Total

Total

fund

funds

funds

funds

Notes

£

£

£

£

INCOME AND ENDOWMENTS FROM

Donations and legacies

2

5,390

147,620

153,010

104,801

Charitable activities

Room hire, clubs and related income

181,636

-

181,636

159,358

Other income from charitable activities

11,787

-

11,787

4,225

Community pantry

19,183

-

19,183

20,894

Other trading activities

3

15,315

-

15,315

15,782

Investment income

4

1,143

-

1,143

1,122

Total

234,454

147,620

382,074

306,182

EXPENDITURE ON

Raising funds

5,208

-

5,208

8,560

Charitable activities

Room hire, clubs and related income

3,778

-

3,778

5,043

Administration costs

135,328

-

135,328

123,336

Establishment costs

86,635

2,641

89,276

66,829

Support costs

10,031

-

10,031

5,201

Community garden

-

2,817

2,817

6,974

Community pantry

19,183

25,483

44,666

62,922

Community fridge

-

3,600

3,600

1,698

Cookery classes

-

-

-

1,980

Community support

-

29,173

29,173

15,395

Total

260,163

63,714

323,877

297,938

NET INCOME/(EXPENDITURE)

(25,709

)

83,906

58,197

8,244

Transfers between funds

14

57,586

(57,586

)

-

-

Net movement in funds

31,877

26,320

58,197

8,244

RECONCILIATION OF FUNDS

Total funds brought forward

654,888

30,078

684,966

676,722

TOTAL FUNDS CARRIED FORWARD

686,765

56,398

743,163

684,966

2025

2024

Unrestricted

Restricted

Total

Total

fund

funds

funds

funds

Notes

£

£

£

£

FIXED ASSETS

Tangible assets

9

576,224

-

576,224

540,711

CURRENT ASSETS

Stocks

10

950

-

950

953

Debtors

11

56,624

-

56,624

51,988

Cash at bank

76,081

56,398

132,479

125,539

133,655

56,398

190,053

178,480

CREDITORS

Amounts falling due within one year

12

(23,114

)

-

(23,114

)

(34,225

)

NET CURRENT ASSETS

110,541

56,398

166,939

144,255

TOTAL ASSETS LESS CURRENT LIABILITIES

686,765

56,398

743,163

684,966

NET ASSETS

686,765

56,398

743,163

684,966

FUNDS

14

Unrestricted funds

686,765

654,888

Restricted funds

56,398

30,078

TOTAL FUNDS

743,163

684,966

The charitable company is entitled to exemption from audit under Section 477 of the Companies Act 2006 for the year ended 31 January 2025.

The members have not required the company to obtain an audit of its financial statements for the year ended 31 January 2025 in accordance with Section 476 of the Companies Act 2006.

The trustees acknowledge their responsibilities for

(a)	ensuring that the charitable company keeps accounting records that comply with Sections 386 and 387 of the Companies Act 2006 and

(b)

preparing financial statements which give a true and fair view of the state of affairs of the charitable company as at the end of each financial year and of its surplus or deficit for each financial year in accordance with the requirements of Sections 394 and 395 and which otherwise comply with the requirements of the Companies Act 2006 relating to financial statements, so far as applicable to the charitable company.

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

The financial statements were approved by the Board of Trustees and authorised for issue on 29 October 2025 and were signed on its behalf by:

Neale Turner - Trustee

1.	ACCOUNTING POLICIES

Basis of preparing the financial statements

The financial statements of the charitable company, which is a public benefit entity under FRS 102, have been prepared in accordance with the Charities SORP (FRS 102) '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)', Financial Reporting Standard 102 'The Financial Reporting Standard applicable in the UK and Republic of Ireland' and the Companies Act 2006. The financial statements have been prepared under the historical cost convention.

Income

All income is recognised in the Statement of Financial Activities once the charity has entitlement to the funds, it is probable that the income will be received and the amount can be measured reliably.

Income from room hire, events and activities is recognised in the accounting period in which the relevant activity occurs and is deferred to the extent to which it relates to activities which will take place in future accounting periods.

Income from grants is recognised when the charity has received written confirmation of the offer of funding or when any conditions relating to the grant have been met.

Income from donations is recognised when it is received.

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.

Tangible fixed assets

Depreciation is provided at the following annual rates in order to write off each asset over its estimated useful life.

Freehold property

-

2% on cost

Plant and machinery

-

20% on reducing balance

Fixtures and fittings

-

33% on cost

Tangible fixed assets other than freehold land are stated at cost less depreciation and provisions for permanent diminution in value. Items costing over £1,000 (previously £250) are capitalised when they have an estimated useful life of more than one year.

Stocks

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

Taxation

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

Fund accounting

Unrestricted funds can be used in accordance with the charitable objectives at the discretion of the trustees.

Restricted funds can only be used for particular restricted purposes within the objects of the charity. Restrictions arise when specified by the donor or when funds are raised for particular restricted purposes.

Further explanation of the nature and purpose of each fund is included in the notes to the financial statements.

Pension costs and other post-retirement benefits

The charitable company operates a defined contribution pension scheme. Contributions payable to the charitable company's pension scheme are charged to the Statement of Financial Activities in the period to which they relate.

Debtors and creditors due within one year

Debtors and creditors with no stated interest rate and receivable or payable within one year are recorded at transaction price. Any losses arising from impairment are recognised in expenditure.

2.	DONATIONS AND LEGACIES

2025

2024

£

£

Donations

9,798

6,971

Grants

143,212

97,830

153,010

104,801

Donations in the prior year include a donation in kind valued at £1,500 in the form of an Energy Efficiency Audit under the EMphasis3 CO2 Reductions programme, carried out by the University of Portsmouth. The equivalent expenditure is included in establishment costs.

Grants received, included in the above, are as follows:

2025

2024

£

£

National Garden Scheme

2,225

-

Neighbourly Community fund (Community Pantry)

730

750

Hubbub Foundation

6,904

1,800

Southwick Revival (Community Pantry)

3,200

4,000

Wickham Beer Festival (Community Pantry)

-

1,800

Meon Valley Lions (Community Pantry)

-

1,000

Hampshire County Council (Community Pantry)

14,116

30,000

Taste of Wickham (Community Pantry)

-

500

Hampshire County Council Connect 4 Community (Community Pantry)

2,500

-

Hampshire County Council (Community Pantry - Dire Need)

-

4,000

Hampshire County Council (Community Garden)

-

5,800

Winchester City Council Community Infrastructure Levy (Long Room Renovation)

984

26,523

One Stop (Community Support - Events)

500

500

Wickham Beer Festival (Community Support - Events)

-

400

Wickham Beer Festival (Energy Efficiency)

-

1,500

Digital Lift Fund

-

643

Hampshire County Council (Warm Hub Social Suppers)

15,197

10,459

Southern Gas Network (PowerHub)

19,474

-

Winchester City Council Rural Prosperity Fund (Hall Improvement)

21,303

-

Utilita (Community Pantry)

3,000

-

Sovereign Network Group (Community Garden)

3,000

-

Winchester City Council Community Infrastructure Levy (Foyer)

10,502

-

James Cowper Kreston Foundation (Sensory Room)

4,971

-

Hampshire & Isle of Wight Community Fund (Social Pickleball)

4,260

-

Wickham Beer Festival (Men's Shed)

2,000

-

Winchester City Council (Men's Shed)

1,000

-

Hampshire County Council (Repair Cafe)

2,346

-

Groundwork UK (Solar panels)

25,000

-

Winchester City Council (Community Pantry)

-

4,913

Winchester City Council (Community Garden)

-

3,242

143,212

97,830

3.	OTHER TRADING ACTIVITIES

2025

2024

£

£

Function services

9,527

9,872

Solar panels

5,788

5,910

15,315

15,782

4.	INVESTMENT INCOME

2025

2024

£

£

Deposit account interest

1,143

1,122

5.	NET INCOME/(EXPENDITURE)

Net income/(expenditure) is stated after charging/(crediting):

2025

2024

£

£

Depreciation - owned assets

24,604

18,844

Deficit on disposal of fixed assets

1,043

-

Net expenditure for the year includes £1,850 payable to the independent examiner (2024 £1,350).

6.	TRUSTEES' REMUNERATION AND BENEFITS

There were no trustees' remuneration or other benefits for the year ended 31 January 2025 nor for the year ended 31 January 2024.

Trustees' expenses

2025

2024

£

£

Trustees' expenses

325

404

During the prior year one trustee was reimbursed £16 for printing and stationery costs incurred in their role as trustee.

There were no other trustees' expenses paid for the year ended 31 January 2025 nor for the year ended 31 January 2024.

7.	STAFF COSTS

2025

2024

£

£

Wages and salaries

118,296

105,248

Social security costs

3,919

2,552

Other pension costs

1,748

1,707

123,963

109,507

The average monthly number of employees during the year was as follows:

2025

2024

Community Centre staff

6

6

No employees received emoluments in excess of £60,000.

The key management personnel of the charity comprise the Centre Manager and Operations Manager. The total employee benefits of the key management personnel of the charity were £70,633.

8.	COMPARATIVES FOR THE STATEMENT OF FINANCIAL ACTIVITIES

Unrestricted

Restricted

Total

fund

funds

funds

£

£

£

INCOME AND ENDOWMENTS FROM

Donations and legacies

4,309

100,492

104,801

Charitable activities

Room hire, clubs and related income

159,358

-

159,358

Other income from charitable activities

4,225

-

4,225

Community pantry

20,894

-

20,894

Other trading activities

15,782

-

15,782

Investment income

1,122

-

1,122

Total

205,690

100,492

306,182

EXPENDITURE ON

Raising funds

8,560

-

8,560

Charitable activities

Room hire, clubs and related income

5,043

-

5,043

Administration costs

122,693

643

123,336

Establishment costs

66,829

-

66,829

Support costs

5,201

-

5,201

Community garden

-

6,974

6,974

Community pantry

20,894

42,028

62,922

Community fridge

-

1,698

1,698

Cookery classes

-

1,980

1,980

Community support

171

15,224

15,395

Total

229,391

68,547

297,938

NET INCOME/(EXPENDITURE)

(23,701

)

31,945

8,244

Transfers between funds

26,523

(26,523

)

-

Net movement in funds

2,822

5,422

8,244

RECONCILIATION OF FUNDS

Total funds brought forward

652,066

24,656

676,722

TOTAL FUNDS CARRIED FORWARD

654,888

30,078

684,966

9.	TANGIBLE FIXED ASSETS

Fixtures

Freehold

Plant and

and

property

machinery

fittings

Totals

£

£

£

£

COST

At 1 February 2024

730,592

60,825

23,455

814,872

Additions

14,075

28,377

18,708

61,160

Disposals

-

(23,712

)

-

(23,712

)

At 31 January 2025

744,667

65,490

42,163

852,320

DEPRECIATION

At 1 February 2024

212,217

39,698

22,246

274,161

Charge for year

13,783

4,788

6,033

24,604

Eliminated on disposal

-

(22,669

)

-

(22,669

)

At 31 January 2025

226,000

21,817

28,279

276,096

NET BOOK VALUE

At 31 January 2025

518,667

43,673

13,884

576,224

At 31 January 2024

518,375

21,127

1,209

540,711

Freehold property includes £50,000 in respect of the land, which is not depreciated.