THE CITY OF WINCHESTER TRUST LIMITED
REPORT OF THE COUNCIL AND FINANCIAL STATEMENTS FOR THE YEAR ENDED
31 MARCH 2011
Chairman's Report
This annual report comments on projects and activities undertaken during the year. It also contains the necessary statutory disclosures.
Projects
The sales of “Winchester Heart of a City” continued at a fast rate and all remaining copies were sold early in the financial year.
The Landscape Group was again hampered by adverse weather - extremes of hot and cold - and acute shortage of members. However, more volunteers have come forward which will assist progress.
The Policy Group continued to be involved with the possible development of Barton Farm. The developer’s application having been been unsuccessful, its subsequent appeal engendered a great deal of work by the Group and representations to the Inspector. These were made with skill and fluency by Michael Carden and Harvey Cole and the lengthy hearing was attended assiduously by Patrick Davies, Chairman of the Group, supported by other members. The Inspector ’s report is expected to be published before you read this but we will then await the decision of the Secretary of State.
The Policy Group was also heavily involved in the Blueprint exercise, working with WinACC and Winchester City Council preparing for the latter’s Plans for Places. This is a continuing connnitment. The Group began a review of Winchester and its Setting, a document prepared some years ago. This reflects concern about the impact of possible development around the fringe of the city.
The Trust contributed £500 to the appeal by the Friends of Hyde Abbey Gardens for recreation of the splendid glass panel by Tracey Sheppard which was destroyed last summer and £2000 to the Winchester Excavations Committee towards further volumes of Professor Biddle’s magnum opus. We also contributed £50 to Emmaus Hampshire, inspired by a splendid address to members by Mrs Alison Thompson, Chairman of its trustees.
Design Awards 2010 attracted many entries of high quality which exercised the judges considerably. Led by Martin Willey. the panel produced a short list in time for the entries to be displayed at the last Annual General Meeting and to he voted upon by members present. Final decisions were made later and announced at a meeting held in the Ashburton Hall of Queen Elizabeth Court which was made available by the kindness of Hampshire County Council. The winners were publicised in the December 2010 issue of TrustNews and displayed, more recently, in the Guildhall. This was possible through the support of Winchester City Council.
Activities
The work load of the Planning Appraisal Group picked up from that of the previous year. The number of applications increased and there were also presentations of intended developments. These are welcomed, as they allow our view to be expressed at an early stage when they may have greater impact and are welcomed by developers. Members of the group and trustees have also been consulted about the replanning of the Square and Market Street.
A most successful meeting of civic societies in Hampshire and neighbouring counties was held under the name of Southern Comfort.
Civic Voice established itself as adynamic and responsive organisation. Our support for it has been wholly justified. To mark Civic Day on 25th June 2011, we planned a competition called Heart of the City. This was inspired by Civic Voice and supported by the Hampshire Chronicle. Its purpose was to raise awareness of the many splendid buildings of the city which are so easily taken for granted.
Summer walks were again most popular and wide ranging. Such was the interest in many of the walks that it proved necessary to set a limit on numbers. This was in the interest of safety and of audibility of the speaker. These events, enjoyed by many members, are only possible through the generosity of those who lead the walks.
TrustNews has gone trom strength to strength. More text, more colour and some imaginative covers. All this is the result of work by David Malklew, who causes contributors to write with gentle words, Matthew Huntley, who reads proofs and Alan Waters who puts it all together so successfully. Volunteers stuff the result into envelopes and our good friends at Kings Worthy Post Office stamp and despatch the envelopes so quickly.
The Website (www.cityofvvinchestertrust.co.uk) makes good progress. thanks to the efforts of Barry Brinkman and of Nick Hirst, our archivist.
Christmas cards sold well, as in previous years. We are grateful to our artists, Tricia Spink and Colin Stansfield Smith for their continued contributions and to Jo Gordon Watson who manages the supply of cards to the charity card shop, in addition to her other involvements in our activities.
Plans for the future
To continue to work with Hampshire County Council and Winchester City Council on the Winchester Access plan, and in formulating the latter’s Plans for Places.
To review the study “Winchester and its Setting” and to work for its acceptance by the appropriate bodies in addition to monitoring all proposals which could affect the landscape and infrastructure of the city.
To establish an educational link with Winchester University, as part of the Chippindale Project, for the benefit of students.
To plan for a Design Awards competition in 2012 for new and refurbished buildings in the City of Winchester.
Public Benefit
In setting objectives for the year, the Trust Council has given careful consideration to the Charity Commission’s general advice on public benefit and is mindful of the need to report on how its aims have been achieved during the year. The Trust was founded in I957 for the purposes and objects set out later in this report and continues to carry out its work in serving the public interest.
Appreciations
Like all civic societies, the level and extent of our activities is dependent upon the members who give their time but one cannot overlook the presence of members who cannot involve themselves. By being members, they add weight to our powers of persuasion. A body of more than 700 members is difficult to ignore. Warmest thanks must go to all those who work so hard for the Trust, whether as trustees or as members of the various groups. Particular thanks go to Michael Carden and Robin Merton, as Vice Chairmen and Peter Radcliffe as Treasurer. They are towers of strength to me. So too is our Secretary, Vicky Feldwick who is innovative and always a welcome calming presence.
Governing Document
The City of Winchester Trust Ltd. (the Trust) was founded in 1957 and incorporated as a company limited by guarantee in 1958. As such it has no share capital. The liability of individual members is limited to a sum not exceeding five pence.
It is governed by its Memorandum and Articles of Association, which was last amended in 2000. The Trust is registered as Company number 00609812 and Charity Number 251798.
Organisational Structure
The Council has responsibility for the management and control of the Trust. However certain financial functions are delegated to the Finance and Resources Committee, and otherpanels and groups are formed and their leaders appointed by Council for specific purposes, projects and continuing activities. Council members are elected for three years at the Annual General Meeting but may stand for re-election at the end of their term.
Council members act as trustees of the charity and directors of the company limited by guarantee.
The Objects of the Trust
The Trust’s objects are fully described in the Memorandtnn of Association. They can be summarised as follows:
To seek to conserve the character of the City of Winchester and its surrounding area by:
- Preserving and protecting its buildings, spaces and artefacts;
- Sponsoring and encouraging new building, redevelopment, landscaping and conservation in accordance with the highest architectural standards;
- Promoting awareness of the above.
Investment Powers and Policies
The investment powers of the Council are given by the Memorandum and Articles of Association.
Property investment is either used for charitable purposes or to produce income to fulfil those charitable purposes. This means that the Heritage Centre is used for the operation of the Trust, and the two small flats are let to provide income for the Trust because membership subscriptions alone would not generate enough income to enable the Trust to cany out all its projects and activities.
Monetary investments are invested in listed investments. The policy applicable to equity-based investment is designed to produce income while seeking capital growth and longer-term security for the Trust’s investments. The policy applicable to fixed interest and variable interest investment is to produce the greatest income whilst ensuring that there is no loss ofcapital. Monetary investments are managed by an independent advisor within policies set out by the Council.
Property Revaluation Policy
The Trust adopts the policy of revaluing its property every five years. commencing 31 March 2003.
Reserves Policy
The annual accounts show the assets and liabilities attributable to the funds by type and which are approved by the Council. The Council plans its expenditure within available resources whilst maintaining reserves which gives the Trust flexibility to achieve its aims.
Risk Management
The Council has reviewed the major risks to which the Trust is exposed, as identified by the Council, and is satisfied that systems are in place to mitigate those risks.
Council Responsibilities
It is a requirement of company law for the Council to prepare financial statements for each accounting period. They must give a true and fair view of the state of affairs of the Trust and of the surplus or deficit for that period. The Council must:
- Prepare the financial statements on the basis that the Trust is a going concern;
- Select appropriate accounting policies and apply them consistently;
- Make judgements and estimates that are prudent and reasonable;
- Disclose whether any material departures have been made from these policies.
The Council is responsible for keeping proper accounting records which should be able to disclose at any time the financial position of the Company and enable the Council to ensure compliance with the Companies Act 2006. The Council is also responsible for safeguarding the assets of the Trust and for taking reasonable steps for the prevention and detection of fraud and other financial irregularities.
Independent Examiners
Butler & Co. have been appointed as Independent Examiners and will be proposed for re-appointment.
Small Company Status
This Report has been prepared in accordance with the special provisions of Part I5 of the Companies Act, 2006 relating to Small Companies.
On behalf of the Council
signed I A D Patton
Chairman
5th July 2011