House Mill Trust Ltd - Charities report - 21.1

REGISTERED COMPANY NUMBER: 01928896 (England and Wales)

REGISTERED CHARITY NUMBER: 292336

REPORT OF THE TRUSTEES AND

UNAUDITED FINANCIAL STATEMENTS

FOR THE YEAR ENDED 30 JUNE 2020

FOR

HOUSE MILL TRUST LTD

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Report of the Trustees

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Independent Examiner's Report

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Statement of Financial Activities

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Balance Sheet

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Notes to the Financial Statements

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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 30 June 2020. 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 2015).

COVID-19

This report is written to cover the shortened report last year caused by the ramifications surrounding the COVID-19 pandemic, which began in March 2020; coincident with the first Seasonal opening of the buildings, and by necessity therefore there have been fewer opportunities to open, host and run tours and other activities within both buildings.

The House Mill (HMT) remains committed to its plans towards the major restoration project, within its overall future strategy but also as an education and intelligence sharing resource, with a range of other heritage projects. Fundraising this year has, however, proved very difficult and all efforts are concentrating on raising revenue funds to ensure the continued financial stability of the Trust.

House Mill continued with its busy range of activities until the end of the 2019/2020 Season but was unable to open again in March 2020 because of the national pandemic lockdown. During this year, the Trust has been unable to extend its activities, and indeed had to cancel all booked activities for the May - December 2020 Season in line with the Govt advice on COVID-19. This has had a detrimental effect on the annual income, as no visitors within the buildings have been permitted.

OBJECTIVES AND ACTIVITIES

Public benefit

The public benefits of the project have been reviewed and whilst the primary benefit remains the preservation of the Grade 1 listed House Mill and its restoration to a working mill, the peripheral benefits have been redefined.

Since our last report the Trust has continued developing its objectives and planning future activities in line with the Charity Commission's guidance on public benefits. A full programme of Activities, Exhibitions and Meetings had been booked in beyond the financial year end, and throughout July - October. Also, each September there is Open House and Open Heritage, which are both very busy times for House Mill and usually an important income stream for the café. Lockdown began in March 2020 and the site had to close.

Lockdown did ease somewhat in the autumn, but with social distancing rules remaining in place all exhibitions and events remained cancelled, all room hire remained cancelled and tours were possible only in pre-booked groups of up to six people. This is considerably reduced from House Mill's usual offer of tours, without necessarily pre-booking, and in groups of up to 18. This new café-only opening offer was carefully considered, and risk assessed, in line with Govt guidance. Full PPE was purchased for volunteers, and appropriate signage, floor markings and hand sanitiser were placed throughout both buildings.

ACHIEVEMENT AND PERFORMANCE

Progress

The Trust has continued to undertake some smaller works that were previously part of the original scheme which will mean slight variations on any whole-restoration project resubmission, but they do demonstrate the Trust's ability to deliver. This has included replacement of some floorboards within the ground floor of House Mill with appropriately sourced reclaimed timber.

A large step forward is that the archive documentation has now been digitised, led by a trustee. Work on improving the archive further is on hold whilst lockdown measures have to remain in place, but hopefully will be continued from Spring 2021. In the meantime, the same trustee is leading a team towards the publication of a book about gin production, and its supporting industries, at the Three Mills site.

Works to the Archive itself continue with volunteer and trustee research ongoing. This too has been curtailed as the main source of our current research is Hackney Archive, which has also had to close throughout the pandemic. Some of the previously sourced material will be used towards the creation of short films, to enhance the visitor offer and the digital presence, going forward.

A detailed survey of refurbishment works to the exterior of the buildings has been prepared and talks held with Historic England. These works have been costed and funding is being raised towards this. The works were planned to begin in summer 2020 but have had to be largely put on hold during the pandemic. It has been agreed that one of the dormer windows will be refurbished as a" pilot", both to move part of the project forward, but to see if these works can be done from inside the window, rather than from outside which would involve expensive scaffolding. If successful it will also enable improved access for regular maintenance going forward.

We are gaining better knowledge of the condition of the ground floor of House Mill, and we have more detailed measurements and photographic evidence of the ongoing damage caused by the rising tide levels. This appears to be as a result of changes to the configurations to the tidal River Lea. This, we understand, is further added to by some of the local developments, where permissions have been given, in isolation, to extend into parts of what was the riverbed.

Education

Our relationship with the Building Crafts College continues, but the site visits by their students are currently on hold owing to the pandemic.

The Trust has offered various local charitable organisations complimentary use of the classroom for a variety of training activities. These have included environmental projects, local residents' and other community and education groups.

On days when no formal education is being delivered, the classroom continues to be used as a venue for theatre rehearsals and read throughs by Chain Reaction, an education charity based within the Miller's House.

The new intake of Masters Students, within UCL Faculty for Archaeology returned in January 2020 for their ongoing studies and surveys of House Mill, which include:

- Photogrammetry recording towards continuous updating of Condition Survey of House Mill;

- Interpretation planning;

- Outreach/community/education projects;

- Archival research;

- Exhibition and curation.

We plan to continue to work with the UCL Faculty for Archaeology, examining the role of heritage management and creative practice in making historic places matter to contemporary Londoners, when the Course reconvenes with on-site education. UCL will be opening a new campus in the Olympic Park within the next few years (UCL East) and this initiative with the Archaeology Faculty is seen as an important early partnership for UCL into the East London Heritage Sector.

General

As above, for the 2019 - 2020 Season, House Mill had arranged a full programme of Tours, Events, Exhibitions and Special openings. Between July and December, the buildings opened every weekend for café and tours, and throughout the week for meeting hire, education and rehearsals.

Visitor numbers are the following:

Art Gallery 2229

Classroom 518

Meeting Rooms 771

Café 8692

Guided Tours 1425

Total visitor numbers 13635

As well as being open to serve refreshments during House Mill opening times, the ground floor café area continued to be used regularly in the evenings for a range of public events, and also for monthly Quiz nights and regular music and dining opportunities.

The House Mill Gallery was busy this year hosting a varied range of Exhibitions; and details are included below:

"until you became me" Karen Le Roy Harris & Miriam Sedacca

5 July - 21 July 2019. Supported by a grant from The Arts Council.

This was a site-specific exhibition exploring how water connects us to each other and our environments. Artists Karen Le Roy Harris and Miriam Sedacca exhibited new individual and collaborative works made in response to the unique and atmospheric space of both tidal and water mills, including House Mill and St. Stephens.

The artists created an immersive space at House Mill, and also, St Mary's Mill in Stroud and Le Moulin de Quetivel, National Trust for Jersey. With their ephemeral installations they invited visitors to consider themselves as bodies of water, constantly in flux and intimately connected with others and with their surroundings. The exhibition took the premise that we are all bodies of water, as our human bodies consist of 50-75% water. As such we have an inseparable and co-substantive relationship with all other bodies of water, whether they be oceans, reservoirs, or any of the millions of species which inhabit earth and also hold water within themselves.

Through showing at the historic mills, where flowing water can be heard under the building, the work also demonstrated how humans can and have worked in collaboration with nature, harnessing and channelling its powers and flows rather than working against them.

The Exhibition in the Gallery space also included regular booked performances including a promenade performance around House Mill itself, another within the grinding stone area, and another in the garden, by Karen, Miriam and guest artists. Films were shown in the Miller's House, so both buildings were used to capacity This was an innovative Exhibition and series of Events for House Mill and we were delighted with the sensitivity Karen and Miriam showed when planning and delivering their works here. We look forward to welcoming them back in the future.

https://www.facebook.com/untilyoubecameme/videos/1124761237913577/

Makers at the Mill

Returned 13th to 22nd September for their 5th year at the House Mill Gallery

Each year Makers present work from a changing group of talented artists and designer-makers. A curated selling exhibition, mixing pieces by different makers to complement each other in the space. Inspiration for their work is wide-ranging, yet London based, and they tell us that House Mill is a special location for them, as it holds a particular fascination for several of the group who are locally based Makers.

The 2019 dates coincided with the annual Open House weekend, and both events were very well attended by visitors to the area.

House Mill retains its relationship with "Makers at the Mill" and they have already booked for two weeks in September 2021.

Nature's Natural Flow

September 29th - October 5th, 2019

A collaborative showcase of ceramics installations by Remy Dubibe & Zoe Clare.

Ceramic Artists Remy Dubibe & Zoe Clare presented 'Nature's Natural Flow' which was a showcase of site-specific ceramic installations.

Remy & Zoe presented installations inspired on 'Nature's Natural Flow'.

Remy's focused on the fragility of his world, from expressing anxiety through memories to celebrating the un-noticed temperament of the natural world and the hidden quirks which pass us by. Whilst Zoe's sculptures are inspired by the often-overlooked way nature interacts with its environment and using these idiosyncrasies to create abstract natural forms.

These themes were expressed through solo sculptures and installations, housed over two levels and using the full Gallery space.

This showcase coincided with Frieze Art Week, a time of year in London where galleries and artists debut exciting and challenging artworks to an international audience across London, and we were delighted to welcome this wider, specialist, audience, for the first time, to House Mill.

Unearthed

9th - 13th October

Three Artists, each of whom have taught for many years at The City Lit, came together to show works in a mix of 2D and 3D. Three ways of looking at the world. They each found inspiration at the House Mill and its surroundings to resonate with each individual's concerns; the memories embedded in objects, the obsolete and discarded brought into new life; the traces of touch and time frozen in material; thoughts and histories exhumed and reborn. This mixed display served, fleetingly, to excavate this common ground.

Sadly, however, none of the remaining exhibitions, booked commencing April 2020 onwards, could take place owing to the Covid-19 pandemic and lockdown.

Further development of the Gallery space is an important initiative for House Mill and the Arts and Culture Working Group are developing plans to further improve the Gallery space for future use by increasing numbers of visiting artists.

As noted above, during this year the Trust has been unable to extend its activities, and indeed had to cancel all booked activities for the May - December 2020 Season in line with the Govt advice on COVID-19.

It is hoped that once lockdown is over that at least some of these will be re-booked, and new activities will be planned, in line with both the Activity Plan and the Business Plans, and towards regaining the previous financial sustainability in advance of the restoration project.

For the first few months the 2nd floor meeting room continued to be busy; hired out, with a catering offer, to a range of local clients and nationwide clients looking for central meeting space. These have included:

- Safe Lives: A national charity dedicated to ending domestic abuse

- London Borough of Tower Hamlets

- London Borough of Newham

- AGE UK

- FCA staff meetings

- Trade Unions

- East London Science School; staff and parent events

- Bromley by Bow Tesco Community and Staff meetings and Events

Our location as a registered and licensed venue for Weddings and Civil Partnerships continued. As we have previously reported, in the last few years these have been held less frequently as there are building works immediately to the north of the riverside garden, where summer wedding receptions are held. This does blight the view and ambience and unfortunately has influenced the decisions of quite a few potential bridal couples. We had only one ceremony during the reporting period. Going forward, with the pandemic requiring that either weddings cannot take place, or they may do so only with very restricted numbers and no wedding reception, it is unlikely that this side of the business will pick up for the next several years. We were delighted to host a wedding for a young Newham couple who brought forward their special day to February 22nd, in order that their friends and family would be able to celebrate with them. Just two weeks later the country went into lockdown, and sadly no more weddings have been permitted to take place since.

The garden has once again been carefully tended by volunteers. It is a particular asset for client/visitor daytime enjoyment, and a lovely area for an evening drinks reception and/or BBQ. It is also an important extension to the café, during the summer months, when tables and chairs are placed in the garden, increasing the number of clients who can relax and enjoy the café offer, in addition to a tour of the House Mill, or as a dedicated café visit. It was particularly useful during the short time that we were allowed visitors inside the site under lockdown, and tables were arranged in line with social distancing. It did afford us the opportunity of sometimes being able to open beyond just a takeaway café facility.

There have had to be some changes to the garden as the box border plants have succumbed to disease and have all had to be removed. Planning new borders and a new "botanical" bed in the garden is ongoing, and these will be finalised after the lockdown period. Each year the garden is altered and updated in some way, and this is an ongoing enjoyment for volunteers and visitors alike. We have even seen the arrival of the "London parakeets" this year, and these are a welcome addition to the already wide-ranging wildlife seen here.

As above, expert volunteers have continued with their replacement works of some of the heritage floor boards on the ground floor of the mill which have been badly damaged by flooding. The wood has been sourced and secured with HMT funds. Listed planning consent was granted to replace some of the trapdoors in the ground floor with bespoke galvanized grilles, which allow faster egress of any flood waters. Another advantage of these grilles is that they allow sight of the underside of the building and some of the heritage machinery, which gives a completely new addition and understanding to the guided tours.

House Mill played a major role in the 2 x four day Open Heritage weekends, September 2019, with larger than ever numbers arriving to take tours around the Mill. During this weekend the Gallery was open for the annual Makers at the Mill Exhibition. The café, during this weekend, experienced one of its busiest weekends of the year. However, both National Mills weekend and Newham Heritage Month in May 2020 were badly affected by the lockdown, and visitors could visit the site digitally only. House Mill Trust worked with L B Newham to make three short vignette films for Newham Heritage Month; these describe the rescue from demolition of the House Mill in the 1970's, a virtual tour and description of the 3,000 original wooden machinery patterns, and a view from the building roof to take in the changing face of Stratford and local environs. These films have proved a valuable addition to our own archive and website offer, and we take this opportunity to thank LBN Heritage Month for their support of House Mill, and recognition of its importance within the borough.

The Miller's House café continues to host artefacts from the Newham collection, and these are usually changed several times each year. The current exhibition features items manufactured at Three Mills itself, dating back over many years.

House Mill volunteers have also displayed in this café area several cases showing some of the original wooden patterns from the mill and the distillery buildings.

Remembering Three Mills (R3M) group monthly meetings continued until March 2020, and this has been an important get together for elders who have previously lived or worked in the area; coming together to reminisce. We understand that, sadly, the group is unlikely to reconvene any time soon because of the age of most of the members, and their need to continue to shield.

Chain Reaction weekly youth workshops for teenage students from both LB Newham and Tower Hamlets are held in the classroom, on a range of socially relevant themes. Each term these result in a performance which is open to parents and carers.

Residents' meetings have been held by the local Island House development, and also a wider community group who come together to discuss events and activities taking place within the Three Mills area. This also involves local freeholders, such as Lee Valley Regional Park Authority, and 3 Mills Studios, the local leaseholders of much of the island.

Under Challenge 2019 initiative, HMT hosted two groups of local young people. This was a project where teams of up to 13 young people were given just 4 days to plan a Social Action Project. On the third day of planning the teams visited with groups of House Mill volunteers to present their plans for expert advice and feedback, towards the potential of funding. We were able to feedback on their presentation skills before their pitch, and to critique and improve their plans. This was a really and intergenerational piece of work, and each team chose completely different charities with whom to work, but both of which had potentially excellent social outcomes. This was important recognition of House Mill volunteers' value to wider communities.

We were delighted to include the following organisations amongst our visitors this year:

- Tonbridge Historical Group

- Islington U3A

- London Fire Brigade, Retired Members

- LBTH Unison

- Beckton Walking Group

- Worshipful Company of Lightmongers

- LBTH Liberal Democrats

- East London Science School

- Royal College Defence Studies

- Secret Walks of London

A Christmas Fayre was once again held on the first Sunday in December, with arts and crafts stalls within the House Mill, a Father Christmas grotto for the young visitors, and seasonal refreshments served in the café. Each year this event brings the Three Mills communities together. House Mill's place in that is increasingly important as the new housing developments are opening in the area, and Three Mill Island offers a unique heritage and social centre in its midst.

It is hoped that once lockdown is over that at least some of these will be re-booked, and new activities will be planned, in line with both the Activity Plan and the Business Plans, and towards regaining the previous financial sustainability in advance of the restoration project.

Filming

The House Mill continues, unofficially, as a backdrop for Master Chef! However, Three Mills, and the House Mill, in particular are becoming better known across the media and "repeat" programmes do us no harm. We appeared in Great Canal Journeys, hosted by Timothy West and Prunella Scales. As previously reported, in October 2018 the House Mill featured in an episode of "The Apprentice".

The BBC featured House Mill in a documentary, "River Walks", identifying places of interest on the Rivers Lea and Thames. The House Mill episode included interviews with Dan Cruickshank, and a demonstration by IJP Owlsworth millwrights of the bespoke stone crane, recently made and installed here. This was a wonderful opportunity to promote House Mill, in partnership, and was aired regionally on BBC1 on 10th December and nationally on BBC2 on 2nd February. It has recently been shown nationally for a third time, and this, and all the above-mentioned media exposure has attracted a great number of visitors to take guided tours on Sundays.

The additional exposure within all of the above TV appearances offer the opportunity to promote both the heritage building and the plans for restoration, with resultant, positive, visitor activity.

The House Mill has been used on several occasions for filming this year, for TV series. However, as part of the filming agreement, we are not able to list the programmes, as the locations used throughout were not credited, and required to remain confidential. Filming is an important source of income, and it is always interesting to see House Mill's flexibility demonstrated in these initiatives.

A Heritage Legacy

The restoration project will bring the Mill to life with a lively presentation of its technology and history, using a variety of media and styles. It will provide a high-quality refurbishment of the House Mill's equipment, to ensure its survival and enhance the experience of those who visit. In so doing it will remove the House Mill's heritage water wheels from Heritage England's (HE) at Risk Register, thereby securing the legacy of our industrial past for future generations. The project will also enhance the appearance and layout of each of the five floors of the Mill's by using, where possible, exhibits from LB Newham's stored museum collections and from elsewhere to celebrate the creativity and the products of the Lea Valley's entrepreneurs and workers so that a clear picture will be created that demonstrates how the Mill was used in the past. This will provide for clear and exciting demonstrations and a unique learning experience for visitors of all ages and open people's eyes to the extraordinary world-wide connections of the Lea Valley in general and the Three Mills area specifically.

Heritage Relationships

Links with LB Newham remain healthy, and House Mill Trust continues to play a significant major role in the Newham Heritage Month, which is arranged on behalf of LB Newham Council, with a full week's programme of tours, talks, gin tastings and storytelling. This project grows each year, and we are delighted to be able to continue to support it as it develops. One of the principal sponsors is the National Lottery Heritage Fund (previously HLF).

HMT is a founder member of the Heritage Alliance, which links the remaining industrial sites along the Lower Lea Valley. The Alliance has worked together to produce a booklet and is working towards more joint marketing opportunities. Just before lockdown there was a presentation in the Palace of Westminster and there is growing political support for the Alliance, recognizing the historic value of the lower Lea Valley as a centre of innovation.

The Trust is also a founding member of the East London Heritage Group, set up by Toynbee Hall and hosted one of the regular meetings at Miller's House, with a tour of House Mill itself. An important group for networking and, potentially, for some joint funding submissions.

A Unique Learning Experience

The Trust has experience both of delivering education itself and also with other organisations. The education offer in future will be extended to include new initiatives possibly developed by a full time Education Coordinator. The focus will be on providing learning resources relating to archaeology, history, geography, environmental studies, science and design and technology. The trust will deliver living history, putting learning at the heart of the experience for all visitors through a combination of live demonstrations, interpretive displays and exhibitions. There will also be provision of enhanced educational opportunities for local schools with new facilities, classroom-based activities and a compelling offering that combines aspects of social history, worldwide trade, engineering and the science of green energy.

Currently education is offered by partner organisations, including University of London, Building Crafts College, and our tenants, Chain Reaction.

A Centre for Community, Arts and Culture

The House Mill is currently on the edge of several local communities but with future developments it will be in a much better position to act as a focal point for these communities. The vision is to put the House Mill on a sustainable footing allowing for the development of a vibrant community hub centred on arts, culture and learning. The House Mill is a unique exhibition and performance space whilst the neighbouring Miller's House is a purpose-built visitor centre with modern catering and events facilities, as secured through previous funding projects. The vision is to create a sustainable long-term future for the House Mill and Miller's House to ensure delivery of a programme of arts and events that engages the diverse local community, tourists and visitors. The Trust will offer an imaginative programme of events and activities to draw in new visitors and encourage local people to return regularly. These will be themed to relate to the Mill and the area.

The House Mill Gallery was busy this year hosting a varied rane of Exhibitions; and details were set out earlier in this report. Others that were scheduled have had to be postponed and/or cancelled unfortunately.

A Hub for Volunteering and Development

Volunteering has been fundamental to the continued operation of the House Mill and this will continue into the future. The vision is for the House Mill to serve as a source of employment, volunteer opportunities, and training. We intend to develop structured apprenticeship schemes with a local learning institution to run alongside the established volunteer programme. We will endeavour, in conjunction with others to provide opportunities for learning for people of all ages and interests, on site and nearby. We will foster research projects in which local people can become involved.

As the Trust's activities have increased, so the range of volunteering opportunities is increasing. The original volunteering roles of Reception and Tour Guides have been extended to include Education, Café Assistant /Food Preparation, Guardian/Assistants in House Mill Gallery area during exhibitions, assistance at Arts and Culture Events, assistance at Weddings and Receptions, maintaining the garden, roles in Office, Archiving, Filing, Administrative support, and assistance with Social Media. The volunteer team continues to work enthusiastically in these new and more varied initiatives, and the Trust offers its thanks to them here.

As well as advertising locally, the Trust is working with a range of Colleges and Universities to encourage students to volunteer and improve their own skill sets, as well as assisting the Trust with its increasing activities. There has been representation at student events at UCL and the subject was raised with those students who presented to the Trust in March of this year.

We have learned that whilst traditionally - volunteers have stayed for some years, some of our newer volunteers who are still in education may be able to stay for just one Season, and our training is adapted accordingly.

A Source of Green Energy

The restoration project will address the opportunity to create sustainable energy. This remains at the core of our project and on the basis of technical advice we have received we believe there is a real opportunity for the House Mill project to provide power based on the tides, the river flow and the sun. The vision is to ensure a new and reliable source of green energy with electricity generated by a combination of modern and age-old technologies, from 21st century solar panels on the roof to 18th century water wheels on the river alongside Ancient Greek-style Archimedean screws. Photovoltaic cells will be installed on the roof to help support the energy needs of the House Mill and Millers House. This will demonstrate the technology of water power from the earliest times to the present and generating our own electricity giving the Mill a unique educational resource within the UK.

We will also demonstrate how the ecology of the area has developed over the centuries, demonstrating how human activity has affected the landscape and wildlife, both over past generations and more recently.

FINANCIAL REVIEW

Financial position

The financial results for the year to 30 June 2020 are shown in the attached financial statements (pages 16 to 18).

Total income decreased from £66,340 to £48,458 and total expenditure decreased from £100,947 to £56,202 in comparison with the previous period. This is largely because of the pandemic, and resultant closure of activities.

There was a net decrease in funds of £7,744 (2019 - net decrease £34,607) with total unrestricted funds (excluding the designated funds) carried forward of £41,050 (2019 - £48,794).

Reserves And Investment Policy And Risk Review

It is the policy of the charity to maintain unrestricted funds at a level which equates to at least three months unrestricted expenditure. As at 30 June 2020 the required level was £14,000. This provides sufficient funds to cover administration and support costs on an ongoing basis. Unrestricted funds were maintained above this level throughout the year.

At the year end the charity had surplus reserves of £41,050 (2019 - £48,794). In calculating the reserves, the trustees have excluded from total funds, the value of fixed assets less related loan obligations.

The trustees are extensively reviewing the major risks to which the charity is exposed, in particular those related to the assets including operations and finances of the charity. We need to be satisfied that systems are in place to mitigate our exposure to any major risks. This is particularly relevant at this time of pandemic and the Trust's activities (and resultant income streams) having to be almost entirely closed for the duration.

The House Mill and The Miller House have been valued for insurance purposes at £11.9m and £2m respectively. These are rebuilding valuations.

Business Plan

The Trust's Business Plan contains full details of the restoration project, the Trust's operation, and income and expenditure projections for five years post restoration. The Plan is robust and a living document. . The business case proposes that with the employment of key staff, supported by the volunteer team, the House Mill itself will be open for at least 5 days a week, with some seasonal variations. The café will be open 7 days a week also with seasonal variations. It includes a full range of Events, corporate hire, meeting room hire, gin tastings and weddings. Successful pilots have been held of all planned new activities. Only a small price rise is suggested for entrance fees, and this will include a guide book. Various incentives are to be offered for local residents, and repeat visitors.

The Plan indicates that the Trust will be financially sustainable, with income from education, entrance fees, events, corporate hire, weddings, enhanced café and shop and hydro-electricity. There is further income from tenants and potential for income from an evening/weekend bar, but these have not been included into the Plan, at this stage.

During this year the Trust had planned to extend its activities, to challenge both the Activity Plan and the Business Plan, and to continue financial sustainability in advance of the restoration project. However, as above, the programme had to be curtailed and all activities postponed until after the lockdowns are over, and clients are permitted to return. The café was open during the usual Mill season on Sundays from June to December, but unfortunately only on the first Sunday of March, after which it was closed for lockdown. It is clearly hoped that some of the postponed events will return, but unrealistic that they all shall. HMT retains contact with its booked clients, artists and of course the volunteer team.

HMT is licensed by the LB Newham as a an approved Premises for Marriages in Pursuance of Section 26(1) of The Marriage Act 1949 and as a Venue for Civil Partnerships in Pursuance of Section 6(3a)(A) of The Civil Partnership Act 2004. The ceremonies take place within the Mill itself, with the space between the two types of grinding stones forming a natural aisle. Guests numbering up to 60 can be accommodated for the ceremony, and for a range of celebrations afterwards. This is a very positive additional use for House Mill, has brought excellent feedback, a new and wide demographic of visitors, and a new source of income. The Trust volunteers work with external caterers, florists and other contractors, and the bridal couples are encouraged to decorate the venue according to their own tastes, to ensure that each wedding is unique. As reported above, the development to the north has had a negative effect on the attraction for couples to currently use the House Mill as a venue. Only one wedding was possible during this year.

The Miller's House Café remains very popular, although has only been able to open on Sundays during the last year, and for special Events. There is still very limited weekday footfall, although this will change in the years ahead as the local developments are occupied.

When during lockdown it was permitted to open the Café for takeaways, and during September even for small, guided tours, we did notice that there were increased amounts of walkers and cyclists exploring the area, and or following The Line urban sculpture trail, which passes along Three Mill Island. This is very encouraging for the future as knowledge of the House Mill is widening.

Once permitted, the café will initially open again on Sundays, with the excellent volunteer team. Volunteers are supported towards their Food Hygiene Certificates, with formal training by LBN Environmental Health. The catering offer at the site has been heavily affected by the pandemic, but will, once the buildings can fully re-open, evolve further, and especially as the major changes to the area are completed; including the Sugar House Island regeneration scheme immediately to the north of Three Mills Island, Bow River Village to the west, and eventually also the Tesco site to the south.

The third floor room continues to be rented to another charitable organization, Chain Reaction Theatre Company. They are a small charity, which has been working for 25 years; delivering education and inspiring young people to make positive choices about issues that affect their day to day lives. They use theatre and music to deliver their message and have proven excellent results. Their small but dynamic admin team are based at the Miller's House, and their work is delivered in schools across London. Their popular weekly Tuesday theatre workshop held in the Miller's House will continue as soon as permitted, and we are delighted that this will continue.

During the pandemic Chain Reaction continued to pay their rent throughout lockdown, although their staff were either furloughed or working from home.

Prospects

Three Mills Island remains in a period of regeneration, with several local major regeneration projects underway or proposed. The House Mill is on the cusp of all of them but not directly included in any, although the Trust is in discussion with the main developers and the planning authorities, and in particular, the LLDC there is at yet nothing positive to report. The developments, in the main, a mixture of residential and business use, give the Trust the possibility of Sec 106 benefits. These developments are constantly monitored by one of our advisors who is in regular contact with the relevant Planning Authorities and developers.

LLDC is the designated planning authority for the Three Mills area, and in June 2013 it began a public consultation process for plans to regenerate the Bromley by Bow area. This is of enormous importance to the House Mill restoration project. We have previously quoted on the LLDC literature regarding the regeneration of Bromley by Bow. We continue with dialogue regarding legacy matters surrounding Three Mills. This includes addressing the increasing high tides and flood levels at the island, which adversely affect the buildings there. Works are currently being undertaken by LLDC to fortify the river walls in the immediate area.

The core of the Legacy Corporation's role, as defined by the Mayor of London, is "to promote and deliver physical, social, economic and environmental regeneration in the Olympic Park and surrounding area". The Southern Olympic Fringe comprises Pudding Mill Lane, Sugar House Lane, Three Mills, and Bromley by Bow. The area was incorporated within the LLDC's boundary for inter alia the following reasons:

- It has a huge regeneration potential given its strategic location, extensive areas of unused or underused industrial land and unique waterway and heritage setting.

- The prospects of successful regeneration are assisted by the Legacy Corporation as a single regeneration organisation. "Securing the delivery of the regeneration of Bromley by Bow.., in particular the connectivity improvements, is key to unlocking the potential of the Three Mills site.".

As previously reported, the Trust is always encouraged and motivated by these kinds of statements. The Trust contributed to the LDDC consultation document regarding the Bromley by Bow SPD Masterplan and Public Realm Strategy in November 2016. More recently the Trust has contributed to the consultation on the new LLDC Three Mills Conservation Area. Within this we are seeking to retain our existing section 106 parking facility and obtaining further section 106 gains.

The Trust continues its relationship with Historic England and pre-lockdown was in talks around the planned refurbishment works to the buildings' exteriors. We understand that House Mill is one of their priority projects for restoration.

The Trust has a close relationship with The Line, urban sculpture trail, which crosses Three Mills Island. The House Mill has previously hosted an exhibition by Bill Viola, as part of The Line's attractions. Disappointingly, however, the Exhibition booked for May 2020 by Simon Faithful had to be cancelled because of the lockdown.

We are now in detailed discussion for two new artworks, by Madge Gill and Virginia Overton, to be installed at Miller's House for the 2021 Season. This is an important opportunity for House Mill to attract a wider range and number of visitors, and also to be included in the marketing opportunities of The Line.

His Royal Highness the Prince of Wales continues to retain an interest in the project and is regularly updated.

The Trust also acknowledges the encouragement and support of numerous bodies and it will continue to build on those relationships in the interests of the Mill and its environs.

The Trust remains in good shape, and it does have reserve funds from the sale of North Woolwich Railway Station. These were largely to be used towards the restoration project, but in addition they have enabled the Trust to remain solvent during the pandemic, whilst income has been heavily restricted. However, this reserve has had a negative effect when applying for Covid support grants as all our applications to date have failed on the basis of those reserves being too high, despite the fact that they are ringfenced for restoration purposes, not running costs.

Our risk assessment process continues to be settled and maintained. We are working towards further improving our website, and our other social media, to become our main information points. This will enable House Mill to become more visible even when the building is physically closed, and to ensure that both the heritage of the building, and the ongoing and future activities, are widely publicized.

We remain convinced that the Trust has a unique and magnificent project in the House Mill. We continue to feel the Trust can go forward with confidence, moving towards successful fundraising in the future enabling the restoration to take place and saving the largest remaining tidal mill in the world for generations to come.

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

STRUCTURE, GOVERNANCE AND MANAGEMENT

Governing document

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 have approved Articles of Association that represent the Trusts current objects, and which have been filed with Companies House and the Charity Commission.

The Code of Governance prepared as part of the development and restructuring of the management of the restoration project and the Trust continues to be significant, well managed and undergoes regular review.

Additionally, the recent plethora of Codes of Practice, Guidelines, GDPR and changes in legislation place further pressures on trustees and volunteers alike. The trust is conscious of the need to comply, to these policies etc, and will endeavour to do so. Governance covers a broad spectrum of requirements. The Governance Working Group is drawing up new guidance, in line with the NCVO guidance for micro charities, but with particular relevance to House Mill Trust, and these will ensure that The Trust has correct procedures in place covering all aspects of our activities.

Recruitment and appointment of new trustees

The Articles of Association stipulate that there must be a minimum of three trustees and there is no maximum number of trustees. Additional trustees may be appointed by the existing trustees at any time, either to fill a casual vacancy or as an addition to the existing trustees. Any trustees so appointed will hold office only until the next Annual General Meeting and will then be eligible for re-election.

No trustee had any beneficial interest in any contract with the charitable entity during the year.

Potential trustees are invited to informally attend trustee meetings prior to appointment and a comprehensive induction programme is available. Additionally, individual trustees may undertake external training in a particular area of their role on the Governing Body.

Induction and Training of new trustees

The charitable entity strives to ensure equal opportunities and diversity in the employment of staff and trustee appointments. Selection criteria and procedures are regularly reviewed to ensure that individuals are selected, promoted and treated on the basis of their relevant merits and abilities.

It is with sadness that we report that Peter White, trustee lead for fundraising, died in February 2020. The Trust recognises that this is a key role, and we will be seeking his replacement once lockdown restrictions are over. The Fundraising Working Group will then be reconvened.

Organisational structure

The company was once again managed and run during the year by volunteers. Strategic, financial and technical management is exercised by the appropriate directors. Operational management is mostly undertaken by two of the directors, who both have involvement with volunteers, operations and events. The need for operational staff is identified and it is hoped that once the pandemic has passed that funding will become available towards this.

The Trust remains conscious of the need to maintain its trustee numbers and expertise, going forward.

Working Groups

Each group is chaired by a Trustee with each working group deciding its own agenda, meeting regularly, and reporting actions directly to the board. The members consist of Trustees, Advisors and key partners, and meet regularly, reporting back to the main board.

For much of this year the working groups have either met largely by zoom, or been put on hold

- Project Development Board

- Fundraising

- Technical and Operations

- Governance, Evaluation and Legal

- Arts, Culture, Education, Heritage, History and Research

- Marketing, Publicity and Communications (Marcoms)

- Education, Heritage, History and Research

- Volunteer Development

All directors of the company are also trustees of the charity and there are no other trustees. At each Annual General Meeting, one-third of the directors (the longest serving) are obliged to retire from office. Each director so retiring is eligible for re-election. The Board has the power to appoint additional directors; any director co-opted during the year must stand for election at the next annual general meeting. Trustees with relevant experience or expertise are sought through canvassing and advertising and newly appointed trustees are provided with relevant training and induction.

The volunteer team had grown by the beginning of this year and we were on target to be able to fully resource and deliver an excellent programme and range of activities.

Our volunteers have ensured that we remained open for the public as much as possible this year. They have worked in the café, on maintenance jobs and in the garden. During lockdown some of the volunteers have also attended as part of their permitted exercise regime, and have worked to maintain the garden, in a socially distanced, permitted, fashion. Some are also working towards the development of short films, which will enhance our digital presence, and (eventual) visitor experience.

However, during lockdown several of our volunteers have moved out of London, some are still shielding, and others have expressed their intention to retire. So, whilst we still have a healthy number of volunteers to begin again after lockdown, we are planning to run a recruitment drive. This will sit alongside the regular annual training update and seasonal new volunteer welcome and training days. Going forward we will also hope to attract more of the immediately local communities, and young people.

Once again much credit must be given to the greater involvement of our volunteers who have continued to embrace the new and wide ranging opportunities we have brought to House Mill during the last few years. Our volunteers ensure we remain open for the public on our regular published openings, for mid-week school and special interest group tours and for the busy Arts and Culture programme. They also assist with many aspects of the weddings, as front of house and cafe personnel, and with maintenance of both buildings and the garden. Until a substantially increased flow of revenue funding is secured, the Trust will remain largely dependent on volunteers, seconded staff or assistance by other bodies. We thank them all for their continued support without which the Trust could not operate. Our volunteers are enthusiastic about involvement in the routine, as well as the newer activities, and represent all aspects of the diverse community in which House Mill is located.

Induction and training of new trustees

The charitable entity strives to ensure equal opportunities and diversity in the employment of staff and trustee appointments. Selection criteria and procedures are regularly reviewed to ensure that individuals are selected, promoted and treated on the basis of their relevant merits and abilities.

Risk management

The trustees have reviewed the risks to which the charity is exposed and ensures appropriate controls are in place. The Trust has re-valued its properties for insurance purposes.

The risk register is being rewritten to reflect the working group definitions. Each of the working groups will identify the risks to assets within their responsibilities and ensure the treatment of those risks is managed effectively.

REFERENCE AND ADMINISTRATIVE DETAILS

Registered Company number

01928896 (England and Wales)

Registered Charity number

292336

Registered office

The Millers House

Three Mill Lane

Bromley-by-Bow

London

E3 3DU

Trustees

Mr J Barber (Chairman),DL,MRICS

Mr J Haggerty (Co-Chairman)

Mr W Hill

Mrs B Charters

Mr A Cregan

Miss F Patel

Mr R Doick

Mr D Harbord

Mr N Nixon

Mr T Spalding

Mr P White (deceased 7.2.20)

Company Secretary

Mr J Haggerty

PRINCIPAL ACTIVITY

The principal activity of the company is the House Mill Restoration Project, and the aim of The House Mill Trust, formally the River Lea Tidal Mill Trust continues to be the:

- Restoration of the machinery to working condition;

- Development of House Mill into an education and community resource;

- Production of hydroelectric power by using the 18th century wheels alongside 21st century turbines; unique in delivering alternative energy using technology spanning four centuries.

All of which involves the raising and management of funds to restore and maintain the 1776 Grade I listed House Mill, a tidal mill at Three Mills, London E3 and the largest remaining one in the World.

The company sold its freehold and leasehold interests in The North Woolwich Old Station Museum Pier Road, London E16.

The company is limited by guarantee of £1 per member (company number 01928896), governed by a Memorandum and Articles of Association and is a registered charity (number 292336).

Approved by order of the board of trustees on 13 May 2021 and signed on its behalf by:

Mr J Barber (Chairman),DL,MRICS - Trustee

Independent examiner's report to the trustees of House Mill Trust Ltd ('the Company')

I report to the charity trustees on my examination of the accounts of the Company for the year ended 30 June 2020.

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

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.

Mr Thurairatnam Sudarshan

FCCA

14 May 2021

2020

2019

Unrestricted

Designated

Restricted

Total

Total

fund

fund

funds

funds

funds

Notes

£

£

£

£

£

INCOME AND

ENDOWMENTS FROM

Donations and legacies

4,869

-

1,713

6,582

5,934

Other trading activities

2

7,444

-

-

7,444

8,194

Investment income

3

34,432

-

-

34,432

52,212

Total

46,745

-

1,713

48,458

66,340

EXPENDITURE ON

Raising funds

8,602

-

1,713

10,315

11,471

Charitable activities

General

45,887

-

-

45,887

89,476

Total

54,489

-

1,713

56,202

100,947

NET INCOME/(EXPENDITURE)

(7,744

)

-

-

(7,744

)

(34,607

)

RECONCILIATION OF

FUNDS

Total funds brought forward

48,794

235,595

2,500,307

2,784,696

2,819,303

TOTAL FUNDS CARRIED FORWARD

41,050

235,595

2,500,307

2,776,952

2,784,696

2020

2019

Unrestricted

Designated

Restricted

Total

Total

fund

fund

funds

funds

funds

Notes

£

£

£

£

£

FIXED ASSETS

Tangible assets

6

8,680

-

2,499,578

2,508,258

2,502,457

CURRENT ASSETS

Stocks

7

1,100

-

-

1,100

1,200

Debtors

8

6,878

-

-

6,878

7,238

Cash at bank and in hand

30,392

235,595

729

266,716

277,001

38,370

235,595

729

274,694

285,439

CREDITORS

Amounts falling due within one year

9

(6,000

)

-

-

(6,000

)

(3,200

)

NET CURRENT ASSETS

32,370

235,595

729

268,694

282,239

TOTAL ASSETS LESS CURRENT LIABILITIES

41,050

235,595

2,500,307

2,776,952

2,784,696

NET ASSETS

41,050

235,595

2,500,307

2,776,952

2,784,696

FUNDS

10

Unrestricted funds

276,645

284,389

Restricted funds

2,500,307

2,500,307

TOTAL FUNDS

2,776,952

2,784,696

The charitable company is entitled to exemption from audit under Section 477 of the Companies Act 2006 for the year ended 30 June 2020.

The members have not required the company to obtain an audit of its financial statements for the year ended 30 June 2020 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 13 May 2021 and were signed on its behalf by:

Mr J Barber (Chairman),DL,MRICS - 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.

Exemption from preparing a cash flow statement

Exemption has been taken from preparing a cash flow statement on the grounds that the charitable company qualifies as a small charitable company.

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.

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.

Furniture & equipment

-

15% on reducing balance

Debtors

Debtors are recognised at their settlement amount, less any provision for non-recoverability. Prepayments are valued at the amount prepaid. They have been discounted to be present value of the future cash receipt where such discounting is material.

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.

Cash at bank and in hand

Cash at bank and in hand represents such accounts and instruments that are available on demand or have a maturity of less than three months form the date of acquisition. Deposits for more than three months but less than one year have been disclosed as short term deposits

Creditors and provision

Creditors and provision are recognised when there is an obligation at the balance sheet date as a result of a past event, it is probable that a transfer of economic benefit will be required in settlement, and the amount of the settlement can be estimated reliably. Creditors and provision are recognised at the moment the charity anticipates it will pay to settle the debt. They have been discounted to the present value of the future cash payments where such discounting is material.

Service provided by volunteers

For the purpose of these accounts, no monetary value has been placed on volunteer services as it cannot be quantified reliably.

2.	OTHER TRADING ACTIVITIES

2020

2019

£

£

Entrance fees

2,183

918

Cafe sales

5,261

7,276

7,444

8,194

3.	INVESTMENT INCOME

2020

2019

£

£

Rent and hire of facilities

34,432

52,212

4.	NET INCOME/(EXPENDITURE)

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

2020

2019

£

£

Depreciation - owned assets

729

858

5.	TRUSTEES' REMUNERATION AND BENEFITS

There were no trustees' remuneration or other benefits for the year ended 30 June 2020 nor for the year ended 30 June 2019.

Trustees' expenses

There were no trustees' expenses paid for the year ended 30 June 2020 nor for the year ended 30 June 2019.

6.	TANGIBLE FIXED ASSETS

Freehold

Furniture

property

& equipment

Totals

£

£

£

COST

At 1 July 2019

2,497,597

50,208

2,547,805

Additions

6,530

-

6,530

At 30 June 2020

2,504,127

50,208

2,554,335

DEPRECIATION

At 1 July 2019

-

45,348

45,348

Charge for year

-

729

729

At 30 June 2020

-

46,077

46,077

NET BOOK VALUE

At 30 June 2020

2,504,127

4,131

2,508,258

At 30 June 2019

2,497,597

4,860

2,502,457

No depreciation has been provided against the cost of the freehold property on the basis that the residual value will be higher than the cost stated in the financial statements.

7.

STOCKS

2020

2019

£

£

Stocks

1,100

1,200

8.	DEBTORS: AMOUNTS FALLING DUE WITHIN ONE YEAR

2020

2019

£

£

VAT

6,878

6,228

Prepayments

-

1,010

6,878

7,238