Charity registration number 1008856
Company registration number 02663453 (England and Wales)
THE MUSEUM OF BERKSHIRE AVIATION TRUST ANNUAL REPORT AND UNAUDITED FINANCIAL STATEMENTS FOR THE YEAR ENDED 30 NOVEMBER 2025
THE MUSEUM OF BERKSHIRE AVIATION TRUST
LEGAL AND ADMINISTRATIVE INFORMATION
Trustees Mr. K Fostekew Mr. T Hensley Mr. R Buckland (Appointed 1 August 2025) Charity number 1008856 Company number 02663453 Registered office The Museum of Berkshire Aviation Mohawk Way Woodley Berkshire RG5 4UE
Independent examiner Azets Suites B&D Burnham Yard London End Buckinghamshire HP9 2JH
THE MUSEUM OF BERKSHIRE AVIATION TRUST
CONTENTS
| Page | |
|---|---|
| Curator's report | 1 |
| Trustees report | 2 - 3 |
| Independent examiner's report | 4 |
| Statement of financial activities | 5 |
| Balance sheet | 6 |
| Notes to the financial statements | 7 - 13 |
THE MUSEUM OF BERKSHIRE AVIATION TRUST
CURATOR'S REPORT
FOR THE YEAR ENDED 30 NOVEMBER 2025
In spite of our limited Winter opening hours visitor numbers have been steady.
The ongoing car park saga has not yet been fully resolved and the promised meeting with WBC/ Country Services has not occurred . Both upper and lower carparks have been marked out to include double yellow lines along the driveway leading to the carpark. Notices giving charges and details have yet to be installed to inform the users of the carpark. The Museum has put up its own notices to inform Museum visitors that they are not charged and to check with Museum staff before using "RING Go" on their mobile phone. We hope that this matter will be resolved very soon!!
The Radar Scanner has been painted and is connected to mains electric, and the dish is moveable, all looking quite spectacular with many thanks to the hard work of Morryce and Ian.
The Fairey Gannet is looking very smart in its new "original" training livery and Paul, Mick and Maurice have worked very hard to get the aircraft to this condition. Mick and Maurice have been working hard with painting the Naval Roundels and other insignia on the aircraft. Work has started on overhauling the cockpit canopies to working condition along with the interior of the cockpits.
The exterior garden area will be dealt with and it is hoped that Countryside Services may help with this as in previous years. If not Hazelwood will do the job as they have on previous occasions, they are able to dispose of the waste.
David Scott has arranged for the Museum Christmas lunch to be held at the West London Aero Club on the 16th December and it is now fully booked.
Jim Amos organised a guided tour of the Gliding Heritage centre at Lasham and all who attended enjoyed the day very much.
The collection of Handley Page models were collected from the Royal Air Force Museum storage facility at Stafford by Museum staff, and on examination were found to be in very good condition, with some requiring repairs. Another recent donation was the Jet powered flying scale model of the Ml00 Student, built and flown in competitions by the late Loudon Blair and donated by his son Mr Ivan Blair. It will be quite a large task to assemble the model for display so in view of other pending projects probably will be in the new year.
It is with great sadness to record the passing of Geoff Etridge and sincere condolences on behalf of all of us here at the Museum have been passed to Margaret and the family. Geoff's career with BOAC/British Airways spanned many years, his aircraft experience covered many types from Boeing Stratocruisers, B747s, VCl0s, and no doubt many other types. Geoff was with the team tasked with recovering the RR Conway engines from the hijacked VCl0 in the Jordanian desert. Conway engines were in short supply at the time. Geoff was also familiar with the 747 when in BA service and is now used for film services among other things at Dunsfold and can sometimes be spotted in TVs "Topgear".
Ken Fostekew Curator
Date: 10 June 2026
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THE MUSEUM OF BERKSHIRE AVIATION TRUST
TRUSTEES REPORT (INCLUDING DIRECTORS' REPORT) FOR THE YEAR ENDED 30 NOVEMBER 2025
The trustees present their annual report and financial statements for the year ended 30 November 2025.
The financial statements have been prepared in accordance with the accounting policies set out in note 1 to the financial statements and comply with the Trust's governing document, the Companies Act 2006 and "Accounting and Reporting by Charities: Statement of Recommended Practice applicable to charities preparing their accounts in accordance with the Financial Reporting Standard applicable in the UK and Republic of Ireland (FRS 102) (effective 1 January 2019)".
Objectives and activities
The charity's objectives and principal activities continue to be that of educating the public at large in aviation matters and stimulating the interest and involvement of young people in aviation, promoting an awareness of flying matters as a sporting and recreational activity, promoting research into the history of aviation and its relevance to future developments in aviation and identifying the County of Berkshire's contribution to the history of military and commercial aviation.
In setting our objectives and planning our activities, we have given careful consideration to the Charity Commission's general guidance on public benefit.
Public benefit
The museum has reconstructed and is exhibiting a number of historic aircraft along with fascinating pictorial records and priceless archives. The museum welcomes group visits and runs an active educational programme for schools, linked to National Curriculum requirements, demonstrating the development of aviation techniques.
The museum is open to anyone with an interest in aviation history.
Achievements and performance
The achievements of the charity for the year are set out in the Chairman's statement.
Financial review
At 30 November 2025 unrestricted funds totalled £187,752 (2024: £179,077).
Reserves Policy
The charity's policy is to keep sufficient funds in reserve to protect the charity in the event of a fall in income and/ or increase in expenditure.
The long term goal is to increase the reserves to a level of support the eventual dilapidation cost on the building.
Risk Management
The trustees have assessed the major risks to which the Trust is exposed, and are satisfied that systems are in place to mitigate exposure to the major risks.
Structure, governance and management
The charity is constituted as a company limited by guarantee, and is therefore governed by the memorandum and articles of association.
The trustees, who are also the directors for the purpose of company law, and who served during the year and up to the date of signature of the financial statements were:
Mr. K Fostekew Mr. T Hensley Mr. D Scott Mr. R Buckland
(Resigned 4 March 2025) (Appointed 1 August 2025)
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THE MUSEUM OF BERKSHIRE AVIATION TRUST
TRUSTEES REPORT (INCLUDING DIRECTORS' REPORT) (CONTINUED) FOR THE YEAR ENDED 30 NOVEMBER 2025
Appointment and induction of members of the council
The minimum number of members of the council is three. The maximum number of members is determined by the company at general meeting. The members are appointed by vote at the annual general meeting. Very little training is required by the members of the council.
The Trustees report was approved by the Board of Trustees.
Mr. K Fostekew Trustee Dated: 10 June 2026
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THE MUSEUM OF BERKSHIRE AVIATION TRUST
INDEPENDENT EXAMINER'S REPORT
TO THE TRUSTEES OF THE MUSEUM OF BERKSHIRE AVIATION TRUST
I report to the trustees on my examination of the financial statements of The Museum of Berkshire Aviation Trust (the Trust) for the year ended 30 November 2025.
Responsibilities and basis of report
As the trustees of the Trust (and also its directors for the purposes of company law) you are responsible for the preparation of the financial statements in accordance with the requirements of the Companies Act 2006 (the 2006 Act).
Having satisfied myself that the financial statements of the Trust are not required to be audited under Part 16 of the 2006 Act and are eligible for independent examination, I report in respect of my examination of the Trust’s financial statements carried out under section 145 of the Charities Act 2011 (the 2011 Act). In carrying out my examination I have followed all the applicable Directions given by the Charity Commission under section 145(5)(b) of the 2011 Act.
Independent examiner's statement
I have completed my examination. I confirm that no matters have come to my attention in connection with the examination giving me cause to believe that in any material respect:
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1 accounting records were not kept in respect of the Trust as required by section 386 of the 2006 Act; or
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2 the financial statements do not accord with those records; or
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3 the financial statements do not comply with the accounting requirements of section 396 of the 2006 Act other than any requirement that the accounts give a true and fair view which is not a matter considered as part of an independent examination; or
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4 the financial statements have not been prepared in accordance with the methods and principles of the Statement of Recommended Practice for accounting and reporting by charities applicable to charities preparing their accounts in accordance with the Financial Reporting Standard applicable in the UK and Republic of Ireland (FRS 102).
I have no concerns and have come across no other matters in connection with the examination to which attention should be drawn in this report in order to enable a proper understanding of the financial statements to be reached.
Mr C J Nisbet FCA Azets Audit Services
Burnham Yard London End Beaconsfield Buckinghamshire HP9 2JH
11/06/2026 Dated: .........................
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THE MUSEUM OF BERKSHIRE AVIATION TRUST
STATEMENT OF FINANCIAL ACTIVITIES INCLUDING INCOME AND EXPENDITURE ACCOUNT
FOR THE YEAR ENDED 30 NOVEMBER 2025
| **Unrestricted ** | Unrestricted | ||
|---|---|---|---|
| funds | funds | ||
| general | general | ||
| 2025 | 2024 | ||
| Notes | £ | £ | |
| Income and endowments from: | |||
| Donations and legacies | 2 | 3,034 | 1,685 |
| Other trading activities | 3 | 34,286 | 29,617 |
| Investments | 4 | 1,471 | 2,022 |
| Other income | 3,589 | 1,381 | |
| Total income | 42,380 | 34,705 | |
| Expenditure on: | |||
| Charitable activities | 5 | 33,705 | 54,377 |
| Net income/(expenditure) for the year/ | |||
| Net movement in funds | 8,675 | (19,672) | |
| Fund balances at 1 December 2024 | 179,077 | 198,749 | |
| Fund balances at 30 November 2025 | 187,752 | 179,077 |
The statement of financial activities includes all gains and losses recognised in the year.
All income and expenditure derive from continuing activities.
The statement of financial activities also complies with the requirements for an income and expenditure account under the Companies Act 2006.
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THE MUSEUM OF BERKSHIRE AVIATION TRUST
BALANCE SHEET
AS AT 30 NOVEMBER 2025
| Notes Fixed assets Tangible assets 9 Current assets Stocks 10 Debtors 11 Cash at bank and in hand Creditors: amounts falling due within one year 12 Net current assets Total assets less current liabilities Income funds Unrestricted funds |
2025 £ 595 2,419 181,426 184,440 (2,468) |
£ 5,780 181,972 187,752 187,752 187,752 |
2024 £ 230 1,358 173,537 175,125 (2,848) |
£ 6,800 172,277 |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| 179,077 | ||||
| 179,077 | ||||
| 179,077 |
The company is entitled to the exemption from the audit requirement contained in section 477 of the Companies Act 2006, for the year ended 30 November 2025.
The directors acknowledge their responsibilities for complying with the requirements of the Companies Act 2006 with respect to accounting records and the preparation of financial statements.
The members have not required the company to obtain an audit of its financial statements for the year in question in accordance with section 476.
These financial statements have been prepared in accordance with the provisions applicable to companies subject to the small companies regime.
The financial statements were approved by the Trustees on 10 June 2026
Mr. K Fostekew Trustee
Company registration number 02663453
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THE MUSEUM OF BERKSHIRE AVIATION TRUST
NOTES TO THE FINANCIAL STATEMENTS FOR THE YEAR ENDED 30 NOVEMBER 2025
1 Accounting policies
Charity information
The Museum of Berkshire Aviation Trust is a private company limited by guarantee incorporated in England and Wales. The registered office is The Museum of Berkshire Aviation, Mohawk Way, Woodley, Berkshire, RG5 4UE.
1.1 Accounting convention
The financial statements have been prepared in accordance with the Trust's governing document, the Companies Act 2006 and "Accounting and Reporting by Charities: Statement of Recommended Practice applicable to charities preparing their accounts in accordance with the Financial Reporting Standard applicable in the UK and Republic of Ireland (FRS 102) (effective 1 January 2019)". The Trust is a Public Benefit Entity as defined by FRS 102.
The Trust has taken advantage of the provisions in the SORP for charities applying FRS 102 Update Bulletin 1 not to prepare a Statement of Cash Flows.
The financial statements are prepared in sterling, which is the functional currency of the Trust. Monetary amounts in these financial statements are rounded to the nearest £.
The financial statements have been prepared under the historical cost convention. The principal accounting policies adopted are set out below.
1.2 Going concern
At the time of approving the financial statements, the trustees have a reasonable expectation that the Trust has adequate resources to continue in operational existence for the foreseeable future. Thus the trustees continue to adopt the going concern basis of accounting in preparing the financial statements.
1.3 Charitable funds
Unrestricted funds are available for use at the discretion of the trustees in furtherance of their charitable objectives.
Designated funds comprise funds which have been set aside at the discretion of the trustees for specific purposes. The purposes and uses of the designated funds are set out in the notes to the financial statements.
1.4 Income
Income is recognised when the Trust is legally entitled to it after any performance conditions have been met, the amounts can be measured reliably, and it is probable that income will be received.
Cash donations are recognised on receipt. Other donations are recognised once the Trust has been notified of the donation, unless performance conditions require deferral of the amount. Income tax recoverable in relation to donations received under Gift Aid or deeds of covenant is recognised at the time of the donation.
Legacies are recognised on receipt or otherwise if the Trust has been notified of an impending distribution, the amount is known, and receipt is expected. If the amount is not known, the legacy is treated as a contingent asset.
1.5 Expenditure
Liabilities are recognised as expenditure as soon as there is a legal or constructive obligation committing the charity to that expenditure, it is probable that a transfer of economic benefits will be required in settlement and the amount of the obligation can be measured reliably. Expenditure is accounted for on an accruals basis and has been classified under headings that aggregate all cost related to the category. Where costs cannot be directly attributed to particular headings they have been allocated to activities on a basis consistent with the use of resources.
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THE MUSEUM OF BERKSHIRE AVIATION TRUST
NOTES TO THE FINANCIAL STATEMENTS (CONTINUED) FOR THE YEAR ENDED 30 NOVEMBER 2025
1 Accounting policies
(Continued)
1.6 Tangible fixed assets
Tangible fixed assets are initially measured at cost and subsequently measured at cost or valuation, net of depreciation and any impairment losses.
Depreciation is recognised so as to write off the cost or valuation of assets less their residual values over their useful lives on the following bases:
Leasehold improvements Fixtures and fittings
15% reducing balance / over life of lease 15% reducing balance
The museum's exhibits are not included in the balance sheet in accordance with the SORP as reliable cost information is not available and conventional valuation approaches lack sufficient reliability.
Donated assets are capitalised at market value.
1.7 Heritage assets
The Museum of Berkshire Aviation has a collection of aircrafts, displays, photographs, artifacts, books and paintings which are held in support of the Museum's primary objective of spreading and increasing knowledge and appreciation of Berkshire's aviation history.
However, the majority of the aircraft are on loan from either other aviation museums, or from private individuals; the latter aircraft arriving at the museum in a very poor or in scrap condition. Volunteers have worked for some years to restore them to a suitable condition for static exhibition.
Thus, the aircraft are not Heritage Assets to the Trust as defined and, with the other items in the collection, are not recognised in the balance sheet as cost information is not readily available and the Trustee's believe that any benefits in obtaining valuations would not justify the costs.
1.8 Impairment of fixed assets
At each reporting end date, the Trust reviews the carrying amounts of its tangible assets to determine whether there is any indication that those assets have suffered an impairment loss. If any such indication exists, the recoverable amount of the asset is estimated in order to determine the extent of the impairment loss (if any).
1.9 Stocks
Stocks are stated at the lower of cost and estimated selling price less costs to complete and sell. Cost comprises direct materials and, where applicable, direct labour costs and those overheads that have been incurred in bringing the stocks to their present location and condition. Items held for distribution at no or nominal consideration are measured the lower of replacement cost and cost.
Net realisable value is the estimated selling price less all estimated costs of completion and costs to be incurred in marketing, selling and distribution.
1.10 Financial instruments
The Trust has elected to apply the provisions of Section 11 ‘Basic Financial Instruments’ and Section 12 ‘Other Financial Instruments Issues’ of FRS 102 to all of its financial instruments.
Financial instruments are recognised in the Trust's balance sheet when the Trust becomes party to the contractual provisions of the instrument.
Financial assets and liabilities are offset, with the net amounts presented in the financial statements, when there is a legally enforceable right to set off the recognised amounts and there is an intention to settle on a net basis or to realise the asset and settle the liability simultaneously.
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THE MUSEUM OF BERKSHIRE AVIATION TRUST
NOTES TO THE FINANCIAL STATEMENTS (CONTINUED) FOR THE YEAR ENDED 30 NOVEMBER 2025
1 Accounting policies
(Continued)
Basic financial assets
Basic financial assets, which include debtors and cash and bank balances, are initially measured at transaction price including transaction costs and are subsequently carried at amortised cost using the effective interest method unless the arrangement constitutes a financing transaction, where the transaction is measured at the present value of the future receipts discounted at a market rate of interest. Financial assets classified as receivable within one year are not amortised.
Basic financial liabilities
Basic financial liabilities, including creditors, are initially recognised at transaction price unless the arrangement constitutes a financing transaction, where the debt instrument is measured at the present value of the future payments discounted at a market rate of interest. Financial liabilities classified as payable within one year are not amortised.
1.11 Employee benefits
The cost of any unused holiday entitlement is recognised in the period in which the employee’s services are received.
Termination benefits are recognised immediately as an expense when the Trust is demonstrably committed to terminate the employment of an employee or to provide termination benefits.
1.12 Government grants
Government grants are recognised at the fair value of the asset received or receivable when there is reasonable assurance that the grant conditions will be met and the grants will be received.
A grant that specifies performance conditions is recognised in income when the performance conditions are met. Where a grant does not specify performance conditions it is recognised in income when the proceeds are received or receivable. A grant received before the recognition criteria are satisfied is recognised as a liability.
2 Donations and legacies
| **Unrestricted ** | Unrestricted | |
|---|---|---|
| funds | funds | |
| general | general | |
| 2025 | 2024 | |
| £ | £ | |
| Donations and gifts | 3,034 | 1,685 |
| Donations and gifts | ||
| Donations from individuals | 1,782 | 1,505 |
| Corporate donations | 225 | 80 |
| Gift aid | 661 | 100 |
| 3,034 | 1,685 |
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THE MUSEUM OF BERKSHIRE AVIATION TRUST
NOTES TO THE FINANCIAL STATEMENTS (CONTINUED) FOR THE YEAR ENDED 30 NOVEMBER 2025
3 Other trading activities
| **Unrestricted ** | Unrestricted | |
|---|---|---|
| funds | funds | |
| general | general | |
| 2025 | 2024 | |
| £ | £ | |
| Museum admissions and shop income | 33,161 | 28,219 |
| Subscriptions | 1,125 | 1,398 |
| Other trading activities | 34,286 | 29,617 |
4 Investments
| **Unrestricted ** | Unrestricted | |
|---|---|---|
| funds | funds | |
| general | general | |
| 2025 | 2024 | |
| £ | £ | |
| Interest receivable | 1,471 | 2,022 |
5 Charitable activities
| Running of | Running of |
|
|---|---|---|
| the museum | the museum |
|
| and shop | and shop | |
| 2025 | 2024 | |
| £ | £ | |
| Depreciation and impairment | 1,020 | 1,200 |
| Insurance | 4,838 | 3,521 |
| Light and heat | 10,606 | 11,812 |
| Rent | 2,750 | 2,750 |
| Rates | 1,818 | 1,067 |
| Advertising | - | 470 |
| Shop purchases | 1,333 | 1,463 |
| Repairs and maintenance | 5,257 | 25,278 |
| Establishment costs | 3,387 | 4,309 |
| 31,009 | 51,870 | |
| Share of support costs (see note 6) | 896 | 707 |
| Share of governance costs (see note 6) | 1,800 | 1,800 |
| 33,705 | 54,377 |
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THE MUSEUM OF BERKSHIRE AVIATION TRUST
NOTES TO THE FINANCIAL STATEMENTS (CONTINUED) FOR THE YEAR ENDED 30 NOVEMBER 2025
6 Support costs
| Support costs | ||
|---|---|---|
| Support costs Governance costs £ £ Administration 418 - Card fees 478 - Independent examination and accountancy fees - 1,800 896 1,800 Analysed between Charitable activities 896 1,800 |
2025Support costs Governance costs £ £ £ 418 295 - 478 412 - 1,800 - 1,800 2,696 707 1,800 2,696 707 1,800 |
2024 £ 295 412 1,800 |
| 2,507 | ||
| 2,507 |
7 Trustees
None of the trustees (or any persons connected with them) received any remuneration or benefits from the Trust during the year.
8 Employees
The average monthly number of employees during the year was:
| 2025 | 2024 | |
|---|---|---|
| Number | Number | |
| Total | - | - |
There were no employees whose annual remuneration was more than £60,000.
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THE MUSEUM OF BERKSHIRE AVIATION TRUST
NOTES TO THE FINANCIAL STATEMENTS (CONTINUED) FOR THE YEAR ENDED 30 NOVEMBER 2025
| 9 Tangible fixed assets Leasehold improvements Fixtures and fittings £ £ Cost At 1 December 2024 209,406 12,351 At 30 November 2025 209,406 12,351 Depreciation and impairment At 1 December 2024 208,959 5,998 Depreciation charged in the year 67 953 At 30 November 2025 209,026 6,951 Carrying amount At 30 November 2025 380 5,400 At 30 November 2024 447 6,353 10 Stocks 2025 £ Shop stock 595 11 Debtors 2025 Amounts falling due within one year: £ Other debtors 750 Prepayments and accrued income 1,669 2,419 12 Creditors: amounts falling due within one year 2025 £ Accruals and deferred income 2,468 |
Total £ 221,757 |
|---|---|
| 221,757 | |
| 214,957 1,020 |
|
| 215,977 | |
| 5,780 | |
| 6,800 | |
| 2024 £ 230 |
|
| 2024 £ 100 1,258 |
|
| 1,358 | |
| 2024 £ 2,848 |
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THE MUSEUM OF BERKSHIRE AVIATION TRUST
NOTES TO THE FINANCIAL STATEMENTS (CONTINUED) FOR THE YEAR ENDED 30 NOVEMBER 2025
13 Operating lease commitments
At the reporting end date the Trust had outstanding commitments for future minimum lease payments under non-cancellable operating leases, which fall due as follows:
| Within one year Between two and five years |
2025 £ 1,146 - 1,146 |
2024 £ 2,750 1,146 |
|---|---|---|
| 3,896 |
14 Related party transactions
There were no disclosable related party transactions during the year (2024 - none).
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