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2023-03-31-accounts

WILTSHIRE ARCHAEOLOGICAL AND NATURAL HISTORY SOCIETY

The Museum, 41 Long Street, Devizes, Wiltshire. SN10 1NS 01380 727369 w ~~ww.wiltshiremuseum.org.uk~~

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DEVIZES HOME GUARD, 1940s

The Devizes Home Guard were formed on 16 May 1940 and stood down on 3 December 1944 (2022.7011). See page 20.

OTC, TIDWORTH, c.1911

Photograph of OTC (Officers’ Training Corps) training at Tidworth, circa 1911 (2022.5003). See page 19.

Cover: Watercolour drawing of St John’s Church, Devizes. Signed by local artist W. R. Newman and dated 1967 and 1968. Donated by Christine Naish, Seend. The paintings belonged to her brother David Woodruff, a Devizes postman for 45 years (2022.1005.2)

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(A company limited by guarantee)
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Charity Number 1080096 Company Registration Number 3885649

SUMMARY and OBJECTS

The Wiltshire Archaeological and Natural History Society (the Society) was founded in 1853 and the Society’s first permanent Museum opened in Long Street, Devizes in 1874.

The Society is a registered charity and governed by Articles of Association.

Objects. To educate the public by promoting, fostering interest in, exploration, research and publication on the archaeology, art, history and natural history of Wiltshire for the public benefit.

Mission Statement. To explore the archaeology, art, history and natural history of Wiltshire.

Aims. The Society runs the Wiltshire Museum, organises a programme including conferences, lecture and events, learning and outreach for children and schools, provides access to our collections for academic and general researchers, reviews planning consents, supports the Wiltshire Archaeology Field Group, promotes Industrial Archaeology and publishes the Wiltshire Archaeological and Natural History Magazine ( WANHM ) . Further details are included in this Annual Report.

The Collections. These have been acquired by the Society for 170 years and their strength lies in the prehistoric material. The Early Bronze Age collection is of exceptional importance because of its size and range, the uniqueness of many of the objects, the fact that it includes many important items, its association with the World Heritage Site of Avebury and Stonehenge, and its relevance to the history of archaeology. ‘Gold from the Time of Stonehenge’ is on permanent display.

Researchers. Every year academic researchers carry out important research on the collection. There are over 500,000 items in the collections and details can be found in our online searchable database. The collections are ‘ Designated ’ of national importance and ‘ Accreditation ’ status was first awarded in 2005. Overseen by the Arts Council the Accreditation Scheme sets out nationally-agreed standards, which inspire the confidence of the public and funding and governing bodies. It enables museums to assess their current performance, as well as supporting them to plan and develop their services .

The Archive & Library contains a local studies collection of books, journals, newspapers and other printed items including photographs and maps concerned with Wiltshire, all available to researchers. The archaeology section includes a general collection of archaeology books, the principal archaeology journals, the papers of Wiltshire antiquaries and the written records of more recent excavations in the county. The natural history section similarly includes general natural history books, specialist journals and the papers of early natural historians.

Funding. The Society and Museum are funded by its members, past and present; admission charges, Wiltshire Council and Devizes Town Council, grants from charitable trusts, fundraising activities and income from investments.

The Society holds an Annual General Meeting each year to which all Society members are invited. At this meeting the Annual Report and Financial Statements for the year ended 31[st] March are presented for approval and Trustees elected.

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WILTSHIRE ARCHAEOLOGICAL AND NATURAL HISTORY SOCIETY

(A company limited by guarantee)

Charity Number 1080096 Company Registration Number 3885649

ANNUAL REPORT AND FINANCIAL STATEMENTS FOR THE YEAR ENDED 31 MARCH 2023

CONTENTS

Summary and Objects 3
Letter from the Chair 7
Board of Trustees’ Report 9
Objectives and Activities of the Society
 9
Highlights of the Year 10
Finds Liaison Ofcer 11
Fundraising 12
Exhibitions 13
Collections - Loans 14
- Conservation 15
- Acquisitions of the year 16
- Collections - Archaeology, Art 17
- Collections - Archive and Library 18
- Natural History, Numismatics
 20
- Recent History
 21
Activities, Events, Lectures and Outings 22
Membership; Publications and Social Media 23
Research 25
Learning, Outreach and Community Engagement 27
Community Curator 28
Volunteers 29
Wiltshire Archaeology Field Group 31
Society Committees and Working Groups 32
Development - Working with Partners and Plans for the Future 33
- Devizes Assize Court; Oral History Project 34
Trustees’ Financial Review 35
Structure, Governance and Management 38
Reference and Administrative Information 39
Report of the Auditors 40
Statement of Financial Activities 42
Balance Sheet 43
Statement of Cash fows 44
Notes to the fnancial statements 45
Collections Trust – Statement of Financial Activities and Balance Sheet 54
Collections Trust – Notes to the Financial Statements 55
Minutes of the Annual General Meeting held on 13 November 2022 56

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WATERCOLOUR DRAWINGS OF STANTON ST QUINTIN, c. 1833, BY G F COTES

From the top:

From the top:

The church at Stanton St Quintin before the alterations in 1851 (1833)

Untitled (2023.1001.9)

Woodman’s shop, old road (2023.1001.14) View at Upper Stanton St Quintin (2023.1001.10) See page 17.

Stanton St Quintin church from the chancel (1833) (2023.1001.2)

Barn given to the Rev Cotes for site of school (1833) (2023.1001.6)

See page 17.

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WILTSHIRE ARCHAEOLOGICAL AND NATURAL HISTORY SOCIETY

(A company limited by guarantee)

Charity Number 1080096 Company Registration Number 3885649

LETTER FROM THE CHAIR

Welcome to the WANHS Annual Report and Financial Statements for the year ending 31 March 2023. It has been an exceptionally busy and productive year, with a wide range of activities carried out by your Society in pursuit of our charitable objectives.

We have secured some fascinating new items to add to the 500,000 items in our collection, including the late Roman vessels found at Wilcot. We continue our active programme of conservation, a highlight of which has been the restoration of the stained-glass window created for us by John Piper which after its re-installation looks even more vibrant and stunning than ever. Our Wealth of Knowledge initiative places us at the forefront of museums in the UK in making detailed and up-to-date information about our collections available online. We have worked with researchers to learn more about our objects, using the latest technology to conduct wear and compositional analyses on some of our early Bronze Age gold artefacts, giving new insights into their origin and usage. We continue to lend some of our collection to other museums and touring exhibitions, further widening our audiences, raising our profile and generating income.

In conjunction with the other three members of the Wessex Museums Partnership, we hosted one of the four Hardy’s Wessex: Landscapes that Inspired a Writer exhibitions, attracting visitors from across the South-West and beyond. This partnership has been further strengthened by welcoming the three Swindon museums into the group.

We reached even wider audiences with a full series of talks – both in person and online - and by organising a number of walks and activities in the Wiltshire landscape. The Archaeology Field Group have returned to a full programme of activities post-pandemic. There has been a packed series of activities for children and schools, with more engagement and interaction encouraged by innovations, such as the Iron Age costumes made for us by the Devizes Fine Arts Society. The Street Art project, working in conjunction with the Youth Justice Service and a group of young offenders (or those at risk of offending), produced some attractive public art. The Voices from the Assize Court Project created an oral history archive and a fascinating publication which has sold well.

A major focus has been working closely with the Devizes Assize Court Trust on our joint project. In February 2023 we submitted our application to the National Lottery Heritage Fund for the Development Stage of the project. This was an extensive programme of work, led by Nicola Trowell and the Director, with input from many members of staff, volunteers, members, trustees and other people from a wide range of community organisations. The Application included 26 different supporting documents, with over 500 pages of documentation.

We were delighted to hear in June 2023 that the application was successful in getting Development Stage Funding for just over £300,000, a crucial step in getting the full £5 million from the NLHF for which we have applied. Work will be starting shortly on this next stage.

Last year, due to the Eric Ravilious: Downland Man exhibition and some very generous bequests, the Society generated an unprecedented £795,000 in revenue. Not unsurprisingly this could not be repeated this year with revenue falling to £361,000. Whilst expenditure remained tightly controlled, only increasing by £9,000 to £516,000, the turbulence in the financial markets resulted in losses on investments of £115,000. The net effect of these factors is that the Society recorded a loss of £269,000. The Trustees and management recognise the importance of maximising new and existing income sources to ensure that the gap between costs and revenue is narrowed. We will keep you updated on progress.

My thanks as always to our hard working staff – and also to our dedicated volunteers who provided over 3,000 hours of volunteer time in the year. Trustees are also volunteers of course, and I want to take this opportunity to thank them all for their extensive and significant contributions.

Finally, on behalf of the Board of Trustees, I would like to thank all our members for the vital ongoing support, generous gifts and legacies, and enthusiastic participation in the Society’s activities. We simply could not do what we do without you.

Martin Nye

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19th CENTURY CIDER MUG

Early 19th Century two-handled cider mug from Roundway Hill Farm, near Devizes. (2002.168 - see page 21 for details)

BARGE WARE TEAPOT, 1890s

19th Century Barge Ware teapot. WILLIAM & ELIZ BENNETT / CHRISTMAS 1893. (2022.13.2 - see page 21 for details)

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WILTSHIRE ARCHAEOLOGICAL AND NATURAL HISTORY SOCIETY

(A company limited by guarantee)

Charity Number 1080096 Company Registration Number 3885649

BOARD OF TRUSTEES’ REPORT

The Trustees present their Annual Report, together with the financial statements of the charity, for the year ended 31 March 2023.

This Annual Report includes the reports and financial statements set out on pages 10 to 55. The Report of the Board of Trustees should be deemed to be the directors’ report for the purposes of Company Law.

The reports on the following pages show how the Objects of the Wiltshire Archaeological and Natural History Society (‘the Society’) - see below - are achieved to further the charity’s purposes for the public benefit. The Trustees have had regard to the Charity Commission’s guidance on public benefit. The Director is the senior member of staff responsible for the ongoing operations in consultation with the Chair and his report, and those of the staff, follow, on pages 10 to 34. The Society’s committees and working groups provide a number of services to members and the wider public. They cover a wide range of activities from fundraising, industrial archaeology through to expert advice on planning matters. Their work helps promote the Society and its Museum and Archive and Library to a wide audience and reports are included in this report. The Society could not operate without the hundreds of volunteer hours provided and also the invaluable funding and support of our membership. .

The financial statements comply with current statutory requirements, the Articles of Association and the Accounting and Reporting by Charities: Statement of Recommended Practice.

OBJECTIVES AND ACTIVITIES OF THE SOCIETY

The objects for which the Society is registered are to educate the public by promoting, fostering interest in, exploration, research and publication on the archaeology, art, history and natural history of Wiltshire for the public benefit . To achieve this the Society:

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ACHIEVEMENTS AND PERFORMANCE

Maintains a museum, library and art gallery, open throughout the year, and mounts exhibitions to stimulate and enhance appreciation of the county of Wiltshire. Loans objects to other organisations.

MISSION STATEMENT Inspiring people to explore the archaeology, history and environment of Wiltshire

Highlights of the Year

The highlight of the year was the Hardy’s Wessex: Landscapes that Inspired a Writer exhibition. The exhibition was developed with our Wessex Museums partners – Salisbury, Poole and Dorset Museums. Planned as a single exhibition, spread across four venues, we focussed upon the ways in which Rural Life featured in his work, including our loan from the British Library of the original manuscript of Tess of the d’Urbevilles .

Alongside the exhibition we ran a busy programmes of events – talks, tours and workshops. A special feature was the filming of the 1967 version of Far from the Madding Crowd , which starred Alan Bates, Julie Christie and Terence Stamp. The exhibition featured the uniform worn by Sergeant Troy, we hosted walks exploring the locations filmed in Devizes and hosted a special screening of the film on the 55th anniversary of its première in London. The exhibition was successful in bringing visitors to Devizes, and to the Museum, with a particularly noticeable increase in people coming from Dorset, many completing their tour of the four exhibitions.

We were able to benefit from the lessons of our hugely successful Eric Ravilious: Downland Man exhibition, as every member of staff contributed to the success, led by Heather Ault, our Exhibitions Officer. We are also grateful to our fantastic team of volunteer stewards.

This achievement by our Wessex Museums Partnership was crowned by news in November 2022 that we were successful in being awarded National Portfolio Organisation status by Arts Council England. Our partnership has been further strengthened by welcoming Swindon Museums (including Swindon Museum and Art Gallery, STEAM and Lydiard House Museum).

The year also saw the completion of our Wealth of Knowledge project, which has embedded the results of 10 years of active post-graduate research back into our collections management system, ready for showcasing in a new search portal on our website. A new mechanism was created to make it simple for researchers and archaeological contractors to use an Excel spreadsheet to prepare data for our systems.

During the year we opened our new Archaeology Store for the deposition of archives from archaeological excavations after being closed due to lack of storage space. The income generated from the depositions funds the running costs of the store and will contribute towards the costs of future storage, beyond the expected 25-year capacity of our new store.

The Archaeology Field Group have rebounded after the pandemic, undertaking new projects with enthusiasm, particularly in undertaking post-excavation work to tie up the loose ends of excavations undertaken in previous years.

We have continued to actively develop our collections – of particular interest is a hoard of late Roman Bronze vessels from Wilcot (see page 15) . We are very grateful to those who contributed to an appeal to enable them to be conserved, and we hope to put them on display in late 2023. We are also grateful for the sponsorship of a painting of a well-house at Stonehenge in memory of Andy Knight (see page 15) . We are grateful also to Dr Pamela Gough and Dr Lorna Haycock, whose legacies allowed us to purchase new display cases for the Library and Archive (see page 14) , displaying some of the wealth of material in that collection.

From the left: Oexmann Gallery during the Hardy’s Wessex exhibition; promotional postcard for the Hardy’s Wessex exhibition; promotional website banner for the Oexmann Art Exhibition.

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The Assize Court has continued to be an important element of our work. The Voices from the Assize Court Project has created an oral history archive and fantastic publication, and in February 2023 we submitted our application to the National Lottery Heritage Fund for the Development Stage of the project. We were delighted to hear in June 2023 that the application was successful (see page 34).

We have been working towards new exciting exhibitions, including Lest We Forget – commemorating the involvement of Black People to the World Wars in Wiltshire and Eric Walrond: A Caribbean Writer living in Wiltshire . Our team have achieved fund-raising success as well as developing the exhibition ideas and community activities (see pages 12 and 28) .

There is so much more to celebrate, made possible by the hard work of my colleagues. Much of what they do is unseen, by making sure that we are ready to welcome visitors each day making sure that everything behind the scenes functions smoothly and effectively. We are grateful to our supporters, volunteers and Members, who make the organisation such a success.

David Dawson

TRAINING

The Collections Officer: Archive and Library attended an online session during November about caring for Mixed Collections: Museums and Archive delivered by the South West Museum Skills programme. She also attended an online session during January about how to look after collections during the Winter and how to save money delivered by The Museum of London Collection care team.

The Research Libraries UK have been running a series of online lectures entitled Inclusive Collections: Inclusive Libraries and she has attended most lectures. The lectures are providing background knowledge and will assist her with the Decolonisation work being undertaken for the WMP NPO.

Portable Antiquities Scheme

The Finds Liaison Officer (FLO), volunteers and self-recorders recorded 1,596 objects in 1,468 records from April 2022 to March 2023. The majority of these finds were made by metal detectorists who reported them to Portable Antiquities Scheme (PAS).

Following a successful application, funding was made available via the British Museum/PAS to finance a full time Finds Liaison Assistant (FLA) to support the FLO from October 2022 to March 2023. The FLA role was split as a job share between Alix Smith and Alyson Tanner, who have worked hard to return many recorded but unclaimed finds, which were taking up valuable office space, to their owners. As a result several of the finds were subsequently donated, including the Wilcot Hoard: Record ID: WILT-047110 - ROMAN hoard ( finds.org. uk ). The FLAs have also been assisting with Treasure work. Their funding continues from April 2023 on a part time basis and both FLAs have had their contracts extended.

Work in areas where finds have been reported to PAS has included geophysical survey by Mike McQueen at a Bronze Age gold hoard site in North Wiltshire, as well as excavation at a Roman copper alloy vessel hoard site south of Salisbury and at a Late Iron Age/Early Roman copper alloy hoard site in the Deverill Valley, both of which were undertaken by Dr David Roberts, University of Cardiff.

A reform to the Treasure Act 1996 will come into force later in 2023 as the Government changes the legal definition of Treasure to include the most exceptional finds of over 200 years old, and regardless of the type of metal from which they are made. This new definition will make it easier for museums to acquire more finds of archaeological significance for the benefit of the nation, which are currently not classed as Treasure. The reform of the Act will also update its Code of Practice to acknowledge the fundamental role of the Portable Antiquities Scheme in ensuring the successful operation of the Act.

Sophie Hawke Finds Liaison Officer for Wiltshire Portable Antiquities Scheme

Banner for two exhibitions held in 2023, displayed on the railings outside the Devizes Assize Court building;

the Piper Gallery during the ‘Love letter to Wiltshire’ exhibition.

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Fundraising

Fundraising is essential to ensure the Society can continue to achieve its aims and ambitions and to work with the local community. The Society’s continued success is rooted in the support of members and the local community through subscriptions, donations and being advocates of our work. Corporate Members include Wansbroughs Solicitors, Venture Chartered Accountants and AC Archaeology.

This report highlights some of the work undertaken to fund new interactives, conserve the collection and hold high profile exhibitions. There is more detail elsewhere in the Annual Report.

Development Report

The Society’s continued success is rooted in the support of members and the local community. Members help fund our valuable work via subscriptions, donations, engaging with the Museum and advocating our work.

Corporate Members and Sponsors during 2021-22 were Wansbroughs Solicitors; Venture Chartered Accountants; AC Archaeology and Gaiger Bros.

Jadeite Members

Our patron level members enjoyed a tour of The world of Stonehenge exhibition at the British Museum in Summer 2022. This acclaimed exhibition showcased some of our ‘Bush Barrow’ artefacts. We are grateful to Jadeite members for their support.

Collections Care

Our ‘sponsor an object’ web page seeks private donations for artefacts in need of conservation. In 2022 an oil painting - Shepherds’ hut with Stonehenge on the horizon - by an unknown artist, was sponsored by a group of friends in memory of Andy Knight, 1961-2022, (DZSWS:2015.1004).

In 2023, an appeal to WANHS members successfully raised £1,500 to conserve ‘The Wilcot Hoard’, a rare find of four late-Roman vessels found nestled within each other. The vessels urgently require cleaning and stabilisation before being displayed in the Museum later in 2023 (DZSWS:2023.2). More about both items on page 15.

Legacies

We are very grateful to donors of this years legacies. This year new display cases were installed in the Long Room thanks to a legacies from former Sandell Archivist & Librarian Dr Lorna Haycock and member Dr Pamela Gough. More information on page 14.

‘Graffiti’: a partnership with the Devizes Youth Offending Team

Wiltshire Community Foundation awarded £1,700 for a creative project working with young people who are at risk of offending.

Community Curator Amy Hammett worked with artist Nick Halahan from ‘OlasArt’ to devise six creative workshops exploring the history of graffiti, decorating vinyl records and creating banners to hang from the Assize Court railings. See page 28.

Lest We Forget: Black People’s Contribution to the World Wars in Wiltshire

The Association of Independent Museum (AIM), with Heritage Fund, awarded £14,475 to fund an exhibition in 2023, plus educational and community activities, commemorating the experience of black military soldiers and civilians during the World Wars and post-war period. See page 28 .

Eric Walrond: a Caribbean Writer in Wiltshire

The National Lottery Heritage Fund awarded £8,515 for an exciting project about Eric Walrond, a pioneering, award-winning, black writer who lived in Bradford on Avon and Devizes. S ee page 28.

Rachael Holtom

Above left: Wilcot Hoard (DZSWS:2023.2). Above right: Shepherd;’s Hut (DZSWS:2015.1004.

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Exhibitions

Our two special exhibition galleries - the Oexmann Gallery and the Piper Gallery - enables us to offer either two small exhibitions or one large exhibition. The Exhibitions Officer post is funded by the Arts Council and Wessex Museums Project.

2022/23 continued to be a busy year for the Exhibitions Programme, with April 2022 welcoming This and That: A Display of recent Acquisitions, Loans and community photographs collected by the Museum during the Covid-19 pandemic.

This was a small show occupying the Oexmann gallery whilst the Piper gallery was closed pending the removal, conservation and refit of the stained-glass window by John Piper (see 2021/22 Annual Report). The exhibition highlighted both community engagement with a display of photographs by students from Wellington Academy, Ludgershall - a project which took place just as the pandemic hit - as well as an array of archaeological and recent history objects and artworks which were collected and/or loaned to the Museum during that time.

Afterwards came Hardy’s Wessex – the Landscape that inspired a Writer, running from 28 May to 30 October 2022 and guest curated by Harriet Still. This exhibition looked at the life and literature of Thomas Hardy and the beautiful Wessex landscapes that shaped his view of the world. Using the collections of our Wessex Museums partners, and featuring period costume, personal letters, art and archaeology, the show welcomed a broad audience. Of particular note in the exhibition were the loans of the Sergeant Troy costume worn by Terence Stamp in the film of Far From the Madding Crowd , filmed in Devizes and released in 1967; a wax poppet figurine from the Museum of Witchcraft and Magic at Boscastle and also the outstanding loan of the original handwritten manuscript of Tess of the D’Urbervilles from the British Library.

Following on from Hardy’s Wessex we held the 17th biennial Oexmann Art Award Competition and Exhibition (previously postponed due to the pandemic), which ran from 17 December 2022 to 18 February 2023. This is an Award in memory of Theophila Joan Oexmann (nee Copland-Griffiths) endowed by her husband Richard Oexmann in recognition of her love of the county’s artistic heritage. The winning and selected entries were chosen from a total of 306 adult and 89 artworks submitted in the young person’s categories, by our judges Mitch Griffiths and Joanna May.

Between 18 March and 11 June 2023 two exhibitions were held simultaneously: ‘ Wessex - Landscapes of Association ’ by Rob Pountney in the Oexmann Gallery, and A Love letter to Wiltshire by Joanna May in the Piper Gallery.

The ‘Hardy’s Wessex: the landscape that inspired a writer’, exhibition, featured the Sgt Troy costume from the 1966 film of ‘Far From the Madding Crowd’

Rob Pountney has exhibited at the Museum before and his work is heavily influenced by the novels and poems of Thomas Hardy. In this, his latest exhibition, Rob’s drawings of compressed charcoal highlighted the rich diversity of the ancient geological and archaeological features of the Wessex landscape through a dramatic contrast of light and shade.

Joanna’s exhibition was a celebration of 20 years of her career as a wildlife artist and recognised her commitment to the region’s environment. For this show, as well as work from throughout her career, Joanna also produced an entirely new and successful series of paintings focusing on crop circles and wildlife.

The 2023/2024 programme will include Wessex Airscapes: Elevating Wiltshire – a collaborative exhibition featuring the artwork of artist Anna Dillon and aerial photographer Hedley Thorne (8 July to 15 October 2023) which will be followed by Lest We Forget: the Black Contribution to Wiltshire during the World Wars curated by Community Engagement Officer Amy Hammett and also an exhibition featuring the life and writings of Harlem Renaissance author Eric Walrond who lived and worked in Wiltshire from 1938 until 1957 (12 November 2023 to 17 February 2024).

Heather Ault

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Exhibitions - Library Long Room

A number of small displays featured in the Long Room during the year. They aim to highlight unknown items within the collections, or to compliment the main temporary exhibition.

New Display Cases for the Long Room

Two new high-security display cases were delivered in December 2022 for the Long Room. Larger than the old wooden cases they will enable us to display more items from the Archive and Library collection. The wooden cases were donated to the Atwell-Wilson Motor Museum, Calne.

The display cases were part-funded by legacies from Dr Lorna Haycock and Dr Pamela Gough. Appropriately the first displays in the cases marked their respective contributions to the archive (February to July 2023) (pictured right) .

To complement the new cases the Long Room lighting was updated in September 2022. The lights are low energy and will enable us to spotlight display items if required.

Jane Schön

Loans

Loans to and from the Museum remain important in making the collections accessible to as many people as possible. The Museum lends items from its collections for display and research, subject to the proper security and environmental conditions being met. We are particularly pleased to lend objects for special exhibitions at other museums across Wiltshire.

The loan agreement with English Heritage, for objects on display at the Stonehenge Visitor Centre, was extended until Autumn 2025 (three years), in September 2022 (original loan document dated 2012). Objects loaned include early Bronze Age burials Wilsford G54 and G60, as well as material from Woodhenge.

The ongoing touring exhibition, coordinated by Museums Partner and curated by Mike Parker Pearson, University College London, Stonehenge – Ancient Mysteries and Modern Discoveries , opened at Auckland War Memorial Museum in December 2022. The objects featured are from the early Bronze Age burials: Amesbury G54 (Stonehenge flint dagger); Roundway G8 (Archer Beaker burial); Wilsford G8 (high status female burial with gold and amber).

After Auckland, there is interest from museums in China (depending on Covid restrictions), Australia, and again, the USA. The export licence has been extended for another three years (2026), to accommodate the extended tour.

In November 2022, The Salisbury Museum borrowed an early 19th century sketchbook of pen and ink drawings, made by local artist Elizabeth Wickens, Some Houses in Salisbury Close: 1799-1832 , for the exhibition, Her Salisbury , focussing on women from Salisbury who made their mark on history ( 1995.1114-1124 ).

TO THE MUSEUM

None to report this year.

ARCHIVE & LIBRARY

None to report this year.

Lisa Brown and Jane Schön

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CONSERVATION

Our collections require constant monitoring to ensure that they are preserved for future generations. Curatorial staff undertake routine preventative conservation to ensure that objects and archives are displayed and stored in the best conditions that we can achieve, and we have been able to improve the storage of several collections over the last few years.

All remedial conservation is carried out by qualified conservators on the ICON Conservation Register.

An Iron Age pottery vessel from excavations by Maud Cunnington at All Cannings Cross was conserved by Wiltshire Council Museums Service in June 2022. The project was undertaken by student Sejal Goel, and the only cost was for materials. The vessel had been reconstructed using cement by Maud Cunnington in the 1920s. The vessel was taken apart, cleaned, filled, and reconstructed for display ( 2006.1.126 ).

A19th century oil painting of the Salisbury Plain landscape, with Stonehenge on the horizon ( pictured page 12 ), was conserved in late 2022 by the International Fine Art Conservation Studio, Bristol. They cleaned the surface and treated it for paint loss and flaking. During this process they discovered that the image of Stonehenge was a later addition - the conservator cleaning around it to ensure it didn’t disappear! A thatched building in the foreground, originally described as a shepherd’s hut, is in fact a well house. Trustee, Tim Daw discovered the gruesome story of a body being found, possibly in this well-house, during World War I. Funded by a donation in memory of Andy Knight (1961-2022), via our ‘Sponsor an Object’ initiative. ( 2015.1004 ).

Conservation cleaning and minor repairs were undertaken on the Britton ‘Celtic’ Cabinet, displayed in the Story of Devizes Gallery, in late March 2023. The work was undertaken by Pieta Greaves of Drakon Conservation & Heritage and funded by Wessex Museum’s NPO1 (Arts Council), as part of a Decolonising Collections project ( DZSWS:2004.297.1 ).

The mahogany and pine cabinet was made for George Watson-Taylor, of the Erlestoke Estate, MP for Devizes (1826-32), under the direction of, or at the suggestion of, John Britton. When the Watson-Taylor’s finances weakened Britton purchased the cabinet from him for 100 guineas. It was subsequently acquired from John Britton as part of the Society’s founding collection in 1853. George Watson-Taylor was an extremely wealthy Jamaican sugar plantation owner, owning some 2,000 to 3,000 slaves. His fortune, largely derived from sugar dependent on slave labour, enabled him to throw extravagant parties for close friends, including King William IV. This information (and more) will form part of new interpretation for the cabinet in 2023-4, Wessex Museums NPO2 ( 2004.297 ).

Remains of a late Roman Irchester bowl, found in Lacock, in 2017, was conserved by Pieta Greaves. ( 2018.6 ).

top right: one of the Cunnington letter books; bottom right - remains of a late Roman Irchester bowl, before and after conservation (2018.6)

Following the conservation of the second Cunnington Letter Book (Dec 2021 - March 2022) a report was written and submitted to the National Manuscripts Conservation Trust to claim the remaining 50% of the grant.

A postgraduate student placement from Bath Spa University undertook a three-month placement (June - August) and was trained in how to read 18th and 19th century script. She transcribed some of the letters, recorded onto Modes all 277 letters and attached the digital letter scans. She also researched a couple of the correspondents and drafted an exhibition plan. In the future this will be used to create displays in the new Long Room display cases.

The same student, after finishing her MA, continued to volunteer remotely and entered onto Modes all 246 letters from the first Cunnington letter book, conserved in 2020. She is continuing to research the correspondents in her spare time as she starts her archive career in Court Administration.

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Actively collects objects and documents, through the Collections Trust, that tell the story of Wiltshire

Collections

We continue to actively collect objects that tell the story of Wiltshire, to both enhance our displays and strengthen our research collections.

The impact from the Covid-19 pandemic was still evident in 2022/23, and consequently the acquisition of new objects for the collections has been lower than usual, but better than the two previous years. We were able to acquire a number of interesting objects that enable us to continue to tell the story of Wiltshire, both enhancing our displays and strengthening our research collections.

A complete list of acquisitions for the year can be found in the Wiltshire Archaeological and Natural History Magazine (volume 116, 2023). Below are some of the highlights.

All Collections are available to search online www.wiltshiremuseum.org.uk/collections , making them accessible in the widest possible terms. To date there are 126,000 records of catalogued items to search on the database across all collections, along with 23,000 digital images.

Below are some of the highlights.

ARCHAEOLOGY ARCHIVES & OFF-SITE STORE

After nine years of closure to the deposition of archaeological material from commercial fieldwork, the off-site store opened in October 2022 for the deposition of archaeological archives. At the end of March 2023 five separate contractors had delivered archives to the store - Wessex Archaeology; Cotswold Archaeology; Foundations Archaeology; AC Archaeology and MOLA (Northampton). Approximately 400 boxes of archives have now been shelved and recorded on MODES.

There is a phased backlog delivery programme extending into 2023-6. As part of the Wealth of Knowledge Project, a new system was developed that allows the importing of collections data provided by archaeological contractors directly into the MODES database, using a specially designed set of Excel spreadsheets, eradicating the need to create new accession records from scratch. This will save days of curatorial time.

www.wiltshiremuseum.org.uk/archaeological-archives/

Acquisitions of the Year

Post-Medieval silver gilt jewellery fitting or devotional object, comprising two gilded and modified half-groats of Henry VIII. The edges of the two coins are folded together to create a hollow lozengiform bead, with the angles of the fold creating a longitudinal perforation through the bead. In both cases, the reverse of the coin faces outward.

The coins are (i) half-groat of Henry VIII, dating to 1509-1533. Episcopal issue of Archbishop William Warham, minted in Canterbury (ii) half-groat of Henry VIII, dating to 1533-1544. Episcopal issue of Archbishop Thomas Cranmer, minted in Canterbury.

That the initials of both Archbishops are visible on the reverses of the coins, and that they appear to have been folded to respect these, suggests that the selection of these episcopal issues was a deliberate act, and that the artefact may have had a devotional purpose. Given that the object dates to precisely the time at which the English Church was made subservient to the Crown, and the process of breaking away from Rome had started, it is of considerable interest.

Found in Wingfield, 2020. PAS Treasure Find. Purchased ( 2022.4 ).

From the left: Silver gilt jewellery fitting or devotional object (2022.4); Roman sheet ornament (2022.10); Wilts County Asylum whistle (2022.5.1). Not to scale

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Fragment of a Roman sheet gold leaf

ornament, dating to AD 300 - 400 , made from a single sheet of gold cut into a leaf shape, with six pairs of radiating veins incised into the metalwork. Similar examples, made in copperalloy, silver and gold, have been found on votive sites (temples and shrines) in Gloucestershire, Surrey, Suffolk and Norfolk (2022.4) . This ornament may have functioned as one of a series of mounts for a ritual headdress. Found in Ogbourne St Andrew, 2021. PAS Treasure Find (reward waived). Donated by the finder Robert Middleton, and the landowner, Temple Estates, Ogbourne St Andrew ( 2022.10 ).

WILTS COUNTY ASYLUM whistle , made from brass, with a chain and hook. THE METROPOLITAN PATENT. J. HUDSON & CO. 131 BARR ST. BIRMINGHAM. Once belonged to a Mr Archard, Devizes County Asylum Attendant, Roundway. Donated by John Underwood, Colwyn Bay, North Wales. ( 2022.5.1 )

Hoard of four Roman copper-alloy vessels

consisting of a bowl strainer; Bassin Uni (type of basin); carinated basin; and an Irchester bowl. Together they form a structured deposit, with each vessel nestled inside the other, and all contained within the Irchester bowl.

This is the second structured deposit found in Pewsey (the other one in 2013), providing further evidence for instability in the last years of Roman Britain, and part of a wider pattern of hoarding in troubled times.

The vessels are fragmentary and fragile and funds have been raised ( see page 12 ) to conserve them prior to display in the Roman Gallery. Found in Wilcot, 2017 and donated by the finder, Paul Hart, and the landowner, The Hon. Nat Rothschild ( 2023.2 ).

Victorian scale model of Stonehenge, made from 125 oak and mahogany bricks of . A handwritten differing sizes, made c.1901 instruction or note is glued to the underside of the lid of the wooden storage container. Donated to the Museum by Tim Daw, in memory of Neil Wiseman, an American Stonehenge enthusiast ( 2022.49 ).

Fourteen unframed watercolour drawings of various scenes in Stanton St Quintin, c.1830. Most are signed by the artist, G F Cotes. Donated by Joseph Valy, France ( 2023.1001 ). [See page 6]

Archaeology

Complete cast copper-alloy early medieval strapend with silver rivets, dating to the 9th or 10th centuries AD. The strap-end is tongue-shaped with a stylised acanthus plant in relief below the silver rivets. Found near Marlborough, 2021. PAS Treasure Find. Purchased ( 2022.9 )

Later Bronze Age penannular ring, consisting of a gold sheet wrapped around a copper-alloy core. Sometimes referred to as ‘hair rings’ or ‘ring money’ their exact function remains unknown. Found in Ogbourne St Andrew, 2020. PAS Treasure Find (reward waived). Donated by the finder Allen Ody and the landowner, Temple Estates, Ogbourne St Andrew ( 2022.12 ).

Early Medieval copper-alloy and garnet sword pyramid mount. AD 575 - 700. Their function is uncertain, but it seems likely they were used to help secure the sword in the scabbard, by means of a strap running through the transverse bar (missing on this example) on the base of the mount. Found in Bulkington, 2020. PAS Treasure Find (reward waived) by finder, Valentinas Rudejeusas ( 2022.15 ).

Archaeological archives (finds and paper) from developer funded projects, deposited by Wessex Archaeology, October 2022 ( 2022.16 – 46 ).

Archaeological archives (finds and paper) from developer funded projects, deposited by Cotswold Archaeology, October 2022 ( 2022.51 – 123 ). Archaeological archive from Bradford-on-Avon Roman villa, excavated in 1976 and 2002. Transferred from the Wiltshire & Swindon History Centre, Chippenham, December 2022 ( 2022.124 ).

Archaeological archives (finds and paper) from developer funded projects, deposited by Foundations Archaeology, November 2022 ( 2022.125 – 167 ).

Archaeological archive for a sports hub built at Royal Wootton Bassett, AC Archaeology. The finds archive is mostly Romano-British, with a small amount of Prehistoric and Medieval pottery ( 2023.1 ).

From the left: Roman copper-alloy bowl strainer (2023.2); Victorian scale model of Stonehenge (2022.49); copper-alloy strapend (2022.9); Bronze Age penannular ring(2022/12); Medieval sword pyramid mount (2022.15). Not to scale.

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Archaeological archives from Malmesbury, Avon Mills, deposited by Northamptonshire Archaeology (MOLA Northampton) ( 2023.4 & 5 ). The Museum closed to the deposition of archaeological archives in January 2013 as the stores were full. In December 2019 an offsite store was purchased and in October 2022 the Museum started to accept the backlog of material, which was being held by various archaeological units who undertake work in our collecting area. By the end of March 2023, roughly 400 boxes had been deposited at the new store (see also page 33):

Two bronze cast statues by Peter Hicks, Seend. Man on a Sandy Hill specially created to commemorate the Silver Jubilee of Queen Elizabeth II (1977). Signed and numbered (limited edition 150/250. WWII RAF Pilot Scanning the Sky. Purchased at auction ( 2022.1003.1-2 ).

19th century pen and ink drawing of Porch House, Potterne. Signed by the artist R H Smallridge. Donated by Amanda Housby of Poulshot - the drawing once belonged to her grandmother. The donor’s grandfather was from the Johnson family and lived above the ‘Johnson’ shop in Devizes. He was also a Lodge Master for the town ( 2022.1004 ) (pictured page 59).

Small collection of quern stones:

  1. Fragment (about one half) of the upper half of a Roman stone rotary hand mill or quern. Dating to c. 43 - 410 AD. Made from a local old red sandstone.

Two framed watercolour drawings of St. John’s Alley and St John’s Church, Devizes. Signed by local artist W. R. Newman and dated 1967 and 1968. Donated by Christine Naish, Seend. The paintings belonged to her brother David Woodruff, a Devizes postman for 45 years ( 2022.1005 ) (St Johns Church pictured front cover) .

  1. Incomplete Iron Age or Roman sarsen saddle quern of grinding stone, later reused as a polishing stone or whetstone (with visible groove). Dating to 800 BC - 410 AD.

Framed pencil and pastel drawing of St Anne’s Gate, Salisbury, with a human figure standing in the archway. Signed by the artist, Christopher Hughes and dated 1913. Donated by Brian Edwards, Devizes ( 2023.1002 ).

  1. Fragment (about one quarter) of the upper part of a Roman stone rotary hand mill or quern. Made from the local green sandstone. Dating to 43 - 410 AD.

  2. Fragment (about one half) of a Roman semiovoid shaped saddle or grinding quern stone. Made from sarsen. Iron staining suggests it has been used for iron working, and slag deposits from smelting have also been found in the area.

Archive and Library (21/22 figures in brackets) The Archive and Library collection continues to grow, despite the Coronavirus pandemic. During the last year 13 (46) books were purchased and 107 (87) were donated, of which 29 were donated by the authors themselves, contributing to the 120 (137) new acquisitions to the library. Seven of the books purchased were included in a large social history lot bought at auction. Book purchases are still low due to financial constraints imposed by the Coronavirus pandemic.

All found in Bromham, 2018. Donated by Patsy King, wife of the late finder ( 2023.3.1-4 .).

Art

Framed pen, ink, and watercolour drawing of the gardens at Stourhead House. Illustrated in three sections including the Temple of Apollo; side elevation of the Pantheon; bridge over the lake. Signed by ‘John Piper’, but unverified and undated (pictured back cover) . Purchased at auction. ( 2022.1002 )

There were 132 (73) new additions to the Archive collection including 17 accessions related to the Covid Pandemic, all of which were donations. This is almost double the number of new additions compared to last year which was just 73. There were over 400 new acquisitions to the photographic collection (all but 21 photographs were donations), including two photo albums compiled in the 1920s of Wiltshire Scenes including Stonehenge and 24 postcards.

Framed lino print The Demise of Sheep Street, by Karen Attfield, Melksham. 2022 Oexmann Art Competition Purchase Prize( 2023.1003 ) ( pictured page 59 ).

From the left: finds from Bromham (2023.3.3 and 4; early Medieval penny (2022.14); bronze cast statues by Peter Hicks (2022.1003.1-2)

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Highlights include:

AUBREY BURL ARCHIVE

In May 2022 we accepted the archive belonging to archaeologist, author and lecturer Aubrey Burl, who passed away in April 2020 aged 93. The archive consists of field notes, maps, reports, offprints, publisher correspondence, slides, photographs, his published books and framed prints mainly in connection with his Stone Circle research. There are also some unprovenanced non-Wiltshire objects (potentially for handling). Detailed accessioning of the collection will take place during 2023-24. Donated by Judith Burl, wife of Aubrey Burl ( MSS.4615 )

BOOKS

Ancestors: The Prehistory of Britain in Seven Burials by Alice Roberts. Highlights seven burials chosen to tell the story of British Prehistory from the Palaeolithic to the Iron Age, including the Amesbury Archer, the Archer’s Companion, the Boscombe Bowmen and the work of General Pitt-Rivers. Donated by a museum volunteer because it mentions Jane Schön, Collections Officer: Archive and Library (Book.18543)

Mary and Kate Hardy: Salisbury, Wessex and Beyond by Anne Johns and Jenny Head. Published to coincide with the Hardy’s Wessex: the landscape that inspired a writer exhibition. It traces the stories of Thomas Hardy’s sisters who lived in the shadow of their famous brother, but whose experiences influenced his writing. Purchased (Book.18546)

Gift of approximately 500 archaeological books, some signed by the author or previous owner (arrived between lockdowns in December 2021). 32 books have been accessioned, with approximately 100 more to check through. Books not accessioned are sold to raise funds. Donated by John S S Stewart[t] (Book.1856818571; 18618-18621; 18628; 18631; 1864618670).

JOURNALS

Each year the Archive and Library receive a large number of journals and newsletters via subscriptions, journal exchanges or gifts. These include titles such as British Archaeology and Current Archaeology magazines, the Bromham Hoot magazine, the Richard Jefferies Society Journal, Wiltshire Life, The Antiquaries Journal and Medieval Archaeology Society Journal . This year the number of journals acquired decreased from 181 to 170. This is remains higher than normal as some societies are still catching with their publishing post Covid-19 pandemic.

DOCUMENTS

Identity card (dated 1943), passport and smallpox vaccination certificate issued to Mrs Dorothy Willis (nee Avery) of Hawkeridge Farm, Westbury, to travel to France in 1966. These documents accompany Mrs Dorothy Willis’ driving licenses donated in 2021 ( MSS.4496 ). Donated by Norman Willis, son of Mrs Willis (MSS.4555).

Collection of 46 completed postcards from the Crammer Postcode Petition. The postcards featured a watercolour design on the front by the donor and were left in shops in Devizes for people to sign the petition. This is possibly the first petition of its kind, which aimed to raise awareness of the Crammer to make it a haven for wildlife. Donated to the Museum by Brian Edwards ( MSS.4601 ).

Wiltshire Archaeological Society Committee Meeting agenda dated 10 October 1911. On one side it is annotated with notes and train times. The postcard is addressed to the Rev. W. Symonds. Donated to the Museum by Mrs Anne Poulter, West Sussex ( MSS.4608 ).

Collection of ephemera relating to OTC training at Tidworth, circa 1911. Includes operation orders, correspondence between Gregory family, camp instructions and some postcards. Purchased at auction ( MSS.4609 and 2022.5003 ) ( Pictured inside front cover).

From the left: Mary and Kate Hardy: Salisbury, Wessex and Beyond by Anne Johns and Jenny Head (Book.18546); Identity card (dated 1943) issued to Mrs Dorothy Willis (MSS.4555); Crammer Postcode Petition (MSS.46010) .

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Family history documents relating to the Beake and Maslen families of All Cannings and Devizes. Includes family tree, newspaper cuttings reporting births and deaths of family members and a collection of photographs of Mary Elizabeth Beake (later Dunston) the donor’s grandmother. Mary trained as a nurse at Devizes Hospital before emigrating to Boston Massachusetts, USA in 1902. Donated by Joyce Dunston of Canada ( MSS.4636 and 2022.7021 ).

Stonehenge Summer Solstice scrapbook assembled by Mrs Margaret Couling of Westfield Farm, Upper Woodford, Salisbury. It covers the 1985 Summer Solstice and includes newspaper cuttings, photos and letters highlighting the problems farmers encountered from the influx of the ‘hippy’ communities’ descending on Stonehenge. Donated by Dr Phil Harding, Margaret Couling’s cousin ( MSS.4638 ). Newspaper cuttings relating to the filming of Far from the Madding Crowd in Devizes, 1966/7. Also included are signatures collected by the donor from leading cast members when she was an extra during Nov 1966. Initially a loan to the Museum during the Hardy’s Wessex: the landscape that inspired a writer exhibition, but later donated, by Carol Creed, Devizes ( MSS.4647 ).

PHOTOGRAPHS AND POSTCARDS

Black and white photographs of John and Susan Harraway who ran Easton Farm, Bishop Cannings, circa 1845. Donated by John Harraway, grandson of John and Susan Harraway ( 2022.7004 )

Black and white photograph of Devizes Home Guard. Seated in the front row are Ralph Jennings (first on left) and Henry Laver (last on right). Also 19 negatives depicting members of Devizes Home Guard during training exercise. The Devizes Home Guard were formed on 16 May 1940 and stood down on 3 December 1944. Donated by Frances Delaine, daughter of Henry and niece of Ralph ( 2022.7011 ) ( Pictured inside front cover).

300 black and white photographs which were the author’s copies published in four books during the 1980s. Donated by the author David Burnett of the Dovecote Press ( 2022.7014-2022.7017 ).

Colour photographs of floral tributes for Her Majesty Queen Elizabeth II laid on Devizes Market Cross, 12 September 2022. Donated by Bethany Hocking, Museum Assistant ( 2022.7018 ).

Colour photographs of tributes to Queen Elizabeth II in shop windows in Devizes, 12 September 2022. Donated by David Dawson, Museum Director ( 2022.7019 ). Two black and white albums containing black and white photographs of Wiltshire Scenes, including Stonehenge, compiled in the 1920s. Donated by Brian Edwards ( 2022.7022 ).

Natural History

No acquisitions to report this year.

Numismatics

Small stack of four base silver early Medieval pennies which have been fused together by corrosion products, dating to AD 852-874. Only one face of one coin is legible - the reverse of a coin of the Lunettes type, probably attributed to Burgred of Mercia (852-874) and issued by the moneyer Cenred.

The remaining illegible coins are equally likely to be Mercian or West Saxon issues. There is recorded Viking activity in this area in 871, and it is possible that the deposition of the hoard may be linked to uncertainty around the presence of the Viking ‘great raiding army’ at this time. However, given the small size of the hoard it is also possible that they are a casual loss. Found in Collingbourne Kingston, 2019. PAS Treasure Find. Purchased ( 2022.14 ).

Roman hoard of 24 bronze coins and a bronze finger-ring from ‘Black Field’, Cunetio, Mildenhall. Dating to the 4th century AD and found by Frank Mellish, 1975. The famous Cunetio coin hoard (54,951 coins) contained inside a large pottery vessel was discovered three years later in 1978. The pot is on display in the Roman Gallery and the coins are kept at the British Museum.

The1975 hoard was identified by our former curator Dr Paul Robinson. The coins are accompanied by a letter of provenance and map with find spot. Purchased at auction ( 2022.47 ).

From the left: John and Susan Harraway, c.1845 (2022.7004); Mary Elizabeth Beake, who trained as a nurse at Devizes Hospital, before emigrating to the USA in 1902 (2022.7021).

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Recent History

Pair of metal ice skates, c.1930. Used on the Devizes canal before World War II and on Corsham Lake in 1963, belonging to the Underwood family of Devizes and Potterne. Donated by John Underwood, Colwyn Bay. ( 2022.5.2 )

Stuffed toy lamb on a red cloth covered cardboard base. Embroidered FEED MY LAMBS. STILL THOU DOST ASK, WHOM SHALL I SEND, AND WHO WILL GO FOR THEE. TO FEED THY LAMBS. THY SHEEP TO TEND. LORD HERE AM I. SEND ME . Made by a patient at the Devizes County Asylum. Embroidered MISS GIBBONS. IN MEMORY OF THE D. C . ASYLUM. NOV 15TH 1913. Once belonged to Grace and William Blake. Donated by Maggie Goodger, Ely ( 2022.6 ).

Blade from a rapier, dating to late 16th or early 17th century. Under the corrosion on the fuller (the channel that runs down the centre of the blade) is probably the inscription of an Italian (?) maker. The rapier was found in the river alongside the main road in Easterton and discovered after flooding in the 1950s. Donated by Neil Townsend, Tasmania ( 2022.7 ). Late 19th century clay pipe marked RAOB with buffalo horns, for the Royal Antediluvian Order of the Buffaloes. Found in Broughton Gifford and donated by Nigel Tuck, Bromham ( 2022.8 ). Late 19th or early 20th century capstan pewter ink well, engraved COUNTY OF WILTS , from the Devizes Assize Court. The lid is missing. Rescued from the derelict building in 2004 and donated by John Girvan, Devizes ( 2022.11 ).

19th century wooden farm workers coopered gallon refreshment barrel, engraved J. H . Previously part of the Manor Farm, Avebury collection. Purchased at auction ( 2022.13.1 ). RAF Yatesbury tie belonging to Percy Cole ( 2022.48.2 ) and copper kettle ( 2022.48.1 ) made c.1943 in one of the workshops at RAF Yatesbury. Acquired by Percy Cole who worked as a radio instructor at the base during World War II and as a Civilian Ground Radar Instructor in 1947. The handle and lid knob are machined from an electrical insulating material Both items donated by Adrian Cole, Percy’s son, and Rosie Watt, Secretary of the RAF Yatesbury Association.

19th century Barge Ware teapot. WILLIAM & ELIZ BENNETT / CHRISTMAS 1893 . Elizabeth Bennett owned one of the first antique shops in Devizes, in the late 19th/early 20th centuries. Previously part of the Manor Farm, Avebury collection. Purchased at auction ( 2022.13.2 ) (pictured page 8) .

Early 19th century two-handled cider mug from Roundway Hill Farm, near Devizes. A symbol of the contributions made by the local farming community, one side features an image of a farmer and his wife, alongside various farming implements, crops, and animals – with the phrases TRUST IN GOD and THE HUSBANDMAN’S DILIGENCE PROVIDES BREAD . The other side of the mug features an extract of the poem GOD SPEED THE PLOUGH which was written in the early 1600s and is a satirical complaint about lazy members of the clergy who demanded a share of the ploughman’s harvest ( pictured page 8 ).

The verse reads:

Let the wealthy and great Dwell in splendour and state I envy them not I declare it I eat my own lamb My own chickens and ham I shear my own fleece and I wear it I have lawns, I have rowers I have fruit, I have flowers The lark is my morning alarmer So jolly boys now Here’s God speed the plough.

Donated by Maria Hoult, Devizes ( 2022.168 )

Two silver-plated tankards from the Stonehenge Solstice, 1927. Associated with a contest to award the Stonehenge Flitch, in a manner similar to the Dunmow Flitch, to the happiest married couple. It seems to have run for at least three years in the 1920s and was broadcast live on the BBC. Donated by Tim Daw, Brian Edwards and Sienna / Simon Barton ( 2023.6 )

Hand woven scarf inspired by the gold decorated dagger handle from Bush Barrow. This design is the first element of a much larger body of work exploring the prehistory of Wessex through the medium of weaving and textile art, centred on themes of pottery, stone, metal and landscape. Sally Parker Textile Crafts. Donated by Sally Parker ( 2023.7 ).

Lisa Brown, Jane Schön and David Dawson

From the left: silver plated tankard (2023.6); 19th century wooden refreshment barrel (2022.13.1); Stuffed toy lamb (2022.6). Images not to scale

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Organises lectures, conferences and visits to disseminate greater knowledge and appreciation of our heritage, to both the Society’s members and wider audience.

ACTIVITIES, EVENTS, CONFERENCES, LECTURES AND OUTINGS

With confidence returning for ‘real world’ activities, we were able to return to a full programme of activities for under 18s, walks in the Wiltshire countryside, and even held film screenings linked to the recent exhibitions: Eric Ravilious: Downland Man and Hardy’s Wessex: the landscape that inspired an artist. We also continued a programme of online talks.

Thank you to our speakers and walk leaders for their contributions to the Society as most do not charge a fee or claim expenses. We would also like to thank everyone who helps with organising and running our events and activities.

April 2022

Curious Kids: Under the Sea Easter Holiday Activities: Art from Ancient Civilizations Easter Holiday Activities: Spring and Easter Crafts Museum Explorer’s Club: Bronze Age People and Artefacts Online Talk: Working together: British Museum and the Wiltshire Museum , by Lisa Brown Young Curator’s Club: Daggers from the Bronze Age

May 2022

Archaeology in Wiltshire Conference 2022 Curious Kids: Kings and Queens Family Holiday Activity: Medieval themed crafts Museum Explorer’s Club: Kings and Queens Young Curator’s Club: Kings and Queens

June 2022

Day Course: Ancient Landscapes Seen and Imagined , with Helen Garrett Lecture and Book Launch: Mary and Kate Hardy Meet the Curator: Hardy’s Wessex exhibition Museum Explorer’s Club: Thomas Hardy’s Wessex Online Talk: King Alfred & the Origins of Chippenham ( VCH)* Walk: Fonthill, a Hidden Wiltshire walk Walk: Hippenscombe, a Hidden Wiltshire Walk Walk: Urchfont, Oakfrith & Folly Wood, a Hidden Wiltshire walk Young Curator’s Club: Thomas Hardy’s Wessex

July 2022

Curious Kids: “Digging it”

Day course: Stone Carving with Andrew Ziminski Day course: Wood Engraving with Robin Mackenzie Museum Explorer’s Club: Ancient Egyptians Online Talk: Wiltshire’s nonconformist chapels – a fine architectural heritage ( VCH)* Outing: Stonehenge Landscape Walk , led by David Dawson Walk: Beckhampton Gallops , a Hidden Wiltshire walk Walk: Castle Combe , a Hidden Wiltshire walk Young Curator’s Club: Ancient Egyptians

August 2022

Curious Kids: Dinosaurs! Family Holiday Activity: Felt Crafts for under 6s Family Holiday Activity: Hardy Textiles Filming Hardy: tours of Devizes Make & Take: Hardy’s Landscape in Collage Outing: Devil’s Den, a Hidden Wiltshire walk Storytelling for all the family, with Tim Laycock Summer Holiday Activities: art and craft sessions Walk: Seend , led by Isobel Geddes.

September 2022

Day course: Stone Carving with Andrew Ziminski Day course: Wood Engraving with Robin Mackenzie Museum Explorer’s Club: Rock Detective Outing: Devil’s Den, a Hidden Wiltshire walk Outing: Stonehenge Landscape Walk Walk: Murhill, Avoncliff and Winsley , led by Isobel Geddes Young Curator’s Club: Rock Detective

October 2022

Family Activity Session: Trick or Treat! Family Holiday Activity: Superstitions Film Screening: Far From The Madding Crowd (to mark the 55th anniversary of the 1966 film) Industrial Archaeology Conference: Building Materials Museum Explorers Club: Saxons and Viking invaders Online Talk: John Leland: a Tudor traveller in Wiltshire (VCH)* Storytelling for all the family, with Tim Laycock Young Curator’s Club: Saxons and Viking invaders

November 2022

Curious Kids: Egyptians

Day Course: Wood Engraving with Robin Mackenzie Film Screenings: Eric Ravilious: Drawn to War Museum Explorers Club: Mini Museum Displays Online Talk: A Wealth of Knowledge: A decade of archaeological research, unlocked , by Wil Partridge Online Talk: Wiltshire Constituencies and the 1832 Reform Act , Michael Hodges (VCH)* Young Curators Club: Mini Museum Displays

December 2022

Museum Explorers Club: Tudor Christmas Online Talk: Assizes for Devizes , by David Dawson Silent Disco, for ages 8 to 12 Young Curators Club: Tudor Christmas

January 2023

Curious Kids: Vikings Day Course: Wood Engraving with Robin Mackenzie Museum Explorers Club: Mythical creatures

Online Lecture: Upton Lovell Shaman – a Bronze Age Goldworker, by Dr Rachel Crellin, Dr Christina Tsoraki, Dr Chris Standish Young Curators Club: Mythical creatures

February 2023

Curious Kids: Bugs Holiday Activities: Toys Lecture: Fractured Britannia – material culture and the end of Roman Britain , by Richard Henry Museum Explorers Club: The Ice Age Online Talk: Voices from Devizes Assize Court – an oral history project , by Jane Schön Young Curators Club: The Ice Age

March 2023

Curious Kids: Books and more! Home Education Sessions: Journey Through Prehistory Wiltshire in Archaeology Conference 2023 Online Lecture: William Gowland: Japanese megalithic tombs and Stonehenge , by Prof Simon Kaner

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WILTSHIRE ARCHAEOLOGICAL AND NATURAL HISTORY SOCIETY: MEMBERSHIP

Members are very important to the Wiltshire Archaeological and Natural History Society and in addition to free entry to our award-winning Museum and special exhibitions, they receive other benefits:

CURRENT SUBSCRIPTION RATES Bronze:

Individual - £44.00 Joint/Family - £56.50 Student - £20.00 Member Organisation - £51.00 Amber Donor - £69.00 Gold Donor - £129.00 Corporate membership - £100 and £450 Jadeite - £250 Life (over 50) - £750 Life (under 50) - £1,000 Subscriptions run for 12 months from the first day of the month of joining. Student membership is open to individuals enrolled on a full-time accredited course of study, or on a parttime course of higher education leading to a recognised qualification in the areas of the Society’s interests.

A variety of subscription and payment options are available, including monthly payments.

There were 98 new (or re-joining) memberships in the year (125 members); 104 (139) in 2021/2022.

P.T.O.

Publications and Social Media

Wiltshire Archaeological and Natural History Magazine (WANHM)

Our annual magazine continues to be the journal for reports on archaeological discoveries in Wiltshire. Members receive a free copy and it is available to non-members for a modest charge. The 2022 volume (no. 115) included the following articles:

Faricius’s Life of Aldhelm, Translation and Commentary (Michael Winterbottom); Faricius, William of Malmesbury and Malmesbury Abbey in the Aftermath of the Norman Conquest (Tony McAleavey); Malmesbury Abbey in the Time of William (Rodney Thomson); Further Aspects of Romanesque Malmesbury Abbey: the relic column, south porch and west front (Malcolm Thurlby); The Seals of Malmesbury Abbey and Pilton Priory (Julian Luxford); The Royal Arms and Frieze in Malmesbury Abbey (Barry Dent); Bokerley Dyke and After: a tribute to the archaeological fieldwork of Colin Bowen (Bruce Eagles[t] ); A Possible Anglo-Saxon ‘Hanging Promontory’ Assembly Site on Ethchilhampton Hill, Wiltshire (Stella Maddock); ‘Accessible to the General Reader’: the Rev. W. H. Jones and his Domesday for Wiltshire (Anne Willis); Stonehenge Dacite Group D: fact or fiction? (Rob A. Ixer, Richard E. Bevins, Duncan Pirrie, Matthew Power and

Peter Webb); Late Bronze Age Occupation in the Cotswold Uplands: archaeological excavation at Hullavington Airfield, 2020 (Jessica Cook and Christopher Leonard); An Iron-Age-RomanoBritish Rural Landscape at Former MoD Lyneham, Wiltshire (Phil Andrews); Roman Coin Hoards from Wiltshire (Richard Henry and Sam Moorhead); Medieval Deer Parks of the Bradford Hundred (Robert Arkell); T he Lioness Attack on the Exeter Mail Coach at Winterslow Hut, Wiltshire,1816 (Peter Saunders).

Notes and shorter contributions included: Lead isotope analysis of a gold-wire stud from Bush Barrow (Christopher D. Standish); An archaeological investigation at St Andrew’s Church, Castle Combe, Wiltshire (Kristoffer Conlin, Kirsten Egging Dinwiddy, Bob Clarke and Finn Cresswell, with a contribution by Lorraine Mepham); New insights into Middle Neolithic life from the Wiltshire Museum collections (Jake T. Rowland, edited by Wil Partridge); Excavation and fieldwork in Wiltshire, 2021 (compiled by Bob Clarke and Will Baker); Highlights from the Portable Antiquities Scheme (PAS) in Wiltshire, 2021 (recorded by Sophie Hawke).

P.T.O.

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NEW MEMBERS 2022/23

Mr Nick & Mrs Jane Amer, Patney Ms Eleanor Amos, Devizes Mr Stephen Best, Bath Mr Jarek Bien, Nottingham Mr Michael & Mrs Judith Bishop, Devizes Ms Alice Boyd, Devizes Mr Dave Brooks, Carlisle Mr Martin & Mrs Anne Brown, Devizes Miss Charlotte Browne, Bristol Mr Christopher Burdon, Salisbury Ms Lindsay Butterworth, Chippenham Mr Steve & Mrs Cathy Chappell, Devizes Ms Carrie Coles, Rowde Ms Lynne Coombs, Trowbridge Mr Graham & Mrs Suzie Cooper, Devizes Mr Jack & Mrs Margaret Cooper, Chippenham Dr Douglas Cowie, Warminster Miss Shirley Cox, Devizes Mr David Coxon & Ms Andree Bielecka-Bowers, Nottingham Mr Rohan Coy, Trowbridge Mr Richard & Mrs Katie Coyne, Devizes Ms Anna Ditchburn, Great Bedwyn Mr Dudley A R Dodd, London Ms Hazel Dunning, Salisbury Mr Stuart Earl, Chippenham Mr Keith Elliott, Riverview Ms Janet Enoch, Salisbury Mrs Paula Evans, Devizes Mrs Helen Fishlock, Devizes Mr Lionel Ford, Launceston Mr Graeme & Dr Megan A Fyfe, Salisbury Mr Simon Gibbs & Ms Amanda Collins, Devizes Mrs Penelope Goodliffe, Devizes Mr Keith Greenfield & Ms Avis Ryder, Devizes Mr James Gwilliam, Bristol Mr Trevor P & Mrs Tina A Hardy, Devizes Mr Mike & Mrs Celia Harris, Swindon Mr Barry & Mrs Dorryta Hayward, Chippenham Mrs Jane Hiett, Devizes Ms Meghan Hill, Warminster Mr Richard Hinxman, Calne Mr David Hoyland, Calne Miss Katie Humphreys, Swindon Ms Lucy Ingram, Salisbury Mr Philip Ireland & Ms Theresa Lock, Hungerford Dr Stephen Izaatt & Mrs Judith Bence Izatt, Calne Mr Raymond & Mrs Diana Jenkins, Marlborough Ms Sue Jewsbury, Southampton

Ms Rosalind Johnson, Salisbury Mr Gywain Jones, Salisbury Ms Ruth Kerr, Stockbridge Mr Andrew Kirby & Mrs Alison Kimber, Chippenham Mr Oliver Lamb, Devizes Ms Zandra Letts, Market Lavington Ms Karen Lucas, Calne Mrs Debbie Lungley, Salisbury Ms Teresa Maynard, Chippenham Mr Ian McKay, Bath Mr Peter & Mrs Eileen Meacock, Devizes Ms Philippa Miller, Calne Ms Fenella Monk, Salisbury Ms Amanda Morwood, Warminster Ms Diana Neale, Devizes Ms Theresa Newman, Corsham Mr David Nicolson, Warminster Mr Matthew Norgan, Tisbury Ms Val Owen, Trowbridge Miss Emily & Mr Larry Parker, Devizes Ms Michelle Partington, Chippenham Rev Norma Payne, Warminster Mr Julian Piercey, Warwick Ms Linda Pike, Frome Mr Carlo Prinzi, Chippenham Mr John & Mrs Jeanne Rayment, Bath Mr Des & Mrs Pip Read, Devizes Mr Martin & Ms Rosemary Reed, Devizes Mr Cliff Hughes & Mrs Jane Rudd-Hughes, Netheravon Mr Adrian Ruddle, Street Mr John Russell, Warminster Ms Sara Seager, Swindon Mr Alexander & Mrs Georgina Shannon & Family, Calne Mr David Shepherd, Newbury Mr Douglas Simpson, Devizes Mr Subeer Singh Suri, Ashford Miss Jess Smith, Devizes Mr John & Mrs Jesmary Stuart, Marlborough Mr John & Mrs Elizabeth Surowiec, Devizes Mr Terence & Mrs Susan Tovey, Devizes Mr Paul Tumim, Devizes Mr Philip Unwin, Whitchurch Mr Jonathan Venton, Melksham Ms Kim Wakeham, Marlborough Mrs Wendy Weller, Devizes Ms Deborah M White, Chippenham Ms Joan Wilks, Cardigan Mr Paul & Mrs Heather Wilson, Devizes Ms Sue Wood, Devizes

The volume was edited and indexed by Dr Stuart Brookes, with editorial assistance from Peter Saunders (Peter also coordinated the publication for the Society). Along with James Thomas[t] , Graham Bathe, Stuart A. Raymond, Bob Clarke, Will Baker and Sophie Hawke. Thanks are due to all of those involved in producing such a well-respected journal and especially to the many authors for their contributions.

Trilithon

This newsletter is a mixture of articles, items of interest and news about events and is sent to members regularly.

Engaging audiences online

Our e-newsletter is sent regularly and is our main source of engagement for events. We also use social media platforms (Facebook, Twitter, Instagram, etc.) to engage and develop our audience. Social media is a great way to publicise upcoming events and news at the Museum and is an opportunity to reach new audiences, as well as sharing details about our collections in a more immediate way. We can also engage with audiences unable to physically access the Museum or collections.

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Promotes, encourages and undertakes research and publishes newsletters, an annual magazine, reports, periodicals, books and other literature which are relevant to its activities.

Research: Archaeology Collections

Due to the prolonged impact of the Covid-19 pandemic, there were a reduced number of research visits to the Museum again this year. However it has still been a busy year reviewing the research that has been undertaken on the archaeology collections over the past decade, as part of the Arts Council Designation Development Fund, Wealth of Knowledge project, which drew to a close in November 2022.

A Wealth of Knowledge: Unlocking a Decade of Archaeological Research

Wil Partridge, Research Officer: Archaeology, ended his contract with us in November. The Designation Development funded 21/2 year project has been a great success. As part of the ACE approved 6-month extension to the project, due to the impact of Covid-19 (April – October 2022), work was undertaken to update displays in the Prehistoric Wiltshire Galleries, as the latest research on the collections, published after the galleries opened eight years ago, made some of the interpretation out of date. Five new interpretation panels were created, which include new research explaining DNA and Isotope analysis in Beaker ancestry and how mass spectrometry is used to identify gold sources in the early Bronze Age.

Wil has also developed some new internal processes that enable future research (beyond the life of the project) to be fed back into the collections management system in a more efficient way, requiring researchers to complete a spreadsheet of their results that can be imported into our collections management system, MODES. This element of the project was supported by Tim Burge, an independent heritage consultant and MODES specialist.

Wiltshire Museum Research Agenda

The Museum’s new Research Agenda, written by Wil Partridge as part of the Wealth of Knowledge Project, is now live on our website: www.wiltshiremuseum.org.uk/research-agenda/ as well as on the Historic England Research Networks site (https://researchframeworks.org/ wiltshiremuseum ), alongside national, regional and specialist Research Frameworks, including that for the Stonehenge and Avebury World Heritage Site. We are the first to have a Research Framework hosted in this way, which enables research priorities to be linked and integrated to promote academic studies. The Research Agenda was informed by seminars undertaken at local universities, and identifies the under researched areas of the collections, to promote them as possible areas of future enquiry to postgraduate students looking for projects. The agenda clearly shows the potential to do much more with the collections and is vital in guiding the Museum’s future research priorities. The agenda outlines in detail the opportunities to reassess the Palaeolithic, Mesolithic, later Bronze Age, Iron Age, Roman, and Medieval collections.

www.wiltshiremuseum.org.uk/research/

Museum Data Service and Wessex Museums Virtual Collections

In November 2022 the Museum was selected as an ‘early adopter’ of a new Museum Data Service project, which will collate millions of collections records from across the UK and make them available online. Other museums included in the first cohort were the Ashmolean, National Museum of Wales, Science Museum Group and Norfolk Museums. In December 2022 126,000 MODES records and 23,000 digital images were sent to Knowledge Integration to start the process. Our colleagues from Wessex Museums will be invited to share their data in April 2023. Autumn 2023 will see the first release of the service. Work also continues developing the Wessex Museums Virtual Collections website, with Museums Platform as host.

The Wiltshire Museum Research Agenda web page

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Researchers

Research: Archive & Library

The Archive and Library partially reopened to visiting researchers on 5 May 2022. All research visits are pre-booked and those researchers on the waiting list created at the start of the pandemic are still being contacted.

There were 273 enquiries this year: 61 visiting researchers and 212 email enquiries. Of the visiting researchers 34 were members and 20 were non-members. The majority of the visiting researchers were undertaking local history research (56%) mainly in and around Devizes and the surrounding villages, and 33% carried out archaeological research.

Although the Archive & Library is not fully open to the public and volunteers the Collections Officer: Archive and Library and volunteers have continued to answer enquiries and provide scans of documents or photographs, where possible, to the researcher. Donations have been received from some researchers.

Research topics have included Devizes Castle, Stonehenge guidebooks, Stourhead, Roundway and the Devizes Asylum, Aldbourne, Imber and assisting with numerous family history requests including the Flower family of Seend, the Yerbury family of Trowbridge, the Sopp family of Westbury and information about individual family members.

Jane Sch ö n

Lisa Brown

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Provides activities for young people to enable them to appreciate and develop their understanding of the local environment and its history (including school visits to the Museum and workshops at schools). Engages with local community groups to offer arts, culture and heritage activities for all generations.

LEARNING, OUTREACH AND COMMUNITY ENGAGEMENT

Schools

The Museum has been busy with school groups this year, with almost 1,000 school children engaging with our learning programme. Our Stone Age to Iron Age workshop days continue to be our most popular, with schools visiting from all over the county and beyond to participate in these. A good number of these make repeat visits each year, and we also continue to attract new schools. We deliver sessions on many other topics as well. This year these have included fossils, old toys, the Romans, Saxons and Vikings, Tudors, Egyptians, and local studies. We often have groups of over 60 children visiting at one time, which is quite difficult to plan and organise in the small spaces available. Fortunately, we have some fantastic volunteers to help make sure that these sessions run smoothly.

There has been the opportunity to develop our gallery interactive activities this year. These have enhanced our galleries and helped to make them more engaging for schools and families. There will soon be Iron Age costumes to add, designed and created for us by the Devizes Fine Arts Society. These will be an amazing addition to our prehistory workshops, helping to bring the topic to life for school children.

Uniformed Groups

We have run a variety of activities for our uniformed groups throughout the year. Guides, Brownies, Rainbows, and Beavers have carried out evening visits and taken part in sleepovers. We seem to be getting more and more requests for sleepovers as people find out we offer them. We are not sure whether that is a good thing or not! It is not the most restful night of sleep on the office floor with a camping mat!

Families

We now have three very successful clubs taking place at the weekends for different age groups: Curious Kids, for our youngest members aged 5 and under, Museum Explorers, for 5 to 7-yearolds, and Young Curators, for 8 to 13-year-olds. Sessions cover themes in our collection, our temporary exhibitions, and popular historic topics. They are very hands-on with object and gallery work, investigative activities, cookery, and craft. Curious Kids also includes songs and stories.

The clubs are very valuable, giving an opportunity for children and families interested and passionate about history and museums, to engage further with history and archaeology, and to foster a sense of belonging to the Museum. Our holiday activities also facilitate this. These are very well attended by local families, and some have commented how they love the range of activities and the chance to participate in these with their children.

Home-Education

There has been a growing demand to expand our offer for those families choosing to home-educate their children, and we have begun to offer themed days for families this year, which have been very well received. We plan to continue and expand this offer over the coming year.

It has been fantastic this year to see things return to normal post-covid and to see the demand and enthusiasm there is for the activities we offer to children and young people at the Museum.

Ali Rushent

From the left: Costumes made by Devizes Fine Arts Society; a busy holiday activity; new interactives in the Prehistoric Wiltshire galleries.

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COMMUNITY CURATOR

The Community Curator post is funded by the Art’s Council NPO via Wessex Museum.

Youth Panel

This year we saw a new cohort of young people join the Youth Panel after a few of the original members moved on into the world of university or work. In the summer we hosted Wessex Archaeology for a fun session to say goodbye to some of the group as well as welcome new young people.

Throughout the year the Youth Panel have been working on an accessible “Roman Smells” interactive (to be installed in the Roman gallery) and they particularly wanted to focus on family activities, including a very successful family day in October half term which resulted in our busiest day since the Eric Ravilious: Downland Man exhibition! They also hosted our first silent disco for older children at Christmas, which was a different but successful venture! They are now working on further family days as well as new interactives.

Bridging the Gap placement

Following on from the relationship we built with Fairfield Farm college after working with a group of students on the Chalk Hills art project (part of the Eric Ravilious: Downland Man exhibition’s community work), we took on one of the students as our Wessex Museum’s Bridging the Gap placement. Bridging the Gap was an ambitious project that set out to embed a strategic, collaborative approach towards learning and engagement across Wessex Museums. Within that each museum hosted an inclusive work placement for a disabled young person.

Whilst on his placement with us Mark advised us how to make our Museum and website more accessible for people with a range of disabilities. He also created a virtual Iron age world on the popular game of Minecraft , as well as creating a trail for visitors with learning disabilities to enjoy. We hope to launch these projects in the near future.

The Street Art project

During February and March 2023 we worked in conjunction with the Youth Justice Service (and the Emerald Team) to work with a group of young offenders, or those at risk of offending, to work on their confidence and creative skills with the aim to divert them from criminal or anti-social behaviours. Working alongside street artist Nick Halahan of Olas Arts, the young people learnt new creative skills, built friendships and created a piece of art which has been displayed outside the Assize court.

Lest We Forget: The Black Contribution to the World Wars in Wiltshire

In January 2023 we were awarded £14,475 From the Association of Independent Museums (AIM) New Stories, New Audiences Fund (through the National Heritage Lottery Fund), which will enable us to host an exhibition on the Black contribution to the World Wars in Wiltshire, which includes community work to create commemorative pieces of art to show as part of the exhibition and with schools to help them decolonise their curriculum.

Eric Walrond: A Caribbean Writer in Wiltshire

In February/March 2023 we were awarded funding to run a parallel exhibition to Lest we Forget to tell the story of Eric Walrond, a Caribbean writer who made his name in the USA before moving to England. He eventually moved to Wiltshire and lived an ordinary quiet life in Bradford upon Avon in the 1940s and worked at the Melksham rubber factory. Behind the scenes his writing continued, reflecting on his views on World War Two and the racism experienced by Black soldiers whilst in the UK, before committing himself to Roundway Hospital in Devizes in the 1950s for poor mental health.

The funding for this project will cover community work for writing workshops for those struggling with mental health and poetry workshops for schools.

Amy Hammett

From the left: Youth Panel celebration; Mark outside the Museum; the Street Art group putting up one of their artworks outside the Devizes Assize Court.

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Provides opportunities for volunteers, without whom the Society could not offer the scale and variety of activities.

Volunteers

It has been another busy year for our volunteer team, especially when it came to our Thomas Hardy exhibition: Hardy’s Wessex: The landscapes that inspired a writer . We were delighted to welcome many new faces, including new members to our youth panel, front of house and learning teams.

Volunteer Amy wins a Devizes Civic Award

In March 2023 one of our Youth Panel members, Amy Ellis, was awarded the Bear Club Foundation Young Persons award at the 2023 Devizes Civic Awards. She was nominated for her hard work as part of the Youth Panel, working with the group on projects, such as creating events for young people.

Just over 3,000 hours of volunteer time was logged between April 2022 and March 2023. This equates to a financial value of nearly £50,000, calculated using National Lottery Heritage Fund methodology. Hours are slightly down compared to the 3,900 logged in 2021/22, which was extremely high due to our Eric Ravilious: Downland Man exhibition.

Archive & Library

A team of 20 Library volunteers usually catalogue the Archive and Library collections, adding to the online catalogue and scanning the photograph collection. Five Reader Services volunteers have returned and are assisting the Collections Officer with cataloguing the backlog of acquisitions that arrived during the lockdowns. The remaining volunteers are yet to return but many have continued to undertake their own research whilst at home and answer the occasional enquiry.

Volunteers play a vital role in all aspects of running the Museum and Society. They welcome visitors, look after researchers in our Library and Archive, assist with school groups and family activity days, help with maintenance and decorating, gardening, administration, mailings and events. We have a growing student volunteer programme, focusing on skills development through creative projects. Trustees are also volunteers and we are thankful for the time and expertise they continue to dedicate.

The returning volunteers have been answering enquiries and assisting with some visiting researchers and their requests. We could not provide the service we deliver without our excellent team of volunteers and hopefully we can welcome the rest of the team back soon when we fully reopen.

Volunteering and Hardy’s Wessex exhibition

A small team of volunteers have also been helping with transcribing the interviews from the Voices from the Devizes Assize Courts oral history project (see page 34). The six volunteers, with the help of the two MA Bath Spa Students, created an oral history archive and transcribed original documents in the archive.

We were delighted that many of the engagement volunteers who joined us during the

Eric Ravilious: Downland Man exhibition stayed on to support our summer exhibition Hardy’s Wessex: The landscapes that inspired a writer . 18 new volunteers were also welcomed to the team. After the Hardy exhibition a few of the volunteers became Gallery Guides, welcoming and informing visitors in the galleries.

Looking ahead

We are looking forward to another year working alongside our enthusiastic team. Areas of focus will be to develop an exciting training programme for volunteers and ‘growing’ our gardening and community teams!

Over the past year we have also welcomed six new Front of House volunteers (five of whom were previously exhibition stewards) taking our total number of Reception volunteers to 21.

Our thanks to every individual who has offered their time in supporting the Museum.

From the left: Front of House volunteer, Phil Edwards; members of the youth panel recording a podcast; Amy Ellis receiving her volunteering award.

Nicola Trowell, Jane Schön and Emma Sykes

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Thank you to our volunteers:

Phil Andrews Tessa Armeni Caroline Baker Geraldine Bateman Eliza Bates Sharon Benfield Judith Bishop Wendy Bishop Astrid Bleich Mike Borro Nataliia Borysova Catherine Brown Jane Brunning Jan Bryant Ruby Butler Dave Coward Katie Coyne Colvin Chamberlain Alison Christy Bob Clarke Margaret Clarke Nicky Clarke[†] Sandy Corbyn Michael Cornwell Jean Covington Martin Covington Carol Creed Jan Dando Caroline Dalrymple Catherine Dawson Hilary Degnan William Downes Philip Edwards Amy Ellis Mark Evans Paula Evans Helen Fishlock Michael Fletcher

James Flood Sara Morgan Sue Flood Jo Noble Alexandira Fraser-Curran Philip Nokes Jackie Gardiner Louise Peak Isobel Geddes Dilys Peacock John Girvan Harry Peer Jeff Goatman Bill Perry Jill Goatman Caroline Power Veronika Groke Sue Power Anna Hallett Remi Pike Sandy Haynes Ann Phillips Netta Hemmins Ivan Philips Thomas Hisscocks Penny Price Jones Bethany Hocking Angela Prophet Linda Holmshaw Christine Purchas Abigail Hooper Stuart Raymond Jonathon Hurwitt Martin Rea Shelagh Hurwitt Mary Rennie Carole Jones Kahlen Robson Tony Jones Sue Roderick Mary Kane Barbara Rogers James Kay Doug Roseman Dallas Kendall Judith Roseaman Ann King Jonathan Sanigar Laura La Turner Peter Saunders Ollie Lamb Peter Small Wendy Lansdown John Surowiec Graham Lever Michael Teale Jane Lever Pam Thomas Ralph Lewis Alistair Thomson Denise Leaning Judith Thomson Yvonne Loth Peter Tolhurst Stella Maddock Christine Tucker Thomas McBurney Oliver Turney Mike McQueen Dawn Vernon Peter Melsom Maggie Watts Helen Meikle Wendy Weller Robert Mitchell David Weston Philippa Morgan Jirina Wheatley Jamie Wright

In memory of Nicky Clarke

We were deeply saddened when Nicky Clarke, one of our Library volunteers, passed away in early 2023.

Nicky volunteered with us for a number of years, undertaking research and happily assisting visitors with archive enquiries. More recently she was an engagement volunteer during the Eric Ravilious: Downland Man exhibition, where her infectious enthusiasm and love of the artists’ work was wonderfully apparent to all who visited.

Rachael first met Nicky when she visited the archive when researching the Trowbridge woollen mills. She found Nicky to be friendly, genuinely interested and very helpful. They discussed the difficulties of buying trousers as a taller woman and her holiday plans (later discovering how well travelled Nicky was!). A fellow library volunteer noted that she added a touch of elegance and erudition to the Library volunteers!

She will be much missed by everyone, but we will cherish fond memories of her sitting with a cup of tea in the staff area and recounting tales of her incredible adventures.

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Operates an archaeological field group which encourages members to become involved actively in the current archaeological scene in the county.

WILTSHIRE ARCHAEOLOGY FIELD GROUP

The Wiltshire Archaeology Field Group (WAFG) is a community archaeology group, working to professional standards. It carries out excavations and fieldwork in Wiltshire including geophysical survey, ground survey and field-walking. Anyone can get involved in research projects, ranging from prehistoric sites to 20th century archaeology. Members have organised practical training sessions on topics including basic excavation and identifying pottery. There have been a number of social events including talks on a variety of recent discoveries and new finds.

Membership is open to members of the Wiltshire Archaeological and Natural History Society. Regular reports appear in our Trilithon newsletter, and on the WAFG Facebook page.

Over the past year WAFG have returned to a full programme of activities.

This has seen WAFG members being invited to support Research Excavations undertaken by others: the Cardiff University project investigating the Roman site at Combe Bissett and a Cotswold Archaeology led excavation investigating Roman tile kilns at Brandiers Farm near Minety. WAFG members were actively involved in these projects, both of which yielded some amazing archaeology! During summer 2023 WAFG members have once again been invited to participate in the second season of work at Brandiers Farm and at a new Cardiff University project near Teffont to the south of the county.

In addition, WAFG launched two new fieldwork projects of our own:

Seend

Following geophysics and desk-based research a Project Design was developed to undertake targeted test pitting, followed by excavation of small evaluation trenches covering c.25 sq m.

The first major discovery was a post-medieval brick clamp kiln. Dating evidence was limited but the size of the bricks suggested a late 17thcentury date, corroborated by a clay pipe bowl from a layer of fragmentary bricks overlying the base of the kiln. The 17th-century date of the brick kiln makes it one of the earliest excavated in Wiltshire and one of very few to be excavated nationally!

A second area focused on further geophysical anomalies, which, below layers containing Romano-British pottery, revealed a series of shallow trenches which contained a large amount of burnt charcoal and some pieces of burnt iron ore. These trenches looked very similar to ones excavated in the Weald of Kent which are believed to represent iron roasting sites, a step taken before the ore was smelted. A Roman iron roasting site is a rare find and this site is considered unique in Wiltshire.

The team are planning to return to Seend in 2023 to undertake further excavations over both the post-medieval and Roman structures. More on this phase of work next year!

All Cannings

In late summer 2022, the opportunity arose to undertake a small project at All Cannings Cross to investigate an area of farmland where drilling had revealed a spread of chalk and sarsen stone, along with what appeared to be a spread of prehistoric flint tools. Following an initial site visit a geophysical survey was undertaken but did not reveal any obvious features. It was therefore decided to broaden engagement with the WAFG membership, adopting a microfieldwalking approach to assess the area by dividing it into 1-metre grid squares. This was a hugely successful exercise, with many supporting the activity never having participated in any form of archaeological fieldwork before. The material recovered included prehistoric flint tools, hammerstones and early Iron Age All Cannings ware pottery. PTO .

Left: Late 17th Century Brick Kiln following excavation (Photo: Mike McQueen/Phil Andrews)

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Once the post-excavation data is fully analysed, plans are in place to undertake small-scale excavations to evaluate the depth and nature of the archaeological deposits, with fieldwork tentatively scheduled for September 2023.

Post Excavation

Using different approaches to encourage and broaden access to archaeological activities, the WAFG have continued to run post-excavation sessions at Devizes Museum. This has attracted many participants who have never done any form of ‘hands-on’ archaeological activities before.

Our major achievement over the past 12-months has been the processing, recording, marking-up and documenting the finds assemblage from a multi-period site near Malmesbury, excavated from 2006-2009. This exercise is now complete and the full site archive and finds assemblage accepted for accession to Wiltshire Museum.

A huge thank you must be extended to all WAFG volunteers who supported this initiative!

Alistair Thomson and Mike McQueen

Above: Field Walking at All Cannings Cross (Photo: Judith Thomson)

Committees and Working Groups follow up on specific issues

We are always looking for more people to be involved in our work, a great way to meet people and to develop skills and experience.

A303 Working Group

The Working Group continues to monitor developments on the decision concerning the A303 Stonehenge Tunnel, but has not needed to meet.

The current position is that a decision by the Secretary of State is awaited. In the meantime, National Highways is continuing with background work on the project.

David Dawson, Director

Buildings and Monuments

With changes to the way in which the Council for British Archaeology monitors planning applications impacting on Listed Buildings, the Buildings and Monuments is not currently meeting. If a significant case arises in Wiltshire, then the Working Group will be reformed.

Finance Committee

This committee ensures that the assets of the Society are managed in compliance with the various rules and guidelines pertinent to the WANHS status as a registered charity and limited liability company, and promulgates appropriate policies and procedures.

The routine and day-to-day monitoring and management of approved budgets is delegated to the Review & Development Committee. The Finance Committee meet when events demand it.

Rathbone Investment Management provided regular reports on the investment situation throughout the pandemic.

Industrial Archaeology

The committee continues to act as a focus for IA matters in the County and liaises with other interested bodies. Plans are going ahead for the 2023 Conference.

Doug Roseaman, Committee Secretary

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WILTSHIRE ARCHAEOLOGICAL AND NATURAL HISTORY SOCIETY

DEVELOPMENT

WORKING WITH PARTNERS and PLANS FOR THE FUTURE

Archaeology Archives and Off-site store

The commissioning of the new Archaeology Store was completed in October 2022 following the installation of intruder and fire alarms, and a final inspection to ensure that it met Building Regulations. The first archaeological archives were deposited at the store by Wessex Archaeology and the backlog of archives from a number of archaeological contractors are now being deposited. These archives are from developer-funded excavations and the deposition fee is ring-fenced to pay for the on-going costs of maintaining the store and to contribute towards future costs. The store is planned to be able to accept archives for the next 20 - 25 years, depending upon the pace of development in Wiltshire.

Stonehenge Museums Partnership

We have kept in regular contact during the year, developing joint marketing where this has been possible.

Strategic and Forward Plans

We are continuing to work towards achieving the objectives set out in the 2019-2024 Strategic Plan for the Society and Museum to continue to thrive as the Assize Court project proceeds.

The Forward Plan for 2022-2023 detailed priorities for the year ahead, with a particular focus on the Stage 1 bid to the NLHF for the Assize Court, the Hardy’s Wessex: landscapes that inspired a writer exhibition and completing the commissioning of the Off-site Store. The Plan has monthly objectives and is reviewed by the Board on a quarterly basis.

Depositions at the archaeology store.

The majority of the targets set at the beginning of the year were achieved, including the completion of the Wealth of Knowledge Project and the successful delivery of the Hardy exhibition. The Stage 1 Application to NLHF was submitted in February 2023, following a revised timetable based on advice from the NLHF.

Wessex Museums Partnership

The Wessex Museums Partnership brings together Dorset Museum, Poole Museum, The Salisbury Museum and the Wiltshire Museum.

During the year the Wessex Museums Partnership progressed delivering the four year, Arts Council supported National Portfolio Organisation (NPO), project to improve collections care, enhance the exhibitions programme and work with new audiences. The Community Curator for Wiltshire, a shared post with Salisbury Museum, is developing links with community groups across the County.

The Partnership is supported by the Wessex Museums Trust, a charity that aims to support museums in Wiltshire and Dorset. The Trust fundraises to enable the delivery of projects that the individual museums are not able to undertake on their own and take a more active role in the management of the NPO. The Society is represented on the Board by the Director

In November 2022 Arts Council England announced that Wessex Museums had been successful in its bid to extend the partnership’s current National Portfolio Organisation (NPO) status until 2026, and will receive £1.3m from the Arts Council over three years from 2023 to 2026, which includes extra funding to welcome the three Swindon Museums into the partnership.

As of April 2023 the existing partnership of Dorset Museum, Poole Museum, The Salisbury Museum and Wiltshire Museum will be joined by Swindon Museum & Art Gallery, STEAM – Museum of the Great Western Railway, and Lydiard House Museum.

This announcement followed on from a busy programme of support for the Wiltshire Museum, including the successful Hardy’s Wessex: exhibition, with its programme of events and outreach activity.

Lisa Brown and David Dawson

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WILTSHIRE ARCHAEOLOGICAL AND NATURAL HISTORY SOCIETY

PLANS FOR THE FUTURE: DEVIZES ASSIZE COURT

After our Expression of Interest was accepted by the National Lottery Heritage Fund (NHLF) in May 2022, work began on drafting an application for Development Stage Funding. This was extensive programme of work, led by Nicola Trowell and the Director, with input from members of staff, volunteers, Members, Trustees and people from a wide range of community organisations.

Work on the application was managed by a Programme Board of Trustees from the Museum and the Devizes Assize Court Trust, with external advisors. The Application included 26 different supporting documents, with over 500 pages of documentation.

For the Development Stage, we are seeking £300,000 from the NLHF, with an additional £400,000 in match funding committed by Devizes Town Council, Pilgrim Trust, Dulverton Trust and a variety of other funders. The Application was submitted in February 2023 and we were delighted to hear in June 2023 that the application was successful.

The overall cost of the project is £11.6m, and we are seeking £5m in total from the National Lottery Heritage Fund. We will submit a second bid in 2025, and we aim to complete the project in 2030, with the timescale set largely by the NLHF bidding process.

We plan to raise significant funding from public sources as well as trusts and foundations, and will be seeking support from individuals and community fundraising initiatives of £1.75m.

David Dawson

STOP PRESS: Thanks to National Lottery Players, the Development Stage of our project will start in September 2023!

Voices from the Devizes Assize Courts

During 2022 the “Voices from the Devizes Assize Courts” oral history project, funded by a grant from Arts Council England, took place, culminating in a book launch in November 2022.

Over 20 hours of oral testimonies were recorded from 23 individuals, all of which have been added to the Museum’s existing oral history archive. Using the testimonies a 56-page illustrated booklet was written by Padmini Bromfield and Jane Schön, which included quotes, photographs and background information about the Assize Court. It provides a lasting record to those who were interviewed and all participants received a complimentary copy.

Six temporary exhibition panels were also created and displayed at the Palace Cinema in Devizes. Each panel was filled with images of the building and quotes from our interviewees. The themes were: The Courts; The Courts In Session; In The Dock; Pomp and Ceremony; The Building; The End and the Beginning?

There were dedicated pages on the Museum’s website, with updates and sounds clips from the interviews. MA Heritage Management students from Bath Spa University (Helen Meikle and Linda Redden) were trained in oral history and helped with the project, undertaking interviews and creating the project archive. They also wrote blogs about their activities and what happens during an oral history interview.

Assize Court Plans Acquisition

We received a collection of plans and elevations of the Devizes Assize Court from Vernon Gibbs Architects for Davis and Dyke, dated 1987-1989 (four plans showing Survey and Scheme Designs - MSS.4598 ). A second, larger, collection of plans and elevations drawn by the Wiltshire County Architects dated 1930s to the 1980s, were passed to us by Caro and Partners Architects, who are the existing architects for Wiltshire County Council ( MSS.4599 ). All the drawings help to explain some of the changes the Assize Court experienced during this 50 year period.

Jane Schön

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WILTSHIRE ARCHAEOLOGICAL AND NATURAL HISTORY SOCIETY TRUSTEES’ FINANCIAL REVIEW FOR THE YEAR ENDED 31 MARCH 2023

TRUSTEES’ FINANCIAL RESPONSIBILITIES

The Trustees (who are directors of the company for the purpose of company law) are responsible for preparing the Trustees’ Report and the financial statements in accordance with applicable law and regulations.

Company law requires the Trustees to prepare financial statements for each financial year. Under the Law the Trustees have elected to prepare the financial statements in accordance with United Kingdom Generally Accepted Accounting Practice (UK Accounting Standards and applicable law). Under company law the Trustees must not approve the financial statements unless they are satisfied that they give a true and fair view of the state of affairs of the Society and the Income and expenditure for that period. In preparing these financial statements, the Trustees are required to:

The Trustees are responsible for keeping proper accounting records which disclose with reasonable accuracy at any time the financial position of the Company and enable them to ensure that the financial statements comply with the Companies Act 2006. They are also responsible for safeguarding the assets of the Company and hence for taking reasonable steps for the prevention and detection of fraud and other irregularities.

Internal risks are minimised by the establishment, documentation and regular review of a robust system of internal controls. Procedures have been implemented for the authorisation of all transactions and projects are costed initially and monitored on a regular basis.

The Board continued to employ Rathbone Brothers Plc to manage both the investment portfolio and the endowment fund with the primary objective to achieve a balanced return from income and capital at the low end of a medium level of risk.

The Society does not hold any indemnity insurance against any liability for negligence, default, breach of duty or breach of trust by a Trustee.

RISK ASSESSMENT

The risk assessments for all galleries are reviewed regularly and a risk assessment is made of all activities undertaken. On the financial side, a budget is prepared each year assessing the likely income receivable and costs of activities, which is monitored carefully and reported to the Trustees on a quarterly basis.

PRINCIPAL RISKS

The principal risks facing the Society include falls in the Stock Market which affect the investment portfolios, long-term staff or Trustee absence, inadequate staffing with dependence on a small team of full-time employees, physical risks to the collections or buildings from fire, theft or floods and reductions in grants from local authorities. The Trustees manage these risks by having an investment policy at the low end of medium risk with regular reviews from the investment managers, by having processes for trustee succession, by conducting reviews of staff availability and development and by regular reviews of security.

The Trustees consider, in line with the Charity Commission advice, that the Society should have unrestricted funds (i.e. designated funds plus unrestricted reserves) equivalent to at least one year’s core costs, that is some £400,000 to provide a measure of security; however, as the Society has become heavily dependent on its investments to provide ongoing but uncertain income for its operations, unrestricted funds have to be substantially greater than £400,000 to provide a measure of security since unrestricted funds are used to support the charitable activities of the Society where there is a deficiency of net income on core activities or to take account of new opportunities.

The Unrestricted Funds balance at 31 March 2023 was £634,510 (£852,340 at 31 March 2022).

The balance of Designated Funds (which are part of total unrestricted funds) was £409,599 at 31 March 2023 (£441,027 at 31 March 2022). The purpose of Designated Funds can be changed by the Board of Trustees. However, it must be borne in mind that the Designated Funds are and have been used to meet expenditure not charged to core activities such as the running costs of the Hopton Store, the Librarian’s salary and the depreciation charge on the Art Gallery and high security cases. Therefore, Designated Funds can only be utilised for other purposes if the expenditure they defray either ceases to exist or is charged to core activities.

35

Restricted Funds at 31 March 2023 of £362,025 (£378,832 at 31 March 2022) must be used for a specific purpose. The capital at 31 March 2023 of £490,007 (£524,608 at 31 March 2022) in the Endowment Fund is not distributable.

Included within the net book value of land and buildings of £289,442 is the land and buildings of the Museum. These assets are carried in the accounts at net book value of £108,308 (£110,385 at 31 March 2022). The net book value of this property is substantially smaller than its actual market value. There is provision in the Charity Accounting rules for tangible assets like the Museum land and buildings to be shown at market value in the accounts. However, the Trustees have decided that, for the moment, the property should be shown at net book value. This property is now used for the purposes of charitable activities but, if the Museum were to move, it may be available to generate funds to support the new opportunities.

FINANCIAL REVIEW

The Society experienced a very busy year with a significant level of activity taking place both within the Museum, off-site and via social media services. Unfortunately, it was not possible to repeat the enormous success of the Eric Ravilious: Downland Man Exhibition and consequently the level of revenue from last year could not be maintained. In addition, the very generous level of legacies received last year was not repeated. Costs remained relatively stable increasing by only 1.7%. However, having posted investment gains last year, significant losses were suffered in the year ended 31 March 2023. This reflects the general performance of the capital markets with high inflation and interest rates, and general global political and economic uncertainty.

Unrestricted reserves (i.e. Unrestricted Funds less Designated Funds) decreased in the year by £186,402. This was due to a deficit on operating activities of £158,410 and losses on investments of £27,992.

The operating deficit of £158,410 represents a £38,111 deterioration on the adjusted budget deficit. This was mainly due to unplanned expenditure on tree removal (£7,700) and the offsite archaeology store (£9,600), and irrecoverable VAT of £22,018.

Designated Funds decreased during the year by £31,428 mainly because of losses on investments (£23,536) and expenses allocations.

The Society continues to receive support from Wiltshire Council with a grant of £17,280 and Devizes Town Council of £4,000. Both grants will be maintained at this level in 2022/23 but their continuation at this level or at all is not certain for future years. These funds are very valuable as they support core expenses. Specific project grants enable the Society to extend its work in ways it would be unable to undertake without such support and the Society is extremely grateful for all the grants it receives.

Restricted Funds decreased by £16,807 due to the losses on investments allocated to these funds (£25,573) after offsetting investment income and the receipt of a legacy.

Investment income from the Society’s main portfolio and from the Sandell Trust was £71,550 which was an improvement on the previous year (£4,645). The overall return on investments on the combined main and endowment portfolios and including income and revaluation and trading losses was a loss 5.56% compared with gain of 7.37% the previous year. As already noted, this reduction in performance of the Society’s investments reflects the volatility in the worlds capital markets associated with the global geopolitical situation and economic uncertainties. The overall income return before investment management expenses was 2.82% compared with 2.44% the previous year.

The Society does not have a specific policy on social, environmental or ethical considerations. However, its investment managers have a corporate strategy that means that these are taken into account in all aspects of their business activities.

ENDOWMENT FUND

The Fund’s portfolio is managed at the low end of a medium risk mandate. The Endowment Fund balance has decreased during the year by £34,601 due to losses on securities sold during the year and the loss resulting from the year end revaluation.

Under the terms of the Endowment Trust the capital is not available for distribution but must be invested to provide income for the Society at some future date to be decided by the Trustees. The Trustees have reserved the right to transfer income received by the Fund to unrestricted reserves from the year ended 31 March 2010. Net investment income of £10,424 after investment expenses of £2,978 was transferred to the unrestricted reserves during the year ended 31 March 2023.

COLLECTIONS TRUST

There are over 500,000 items in the Collections Trust of which 2,500 are displayed in the Museum. There are also some 30,000 items in the Archive and Library collections. Most of these items are assets which were acquired before 1 April 2005 and have no value placed on them in the accounts. These continue to be catalogued and conserved with some items on loan elsewhere as described on page 14. More recent items costing over £1,000 each and totalling £48,741 are included in the balance sheet at cost. No additional funds were received by the Trust during the year, however, acquisitions of £1,848 of items costing less than £1,000 were made. These acquisitions are described on pages 16 to 21.

36

INCOMING RESOURCES AND LEGACIES RECEIVED

Incoming resources are allocated on the basis of the purposes for which they are raised, the income for designated and restricted funds being credited to the unrestricted fund and restricted funds respectively. The accounts include £362,025 for restricted funds and £490,007 for the Endowment Fund. These funds are not available to the Society for general use and must, therefore, be disregarded when assessing the Society’s financial position.

FORWARD PLAN

Each year the Board approves a Forward Plan that contains objectives and targets for the year. The 2022/23 Forward Plan contained targets within the following categories: exhibitions and displays; collections; development; projects; Assize Court; learning and outreach; and governance and core activities. Within the context of management resources good progress was made in most of these areas - see page 33.

AUDITORS

David Owen & Co. were re-appointed as auditors of the Company at the Annual General Meeting on 13 November 2022 and have expressed their willingness to continue to act.

This report has been prepared in accordance with 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 (FRS102) and in accordance with the special provisions of Part 16 of the Companies Act 2006 relating to small entities.

The Trustees have taken all steps which they ought to have taken to be aware of any relevant audit information and to establish that the Society’s auditors are aware of that information. So far as the Trustees are aware there is no relevant audit information of which the Society’s auditors are unaware.

PARTNERSHIPS

For many years the Society has enjoyed a close relationship with the Salisbury and South Wiltshire Museum as demonstrated by the reciprocal arrangement for free entry to the museums for members of each organisation and co-operation on exhibitions. Although, by mutual consent, the Directors have ceased to be nominees on the other’s Board, good communication is maintained through the Wessex Museums Partnership. Supported by Arts Council England and led by Poole Museum Service, the partnership also includes The Salisbury Museum and Dorset Museum.

The support of Wiltshire Council and Devizes Town Council in providing revenue grants to the Museum is gratefully acknowledged together with the contributions to the Board of their nominated Trustees. We are pleased to continue working in partnership with English Heritage and Salisbury Museum through the Stonehenge Museums Partnership.

Approved by the Trustees on 28 September 2023, and signed on their behalf by:

Martin J Nye Chair, on behalf of the Board of Trustees

The Board is aware that progress through partnership is the most effective pathway to success and will be pursuing every available opportunity to build strong partnerships.

37

WILTSHIRE ARCHAEOLOGICAL AND NATURAL HISTORY SOCIETY STRUCTURE, GOVERNANCE AND MANAGEMENT

Constitution

Wiltshire Archaeological and Natural History Society (the Society) is a company limited by guarantee, registration number 3885649, governed by its Articles of Association and a charity, registration number 1080096. The latest Articles of Association were agreed by the members at the October 2015 Annual General Meeting. The Objects of the Society are detailed on the inner cover. The members of the Society are subscribing members; in the event of the Society being wound up, the liability in respect of the guarantee is limited to £10 per member.

The Society is the corporate trustee of the Wiltshire Archaeological and Natural History Society Collections Trust, a linked charity, registration number 1080096. The Collections Trust holds all the heritage assets in its collections. The Society does not hold the endowment of the Collections Trust as corporate property.

The Society is also the corporate trustee of the Wiltshire Archaeological and Natural History Society Endowment Fund, a linked charity, registration number 1080096. Under the terms of the Charity Registration the accounts of the Fund are included in the Society’s accounts but as a separate charity its funds do not form part of the Society’s assets.

Directors and Trustees

The Directors of the charitable company (the Society) are its Trustees for the purpose of charitable law and throughout the report are referred to collectively as “the Trustees”.

The Society can have a maximum of 20 trustees. The Chair, Deputy Chair and Treasurer (the Officers) and nine Trustees are elected by the membership, with re-election after three years. Trustees, excluding the Officers, can serve a maximum of six years. Officers are elected annually from amongst the Trustees but can serve for no more than six years in any one role. As nominating bodies, Devizes Town Council and Salisbury and South Wiltshire Museum Trust, can each appoint one Trustee, and Wiltshire Council can appoint two Trustees. The Salisbury and South Wiltshire Museum Trust no longer appoint a Trustee to the WANHS Board. The Trustees have the power to co-opt additional Trustees who serve until the end of the next Annual General Meeting (AGM) at which they may be nominated and elected.

The Society is governed by the Board of Trustees which meets regularly throughout the year. It determines the general policy direction of the Society and discusses matters of importance to the Society. It approves and monitors budgets,

Forward and Strategic Plans, all developments, the prioritisation and allocation of resources and approves trustee appointments. Trustees bring outside experience and knowledge which supports that of our small staff.

There is a Review and Development Committee which meets regularly to review the management and financial affairs of the Museum delegated to the Director and his staff. Standing committees and working groups are formed as needed to deal with specific issues.

Risk Management

The Trustees have assessed the major risks to which the Charity is exposed including those related to the operations and finances of the Society and Museum, Archive & Library, and are satisfied that systems are in place to mitigate any exposure to major risks. The Risk Register is regularly reviewed and updated as necessary.

Investment Powers

The Trustees have the power to invest in such stocks, shares, investments and property as they see fit. The Trustees have engaged Rathbone Investment Management as investment managers and a Finance Committee reviews the portfolio and investment strategy.

Trustee appointment, induction and training

The skills and experience of existing Trustees is reviewed annually and, together with future needs, taken into account when seeking new trustees. The Board has a succession plan and has drawn up a trustee role description. Vacancies are advertised to members and through archaeological and voluntary media. Prospective Trustees are invited to visit the Museum to discuss the role prior to a formal interview. A panel, including the Chair and Director, reviews applications and interviews candidates. References are obtained and checks on eligibility to be a trustee and company director made. Those who are considered suitable are recommended to the Board to go forward to the Society’s AGM for election by members.

There is an induction process to help Trustees understand their new role. An induction pack includes information on governance, accounts for recent years, forward plans, minutes of recent Board meetings, policies and other relevant information. New Trustees receive copies of Charity Commission advice (e.g. The Essential Trustee ), are signed up for their e-mail updates and receive a personal tour of the Museum, Archive & Library buildings. From time to time Trustees are offered training courses.

38

WILTSHIRE ARCHAEOLOGICAL AND NATURAL HISTORY SOCIETY

REFERENCE AND ADMINISTRATIVE INFORMATION

LEGAL INFORMATION

Names and registration numbers

Wiltshire Archaeological and Natural History Society (the Society) is a company limited by guarantee, registration number 3885649 and a charity, registration number 1080096.

The Wiltshire Archaeological and Natural History Society Collections Trust is an unincorporated, linked charity, registration number 1080096.

The Wiltshire Archaeological and Natural History Society Endowment Fund is an unincorporated, linked charity, registration number 1080096.

PATRONS

J B Bush, CVO, OBE, CSt.J, JP P Harding, DUniv, FSA, MIFA D Inshaw Mrs S R Troughton, CSt.J, HM Lord-Lieutenant for Wiltshire

BOARD OF TRUSTEES

Chair: Martin J Nye, MA (Cantab)

Deputy Chair:

Alison Hems, BA, PhD, AMA, FRSA

Hon. Treasurer: Chris R Kelly, BSc, FCA, FloD

Elected Trustees:

Richard Cardiff Timothy Daw, MA (Oxon) (to Nov 2022) Clare Dobbin, MA, MA, BA (Hons) Gillian Kenny, MA, PhD Ruth B. Kerr, MA, BA (Hons) Alfred La Vardera, FCPFA, MSc Katie Marsden, BSc (Hons) Daniel S Miles, BA, MA, MIfA Lachlan Robertson, MA, BSc

Nominated Trustees:

Member, Devizes Town Council (from May 2021): Cllr. Mrs C Gay, BA (Hons), Dip Ed, FPS Members, Wiltshire Council: vacant

ADMINISTRATIVE INFORMATION

STAFF AS AT 31.3.2023

Director: David Dawson, BA, FSA, AMA Curator: Lisa Brown, BA (Hons), MA Marketing & Administration Manager: Karen Jones, BA (Hons) Museum Assistant: Administration: Emma Sykes, BA Collections Officer: Archive & Library: Jane Schön, BA (Hons), MA Community Curator: Amy Hammett Development Officer: Rachael Holtom, BA (Hons),P.G. Dip, AMA Exhibitions Officer: Heather Ault, BA Finds Liaison Officer: Sophie Hawke (employed by The Salisbury Museum, funded through the British Museum and other partners) Finance Officer: Mandy Dixon Learning & Outreach Officer: Ali Rushent, BA, MA Museum Assistant: Carol Johnston Partnerships & Digital Lead: Nicola Trowell, BA (Hons)

[*part-time]

FORMAL APPOINTMENTS

Auditors : David Owen & Co., 17 The Market Place, Devizes, SN10 1BA Bankers : Lloyds TSB plc, 38 Market Place, Devizes, SN10 1JD

Investment Managers: Rathbone Investment Management, 8 Finsbury Circus, London, EC2M 7AZ

Company Secretary: Mrs K P Jones, BA (Hons)

Hon. Solicitors : Wansbroughs, Northgate House, Devizes, SN10 1JX Editor - Wiltshire Archaeological and Natural History Magazine : Stuart Brookes, BA (Hons), MA, PhD, PGCTiLL

REGISTERED OFFICE

41 Long Street Devizes Wiltshire SN10 1NS

39

REPORT OF THE AUDITORS FOR THE YEAR ENDED 31 MARCH 2023

Independent Auditors’ Report to the Members of the Wiltshire Archaeological and Natural History Society

Opinion

We have audited the financial statements of the Wiltshire Archaeological and Natural History Society for the year ended 31 March 2023 which comprise of the Statement of Financial Activities, the Balance Sheet, the Statement of Cash Flows and the related notes to the financial statements, including a summary of significant accounting policies. The financial reporting framework that has been applied in their preparation is applicable law and United Kingdom Generally Accounting Standards (United Kingdom Generally Accepted Accounting Practice), including FRS 102 “The Financial Reporting Standard applicable in the UK”.

In our opinion, the financial statements:

Basis for opinion

We conducted our audit in accordance with International Standards on Auditing (UK) (ISAs UK)) and applicable law. Our responsibilities under those standards are further described in the Auditor’s responsibilities for the audit of the financial statements section of our report. We are independent of the charitable company in accordance with the ethical requirements that are relevant to our audit of the financial statements in the UK, including the FRC’s Ethical Standards, and we have fulfilled our other ethical responsibilities in accordance with these requirements. We believe that the audit evidence we have obtained is sufficient and appropriate to provide a basis for our opinion.

Conclusions relating to going concerns

In auditing the financial statements, we have concluded that the trustees’ use of the going concern basis of accounting in the preparation of the financial statements is appropriate.

Based on the work we have performed, we have not identified any material uncertainties relating to events or conditions that, individually or collectively, may cast significant doubt on the company’s ability to continue as a going concern for a period of at least twelve months from when the financial statements are authorised for issue.

Our responsibilities and the responsibilities of the trustees with respect to going concern are described in the relevant sections of this report.

Other Information

The trustees are responsible for the other information. The other information included in the Annual Report, other than the financial statements and our auditor’s report thereon. Our opinion on the financial statements does not cover the other information and,

except to the extent otherwise explicitly stated in our report, we do not express any form of assurance conclusion thereon. In connection with our audit of the financial statements, our responsibility is to read the other information and, in doing so, consider whether the other information is materially inconsistent with the financial statements or our knowledge obtained in the audit or otherwise appears to be materially misstated. If we identify such material inconsistencies or apparent material misstatements, we are required to determine whether this gives rise to a material misstatement in the financial statements themselves. If, based on the work we have performed, we conclude that there is a material misstatement of this other information, we are required to report that fact.

We have nothing to report in this regard.

Opinions on matters prescribed by the Companies Act 2006

In our opinion, based on the work undertaken in the course of the audit:

Matters on which we are required to report by exception

In the light of the knowledge and understanding of the company and its environment obtained in the course of the audit, we have not identified material misstatements in the Directors’ Report included within the Trustee’s Report.

We have nothing to report in respect of the following matters in relation to which the Companies Act 2006 requires us to report to you if, in our opinion:

Responsibilities of Trustees

As explained more fully in the Trustees’ Responsibilities Statement (set out on page 35), the trustees (who are also the directors of the charitable company or the purposes of company law)

40

are responsible for the preparation of the financial statements and for being satisfied that they give a true and fair view, and for such internal control as the trustees determine is necessary to enable the preparation of financial statements that are free from material misstatement, whether due to fraud or error. In preparing the financial statements, the Trustees’ are responsible for assessing the charitable company’s ability to continue as a going concern, disclosing, as applicable, matters related to going concern and using the going concern basis of accounting unless the Trustee’s either intend to liquidate the charitable company or to cease operations, or have no realistic alternative but to do so.

Auditor’s responsibilities for the audit of the financial statements

Our objectives are to obtain reasonable assurance about whether the financial statements as a whole are free from material misstatement, whether due to fraud or error, and to issue an Auditor’s Report that includes our opinion. Reasonable assurance is a high level of assurance but is not a guarantee that an audit conducted in accordance with ISAs (UK) will always detect a material misstatement when it exists. Misstatements can arise from fraud or error and are considered material if, individually or in the aggregate, they could reasonably be expected to influence the economic decisions of users taken on the basis of these financial statements.

A further description of our responsibilities for the audit of the financial statements is located on the Financial Reporting Council’s website at: www.frc.org. uk/auditorsresponsibilities . This description forms part of our Auditor’s Report.

Extent to which the audit was considered capable of detecting irregularities, including fraud

We identify and assess the risks of material misstatement of the financial statements, whether due to fraud or error, and then design and perform audit procedures responsive to those risks, including obtaining audit evidence that is sufficient and appropriate to provide a basis for our opinion. In identifying and addressing risks of material misstatement in respect of irregularities, including fraud and non-compliance with laws and regulations, our procedures included the following:

Due to the inherent limitations of an audit, there is an unavoidable risk that we may not have detected some material misstatements in the financial statements, even though we have properly planned and performed our audit in accordance with auditing standards. For example, as with any audit, there remained a higher risk of non-detection of irregularities, as these may involve collusion, forgery, intentional omissions, misrepresentations, or the override of internal controls. We are not responsible for preventing fraud or non-compliance with laws and regulations and cannot be expected to detect all fraud and noncompliance with laws and regulations.

Use of our Report

The report is made solely to the charity’s trustees, as a body, in accordance with Chapter 3 of Part 16 of the Companies Act 2006. Our audit work has been undertaken so that we might state to the charity’s trustees those matters we are required to state to them in an Auditor’s report and for no other purpose. To the fullest extent permitted by law, we do not accept or assume responsibility to anyone other than the charitable company and the charity’s trustees as a body, for our audit work, for this report, or for the opinions we have formed.

Mr Michael Buckland (Senior Statutory Auditor) For an on behalf of David Owen & Co, Chartered Accountants and Statutory Auditors 17 The Market Place, Devizes, Wiltshire, SN10 1BA Date: 28 September 2023

41

WILTSHIRE ARCHAEOLOGICAL AND NATURAL HISTORY SOCIETY

STATEMENT OF FINANCIAL ACTIVITIES

FOR THE YEAR ENDED 31 MARCH 2023

----- Start of picture text -----
Unrestricted Restricted Endowment Total Total
Funds Funds Funds Funds Funds
2023 2022
Note £ £ £ £ £
Income and Endowments from:
Donations and legacies 1 103,317 5,108 - 108,425 385,718
Charitable activities 2 138,945 - - 138,945 261,571
Other trading activities 5 74,220 946 - 75,166 114,341
Investments 7 17,160 8,048 13,402 38,610 33,905
Total 333,642 14,102 13,402 361,146 795,535
Expenditure on:
Raising funds 8 56,719 1,624 2,978 61,321 65,141
Charitable activities 9 450,649 3,712 - 454,361 441,846
Total 507,368 5,336 2,978 515,682 506,987
Net gains/(losses) on investments 14 (54,528) (25,573) (34,601) (114,702) 68,324
Net income/(expenditure) (228,254) (16,807) (24,177) (269,238) 356,872
Transfers between funds 10,424 - (10,424) - -
Net movement in funds (217,830) (16,807) (34,601) (269,238) 356,872
Reconciliation of funds:
Total funds brought forward 852,340 378,832 524,608 1,755,780 1,398,908
Total funds carried forward 634,510 362,025 490,007 1,486,542 1,755,780
----- End of picture text -----

42

WILTSHIRE ARCHAEOLOGICAL AND NATURAL HISTORY SOCIETY

BALANCE SHEET

AS AT 31 MARCH 2023

----- Start of picture text -----
2023 2022
Notes £ £ £ £
Fixed Assets
Tangible Fixed Assets 15 329,539 347,224
Managed Investments
Securities 16 731,781 978,823
Cash 10,771 3,508
742,552 982,331
Managed Endowment Investments
Securities 16 460,659 466,711
Cash 28,898 57,447
489,557 524,158
Total Fixed Assets 1,561,648 1,853,713
Current Assets
Stock 12,929 15,733
Debtors 17 38,708 42,771
Cash at Bank 131,669 96,726
Total current Assets 183,306 155,230
Liabilities
Creditors: Amounts falling due within one year 18 130,273 111,814
Net Current Assets 53,033 43,416
Total assets less current liabilities 1,614,681 1,897,129
Creditors: Amounts falling due after more than one year 19 128,139 141,349
1,486,542 1,755,780
The funds of the Society
Endowment Funds 22 490,007 524,608
Restricted income funds 23 362,025 378,832
Unrestricted funds (including Designated funds) 24 634,510 852,340
1,486,542 1,755,780
----- End of picture text -----

These financial statements have been prepared in accordance with the provisions applicable to companies subject to the small companies regime and FRS 102 Section 1A.

The notes on pages 44 to 55 form part of these financial statements.

M J Nye, Chair

C R Kelly, Honorary Treasurer

28 September 2023

43

WILTSHIRE ARCHAEOLOGICAL AND NATURAL HISTORY SOCIETY

STATEMENT OF CASH FLOWS

FOR THE YEAR ENDED 31 MARCH 2023

Total
Funds
2023
£
Cash fows from operating activities:
Net cash provided by (used in) operating activities
(a)
(158,096)
Cash fows from investing activities:
Dividends, interest and rents from investments
38,610
Purchase of property, plant and equipment
(5,248)
Proceeds from sale of investments
203,292
Purchase of investments
(64,901)
Net cash provided by (used in) investing activities
171,753
Change in cash and cash equivalents in the reporting period
13,657
Cash and cash equivalents at 1 April
(b)
157,681
Cash and cash equivalents at 31 March
(b)
171,338
(a) Reconciliation of net income/(expenditure) to net cash fow from operating activities
2023
£
Net income/(expenditure) for the year as per the Statement of Activities
(269,238)
Adjustments for:
Depreciation charges
22,932
Opening Balance adjustment
(Gains)/losses on investments
114,703
Dividends, interest and rents from investments
(38,610)
(Increase)/decrease in stocks
2,804
(Increase)/decrease in debtors
4,064
Increase/(decrease) in creditors
5,249
Net cash provided by (used in) operating activities
(158,096)
(b) Analysis of cash and cash equivalents
2023
£
Cash at bank and in hand (incl. investment cash)
171,338
171,338		 Total
Funds
2023		 Total
Funds
2022
£

(158,096)		 £
208,226
38,610
(5,248)
203,292
(64,901)		 33,906
(58,951)
110,416
(255,183)
171,753 (169,812)
13,657
157,681		 38,414
119,267
171,338 157,681
2022
£
(269,238)
22,932
114,703
(38,610)
2,804
4,064
5,249		 356,872
21,882
807
(68,324)
(33,906)
(1,291)
(21,718)
(46,096)
(158,096) 208,226
2023
£		 2022
£
171,338 157,681
171,338 157,681

44

WILTSHIRE ARCHAEOLOGICAL AND NATURAL HISTORY SOCIETY

NOTES TO THE FINANCIAL STATEMENTS

FOR THE YEAR ENDED 31 MARCH 2023

Statement of Accounting Policies

Basis of Preparation

The financial statements have been prepared in accordance with:

The Company qualifies as a small company under the Companies Act 2006 and under SORP. However, the Company has continued to comply with the requirements of large charities and to this end has produced a cash flow statement for the accounting period and comparative figures for the previous accounting period.

The Company meets the definition of a public benefit entity under FRS 102. Assets and liabilities are initially recognised at historical cost or transaction value except for the discounting of the liability for the pension deficit or unless otherwise stated in the relevant accounting policy notes.

Company Status

The Company is a company limited by guarantee. The members of the Company are subscribing members. In the event of the Company being wound up, the liability in respect of the guarantee is limited to £10 per member.

Tangible Fixed Assets and Depreciation

Tangible fixed assets costing more than £4,000 are capitalised and included at cost. Grant funded purchases are written off in the year of acquisition unless capitalisation is required as a condition of the grant. Depreciation is provided on all fixed assets at rates calculated to write off the cost on a straight-line basis over the expected useful economic life as follows:

Freehold Land Nil
Freehold
Fixtures,		 Buildings
fttings and equipment		 Over 50 years
Over 5 years

Investments

Net gains and losses are taken to the Statement of Financial Activities and analysed between realised gains and losses and unrealised gains and losses in note 14 to the financial statements. Investment income has been accounted for on the basis of the due date of payment. Investment income and gains and losses in the Main Fund are allocated between Unrestricted Funds (including Designated Funds) and Restricted Funds on the basis of the average net assets of those funds.

Stock

Stock consists of purchased goods for resale and unsold publications. Stocks are valued at the lower of cost or net realisable value after making allowance for obsolete and slow-moving stock.

Incoming Resources

Allocation of Expenditure

Throughout the financial statements, where it is necessary to allocate staff or other costs over objective heads (i.e. Museum Services, Library Services, Educational Services, etc.) this has been done on the assessment of the Director.

Pensions

During the year to 31 March 2023 pension provision was made for 11 employees by membership of a Pension Trust Scheme which is principally a defined contribution pension scheme. All employees who are not in the scheme are offered pension auto-enrolment into the scheme where applicable. Employer’s contributions of £11,755 have been charged to staff costs as incurred. The Scheme has a limited guarantee on losses under the scheme for those members of staff who transferred to it. This has led to small additional amounts in respect of a deficit being recovered from the Society.

Some years prior to the year ended on 31 March 2017 the Society ceased to be a scheme employer in the Wiltshire Pension Fund and, as stated in the 2012 report, entered into an agreement with Wiltshire Council to reimburse the deficit by payment of £21,000 for each year up to and including December 2031. Full provision of the liability was originally made in the accounts to 31 March 2016 for the amounts payable to December 2031, discounted at 5% per annum over the payment period. An amount of £7,790 was charged in the accounts to 31 March 2023 ((£8,432 (2022), £9,044 (2021)).

for the adjustment to the provision for the amounts payable, discounted at 5% per annum over the payment period.

Reserves

The reserves at 31 March 2023 are located to Unrestricted Funds, Restricted Funds and Endowment Funds. Unrestricted Funds include Designated Funds.

45

WILTSHIRE ARCHAEOLOGICAL AND NATURAL HISTORY SOCIETY NOTES TO THE FINANCIAL STATEMENTS

FOR THE YEAR ENDED 31 MARCH 2023

Going Concern

These financial statements have been prepared on a going concern basis. The Trustees consider the use of the going concern basis of accounting appropriate as there are no material uncertainties related to events or conditions that may cast significant doubt about the ability of the company to continue as a going concern.

The Wiltshire Archaeological and Natural History Society Endowment Fund

The Endowment Fund is a charity established to raise and hold capital, the income from which will be used to support the activities of the Wiltshire Archaeological and Natural History Society. The Company is the corporate trustee of the Fund which shares the Company’s charity registration number. Under the terms of the Charity Registration the accounts of the Fund are included in the Company’s accounts but, as a separate charity, these funds do not form part of the Company’s assets. The investment income from the Endowment Fund is credited to the Unrestricted Funds.

The Wiltshire Archaeological and Natural History Society Collections Trust

The Company is the Corporate Trustee of the Collections Trust which own the Collections. On 3 March 2004, the Charity Commission issued a Uniting Direction under Section 96(5) of the Charities Act 1993 stating that the Collections Trust shall be treated as forming part of the Company for the purposes of registration and accounting. The Direction points out that the Company will be the reporting charity and the Collections Trust will be the linked charity. However, “the Company does not hold the endowment of the Collections Trust as corporate property. The Company is the trustee of the endowment and hold the property in trust. At no time can the endowment of the Collections Trust be considered an asset of the Company”.

Accounts for the Collections Trust have been set up within the Company’s books and separate bank accounts have been established. Acquisitions for the collections are made by the Collections Trust. The Collections Trust Accounts are included as a separate schedule with these financial statements.

46

WILTSHIRE ARCHAEOLOGICAL AND NATURAL HISTORY SOCIETY

NOTES TO THE FINANCIAL STATEMENTS

FOR THE YEAR ENDED 31 MARCH 2023

1 Note
Income from Donations and Legacies
Membership Subscriptions
Donations and Tax Refunds
Legacies
Job Retention Scheme
Income transferred by Old Society
Sandell Trust		 Unrestricted
Funds
Restricted
Funds
Endowment
Funds
Total
2023
Total
2022
£
£
£
£
£
42,535
-
-
42,535
42,958
26,842
12
-
26,854
30,311
1,000
5,096
-
6,096
274,280
-
-
-
-
5,169
32,940
-
-
32,940
33,000
103,317
5,108
-
108,425
385,718

Income from Donations and Legacies for Unrestricted Funds includes £247 (2022 £428) for Designated Funds.

2
Income from Charitable Activities
Grants and Contributions
3
Admissions
Exhibitions Commissions
Education Receipts
3
Income from Grants and Contributions
Arts Council - Wealth of Knowledge
Community Curator Projects
Community Kick Start Project
Cunnington Lettersbook
Devizes Area Board - New Boiler
Devizes Town Council
Eric Ravilious: Downland Man exhibition
Ernest Cook Trust
Hardy's Wessex Exhibition
Seeing the Light of Day
Sundry Contributions for Projects
Vale of Pewsey
Wessex Museum Partnership
Wiltshire Council		 81,776
35,657
13,001
8,511		 -
-
-
-		 -
-
-
-		 81,776
35,657
13,001
8,511		 168,951
64,439
23,162
5,019
138,945 - - 138,945 261,571
25,984
2,797
3,030
1,182
-
4,000
-
31
3,170
-
2,202
-
22,100
17,280		 -
-
-
-
-
-
-
-
-
-
-
-
-
-		 -
-
-
-
-
-
-
-
-
-
-
-
-
-		 25,984
2,797
3,030
1,182
-
4,000
-
31
3,170
-
2,202
-
22,100
17,280		 15,501
1,165
-
-
2,262
8,000
47,988
1,672
-
11,020
16,170
10,174
23,157
31,842
81,776 - - 81,776 168,951
4
Grants carried forward
AIM/HF Lest We Forget exhibition
Cauldrons - Broomsgrove
Community Curator Projects
Devizes Area Tourism
Stonehenge - Avebury Bus
Sundry Contributions for Projects
Swire Foundation
Wessex Museum Partnership		 2023
£
11,580
556
1,750
1,257
5,153
180
20,000
6,000
46,476

47

WILTSHIRE ARCHAEOLOGICAL AND NATURAL HISTORY SOCIETY

NOTES TO THE FINANCIAL STATEMENTS

FOR THE YEAR ENDED 31 MARCH 2023

5
6
7
8
9		 Notes
Income from Other Trading Activities
Shop Sales
6
Other Sales
Museum Income
Fund-raising Events
Shop Sales
Shop sales
Less Purchase cost
Gross Proft
Gross Proft % on sales
Investment Income
Income from Investments
Expenditure on Raising Funds
Cost of Sales
Shop
Salaries
Members' services
Marketing
Fundraising costs
Investment management costs
Support costs
Expenditure on Charitable Activities
Museum Services
Library Services
Educational work
WANHM
Support and governance costs		 Unrestricted
Funds
£
38,599
-
34,716
905
Restricted
Funds
£
-
-
946
-
Endowment
Funds
£
-
-
-
-
Total
2023
£
38,599
-
35,662
905		 Total
2022

£
92,274
-
22,067
-
74,220 946 - 75,166 114,341
38,599
21,641		 -
-		 -
-		 38,599
21,641		 92,274
35,111
16,958 - - 16,958 57,163
17,160 8,048 13,402 43.93% 61.95%
38,610 33,905
17,160 8,048 13,402 38,610 33,905
21,641
10,061
2,792
2,297
11,673
3,462
4,793		 -
-
-
-
-
1,624
-		 -
-
-
-
-
2,978
-		 21,641
10,061
2,792
2,297
11,673
8,064
4,793		 35,111
9,573
3,296
219
4,268
8,516
4,158
56,719 1,624 2,978 61,321 65,141
255,014
47,024
34,142
15,127
99,342		 3,712
-
-
-
-		 -
-
-
-
-		 258,726
47,024
34,142
15,127
99,342		 275,162
43,445
34,260
12,733
76,246
450,649 3,712 - 454,361 441,846

Expenditure on Charitable Activities for Unrestricted Funds includes £13,865 (2022 £15,992) for Designated Funds. Support and governance costs include audit fees of £6,800 (2022 - £6,300)

10
Staff costs
Wages and Salaries
Social Security costs
Pension costs		 Total
2023
Total
2022
£
£
221,728
216,992
11,705
10,791
19,935
20,379
253,368
248,162

48

WILTSHIRE ARCHAEOLOGICAL AND NATURAL HISTORY SOCIETY

NOTES TO THE FINANCIAL STATEMENTS

FOR THE YEAR ENDED 31 MARCH 2023

Staff costs attributable to activities :
Cost of raising funds
Charitable activities:
Museum
Library
Education
Governance		 2023
£
2022
£
10,061
9,573
149,922
151,445
27,802
26,206
25,133
23,611
40,450
37,327
253,368
248,162

In 2023 £10,825 (2022 £15,069) of staff costs were funded from grants for projects. Pension costs include £7,790 (2022: £8,433) relating to charges for deficits in previous years. During the year £21,000 (2022: £21,000) was paid towards the liability for the Wiltshire Council Pension deficit (see note 20). No employee received emoluments for the period exceeding £60,000.

Key management personnel which consist of the Trustees and the Director were paid a total of £58,368 (2022 £55,261). This amount is gross of employer’s contributions towards pension and National Insurance.

The average number of employees in 2023 was 4 full time and 8 part time (2022: 4 full time and 8 part time).

11 Trustees’ Expenses

No trustee either received or waived any emoluments for acting as Trustee during the year. Trustees’ expenses totalling £0 (2022 £0) were paid during the year

12 Transactions with Related Parties

There were no transactions with related parties during the year 2023 (2022 - £0).

13 Operating Leases

Payments for operating leases for a telephone system and for a photocopier amounted to £2,842 (2022 £2,842) during the year.

Minimum lease payments are payable as follows:
Not later than one year
Later than one year and not later than fve years
Unrestricted
Funds
£
Restricted
Funds
£
Main
Portfolio
£
Endowment
Portfolio
£
14
Gains/(losses) on investment assets
Realised gains/(losses)
(5,046)
(2,365)
(7,411)
(5,291)
Unrealised gains/(losses)
(49,482)
(23,208)
(72,690)
(29,310)
(54,528)
(25,573)
(80,101)
(34,601)		 Minimum lease payments are payable as follows:
Not later than one year
Later than one year and not later than fve years
Unrestricted
Funds
£
Restricted
Funds
£
Main
Portfolio
£
Endowment
Portfolio
£
14
Gains/(losses) on investment assets
Realised gains/(losses)
(5,046)
(2,365)
(7,411)
(5,291)
Unrealised gains/(losses)
(49,482)
(23,208)
(72,690)
(29,310)
(54,528)
(25,573)
(80,101)
(34,601)		 2023
2022
£
£
4,602
2,842
2,794
2,842
7,396
5,684

Total
2023
£
Total
2022
£
(12,702)
528
(102,000)
67,796
(54,528)
(25,573)
(80,101)
(34,601)		 (114,702)
68,324

49

WILTSHIRE ARCHAEOLOGICAL AND NATURAL HISTORY SOCIETY

FOR THE YEAR ENDED 31 MARCH 2023

NOTES TO THE FINANCIAL STATEMENTS

15 Tangible Fixed Assets

Tangible Fixed Assets
Opening Cost at 1st April
Addition - Amesbury Storage Facility
Closing Cost at 31st March
Accumulated Depreciation at 1st April
Charge in year
Accumulated Depr. at 31st March
Closing Net Book Value at 31st March		 Freehold
Land
£
72,750
-
Freehold
Buildings
£
298,487
-
Fixtures,
Fittings &
Equipment
£
86,241
5,248

Total
2023
£
457,478
5,248
Total
2022

£
398,527
58,951
72,750 298,487 91,489 462,726 457,478
-
-		 75,781
6,015		 34,474
16,917		 110,255
22,932		 88,372
21,882
- 81,796 51,391 133,187 110,254
72,750 216,691 40,098 329,539 347,224

The freehold land and buildings transferred from the original unincorporated Wiltshire Archaeological and Natural History Society (Charity no. 309534) in November 2003 were included in the balance sheet at book values. Other tangible fixed assets acquired or created since have been included at cost. The Trustees have decided not to apply a valuation to the property.

16 Quoted Fixed Asset Investments
Opening Market Value at 1st April
Purchases
Sales
Net profts/(losses) :
Realised
Unrealised
Closing Market value at 31st March		 Main
Portfolio
2023
£
978,823
-

Endowment
Portfolio
2023
£
466,711
64,901

Main
Portfolio
2022
£
853,167
113,660

Endowment
Portfolio
2022
£
380,083
141,523
978,823
166,939		 531,612
36,352		 966,827
39,149		 521,606
71,268
811,884
(7,412)
(72,691)		 495,260
(5,291)
(29,310)		 927,678
1,541
49,604		 450,338
(1,819)
18,192
731,781 460,659 978,823 466,711
17 Debtors
Trade Debtors
Prepayments
Gift Aid refund receivable
VAT recoverable
Accrued Income
Monies owed by the Collections Trust
Monies owed by the Old Society		 Total
2023
£
5,635
16,397
6,601
197
7,138
-
2,740
38,708
Total
2022
£
6,758
14,620
11,948
6,705
-
-
2,740
42,771

50

WILTSHIRE ARCHAEOLOGICAL AND NATURAL HISTORY SOCIETY

NOTES TO THE FINANCIAL STATEMENTS

FOR THE YEAR ENDED 31 MARCH 2023

18
Creditors: Amounts falling due within one year
Grants received in advance (note 4)
Trade Creditors
Accruals
Taxes including NIC
Pension defcit (see note 20)
VAT liability
Prepaid membership subscriptions
Other income in advance
19
Creditors: Amounts falling due after more than one year
Pension defcit (see note 20)		 Total
2023
£
46,476
11,863
15,732
3,431
20,442
-
23,596
8,733		 Total
2022
£
33,572
8,916
21,332
3,263
20,442
-
22,291
1,998
130,273 111,814
128,139 141,349
128,139 141,349

20 Pension Deficit

The Society has an agreement with Wiltshire Council to reimburse a deficit with the Wiltshire Pension Fund in relation to two former employees by payment of £21,000 for each year up and including December 2031. Full provision, subject to discounting at 5% over time from 31 March 2018 has been made in creditors. The charge for the year to 31 March 2023 for the discounted part of the provision was £7,790 (2022 £8,433).

21 Analysis of net assets between Funds

Analysis of net assets between Funds
Fund values at 31 March are represented by:
Tangible Fixed Assets
Managed Investments
Current Assets
Creditors: amounts falling due within one year
Creditors: amounts falling due after one year		 Unrestricted
Funds
£
127,129
649,447
116,346
(130,273)
(128,139)		 Restricted
Funds
£
202,410
93,105
66,510
-
-		 Endowment
Funds
£
-
489,557
450
-
-		 Total
2023
£
329,539
1,232,109
183,306
(130,273)
(128,139)		 Total
2022
£
347,224
1,506,489
155,230
(111,814)
(141,349)
634,510 362,025 490,007 1,486,542 1,755,780

22 Endowment Funds

Endowment Funds
Balance at
1 April 2022
Income
£
£
Endowment Trust Fund
524,608
13,402
Income in the Endowment Trust Fund includes:
Legacies
Investment Income		 Balance at
1 April 2022
£
524,608		 Income
£
13,402		 Investment
expenses

£

(2,978)
Gain on
investments
£
(34,601)
Inter-Fund
Transfers
£
(10,424)
Balance at
31 March
2023

£
490,007
£
-
13,402
13,402

The Endowment Trust Fund is a separate charity, of which the Company is the corporate trustee. It is established to raise capital, the income from which will be paid to the Company for its general use. The funds are invested separately and do not form part of the Company’s fixed assets.

51

WILTSHIRE ARCHAEOLOGICAL AND NATURAL HISTORY SOCIETY

NOTES TO THE FINANCIAL STATEMENTS

FOR THE YEAR ENDED 31 MARCH 2023

23 Restricted Funds

Balance
at 1 April
2022
£
English Heritage Fund
7,750
Legacies and Donations
136,608
Oexmann Fund
18,557
Amesbury Storage Facility
202,410
Wiltshire Environment Gallery
13,507
378,832
Income in the restricted funds includes:
Legacies
Grants
Other trading activities		 Balance
at 1 April
2022
£
7,750
136,608
18,557
202,410
13,507

Income
£
-
5,096
958
-
-		 Investment
income
£
164
2,947
364
4,287
286
Expenses
(incl.
investment
expenses)
£
(33)
(594)
(3,786)
(865)
(58)


Gain on
investments
£
(522)
(9,364)
(1,156)
(13,622)
(909)
Inter-
Fund
Transfers
£
-
-
-
-
-
Balance
at
31 March
2023
£
7,359
134,693
14,937
192,210
12,826
378,832 6,054 8,048 (5,336) (25,573) - 362,025
£
5,096
-
958
6,054

The restricted funds may only be used for specifc purposes :

Amesbury Storage Facility Storage facility for archaeology archives deposited after 2021. English Heritage Fund To finance specific publications and projects. Legacies and Donations Legacies and donations received for use in future projects Oexmann Fund To finance a biennial art exhibition. Wiltshire Environment Gallery This fund was originally set up to cover the cost of Museum refurbishments to create a new Environmental Gallery. Discussions are proceeding to enable the Society to use some or all this money for the refurbishment of the office suite and the purchase of essential equipment.

These fund balances at 31 March 2023 are held as part of the Company’s overall assets and cash at bank. Investment returns have been allocated pro-rata to the average balance of individual funds in the year to 31 March 2023.

52

WILTSHIRE ARCHAEOLOGICAL AND NATURAL HISTORY SOCIETY

NOTES TO THE FINANCIAL STATEMENTS

FOR THE YEAR ENDED 31 MARCH 2023

24 Unrestricted Funds

Unrestricted Funds
Designated funds:
Archaeological Field Group
Improvement Fund
Library Fund
Programme Committee
Publications Fund
Ready to Borrow Applied
Shearing Library Fund
The Crofton Story
Wiltshire Life
Other unrestricted funds		 Balance at
1 April
2022
£
Donations
and
Legacies
£
Other
Income
(incl.
investment
income)
£
Expenses
(incl.
investment
expenses)
£
Gain on
investments
£
Inter-
Fund
Transfers
£
Balance at
31 March
2023
£
1,955
-
1,860
(584)
-
-
3,231
14,634
-
310
(63)
(985)
-
13,896
977
247
21
(179)
(68)
-
998
18,229
-
386
(78)
(1,226)
-
17,311
23,999
-
2,507
(107)
(1,682)
-
24,717
38,347
-
-
-
-
-
38,347
106,906
-
2,170
(9,327)
(6,895)
-
92,854
431
-
9
(2)
(29)
-
409
235,549
-
4,925
(6,987)
(15,651)
-
217,836
441,027
247
12,188
(17,327)
(26,536)
-
409,599
411,313
103,070
218,137
(490,041)
(27,992)
10,424
224,911
852,340
103,317
230,325
(507,368)
(54,528)
10,424
634,510

The purpose of the designated funds (which may be changed by the Company's Board of Trustees and which remain part of the unrestricted funds) is currently:

Archaeology Field Group To finance archaeological activity. The Crofton Story Income from the sale of this publication. Improvement Fund Established by the original Society to finance improvements to the Museum. Library Fund To finance items of library conservation and management. Programme Committee To finance members' events. Publications Fund To finance publications (the expenditure is the cost of a write down in the value of stocks). Ready to Borrow Applied The balance represents capital expenditure funded by Ready to Borrow Grant and contributions used to defray the depreciation costs of new tangible fixed assets over their useful life. Shearing Library Fund To finance the cost of employing a part-time Librarian and small library equipment purchases. Wiltshire Life To finance the care and development of the Wiltshire Life Society Collections. The expenditure consists of direct costs and does not include curatorial charges.

Allocation of expenditure from Designated Funds is reviewed regularly. The timing of expenditure is over a period which matches requirements of each purpose, potentially over a number of years. These fund balances at 31 March 2023 are held as part of the Company's overall assets and cash at bank. Investment returns have been allocated pro-rata to the average balance of individual funds in the year to 31 March 2023.

53

WILTSHIRE ARCHAEOLOGICAL AND NATURAL HISTORY SOCIETY COLLECTIONS TRUST - Linked Charity Number 1080096 FOR THE YEAR ENDED 31 MARCH 2023

STATEMENT OF FINANCIAL ACTIVITIES

Unrestricted
Funds
Restricted
Funds
Income and Endowments from:
£
£
Donations and legacies
-
-
Charitable activities:
-
-
Grants
-
-
Sale
-
-
-
-
Expenditure on charitable activities:
Acquisitions costing less than £1,000
Museum
1,685
-
Library
163
-
1,848
-
Costs
-
Sundry
-
-
1,848
-
Net income/(expenditure)
(1,848)
-
Balance at 1 April 2022 brought for-
ward
66,631
4,252
Balance at 31 March 2023 carried forward
64,783
4,252
BALANCE SHEET AT 31 MARCH 2023
Heritage Assets
Opening Balance at 1 April
Acquisitions over £1,000
Closing Balance at 31 March
Current Assets
Cash in Bank
Liabilities
Creditors: Amounts falling due within one year
Net current assets
Total assets less current liabilities
The Funds of the Trust
Balance at
1 April
2022
Income,
Grants &
Donations
Inter Fund
Transfers
£
£
£
Unrestricted Funds - Museum and Art
66,631
-
-
Restricted Funds
4,252
-
-
70,883
-
-		 Unrestricted
Funds
Restricted
Funds
Income and Endowments from:
£
£
Donations and legacies
-
-
Charitable activities:
-
-
Grants
-
-
Sale
-
-
-
-
Expenditure on charitable activities:
Acquisitions costing less than £1,000
Museum
1,685
-
Library
163
-
1,848
-
Costs
-
Sundry
-
-
1,848
-
Net income/(expenditure)
(1,848)
-
Balance at 1 April 2022 brought for-
ward
66,631
4,252
Balance at 31 March 2023 carried forward
64,783
4,252
BALANCE SHEET AT 31 MARCH 2023
Heritage Assets
Opening Balance at 1 April
Acquisitions over £1,000
Closing Balance at 31 March
Current Assets
Cash in Bank
Liabilities
Creditors: Amounts falling due within one year
Net current assets
Total assets less current liabilities
The Funds of the Trust
Balance at
1 April
2022
Income,
Grants &
Donations
Inter Fund
Transfers
£
£
£
Unrestricted Funds - Museum and Art
66,631
-
-
Restricted Funds
4,252
-
-
70,883
-
-		 Unrestricted
Funds
£
-
-
-
-
Restricted
Funds
£
-
-
-
-
2023
Total
£
-
-
-
-		 2022
Total
£
22,000
-
-
- - - 22,000
1,685
163		 -
-		 1,685
163		 3,530
-
1,848
-		 -
-
-		 1,848
-		 3,530
-
1,848 - 1,848 3,530
(1,848)
66,631		 -
4,252		 (1,848)
70,883		 18,470
52,413
64,783 4,252 69,035 70,883
48,741
-		 48,741
-
48,741 48,741
20,294 22,142
20,294 22,142
-
20,294		 -
22,142
69,035 70,883

Expenditure
£
1,848
-		 Balance at
31 March
2023
£
64,783
4,252
70,883
-
-		 1,848 69,035

54

WILTSHIRE ARCHAEOLOGICAL AND NATURAL HISTORY SOCIETY COLLECTIONS TRUST - Linked Charity Number 1080096 FOR THE YEAR ENDED 31 MARCH 2023

NOTES TO THE FINANCIAL STATEMENTS

Museum and Art Collections: The collections fall within the definition of heritage assets for the purposes of the Charities SORP.

Accounting Policies:

  1. No value has been placed on the collections held prior to 1 April 2005. To establish a value would involve significant costs, onerous compared to the additional benefit derived by the users of the financial statements.

  2. The Trustees have adopted a policy whereby acquisitions costing less than £1,000 are not capitalised but are written off in the year of purchase.

  3. Acquisitions costing in excess of £1,000 are capitalised and stated at cost as heritage assets. No depreciation is provided on heritage assets as all are deemed to have indefinite lives.

  4. Policies for acquisition, disposal and conservation of heritage assets meet Accreditation Standard, which has been awarded by the Museums, Libraries and Archives Council (MLA), and have been approved by the Board of Trustees.

Summary of Transactions:
Cost of acquisitions of heritage assets
Value of assets acquired by donation and not reported
in the Balance Sheet
Carrying amount of heritage assets disposed of and
proceeds received
Cost of assets written of in year of purchase as per
accounting policy		 Year to:
31.03.2023
31.03.2022
31.03.2021
31.03.2020
31.03.2019
£
£
£
£
£
-
-
2,470
2,325
2,200

1,848
3,530
1,379
2,054
3,835

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WILTSHIRE ARCHAEOLOGICAL AND NATURAL HISTORY SOCIETY Charity No: 1080096 Company No. 3885649 MINUTES OF THE 23[rd] ANNUAL GENERAL MEETING OF THE COMPANY held on Sunday 13 November 2022, commencing at 3.00 pm at Wiltshire Museum, Devizes

01/22 Present

Trustees: Mr Martin J Nye (Chair), Mr Chris R Kelly (Hon Treasurer), Mr Tim Daw, Ms Claire Dobbin, Dr Alison Hems, Ms Ruth Kerr, Mr Alfred la Vardera and 32 members of the Society.

In Attendance

Mr D Dawson (Director) and Mrs K P Jones (Minute Taker and Company Secretary).

02/22 Apologies for Absence

Apologies had been received from: Ms Jan Bryant, Mrs Margaret R Clarke, Mr Alan and Mrs Lindsey Dedden, Mr Richard Gamble, Mrs Chris Gay (WANHS Trustee – Devizes Town Council nominee), Mr Charles Jenkins, Mr Adrian Kent, Ms Katie Mardsen (WANHS Trustee), Mr Dan Miles (WANHS Trustee), Mr William & Mrs Anne Perry, Ms Mary Rennie and Mr Stephen & Mrs Pascale Stacey.

03/22 Chair’s Opening Address

The Chair, Martin Nye, welcomed members to the Annual General Meeting of the Wiltshire Archaeological and Natural History Society (Company limited by Guarantee). He thanked everyone for attending on this glorious Sunday afternoon. The meeting acknowledged those members of the Society who had died since the last AGM, Mr D M Anderson, Mr Anthony Batchelor, Mr D J Bonney, Ms Linda Brazier, Dr Bruce Eagles, Mrs B F Hillier-Thorold, Mr Allan Keene, Mr Alan Padwick, Mrs Eileen M Parkins, Mr Bernard Phillips, Mr Rory Riordan, Mr Anthony E C Whinney, Mrs Avice Wilson, Mr Francis Wright and Miss Jeanne M Yates

Note: these names are those notified to the Membership Secretary; the Society apologises for any omissions.

04/22 Minutes of meeting held 13 November 2021

Proposed by Mr P Saunders and seconded by Mr Tim Daw, the minutes of the AGM held on 13 November 2021 were adopted as a true record of the meeting. The resolution was passed nem con.

05/22 Board of Trustees’ Report and Accounts for the year ended 31[st] March 2022 a) Report by the Chair

The Chair noted that despite challenging headwinds the strong performance of the Eric Ravilious: Downland Man exhibition had shown the Society and Museum at their best. The long range planning of the exhibition (which turned into longer range due to the Covid-pandemic!) was aided by an expert curator, a successful marketing campaign and tenacious fundraising. The events programme around the exhibition was well received as was the Arts Together project which brings together older people with a zest for life. There had been fantastic feedback and new volunteers and members had joined us. A visit to the exhibition in December 2021 by the then HRH Duchess of Cornwall (now HM the Queen Consort) had been a notable highlight.

In recent months the Hardy’s Wessex: the landscapes that inspired a writer exhibition and the award of £1.3m from the Arts Council to the Wessex Museums highlighted the continuing confidence in the Museum. A particular highlight for the Chair was the British Museum’s World of Stonehenge exhibition, which had featured the Bush Barrow gold from our collection.

The Devizes Assize Court project continued, with close co-operation with the Devizes Assize Court Trust. The Director would speak more about this after the AGM, but the contribution of £50,000 from Devizes Town Council towards the project was a welcome vote of local support.

The finances had performed well during the Covidpandemic, but the current economic situation meant that costs would need to be controlled and some creativity re funding considered.

The Museum team remained strong and the three new trustees had all made a significant contribution to the Society.

( b) Report by the Treasurer

Mr Chris Kelly presented his report highlighting the financial situation with a series of slides.

The main message was that we had a very successful year with the best results in the last five years. The investment environment was a challenge and there was a lot to do – but that we were good at stuff!

The summarised statement of financial activities showed a net movement of £375,000, which had been allocated across reserves, including £100,000 to the Endowment Fund and £100,000 to restricted funds. The rest were in the general fund. An analysis of income showed an increase in donations and legacies (due to legacies received) and charitable activities, due to the success of the Eric Ravilious: Downland Man exhibition. Other trading activities, such as shop sales, had also increased due to the exhibition.

An analysis of expenses also reflected the success of the exhibition, with an increase in shop stock, with rates for the Amesbury Store also contributing to an increase in expenses on charitable activities.

The Treasurer had also reviewed the core performance of the Society’s financial activity by taking out non-recurring income and expenses and adjusting for legacies. This showed that the cost of running the Museum and Society was £88,000 per annum, with a five year average of £83,000.

The Society’s investments at 31 March 2022, were valued at £1.4m, of which £467,000 was invested in the Endowment Fund. The fund was dropping off in line with other indices due to a combination of rising interest rates, inflation and the current economic situation.

An analysis of income streams showed that where the Museum could have influence, e.g. admissions, subscriptions, shops sales, exhibitions and events income, had increased in recent years, with the Eric Ravilious: Downland Man exhibition contributing £97,000 to Society funds.

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However, there were challenges to meet including constrained resources (e.g the current building limited growth in activity), being able to continue to maximise existing revenue streams, developing and growing new revenue opportunities, reducing reliance on revenue that we cannot influence (e.g. core grants) and leveraging the Society’s assets such as people, collections and facilities.

The Treasurer concluded with how these challenges could be met – from progressing the Devizes Assize Court project and having vision, ambition, connections, partnerships and through hard work and commitment.

On a question from a member the Treasurer explained the differences between the Endowment Fund, restricted and general funds. See notes to Financial Statements for details .

c) Report by the Director

The Director thanked Trustees for their support and how the support of everyone was necessary to ensure the successful running of the Museum and Society. In a series of slides he highlighted some of the work undertaken in the year to 31 March 2022 and subsquently.

As previously mentioned, the Eric Ravilious: Downland Man had been very successful, with a positive impact on the local economy. The then HRH The Duchess of Cornwall (now HM Queen Consort) had met volunteers who had helped with the exhibition, but also expressed interest in the Devizes Assize Court project.

The Wessex Museums, working together as a National Portfolio Organisation (NPO), continued to have a positive impact on the society. The NPO enabled the employment of a Community Curator (Amy Hammett), who had worked on a My World, My Future project with young people looking at the environment and climate change.

The Wiltshire Archaeology and Natural History Magazine (WANHM) continued to be very well received and considered one of the best society journals. Dr Stuart Brookes, Mr Peter Saunders and Mr Stuart Raymond were all thanked for their continuing involvement in producing the volume each year.

The collections continue to grow, and conservation undertaken when necessary. Both volumes of letters written to and from William Cunnington 1 had now been rebound in new volumes and digital copies taken. A student from Bath Spa University had listed them all and we were now looking at hoe they could be published. An album of watercolour drawings of Wiltshire churches and houses by Robert Kemm had also been rebound, funded by a donation from member Peter Saunders. It had been hoped to put these on display today, but unfortunately our display cases were not large enough! However new cases were on order, part funded by a legacy from Dr Lorna Haycock.

It would now be possible to store new acquisitions from archaeology excavations in the Amesbury Store, which now had the necessary alarms and racking. Depositions of material would come with a ‘dowry’ which would help fund the costs of running the store and a reserve for a future store. The Den Shelton legacy had been used to fund new acquisitions over the last ten years or so. This fund had now been spent, but a recent legacy from Dr Pamela Gough had enabled a new fund to be created, enabling the Curator to continue to purchase important objects for the collection.

Another important item in the collection, whilst not new was found to be important. Whilst clearing the loft above the Oexmann Gallery for insulation the items of natural history stored there were removed. Amongst them were found some slides made by William Cunnington III, containing thin sections of the stones at Stonehenge. One of them was of a stone excavated in 1874 that lies below the ground surface and therefore cannot be sampled. This slide is therefore the only way of identifying the detailed geology of the stone. The slides had been sent to Rob Ixer a export on petrology for analysis (the branch of science concerned with the origin, structure, and composition of rocks) and an article has been written for WANHM . Also in the collection was a microscope owned by William Cunnington III donated to the Museum by the family in recent years.

Recent history is not forgotten and a collection of items owned by Mary Niblett, who had been a nurse during World War Two, had been donated. Recent items are also collected to reflect current events, which included a mosaic created as tribute to the NHS during the Covid-pandemic.

We were also able to borrow items for the display during the year. This included daggers and the Aldbourne Cup from the British Museum, during the period they had our Bush Barrow items for their World of Stonehenge exhibition.

Our collections continued to be in demand for touring exhibitions too. In addition to the aforementioned exhibition at the British Museum, items are on display at two exhibitions in Germany, including Herne, and in storage awaiting their display in New Zealand as part of the MuseumsPartner Secrets of Stonehenge touring exhibition. These items may in due course travel to Australia and China over the next couple of years.

The Piper window had undergone conservation work in 2022. The window had become badly bowed over the years due to the summer sun and was in danger of collapse. It was removed, reset and replaced: now backlit with an artificial light, rather than natural light. Another area to undergo radical work was the garden, which had been destroyed by a large tree coming down in a storm early in 2022. Since the removal of the tree the garden had been cleared by our neighbour Paul Wilson and new hedging from the Woodland Trust was due to be planted. It would eventually deter intruders, but not necessarily the local badgers!

The Hardy’s Wessex: the landscape that inspired a writer had been popular, although not reaching Ravilious heights. Wiltshire Museum had seen more redeemed loyalty cards (a card stamped at each venue, with a small gift given at the fourth venue) than the other museums put together, showing that the exhibition had brought visitors up from the south, across Salisbury Plain! In total nearly 5,500 visitors had attended, compared to 3,500 for the comparable period in 2019 (pre-Covid pandemic). A version of the exhibition will open at Swindon Museum in 2023.

The Director finished by showing the variety of activities which had taken place this week. This included: a celebration event to mark the launch of the book on the Devizes Assize Court oral history project (this project had been undertaken with help from Bath Spa University students and panels would be displayed at Devizes Cinema and a banner on the Assize Court railings); the deposition of a Victorian model of Stonehenge via Tim Daw in memory of Neil Drawn to War Wiseman; the final showing of , a film about Eric Ravilious, which over it’s seven screenings

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at the Museum had been seen by 350 people; our Young Curators making mini museums on Saturday; the Director attending a conference in memory of Bernard Phillips; the Wiltshire Archaeology Field Group recording finds and this AGM. Over the next seven days schools would be attending workshops on Monday and Tuesday; Devizes Books would be using the lecture hall for their book club, the Public Living Room group would be making lanterns with DOCA (Devizes Outdoor Celebratory Arts) Holt Brownies were coming from a sleep over on Friday night, followed by the Museum Explorers club on Saturday morning, the Youth Panel Saturday afternoon and a members tour of the Museum. On Sunday DOCA would once again by using the lecture hall to make lanterns for the upcoming lantern parade.

Coming up was a silent disco organised by our Youth Panel, the Oexmann Art Award competition and exhibition in December and exhibitions by contrasting artists Joanna May and Rob Pountney.

The Director concluded by thanking colleagues, members and volunteers, without whom it would not be possible to do as much as we do.

The Annual Report and Financial Statements for the year ended 31 March 2022 are available from the Museum’s website or on request from the Museum Office.

Proposed by Mr Alfred La Vardera and seconded by Mr Tim Tatton Brown, the meeting received the Trustees Report and Annual Accounts for the year ended 31st March 2022, together with the Auditors Report. The resolution was passed nem con .

06/22 Election of Trustees

There was just one nomination this year with Mr Richard Cardiff standing for re-election. Proposed by Mr Chris Kelly and seconded by Mr Martin Nye the meeting duly re-elected Mr Cardiff to the Board of Trustees nem con .

07/22 Appointment of Auditors

Proposed by Mr Peter Saunders and seconded by Mr Tim Daw, the meeting re-elected Messrs David Owen & Co as Auditors, and authorised the Trustees to determine their remuneration. Nem. com.

08/22 Any Other Business

The meeting was opened to members but no items were raised.

In closing the Chair thanked the Board of Trustees, the Director and his staff for all their hard work and commitment, and ongoing activity in these challenging times. He also thanked members for their support and engagement which made a difference to all that we did.

There being no further business the Chair thanked everyone for joining the meeting. The meeting closed at 3.55 pm.

The meeting was followed by Assizes for Devizes: unlocking Wiltshire’s Stories, a presentation by the Director David Dawson, outlining the latest on our plans as we working on our funding application to the National Lottery Heritage Fund.

Date of next Meeting: TBC

To be held at Wiltshire Museum, Devizes, Wiltshire

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Porch House, Potterne. Pen and ink drawing signed by the artist R H Smallridge (2022.1004).

The Demise of Sheep Street, by Karen Attfield, Oexmann Art Competition Purchase Prize, 2022 (2023.1003).

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Framed pen, ink, and watercolour drawing of the gardens at Stourhead House, after John Piper. (2022.1002) See page 18.

Wiltshire Archaeological and Natural History Society 41 Long Street, Devizes, Wiltshire. SN10 1NS Tel: 01380 727369 Company No - 3885649 Registered Charity No - 1080096 VAT Registration No - 140 2791 91

www.wiltshiremuseum.org.uk

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