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2024-01-31-accounts

Charity registration number 1088545

Company registration number 01454069 (England and Wales)

AVON VALLEY RAILWAY HERITAGE TRUST

ANNUAL REPORT AND UNAUDITED FINANCIAL STATEMENTS FOR THE YEAR ENDED 31 JANUARY 2024

AVON VALLEY RAILWAY HERITAGE TRUST

LEGAL AND ADMINISTRATIVE INFORMATION

Trustees Mr RP Eynon
Mr KH Goodway
Mr AR Matthews
Mr N Carter
Mr J Dean
Mr A Gamlin
Charity number 1088545
Company number 01454069
Registered office Bitton Railway Station
Bath Road
Bitton
Bristol
BS30 6HD
Independent examiner Mr O Evans
Evans & Partners
9 Bank Road
Kingswood
Bristol
BS15 8LS

AVON VALLEY RAILWAY HERITAGE TRUST

CONTENTS

Page
Trustees' report 1 - 5
Independent examiner's report 7
Statement of financial activities 8
Balance sheet 9 - 10
Notes to the financial statements 11 - 22

AVON VALLEY RAILWAY HERITAGE TRUST

TRUSTEES' REPORT (INCLUDING DIRECTORS' REPORT) FOR THE YEAR ENDED 31 JANUARY 2024

The Trustees present their annual report and financial statements for the year ended 31 January 2024.

The financial statements have been prepared in accordance with the accounting policies set out in note 1 to the financial statements and comply with the Charity's governing document, the Companies Act 2006 and "Accounting and Reporting by Charities: Statement of Recommended Practice applicable to charities preparing their accounts in accordance with the Financial Reporting Standard applicable in the UK and Republic of Ireland (FRS 102)" (effective 1 January 2019).

Objectives and activities

To restore, preserve, exhibit and operate railway locomotives, carriages, wagons, vehicles and other artefacts of historical interest and the structures connected therewith for the benefit and education of the public and to conserve books, drawings, records, documents, sound and visual recordings, cinematography films and photographs and other archives relating to such artefacts and vehicles, their history and their development.

In reviewing our aims, we are satisfied that we have complied with the duty in section 4 of the Charities Act 2006 to have due regard to public benefit guidance published by the Committee.

The Trustees are able to report that despite the general economic situation the Trust has continued to develop during the year and continues to meet its stated objectives and liabilities. The Trust’s current principal aims are;

The Trustees have paid due regard to guidance issued by the Charity Commission in deciding what activities the Charity should undertake.

Achievements and performance

Review of the business

We have now resumed running all our operations normally, which results in increased passenger accommodation which should attract more visitors and increased income. We ran a reduced Christmas Santa programme throughout December, which came very close to being sold-out and provided much-needed income.

We received a council grant which allowed us to refit our shop. Unfortunately, we were unsuccessful in getting a Suez Sita Community Grant which would have allowed us to install security fencing around the Goods yard.

The Trust has required its subsidiary to undertake extensive improvement works to the permanent way and crossings to ensure that there is compliance to the requirements of the Office of Rail and Road.

AVON VALLEY RAILWAY HERITAGE TRUST

TRUSTEES' REPORT (INCLUDING DIRECTORS' REPORT) (CONTINUED) FOR THE YEAR ENDED 31 JANUARY 2024

Ongoing funding

The impact of the pandemic and recession has naturally resulted in several routes to funding being temporary closed off as non-diversity/deprivation related projects are not being considered currently by a large number of trusts and grant-making bodies.

It is fair to say that the Trust is not considering any new projects at present which do not have a pre-existed funding agreement (projects currently being planned such as the rebuilding of locomotives etc all have clear restricted funds) or where the additional funding required would be provided by achievable grant funding or individual appeals.

Lease

Following the 65-year lease being agreed with South Gloucestershire Council for the Bitton site and line within South Gloucestershire, the trust is in discussion with BANES Council to agree a lease for the line and associated land in their ownership for an equivalent term. We thank Rob May for his work on our behalf.

Locomotives

We have progressed works on our locomotive - Avonside 0-6-0 Steam Loco No 1798. We are currently ascertaining the restoration methodology on our other two out of service locomotives - Robert Stephenson Hawthorn 0-6-0 steam locomotive No 7151- The Littleton 0-6-0 Number 5. The Fry’s Sentinel continues to be a significant attraction when it operates, with talks being given by members on the history surrounding being well received.

Carriage & Wagon

The Carriage team are progressing works on First Open 3089, Buffet Car 1971, as well as undertaking remedial action on several other items of rolling stock.

Subsidiary

The Trust has required its subsidiary to undertake extensive improvement works to the permanent way, crossings and other Trust assets to ensure that there is compliance to the requirements of the Office of Rail and Road and other legal and safety requirements. In particular, the South Crossing has been completely renewed with Strail panels, the excellent work done by a team of staff and volunteers. The associated fencing has been replaced with correct LMS slanted fencing, which will be the benchmark for similar fencing in the future.

Young Volunteers

A team of young volunteers took on the job of rebranding our Oldland Station in a British Rail Western Region theme, including reproducing the final closure notice. They did an excellent job. As a consequence, Joseph Dean (our youngest trustee) was nominated for the Annual HRA Young Volunteer of the Year award. He was shortlisted and received his certificate at the HRA awards in Brighton.

Fundraising

Subsequently to our repeated unsuccessful grant applications for Goods Yard Fencing and concrete jacking slabs to both Suez and the National Lottery Heritage fund a large quantity of railway sleeper chairs were stolen. A decision was then made to tackle both these projects in house, using volunteers and buying in the materials. A successful funding appeal was organised on our social media which raised £7000. Both projects were to be undertaken in January 2024, but due to weather etc, they will be undertaken in February 2024.

The Trust’s Annual Charity English Wine Tasting had a profit of £2K.

Museum Project

The Trust continues collating and recording AVR historical documents both visual and audio. We are looking at extending the range of our educational and interpretation offerings in order that the public are afforded a greater opportunity to engage in our history.

AVON VALLEY RAILWAY HERITAGE TRUST

TRUSTEES' REPORT (INCLUDING DIRECTORS' REPORT) (CONTINUED) FOR THE YEAR ENDED 31 JANUARY 2024

Financial review

Incoming resources for the Charity were £50,357 in 2023/24 compared to £41,999 in 2022/23. Expenditure was £81,079 in 2023/24 compared to £69,204 in 2022/23. The subsidiary turnover was £906,035 with cost of sales being £514,905 and administrative expenses £405,468.

Reserves policy

Reserves are the resources the Charity has or can make available to spend, for any or all of the Charity's purposes, once it has met its commitments and covered its planned expenditure. The Trustees consider that unrestricted funds need to be increased:-

The reserves required at current operating levels would amount to between £50,000 and £70,000. Free reserves at the balance sheet date were -£15,119 (2023 -£11,660).

The Trustees will continue to endeavour to restore reserves to the desired level in stages consistent with the Charity's overall financial position and its need to maintain and develop its charitable activities. The level of reserves is monitored and reviewed by the Trustees and reported as part of the Annual Report.

Investment powers & policy

Under the Memorandum and Articles of Association the Charity has the power to make any investment that Trustees see fit.

Risk management

Internal risks are minimised by the implementation of effective internal control procedures, which ensure both appropriate authorisation of all transactions and projects, and consistent quality of delivery for all aspects of the Charity. These procedures are periodically reviewed for their continuing effectiveness. The Charity uses the operations of the AVR as the avenue for achieving its goals of exhibiting and operating its railway related assets. The Trust Board feels that the level of involvement and general cooperation between the two organisations has justified its investment and reduced the risk of commercial failure. The Safety Management System was recently reviewed by the AVRCo and updated to ensure it still instills best practice. The Board is responsible for safeguarding the Charity’s assets and so ensures that relevant levels of insurance cover are provided where appropriate. The Charity jointly ensures its risks with the AVRCo to ensure that there are no gaps or duplication in cover across the two organisations. The cover held by the Charity is reviewed annually and approved by the Board.

Plans for future periods

Discussion on further extension of the railway will continue along with the development of Bitton Station yard. The Trust is considering various "Green" issues and studies are actively being undertaken to install a solar PV solution to reduce our current £50K electricity bill.

The Trust were successful in getting grants to bring our toilets up to an acceptable standard. The work will take place in February.

The Trustees wish to record their thanks to all members for their valued support and, with careful management of resources, are anticipating further improvement in the year ahead.

AVON VALLEY RAILWAY HERITAGE TRUST

TRUSTEES' REPORT (INCLUDING DIRECTORS' REPORT) (CONTINUED) FOR THE YEAR ENDED 31 JANUARY 2024

Structure, governance and management

Governing document & constitution

Avon Valley Railway Heritage Trust – ‘The Charity’ - (formerly Bitton Railway Company Limited) is a registered charity and a company limited by guarantee and is governed by its Memorandum and Articles of Association, the Companies Act 2006 and the Charities Act 2011. Its company registration number is 01454069 and its charity number is 1088545. It was first incorporated on 15 October 1979 and was registered as a Charity on 24 September 2001. Each paid up member of the Charity is a member of the Company and has a right to attend and vote at company general meetings. In the event of the company being wound up each member undertakes to contribute an amount not exceeding £6.

The Trustees, who are also the directors for the purpose of company law, and who served during the year and up to the date of signature of the financial statements were:

Mr RP Eynon Mr KH Goodway Mr PD Horton (Resigned 15 November 2023) Mr AR Matthews Mr W Thornton (Resigned 5 February 2023) Mr M Wheller (Resigned 19 May 2023) Mr N Carter Mr J Dean Mr A Gamlin

Appointment of new trustees

New Trustees can be nominated for election by Trust members at the Trust's Annual General Meeting. All nominees will receive in advance details of Trust responsibilities and duties in the form of booklets etc. as produced by the Charities Commission and training/advice programmes from the Trust's charity advisors Evans & Partners Ltd.

The company's current policy concerning the payment of trade creditors is to follow the CBI's Prompt Payers Code (copies are available from the CBI, Centre Point, 103 New Oxford Street, London WC1A 1DU).

The company's current policy concerning the payment of trade creditors is to:

Organisational structure & decision making

The Charity is managed by an elected board of Trustees and supported by volunteer Officers for achieving its dayto-day activity. The Charitable Trust has a wholly owned subsidiary company, 'The Avon Valley Railway Company Limited' (AVRCo), which is delegated the responsibility for running the day-to-day railway operations and related activities under the name ‘Avon Valley Railway’. The directors of AVRCo are responsible for the day-to-day management and operation of AVR, appointing staff and reporting to the Trustees.

Trustee meetings are held monthly or bi-monthly and during those meetings all decisions are minuted for future record. In between meetings, matters requiring the Board’s authorisation are dealt with by email and/or telephone and then ratified and minuted at its next meeting. Joint Strategy days with the AVRCo board of directors and the senior management team are organised throughout the year to enable a joined up approach to the organisations strategy development and to deal with issues that affect both parties.

AVON VALLEY RAILWAY HERITAGE TRUST

TRUSTEES' REPORT (INCLUDING DIRECTORS' REPORT) (CONTINUED) FOR THE YEAR ENDED 31 JANUARY 2024

The Trustees' report was approved by the Board of Trustees.

Mr RP Eynon Trustee

1 August 2024

AVON VALLEY RAILWAY HERITAGE TRUST

STATEMENT OF TRUSTEES' RESPONSIBILITIES FOR THE YEAR ENDED 31 JANUARY 2024

The Trustees, who are also the directors of Avon Valley Railway Heritage Trust for the purpose of company law, are responsible for preparing the Trustees' Report and the financial statements in accordance with applicable law and United Kingdom Accounting Standards (United Kingdom Generally Accepted Accounting Practice).

Company Law requires the Trustees to prepare financial statements for each financial year which give a true and fair view of the state of affairs of the Charity and of the incoming resources and application of resources, including the income and expenditure, of the charitable company for that year.

In preparing these financial statements, the Trustees are required to:

The Trustees are responsible for keeping adequate accounting records that disclose with reasonable accuracy at any time the financial position of the Charity 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 Charity and hence for taking reasonable steps for the prevention and detection of fraud and other irregularities.

AVON VALLEY RAILWAY HERITAGE TRUST

INDEPENDENT EXAMINER'S REPORT TO THE TRUSTEES OF AVON VALLEY RAILWAY HERITAGE TRUST

I report to the Trustees on my examination of the financial statements of Avon Valley Railway Heritage Trust (the Charity) for the year ended 31 January 2024.

Responsibilities and basis of report

As the Trustees of the Charity (and also its directors for the purposes of company law) you are responsible for the preparation of the financial statements in accordance with the requirements of the Companies Act 2006 (the 2006 Act).

Having satisfied myself that the financial statements of the Charity are not required to be audited under Part 16 of the 2006 Act and are eligible for independent examination, I report in respect of my examination of the Charity’s financial statements carried out under section 145 of the Charities Act 2011 (the 2011 Act). In carrying out my examination I have followed all the applicable Directions given by the Charity Commission under section 145(5)(b) of the 2011 Act.

Independent examiner's statement

I have no concerns and have come across no other matters in connection with the examination to which attention should be drawn in this report in order to enable a proper understanding of the financial statements to be reached.

Oliver Evans FCA Evans & Partners

9 Bank Road Kingswood Bristol BS15 8LS

Dated: 19 August 2024

AVON VALLEY RAILWAY HERITAGE TRUST

STATEMENT OF FINANCIAL ACTIVITIES INCLUDING INCOME AND EXPENDITURE ACCOUNT

FOR THE YEAR ENDED 31 JANUARY 2024

Unrestricted
Restricted
funds
funds
2024
2024
Notes
£
£
Income and endowments from:
Donations and legacies
3
11,856
20,095
Charitable activities
4
11,888
-
Other trading activities
5
5,365
-
Investments
6
1,153
-
Other income
7
-
-
Total income
30,262
20,095
Expenditure on:
Raising funds
8
5,448
-
Charitable activities
9
62,074
13,557
Total expenditure
67,522
13,557
Net (outgoing)/incoming
resources before transfers
(37,260)
6,538
Gross transfers between
funds
3,349
(3,349)
Net movement in funds
(33,911)
3,189
Fund balances at 1 February
2023
512,898
89,272
Fund balances at 31 January
2024
478,987
92,461		 Total Unrestricted
Restricted
funds
funds
2024
2023
2023
£
£
£
31,951
18,324
9,338
11,888
6,887
-
5,365
6,878
-
1,153
272
-
-
300
-
50,357
32,661
9,338
5,448
2,883
-
75,631
63,163
3,158
81,079
66,046
3,158
(30,722)
(33,385)
6,180
-
7,804
(7,804)
(30,722)
(25,581)
(1,624)
602,170
538,479
90,896
571,448
512,898
89,272		 Total
2023
£
27,662
6,887
6,878
272
300
41,999
2,883
66,321
69,204
(27,205)
-
(27,205)
629,375
602,170

The statement of financial activities includes all gains and losses recognised in the year.

The statement of financial activities includes all gains and losses recognised in the year. All income and expenditure derive from continuing activities.

The statement of financial activities also complies with the requirements for an income and expenditure account under the Companies Act 2006.

AVON VALLEY RAILWAY HERITAGE TRUST

BALANCE SHEET

AS AT 31 JANUARY 2024

Notes
Fixed assets
Tangible assets
14
Investments
16
Current assets
Debtors
17
Cash at bank and in hand
Creditors: amounts falling due within
one year
19
Net current assets
Total assets less current liabilities
Creditors: amounts falling due after
more than one year
20
Net assets
Income funds
Restricted funds
Unrestricted funds		 2024
£
7,251
102,196
109,447
(22,115)		 £
494,006
100
494,106
87,332
581,438
(9,990)
571,448
92,461
478,987
571,448		 2023
£
6,930
95,764
102,694
(10,761)		 £
524,558
100
524,658
91,933
616,591
(14,421)
602,170
89,272
512,898
602,170

AVON VALLEY RAILWAY HERITAGE TRUST

BALANCE SHEET (CONTINUED)

AS AT 31 JANUARY 2024

The company is entitled to the exemption from the audit requirement contained in section 477 of the Companies Act 2006, for the year ended 31 January 2024.

The directors acknowledge their responsibilities for complying with the requirements of the Companies Act 2006 with respect to accounting records and the preparation of financial statements.

The members have not required the company to obtain an audit of its financial statements for the year in question in accordance with section 476.

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

The financial statements were approved by the Trustees on 1 August 2024

Mr RP Eynon Trustee

Company registration number 01454069

AVON VALLEY RAILWAY HERITAGE TRUST

NOTES TO THE FINANCIAL STATEMENTS FOR THE YEAR ENDED 31 JANUARY 2024

1 Accounting policies

Charity information

Avon Valley Railway Heritage Trust is a private company limited by guarantee incorporated in England and Wales. The registered office is Bitton Railway Station, Bath Road, Bitton, Bristol, BS30 6HD.

1.1 Accounting convention

The financial statements have been prepared in accordance with the Charity's governing document, the Companies Act 2006, FRS 102 “The Financial Reporting Standard applicable in the UK and Republic of Ireland” (“FRS 102”) and the Charities SORP "Accounting and Reporting by Charities: Statement of Recommended Practice applicable to charities preparing their accounts in accordance with the Financial Reporting Standard applicable in the UK and Republic of Ireland (FRS 102)" (effective 1 January 2019). The Charity is a Public Benefit Entity as defined by FRS 102.

The Charity has taken advantage of the provisions in the SORP for charities not to prepare a Statement of Cash Flows.

The financial statements are prepared in sterling, which is the functional currency of the Charity. Monetary amounts in these financial statements are rounded to the nearest £.

The financial statements have been prepared under the historical cost convention, modified to include the revaluation of freehold properties and to include investment properties and certain financial instruments at fair value. The principal accounting policies adopted are set out below.

1.2 Going concern

There are no material uncertainties about the Charity’s ability to continue as a going concern.

1.3 Charitable funds

Unrestricted funds are available for use at the discretion of the trustees to further any of the charity's purposes.

Designated funds are unrestricted funds earmarked by the trustees for particular future project or commitment.

Restricted funds are subjected to restrictions on their expenditure declared by the donor or through the terms of an appeal, and fall into one of two sub-classes: restricted income funds or endowment funds.

Endowment funds are subject to specific conditions by donors that the capital must be maintained by the Charity.

AVON VALLEY RAILWAY HERITAGE TRUST

NOTES TO THE FINANCIAL STATEMENTS (CONTINUED) FOR THE YEAR ENDED 31 JANUARY 2024

1 Accounting policies

(Continued)

1.4 Income

All income is included in the statement of financial activities when entitlement has passed to the Charity; it is probable that the economic benefits associated with the transaction will flow to the Charity and the amount can be reliably measured. The following specific policies are applied to particular categories of income:

Cash donations are recognised on receipt. Other donations are recognised once the Charity has been notified of the donation, unless performance conditions require deferral of the amount. Income tax recoverable in relation to donations received under Gift Aid or deeds of covenant is recognised at the time of the donation.

Legacies are recognised on receipt or otherwise if the Charity has been notified of an impending distribution, the amount is known, and receipt is expected. If the amount is not known, the legacy is treated as a contingent asset.

1.5 Expenditure

Expenditure is recognised once there is a legal or constructive obligation to transfer economic benefit to a third party, it is probable that a transfer of economic benefits will be required in settlement, and the amount of the obligation can be measured reliably.

Expenditure is classified by activity. The costs of each activity are made up of the total of direct costs and shared costs, including support costs involved in undertaking each activity. Direct costs attributable to a single activity are allocated directly to that activity. Shared costs, which contribute to more than one activity and support costs, which are not attributable to a single activity are apportioned between those activities on a basis consistent with the use of resources. Central staff costs are allocated on the basis of time spent, and depreciation charges are allocated on the portion of the asset’s use.

1.6 Tangible fixed assets

Tangible fixed assets are initially measured at cost and subsequently measured at cost or valuation, net of depreciation and any impairment losses.

Depreciation is recognised so as to write off the cost or valuation of assets less their residual values over their useful lives on the following bases:

Tracks & structures 25 years straight line
Plant & machinery 10 years straight line
Fixtures & fittings 10 years straight line
Locos & rolling stock 25 years straight line

The gain or loss arising on the disposal of an asset is determined as the difference between the sale proceeds and the carrying value of the asset, and is recognised in the statement of financial activities.

AVON VALLEY RAILWAY HERITAGE TRUST

NOTES TO THE FINANCIAL STATEMENTS (CONTINUED) FOR THE YEAR ENDED 31 JANUARY 2024

1 Accounting policies

(Continued)

1.7 Heritage assets

Where heritage assets have been acquired and there are records available, these are recognised at cost together with direct restoration costs. Where no such records are available, the heritage assets are not recognised on the balance sheet on the grounds that the cost of obtaining this information would outweigh the benefit in doing so.

The heritage assets acquired are considered to have indefinite lives by the Trustees and are therefore not depreciated. Annually at the reporting date, the heritage assets are reviewed by the Trustees for indications of impairment.

1.8 Fixed asset investments

Fixed asset investments are initially measured at transaction price excluding transaction costs, and are subsequently measured at fair value at each reporting date. Changes in fair value are recognised in net income/(expenditure) for the year. Transaction costs are expensed as incurred.

A subsidiary is an entity controlled by the Charity. Control is the power to govern the financial and operating policies of the entity so as to obtain benefits from its activities.

1.9 Cash and cash equivalents

Cash and cash equivalents include cash in hand, deposits held at call with banks, other short-term liquid investments with original maturities of three months or less, and bank overdrafts. Bank overdrafts are shown within borrowings in current liabilities.

1.10 Financial instruments

The Charity has elected to apply the provisions of Section 11 ‘Basic Financial Instruments’ and Section 12 ‘Other Financial Instruments Issues’ of FRS 102 to all of its financial instruments.

Financial instruments are recognised in the Charity's balance sheet when the Charity becomes party to the contractual provisions of the instrument.

Financial assets and liabilities are offset, with the net amounts presented in the financial statements, when there is a legally enforceable right to set off the recognised amounts and there is an intention to settle on a net basis or to realise the asset and settle the liability simultaneously.

Basic financial assets

Basic financial assets, which include debtors and cash and bank balances, are initially measured at transaction price including transaction costs and are subsequently carried at amortised cost using the effective interest method unless the arrangement constitutes a financing transaction, where the transaction is measured at the present value of the future receipts discounted at a market rate of interest. Financial assets classified as receivable within one year are not amortised.

Basic financial liabilities

Basic financial liabilities, including creditors and bank loans are initially recognised at transaction price unless the arrangement constitutes a financing transaction, where the debt instrument is measured at the present value of the future payments discounted at a market rate of interest. Financial liabilities classified as payable within one year are not amortised.

Debt instruments are subsequently carried at amortised cost, using the effective interest rate method.

Trade creditors are obligations to pay for goods or services that have been acquired in the ordinary course of operations from suppliers. Amounts payable are classified as current liabilities if payment is due within one year or less. If not, they are presented as non-current liabilities. Trade creditors are recognised initially at transaction price and subsequently measured at amortised cost using the effective interest method.

AVON VALLEY RAILWAY HERITAGE TRUST

NOTES TO THE FINANCIAL STATEMENTS (CONTINUED) FOR THE YEAR ENDED 31 JANUARY 2024

1 Accounting policies

(Continued)

Derecognition of financial liabilities

Financial liabilities are derecognised when the Charity’s contractual obligations expire or are discharged or cancelled.

1.11 Taxation

The Charity is exempt from corporation tax on its charitable activities

1.12 Employee benefits

The cost of any unused holiday entitlement is recognised in the period in which the employee’s services are received.

Termination benefits are recognised immediately as an expense when the Charity is demonstrably committed to terminate the employment of an employee or to provide termination benefits.

2 Critical accounting estimates and judgements

In the application of the Charity’s accounting policies, the Trustees are required to make judgements, estimates and assumptions about the carrying amount of assets and liabilities that are not readily apparent from other sources. The estimates and associated assumptions are based on historical experience and other factors that are considered to be relevant. Actual results may differ from these estimates.

The estimates and underlying assumptions are reviewed on an ongoing basis. Revisions to accounting estimates are recognised in the period in which the estimate is revised where the revision affects only that period, or in the period of the revision and future periods where the revision affects both current and future periods.

3 Donations and legacies

Unrestricted
Restricted
funds
funds
2024
2024
£
£
Donations and gifts
11,856
11,430
Government grants
-
7,000
Other
-
1,665
11,856
20,095		 Total
Unrestricted
Restricted
funds
funds
2024
2023
2023
£
£
£
23,286
18,324
1,345
7,000
-
5,240
1,665
-
2,753
31,951
18,324
9,338		 Total
2023
£
19,669
5,240
2,753
27,662

Government grants are made up of one payment of £2,000 from South Gloucestershire Council and £5,000 from Bitton Parish Council for the toilet block project. The Trust did not directly benefit from any other form of government assistance during the year.

AVON VALLEY RAILWAY HERITAGE TRUST

NOTES TO THE FINANCIAL STATEMENTS (CONTINUED) FOR THE YEAR ENDED 31 JANUARY 2024

4 Charitable activities

Unrestricted
Unrestricted
funds funds
2024 2023
£ £
Membership subscriptions 8,386 5,387
Events 3,502 1,500
11,888 6,887
5 Income from other trading activities
Unrestricted Unrestricted
funds funds
2024 2023
£ £
Motive power fund 1,300 5,555
Raffles 4,065 1,323
Other trading activities 5,365 6,878
6 Income from investments
Unrestricted Unrestricted
funds funds
2024 2023
£ £
Interest receivable 1,153 272
7 Other income
**Total ** Unrestricted
funds
2024 2023
£ £
Amounts written off loans - 300

AVON VALLEY RAILWAY HERITAGE TRUST

NOTES TO THE FINANCIAL STATEMENTS (CONTINUED) FOR THE YEAR ENDED 31 JANUARY 2024

8 Raising funds

**Unrestricted ** Unrestricted
funds funds
2024 2023
£ £
Managing member subscriptions 5,448 2,883
5,448 2,883

9 Charitable activities

Activities
undertaken
directly
Support
costs
2024
2024
£
£
Heritage Railway Operation
65,275
3,814
Governance costs
-
6,542
65,275
10,356
65,275
10,356
Analysis by fund
Unrestricted funds
51,718
10,356
Restricted funds
13,557
-
65,275
10,356
Independent examiner's remuneration
Fees payable to the Charity's independent examiner and associates:
Independent examination of the Charity's annual accounts
Non-independent examination services
Preparation of the Charity's annual accounts		 Total
2024
£
69,089
6,542
75,631
75,631
62,074
13,557
75,631
2024
£
1,850
2,100		 Total
2023
£
61,162
5,159
66,321
66,321
63,163
3,158
66,321
2023
£
1,750
2,000

10 Independent examiner's remuneration

11 Trustees' expenses

No Trustees have been reimbursed for expenses incurred either during the current or prior year.

No remuneration or other benefits from employments with the Charity or a related entity were received by the Trustees.

AVON VALLEY RAILWAY HERITAGE TRUST

NOTES TO THE FINANCIAL STATEMENTS (CONTINUED) FOR THE YEAR ENDED 31 JANUARY 2024

12 Employees

The average monthly number of employees during the year was:

Employment costs
Wages and salaries		 2024
Number
1
2024
£
5,189		 2023
Number
1
2023
£
5,298

There were no employees whose annual remuneration was more than £60,000.

13 Taxation

The charity is exempt from taxation on its activities because all its income is applied for charitable purposes.

14 Tangible fixed assets

Cost
At 1 February 2023
Additions
At 31 January 2024
Depreciation and impairment
At 1 February 2023
Depreciation charged in the year
At 31 January 2024
Carrying amount
At 31 January 2024
At 31 January 2023		 Tracks &
structures
£
632,435
-
632,435
335,100
22,675
357,775
274,660
297,335		 Plant &
machinery
£
17,263
3,728
20,991
12,048
1,091
13,139
7,852
5,215		 Fixtures &
fittings
Locos &
rolling stock
£
£
57,434
333,752
-
-
57,434
333,752
26,683
142,495
5,361
5,153
32,044
147,648
25,390
186,104
30,751
191,257		 Total
£
1,040,884
3,728
1,044,612
516,326
34,280
550,606
494,006
524,558

15 Heritage assets

The Charity has also received by way of a donation, a unique steam locomotive 'Littleton No. 5', one of only two large 18inch cylindered Manning Wardle 0-6-0ST, constructed in 1922. This is held by the Charity, but has not been included in the accounts as the Trustees do not consider it practicable to obtain an accurate valuation for the locomotive as any valuation obtained would be too subjective.

AVON VALLEY RAILWAY HERITAGE TRUST

NOTES TO THE FINANCIAL STATEMENTS (CONTINUED) FOR THE YEAR ENDED 31 JANUARY 2024

16
Fixed asset investments
Cost or valuation
At 1 February 2023 & 31 January 2024
Carrying amount
At 31 January 2024
At 31 January 2023
Other investments comprise:
Notes
Investments in subsidiaries
25
17
Debtors
Amounts falling due within one year:
Trade debtors
Amounts owed by subsidiary undertakings
Other debtors
Prepayments and accrued income
18
Loans and overdrafts
Bank overdrafts
Bank loans
Payable within one year
Payable after one year		 Other
investments
100
100
100
2024
2023
£
£
100
100
2024
2023
£
£
-
826
4,640
4,640
2,251
560
360
904
7,251
6,930
2024
2023
£
£
81
-
14,360
18,739
14,441
18,739
4,451
4,318
9,990
14,421

AVON VALLEY RAILWAY HERITAGE TRUST

NOTES TO THE FINANCIAL STATEMENTS (CONTINUED) FOR THE YEAR ENDED 31 JANUARY 2024

19 Creditors: amounts falling due within one year

Notes
Bank loans and overdrafts
18
Trade creditors
Members loans
Accruals and deferred income
20
Creditors: amounts falling due after more than one year
Notes
Bank loans
18		 2024
£
4,451
12,708
300
4,656
22,115
2024
£
9,990		 2023
£
4,318
1,521
300
4,622
10,761
2023
£
14,421

21 Retirement benefit schemes

The Charity operates a defined contribution pension scheme for all qualifying employees. The assets of the scheme are held separately from those of the Charity in an independently administered fund. The total employment benefits received by key management personnel including employer national insurance and employer pension were £Nil (2023: £Nil).

22 Unrestricted funds

The unrestricted funds of the charity comprise the unexpended balances of donations and grants which are not subject to specific conditions by donors and grantors as to how they may be used. These include designated funds which have been set aside out of unrestricted funds by the trustees for specific purposes.

At 1 February
2023
Incoming
resources
Resources
expended
Transfers At 31
£
£
£
£
General funds
512,899
30,262
(67,523)
3,349
Previous year:
At 1 February
2022
Incoming
resources
Resources
expended
Transfers At 31
£
£
£
£
General funds
538,480
32,661
(66,047)
7,804		 January
2024
£
478,987
January
2023
£
512,898

AVON VALLEY RAILWAY HERITAGE TRUST

NOTES TO THE FINANCIAL STATEMENTS (CONTINUED) FOR THE YEAR ENDED 31 JANUARY 2024

23 Movement in funds

For the year ended 31 January 2024

At 1 Feb At 1 Feb At 31 Jan
2023 Income Expenditure Transfers 2024
£ £ £ £ £
Restricted funds
Edwin Hulse Fund 29,425 338 (74) - 29,689
Track 9,224 - - - 9,224
Fry's Sentinel Loco 13,368 - (4,457) - 8,911
RBR 1971 371 - - - 371
Loco & Rolling Stock 889 200 (704) - 385
RSH 6,245 431 - - 6,676
Railway Development Fund 6,178 1,665 (1,206) (1,248) 5,389
Chocolate Train 356 - - - 356
Littleton 12,832 - - - 12,832
LMS Brake Van 7,258 - - - 7,258
Signalling 315 25 - - 340
Bitton Lamphut 882 - - - 882
Bath/Extension Restoration 200 - - - 200
Jubilee Grant 96 - - - 96
IT Improvement Fund 234 - - - 234
South Glos MAF 1,080 - (1,142) 62 -
Visiting Engine Fund 320 1,246 (1,500) - 66
Oldland Common Station - 2,828 (912) - 1,917
Gardeners Fund - 588 (52) - 536
Wickham Trolley Fund - 100 - - 100
Robbery Fund - 5,673 (3,510) (2,163) -
Toilet Block Project - 7,000 - - 7,000
89,272 20,094 (13,557) (3,349) 92,461

Restricted funds - from time to time the Charity runs an appeal to purchase or restore and item of rolling stock or railway asset or to hold a special event. Income & expenditure on these funds is shown above.

During the year, restricted funds have been used to restore railway stock and equipment in line with restriction placed on the funds by donors. These funds have then been transferred to general funds as follows:

AVON VALLEY RAILWAY HERITAGE TRUST

NOTES TO THE FINANCIAL STATEMENTS (CONTINUED) FOR THE YEAR ENDED 31 JANUARY 2024

(Continued)

23 Movement in funds

For the year ended 31 January 2024

At 1 Feb At 31 Jan
2023 Income Expenditure Transfers 2024
£ £ £ £ £
Unrestricted funds
General funds 507,174 28,961 (67,522) 3,349 471,963
Motive Power Fund 5,724 1,300 - - 7,024
512,898 30,261 (67,522) 3,349 478,987
Total funds 602,170 50,356 (81,079) - 571,448

Motive Power Fund - The Trustees decided to set aside into this designated fund any hire fees received from the operation of the Charity's locomotives. This money being put aside to ensure the capital required to overhaul and maintain the locomotives owned by the Charity is available and liquid enough to be used to keep all locomotives in service.

For the year ended 31 January 2023

At 1 Feb At 1 Feb At 31 Jan
2022 Income Expenditure Transfers 2023
£ £ £ £ £
Restricted funds
Edwin Hulse Fund 29,108 317 - - 29,425
Track 9,224 - - - 9,224
Fry's Sentinel Loco 13,298 70 - - 13,368
RBR 1971 984 - (613) - 371
Loco & Rolling Stock 1,389 - (500) - 889
RSH 5,641 604 - - 6,245
Railway Development Fund 3,425 2,753 - - 6,178
Chocolate Train 356 - - - 356
Littleton 12,803 29 - - 12,832
LMS Brake Van 7,258 - - - 7,258
Signalling 1,310 5 - (1,000) 315
Short Term Restrictions 576 - (178) (398) -
Bitton Lamphut 5,124 - (602) (3,640) 882
Aviva Modes Software 200 - (200) - -
Bath/Extension Restoration 200 - - - 200
Jubilee Grant - 1,160 (1,064) - 96
IT Improvement Fund - 3,000 - (2,766) 234
South Glos MAF - 1,080 - - 1,080
Visiting Engine Fund - 320 - - 320
90,896 9,338 (3,158) (7,804) 89,272

AVON VALLEY RAILWAY HERITAGE TRUST

NOTES TO THE FINANCIAL STATEMENTS (CONTINUED) FOR THE YEAR ENDED 31 JANUARY 2024

(Continued)

23 Movement in funds

For the year ended 31 January 2023

At 1 Feb At 31 Jan
2022 Income Expenditure Transfers 2023
£ £ £ £ £
Unrestricted funds
General funds 538,310 27,106 (66,046) 7,804 507,174
Motive Power Fund 169 5,555 - - 5,724
538,479 32,661 (66,047) 7,804 512,898
Total funds 629,375 41,999 (69,204) - 602,170

24 Related party transactions

There was a loan from a member of the Charity totalling £300 (2023 - £300). This loan is interest free and repayable within three years.

25 Subsidiaries

These financial statements are separate Charity financial statements for the Avon Valley Railway Company Ltd (company number 04311647)

Details of the Charity's subsidiaries at 31 January 2024 are as follows:

Name of undertaking Registered Nature of business Class of % Held
office shares held Direct Indirect
The Avon Valley Railway United Kingdom Railway Ordinary 100.00
Company Ltd

The aggregate capital and reserves and the result for the year of subsidiaries was as follows:

Name of undertaking Profit/(Loss) Capital and
Reserves
£ £
The Avon Valley Railway
Company Ltd (13,035) 42,851