– – th St Agnes Museum Trust Annual General Meeting 20 Feb 2026
AGM held at St Agnes Chapel, Thursday 20[th] February at 19.30
Present: Approximately 40 members and members of the public.
Committee: Roger Radcliffe, Clive Benney, Clare Murton, Jackie Cotton, David Teagle, Steve Roberts, Mike Furness, Mary Wilson, Nicholas Roberts, John Oaksford.
Apologies: Chris Southon, Lesley Kazan-Pinfield, Bob Crossland, Isabel Burrows, Reuben and Pam Girling.
2025 AGM minutes
Available prior to AGM in the Museum Newsletter. Approved by show of hands. Signed by Chair Roger Radcliffe
Matters Arising – None
Treasurer’s Report
A summary of the accounts was made available prior to AGM in the Museum Newsletter. It’s been a very successful year for the Museum, with increased visitor numbers and increased sales. This has enabled some improvements to be made. Insurance costs have increased due to taking on responsibility for the building. The Museum clocks had been completely refurbished.
Donations are normally allocated to support the general running cost of the museum unless otherwise specified by the donor or directed by the committee. Three funds currently existed within the accounts:
-
New Acquisitions (£509)
-
Roof Fund (£11,138)
-
Donations General (£5,312)
The accounts had been independently examined by Claire Morgan of Champion Accountancy and a certificate issued for the purposes of the Charity Commission (see below). At the suggestion of a museum member, the Museum Trust Committee will consider amending the terminology used in the Constitution regarding “Auditor” and bring a recommendation to the next AGM. It had been pointed out that the accounts technically receive an independent examination not an audit. There were no questions for the Treasurer.
It was proposed by Dawn Brown, Seconded by Beryl Thomas, That the Treasurer’s report be accepted including his recommendation that the annual subscriptions remain unchanged for 2027. Approved by show of hands.
Annual Subscription Fees 2027
Individual £15. Family (couple with children under12) or corporate £20
Overseas £25. Life Member single payment £100.
Curator’s Report
Accreditaton etc.:
Once again I am happy to report that the Trust is up to date with formal requirements:
-
Arts Council – Fully Accredited Membership – awaiting notification of renewal requirement.
-
Information Commissioner’s Office Registration for GDPR – compliant
-
Association of Independent Museums – membership renewed
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– – St Agnes Museum Trust Annual General Meeting 20
* MODES – museum collections database licence renewed.
As ever I have people to thank for supporting me. In particular, Tracy Dumper as Assistant Curator, which involves hours of work accepting, recording, storing, conserving and displaying artefacts. We also have an increasing number of research requests via e-mail or social media pages and Tracy and I spend time checking the collection and sending information, stories and photos on all sorts of topics. Luke Jones who despite finishing his DofE continues to come in when school work and rugby allow, to help Tracy and me. Alex Bielecki in several roles - environment monitoring, Map identification/photography/database updating and storage – and helping with the practical issues of the building needs. Must also thank St Agnes OCS here who last year gave us a cheque at this meeting – those map boxes and storage cabinets and been well employed by Alex and me. Alan Dumper for leading on the caretaking of the building so that it remains suitable for display and storage of artefacts. That has included major remedial work on the back (weather) wall of the storage/office area. Some of the old unsuitable render had to be taken back and replaced with lime rendering and plaster and then painted with breathable limewash. Windows have been re-puttied and stained paintwork in the rest of the museum repainted. Also, Roger and the rest of the commitee are always at hand to help with queries that involve areas of expertise where we have little knowledge. One example was helping the Parish Council to furnish a local developer with street name ideas, when we were able to find ancient field names for the area in the collections database, but where Peter Thomas, our Cornish speaking committee member was able to advise on spellings and meanings. Clive Benney is helping to put together this year’s new exhibition.
Grants:
We have once again applied to AIM (turned down last year) – and are currently awaiting notice whether we made it to round 2 – for a grant of c£9,000 to replace two very old display cabinets on the first floor with four modern, museum grade cabinets to allow us to display more and give safer access to volunteers and better conditions for the collection.
2025 Displays:
We will sadly be dismantling last year’s Life-Saving exhibition but may manage to redistribute some of the smaller pieces from that display. However, to replace it we are putting together a new display on Policing in St Agnes Parish which will ambitiously cover the last 200 years. Clive presented this topic at the last AGM and you will be able to see that story told with images and artefacts.
New Acquisitons:
As ever we had a number of new acquisitions last season many of which you will already have read about in your newsletters, such as the cartoon for a stained-glass window by Theodora Salusbury, the self portrait by Erica Suttill and the lovely framed poster re the setting up of the Not So Young Club.
I have picked out a few other examples here, but this is not an exhaustive list and thanks go to everyone who donated items big or small:
The miniature hand operated sewing machine used by Barrie Bennetts grandmother, complete with the wooden cotton reel.
A few examples of a set of photographs from GD Glass Company that was based at the Old Count House and run by Cecil Glidewell who was also a local Councillor. (Several are Ken Young professional images)
The shell of an unexploded German bomb that dropped on a house in Skinner’s Bottom, fortunately only causing minor injuries. The family were allowed to keep the shell and used it upturned as a plant pot holder.
The most recent thing we received was a digital image. We received medals in summer of 2023 of James Billing who served in France in the Great War, despite being deaf since childhood which would normally disqualify for service. We like to display a photo of those who earned the medals as it brings more
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– – th St Agnes Museum Trust Annual General Meeting 20 Feb 2026
meaning to the display. Perseverance and a trip to the attic by his great nephew Kingsley Thomas, eventually turned out this lovely photo which I received just two weeks ago (an edited version will appear next to his medals)As usual I recommend you visit the museum to keep up to date.
Clare Murton - Hon. Curator
Chairman’s report
I would like to start by congratulating our Stewards on their diligence, loyalty and stamina in keeping the museum open seven days a week for seven months of the year. As an independent voluntary museum, the work of our Stewards is exceptional. For creating and coordinating the rota, huge thanks go to John Oaksford who ensures its smooth running throughout the season – and what a season! 6318 visitors, the highest total for 30 years (we had 500 more in 1996) and with it came another record year in the shop thanks to Mike and Lynn Furness who keep it well stocked and beautifully displayed, giving regular feedback, encouragement and support to the Stewards.
For keeping our displays fresh, interesting and accessible thanks go to Clare and Tracy both of whom are hugely committed not only to keeping the collection well documented and cared for but also to being ever ready to respond to grant opportunities – Clare in particular being very successful in gaining a grant for a new shop counter (thanks once again to the Local Improvements Committee for their regular support of the museum).
Thanks to Tom and Liz Thompson for promoting all of this in the newsletter and to Emily Morgan for keeping our website up to date. There are so many people whose input behind the scenes helps to keep the museum functioning, Alan Dumper and Alex Bielecki being two outstanding examples of this with their DIY skills not only on the new counter but also in completely refurbishing and decorating the west wall of Peter’s room.
Our annual Journal continues to receive well deserved praise, the care and attention that it receives from our editor Peter Thomas is a credit to the museum trust and represents a considerable commitment of time on his part. Year by year, the Journal has become a valuable archive in itself and this is in no small measure down to the enthusiasm of its editor.
The roof of the museum remains a concern. The transfer of the freehold of the building from the Parish Council to the museum trust to facilitate a permanent solution to the problem is currently delayed due to a backlog at the Land Registry, the Parish Council having made an application for registration of title. We are therefore currently hampered in our efforts to apply for grant aid to improve the building. Finding a way forward will be the biggest single challenge for the new committee in the coming year.
I would like to thank the outgoing committee for their work during the past year, in particular Clive Benney and Clare Murton for their ongoing support and to Jackie Cotton for charting the committee’s every move. Special thanks go to David Teagle for his essential work in keeping our finances in order and for making our annual return to the Charity Commission and our Gift Aid claim to HMRC.
Finally, I would like to thank you, our members, for your continued support and encouragement. Mary Wilson, our membership secretary, reports that we have 285 voting members including 10 new members this year. Thanks go to Mary and her husband John for arranging the mailing and distribution of newsletters and Journals. 144 of our newsletters are emailed but the remainder they hand deliver with the help of Nick Roberts and Sue Mansell, thank you all. Mary points out that “many subscriptions received come with a note of congratulation and often happy memories of the good times in St. Agnes. Some include a donation. We know members living away feel connected to the village and their families through the museum’s newsletters and tell us how they look forward to their annual visit.”
Roger Radcliffe, February 2026
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– – th St Agnes Museum Trust Annual General Meeting 20 Feb 2026
Election of Officers and Committee Members
It was noted with sadness that Colin Harris had recently passed away and that Liz Thompson had
decided to step down. A presentation was made to Liz Thompson as a token of gratitude for her many years of service. The remaining six members of the outgoing committee were willing to stand for re-election.
| Position | Nomination | Proposer | Seconder | Result |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Chair | Roger Radcliffe | Nick Roberts | Amanda Sutherland |
Approved |
| Vice Chair | Clive Benney | Liz Thompson | Simon Tonkin | Approved |
| Secretary | Jackie Cotton | Amanda Sutherland | Tracy Dumper | Approved |
| Treasurer | David Teagle | Sue Amor | Beryl Thomas | Approved |
| Member | Clare Murton | Keith Robertson Six members be re- elected “en bloc” |
||
| Member | Mary Wilson | |||
| Member | Steve Roberts | Neil Roberts | ||
| Member | Nicholas Roberts | |||
| Member | Peter Thomas | |||
| Member | Mike Furness | |||
| Member | Ralph Fisher | Jackie Cotton | Mike Furness | Approved |
| Member | Tracy Dumper | Clare Murton | Riger Radcliffe | Approved |
Appointment of Independent Examiner
It was proposed by Clive Benney, seconded by Clare Murton that Claire Morgan of Champion Accountancy be appointed as independent examiner of the accounts for 2026 ; approved by show of hands
AOB - None
Date of next AGM – Monday 22[nd] February 2027, 19:00 at the Chapel
Meeting closed 20:10pm
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– – St Agnes Museum Trust Annual General Meeting 20
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– – th St Agnes Museum Trust Annual General Meeting 20 Feb 2026
Section A Independent Examiner’s Report ~~ee~~
Charity Name
ST AGNES MUSEUM TRUST
Report to the trustees/ members of On accounts for the year ended
30[TH] NOVEMBER 2025
Set out on pages
1 and 2
(remember to include the page numbers of additional sheets)
Responsibilities and basis of report
I report to the trustees on my examination of the accounts of the above charity (“the Trust”) for the year ended 30/11/2025.
As the charity trustees of the Trust, you are responsible for the preparation of the accounts in accordance with the requirements of the Charities Act 2011 (“the Act”).
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– – th St Agnes Museum Trust Annual General Meeting 20 Feb 2026
I report in respect of my examination of the Trust’s accounts carried out under section 145 of the 2011 Act and in carrying out my examination, I have followed the applicable Directions given by the Charity Commission under section 145(5)(b) of the Act.
Independent examiner's statement
I have completed my examination. I confirm that no material matters have come to my attention in connection with the examination which gives me cause to believe that in, any material respect:
-
accounting records were not kept in accordance with section 130 of the Act or
-
the accounts do not accord with the accounting records
I have no concerns and have come across no other matters in connection with the examination to which attention should be drawn in order to enable a proper understanding of the accounts to be reached.
- Please delete the words in the brackets if they do not apply.
Signed:
Name:
Claire Morgan
Relevant professional qualifcation(s) or body (if any):
FMAAT
Address:
East Lynne , Mithian Downs, St Agnes.
TR5 0PY
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– – St Agnes Museum Trust Annual General Meeting 20
Section B Disclosure
Only complete if the examiner needs to highlight matters of concern (see CC32, Independent examination of charity accounts: directions and guidance for examiners).
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ST AGNES MUSEUM TRUST
YEAR TO 30TH. NOVEMBER 2025 RECEIPTS
| YEAR TO 30TH. NOVEMBER 2025 RECEIPTS |
YEAR TO 30TH. NOVEMBER 2025 RECEIPTS |
YEAR TO 30TH. NOVEMBER 2025 RECEIPTS |
|---|---|---|
| Shop Sales £13,320.09 Postage received £158.55 £13,478.64 Donations - Izettle £942.01 Donations £4,370.48 £5,312.49 Donations toward Exhibits £890.79 Membership 2025 £1,380.00 Membership 2026 £632.00 Gift Aid £1,547.67 Events £683.10 Donation, Cornwall Council £1,000.00 Donation St Agnes LIC Advertising in Journal £260.00 Interest Received £501.97 ### EXPENSES Purchases £8,676.10 Cost of Postage on Sales £166.27 Insurance £2,515.32 Printing £1,338.00 Electricity £3,890.47 Repairs £5,474.67 Post and Admin £736.73 Exhib Purchases £0.00 Display Expenses £282.35 Events and Meetings AGM £45.00 Telephone £153.73 Cabinet £1,408.62 St Agnes OCS -£1,343.88 £64.74 Rent and Rates £5.00 Water £142.61 Credit Card Charges £474.44 £0.00 Professional Fees Accy, ICO £592.00 Misc (AIM, MODES USER ASSN) £0.00 ### Excess of income over Expenditure £1,129.23 |
||
| £1,129.23 |
| Bank Balance, 1st. December 2024 | £1,853.25 | ||
|---|---|---|---|
| Deposit Bank Balance | £39,480.91 | ||
| Paypal A/c | £0.00 | ||
| Cash in Hand | £20.00 | ### | |
| Bank Balance, 18th. Nvember 2025 | £1,480.51 | ||
| O/s Deposits | £0.00 | ||
| O/s Payments | £0.00 | £1,480.51 | |
| Deposit Bank Balance | £40,982.88 | ||
| Paypal Account | £0.00 | ||
| Cash in Hand | £20.00 | ### | |
| CHECK FIGURE | ### |
Independent examiner's report on the accounts
Section A Independent Examiner’s Report
Report to the trustees/ members of
Charity Name
ST AGNES MUSEUM TRUST
On accounts for the year ended
30[TH] NOVEMBER 2025
Charity no (if any)
1095051
Set out on pages
1 and 2
(remember to include the page numbers of additional sheets)
Responsibilities and basis of report
I report to the trustees on my examination of the accounts of the above charity (“the Trust”) for the year ended 30/11/2025.
As the charity trustees of the Trust, you are responsible for the preparation of the accounts in accordance with the requirements of the Charities Act 2011 (“the Act”).
I report in respect of my examination of the Trust’s accounts carried out under section 145 of the 2011 Act and in carrying out my examination, I have followed the applicable Directions given by the Charity Commission under section 145(5)(b) of the Act.
Independent examiner's statement
I have completed my examination. I confirm that no material matters have come to my attention in connection with the examination which gives me cause to believe that in, any material respect:
-
accounting records were not kept in accordance with section 130 of the Act or
-
the accounts do not accord with the accounting records
I have no concerns and have come across no other matters in connection with the examination to which attention should be drawn in order to enable a proper understanding of the accounts to be reached.
- Please delete the words in the brackets if they do not apply.
Signed:
1
IER
October
2018
Date:
18/02/2026
Name:
Claire Morgan
Relevant professional qualification(s) or body (if any):
FMAAT
Address:
East Lynne , Mithian Downs, St Agnes.
TR5 0PY
Section B Disclosure
Only complete if the examiner needs to highlight matters of concern (see CC32, Independent examination of charity accounts: directions and guidance for examiners).
Give here brief details of any items that the examiner wishes to disclose .
2
IER
October
2018