Registered number: 03784507
Charity number.. 1111029
Combe Mill Society
UNAUDITED ACCOUNTS
FOR THE YEAR ENDED 31 MARCH 2024
Prepared By:
Andrew A Adams and Co Ltd
Chartered Certified Accountants
Cherry House
Pond Hill
Stonesfield, Witney
Oxfordshire
OX29 8PZ
*AD61thJoc*
2610612024
COMPANIES HOUSE
A05
#182

Combe Mill Society
FINANCIAL STATEMENTS
FOR THE YEAR ENDED 31 MARCH 2024
TRUSTEES
P Hawtin
A Simmons
P Trowles
D Goddard - resigned 1 January 2024
M Gruber
W Foster
S Foster- resigned 21 June 2023
N Evans - appointed 22 June 2023
REGISTERED OFFICE
Blenheim Palace Sawmills
Long Hanborough
Oxfordshire
OX29 8ET
COMPANY NUMBER
03784507
CHARITY NUMBER
1111029
ACCOUNTANTS
Andrew A Adams and Co Ltd
Chartered Certified Accountants
Chery House
Pond Hill
Stonesfield, Witney
Oxfordshire
OX29 8PZ
page 1

Combe Mill Society
ACCOUNTS
FOR THE YEAR ENDED 31 MARCH 2024
CONTENTS
Page
Report of the Trustees
Independent Examinerfs Statement
Statement of Financial Activities
10
Balance Sheet
Notes to the Accounts
12to
15
Detailed Statement of Financial Activities
page 2

Combe Mill Society
Report of the Directors for the year ended 31st March 2024
4 Combe Mill
From: l April 2023 to: 31 March 2024
Charity name: Combe Mill Society
Charity registration number: 1111029
Company number: 03784507
l. Objectlves and activlties
Purpose
The charitrfs objects {'Objects'l are specif ically restricted to the following
l. to advance the education of the public by the operation of Combe Mill at Blenheim Palace
Sawmill, Combe, Witney, OX29 8ET, demonstrating, recording preserving, practising and
disseminating the whole range of skills in the construction, maintenance, operation and
associated activities of water and steam-powered mills, along with items directly associated
with Combe Mill, the Blenheim Estate and Oxfordshire.
2. to research, establish, restore, maintain and equip Combe Mill to demonstrate, improve
and teach the design, construction, operation and use of water- and steam-powered mills
for the purpose of the education of the public, together with the dissemination of the
results of any research conducted and to carry out works for the improvement,
development and promotion of Combe Mill.
Maln actlvltles
The SocietWs main activities are those included in the Society's Objects quoted verbatim above.
Directors. confirmation with respect to public benefit
The directors confirm that to the best of their belief and knowled8e that the decisions that they
have taken are in accordance with the Commission's guidance on public benefit.
The chairman of any meeting of the directors is responsible for advising the meeting, as and
when necessary, as to the need to conform to the Commission's guidance,
Additional informatlon
Combe Mill Society (The Society) does not make grants or social investments as part of its
charitable objectives.
The Society has a total membership of approximately 100- of which half are active and, in a
normal year, contribute to the maintenance and operation of Combe Mill and demonstrate the
working machinery and the supporting craft skills to the visiting public,
In addition. whenever practicable, visitors are encouraged to try their hands at the various
skills. For example:
l) On Steaming Sundays, working in the forge under one to one supervision with an
experienced blacksmith, they can make a poker.
Page 3

Combe Mill Society
Report of the Directors for the year ended 31st March 2024
4 Combe Mill
2) For a more in depth experience a half days blacksm5thing experience is available: again
working with an experienced blacksmith.
3} Alternatively, visitors can try their hand at woodturning whenever there is a competent
wood turner present.
41 The Societvs has small mechanical workshop. This allows visitors to see how Victorian
workshops operated.
Prior to undertaking any of these activities, visitors are given a safety brief ing that includes the
special risks associated with working with heritage machinery and tools.
The above activities require visitors to come to the Mill. Some Members take the Mill to
potential visitors by giving talks on the history of the Mill to other community groups. Similar
talks are given at the Mill when visitors are present.
2. Achievements and performance
We had seven vi51ts from local schools and several evening cub and scout visits. We also
welcomed nine community group visits. A number of talks were given to local clubs and
donations received in return. Our major activity has been in the field of STEM la nationwide
initiative to awaken interest in Science, Technology, Engineering and Mathematics). The
Society's aim is to open the minds of the young and their parents and guardians.
The Mill continues to develop as a recognised leisure destination for the local population which
helps the Trustees to deliver the Society's charitable objectives and at the same time provides
revenue to sustain our activities.
Addltlonal Informatlon
The Society planned and delivered eight steaming events during which all machinery was in
operation. These events attracted 1577 paying visitors. It opened for viewing on Wednesdays
between April and October when another 732 visitors could see volunteers at work and talk to
them about their activities.
3. Financial review
General
Over the year ending March 3151 2024 the Society had an excess of receipts over expenditure of
£7,015 compared with an exce55 of £7,330 in 2023.
The Society generates income from the sale of admission tickets, refreshment5, activity
experiences, retail and the hire of the riverside tea room.
The balance in the Charity's bank current account at 315l March 2024 was £29,056.
The reserves policy of the Trustees is to aim at a situation where the Society has reserves that
will allow it to meet its core costs for one year.
Page 4

Combe Mill Society
Report of the Directors for the year ended 31st March 2024
4 Combe Mill
The society's reserve fund will be required for future major machinery and building
maintenance or replacement costs, It stood at £15,000.00 at the end of the year.
It is the Trustees policy that on-going maintenance is met from current income.
Expenditure
2023124
2022123
Governance- Upkeep £9,655.05 £8,170.51
Charitable Activities
£9,215.57 £8,342.19
Source of funds:
The costs of operating the Mill as an industrial museum in accordance with the Society's Article
of Association is funded through admission charges and the sale of souvenirs and refreshments,
together with the hire of the tea room for meetings and events. This season our income from
charitable and fundraising activities was £40,052.
We received no grants during this financial year.
Generous donations from anonymous donors, Members and Friends of Combe Mill Society,
amounting to £835 have been another source of funding,
Glft Aid was recoverable on the majority of the funds received by donations.
Investment Poll¢y:
The Society's only investments consist of bank deposits and no special social, environmental or
ethical consideration arise.
Additional Information:
Prlnclpal risks faclng the charlty: The Society's basic business model remains critically
dependant on an adequate supply of suitably qualified volunteers. Hlstorically this need has
been mainly supplied by retired persons who have had the necessary technical training during
their employment. The directors are aware that this is a diminishing resource due to the
changing structure of industry.
The Society now seeks volunteers with appropriate basic skills and encourages them to become
members. The Society provides them with the relevant specialised training.
The directors are mindful of the need to ensure financial probity. The Societ￿$ Articles require
that directors must prepare accounts for each financial year as required by the Companies Acts.
The Directors keep accounting records a5 required by the relevant Companies Act and believe
that the accounts:
Show a true and fair view.
Follow accounting standards issued or adopted by the Accounting Standards Board or its
successors and
Page 5

Combe Mill Society
Report of the Directors for the year ended 31st March 2024
4 Combe Mill
Adhere to the recommendations of applicable Statements of Recommended Practice
In order to meet these requirement5, the directors prepare financial statements for each
financial year which give a true and fair view of the state of affairs of the company and of its
incoming resources and application of resources of the company for that period.
The directors are responsible for maintaining satisfactory systems of internal control and
keeping proper accounting records which disclose with reasonable accuracy at any time the
financial position of the company and to enable them to ensure that the financial statements
comply with the appropriate Companies Act and guidance issued by Companies House, The
directors 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.
SO far as the directors are aware, there is no relevant information of whlch the accountants,
who act as Independent Examiners, are unaware. The directors have taken all the steps that
they ought to have taken in order to make themselves aware of any relevant audit information
and to establish that the accountants are aware of that information.
4. Structure, governance and management
Company status,. The Soclety is a charitable company Ilmited by guarantee and its governlng
document takes the form of Articles of Association.
Appointment of directors: The Articles of Associated data 30 July 2021 govern the appointment
of directors.
No director is permitted to appoint an alternate director or anyone to act on his or her behalf at
meetings of the directors,
Co-operatlon wlth other charities.. A number of charities operate on land that is adjacent to the
Society's boundaries. It is the policy of the directors to co-operate with these charities insofar
as the Society's Objects permit.
5. Reference and administrative detai15
Charity name
Other name the charity uses
Registered charity number
Charity's principal address
Combe Mill Society
none
1111029
Combe Mill, Blenheim Palace Sawmill, Combe, Oxfordshire,
OX29 8ET
Page 6

Combe Mill Society
Report of the Dirertors for the year ended 31st March 2024
4 Combe Mill
Dirertors during period l April 2023 and 31 March 2024
DirectOT name
Office lif any
Director
Director
Director
Director & H&S
Director & Treasurer
Director & Chair
Director & Charity Secretary
Director & Chairman
O•te5 elected if not tor whole year
Seconded from 22 June 2023
Resigned l January 2024
N R Evans
D R Goddard
M Gruber
P Hawtin
A G Simmons
W E Foster
P J Trowles
Appointed chair 12 January 2024
S N Foster
Resigned 21 June 2023
Name of dlrectors holdin8 title to property belonging to the charlty
None
6. Funds held as custodlan dlrectors on behalf of others
None
Exemptions from disclosure
None
7. Declarations
The company has taken advantage of the small companies, exemption in preparing the report
above.
The directors declare that they have approved the Directors, Report above and have authorlsed
the chairman to sign it.
Slgned on behalf of the SocietVs Dlrectors
ndy Foster
Chairman
Dated
,16fzf
Page 7

Combe Mill Soclety
INDEPENDENT EXAMINER'S STATEMENT
FOR THE YEAR ENDED 31 MARCH 2024
INDEPENDENT EXAMINER'S REPORT TO THE TRUSTEES OF COMBE MILL SOCIETY
I report on the accounts of the company for the year ended 31 March 2024 .
RESPECTIVE RESPONSIBILITIES OF TRUSTEES AND EXAMINER
The trustees (who are also the directors of the company for the purposes of company law) are
responsible for the preparation of the accounts. The trustees consider that an audit is not required for
this year under section 144(2) of the Charities Act 2011 {the 2011 Act) and that an independent
examination is needed.
Having satisfied myself that the charity is nol subject to an audit under company law and is eligible for
independent examination, it is my responsibility to..
- examine the accounts under section 145 of the 2011 Act.,
follow the procedures laid down in the general Direclions given by the Charity Commission under
section 145(5)(b) of the 2011 Act.. and
stale whether particular matters have come to my attention.
BASIS OF INDEPENDENT EXAMINERS STATEMENT
My examination was carried out in accordance with general Directions given by the Charity
Commission. An examination includes a review of the accounting records kept by the charity and a
comparison of the accounts presented with those records. It also includes consid8ralion of any
unusual items or disclosures in the accounts, and seeking explanations from you as trustees
conceming any such rnatters. The procedures undertaken do not provide all the evidence that would
be required in an audit, and Consequently no opinion is given as to whether the accounts present a
"true and fair view" and the report is limited to those matters set out in the statement below.
INDEPENDENT EXAMINERS STATEMENT
In connection with my examination. no matter has come to my attention..
(1) which gives me reasonable cause to believe that in any material respect the requirements..
- to keep accounting records in accordance with section 386 of the Companies Act 2006; and
to prepare accounts which accord with the accounting records, comply wilh the accounting
requirements of section 396 of the Companies Act 2006 and with the methods and principles of the
Statement of Recommended Practice.. Accounting and Reporting by Charities
have not been met: or
(2) to which, in my opinion. attention should be drawn in order to enable a proper understsnding of the
accounts to be reached
Date: ..
Andrew A Adams and Co Ltd
Chartered Certified Accountants
page 8

Combe Mill Society
INDEPENDENT EXAMINER'S STATEMENT
FOR THE YEAR ENDED 31 MARCH 2024
Cherry House
Pond Hill
Stonesfield, Witney
Oxfordshire
OX29 8PZ
page 9

Combe Mlll Society
Statement of Financial Activities
for the year ended 31 March 2024
2024 2023
Unrestricted Restrlcted
funds
funds
Total
Total
In¢ome
Income from gener8ted funds
Donations and legacies
Income from Investments
Income from charitable activities
Total Income and endowments
Expense8
Costs of generating funds
Expenditure on Raised funds
Expenditure on Charitable activities
Total Expenses
Net gains on inv08tment8
Net Income
834
366
41,966
43,166
834
870
366
246
41,966 37,515
43,166 38,631
10,849
28,205
39,054
10.849 8,116
28.205 25.282
39,054 33,398
4,112
4,112 5,233
Gainsl{losses) on revalualion'of flxed assests
Net movement in funds:
Net income for the year
Total funds brought forward
Net funds carried forward
4,112
50,653
54,765
4,112 5,233
50,653 45,420
54,765 50,653
This statement of financial activities includes all gains and losses recognised in the year. All
income and expendilure derive from continuing activities
page 10

Combe Mlll Society
BALANCE SHEET AT 31 MARCH 2024
2024
2023
Notes
FIXED ASSETS
Tangible assets
CURRENT ASSETS
Stock
Cash at bank and in hand
8,990
9, 920
2.000
44.920
46,920
1,145
3,229
38, 605
41,834
1,100
CREDITORS.. Amounts falling due with5n one year
NET CURRENT ASSETS
TOTAL ASSETS LESS CURRENT LIABILITIES
45,775
54.765
40. 734
50,654
CAPITAL AND RESERVES
Unrestricted funds
General fund
54.765
54.765
50, 654
50, 654
For the year ending 31 March 2024 the company was entitled to exemption under section 477 of the
Companies Act 2006 ￿lating to small companies.
The members have not required the company to obtain an audit in accordance with section 476 of the
Companies Act 2006.
The directors acknowledge their responsibilities for complying with the requirements of the Act with
respect to accounting records and the preparation of accounts.
These accounts have been prepared in accordance with the provisions applicable to companies
subject to the small companies regime.
Approved by the board of trustees on .......... ....
and si
ned on their behalf by
13
OL
P Trowles
Trustee
page11

Combe Mill Society
NOTES TO THE ACCOUNTS
FOR THE YEAR ENDED 31 MARCH 2024
1. ACCOUNTING POLICIES
la. Basis Of Accounting
The accounts have been prepared under the historical cost convention.
The accounts have been prepared in accordance with FRS102 - The Financial Reporting Siandard
applicable in the UK and Republic of Ireland and the Companies Act 2006 and the requirements of the
Statement of Recommended Practice, Accounting and Reporting by Charities.
1b. Incoming Resources
All incoming resources are included on the Statement of Financial Activities when th8 charity is legally
entitled to the income and the amount can be quantified with reasonable accuracy.
1c. Resources Expended
Expenditure Is accounted for on an accruals basis and has been classified under headings that
aggregate all cost related to the category. Where costs cannot be directly attributed to particular
headings they have been allocated to activities on a basis consistent with the use of reSoUr￿s.
1d. Allocatlon And Apportionment Of Costs
All costs relate to the single activity of the charitable company and are recognised accordingly.
le. Fund Accounting
Unrestricted funds can be used in accordance with the charitable objectives at the discretion of the
trustees.
Restricted funds can only be used for particular restricted purposes within the objects of the charity.
Restrictions arise when specified by the donor or when funds are raised for particular restricted
purposes.
Designated funds are funds set aside by the trustees out of unrestricied general funds for the specific
future purposes or projects.
1f. Depreciatio
Depreciation has been provided at the following rates in order to write off the assets over their
estimated useful lives.
Plant and Machinery
reducing balance
200/0
page 12

Combe Mill Society
lg. Stocks
Stocks are stated at the lower of cost and estimated selling price less costs to complete and sell (net
realisable value). Costs, which comprise direct production costs. are based on the method most
appropriate to the type of inventory class. but usually on a first-in-first-out basis. Overheads are
charged to profit or loss as incurred. Net realisable value is based on the eslimated selling price less
any estimated completion or selling costs.
When stocks are sold, the carrying amount of those stocks is recognised as an expense in the period
in which the related revenue is recognis8d. The amount of any write-down of stocks to net realisable
value and all losses of stocks are recognised as an expense in the period in which the write-down or
loss occurs. The amount of any reversal of any write-down of stocks is recognised as a redudion in
the amount of stocks recognised as an expense in the period in which the reversal occurs.
2. EMPLOYEES
2024
No.
2023
No.
Average number of employees
3. TANGIBLE FIXED ASSETS
Plant and
Machlnery
Total
Cost
At 1 April 2023
Additions
At 31 March 2024
Depreclatlon
At 1 April 2023
For the year
At 31 March 2024
Net Book Amounts
At 31 March 2024
Al 31 March 2023
34,861
1,320
36.181
34,861
1,320
36,181
24.941
2.250
27.191
24,941
2,250
27,191
8.990
9,920
8,990
9,920
4. STOCK
2024
2023
Stock comprises..
Stock
2,000
2,000
3,229
3,229
page13

Combe Mlll Society
5. CREDITORS: AMOUNTS FALLING DUE WITHIN ONE
YEAR
2024
2023
Other creditors
1,145
1,145
1. 100
1, 100
6. LIMITED BY GUARANTEE
The company is limiled by guarantee and does not have a share capital. Each member gives a
guarantee to contribute a sum not exceedlng £, to the company should It be wound up. At 31 March
2024 there were members,
7. UNRESTRICTED FUNDS
Brought Incomlng Outgolng Transfers Carrled
forward resources resources
forward
General fund
50,653
50,653
43,166.
43,166
39,054
39.054
54.765
54,765
page 14

Combe Mill Society
Expenses
for the year ended 31 March 2024
2024
2023
Expenses
Costs of generating funds
Costs Of Generatlng Voluntary Income
Purchases
Shop supplies
3,655
7,194
10,849
1,528
6, 588
8,116
10,849
8,116
Charitable Activitles
Insurance
Forge
Heat, light and telephone
Boiler running costs
Maintenance
Accounlancy fees
Administration
Subscriptions
Bank charges
Sundry expenses
Depreciation
2,151
1,603
6,638
1,918
5,432
1.158
6,022
439
2,517
964
5,658
2,233
5,053
1,113
4,775
486
590
2.250
28.205
2,478
25,282
39,054
33,398