Charity registration number 1119178 (England and Wales) Company registration number 05910579
THE NASEBY BATTLEFIELD PROJECT
ANNUAL REPORT AND UNAUDITED FINANCIAL STATEMENTS FOR THE YEAR ENDED 31 MARCH 2025
THE NASEBY BATTLEFIELD PROJECT
LEGAL AND ADMINISTRATIVE INFORMATION
| Patrons | The Rt. Hon. The Earl Spencer DL |
|---|---|
| Sir Richard Rowley Bt | |
| Lord Charles FitzRoy | |
| James Lowther | |
| The Hon. Hugh Fairfax | |
| Professor Andrew Hopper | |
| Trustees | M Linnell |
| D Boulton | |
| S Howat | |
| R A Sales | |
| D R Orme | |
| Charity number | 1119178 |
| Company number | 05910579 |
| Registered office | 167 London Road |
| Leicester | |
| LE2 1EG | |
| Independent examiner | Philip John Dymond FCCA |
| Cheyettes Ltd | |
| 167 London Road | |
| Leicester | |
| LE2 1EG |
THE NASEBY BATTLEFIELD PROJECT
CONTENTS
| Page | |
|---|---|
| Trustees' report | 1 - 3 |
| Independent examiner's report | 4 |
| Statement of financial activities | 5 |
| Balance sheet | 6 |
| Notes to the financial statements | 7 - 12 |
THE NASEBY BATTLEFIELD PROJECT
TRUSTEES' REPORT (INCLUDING DIRECTORS' REPORT) FOR THE YEAR ENDED 31 MARCH 2025
The trustees present their annual report and financial statements for the year ended 31 March 2025.
The financial statements have been prepared in accordance with the accounting policies set out in note 1 to the financial statements and comply with the charity's Memorandum and Articles of Association, the Companies Act 2006 and "Accounting and Reporting by Charities: Statement of Recommended Practice applicable to charities preparing their accounts in accordance with the Financial Reporting Standard applicable in the UK and Republic of Ireland (FRS 102) (effective 1 January 2019)".
Objectives and activities
The charity's objects, as laid down in its Memorandum and Articles of Association, are to educate the public at large concerning the history and rural life in England during the seventeenth century in general and during the period of the English Civil War in particular, in their military, historical, religious, cultural and social aspects; and to promote the preservation and interpretation of the site of the Battle of Naseby which took place on 14th June 1645, and sites relating to the military manoeuvres preceding and subsequent to the same, and to preserve the archaeological features and ecology of the sites as an educational resource.
The trustees have paid due regard to guidance issued by the Charity Commission in deciding what activities the charity should undertake.
Achievements and performance
1. Tours and events
The Naseby Battlefield Project continued to increase the number of tours. In the year ended 31st March 2025 income from tours and events was £10,098; the number of tours and events increased from 28 to 39. This includes the Schools, Scouts, Cadets and Veterans programme of 12 visits involving 340 children and 60 veterans.
Eight tours were public tours where 132 members of the public booked places and four were Harborough walks.
Fourteen were private tours. We launched a new Study Tour for education, commercial and military organisations. Organisations visiting the battlefield included: University of Oxford, Oundle School, Etone College and Packwood Haugh School.
In addition we delivered two speaking engagements and two new tour guides were trained and are now leading tours of the battlefield.
2. Our Naseby, Our Heritage Programme
The Naseby Battlefield Project successfully applied for a grant of £99,850 from the National Lottery Heritage Fund thanks to National Lottery Players. The grant is to develop an education programme, 'Our Naseby, Our Heritage', for schools, youth groups and veterans. It will demonstrate the importance of the events of 14 June 1645 to society and the way we live our lives today. The programme commenced in April 2025.
3. The Battlefield
The Naseby Battlefield Project is grateful for the support of the landowners whose continued support enhances our work. Through 2024 landowners further assisted by making more land available for our tours (including locations at Fairfax viewpoint, Gorse Hill, Dust Hill and Sulby Hedges).
Improvements were made for visitors to the area as the Market Harborough interpretation boards installation was
completed and the Fairfax and Rupert viewpoints were upgraded.
A further successful application was made to the Kelmarsh Windfarm Community Benefit Charitable Incorporated Organisation for £1,588 to improve the fencing around the Naseby Obelisk. The work was completed in April 2025.
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THE NASEBY BATTLEFIELD PROJECT
TRUSTEES' REPORT (INCLUDING DIRECTORS' REPORT) (CONTINUED) FOR THE YEAR ENDED 31 MARCH 2025
4. Other initiatives
The Naseby Battlefield Project Trustees invited suppliers to tender for the maintenance of our website, resulting in a change of supplier and several significant improvements including online booking of tours, integration with our social media output and an online shop.
Our social media presence greatly increased to include regular Instagram, Facebook, LinkedIn and TripAdvisor posts, thanks to the work of volunteers in our Marketing Special Interest Group. TripAdvisor received 21 '5 Star' reviews posted for tours in the year.
In the last year the Trustees approved policies for 'Financial controls', 'Reserves', 'Risk Management' and 'Safeguarding'.
Financial review
Total income during the year was £63,568 (2024 - £10,780), £12,055 of which was unrestricted (2024 - £10,780).
Total expenditure amounted to £22,041 (2024 - £18,026), £14,799 of which related to unrestricted funds (2024 - all expenditure related to unrestricted funds).
At the end of the year the charity held unrestricted funds of £9,044 (2024 - £9,939) and restricted funds of £51,513 (2024 - £9,091). Total funds were therefore £60,557 (2024 - £19,030).
The restricted fund opening balance of £9,939 was for the MHDC grant for notice boards. Expenditure was £7,242 leaving a surplus of £1,849. As conditions for the grant had been achieved the balance was transferred to unrestricted funds.
£49,925 restricted funds for 'Our Naseby, Our Heritage' programme were received from the National Heritage Lottery Fund. No expenditure was incurred in 2025.
£1,588 restricted funds was received from the Kelmarsh Wind Farm. No expenditure was incurred in 2025.
It is the policy of the charity that unrestricted funds which have not been designated for a specific use should be maintained at a level equivalent to between three and six months of operating expenditure. The trustees consider that reserves at this level will ensure that, in the event of a significant drop in funding, they will be able to continue the charity’s current activities while consideration is given to ways in which additional funds may be raised. At 31st March 2025 the unrestricted funds exceeded the target range.
The trustees have assessed the major risks to which the charity is exposed, and are satisfied that systems are in place to mitigate exposure to the major risks.
Structure, governance and management
The charity is a company limited by guarantee with no share capital and is governed by it's Memorandum and Articles of Association dated 18th August 2006. In the event of winding up, the members of the charity guarantee to contribute up to £10 towards the cost of dissolution and liabilities incurred whilst they were members.
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:
M Linnell
D Boulton S Howat R A Sales D R Orme
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THE NASEBY BATTLEFIELD PROJECT
TRUSTEES' REPORT (INCLUDING DIRECTORS' REPORT) (CONTINUED) FOR THE YEAR ENDED 31 MARCH 2025
The charity must have a minimum of three and a maximum of twenty trustees at any one time, all of whom must be members of the Naseby Battlefield Project.
One third (or the nearest one third) of the trustees must retire at each AGM, those longest in office retiring first and the choice between any of equal service being made by drawing lots or asking for volunteers. There is no restriction on the number of terms a trustee may serve for, nor on the period that each trustee may act as an officer of the charity (Chairman or Deputy Chairman).
Members are invited annually to put themselves forward for appointment to the Board at the Annual General Meeting of the charity and where there are more candidates than places available, an election is held.
On appointment to the Board, all new trustees are briefed by the Chairman who provides them with information on their legal obligations under charity and company law, the content of the Memorandum and Articles of Association, the committee and decision making processes, the business plan and recent financial performance of the charity. The briefing is tailored to their particular experience and knowledge of the project. All trustees are encouraged to attend appropriate external training events where these will facilitate the undertaking of their role.
The Board normally meets at least six times a year and has co-opted help in educational and financial management issues. The charity has no paid employees through 2024/25 financial year.
This Report has been prepared having taken advantage of the small companies exemption in the Companies Act 2006 and was approved by the Board of Trustees.
..............................
M Linnell Trustee Dated: .........................
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THE NASEBY BATTLEFIELD PROJECT
INDEPENDENT EXAMINER'S REPORT TO THE TRUSTEES OF THE NASEBY BATTLEFIELD PROJECT
I report to the trustees on my examination of the financial statements of The Naseby Battlefield Project (the charity) for the year ended 31 March 2025.
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.
Having satisfied myself that the financial statements of the charity are not required to be audited under Part 16 of the Companies Act 2006 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. In carrying out my examination I have followed the Directions given by the Charity Commission under section 145(5)(b) of the Charities Act 2011.
Independent examiner's statement
I have completed my examination. I confirm that no matters have come to my attention in connection with the examination giving me cause to believe that in any material respect:
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1 accounting records were not kept in respect of the charity as required by section 386 of the Companies Act 2006.
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2 the financial statements do not accord with those records; or
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3 the financial statements do not comply with the accounting requirements of section 396 of the Companies Act 2006 other than any requirement that the financial statements give a true and fair view, which is not a matter considered as part of an independent examination; or
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4 the financial statements have not been prepared in accordance with the methods and principles of the Statement of Recommended Practice for accounting and reporting by charities applicable to charities preparing their financial statements in accordance with the Financial Reporting Standard applicable in the UK and Republic of Ireland (FRS 102).
I have no concerns and have come across no other matters in connection with the examination to which attention should be drawn in this report in order to enable a proper understanding of the financial statements to be reached.
Cheyettes Ltd 167 London Road Leicester LE2 1EG
Dated: .........................
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THE NASEBY BATTLEFIELD PROJECT
STATEMENT OF FINANCIAL ACTIVITIES INCLUDING INCOME AND EXPENDITURE ACCOUNT
FOR THE YEAR ENDED 31 MARCH 2025
| Unrestricted Restricted funds funds 2025 2025 Notes £ £ Income from: Donations and legacies 2 12,055 51,513 Total income 12,055 51,513 Expenditure on: Raising funds 3 113 - Charitable activities 4 14,686 7,242 Total expenditure 14,799 7,242 Net income/(expenditure) (2,744) 44,271 Transfers between funds 1,849 (1,849) Net movement in funds (895) 42,422 Reconciliation of funds: Fund balances at 1 April 2024 9,939 9,091 Fund balances at 31 March 2025 9,044 51,513 |
Total Unrestricted Restricted funds funds 2025 2024 2024 £ £ £ 63,568 10,780 - 63,568 10,780 - 113 - - 21,928 18,026 - 22,041 18,026 - 41,527 (7,246) - - - - 41,527 (7,246) - 19,030 17,185 9,091 60,557 9,939 9,091 |
Total 2024 £ 10,780 10,780 - 18,026 18,026 (7,246) - (7,246) 26,276 19,030 |
|---|---|---|
The statement of financial activities includes all gains and losses recognised in the year. All income and expenditure derive from continuing activities.
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THE NASEBY BATTLEFIELD PROJECT
BALANCE SHEET
AS AT 31 MARCH 2025
| Notes Current assets Debtors 8 Cash at bank and in hand Creditors: amounts falling due within one year 9 Net current assets Net assets The funds of the charity Restricted income funds 10 Unrestricted funds |
2025 £ 1,440 59,825 61,265 (708) |
£ 60,557 60,557 51,513 9,044 60,557 |
2024 £ 376 19,318 19,694 (664) |
£ 19,030 |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| 19,030 | ||||
| 9,091 9,939 |
||||
| 19,030 |
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 March 2025.
The trustees 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 .........................
..............................
M Linnell Trustee
Company registration number 05910579 (England and Wales)
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THE NASEBY BATTLEFIELD PROJECT
NOTES TO THE FINANCIAL STATEMENTS FOR THE YEAR ENDED 31 MARCH 2025
1 Accounting policies
Charity information
The Naseby Battlefield Project is a private company limited by guarantee incorporated in England and Wales. The registered office is 167 London Road, Leicester, LE2 1EG.
1.1 Accounting convention
The financial statements have been prepared in accordance with the charity's Memorandum and Articles of Association, the Companies Act 2006 and "Accounting and Reporting by Charities: Statement of Recommended Practice applicable to charities preparing their accounts in accordance with the Financial Reporting Standard applicable in the UK and Republic of Ireland (FRS 102) (effective 1 January 2019)". The charity is a Public Benefit Entity as defined by FRS 102.
The charity has taken advantage of the provisions in the SORP for charities applying FRS 102 Update Bulletin 1 not to prepare a Statement of Cash Flows.
The financial statements are prepared in sterling, which is the functional currency of the charity. Monetary amounts in these financial statements are rounded to the nearest £.
The financial statements have been prepared under the historical cost convention. The principal accounting policies adopted are set out below.
1.2 Going concern
At the time of approving the financial statements, the trustees have a reasonable expectation that the charity has adequate resources to continue in operational existence for the foreseeable future. Thus the trustees continue to adopt the going concern basis of accounting in preparing the financial statements.
1.3 Charitable funds
Unrestricted funds are available for use at the discretion of the trustees in furtherance of their charitable objectives.
Restricted funds are subject to specific conditions by donors or grantors as to how they may be used. The purposes and uses of the restricted funds are set out in the notes to the financial statements.
Endowment funds are subject to specific conditions by donors that the capital must be maintained by the charity.
1.4 Income
Income is recognised when the charity is legally entitled to it after any performance conditions have been met, the amounts can be measured reliably, and it is probable that income will be received.
Cash donations are recognised on receipt. Other donations are recognised once the 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 included in the financial statements on an accruals basis, inclusive of any VAT which cannot be recovered.
The costs of raising funds comprise those costs associated with attracting voluntary income.
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THE NASEBY BATTLEFIELD PROJECT
NOTES TO THE FINANCIAL STATEMENTS (CONTINUED) FOR THE YEAR ENDED 31 MARCH 2025
1 Accounting policies
(Continued)
Charitable expenditure comprises those costs incurred by the charity in the delivery of its activities and services. It includes both costs that can be allocated directly to such activities and those of an indirect nature necessary to support them.
1.6 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.
1.7 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.
Derecognition of financial liabilities
Financial liabilities are derecognised when the charity’s contractual obligations expire or are discharged or cancelled.
1.8 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.
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THE NASEBY BATTLEFIELD PROJECT
NOTES TO THE FINANCIAL STATEMENTS (CONTINUED) FOR THE YEAR ENDED 31 MARCH 2025
2 Income from donations and legacies
| Unrestricted Restricted funds funds 2025 2025 £ £ Donations and gifts 12,055 - Grants receivable - 51,513 12,055 51,513 Donations and gifts Other 12,055 - 12,055 - Kelmarsh Windfarm - 1,588 National Heritage Lottery Fund - 49,925 - 51,513 |
Total Unrestricted Restricted funds funds 2025 2024 2024 £ £ £ 12,055 10,780 - 51,513 - - 63,568 10,780 - 12,055 10,780 - 12,055 10,780 - 1,588 - - 49,925 - - 51,513 - - |
Total 2024 £ 10,780 - |
|---|---|---|
| 10,780 | ||
| 10,780 | ||
| 10,780 | ||
| - - |
||
| - |
3 Expenditure on raising funds
| Unrestricted | Unrestricted | |
|---|---|---|
| funds | funds | |
| 2025 | 2024 | |
| £ | £ | |
| Fundraising and publicity | ||
| Advertising | 113 | - |
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THE NASEBY BATTLEFIELD PROJECT
NOTES TO THE FINANCIAL STATEMENTS (CONTINUED) FOR THE YEAR ENDED 31 MARCH 2025
4 Charitable activities
| Direct expenditure Repairs and maintenance Legal, professional and consultancy Independent examination Insurance Office expenses General expenses Charitable expenditure heading 11 Analysis by fund Unrestricted funds Restricted funds |
2025 £ 814 10,106 1,416 708 1,496 5,489 1,782 117 21,928 21,928 14,686 7,242 21,928 |
2024 £ - 5,281 826 664 1,502 9,148 605 - |
|---|---|---|
| 18,026 | ||
| 18,026 | ||
| 18,026 - |
||
| 18,026 |
5 Trustees
None of the trustees (or any persons connected with them) received any remuneration, benefits or reimbursement of expenses from the charity during the year.
6 Employees
The average monthly number of employees during the year was:
| 2025 | 2024 | |
|---|---|---|
| Number | Number | |
| Trustee directors | 5 | 5 |
There were no employees whose annual remuneration was more than £60,000.
7 Taxation
The charity is exempt from taxation on its activities because all its income is applied for charitable purposes.
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THE NASEBY BATTLEFIELD PROJECT
NOTES TO THE FINANCIAL STATEMENTS (CONTINUED) FOR THE YEAR ENDED 31 MARCH 2025
8 Debtors
| Amounts falling due within one year: Prepayments and accrued income 9 Creditors: amounts falling due within one year Accruals and deferred income |
2025 £ 1,440 2025 £ 708 |
2024 £ 376 |
|---|---|---|
| 2024 £ 664 |
10 Restricted funds
The restricted funds of the charity comprise the unexpended balances of donations and grants held on trust subject to specific conditions by donors as to how they may be used.
| Movement | Movement in funds | Movement in funds | |||||||
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| in funds | |||||||||
| Balance at | Incoming | Balance at | Incoming | Resources | Transfers | Balance at | |||
| 1 April 2023 | resources | 1 April 2024 | resources | expended | 31 | March 2025 | |||
| £ | £ | £ | £ | £ | £ | £ | |||
| Learning | |||||||||
| Links | 91 | - | 91 | - | - | (91) | - | ||
| Harborough | |||||||||
| District | |||||||||
| Council | 9,000 | - | 9,000 | - | (7,242) | (1,758) | - | ||
| National | |||||||||
| Heritage | |||||||||
| Lottery Fund | - | - | - | 49,925 | - | - | 49,925 | ||
| Kelmarsh | |||||||||
| Windfarm | - | - | - | 1,588 | - | - | 1,588 | ||
| 9,091 | - | 9,091 | 51,513 | (7,242) | (1,849) | 51,513 |
Learning Links - funds provided for e-learning projects, specifically audio guides to the Naseby Battlefield for school children and for blind and partially sighted users.
Harborough District Council - a secured grant to support the creation of 6 new information panels at specific Naseby Battlefield sites and the printing of new information leaflets.
National Heritage Lottery Fund - a secured grant, thanks to National Lottery players, to develop an education programme, 'Our Naseby, Our Heritage', for schools, youth groups and veterans. It will demonstrate the importance of the events of 14 June 1645 to society and the way we live our lives today.
Kelmarsh Windfarm Community Benefit - a secured grant to support replacement fencing and access gate to Naseby Obelisk.
The above transfers relate to the printing of leaflets.
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THE NASEBY BATTLEFIELD PROJECT
NOTES TO THE FINANCIAL STATEMENTS (CONTINUED) FOR THE YEAR ENDED 31 MARCH 2025
11 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 General funds Previous year: At General funds 12 Analysis of net assets between funds Unrestricted funds 2025 £ Fund balances at 31 March 2025 are represented by: Current assets/(liabilities) 9,044 9,044 |
At General funds Previous year: At General funds 12 Analysis of net assets between funds Unrestricted funds 2025 £ Fund balances at 31 March 2025 are represented by: Current assets/(liabilities) 9,044 9,044 |
1 April 2024 Incoming resources Resources expended Transfers At 31 March 2025 £ £ £ £ £ 9,939 12,055 (14,799) 1,849 9,044 1 April 2023 Incoming resources Resources expended Transfers At 31 March 2024 £ £ £ £ £ 17,185 10,780 (18,026) - 9,939 Restricted funds Total Unrestricted funds Restricted funds Total 2025 2025 2024 2024 2024 £ £ £ £ £ 51,513 60,557 9,939 9,091 19,030 51,513 60,557 9,939 9,091 19,030 |
|---|---|---|
| 9,044 |
13 Operating lease commitments
The charity is committed under the terms of two leases over land on which two viewing platforms have been built forming part of the Battlefield Trail. The leases each provide for a peppercorn rent (if demanded) and require, amongst other things, that the charity should repair, maintain and keep clean and tidy the sites. The inception and terms of the leases are as follows:
Sir Thomas Fairfax Viewpoint: inception 20 April 2007; term 99 years; Prince Rupert's Viewpoint: inception 17 July 2007; term 30 years.
14 Related party transactions
Transactions with related parties
During the year the charity entered into the following transactions with related parties:
During the year, total donations and other income received from various trustees amounted to the sum of £858 (2024 - £222).
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