Company no. 06272084 Charity no. 1120210
Arnos Vale Cemetery Trust Report and Unaudited Financial Statements
31 March 2025
Arnos Vale Cemetery Trust
Contents
| Contents | |
|---|---|
| For the year ended 31 March 2025 | |
| Page | |
| Reference and administrative details | 1 - 2 |
| Trustees' report | 3 - 11 |
| Independent examiner's report | 12 - 13 |
| Consolidated statement of financial activities | 14 |
| Consolidated balance sheet | 15 - 16 |
| Consolidated statement of cash flows | 17 |
| Notes to the financial statements | 18 - 35 |
Arnos Vale Cemetery Trust
Reference and administrative details
For the year ended 31 March 2025
Company number 06272084 Charity number 1120210 Registered office and West Lodge operational address Arnos Vale Cemetery Bath Road Bristol BS4 3EW
Trustees Trustees, who are also directors under company law, who served during the year and up to the date of this report were as follows: Alexander Bishop[2] Dr Charles Booth[2] Jos Clark Sally Cordwell Appointed 5 March 2025 Emily Corrigan Appointed 18 February 2025 Paul Davis Resigned 22 January 2025 Nicola Dunford[2] Appointed 18 February 2025 Nigel Dyke (Chair)[1] Daniel Flew Andrew Jenkins[1] Appointed 18 February 2025 Matt Kyle[2] Stephanie Mustoe[1] Zia Rahman Appointed 2 April 2025 Lynn Robinson Resigned 17 September 2024 Lindsay Telling Resigned 17 September 2024 Charles Whittaker Appointed 18 February 2025 Mary Wood 1 Member of Finance Committee 2 Member of Governance and HR Committee Chief executive officer Ann Fiddler Bankers Lloyds Bank Plc Flagstone 248 Wells Road 1st Floor, Clareville House, Knowle 26-27 Oxendon Street Bristol London BS4 2PY SW1Y 4EL CAF Bank Ltd 25 Kings Hill Avenue Kings Hill West Malling Kent ME19 4JQ
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Arnos Vale Cemetery Trust
Reference and administrative details
For the year ended 31 March 2025
Investment RBC Brewin Dolphin fund managers 40 Queens Square Bristol BS1 4QP Independent Godfrey Wilson Limited examiners Chartered Accountants and Statutory Auditors 5th Floor Mariner House 62 Prince Street Bristol BS1 4QD
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Arnos Vale Cemetery Trust
Report of the Trustees
For the year ended 31 March 2025
The Trustees, who are also the Directors under company law, present their annual report and financial statements for the year ended 31 March 2025.
Reference and administrative information set out on pages 1 and 2 forms part of this report. The financial statements comply with current statutory requirements, the Articles of Association and the Statement of Recommended Practice - Accounting and Reporting by Charities.
The Trust and group structure
History of the Trust
Arnos Vale Cemetery is a spectacular 45-acre Victorian Garden Cemetery in the heart of Bristol. Arnos Vale Cemetery Trust (AVCT or the Trust) started out as an unincorporated Trust in 2001, following a campaign to save the cemetery from redevelopment for housing use. The net assets of that original trust were transferred to AVCT on 1 October 2007.
The Cemetery was compulsorily purchased by Bristol City Council (BCC) on 31 October 2002 and was managed by the Trust under a licence to occupy until 30 May 2012, at which date a 125-year lease of the site, with a peppercorn rent, was granted to the Trust by BCC.
The Trust is the beneficiary of two endowment funds. The first created by BCC in three tranches totalling £1,500,000. The second Catalyst fund was created by the Trust and the National Heritage Lottery Fund. These two funds are held and managed by Quartet Community Foundation. The Trust is permitted to draw on the revenue and capital accounts for the purpose of maintaining and developing the cemetery. Capital cannot initially be drawn down on the Catalyst fund until 2041.
Present day
Today, Arnos Vale Cemetery Trust is incorporated as a company limited by guarantee and a registered charity.
The site continues to be a unique heritage site, and beloved Bristol landmark. Arnos Vale Cemetery is a Conservation Area, a Listed Park and Garden and within we have four grade II* Listed Buildings and 26 Listed Monuments. At its heart remains the Victorian scenic estate for recreation and remembrance of those who have died. We continue to offer a range of cemetery services, including traditional and woodland burials and are a serene final resting place and a welcoming location for the loved ones of those who have died.
The estate provides a wonderful space in the heart of Bristol for the local community and is home to diverse wildlife within historic woodlands. The site is managed as a Site of Nature Conservation Interest (SNCI). We have created a bespoke landscape management plan to ensure conservation of the existing grassland and woodland habitats thereby improving their quality to benefit diverse wildlife. Our conservation work is underpinned by a strong community of volunteers, who are key to the maintenance and development of the site.
The site continues to evolve and includes a unique indoor/outdoor venue for weddings and events and provides family experiences including nature trails and forest schools. We provide educational opportunities for all age ranges from preschool to University of the Third Age. We engage our communities through exhibitions, tours and talks, and community projects. A café and shop provide welcome facilities for our visitors. We continue to research the history of the cemetery and those remembered here, to develop our talks, tours and information continually adding to our understanding. Much of this research is undertaken by our volunteers.
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Arnos Vale Cemetery Trust
Report of the Trustees
For the year ended 31 March 2025
Objects of the Trust
The objects and core business of the Trust are:
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To secure the conservation, maintenance, operation and management of Arnos Vale Cemetery and its historic buildings, memorials, tombs and other historic physical features for the public benefit and as a cemetery for the decent burial of the dead;
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To secure the conservation and management of the historic landscape, plants and natural life at Arnos Vale Cemetery for the public benefit;
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To advance the education of the public about the lives of those remembered at Arnos Vale and the historic significance of Arnos Vale Cemetery through the establishment and maintenance of a museum which will safeguard and make available for public viewing and inspection its collection of artefacts and other relevant items. This will permit people to explore the collections, archives and research for inspiration, learning and enjoyment;
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To secure the proper conservation, management and care of the Books of Remembrance, historic burial records, cremation records and other archives relating to the Arnos Vale Cemetery for the public benefit; and
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To do all such other lawful things as are necessary to the attainment of the above objects.
Structure, governance and management
Arnos Vale Cemetery Trust (AVCT or the Trust) was incorporated as a company limited by guarantee on 7 June 2007 and was registered as a charity on 24 July 2007. The governing documents of the Trust are its Articles of Association. The Trust also has a 100% owned subsidiary, Arnos Vale Enterprises Limited (AVCE). The Directors of AVCE are all Directors of the Trust.
The Trust is administered by a board of Directors who meet quarterly. They are responsible for setting the strategy of the Trust, scrutinising and monitoring its operations in pursuit of that strategy, safeguarding its assets, and values, and supporting its work.
The day-to-day operation and management of the Trust is delegated to its staff, led by its Chief Executive Officer, who in turn appoints, through the Senior Leadership Team (SLT), the Trust’s staff.
There are also sub-committees formed to deal with specific remits to report to the Board on a variety of issues. The Finance Committee reviews the financial health of the Trust. The Governance and HR Committee advises on HR matters, identifying risks and ensuing policies are in place.
Full details of the Trustees who served in the year are provided within the Reference and Administrative Information pages at the beginning of these accounts.
Election, recruitment and training of Trustees
New trustees are identified by application and appointed by existing trustees to meet skills gaps on the board of trustees. All such new trustees retire at the next following General Meeting but are eligible to put themselves forward for election by the members at that meeting for a term of three years.
The Articles of Association sets out that the minimum number of trustees is three. The maximum number of trustees is fifteen without an Ordinary Resolution of Members.
Trustees’ terms of office are governed by the Articles of Association, which state, that each trustee who has served for three years must be re-elected by Members but that no trustee may be elected for more than three consecutive terms of three years.
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Arnos Vale Cemetery Trust
Report of the Trustees
For the year ended 31 March 2025
All trustees undergo an induction programme and are issued with a copy of the Charity Commission booklet “The Essential Trustee” as part of their induction programme, which provides them with guidance on the assessment and management of risks and advises them of their responsibility to identify and monitor them. There is a regular skills audit of Trustees to ensure that training needs are met. A number of trustees resigned during the year as their terms came to an end. The skills audit was used to inform the recruitment of new trustees during the year.
Arnos Vale Cemetery Enterprises (AVCE)
The wholly owned trading subsidiary AVCE was incorporated on 14 July 2010 to develop commercial offerings taking advantage of the cemetery’s unique location and history, in a manner consistent with both.
All the subsidiary’s net taxable income generated is transferred to the charity annually. Directors of the trading subsidiary, who are also Trustees of the Charity, draw no salary or dividend from either company.
Remuneration of key management personnel
The Trust’s policy on remuneration of key management personnel aims to ensure that such remuneration is benchmarked against charitable bodies in the Bristol area to ensure that it is competitive. Remuneration levels for all employees are reviewed at least annually by the Finance Committee and are formally approved by the Board of Trustees.
Related parties and co-operation with other organisations
None of the Trustees receive remuneration or benefit from their work with the charity. Any connection between a Trustee or senior manager of the charity with organisations with which the Trust engages must be disclosed to the full board of trustees in the same way as any other contractual relationship with a third party. In the current year no such related party transactions were reported.
Public benefit
The Trustees confirm that they have complied with the duty in section 17 of the Charities Act 2011 to have due regard to the Charity Commission’s guidance on public benefit, ‘Charities and Public Benefit’. The Trustees are mindful of this guidance in setting the objectives for the Trust.
Values of the Trust
The Trust has a very clear set of core values, which underpins all that we do. These values are interwoven into our approach, from interview questions to business planning, and we look for valued based behaviours in everyone who work with us. The core values are:
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Compassion
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▪ Community ▪ Conservation
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Collaboration
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Arnos Vale Cemetery Trust
Report of the Trustees
For the year ended 31 March 2025
Business plan 2021-2024
A new business plan for the Trust will be published in Autumn 2025.
The current plan (2021-2024) identifies the following vision and mission for the Trust: ▪that the Cemetery evolves to stay relevant for Bristol’s communities; and ▪to enhance this special place for all.
The key strategic aims within the plan relate to:
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Conserving the heritage site – to respond to the environmental and behavioural changes to enhance the natural life and heritage assets in a sustainable way;
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Engaging with the community – to better understand the visitors to the site so that we can better provide the services that the community want, in the way that they want it;
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Offering a range of burial & bereavement services – to review and expand our service offering to harness emerging trends;
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Delivering a viable suite of events – to ensure that the suite of events offered is aligned with our mission; and
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Financial sustainability and future security – to (i) secure sufficient funds from multiple sources with a focus on wider fundraising activities, (ii) maximise operational efficiency, and (iii) leverage the benefits of local communities and organisations.
Achievements and performance
Progress against the strategy (2021-2024)
The early years of the plan were particularly impacted by Covid, which significantly changed the delivery of our plans and reshaped the way we operate as we emerged from the pandemic. Our commitment to these aims continues and will form the basis for our next business plan to be published in 2025. We would like to thank our supporters including the Friends of Arnos Vale, individuals, Trusts, Foundations and Government, who have helped us throughout a challenging period.
1. Conservation
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The annual tree survey was completed;
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Our programme of works to manage ash dieback across the site continued this year. Keeping our site safe for our visitors is of key importance and a management plan is in place to clear the most affected and hazardous trees. Significant works were carried out during the winter to complete key areas around Richard Smith Road, Sunshine corner and Top Lodge. Tree surgery costs during the year were again at a significant financial cost to the organisation £21,365 (2024: £35,503), as well as having a significant impact on the physical estate. We estimate this programme will need to continue for a further 5 years;
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The Rooted in Nature project funded by the National Heritage Lottery Fund continued into its third full year, with the aim of broadening community access to nature and the landscape. We continue to work with local charities to expand the diversity and reach of our volunteer offering. The project will contribute towards the longer-term recovery of habitat across the site. This year’s programme included a new course of ‘muddy skills bootcamps’, a six-week course, aimed at young people to familiarise themselves with tangible green skills and key concepts of conservation, and improve their employment opportunities. A new tree trail was launched during the year and 20 small bird boxes, 4 woodpecker boxes, 2 tawny owl boxes and a hedgehog box were introduced as part of the scheme to offset some of the habitat loss from the ash dieback programme;
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Arnos Vale Cemetery Trust
Report of the Trustees
For the year ended 31 March 2025
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The Hope memorial - a memorial to Anne Neilson who died in 1890 - which was damaged in a storm in 2021 was returned to Arnos Vale during the year. The significance of this monument is owed to its renowned symbolism, exceptional craftsmanship and community connection. The project was driven by one of our volunteers, Alan Bambury, in collaboration with the friends of Arnos Vale Cemetery and Bath City College. Alan sadly passed away before the works were completed;
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Work commenced on a programme to improve the public information around the Rajah Ram Mohan Roy's grave. This will include a new interpretation panel which will be installed in the next financial year; and
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Works commenced on the replacement hedge surrounding Garden of Remembrance two, which was badly impacted by box blight. We received significant donations to fund this work driven by the England family and some significant donations. Our grateful thanks to the Englands for their hard work and all of the donors for their generosity.
2. Community engagement
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Our volunteer numbers have grown and remain a key part of ongoing maintenance helping us look after the site for nature and people. A survey was undertaken during the year to better understand our volunteers, their needs and benchmark diversity. We are grateful for their hard work and support;
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Half a million visitor trips were recorded to the Cemetery by gate counters at the site entrances;
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We ran 86 tours (2024: 90) and welcomed 965 (2024: 1029) attendees. Tours included the general cemetery, bat walk, sculpture tours, war graves, tree tours, poetry walks, birds and the morbid curiosity;
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We led 17 Private tours (2024: 13) with 295 (2024: 200) people in attendance on a range of topics;
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53 (2024: 50) family activities were run during school holidays and we welcomed 1,218 (2024: 921) children to site to take part in these events. Thanks to the National Lottery Heritage Fund who supported 16 (2024: 14) of these events through our Rooted In Nature Programme, the majority of which were free;
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We welcomed 15 (2024: 7) schools from across the region, with 503 (2024: 382) children learning about History, Geography, and Science. We continue our partnership with local school Hillcrest who use our site every Monday afternoon. We are grateful to grants from the Nisbet Trust and the DWF Foundation to support educational activities and school trips (note 21);
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Our volunteers continued to offer support with research, tours and in the shop. We are hugely grateful for their dedication;
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Development of our CRM system is ongoing, with new links to tour booking forms and donations via the website to enable us to better understand and communicate with our supporters;
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Monthly newsletters to our volunteers and supporters;
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The feedback from our annual visitor survey remained incredibly positive; and
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Volunteers continue the painstaking process of transcribing our historical burial records from scans of original paper copies into an online database, which will enable increased search capabilities for those wishing to locate historic records and grave locations.
3. Burial and bereavement services
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The Trustees, after a period of consultation, approved over 20 additional grave plots outside the Anglican Chapel during the year. This important move provides the important opportunity for the site to continue to provide services to the public as a working cemetery; and
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We continued to build upon demand for new products, including benches and natural burial woodland plaques, in line with our conservation policy.
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Arnos Vale Cemetery Trust
Report of the Trustees
For the year ended 31 March 2025
4. Events
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The programme saw favourites such as the wedding fair, May and Christmas fairs, the carol service, Christmas memorial service and the Bristol Film Festival continue amongst others. Weddings remained a key feature of the summer programme;
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In November and December we hosted Red Rope theatre company for an extended run of ‘The Fall of the House of Usher’ in the Anglican Chapel. The performances have become a key part of our Christmas programme and was once again very well attended;
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We ran 19 online talks (2024: 9) on subjects ranging from Royal funerals, the history of trepanation and Victorian mourning;
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The site remained a popular site for filming including an Agatha Christie drama and a 1920’s ITV drama; and
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The toilet refurbishment programme in the Spielman was completed in the year supported by a grant of £10,300 from the John James Bristol Foundation. We are grateful for their support. This will improve our visitor experience to the site.
5. Financial sustainability
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The management accounts, budgeting, reserves, forecasting and reporting formats continued to be reviewed and updated. Performance against budget and forecasts were closely monitored by the Board during the year;
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Funds were released from our investments during the year, with a view to ensuring medium term cash flow certainty; and
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A new Fundraising Manager was appointed during the year resulting in a shift in our fundraising strategy to focus more on grant funding.
Financial review and results for the year
The deficit for the year from operating activities (net expenditure from unrestricted funds before transfers) was £123,009 (2024: £140,542).
The aim for 2024/25 was to continue to develop our revenue streams. The main challenges and highlights were:
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Traditional burial spaces were largely complete in the year ended 31 March 2023. In June 2024 the Trustees approved an area for new burials outside the Anglican chapel which increased our capacity for traditional grave spaces to over 20. One plot was sold this year. The remaining plots provide a significant opportunity moving forwards to redevelop this income stream. Increases to cost of living continued the trend towards lower cost cremations, which also impacted our woodland burials. Pricing for all of these areas has been revisited going into the next financial year;
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Continued competition for events spaces, in particular the wedding market, where a relaxation on outdoor wedding spaces during Covid, and increased competition has increased choice in the local market. We revisited all of our wedding packages during the year, and given the lead in times for these, are pleased to see a significant increase in demand in the longer term reflected in deposits;
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Our café saw healthy growth in sales during the year of +8% over the previous financial year and with a new café manager improving our food offering this remains an area of potential growth;
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A competitive employment market, coupled with pressures on wage growth, have made recruitment and retention significantly more challenging;
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The continuing costs associated with a large ash dieback programme. During the year we drew down funding from Quartet Community Foundation to offset this substantial ongoing cost; and
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Arnos Vale Cemetery Trust
Report of the Trustees
For the year ended 31 March 2025
- With a new Fundraising Manager in place we were pleased to secure new grants during the year including restricted funds to support volunteering and school activities (see note 21). Applications are challenging and competitive, but we are grateful for the additional support and opportunities these provide.
The overall deficit for the year, including restricted funds, was £96,643 (2024: £118,770). Given the difficult trading conditions, the Trustees are accepting of the deficit for the year, as an appropriate use of its reserve policy to manage such risks. Looking ahead, we remain optimistic about the future, with a budget in place for 2025/26, which includes the following planned initiatives:
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A review of pricing of Cemetery Services and investment in support services to improve services and revenues in this area;
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A programme of continual review of our offerings through the retail spaces on site;
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A number of grant applications to support our volunteering & estate costs as the National Heritage Lottery funding ends;
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Strengthening existing relationships around events and developing corporate partnerships;
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Continuing to streamline our operations to improve cost effectiveness without compromising quality; and
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A robust programme of cost control.
Investment policy
The primary aims of the Trust’s investment policy are:
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To protect reserves against inflation, and maintain the real capital value of the portfolio over the longer term;
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To make a net (post fees) return on invested sums in excess of that which could be achieved by cash deposit investment;
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Combining these two factors, to make a ‘total real return’ of CPI (Consumer price inflation) + 3%; and
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Through these objectives the Trust aims to protect its capital and generate a sustainable income stream that can be used to further the Trust’s aims.
The Trust’s planned investment time frame is long term. The performance of the investment funds are monitored and reviewed by the Finance Committee against the aims of the investment policy. The investment policy includes ethical guidelines approved by the Trustees in furtherance of our objectives.
Given the financial performance of the Trust over the past 2 years, the Trustees made the difficult decision to realise the investments during the year to ensure medium term cashflow needs are met. The Trustees were satisfied with the gains made by the fund over its life.
| Investment made (August 2023) |
Value at March 2025 | Investment gain in year | Investment gain % |
|---|---|---|---|
| £125,000 | £Nil | £3,298 | 2.4% (7 months) |
The rest of the Trust’s free reserves are managed via a treasury management policy which invests surplus funds in short term deposits which can be accessed readily.
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Arnos Vale Cemetery Trust
Report of the Trustees
For the year ended 31 March 2025
Reserves and going concern
The Trustees’ overarching reserves policy is to manage risk and investment in line with the Trust’s operational strategy. The most recent assessment of reserve levels is to hold approximately 3 months' unrestricted expenditure (C. £200,000) in unrestricted general funds. The Trustees consider that in assessing the current level of reserves together with financial modelling and risk assessments, that the Trust is a going concern. Recognising the continued difficult financial climate that the Trust operates in the Finance Committee will review the reserves policy and the risk profile on at least an annual basis.
At 31 March 2025 the liquid unrestricted funds (defined as net current assets held in general funds) were £65,911 (2024: £702). The Trust also has access to the Endowment funds managed by Quartet Community Foundation, which allow for some capital to be drawn on to meet unexpected costs. During the year the Trust drew down £30,000 of funds from Quartet Community Foundation to fund the remainder of the public toilet refurbishment programme and ash dieback tree works.
Fixed assets
Significant expenditure during the year related to the public toilet refurbishment programme, which was funded in part by a by a grant from the John James Foundation (note 21) and the funds drawdown from Quartet Community Foundation. Changes during the year are explained in note 11 to the financial statements.
Risk management
The Trustees’ Risk Management Policy is to examine the major risks that the Trust faces each financial year and to ensure that there are measures in place to monitor and control these risks and to mitigate any impact that they may have in the future. We place a key emphasis on assurance, particularly external assurance, to effectively manage risk. The key areas of strategic potential risk identified by the Trust are:
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Financial – Current economic climate and changes to the profile of our services post covid has significant impact on income. A recovery plan was introduced during the financial year. Close monitoring of financial situation via management accounts, budgets & reforecasts to allow for timely planning and action. The Finance Committee is meeting on average every six weeks to review performance.
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Financial – Difficulty in securing external funding for capital and revenue projects. New Fundraising Manager in post specialising in Grant funding opportunities.
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Ash dieback – Ash dieback killing a significant number of trees on site, changing nature of site and causing financial issues due to cost of removal. The spread across the site is monitored by annual surveys and a replanting plan is in place. Grant funding applications are being sought to fund this ongoing cost.
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Loss of key personnel – As a small charity the loss of key personnel undermines our ability to operate effectively. Our focus is on ensuring that our employment packages are competitive and that we have a comprehensive training and development programme, backed up by appraisal and supervisory practises to ensure that staff are engaged, supported and developed within their roles. During the year training and development opportunities for staff were centralised and formalised to ensure quality and effective use of resourced.
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Arnos Vale Cemetery Trust
Report of the Trustees
For the year ended 31 March 2025
Statement of responsibilities of the Trustees
The Trustees (who are also Directors of the charity for the purposes of company law) are responsible for preparing the Trustees' report and the financial statements in accordance with applicable law and United Kingdom Accounting Standards, including Financial Reporting Standard 102: The Financial Reporting Standard applicable in the UK and Republic of Ireland (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 income and expenditure of the charity for that period. In preparing those financial statements the Trustees are required to:
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select suitable accounting policies and then apply them consistently;
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▪ observe the methods and principles in the Charities SORP; ▪ make judgements and accounting estimates that are reasonable and prudent;
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state whether applicable UK accounting standards and statements of recommended practice have been followed, subject to any material departures disclosed and explained in the financial statements; and
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prepare the financial statements on the going concern basis unless it is inappropriate to presume that the charity will continue in operation.
The Trustees are responsible for keeping proper accounting records which disclose with reasonable accuracy at any time the financial position of the charity and which enable them to ensure that the financial statements comply with the Companies Act 2006. The Trustees 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.
The Trustees are responsible for the maintenance and integrity of the corporate and financial information included on the charitable company's website. Legislation in the United Kingdom governing the preparation and dissemination of financial statements may differ from legislation in other jurisdictions.
Members of the charity guarantee to contribute an amount not exceeding £5 to the assets of the charity in the event of winding up. The Trustees are members of the charity but this entitles them only to voting rights. The Trustees have no beneficial interest in the charity.
Independent examiners
Godfrey Wilson Limited were re-appointed as independent examiners to the group and parent charity during the year and have expressed their willingness to continue in that capacity.
Approved by the Trustees on 16 September 2025 and signed on their behalf by
Nigel Dyke Trustee
Stephanie Mustoe Trustee
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Independent examiner's report
To the Trustees of
Arnos Vale Cemetery Trust
I report to the Trustees on my examination of the consolidated accounts of the group comprising Arnos Vale Cemetery Trust ('the charity') and its subsidiary undertaking for the year ended 31 March 2025, which are set out on pages 14 to 35.
Responsibilities and basis of report
As the Trustees of the charity you are responsible for the preparation of the consolidated accounts of the group in accordance with the requirements of the Charities Act 2011 ('the Act') and you have chosen to prepare consolidated accounts for the group. You are satisfied that the accounts of both the charity and the group are not required by charity law to be audited and have chosen instead to have an independent examination.
I report in respect of my examination of the consolidated accounts as carried out under section 145 of the Charities Act 2011 (‘the 2011 Act’). In carrying out my examination I have followed the Directions given by the Charity Commission under section 145(5) (b) of the 2011 Act.
An independent examination does not involve gathering all the evidence that would be required in an audit and consequently does not cover all the matters that an auditor considers in giving their opinion on the accounts. The planning and conduct of an audit goes beyond the limited assurance that an independent examination can provide. Consequently I express no opinion as to whether the consolidated accounts present a 'true and fair' view and my report is limited to those specific matters set out in the independent examiner's statement.
Independent examiner’s statement
Since the charitable company’s gross income exceeded £250,000 your examiner must be a member of a body listed in section 145 of the 2011 Act. I confirm that I am qualified to undertake the examination because I am a member of the Institute of Chartered Accountants in England and Wales (ICAEW), which is one of the listed bodies.
Godfrey Wilson Limited also provides payroll services to the Trust. I confirm that as a member of the ICAEW I am subject to the FRC’s Revised Ethical Standard 2024, which I have applied with respect to this engagement.
I have completed my examination. I confirm that no material 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 and the group as required by section 130 of the 2011 Act and, with respect to the subsidiary, as required by section 386 of the Companies Act 2006; or
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(2) the accounts do not accord with those records; or
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(3) the accounts do not comply with the accounting requirements of section 396 of the 2006 Act other than any requirement that the accounts 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 accounts 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 accounts in accordance with the Financial Reporting Standard applicable in the UK and Republic of Ireland (FRS 102).
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Independent examiner's report
To the Trustees of
Arnos Vale Cemetery Trust
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 accounts to be reached.
Dougal Howard
Date: 16 September 2025 Dougal Howard ACA Member of the ICAEW For and on behalf of: Godfrey Wilson Limited Chartered accountants and statutory auditors 5th Floor Mariner House 62 Prince Street Bristol BS1 4QD
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Arnos Vale Cemetery Trust
Consolidated statement of financial activities
(incorporating an income and expenditure account)
For the year ended 31 March 2025
| Restricted Note £ Income from: Donations and legacies 3 78,500 Charitable activities 4 - Other trading activities 5 - Investment income - Total income 78,500 Expenditure on: Raising funds: Voluntary income - Fundraising trading - Investment management - Charitable activities 52,134 Total expenditure 7 52,134 Net gains on investments - Net income / (expenditure) 26,366 Transfers between funds (40,300) Net movement in funds 8 (13,934) Reconciliation of funds: Total funds brought forward 39,608 Total funds carried forward 25,674 |
Unrestricted £ 137,209 182,404 370,892 4,785 695,290 15,717 361,569 9,817 434,494 821,597 3,298 (123,009) 40,300 (82,709) 226,009 143,300 |
2025 Total £ 215,709 182,404 370,892 4,785 773,790 15,717 361,569 9,817 486,628 873,731 3,298 (96,643) - (96,643) 265,617 168,974 |
2024 Total £ 211,819 177,619 350,791 1,868 |
|---|---|---|---|
| 742,097 | |||
| 13,492 361,034 9,617 487,626 |
|||
| 871,769 | |||
| 10,902 | |||
| (118,770) - |
|||
| (118,770) 384,387 |
|||
| 265,617 |
All of the above results are derived from continuing activities. There were no other recognised gains or losses other than those stated above. Movements in funds are disclosed in note 21 to the accounts.
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Arnos Vale Cemetery Trust
Consolidated and charity balance sheets
As at 31 March 2025
| Note Fixed assets Tangible assets 11 Investments 12 Current assets Stock 15 Debtors 16 Cash at bank and in hand Liabilities 17 Net current assets Total assets less current liabilities 18 Net assets 20 Funds 21 Restricted funds Unrestricted funds Designated funds General funds Total funds Creditors: amounts falling due within 1 year Creditors: amounts falling due after more than 1 year |
Group 2025 £ 68,474 - 68,474 10,660 52,057 144,625 207,342 (92,518) 114,824 183,298 (14,324) 168,974 40,674 8,239 120,061 168,974 |
Group 2024 £ 77,170 135,977 213,147 14,575 41,194 78,000 133,769 (75,856) 57,913 271,060 (5,443) 265,617 39,608 17,603 208,406 265,617 |
Charity 2025 £ 64,437 1 64,438 - 32,074 95,486 127,560 (28,936) 98,624 163,062 - 163,062 40,674 8,239 114,149 163,062 |
Charity 2024 £ 70,363 135,978 |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| 206,341 - 20,355 57,385 |
||||
| 77,740 (19,712) |
||||
| 58,028 | ||||
| 264,369 - |
||||
| 264,369 | ||||
| 39,608 17,603 207,158 |
||||
| 264,369 |
15
Arnos Vale Cemetery Trust
Consolidated and charity balance sheets
As at 31 March 2025
The directors are satisfied that the company is entitled to exemption from the provisions of the Companies Act 2006 (the Act) relating to the audit of the financial statements for the year by virtue of section 477, and that no member or members have requested an audit pursuant to section 476 of the Act.
The directors acknowledge their responsibilities for:
-
(i) ensuring that the Company keeps proper accounting records which comply with section 386 of the Act; and
-
(ii) preparing financial statements which give a true and fair view of the state of affairs of the Company as at the end of the financial year and of its profit or loss for the financial year in accordance with the requirements of section 393, and which otherwise comply with the requirements of the Act relating to financial statements, so far as applicable to the company.
These accounts have been prepared in accordance with the special provisions applicable to companies subject to the small companies' regime.
Approved by the Trustees on 16 September 2025 and signed on their behalf by
Nigel Dyke - Chair of Trustees
Stephanie Mustoe - Trustee
16
Arnos Vale Cemetery Trust
Consolidated statement of cash flows
For the year ended 31 March 2025
| Cash used in operating activities: Net movement in funds Adjustments for: Depreciation charges Gains on investments Interest from investments Decrease / (increase) in stock (Increase) / decrease in debtors Increase in creditors Net cash used in operating activities Cash flows from investing activities: Interest from investments Purchase of tangible fixed assets Sales of investments Purchase of investments Net cash provided by / (used in) investing activities Increase / (decrease) in cash and cash equivalents in the year Cash and cash equivalents at the beginning of the year Cash and cash equivalents at the end of the year Cash and cash equivalents comprise: Cash at bank and in hand Cash held in investments |
2025 £ (96,643) 37,579 (3,298) (4,785) 3,915 (10,863) 25,543 (48,552) 4,785 (28,883) 143,224 (9,500) 109,626 61,074 83,551 144,625 144,625 - 144,625 |
2024 £ (118,770) 54,465 (10,902) (1,868) (3,833) 19,981 7,677 |
|---|---|---|
| (53,250) | ||
| 1,868 (22,364) - (119,524) |
||
| (140,020) | ||
| (193,270) 276,821 |
||
| 83,551 | ||
| 78,000 5,551 |
||
| 83,551 |
The charity has not provided an analysis of changes in net debt as it does not have any long term financing arrangements.
17
Arnos Vale Cemetery Trust
Notes to the financial statements
For the year ended 31 March 2025
1. Accounting policies
a) Basis of preparation
Arnos Vale Cemetery Trust is a charitable company limited by guarantee registered in England and Wales. The registered office address is West Lodge, Arnos Vale Cemetery, Bath Road, Bristol, BS4 3EW.
The financial statements have been prepared in accordance with Accounting and Reporting by Charities: Statement of Recommended Practice applicable to charities in preparing their accounts in accordance with the Financial Reporting Standard applicable in the UK and Republic of Ireland (FRS 102) (effective 1 January 2019) - (Charities SORP (FRS 102)), the Financial Reporting Standard applicable in the UK and Republic of Ireland (FRS 102) and the Companies Act 2006.
Arnos Vale Cemetery Trust meets the definition of a public benefit entity under FRS 102. Assets and liabilities are initially recognised at historical cost or transaction value unless otherwise stated in the relevant accounting policy note.
b) Group accounts
These financial statements consolidate the results of the charitable company and its whollyowned (controlled) subsidiary on a line by line basis. Transactions and balances between the charitable company and its subsidiary have been eliminated from the consolidated financial statements. Balances between the two companies are disclosed in the notes of the charitable company's balance sheet. A separate statement of financial activities, or income and expenditure account, for the charitable company itself is not presented because the charitable company has taken advantage of the exemptions afforded by section 408 of the Companies Act 2006.
c) Going concern basis of accounting
The accounts have been prepared on the assumption that the charity is able to continue as a going concern, which the trustees consider appropriate having regard to the current level of unrestricted reserves. There are no material uncertainties about the charity's ability to continue as a going concern.
d) Income
Income is recognised when the charity has entitlement to the funds, any performance conditions attached to the item of income have been met, it is probable that the income will be received and the amount can be measured reliably.
Income from the government and other grants, whether 'capital' grants or 'revenue' grants, is recognised when the charity has entitlement to the funds, any performance conditions attached to the grants have been met, it is probable that the income will be received and the amount can be measured reliably and is not deferred.
18
Arnos Vale Cemetery Trust
Notes to the financial statements
For the year ended 31 March 2025
1. Accounting policies (continued)
d) Income (continued)
- For legacies, entitlement is taken as the earlier of the date on which either: the charity is aware that probate has been granted, the estate has been finalised and notification has been made by the executor(s) to the Trust that a distribution will be made, or when a distribution is received from the estate. Receipt of a legacy, in whole or in part, is only considered probable when the amount can be measured reliably and the charity has been notified of the executor's intention to make a distribution. Where legacies have been notified to the charity, or the charity is aware of the granting of probate, and the criteria for income recognition have not been met, then the legacy is treated as a contingent asset and disclosed if material.
Income from other trading activities is recognised when the goods or services are delivered. Income received in advance of events or hire is deferred until the event is held.
e) Interest receivable
Interest on funds held on deposit is included when receivable and the amount can be measured reliably by the charity: this is normally upon notification of the interest paid or payable by the bank.
f) Funds accounting
Unrestricted funds are available to spend on activities that further any of the purposes of the charity. Designated funds are unrestricted funds of the charity which the trustees have decided at their discretion to set aside to use for a specific purpose. Restricted funds are donations which the donor has specified are to be solely used for particular areas of the charity's work or for specific projects being undertaken by the charity.
g) Expenditure and irrecoverable VAT
Expenditure is recognised once there is a legal or constructive obligation to make a payment to a third party, it is probable that settlement will be required and the amount of the obligation can be measured reliably.
Irrecoverable VAT is charged as a cost against the activity for which the expenditure was incurred.
h) Allocation of support and governance costs
Support costs are those functions that assist the work of the charity but do not directly undertake charitable activities. Governance costs are the costs associated with the governance arrangements of the charity, including the costs of complying with constitutional and statutory requirements and any costs associated with the strategic management of the charity’s activities. These costs have been allocated between the cost of raising funds and expenditure on charitable activities on the basis of staff time, as follows:
| 2025 | 2024 | |
|---|---|---|
| Raising funds (voluntary income) | 4.5% | 4.4% |
| Charitable activities | 95.5% | 95.6% |
19
Arnos Vale Cemetery Trust
Notes to the financial statements
For the year ended 31 March 2025
1. Accounting policies (continued)
i) Tangible fixed assets
Depreciation is provided at rates calculated to write down the cost of each asset to its estimated residual value over its expected useful life. The depreciation rates in use are as follows:
Long term leasehold property improvements 10% straight line Motor vehicles 25% straight line Fixtures and fittings 10% - 25% straight line
Items of equipment are capitalised where the purchase price exceeds £1,000.
j) Investments
Investments in subsidiaries are valued at cost less provision for impairment.
Investments are valued initially at cost and subsequently at fair value based upon the quoted market prices (current bid price) at the balance sheet date. Realised and unrealised gains or losses on revaluation or disposal are combined in the Consolidated Statement of Financial Activities. Income from these investments is recognised in the year in which it arises. Income directly reinvested in a fund without any cash distribution to the company is treated as a gain.
k) Stock
Stock is valued at the lower of cost and net realisable value, after making due allowance for obsolete and slow-moving items.
l) Debtors
Trade and other debtors are recognised at the settlement amount due after any trade discount offered. Prepayments are valued at the amount prepaid net of any trade discounts due.
m) Cash at bank and in hand
Cash at bank and cash in hand includes cash and short term highly liquid investments with a short maturity of three months or less from the date of acquisition or opening of the deposit or similar account.
n) Creditors
Creditors and provisions are recognised where the charity has a present obligation resulting from a past event that will probably result in the transfer of funds to a third party and the amount due to settle the obligation can be measured or estimated reliably. Creditors and provisions are normally recognised at their settlement amount after allowing for any trade discounts due.
o) Financial instruments
The trust only has financial assets and financial liabilities of a kind that qualify as basic financial instruments. Basic financial instruments are initially recognised at transaction value and subsequently measured at their settlement value with the exception of bank loans which are subsequently recognised at amortised cost using the effective interest method.
p) Pension costs
The charity operates a defined contribution pension scheme for its employees. There are no further liabilities other than that already recognised in the statement of financial activities.
20
Arnos Vale Cemetery Trust
Notes to the financial statements
For the year ended 31 March 2025
1. Accounting policies (continued)
q) Operating leases
- Rental payments under operating leases are charged to the statement of financial activities on a straight line basis over the term of the relevant lease.
r) Accounting estimates and key judgements
In the application of the charity's accounting policies, the trustees are required to make judgements, estimates and assumptions about the carrying values of assets and liabilities that are not readily apparent from other sources. The estimates and underlying 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 if the revision affects only that period, or in the period of the revision and future periods if the revision affects both current and future periods.
The key sources of estimation uncertainty that have a significant effect on the amounts recognised in the financial statements are depreciation as described in note 1(i) above.
2. Prior period comparatives: consolidated statement of financial activities
| Income from: Donations and legacies Charitable activities Other trading activities Investment income Total income Expenditure on: Raising funds: Voluntary income Fundraising trading Investment management Charitable activities Total expenditure Net gains on investments Net income / (expenditure) Transfers between funds Net movement in funds |
Restricted £ £ 100,380 111,439 - 177,619 - 350,791 - 1,868 100,380 641,717 - 13,492 - 361,034 - 9,617 78,608 409,018 78,608 793,161 - 10,902 21,772 (140,542) (11,211) 11,211 10,561 (129,331) Unrestricted |
2024 Total £ 211,819 177,619 350,791 1,868 |
|---|---|---|
| 742,097 | ||
| 13,492 361,034 9,617 487,626 |
||
| 871,769 | ||
| 10,902 | ||
| (118,770) - |
||
| (118,770) |
21
Arnos Vale Cemetery Trust
Notes to the financial statements
For the year ended 31 March 2025
3. Income from donations and legacies
| Donations Grants Quartet investment Total income from donations and legacies Prior period comparative: Donations Legacies Grants Quartet investment Total income from donations and legacies |
Restricted £ £ 8,818 36,872 69,682 16,999 - 83,338 78,500 137,209 Restricted £ £ 262 32,110 - 50 100,118 - - 79,279 100,380 111,439 Unrestricted Unrestricted |
2025 Total £ 45,690 86,681 83,338 |
|---|---|---|
| 215,709 | ||
| 2024 Total £ 32,372 50 100,118 79,279 |
||
| 211,819 |
4. Income from charitable activities
| Cemetery services Public engagement and learning Other Total income from charitable activities |
2025 Total £ 164,046 18,358 - 182,404 |
2024 Total £ 160,649 16,720 250 |
|---|---|---|
| 177,619 |
All income from charitable activities was unrestricted in both the current and prior years.
5. Income from other trading activities
| Trading activities of subsidiary | 2025 Total £ 370,892 |
2024 Total £ 350,791 |
|---|---|---|
All income from other trading activities was unrestricted in both the current and prior years.
6. Government grants
The charitable company did not receive income from government grants in the current or prior year.
22
Arnos Vale Cemetery Trust
Notes to the financial statements
For the year ended 31 March 2025
7. Total expenditure
| Total expenditure | ||||||
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Staff costs (note 9) Non payroll staff costs Premises and estate expenses Fundraising Cemetery services Public engagement Insurance Investment management fees Legal and professional Accountancy Depreciation Office costs Irrecoverable VAT Cost of trading activities Sub-total Total expenditure Allocation of support and governance costs |
Raising funds (voluntary income) £ 11,043 - - 953 - - - - - - - - - - 11,996 3,721 15,717 |
Raising funds (fundraising trading) £ 255,043 454 171 1,703 - - 458 - - 1,661 2,771 6,359 - 92,949 361,569 - 361,569 |
Raising funds (investment management) £ - - - - - - - 9,817 - - - - - - 9,817 - 9,817 |
Charitable activities £ 234,674 8,786 89,982 - 24,774 5,018 - - - - 34,808 - 9,510 - 407,552 79,076 486,628 |
Support and governance costs £ 30,370 - - - - - 17,638 - 3,711 7,511 - 23,567 - - 82,797 (82,797) - |
2025 Total £ 531,130 9,240 90,153 2,656 24,774 5,018 18,096 9,817 3,711 9,172 37,579 29,926 9,510 92,949 |
| 873,731 - |
||||||
| 873,731 |
Total governance costs were £9,172 (2024: £8,878).
23
Arnos Vale Cemetery Trust
Notes to the financial statements
For the year ended 31 March 2025
| 7. Total expenditure - prior period comparative Raising funds (voluntary income) £ Staff costs (note 9) 10,219 Non payroll staff costs - Premises and estate expenses - Fundraising 316 Cemetery services - Public engagement - Insurance - Investment management fees - Legal and professional - Accountancy - Depreciation - Office costs - Irrecoverable VAT - Cost of trading activities - Sub-total 10,535 2,957 Total expenditure 13,492 Allocation of support and governance costs |
Raising funds (fundraising trading) £ 260,622 2,022 75 870 - - - - - 1,750 2,811 7,085 - 85,799 361,034 - 361,034 |
Raising funds (investment management) £ - - - - - - - 9,617 - - - - - - 9,617 - 9,617 |
Charitable activities £ 222,268 4,459 103,200 - 23,232 2,655 - - - - 51,654 - 15,833 - 423,301 64,325 487,626 |
Support and governance costs £ 22,993 - - - - - 15,932 - 2,770 7,128 - 18,459 - - 67,282 (67,282) - |
2024 Total £ 516,102 6,481 103,275 1,186 23,232 2,655 15,932 9,617 2,770 8,878 54,465 25,544 15,833 85,799 |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| 871,769 - |
|||||
| 871,769 |
24
Arnos Vale Cemetery Trust
Notes to the financial statements
For the year ended 31 March 2025
8. Net movement in funds
This is stated after charging:
| Depreciation Operating lease payments Trustees' remuneration Trustees' reimbursed expenses Independent examiners' remuneration: Independent examination (excluding VAT) Other services (excluding VAT) |
2025 £ 37,579 690 - - 4,625 2,886 |
2024 £ 54,465 1,064 - 13 4,500 2,628 |
|---|---|---|
In the year to 31 March 2024, one trustee was reimbursed £13 for costs relating to identity document certification for banking checks (2025: £nil).
In common with other charities of our size and nature we use our auditors to assist with the preparation of the financial statements. Our auditors have also provided payroll services to the charity during the year.
9. Staff costs and numbers
Staff costs were as follows:
| Salaries and wages Social security costs Pension costs |
Group 2025 £ 489,684 32,138 9,308 531,130 |
Group 2024 £ 477,196 29,823 9,083 |
|---|---|---|
| 516,102 |
No employee earned more than £60,000 during the current or prior year.
The trust considers the key management personnel (KMP) of the charitable company to comprise the Senior Leadership team, comprising the Chief Executive Officer, the Finance Manager, the Cemetery Services Manager, the Estates Manager, the Enterprise Manager, the Fundraising Manager, and the Public Engagement Manager. The prior year KMP figure consisted of just the Chief Exective Officer, and has been restated to reflect the leadership team of the organisation more accurately. The year ended 31 March 2025 represented a stable period in KMP, while the year ended 31 March 2024 included a period between Chief Executives. The total employee benefits of the key management personnel were £251,202 (2024: £223,642).
| Average full time equivalent Average head count |
Group 2025 No. 17 35 |
Group 2024 No. 18 34 |
|---|---|---|
25
Arnos Vale Cemetery Trust
Notes to the financial statements
For the year ended 31 March 2025
10. Taxation
The charity is exempt from corporation tax as all its income is charitable and is applied for charitable purposes. The charity's subsidiary, Arnos Vale Cemetery Enterprises Limited, gift aids its available taxable profits to the charity. There was no taxable profit retained by Arnos Vale Cemetery Enterprises Limited that was chargeable to corporation tax in the current or prior year.
| 11. Tangible fixed assets Group £ Cost At 1 April 2024 219,512 Additions in year 28,023 At 31 March 2025 247,535 Depreciation At 1 April 2024 165,125 Charge for the year 27,718 At 31 March 2025 192,843 Net book value At 31 March 2025 54,692 At 31 March 2024 54,387 Long-term leasehold property improvement |
£ 7,750 - 7,750 7,750 - 7,750 - - Motor vehicles |
£ 192,747 860 193,607 169,964 9,861 179,825 13,782 22,783 Fixtures and fittings |
Total £ 420,009 28,883 |
|---|---|---|---|
| 448,892 | |||
| 342,839 37,579 |
|||
| 380,418 | |||
| 68,474 | |||
| 77,170 |
26
Arnos Vale Cemetery Trust
Notes to the financial statements
For the year ended 31 March 2025
| 11. Tangible fixed assets (continued) Charity £ Cost At 1 April 2024 219,512 Additions in year 28,023 At 31 March 2025 247,535 Depreciation At 1 April 2024 165,125 Charge for the year 27,718 At 31 March 2025 192,843 Net book value At 31 March 2025 54,692 At 31 March 2024 54,387 Long-term leasehold property improvement |
£ 7,750 - 7,750 7,750 - 7,750 - - Motor vehicles |
£ 149,454 860 150,314 133,478 7,091 140,569 9,745 15,976 Fixtures and fittings |
Total £ 376,716 28,883 |
|---|---|---|---|
| 405,599 | |||
| 306,353 34,809 |
|||
| 341,162 | |||
| 64,437 | |||
| 70,363 |
In 2011 Bristol City Council granted Arnos Vale Cemetery Trust a 125 year lease for the cemetery. Arnos Vale Cemetery Trust do not recognise the lease as an asset in the financial statements as the trustees have assessed that the lease does not have an intrinsic value due to the restrictions of use of the site and the cost of upkeep of the cemetery.
12. Investments
| Investments | ||||
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Investment in subsidiary Listed investments |
Group 2025 £ - - - |
Group 2024 £ 135,977 - 135,977 |
Charity 2025 £ - 1 1 |
Charity 2024 £ 135,977 1 |
| 135,978 |
The investment in subsidiary represents 100% of the ordinary share capital of Arnos Vale Cemetery Enterprises Limited, whose principal activity is to carry out trading activities in support of the charity. A summary of the financial results and position of Arnos Vale Cemetery Enterprises Limited is given below (see note 13).
27
Arnos Vale Cemetery Trust
Notes to the financial statements
For the year ended 31 March 2025
12. Investments (continued)
Movements in listed investments held at market value (charity and group):
| Market value at 1 April Additions Disposals proceeds Gains Market value at 31 March Cash held pending investment Total listed investments |
2025 £ 130,426 9,500 (143,224) 3,298 - - - |
2024 £ - 119,524 - 10,902 |
|---|---|---|
| 130,426 5,551 |
||
| 135,977 |
13. Subsidiary undertakings
Arnos Vale Cemetery Enterprises Limited
Arnos Vale Cemetery Enterprises Limited is the trading arm of the charity, of which Arnos Vale Cemetery Trust is the sole shareholder.
| Turnover Cost of sales Gross profit Administrative expenses Profit / (loss) on ordinary activities before taxation Tax on profit / (loss) on ordinary activities Profit / (loss) for the financial year after taxation Total retained earnings brought forward Total comprehensive income / (expenditure) for the year Gift aid distribution to parent charity Total retained earnings carried forward |
2025 £ 370,892 (92,744) 278,148 (268,825) 9,323 - 9,323 1,250 9,323 (4,661) 5,912 |
2024 £ 350,791 (85,495) |
|---|---|---|
| 265,296 (275,540) |
||
| (10,244) - |
||
| (10,244) | ||
| 11,494 (10,244) - |
||
| 1,250 |
28
Arnos Vale Cemetery Trust
Notes to the financial statements
For the year ended 31 March 2025
13. Subsidiary undertakings (continued)
The aggregate of the assets, liabilities and funds was:
| Assets Liabilities Funds |
2025 2024 £ £ 95,486 62,836 (89,573) (61,585) 5,913 1,251 |
|---|---|
14. Parent charity
The parent charity's gross income and the results for the year are disclosed as follows:
| Gross income Results for the year Stock Merchandise Café stock |
2025 £ 407,558 (101,306) Group 2025 £ 6,839 3,821 10,660 |
2024 £ 391,305 (108,527) |
|---|---|---|
| Group 2024 £ 9,618 4,957 |
||
| 14,575 |
15. Stock
16. Debtors
| Trade debtors Prepayments and accrued income Intercompany loan VAT Other debtors |
Group 2025 £ 8,605 41,417 - - 2,035 52,057 |
Group 2024 £ 8,256 32,382 - - 556 41,194 |
Charity Charity 2025 2024 £ £ 4,860 6,219 13,562 13,630 4,661 - 7,006 - 1,985 506 32,074 20,355 |
|---|---|---|---|
29
Arnos Vale Cemetery Trust
Notes to the financial statements
For the year ended 31 March 2025
17. Creditors : amounts due within 1 year
| Trade creditors Accruals Deferred income (note 19) VAT Other taxation and social security 18. Creditors : amounts falling due after more Deferred income (note 19) 19. Deferred income At 1 April Deferred during the year Released during the year At 31 March |
Group 2025 £ 9,586 17,128 49,068 10,494 6,242 92,518 than one year Group 2025 £ 42,808 57,949 (37,365) 63,392 |
Group 2024 £ 7,864 14,308 37,365 16,319 - 75,856 Group 2024 £ 42,423 49,656 (49,271) 42,808 |
Charity 2025 £ 4,253 12,377 6,064 - 6,242 28,936 Group 2025 £ 14,324 Charity 2025 £ 1,354 6,064 (1,354) 6,064 |
Charity 2024 £ 4,743 8,003 1,354 5,612 - |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| 19,712 | ||||
| Group 2024 £ 5,443 |
||||
| Charity 2024 £ 5,950 1,354 (5,950) |
||||
| 1,354 |
Deferred income relates to room hire and weddings paid for in advance.
30
Arnos Vale Cemetery Trust
Notes to the financial statements
For the year ended 31 March 2025
20. Analysis of net assets between funds Group
| Tangible fixed assets Investments Current assets Creditors due within one year Creditors due in more than one year Net assets at 31 March 2025 Prior period comparative Tangible fixed assets Investments Current assets Creditors due within one year Creditors due in more than one year Net assets at 31 March 2024 |
£ - - 40,674 - - 40,674 £ - - 39,608 - - 39,608 Restricted funds Restricted funds |
Designated funds £ - - 8,239 - - 8,239 Designated funds £ - - 17,603 - - 17,603 |
General funds £ 68,474 - 158,429 (92,518) (14,324) 120,061 General funds £ 77,170 135,977 76,558 (75,856) (5,443) 208,406 |
Total funds £ 68,474 - 207,342 (92,518) (14,324) |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| 168,974 | ||||
| Total funds £ 77,170 135,977 133,769 (75,856) (5,443) |
||||
| 265,617 |
31
Arnos Vale Cemetery Trust
Notes to the financial statements
For the year ended 31 March 2025
21. Movements in funds
| Movements in funds | ||||
|---|---|---|---|---|
| At 1 April 2024 £ Restricted funds The Raja Fund 29,047 Rooted in Nature - Hedge appeal 261 Nisbet Trust - DWF Foundation - - Bathroom Refurbishment project 10,300 Quartet Drawdown - Total restricted funds 39,608 Designated funds: 17,603 Total designated funds 17,603 General funds 208,406 Total unrestricted funds 226,009 Total funds 265,617 Friends of Arnos Vale Cemetery Trust John James Bristol Foundation Unrestricted funds Bristol Airport Diamond Fund |
Income £ £ - (120) 39,747 (39,747) 8,819 (5,124) 5,683 - 1,251 (257) 8,000 (6,886) - - 30,000 - 93,500 (52,134) 4,556 (11,420) 4,556 (11,420) 675,734 (810,177) 680,290 (821,597) 773,790 (873,731) Expenditure |
Transfers between funds £ - - - - - - (10,300) (30,000) (40,300) (2,500) (2,500) 42,800 40,300 - |
Gains £ £ - 28,927 - - - 3,956 - 5,683 - 994 - 1,114 - - - - - 40,674 - 8,239 - 8,239 3,298 120,061 3,298 128,300 3,298 168,974 At 31 March 2025 |
|
Quartet Drawdown Total restricted funds Designated funds: Total designated funds General funds Total unrestricted funds Total funds Friends of Arnos Vale Cemetery Trust John James Bristol Foundation Unrestricted funds |
||||
| 40,674 | ||||
| 8,239 | ||||
| 8,239 | ||||
| 120,061 | ||||
| 128,300 | ||||
| 168,974 |
32
Arnos Vale Cemetery Trust
Notes to the financial statements
For the year ended 31 March 2025
21. Movements in funds (continued) Purposes of restricted funds
The Raja Fund This fund is for the following agreed purposes connected with the Raja Rammohan Roy: - Repairs and/or maintenance work on the tomb or chattri of the Raja; - Education and commemoration projects and events connected with the Raja; and - Establishing, developing or providing exhibition space or exhibits for a permanent exhibition or memorial to the Raja at Arnos Vale. Rooted in Nature A grant from the National Lottery Heritage Fund to firstly address Ash dieback on site and the long term recovery and improvement of the woodland. Secondly to create new opportunities for people to engage with Heritage and increase their skills, knowledge and understanding of nature conservation. Hedge Appeal Campaign organised by family who use the cemetery to raise funds for the replacement of hedging impacted by box blight in the Garden of Remembrance. Nisbet Trust A grant to support funding for school visits. To assist with the costof-living crisis impacting the delivery of school trips. DWF Foundation Funding to support educational experiences for visiting schools. Bristol Airport Diamond Fund Funds to enhance and expand our volunteer team and conservation activities. John James Bristol Foundation Grant towards refurbishment program to toilets in the Spielman Centre. Quartet Drawdown Under limited circumstances, the Trust is able to request the drawdown of money from the Endowment fund (see note 24) for the betterment of the site. During the year, Quartet provided £30k of funds to enable the completion of the toilet refurbishment programme, started with the grant from the John James Bristol Foundation.
Purposes of designated funds
Friends of Arnos Vale Cemetery The Friends of Arnos Vale raise funds to support the Cemetery on Trust specific projects.
Purposes of transfers between funds
Transfers out of restricted funds in the year relate to the purchase of tangible fixed assets from restricted income. The transfer out of the designated fund in the year relates to the purchase of tangible fixed assets and in the prior year towards Anglican roof works.
33
Arnos Vale Cemetery Trust
Notes to the financial statements
For the year ended 31 March 2025
| 21. Movements in funds (continued) Prior period comparative At 1 April 2023 £ Restricted funds The Raja Fund 29,047 Rooted in Nature - Hedge appeal - - - Total restricted funds 29,047 Designated funds: 17,089 Total designated funds 17,089 General funds 338,251 Total unrestricted funds 355,340 Total funds 384,387 Friends of Arnos Vale Cemetery Trust Unrestricted funds WECA - Green Business grant John James Bristol Foundation |
Income £ £ - - 85,358 (78,608) 261 - 4,461 - 10,300 - 100,380 (78,608) 3,929 (715) 3,929 (715) 637,788 (792,446) 641,717 (793,161) 742,097 (871,769) Expenditure |
Transfers between funds £ - (6,750) - (4,461) - (11,211) (2,700) (2,700) 13,911 11,211 - |
Gains - - - - - - - - 10,902 10,902 10,902 |
At 31 March 2024 £ 29,047 - 261 - 10,300 |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| 39,608 | ||||
| 17,603 | ||||
| 17,603 | ||||
| 208,406 | ||||
| 226,009 | ||||
| 265,617 |
22. Operating lease commitments
The charity had operating leases at the year end with total future minimum lease payments as follows:
| Amount falling due: Within 1 year Within 1 - 5 years |
Group 2025 £ 828 1,794 2,622 |
Group 2024 £ 956 2,622 3,578 |
Charity 2025 £ 828 1,794 2,622 |
Charity 2024 £ 956 2,622 |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| 3,578 |
23. Related party transactions
Arnos Vale Cemetery Trust has a wholly owned subsidiary, Arnos Vale Cemetery Enterprises Limited, a company limited by shares (company no. 07314116). At 31 March 2025, Arnos Vale Cemetery Enterprises Limited owed £4,661 to Arnos Vale Cemetery Trust (2024: £Nil).
34
Arnos Vale Cemetery Trust
Notes to the financial statements
For the year ended 31 March 2025
24. Endowment fund
Quartet Community Foundation manages two separate endowment funds which have been created and funded for the benefit of Arnos Vale Cemetery.
The first of these is a Trust fund created from grants by Bristol City Council to Quartet Community Foundation (QCF) (then the Greater Bristol Fund) for the purpose of "the maintenance, repair and management… of Arnos Vale Cemetery…". Under the terms of the grant, QCF is permitted to pay over the income and any capital from the fund that it shall have determined to the "Cemetery Trustees" or any other person "responsible for... the Cemetery". AVCT has been in receipt of the income from this fund annually and of capital drawdowns as and when requested of QCF by AVCT.
The second fund is the Catalyst fund created from monies raised by AVCT itself in the four-year period to June 2016, which were match funded by the Heritage Lottery Fund. The terms of this fund permit AVCT to receive and spend its income, but the capital cannot be drawn on in the initial 25 years of the fund's existence.
A summary of these funds is given below:
| Endowment Trust fund Catalyst fund Total endowment fund |
2025 £'000 1,043 709 1,752 |
2024 £'000 1,115 738 |
|---|---|---|
| 1,853 |
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