Charity numbers: 1139570 and SC041161
THE FIREFIGHTERS MEMORIAL TRUST TRUSTEES' REPORT AND FINANCIAL STATEMENTS FOR THE YEAR ENDED 5 APRIL 2025
THE FIREFIGHTERS MEMORIAL TRUST
CONTENTS
| Page | |
|---|---|
| Reference and administrative details of the charity, its Trustees and advisers | 1 |
| Trustees' report | 2 - 7 |
| Independent auditors' report on the financial statements | 8 - 11 |
| Statement of financial activities | 12 |
| Balance sheet | 13 |
| Notes to the financial statements | 14 - 24 |
THE FIREFIGHTERS MEMORIAL TRUST
REFERENCE AND ADMINISTRATIVE DETAILS OF THE CHARITY, ITS TRUSTEES AND ADVISERS FOR THE YEAR ENDED 5 APRIL 2025
| Trustees | Colin Livett BEM, Chair |
|---|---|
| Revd Mia Hilborn, Chaplain | |
| Nicholas Abbott, Chief Operating Officer | |
| Paul Askew | |
| Paul Basson | |
| Gregan Board (resigned 17 June 2025) | |
| Gerry Davis | |
| David Green | |
| Alan House QFSM, Deputy Chair | |
| Neil Botten | |
| Cyndy Harper | |
| Ian Morrissey (deceased 17 March 2025) | |
| Robert Scott | |
| Tyrone Robinson QFSM (appointed 7 October 2025) | |
| Charity registered numbers 1139570 and SC041161 Principal office 4 Dukes Meadow Hamstreet Ashford Kent TN26 2HD Independent auditors Magee Gammon Corporate Limited Chartered Accountants Henwood House Henwood Ashford Kent TN24 8DH Bankers TSB Bank plc Bude Cornwall Finance Officer Paul Settle MBE Chaplain Emeritus Revd D Rhodes BA (deceased 19 August 2008) Chief Operating Officer Nicholas Abbott (from September 2024) Admin Officer Fiona Howell |
Page 1
THE FIREFIGHTERS MEMORIAL TRUST
TRUSTEES' REPORT FOR THE YEAR ENDED 5 APRIL 2025
The Trustees present their annual report together with the audited financial statements of the The Firefighters Memorial Trust for the year 6 April 2024 to 5 April 2025.
Objectives and activities
a. Policies and objectives
The objects of the charity have remained unchanged in the period under review.
The objects of the charity allow the Trustees to hold the capital and income of the charity upon trust as to the income and all or such part or parts of the capital for the commemoration of members of the Fire and Rescue Service who have died in the course of their duties in all or any of the following ways:
a) Provide and maintain national memorials / monuments / chapels / remembrance records relating to fallen firefighters on a national level.
b) Promote and attend memorial services, support research to improve firefighter safety, give support to those injured in the course of their duties.
In setting objectives and planning for activities, the Trustees have given due consideration to general guidance published by the Charity Commission relating to public benefit, including the guidance 'Public benefit: running a charity (PB2)'.
b. Activities undertaken to achieve objectives
The charity is responsible for the creation, maintenance and upkeep of memorials and monuments in commemoration of members of the Fire and Rescue Service who have died in the course of their duties. The costs of constructing and maintaining the memorials or monuments, and the related income from donations and other charitable activities, have been included in the Statement of Financial Activities in the current and preceding years. The current insurance value of the memorials, based on the estimated cost of replacement, is in excess of £400,000.
The Firefighters Memorial, situated by St Paul's Cathedral in the City of London, honours members of the fire service who have died in the course of their duties dating back to the 1700s.
The Firefighters Memorial Garden is situated at the National Memorial Arboretum in Staffordshire.
The Trust organises an annual Service of Remembrance, followed by a wreath laying ceremony to remember and honour those members of the fire service who have died in the course of their duties.
The Trust promotes and participates in Firefighters Memorial Day each 4 May and also organises other occasional and timely remembrance and tribute events, as Trustees may deem appropriate.
The charity actively promotes Firefighters Memorial Day as an annual national event taking place each 4 May, when those members of the Fire and Rescue Service who have died in the course of their duties are remembered and honoured at fire stations and other locations around the UK.
The charity maintains the database which registers and records the details of all firefighters who and sadly will, in the future, lose their lives serving humanity. A Book of Remembrance is also maintained and is available for online viewing and research.
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THE FIREFIGHTERS MEMORIAL TRUST
TRUSTEES' REPORT (CONTINUED) FOR THE YEAR ENDED 5 APRIL 2025
Achievements and performance
a. Main achievements of the charity
September 2024 Remembrance and Wreath Laying Service
The annual event, which is the flagship programme for the Firefighter Memorial Trust, took place at the NMA for the second time. It was very well supported by families, standard bearers, ceremonial teams and Chief Fire Officers. A large number of wreaths were laid by families, Chief Fire Officers and supporting organisations.
National Memorial Arboretum
A maintenance agreement has been signed between the Trust and the NMA. A programme of improvement works was agreed to be carried out under a separate agreement prior to the annual maintenance agreement starting. Further work is planned to cut back some of the trees around the Trust garden and also to remove the hedge between the Trust garden and the neighbouring garden owned by the Civil Defence Association.
Membership
Fire and Rescue Services continue to support the Memorial Trust with financial contributions. We continue to have strong relationships with two key stakeholders in particular, the Fire Brigades Union and the Worshipful Company of Firefighters.
Finances
The financial position of the Trust remains strong. Whilst no significant donations were received in this financial year, funding from at least two key stakeholders remains available if a major initiative is presented.
Insurance
The annual insurance policy for the Trust was renewed with the same insurer for this year but it now includes the high value paintings at the Fire Service College. Following a detailed review and assessment with expert values, there are now plans to sell some of those paintings next year. An offer has been made by ex-trustee Lee Howell to arrange a policy with a more competitive premium for next year, using his insurance broking company.
Contracts
No significant contracts were entered into within the reporting period.
Trust commemorative medals
A detailed paper was prepared and discussed suggesting that the Trust may produce a commemorative brooch to be presented to families, rather than the medal. Further discussion will follow when a sample brooch has been obtained for consideration.
Social Media Review
A detailed review of Trust social media was carried out and various new accounts have been set up to increase the profile of the Trust.
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THE FIREFIGHTERS MEMORIAL TRUST
TRUSTEES' REPORT (CONTINUED) FOR THE YEAR ENDED 5 APRIL 2025
Achievements and performance (continued)
Audit of books at the Fire Service College
A detailed audit was carried out of over 80,000 books held at the Fire Service College. The Trust should have been notified that these have been removed and will now arrange for the important books to be housed safely in a museum. Various possible sites are currently being considered.
Ambassadors
It is proposed to invite individuals to become ambassadors for the Trust to assist in raising awareness and promoting events, etc. The exact detail over how this may work will be discussed further.
b. Investment policy and performance
There is no specific investment policy other than to obtain as high as possible interest rate on the money held on deposit.
Financial review
a. Going concern
After making appropriate enquiries, the Trustees have a reasonable expectation that the charity has adequate resources to continue in operational existence for the foreseeable future. For this reason, they continue to adopt the going concern basis in preparing the financial statements.
b. Reserves policy
A review undertaken in October 2018 setting out a new development plan for the charity identifying future needs and risks. This plan is constantly under review and discussed at each meeting of the Trustees.
c. Principal funding
The main funding for the trust remains the support given by Fire and Rescue Services, other organisations including the Firefighters 100 Lottery, and individuals.
Overall, the accounts show a deficit of income over expenditure for the year amounting to £3,957 compared to a surplus of £1,777 in 2024.
The total value of funds carried forward at 5 April 2025 amounted to £155,471 (2024 - £159,428) of which £37,800 (2024 - £37,800) relates to the restricted Heritage Collection and £7,565 (2024 - £7,565) relates to other restricted income.
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THE FIREFIGHTERS MEMORIAL TRUST
TRUSTEES' REPORT (CONTINUED) FOR THE YEAR ENDED 5 APRIL 2025
Structure, governance and management
a. Trustees
Trustees Ian Morrissey sadly passed away on 17 March 2025.
Trustee Greg Board has requested to take a 10 month sabbatical from Trust work for personal reasons. This was approved by the Trustees at the meeting on 18 February 2025.
b. Constitution
The Firefighters Memorial Charitable Trust Fund (charity number 1002745) was constituted under a Trust Deed dated 21 March 1991, as amended by The Scheme of 18 October 2006. Following the Privy Council’s approval of the petition praying for Grant of Incorporation under Royal Charter on 17 March 2010, the Royal Charter was given the Great Seal in October 2010.
On 30 December 2010, The Firefighters Memorial Trust was registered with the Charity Commission and issued with a new charity number, 1139570. The Firefighters Memorial Trust (charity number 1139570) is constituted under Royal Charter dated 4 October 2010.
Following the transfer of all funds from The Firefighters Memorial Charitable Trust Fund (charity number 1002745), the charity was removed from the register at the Charity Commission on 11 January 2011.
The charity is registered with the Office of the Scottish Charity Regulator (Scottish charity number SC041161).
c. Methods of appointment or election of Trustees
The management of the charity is the responsibility of the Trustees who are elected and co-opted under the terms of the Royal Charter.
The Trustees who have served during the year and since the year end are set out on page 1. Trustees are appointed at any time either by way of replacement or addition by existing Trustees but to the extent that the total number of Trustees shall at no time exceed fifteen.
d. Organisational structure and decision-making policies
The affairs of the charity are controlled by the Trustees in accordance with the Byelaws. The Board of Trustees meet to identify and discuss matters for consideration and subsequent action by relevant persons. The Trustees are responsible for approving budgets, both in terms of the charity's activities as a whole and specific events. Where appropriate, the Trustees will consider for ratification relevant decisions or actions undertaken between meetings of Trustees, where a decision could not await a scheduled meeting. Decisions taken between meetings will be made in discussion with the Chair and or Deputy Chair.
The Chief Operating Officer is permitted to undertake various tasks to further the activities and budgets set by the Trustees. The Chief Operating Officer may make budgeted payments in the interim periods subject to constraints set by the Trustees.
In addition to the role of Trustee, certain members are delegated to oversee specific activities of the charity and report on matters as relevant or necessary. A number of trust officers and key reference holders are also appointed to advise the Trustees and carry out approved activities on behalf of the charity.
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THE FIREFIGHTERS MEMORIAL TRUST
TRUSTEES' REPORT (CONTINUED) FOR THE YEAR ENDED 5 APRIL 2025
Structure, governance and management (continued)
e. Policies adopted for the induction and training of Trustees
All new Trustees receive an induction through discussion with other Trustees and are encouraged to visit our different projects and events. Records and information documents are made available including:
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Documents, which set our policies of the charity.
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Meeting Minutes.
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Financial information and annual accounts.
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Development plans.
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Selected documents from the Charity Commission website and signposting the other documents on the Commission website.
f. Financial risk management
The Trustees have examined the major strategic business and operational risks which the charity faces and confirm that systems have been established to enable regular reports to be produced so that the necessary steps can be taken to lessen these risks.
The Trustees are satisfied that two officers who receive an honorarium (Admin Officer & Finance Officer) do so on the understanding that they make the appropriate declarations to HMRC.
The National Memorial and the National Monument have been, and continue to be, adequately insured.
Plans for future periods
Efforts continue to be made to identify and attract additional sources of funding to relieve the reliance on support from local authority budgets. A fundraising motorcycle ride is planned for 2026, where the Chair will ride his spectacular custom-designed Harley Davidson motorbike, visiting fire stations around the country to every FRS in the UK to raise awareness and funds for the Trust.
The Trustees are aware that there is a limited space left on the Memorial plinth upon which additional names can be added. They are therefore looking at opportunities to change the plinth. In the meantime, the online Book of Remembrance is fully live and regularly updated.
Registration in Northern Ireland
The Trust will continue to monitor the situation with the Charity Commission for Northern Ireland and will undertake the necessary registration when required.
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THE FIREFIGHTERS MEMORIAL TRUST
TRUSTEES' REPORT (CONTINUED) FOR THE YEAR ENDED 5 APRIL 2025
Statement of Trustees' responsibilities
The Trustees are responsible for preparing the Trustees' report and the financial statements in accordance with applicable law and United Kingdom Accounting Standards (United Kingdom Generally Accepted Accounting Practice).
The law applicable to charities in England & Wales and Scotland 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 its incoming resources and application of resources, including its income and expenditure, for that period. In preparing these 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 of the Charities SORP (FRS 102);
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make judgments and accounting estimates that are reasonable and prudent;
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state whether applicable UK Accounting Standards (FRS 102) have been followed, subject to any material departures disclosed and explained in the financial statements;
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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 business.
The Trustees are responsible for keeping adequate accounting records that are sufficient to show and explain the charity's transactions and disclose with reasonable accuracy at any time the financial position of the charity and enable them to ensure that the financial statements comply with the Charities Act 2011, the Charity (Accounts and Reports) Regulations 2008, the Charities and Trustee Investment (Scotland) Act 2005, the Charities Accounts (Scotland) Regulations 2006 (as amended) and the provisions of the Royal Charter. They are also responsible for safeguarding the assets of the charity and hence for taking reasonable steps for the prevention and detection of fraud and other irregularities.
Disclosure of information to auditors
Each of the persons who are Trustees at the time when this Trustees' report is approved has confirmed that:
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so far as that Trustee is aware, there is no relevant audit information of which the charity's auditors are unaware, and
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that Trustee has taken all the steps that ought to have been taken as a Trustee in order to be aware of any relevant audit information and to establish that the charity's auditors are aware of that information.
Auditors
The auditors, Magee Gammon Corporate Limited, have indicated their willingness to continue in office. The designated Trustees will propose a motion reappointing the auditors at a meeting of the Trustees.
Approved by order of the members of the board of Trustees and signed on their behalf by:
_________ Colin Livett BEM (Chair of Trustees)
Date: 01 Dec 2025
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THE FIREFIGHTERS MEMORIAL TRUST
INDEPENDENT AUDITORS' REPORT TO THE TRUSTEES OF THE FIREFIGHTERS MEMORIAL TRUST
Opinion
We have audited the financial statements of The Firefighters Memorial Trust (the 'charity') for the year ended 5 April 2025 which comprise the Statement of financial activities, the Balance sheet, the Statement of cash flows and the related notes, including a summary of significant accounting policies. The financial reporting framework that has been applied in their preparation is 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).
The financial statements have been prepared in accordance with Accounting and Reporting by Charities preparing their accounts in accordance with the Financial Reporting Standards applicable in the UK and Republic of Ireland (FRS 102) in preference to the Accounting and Reporting by Charities: Statement of Recommended Practice issued on 1 April 2005 which is referred to in the extant regulations but has been withdrawn.
This has been done in order for the accounts to provide a true and fair view in accordance with the Generally Accepted Accounting Practice effective for reporting periods beginning on or after 1 January 2015.
In our opinion the financial statements:
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give a true and fair view of the state of the charity's affairs as at 5 April 2025 and of its incoming resources and application of resources for the year then ended;
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have been properly prepared in accordance with United Kingdom Generally Accepted Accounting Practice; and
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have been prepared in accordance with the requirements of the Charities Act 2011, the Charities and Trustee Investment (Scotland) Act 2005 and regulation 8 of the Charities Accounts (Scotland) Regulations 2006.
Basis for opinion
We conducted our audit in accordance with International Standards on Auditing (UK) (ISAs (UK)) and applicable law. Our responsibilities under those standards are further described in the Auditors' responsibilities for the audit of the financial statements section of our report. We are independent of the charity in accordance with the ethical requirements that are relevant to our audit of the financial statements in the United Kingdom, including the Financial Reporting Council's Ethical Standard, and we have fulfilled our other ethical responsibilities in accordance with these requirements. We believe that the audit evidence we have obtained is sufficient and appropriate to provide a basis for our opinion.
Conclusions relating to going concern
In auditing the financial statements, we have concluded that the Trustees' use of the going concern basis of accounting in the preparation of the financial statements is appropriate.
Based on the work we have performed, we have not identified any material uncertainties relating to events or conditions that, individually or collectively, may cast significant doubt on the charity's ability to continue as a going concern for a period of at least twelve months from when the financial statements are authorised for issue.
Our responsibilities and the responsibilities of the Trustees with respect to going concern are described in the relevant sections of this report.
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THE FIREFIGHTERS MEMORIAL TRUST
INDEPENDENT AUDITORS' REPORT TO THE TRUSTEES OF THE FIREFIGHTERS MEMORIAL TRUST (CONTINUED)
Other information
The other information comprises the information included in the Annual report other than the financial statements and our Auditors' report thereon. The Trustees are responsible for the other information contained within the Annual report. Our opinion on the financial statements does not cover the other information and, except to the extent otherwise explicitly stated in our report, we do not express any form of assurance conclusion thereon. Our responsibility is to read the other information and, in doing so, consider whether the other information is materially inconsistent with the financial statements or our knowledge obtained in the course of the audit, or otherwise appears to be materially misstated. If we identify such material inconsistencies or apparent material misstatements, we are required to determine whether this gives rise to a material misstatement in the financial statements themselves. If, based on the work we have performed, we conclude that there is a material misstatement of this other information, we are required to report that fact.
We have nothing to report in this regard.
Matters on which we are required to report by exception
We have nothing to report in respect of the following matters where the Charities (Accounts and Reports) Regulations 2008 and the Charities Accounts (Scotland) Regulations 2006 (as amended) requires us to report to you if, in our opinion:
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the information given in the Trustees' report is inconsistent in any material respect with the financial statements; or
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sufficient and proper accounting records have not been kept; or
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the financial statements are not in agreement with the accounting records and returns; or
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we have not received all the information and explanations we require for our audit.
Responsibilities of Trustees
As explained more fully in the Trustees' responsibilities statement, the Trustees are responsible for the preparation of the financial statements which give a true and fair view, and for such internal control as the Trustees determine is necessary to enable the preparation of financial statements that are free from material misstatement, whether due to fraud or error.
In preparing the financial statements, the Trustees are responsible for assessing the charity's ability to continue as a going concern, disclosing, as applicable, matters related to going concern and using the going concern basis of accounting unless the Trustees either intend to liquidate the charity or to cease operations, or have no realistic alternative but to do so.
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THE FIREFIGHTERS MEMORIAL TRUST
INDEPENDENT AUDITORS' REPORT TO THE TRUSTEES OF THE FIREFIGHTERS MEMORIAL TRUST (CONTINUED)
Auditors' responsibilities for the audit of the financial statements
We have been appointed as auditor under section 145 of the Charities Act 2011 and section 44(1)(c) of the Charities and Trustee Investment (Scotland) Act 2005 and report in accordance with the Act and relevant regulations made or having effect thereunder.
Our objectives are to obtain reasonable assurance about whether the financial statements as a whole are free from material misstatement, whether due to fraud or error, and to issue an Auditors' report that includes our opinion. Reasonable assurance is a high level of assurance, but is not a guarantee that an audit conducted in accordance with ISAs (UK) will always detect a material misstatement when it exists. Misstatements can arise from fraud or error and are considered material if, individually or in the aggregate, they could reasonably be expected to influence the economic decisions of users taken on the basis of these financial statements.
Irregularities, including fraud, are instances of non-compliance with laws and regulations. We design procedures in line with our responsibilities, outlined above, to detect material misstatements in respect of irregularities, including fraud. The extent to which our procedures are capable of detecting irregularities, including fraud is detailed below:
Capability of the audit in detecting irregularities including fraud
Based on our understanding of the charity, we have considered those laws and regulations that have a direct impact on the preparation of the financial statements such as the Charities Act 2011. We evaluated management incentives and opportunities for fraudulent manipulation of the financial statements including management override, and considered that the principal risk was related to the posting of inappropriate journal entries to improve the surplus for the year.
We designed audit procedures to respond to the risk, recognising that the risk of not detecting a material misstatement due to fraud is higher than the risk of not detecting one resulting from error, as fraud may involve deliberate concealment by, for example, forgery, misrepresentations or through collusion.
Procedures performed by the audit team included:
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Discussions with management regarding known or suspected instances of non-compliance with laws and regulations;
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Evaluation of controls designed to prevent and detect irregularities; and
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Assessing journal entries as part of our planned audit approach.
Because of the inherent limitations of an audit, there is a risk that we will not detect all irregularities, including those leading to a material misstatement in the financial statements or non-compliance with regulation. This risk increases the more that compliance with a law or regulation is removed from the events and transactions reflected in the financial statements, as we will be less likely to become aware of instances of non-compliance. The risk is also greater regarding irregularities occurring due to fraud rather than error, as fraud involves intentional concealment, forgery, collusion, omission or misrepresentation.
A further description of our responsibilities for the audit of the financial statements is located on the Financial Reporting Council's website at: www.frc.org.uk/auditorsresponsibilities. This description forms part of our Auditors' report.
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THE FIREFIGHTERS MEMORIAL TRUST
INDEPENDENT AUDITORS' REPORT TO THE TRUSTEES OF THE FIREFIGHTERS MEMORIAL TRUST (CONTINUED)
Use of our report
This report is made solely to the charity's Trustees, as a body, in accordance with Part 4 of the Charities (Accounts and Reports) Regulations 2008 and regulation 10 of the Charities Accounts (Scotland) Regulations 2006. Our audit work has been undertaken so that we might state to the charity's Trustees those matters we are required to state to them in an Auditors' report and for no other purpose. To the fullest extent permitted by law, we do not accept or assume responsibility to anyone other than the charity and its Trustees as a body for our audit work, for this report, or for the opinions we have formed.
Magee Gammon
Magee Gammon Corporate Limited Chartered Accountants Statutory Auditors Henwood House Henwood Ashford Kent TN24 8DH
19 Jan 2026 Date:
Magee Gammon Corporate Limited are eligible to act as auditors in terms of section 1212 of the Companies Act 2006.
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THE FIREFIGHTERS MEMORIAL TRUST
STATEMENT OF FINANCIAL ACTIVITIES FOR THE YEAR ENDED 5 APRIL 2025
| Note Income from: Donations and legacies 3 Charitable activities 4 Investments 5 Total income Expenditure on: Charitable activities 6 Total expenditure Net movement in funds Reconciliation of funds: Total funds brought forward Net movement in funds Total funds carried forward |
Unrestricted funds 2025 £ 4,895 23,277 1,811 29,983 33,940 33,940 (3,957) 114,063 (3,957) 110,106 |
Restricted funds 2025 £ - - - - - - - 45,365 - 45,365 |
Total funds 2025 £ 4,895 23,277 1,811 29,983 33,940 33,940 (3,957) 159,428 (3,957) 155,471 |
Total funds 2024 £ 1,186 21,725 1,294 |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| 24,205 | ||||
| 22,428 | ||||
| 22,428 | ||||
| 1,777 | ||||
| 157,651 1,777 |
||||
| 159,428 |
The Statement of financial activities includes all gains and losses recognised in the year.
The notes on pages 14 to 24 form part of these financial statements.
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THE FIREFIGHTERS MEMORIAL TRUST
BALANCE SHEET AS AT 5 APRIL 2025
| 2025 | 2024 | ||||
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Note | £ | £ | |||
| Fixed assets | |||||
| Heritage assets | 10 | 37,800 | 37,800 | ||
| Current assets | |||||
| Stocks | 11 | 2,954 | 4,735 | ||
| Debtors | 12 | 4,614 | 2,935 | ||
| Cash at bank and in hand | 115,943 | 116,778 | |||
| 123,511 | 124,448 | ||||
| Creditors: amounts falling due within one | |||||
| year | 13 | (5,840) | (2,820) | ||
| Net current assets | 117,671 | 121,628 | |||
| Total net assets | 155,471 | 159,428 | |||
| Charity funds | |||||
| Restricted funds | 15 | 45,365 | 45,365 | ||
| Unrestricted funds | 15 | 110,106 | 114,063 | ||
| Total funds | 155,471 | 159,428 |
The financial statements were approved and authorised for issue by the Trustees and signed on their behalf by:
_________ Colin Livett BEM
(Chair of Trustees)
01 Dec 2025 Date:
The notes on pages 14 to 24 form part of these financial statements.
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THE FIREFIGHTERS MEMORIAL TRUST
NOTES TO THE FINANCIAL STATEMENTS FOR THE YEAR ENDED 5 APRIL 2025
1. General information
The Firefighters Memorial Trust is a charity registered in England and Wales under number 1139570 and in Scotland under number SC041161. The principal office is 43 Lucerne Gardens, Hedge End, Southampton, SO30 4SD.
2. Accounting policies
2.1 Basis of preparation of financial statements
The financial statements have been prepared in accordance with the Charities SORP (FRS 102) - 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 Financial Reporting Standard applicable in the UK and Republic of Ireland (FRS 102) and the Charities Act 2011, the Charities and Trustee Investment (Scotland) Act 2005 and the Charities Accounts (Scotland) Regulations 2006 (as amended).
The financial statements have been prepared to give a 'true and fair' view and have departed from the Charities (Accounts and Reports) Regulations 2008 only to the extent required to provide a 'true and fair' view. This departure has involved following the Charities SORP (FRS 102) published in October 2019 rather than the Accounting and Reporting by Charities: Statement of Recommended Practice effective from 1 April 2005 which has since been withdrawn.
The Firefighters Memorial 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.
2.2 Income
All income is recognised once the charity has entitlement to the income, it is probable that the income will be received and the amount of income receivable can be measured reliably.
Where the donated good is a fixed asset, it is measured at fair value, unless it is impractical to measure this reliably, in which case the cost of the item to the donor should be used. The gain is recognised as income from donations and a corresponding amount is included in the appropriate fixed asset class and depreciated over the useful economic life in accordance with the charity's accounting policies.
On receipt, donated professional services and facilities are recognised on the basis of the value of the gift to the charity which is the amount it would have been willing to pay to obtain services or facilities of equivalent economic benefit on the open market; a corresponding amount is then recognised in expenditure in the period of receipt.
Income tax recoverable in relation to donations received under Gift Aid or deeds of covenant is recognised at the time of the donation.
Income tax recoverable in relation to investment income is recognised at the time the investment income is receivable.
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THE FIREFIGHTERS MEMORIAL TRUST
NOTES TO THE FINANCIAL STATEMENTS FOR THE YEAR ENDED 5 APRIL 2025
2. Accounting policies (continued)
2.3 Expenditure
Expenditure is recognised once there is a legal or constructive obligation to transfer economic benefit to a third party, it is probable that a transfer of economic benefits will be required in settlement and the amount of the obligation can be measured reliably. Expenditure is classified by activity. The costs of each activity are made up of the total of direct costs and shared costs, including support costs involved in undertaking each activity. Direct costs attributable to a single activity are allocated directly to that activity. Shared costs which contribute to more than one activity and support costs which are not attributable to a single activity are apportioned between those activities on a basis consistent with the use of resources. Central staff costs are allocated on the basis of time spent, and depreciation charges allocated on the portion of the asset’s use.
Expenditure on charitable activities is incurred on directly undertaking the activities which further the charity's objectives, as well as any associated support costs.
All expenditure is inclusive of irrecoverable VAT.
2.4 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 institution with whom the funds are deposited.
2.5 Heritage assets
Where heritage assets have been purchased, they are initially recognised at cost. After recognition, under the cost model, heritage assets are measured at cost less any accumulated depreciation and any accumulated impairment losses.
2.6 Stocks
Stocks are valued at the lower of cost and net realisable value after making due allowance for obsolete and slow-moving stocks. Cost includes all direct costs and an appropriate proportion of fixed and variable overheads.
2.7 Debtors
Trade and other debtors are recognised at the settlement amount after any trade discount offered. Prepayments are valued at the amount prepaid net of any trade discounts due.
2.8 Cash at bank and in hand
Cash at bank and 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.
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THE FIREFIGHTERS MEMORIAL TRUST
NOTES TO THE FINANCIAL STATEMENTS FOR THE YEAR ENDED 5 APRIL 2025
2. Accounting policies (continued)
2.9 Liabilities and provisions
Liabilities are recognised when there is an obligation at the Balance sheet date as a result of a past event, it is probable that a transfer of economic benefit will be required in settlement, and the amount of the settlement can be estimated reliably.
Liabilities are recognised at the amount that the charity anticipates it will pay to settle the debt or the amount it has received as advanced payments for the goods or services it must provide.
Provisions are measured at the best estimate of the amounts required to settle the obligation. Where the effect of the time value of money is material, the provision is based on the present value of those amounts, discounted at the pre-tax discount rate that reflects the risks specific to the liability. The unwinding of the discount is recognised in the Statement of financial activities as a finance cost.
2.10 Financial instruments
The charity 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 measured at amortised cost using the effective interest method.
2.11 Fund accounting
General funds are unrestricted funds which are available for use at the discretion of the Trustees in furtherance of the general objectives of the charity and which have not been designated for other purposes.
Restricted funds are funds which are to be used in accordance with specific restrictions imposed by donors or which have been raised by the charity for particular purposes. The costs of raising and administering such funds are charged against the specific fund. The aim and use of each restricted fund is set out in the notes to the financial statements.
Investment income, gains and losses are allocated to the appropriate fund.
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THE FIREFIGHTERS MEMORIAL TRUST
NOTES TO THE FINANCIAL STATEMENTS FOR THE YEAR ENDED 5 APRIL 2025
3. Income from donations and legacies
| Unrestricted | Total | Total | |
|---|---|---|---|
| funds | funds | funds | |
| 2025 | 2025 | 2024 | |
| £ | £ | £ | |
| Donations | 4,895 | 4,895 | 1,186 |
4. Income from charitable activities
| Unrestricted funds 2025 £ Income from charitable activities 23,277 Investment income Unrestricted funds 2025 £ Bank interest 1,811 |
Total funds 2025 £ 23,277 Total funds 2025 £ 1,811 |
Total funds 2024 £ 21,725 |
|---|---|---|
| Total funds 2024 £ 1,294 |
5. Investment income
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THE FIREFIGHTERS MEMORIAL TRUST
NOTES TO THE FINANCIAL STATEMENTS FOR THE YEAR ENDED 5 APRIL 2025
6. Analysis of expenditure on charitable activities
Summary by fund type
| Unrestricted | |||
|---|---|---|---|
| funds | Total | Total | |
| 2025 | 2025 | 2024 | |
| £ | £ | £ | |
| Direct costs | 33,940 | 33,940 | 22,428 |
7. Analysis of expenditure by activities
| Charitable activities Total 2024 |
Activities undertaken directly 2025 £ 20,935 14,972 |
Support costs 2025 £ 13,005 7,456 |
Total funds 2025 £ 33,940 22,428 |
Total funds 2024 £ 22,428 |
|---|---|---|---|---|
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THE FIREFIGHTERS MEMORIAL TRUST
NOTES TO THE FINANCIAL STATEMENTS FOR THE YEAR ENDED 5 APRIL 2025
7. Analysis of expenditure by activities (continued)
Analysis of direct costs
| Memorial remembrance service Lease of site Heritage collection costs NMA Monument costs Medal costs, adjusted for stock Insurance Calligraphy, printing and stationery Website design and maintenance Postage Subscriptions General equipment Meeting and travel costs Finance charges |
Total funds 2025 £ 9,250 1 420 1,859 2,226 2,033 158 484 - 485 - 4,016 3 20,935 |
Total funds 2024 £ 9,036 1 250 250 10 1,934 668 264 3 463 67 2,024 2 |
|---|---|---|
| 14,972 |
Analysis of support costs
| Auditors' remuneration Honorarium |
Total funds 2025 £ 5,805 7,200 13,005 |
Total funds 2024 £ 1,923 5,533 |
|---|---|---|
| 7,456 |
8. Auditors' remuneration
The auditors' remuneration amounts to an auditor fee of £5,805 ( 2024 - £1,923 ).
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THE FIREFIGHTERS MEMORIAL TRUST
NOTES TO THE FINANCIAL STATEMENTS FOR THE YEAR ENDED 5 APRIL 2025
9. Trustees' remuneration and expenses
During the year, no Trustees received any remuneration or other benefits (2024 - £NIL) .
During the year ended 5 April 2025, reimbursement of out of pocket expenses totaling £ 1,242 were reimbursed or paid directly to 1 Trustee (2024 - £1,182 to 5 Trustees) .
10. Heritage assets
Assets recognised at valuation
| Carrying value at 6 April 2024 Carrying value at 5 April 2023 |
Heritage collection 2025 £ 37,800 |
|---|---|
| 37,800 |
The Heritage Collection was received during the year ended 5 April 2013 from the Department of Communities and Local Government acting through the Fire Service College Trading Fund. The collection was documented and valued by its curator and it is this value at which the collection is recognised in the balance sheet. During the year ended 5 April 2022, a review was undertaken of the collection and some items were gifted to similar organisations that could properly display the items and a small quantity was sold for scrap.
The charity maintains an inventory for the Heritage Collection which records the nature, location and current condition of each asset.
Analysis of heritage asset transactions
| Disposals Heritage collection - at valuation Total disposals Proceeds from disposals Heritage collection - scrap sales Heritage collection - donated Total sale proceeds |
2025 £ - - - - - |
2024 £ - - - - - |
2023 £ - - - - - |
2022 £ (49,306) (49,306) (2,000) (47,306) (49,306) |
2021 £ - |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| - - - |
|||||
| - |
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THE FIREFIGHTERS MEMORIAL TRUST
NOTES TO THE FINANCIAL STATEMENTS FOR THE YEAR ENDED 5 APRIL 2025
| 11. Stocks Finished goods and goods for resale 12. Debtors Due within one year Prepayments and accrued income 13. Creditors: Amounts falling due within one year Accruals and deferred income 14. Financial instruments Financial assets Financial assets measured at fair value through income and expenditure |
2025 £ 2,954 2025 £ 4,614 2025 £ 5,840 2025 £ 115,943 |
2024 £ 4,735 |
|---|---|---|
| 2024 £ 2,935 |
||
| 2024 £ 2,820 |
||
| 2024 £ 116,778 |
Financial assets measured at fair value through income and expenditure comprise bank and cash balances.
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THE FIREFIGHTERS MEMORIAL TRUST
NOTES TO THE FINANCIAL STATEMENTS FOR THE YEAR ENDED 5 APRIL 2025
15. Statement of funds
Statement of funds - current year
Unrestricted funds General Fund Restricted funds Heritage Collection Archivist Support Fund Total of funds Statement of funds - prior year Unrestricted funds General Fund Restricted funds Heritage Collection Archivist Support Fund Total of funds |
Balance at 6 April 2024 £ 114,063 37,800 7,565 45,365 159,428 Balance at 6 April 2023 £ 112,286 37,800 7,565 45,365 157,651 |
Income £ 29,983 - - - 29,983 Income £ 24,205 - - - 24,205 |
Expenditure £ (33,940) - - - (33,940) Expenditure £ (22,428) - - - (22,428) |
Balance at 5 April 2025 £ 110,106 |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| 37,800 7,565 |
||||
| 45,365 | ||||
| 155,471 | ||||
| Balance at 5 April 2024 £ 114,063 |
||||
| 37,800 7,565 |
||||
| 45,365 | ||||
| 159,428 |
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THE FIREFIGHTERS MEMORIAL TRUST
NOTES TO THE FINANCIAL STATEMENTS FOR THE YEAR ENDED 5 APRIL 2025
16. Summary of funds
Summary of funds - current year
General funds Restricted funds Summary of funds - prior year General funds Restricted funds |
Balance at 6 April 2024 £ 114,063 45,365 159,428 Balance at 6 April 2023 £ 112,286 45,365 157,651 |
Income £ 29,983 - 29,983 Income £ 24,205 - 24,205 |
Expenditure £ (33,940) - (33,940) Expenditure £ (22,428) - (22,428) |
Balance at 5 April 2025 £ 110,106 45,365 |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| 155,471 | ||||
| Balance at 5 April 2024 £ 114,063 45,365 |
||||
| 159,428 |
17. Analysis of net assets between funds Analysis of net assets between funds - current year
| Unrestricted funds 2025 £ Heritage assets - Current assets 115,946 Creditors due within one year (5,840) Total 110,106 |
Restricted funds 2025 £ 37,800 7,565 - 45,365 |
Total funds 2025 £ 37,800 123,511 (5,840) |
|---|---|---|
| 155,471 |
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THE FIREFIGHTERS MEMORIAL TRUST
NOTES TO THE FINANCIAL STATEMENTS FOR THE YEAR ENDED 5 APRIL 2025
17. Analysis of net assets between funds (continued)
Analysis of net assets between funds - prior year
| Heritage assets Current assets Creditors due within one year Total |
Unrestricted funds 2024 £ - 116,883 (2,820) 114,063 |
Restricted funds 2024 £ 37,800 7,565 - 45,365 |
Total funds 2024 £ 37,800 124,448 (2,820) 159,428 |
|---|---|---|---|
18. Restricted Funds
Heritage Collection
During the 2013 financial year the charity received a collection of heritage assets from the Department of Communities and Local Government acting through the Fire Service College Trading Fund. The charity did not make any payment for the collection therefore the value of the collection was recognised as a donation in that period. Subsequently, a number of items have been returned to the relevant Fire Service College by way of donation and a small amount of silver items sold for scrap. The proceeds of the sale were treated as a transfer from the fund to general reserves.
Archivist Support fund
During the year ended 5 April 2016 the charity received a donation from Hampshire FRS Past Members Association (£3,600) and from C Porter (£6,450) to support the work of the archivist. An additional donation of £50 was received during the year ended 5 April 2018.
19. Related party transactions
The The Firefighters Memorial Trust has not entered into any related party transaction during the year, nor are there any outstanding balances owing between related parties and the The Firefighters Memorial Trust at 5 April 2025.
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