2024-03-31-accounts - Legasee Educational Trust

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Legasee Educational Trust

A N NUA L R E PO RT 2 0 2 3 - 2 0 2 4

Registered charity number: 1145354 (ENG & WAL) SC047748 (SCT)

www.legasee.org.uk

LE GACY - LEG · A · C Y [L E G-UH - S EE ] NOUN, PL U R A L LE G · A · C I E S .

Anything handed down from the past, as from an ancestor or predecessor: the legacy of Britain.
Law. a gift of property, especially personal property, as money, by will; a bequest.

When you write or update your will, please think of the work we do at Legasee.

By leaving just 1% of your estate, you can make sure that future generations will learn of the sacrifices made by the British military.

Legacies are generally exempt from IHT, so a gift to Legasee is likely to be free of tax for us and an efficient way to enable us to capture the stories of other Veterans.

M I S S I O N S TATE M E N T

Legasee is a charity working with veterans to advance the education of the public in the effects of military activity and to promote the conservation of records of veterans who have been involved in military conflict.

We achieve this by capturing these experiences and observations on digital film for future generations and developing projects that educate and inform the students and general public of today.

We aim to be accountable for the funds we use, costeffective in carrying out our purpose, caring, respectful and professional in the way we work and transparent in all our activities.

Find out more about remembering Legasee in your will by calling +44 (0)788 1814 707.

Thank you.

2 L E G A S E E A N N UA L RE PORT 2023-2024

I NTRO DUC T I ON

FROM T H E CH AI R OF TRUST EE S

Following the rather fallow year of 2022-23 which was common across the vast majority of charitable trusts, in all sectors of the voluntary sector; we are delighted to state that things are again on the up.

Most significantly, we are thrilled to be able to start The National Lottery Heritage Funded project, ‘Journey to the Frontline: Trailblazing Women of The British Army’. Development started with the Heritage lottery in September 2022 but stalled in December of that year following the tragic and sudden passing of the wonderful Ellen Clark, who had been Legasee’s “engine room extraordinaire”. We owe a huge debt of gratitude to Cheryl Butler who was took on the writing of the project and got us over the line.

In May and September of 2023, we partnered with The Fusilier Museum London on the creation of two

documentary films about the Regiment of the Royal Fusiliers; ‘The Fusiliers in Korea’ and ‘The Ballad of Salerno’. Both films were presented to a captive audience at St Sepulchres Church, Holborn which is the dedicated Memorial Chapel of the Royal Fusiliers (City of London Regiment). A third film is in development.

In October, 2023, 30 intrepid volunteers abseiled from the top of the Arcelor Mittal Tower in London’s Olympic Park to raise monies for the charity. The brainchild of Ian Tate, a freelance charities events coordinator we thank him for his efforts in helping us to raise a remarkable £14,598.43.

Legasee continues with its modus operandi of keeping the overheads and administration costs extremely low due to the dedicated support of my fellow trustees and the charity’s founder Martin Bisiker who somehow continues to contribute so much of his time to Legasee, despite his corporate life proper as a film producer.

If at first you don’t succeed, try, try, and try again.

We continue to work to improve and grow the archive and add to the educational materials that we can offer on the website.

Finally, on behalf of the Trustees I would like to thank:

The volunteers that support the charity with help from administration to research and filming. We could not manage without you.
Our freelance workers who always give more of their time than we expect.
All of the veterans who let us into their homes and share their amazing stories so candidly, with such modesty, insight and humour so that we can remember what they did and our children can learn from them.
The individuals that have provided funds to support the charity during the year.
The National Lottery Heritage Fund for their invaluable contribution towards our projects and whom we have recognised within this annual report.
The partners we have worked with during the year: you have helped us to deliver our projects and made it all so enjoyable and rewarding; we hope we have made a positive contribution to your work.

We hope that within this annual report we have been able to show how much the charity has achieved since its creation in 2011. That we have recognised the contribution made by our volunteers and demonstrated how much we value them. That we have expressed our appreciation to our funders and donors and shown the care we have taken to deliver the best possible outcomes with the resources we have.

As we do every year, we always seek ways to improve and learn and so in whatever context you are reading this report, we would be delighted to receive your feedback.

Darren Richards Chair

4 L E G A S E E A N N UA L RE PORT 2023-2024

OB J ECTS A N D ACTIVITI ES

Constitution

Legasee Educational Trust operates as an unincorporated charity whose object is to advance the education of the effects of military conflict in any manner which now or hereafter may be deemed by law to be charitable.

The relevant powers granted to it by the constitution to achieve this are:

To encourage, promote, organise and advance the education of the public in the subject and effects of military activity and promote conservation of actual veteran experiences for future benefit;
To work in partnership with other organisations for the advancement of education in military activities;
To engage in research and the provision of information related to veteran experiences and military activity;
To raise funds to support the work of the charity.

Current Objectives

Legasee’s priorities for 2024-25 will be:

To successfully deliver The National Lottery Heritage Fund project, ‘Journey to the Frontline: Trailblazing Women of The British Army’.
To work with The Fusilier Museum London to deliver another documentary film exploring the role of the Fusiliers in Italy during the Second World War.
To conduct a 5-year review of Legasee; it’s objectives and the strategy to be adopted to achieving those goals.
To continue to enhance the search functionality of the Legasee website and to optimise it’s usage as an educational tool by students of all ages.

Monitoring and Evaluation

The charity continues to develop its best practice procedures for the monitoring and evaluation of its work. We do this by reviewing our individual projects and looking at the feedback we receive from partners, funders and volunteers. These reports are available by email request: info@legasee.org.uk

To develop the charity’s volunteer programmes.

6 L E G A S E E A N N UA L RE PORT 2023-2024

ACTIVITI ES

JOURN EY T O T H E F RO NTL I N E : TR A IL B LA Z IN G WO M EN O F TH E BRI T I SH A RM Y

The Women's Royal Army Corps (WRAC) was instrumental in reshaping societal perceptions and expectations of women in the British Army between 1949 and 1992. Supported by The National Lottery Heritage Fund, Legasee is proud to be shining a light on the WRAC, celebrating the pioneering spirit of those who courageously challenged norms and pushed boundaries, while recognising the dedication and commitment of all WRAC veterans who served their country.

Thanks to National Lottery players who have made this project possible, our goal is to capture the essence of WRAC history through personal interviews with 30 veterans. As well as adding new perspectives to our video archive, these interviews will serve as the foundation for an exhibition at the Adjutant General’s Corps (AGC) Museum in Winchester – an exhibition that we hope to share more widely across the country. Additionally, we plan to create some educational resources for secondary school students to help build understanding of oral history, curation and the changing role of women in the British Army in recent history.

8 L E G A S E E A N N UA L RE PORT 2023-2024

Progress

Since receiving funding in October 2023, Legasee has approached over 50 WRAC veterans and conducted initial research calls with many of them. By the end of March 2023, 11 interviews have been filmed, with more scheduled. Two WRAC interviews have been added to the Legasee website.

Following the recruitment of a project manager, who works 3 days a week, Legasee has advertised a number of different volunteer opportunities related to the project. Recruitment efforts have yielded several highly skilled and motivated individuals from a range of backgrounds who are now helping us to edit, transcribe, research and share the WRAC accounts. This growing community of volunteers will continue to add significant value to the project and what we are able to achieve.

In partnership with Wildern School, Hedge End, we have been developing ideas for student workshops to be run in the summer term 2024. The workshops will offer students insight into oral history, curation, and the changing role of women in the British Military.

A project steering group representing key stakeholders has been set up to ensure collaborative decision-making and diverse perspectives.

10 L E G A S E E A N N UA L RE PORT 2023-2024

What's next?

Legasee is committed to expanding our digital footprint and broadening the reach of WRAC stories through social media channels. Additionally, we're excited to embark on a joint podcast series with the AGC Museum, offering a fresh platform to share the captivating narratives of WRAC veterans with a wider audience.

To be as good as the men, we had to be better than the men.

WRAC veteran

As we continue our journey, we're honoured to shine a light on these remarkable women and their enduring contributions to the history of the British Military.

So long as there are men, there will be war.

Albert Einstein

12 L E G A S E E A N N UA L RE PORT 2023-2024

East Germany was my focus, and I had a map—kind of like doing the weather, you know, but the weather I was looking at was the movement of troops from one place to another in East Germany, the movement of tanks from one place to another.

Julia Crockett served with Intelligence Corps in Holland

Helicopter came. We walked into it, I sat there. Guys had the combats on, face[s] all blacked out. I had my skirt on, my very posh cap, and the guy next to me went, “When we get there, just jump".

Diane Pratt on her experiences in Northern Ireland

We were never armed. And we were told that, looking at it logically, if you were armed, you became a target.

Sylvia Adams was Provost RMP in Northern Ireland

When there's a war on you know you need your rear party because all those things have still got to be done behind the scenes, you know, things don’t always just turn up in these countries when there’s a war on, you know, there’s all the logistics have got to be put in place.

Katherine McMullin was trained for duty in Iraq but was then assigned to the rear party

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It’s a bit of a shock because, you know, we were a very proud Corps of women. And then you’re going to have to wear someone else’s cap badge. And I think that was the biggest shock.

Patricia Rosewell

It wasn't a nice feeling because I'd gone in there as a child, basically - a 17-yearold - and come out as a woman, you know. So, I was a completely different person.

Pauline Milne on leaving the WRAC

Watch all interviews in full at www.legasee.org.uk

The beginning was beautiful, but the ending was bitter because everything that you wanted to be, it’s taken away from you just like that [snaps fingers].

Roxanne Lawton who’s career as a Steward was terminated as ‘Free on marriage’ in August 1978

I was very loyal to my Corps, and still am today, but I was ready for change a decade before it changed.

Janet Brodie-Murphy on the disbandment of the WRAC

16 L E G A S E E A N N UA L RE PORT 2023-2024

ACTIVITI ES

ST S EP ULCH RES

In May of 2023, Legasee was commissioned by the Reverend Nick Mottershead of Holy Sepulchre Church, Holborn to create a documentary film about the actions of the Royal Regiment of Fusiliers (London) Branch in Korea.

‘The Fusiliers in Korea’ featured two interviews with veterans held within Legasee’s archive of British Korean veterans, Mike Mogridge and Gerry Farmer and also a new interview with George Hodkinson DSM. This was particularly pleasing because George had been reticent to record his memories. Collectively they provided details on the involvement of the Fusiliers in Korea, including the Battles of the Hook and the ill feted Operation Pimlico, a snatch raid in which George was injured and taken POW.

The film was shown to an audience at an Evensong service at the church which was attended by many Korean veterans including the actor, Sir Michael Caine.

George passed away on January 11th 2024. RIP.

In September 2023, work started on a trilogy of films on the involvement of the Royal Fusiliers in World War Two’s Italian campaign. ‘The Ballad of Salerno’, was produced and directed by Legasee’s Trustee, Martin Bisiker. The series features military analyst, Colonel (Ret'd) Simon Diggins OBE, Journalist Gabriella Incalza and other contributors talking about the actions of the Royal Fusiliers in Italy. Often described as the forgotten front, the first film focussed on the Salerno Landings with footage provided by the Imperial War Museum. The premiere was also shown at Holy Sepulchre Church to coincide with the 80th Anniversary of the landings.

The second episode, ‘Breaking the Gustav Line’ is currently in the edit suite with a premiere in May.

Martin Bisiker worked with us to produce a film commemorating the Korean War. He conducted wonderful veteran interviews, combined video, images, text and music to tell a story that will help educate and preserve memories for generations. He went way beyond the small investment available for this project and we are truly grateful.

The Reverend Nick Mottershead

18 L E G A S E E A N N UA L RE PORT 2023-2024

ACTIVITI ES

THE AB SEIL

October 14, 2023, will forever hold a special place in the Legasee archives. This date marks the occasion of our inaugural event, which proved to be a monumental success.

On this day, 32 volunteers, aged between 14 and 76, some traveling from as far as Wales, gathered to participate in a free abseil from the top of the Arcelor Mittal Tower in London’s Olympic Park. This abseil, towering 30 meters—higher than Nelson’s Column—was a first for many participants. Despite the windy conditions and the daunting height, every volunteer conquered their fears and completed the challenge.

The collective efforts of our volunteers exceeded their personal fundraising goals, enabling Legasee to raise an impressive sum exceeding £15,000. This outstanding achievement is a testament to the dedication and courage of all involved.

We extend our deepest gratitude to each volunteer for their unwavering support and bravery. Special thanks go to Ian Tate, our events consultant, who not only conceived the abseil idea but also meticulously managed the entire event, ensuring the safety and success of every participant.

The funds raised are being invested in enhancing and streamlining the search functionality of the Legasee website and establishing a program to recruit more fulltime volunteers.

This event not only demonstrated the spirit and commitment of our community but also set a high benchmark for future endeavours.

It doesn't have to be fun to be fun.

Mark Twight

20 L E G A S E E A N N UA L RE PORT 2023-2024

PARTNERS HI P WOR K ING

Legasee views partnership working as essential in carrying out our charitable objectives and we have worked hard to develop relationships that have added value to our work and where we have added value to others.

These include:

Defence Relationship Management
Cobseo

GOV E RNAN CE AN D D E C I SI ON M AK I N G

The body responsible for the management of the charity is the Executive Committee of Trustees. The Executive Committee meets four times a year and is elected by the members of the charity.

The Development Director attends all Executive Committee Meetings and members of the charity are invited to attend.

Executive Committee:

The Imperial War Museum
Saint Sepulchres Church, Holborn
Fusiliers Regiment, London
Women’s Royal Army Corps Association
Adjutant Generals’ Corps Museum
University of Westminster
Solent University, Southampton
Everything-Connected
Hummingbird Communications
The Oral History Society
Branches of the Royal British Legion
Secret WW2 Learning Network

Martin Bisiker with Betty Webb

Trustees Volunteers Mr Darren Richards Chair Nadine Muir Audio and Podcasts Mr James Butler Treasurer Tomisin Akinbami Video Editor Mr Martin Bisiker Jodie Price Social Media Mr Ronald Hicks Nina Chana Social Media Mr Albert Berritt Steve Ward Researcher Mr Richard Bewley Emilie Stewart Podcaster Julia Crockett Education Staff / Freelance Julia Zhu Social Media Lucy Smith Project Director, Trailblazers

Innovistory

Martin with Janet Brodie-Murphy

22 L E G A S E E A N N UA L RE PORT 2023-2024

TR EASURERS REP ORT F OR T H E Y E A R ENDI N G 31ST MARC H 2 0 2 3

Achievements and Performance

2023 feels like a break through year as the impact of Coronavirus listens its grip on the Third sector.

In November we received notification of significant financial support from the The National Lottery heritage fund. Thanks to players of the national Lottery, we received a grant of £88,474 for the project, Journey to the frontline: Trailblazing Women of the British Army. More detail about our successes are detailed earlier in the report but we are pleased with progress and a special mention goes to Lucy Smith, the Project Manager we recruited in January who is doing sterling work to ensure we remain on budget and deliver on all of the key outcomes expected of us.

Financially, the Abseil was a resounding success for the charity. With Giftaid and after all expenses, we banked over £11,000. The money will be used to further develop the user experience of visitors to the website, in particular the search function.

Financial Review

The Statement of Financial Activities shows a net surplus for the year of £43,902. The charity’s reserves total £62,693 of which £33,772 are restricted funds. The administration overhead for the charity was less than 1% of turnover. The Charity operates with very low overheads as it benefits from free office space and most of the work is carried out by volunteers and freelancers who are attached to specific projects.

Future Developments

Our key objectives for next year are detailed within the “Objects and Activities” page of this report. In 2024/25 in addition to delivering on our commitments to the Heritage Lottery Fund, we plan to put governance structures in place that will secure the foundations for our future. Key expenditure will be in strengthening our core support structure. We will also look to develop our fundraising programme with the objective of raising long term and sustainable unrestricted funds whilst building our donor base.

Health and Safety Policy and Risk Assessment Policy

The charity has documented Health and Safety Policies, these are available on request. Policies are updated in light of current legislation and changes within Legasee’s working practices.

Reserves Policy

The Charity’s policy will be to maintain a reserve fund (unrestricted) that covers six months operating costs

James Butler

Treasurer

This report contains insufficient information to allow a full understanding of the financial affairs of the charity. For further information the full accounts should be consulted: copies are available for inspection at Legasee Educational Trust, 13 Mornington Road, Chingford, E4 7DT.

24 L E G A S E E A N N UA L RE PORT 2023-2024

C A N YOU HE LP?

F UNDR AIS I NG

Our Annual Report illustrates some of the work we do to record, store and share the personal stories of our Veterans.

If you believe that what we are doing is important please help us by sending a donation. Any amount, however small is sincerely appreciated; it all goes towards our work to inform and educate future generations about the bravery and heroism of our armed forces.

I would like to help Legasee record more interviews with veterans.

We thank all our donors and supporters that we have recognised in this section of our report.

We would especially like to thank the National Lottery players for the funding that has made our Trailblazer project possible.

We are extremely grateful to everyone who has supported our work whether you have given us your money or your time. Thank you for your help.

List of Supporters

Albert and Katharine Oliver Linda Beritt Ben Hayes Janet Thoules Ben Davies Tonya Chalker Sophie and Jim Saeed Georgie Forss Katherine Kyriacos Mavroudis Dave and Sarah Todd James Colgate Tim Evans Logan Chambers Ron Hicks Tania Pettet Vivian Jarvis Jack Melhuish Richard and Jack Bartlett Debbie Bewley Kate and Steve Rodney Bisiker Forss Rachel McSweeney James Andrews Natalie Bisiker Jason Herbert Anthony Ever Matt Britton

Name ………………………………………………………………………… Address …………………………………………………………………………

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………………………………………………………………………… Postcode …………………………………………………………………………

Tel ………………………………………………………………………… Email …………………………………………………………………………

Signed …………………………………………………………………………

Date …………………………………………………………………………

I am a UK taxpayer and DECLARE that I want Legasee Educational Trust to treat all donations I make from the date of this declaration until I notify you otherwise as Gift Aid donations.

26 L E G A S E E A N N UA L RE PORT 2023-2024

Legasee Educational Trust

13 Mornington Road

London

E4 7DT

Legasee is a registered charity no. 1145354 (ENG & WAL) SC047748 (SCT)

+44 (0)788 1814 707

info@legasee.org.uk 5

Legasee Educational Trust

@Legasee_Veterans

Legasee Educational Trust

Registered Charity No. 1145354 (England & Wales) SCO 047748 (Scotland)

Statement of Accounts for Year Ended

31st March 2024

Legasee Educational Trust

Report to the Management Committee for the year ended 31st March 2024

The Management Committee presents its report and unaudited financial statements for the year ended 31st March 2024

Reference and Administrative Information

Charity name Legasee Educational Trust Charity Registration Number 1145354 (England and Wales) SCO047748 (Scotland) Registered Office 13 Mornington Road London E4 7DT

Trustees

Darren Richards (Chair) James Butler (Treasurer) Martin Bisiker Albert Berritt Ron Hicks

Legasee Educational Trust

Statement of Financial Activities

(Including Income and Expenditure account) for the year ended 31st March 2024

Note Incoming Resources 2 Grants Donations Fees and other income Bank interest Total Incoming Resources Resources expended 3 Charitable activities Governance costs Total resources expended Net incoming (outgoing) resources for the year Transfer between funds Net movement in funds Funds at 31st March 2023 Funds at 31st March 2024	Restricted Funds £ 44,237 - - - 44,237 10,465 - 10,465 33,772 - 33,772 33,772	Unrestricted Funds £ - 14,810 - 805 15,615 4,885 600 5,485 10,130 - 10,130 18,791 28,921	Total 2024 £ 44,237 14,810 - 805 59,852 15,350 600 15,950 43,902 - 43,902 18,791 62,693	Total 2023 £ - 2,575 - 61 2,636 8,302 180 8,482 (5,846) - (5,846) 24,637 18,791

Legasee Educational Trust

Balance Sheet as at 31st March 2024

Note Current assets Cash at bank and in hand Creditors: amount falling due in less than one year Trade creditors Accruals Net current assets Total assets less current liabilities Reserves Unrestricted funds Designated funds Restricted funds	2024 £ 66,567 1,162 2,712	2024 £ 62,693 62,693 18,921 10,000 33,772 62,693	2023 £ 24,637 - -	2023 £ 24,637 24,637 8,791 10,000 - 18,791

Legasee Educational Trust

Notes to the accounts

for the year ending 31st March 2024

2 Incoming Resources

Grants National Heritage Donations Bank interest received Total Incoming Resources	Restricted £ 44,237 - 44,237 - - 44,237	Unrestricted £ - - - 14,810 805 15,615 15,615	Total 2024 £ 44,237 - 44,237 14,810 805 15,615 59,852	Total 2023 £ - - - 2,575 61 2,636 2,636

3 Resources expended

Salaries/freelance/professional fees Recruitment costs Travel and subsistence Training Volunteer expenses Postage/stationery/literature Technology/website/Equipment Administration costs Publicity and promotion Governance Costs Accountancy fees Total Resources Expended	Restricted £ 7,400 713 1,132 - - 183 - - 1,037 10,465 - 10,465	Unrestricted £ 4,059 - 171 - - 201 - 240 214 4,885 600 5,485	Total 2024 £ 11,459 713 1,304 - - 383 - 240 1,251 15,350 600 15,950	Total 2023 £ 7,200 - 58 - 46 546 - 452 - 8,302 180 8,482

Independent Examiners Report to the Trustees of Legasee Educational Trust Herewith is my report on the accounts of Legasee Educational Trust for the year ended 31st March 2024 which are set out on pages 8 to 15. Respertive responsibilities of the Trustees and Examiner The Trustees are responsible for the preparation of the accounts. The Trustees consider that an audit is not required for this year under section 43{2) of the Charities Act 2011. Having satisfied myself that the charity is not subject to audit and is eligible for independent examination, it is my responsibility to: Examine the accounts under section 145 of the 2011 Act; To follow the procedures laid down in the general directions given by the Charity Commission under section 145(5)(b} of the 2011 Act and to state whether particular matters have come to my attention. Basis of Independent Examinerfs Report My examination was carried out in accordance with the General Directions given by the Charity Commission. An examination includes a review of the accounting records kept by the Charity and a comparison of the accounts presented with those records. It also includes consideration of any unusual items or disclosures in the accounts and seeks explanations from you as Trustees concerning such matters. The procedures undertaken do not provide all the evidence that would be required in an audit and consequently I do not express an audit opinion on the view given by the accounts. Independent Examinerfs Statement In connection with my examination, no matter has come to my attention which gives me reasonable cause to believe that in any material respect, the requirements to keep accounting records in accordance with Section 41 of the Act. and to prepare account5 which accord with accounting records, and to comply with the accounting requirements of the Act have not been met or to which, in my opinion, attention should be drawn in order to enable a proper understating of the accounts to be reached Robin Whelan Elms, Samsons Road, Brightlingsea, Colchester C07 ORN Signed.......

Independent Examiners Report to the Trustees of Legasee Educational Trust Herewith is my report on the accounts of Legasee Educational Trust for the year ended 31st March 2024 which are set out on pages 8 to 15. Respective responsibilities of the Trustees and Examiner The Trustees are responsible for the preparation of the accounts. The Trustees consider that an audit is not required for this year under section 4312) of the Charities Act 2011. Having satisfied myself that the charity is not subject to audit and is eligible for independent examination, it is my responsibility to: Examine the accounts under settion 145 of the 2011 Act; To follow the procedures laid down in the general directions given by the Charity Commission under section 145(5}(b) of the 2011 Act and to state whether particular matters have come to my attention. Basis of Independent Examinerfs Report My examination was carried out in accordance with the General Directions given by the Charity Commission. An examination includes a review of the accounting records kept by the Charity and a comparison of the accounts presented with those records. It also includes consideration of any unusual items or disclosures in the accounts and seeks explanations from you a5 Trustees concerning such matters. The procedures undertaken do not provide all the evidence that would be required in an audit and consequently I do not express an audit opinion on the view given by the accounts. Independent Examinerfs Statement In connection with my examination, no matter has come to my attention which gives me reasonable cause to believe that in any material respect, the requirements to keep accounting records in accordance with Section 41 of the Act. and to prepare accounts which accord with accounting records, and to comply with the accounting requirements of the Act have not been met or to which, in my opinion, attention should be drawn in order to enable a proper understating of the accounts to be reached Robin Whelan Elms, Samsons Road, Brightlingsea, Colchester C07 ORN Signed..-....