DOWNHAM MARKET & DISTRICT HERITAGE SOCIETY
ANNUAL REPORT AND UNAUDITED
FINANCIAL STATEMENTS
FOR THE YEAR ENDED 31 MARCH 2026
Charity registration number 1154267 (England and Wales)
DOWNHAM MARKET & DISTRICT HERITAGE SOCIETY For year ended 31 March 2026
LEGAL AND ADMINISTRATIVE INFORMATION
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Trustees A Laing C Austin M Batt S Dobson Z Sweetland D Drewry K Wiseman A Hall P Thorpe J Patch Charity number 1154267 Principal Address The Old Fire Station 30 Priory Road Downham Market Norfolk PE38 9JS Independent examiner The Business Clinic Ltd First Floor 12 St John’s Way Downham Market Norfolk PE38 0QQ
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DOWNHAM MARKET & DISTRICT HERITAGE SOCIETY For year ended 31 March 2026
CONTENTS
| Page | |
|---|---|
| Trustee’s Report | 4-5 |
| Independent Examiner’s Report | 6 |
| Statement of Financial Actvites | 7 |
| Balance Sheet | 8 |
| Note to the Financial Statements | 9-15 |
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DOWNHAM MARKET & DISTRICT HERITAGE SOCIETY For year ended 31 March 2026
TRUSTEE REPORT FOR THE YEAR ENDING MARCH 2026
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The trustees present their annual report and financial statements for the year ended 31 March 2026. Objectives and activities
Discover Downham is a heritage centre and community hub, dedicated to preserving local history. It’s collection, largely donated, is catalogued and displayed to educate visitors and connect those with ancestral ties to the region. Permanent displays are refreshed regularly, and annual temporary exhibitions highlight local topics and attract new audiences. The centre priorities inclusivity, offering outreach and activities for all ages and vulnerable groups.
Facility improvements included repainting the main room and installing accessible PCs. However, space constraints limit storage and activities. The Trustees decided to pursue a building extension, with planning permission secured and fundraising underway. Lease extension negotiations with the Council reflect a commitment to long term investment.
Public benefit
The trustees have paid due regard to guidance issued by the Charity Commission in deciding what activities the charity should undertake.
Achievements and performance
Operational efficiency was enhanced with a new business plan, updated policies, and an optimised Modes database for artefact management. Regular meetings ensure volunteers are informed and engaged.
Visitor numbers this year totalled 786, with 850 attending the Heritage Open Day, resulting in a combined footfall of 1,636. Membership stands at 97, with new benefits and a new Membership Secretary. The newsletter keeps members connected, especially those unable to attend events. Volunteers are needed for newsletter production and publicity.
The centre relies entirely on volunteers for roles ranging from visitor engagement to IT and maintenance. More stewards are needed, and four trustees are standing down, leaving only seven. The centre is actively seeking new trustees and volunteers.
Fundraising is vital, with venue hire, workshops, coffee mornings, quiz nights, talks, sales, and raffles generating funds and fostering community spirit. Grants and donations are actively pursued, with a Borough Council grant enabling a successful Heritage Open Day.
Conclusion
Annual town events, seasonal celebrations, and outreach projects for children and vulnerable groups are central to community engagement. The museum continues to conserve and expand its collection, reorganising permanent exhibitions and selling duplicates of donated documents. The website has been overhauled for easier navigation and online payments. Discover Downham aims to honour the past, preserve heritage for the future, and bring the community together.
Financial review
Financially the organisation remains healthy and we still meet our objectives. The results for the year, and the charity’s financial position at the end of the year are shown in the attached financial statements. The present level of reserves is £234,423.
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DOWNHAM MARKET & DISTRICT HERITAGE SOCIETY For year ended 31 March 2026
The reserves figures include £149,586 for property improvements due to the cost of renovating the buildings into the heritage centre which are being written off over the term of the lease. This is not reserves that the organisation is able to convert to useable funds, therefore the actual reserves available to the organisation is £84,837.
Reserves policy
It is the policy of the charity that unrestricted funds which have not been designated for a specific use should be maintained at a level equivalent to between three and six-months expenditure. The trustees consider that reserves at this level will ensure that, in the event of a significant drop in funding, they will be able to continue the charity’s current activities while consideration is given to ways in which additional funds may be raised. This level of reserves has been maintained throughout the year.
Major risks
The trustees have assessed the major risks to which the charity is exposed, and are satisfied that systems are in place to mitigate exposure to the major risks.
The trustees who served during the year and up to the date of signature of the financial statements were:
A Laing Joined 28/05/2026 C Austin M Batt S Dobson Z Sweetland D Drewry K Wiseman A Hall Resigned 31/03/2026 P Thorpe J Patch Rejoined 26/01/2026
Recruitment and appointment of trustees
All members are invited to nominate Trustees, together with nominations from the management team and the existing Trustees. Those nominated and appointed are elected at the first AGM following appointments.
Organisational structure
The senior official to whom the day-to-day management of the charity is delegated by the charity Trustees is Andrew Laing.
The Trustee’s report was approved by the Chairperson.
……………………………….………………….. Andrew Laing
Date: …………………………………………….
Report of the Independent Accountant to the Trustees of Downham Market & District Heritage Society on the accounts for the year ended 31 March 2026 as set out on pages 7 to 15.
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DOWNHAM MARKET & DISTRICT HERITAGE SOCIETY For year ended 31 March 2026
I report to the trustees on my examination of the accounts of the above charity (“the Trust”) for the year ended 31 March 2026.
Respective responsibilities of the directors and the accountant
As the charity’s trustees, you are responsible for the preparation of the accounts in accordance with the requirements of the Charities Act 2011 (“the Act”).
I report in respect of my examination of the Trust’s accounts carried out under section 145 of the 2011 Act and in carrying out my examination, I have followed all the applicable directions given by the Charity Commission under section 145(5)(b) of the Act.
Independent examiner’s statement
I have completed my examination. I confirm that no material matters have come to my attention in connection with the examination (other than that disclosed below*) which gives me cause to believe that in, any material respect:
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The accounting records were not kept in accordance with section 130 of the Charities Act; or
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The accounts did not accord with the accounting records; or
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The accounts did not comply with the applicable requirements concerning the form and content of accounts set out in the Charities (Accounts and Reports) Regulations 2008 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.
I have no concerns and have 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.
Signed: - M Rawlinson Independent Accountant
Date: 21[st] August 2026
The Business clinic Ltd First Floor 12 St John’s Way St John’s Business Estate Downham Market PE38 0EJ
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DOWNHAM MARKET & DISTRICT HERITAGE SOCIETY For year ended 31 March 2026
INCOME & EXPENDITURE ACCOUNT
| Unrestricted | Restricted | Total | Unrestricted | Restricted | Total | ||
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Funds 2026 | Funds 2026 | 2026 | Funds 2025 | Funds 2025 | 2025 | ||
| Notes | £ | £ | £ | £ | £ | £ | |
| Income from: | |||||||
| Donatons & Legacies | 2 | 6,042 | 5,136 | 11,178 | 4,883 | 4,950 | 9,833 |
| Charitable Actvites | 3 | 12,744 | 12,744 | 10,939 | --- | 10,939 | |
| Other Trading Actvites | 4 | 6,475 | 6,475 | 7,008 | --- | 7,008 | |
| Investments | 5 | 2,249 | 2,249 | 2,423 | --- | 2,423 | |
| Total Income | 27,510 | 5,136 | 32,646 | 25,253 | 4,950 | 30,203 | |
| ========= | ======== | ======== | ======== | ======== | ======== | ||
| Expenditure on: | |||||||
| Charitable Actvites | 6 | 35,133 | 5,136 | 40,269 | 27,373 | 3.730 | 31.103 |
| Total Expenditure | 35,133 | 5,136 | 40,269 | 27.373 | 3,730 | 31,103 | |
| ======== | ======== | ======== | ======== | ======== | ======== | ||
| Net Income/Expenditure | (7,623) | ------ | (7,623) | (2,120) | 1,220 | (900) | |
| ======== | ======= | ======== | ======== | ======== | ======== |
Financially the organisation remains healthy and we still meet our objectives. The results for the year, and the charity’s financial position at the end of the year are shown in the attached financial statements. The present level of reserves is £234,423.
The reserves figures include £149,586 for property improvements due to the cost of renovating the buildings into the heritage centre which are being written off over the term of the lease. This is not reserves that the organisation is able to convert to useable funds, therefore the actual reserves available to the organisation is £84,837.
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DOWNHAM MARKET & DISTRICT HERITAGE SOCIETY For year ended 31 March 2026
BALANCE SHEET AS AT 31 MARCH 2026
| Notes Fixed Assets Tangible Assets 8 Current Assets Debtors 9 Cash at bank and in hand Creditors: amounts falling due within one year (prepayments) 10 Net current assets Total assets less current liabilites The funds of the charity Restricted income funds 11 Unrestricted funds 12 |
2026 £ ------- 78,216 78,216 (612) |
£ 156,819 77,604 234,423 ========= ------- 234,423 234,423 ========= |
2025 £ 661 74,713 75,374 (1,828) |
£ 168,501 73,546 242,047 ========= 1,220 240,827 |
|---|---|---|---|---|
242,047 ========= |
The financial statements were approved by the chairperson on …………………………….
…………………………………………………………
Andy Laing
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DOWNHAM MARKET & DISTRICT HERITAGE SOCIETY For year ended 31 March 2026
1. Accounting policies
Charity information
Downham Market & District Heritage Society is a charity registered with the Charity Commission in England. The operational address is Discover Downham, The Old Fire Station, 30 Priory Road, Downham Market, Norfolk, PE38 9JS.
1.1 Accounting convention
The financial statements have been prepared in accordance with the charity’s governing document, the Charities Act 2011, FRS 102 “The Financial Reporting Standard applicable in the UK and Republic of Ireland” and the Charities SORP “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 (FRS102)”. The charity is a Public Benefit Entity as defined by FRS 102.
The charity has taken advantage of the provisions in the SORP for charities not to prepare a statement of cash flows.
The financial statements 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 Statement of Recommended Practice for charities applying FRS 102 rather than the version of the Statement of Recommended Practice which is referred to in the Regulations but which has since been withdrawn.
The financial statements are prepared in sterling, which is the functional currency of the charity. Monetary amounts in these financial statements are rounded to the nearest £.
The financial statements have been prepared under the historical cost convention. The principal accounting policies adopted are set out below.
1.2 Going concern
At the time of approving the financial statements, the trustees have a reasonable expectation that the charity has adequate resources to continue in operational existence for the foreseeable future. Thus, the trustees continue to adopt the going concern basis of accounting in preparing the financial statements.
1.3 Charitable funds
Unrestricted funds are available for use at the discretion of the trustees in furtherance of their charitable objectives.
Restricted funds are subject to specific conditions by donors or grantors as to how they may be used. The purposes and uses of the restricted funds are set out in the notes to the financial statements.
Endowment funds are subject to specific conditions by donors that the capital must be maintained by the charity.
1.4 Income
Income is recognised when the charity is legally entitled to it after any performance conditions have been met, the amounts can be measured reliably, and it is probable that income will be received.
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DOWNHAM MARKET & DISTRICT HERITAGE SOCIETY For year ended 31 March 2026
1.4 Income continued
Cash donations are recognised on receipt. Other donations are recognised once the charity has been notified of the donation, unless performance conditions require deferral of the amount. Income tax recoverable in relation to donations received under Gift Aid or deeds of covenant is recognised at the time of the donation.
Legacies are recognised on receipt or otherwise if the charity has been notified of an impending distribution, the amount is known, and receipt is expected. If the amount is not known, the legacy is treated as a contingent asset.
1.5 Expenditure
Expenditure is 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.
Costs of generating funds are those costs incurred in trading activities that raise funds.
Governance costs include those incurred in the governance of the charity and its assets and are primarily associated with the constitutional and statutory requirements.
1.6 Tangible fixed assets
Tangible fixed assets are initially measured at cost and subsequently measured at cost or valuation, net of depreciation and any impairment losses.
Depreciation is recognised so as to write off the cost or valuation of assets less their residual values over their useful lives on the following bases:
Property improvements 4% straight line Plant and equipment 25% reducing Fixtures and fittings 15% reducing
The gain or loss arising on the disposal of an asset is determined as the difference between the sale proceeds and the carrying value of the asset, and is recognised in the statement of financial activities.
1.7 Impairment of fixed assets
At each reporting end date, the charity reviews the carrying amounts of its tangible assets to determine whether there is any indication that those assets have suffered an impairment loss. If any such indication exists, the recoverable amount of the asset is estimated in order to determine the extent of the impairment loss (if any).
1.8 Cash and cash equivalents
Cash and cash equivalents includes cash in hand, deposits held at call with banks, other short-term liquid investments with original maturities of three months or less, and bank overdrafts. Bank overdrafts are shown within borrowings in current liabilities.
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DOWNHAM MARKET & DISTRICT HERITAGE SOCIETY For year ended 31 March 2026
NOTES TO THE FINANCIAL STATEMENTS
2 Income from donations and legacies
| Unrestricted Funds 2026 Restricted Funds 2026 £ £ Donatons and gifs 4,532 General grants 5,136 Membership fees 1,510 ----- 6,042 5,136 ======== ======= 3 Income from charitable actvites Sale of goods Charitable Rental Income 4 Income from other trading actvites Fundraising events 5 Income from investments Interest Receivable |
Total 2026 Unrestricted Funds 2025 Restricted Funds 2025 Total 2025 £ £ £ £ 4,532 3,418 ---- 3,418 5,136 ---- 4,950 4,950 1,510 1,465 ---- 1,465 11.179 4,883 4,950 9,833 ======= ======== ======== ======== Unrestricte d funds 2026 Unrestricted funds 2025 £ £ 7,116 5,219 5,628 5,720 12,744 10,939 ======== ======== Unrestricted funds 2026 Unrestricted funds 2025 £ £ 6,475 7,008 ========= ======== Unrestricted funds 2026 Unrestricted funds 2025 £ £ 2,249 2,423 ======== ======== |
|---|---|
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DOWNHAM MARKET & DISTRICT HERITAGE SOCIETY For year ended 31 March 2026
| NOTES TO THE FINANCIAL STATEMENTS (contnued) 6 Expenditure on charitable actvites Direct costs Depreciaton Support and governance costs (see note 7) Support Governance 7 Support costs allocated to actvites Insurance Statonery, postage and photocopying Speakers for Talks Gas & Electric Water Telephone and internet Subscriptons and licences Repairs and renewals Computer expenses General expenses Charges Donatons Merchandise for sale Events Heritage Open Day costs Cleaning Rent Advertsing Legal & Professional Governance costs |
2026 £ 12,431 27,118 720 40,269 ========= 568 968 435 5,073 617 670 545 4,661 1,565 -------- 50 25 440 2,584 4,771 1,914 259 -------- 1,973 720 27,838 ======== |
2025 £ 12,253 17,650 1,200 |
|---|---|---|
31,103 ======== 488 462 460 2,933 404 936 510 3,300 2,080 134 34 125 496 3.022 1,755 261 250 ------- 1,200 18,850 ======== |
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DOWNHAM MARKET & DISTRICT HERITAGE SOCIETY For year ended 31 March 2026
NOTES TO THE FINANCIAL STATEMENTS (continued)
| 8 | Net movement in funds | 2026 | 2025 |
|---|---|---|---|
| £ | £ | ||
| The net movement in funds is stated afer charging/(creditng): | |||
| Depreciaton of owned tangible fxed assets | 12,432 | 12,253 | |
| ========= | ========= |
9 Trustees
None of the trustees (or any persons connected with them) received any remuneration or benefits from the charity during the year.
10 Taxation
The charity is exempt from taxation on its activities because all its income is applied for charitable purposes.
| 11 Tangible fxed assets Property Improvements Plant and Equipment Fixtures and Fitngs Cost £ £ £ At April 2025 267,119 11,417 18,916 Additons ---- 749 ---- 267,119 12,166 18,916 Depreciaton and Impairment As at April 2025 106,848 8,100 14,003 Depreciaton charged in year 10,685 1,010 737 As at March 2026 117,533 9,110 14,740 Carried forward amount At 31 March 2026 149,586 3,056 4,176 ======== ======= ======= At 31 March 2025 160,271 3,317 4,913 ======== ======= ======= |
Total £ 297,452 749 298,201 |
|---|---|
128,951 12,432 141,383 156,818 ======= 168,501 ======= |
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DOWNHAM MARKET & DISTRICT HERITAGE SOCIETY For year ended 31 March 2026
NOTES TO THE FINANCIAL STATEMENTS (continued
| 12 | Debtors: amounts falling due within one year | 2026 | 2025 |
|---|---|---|---|
| £ | £ | ||
| Prepayments and accruals | ------ | 661 | |
| 13 | Creditors: amounts falling due within one year | 2026 | 2025 |
| £ | £ | ||
| Payments received on account | 612 | 1,828 |
14 Restricted funds
The restricted funds of the charity comprise of the unexpended balances of donations and grants held on trust subject to specific conditions by donors as to how they may be used.
| At 1 April | Incoming | Resources | At 31 March | |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| 2025 | resources | expended | 2026 | |
| £ | £ | £ | £ | |
| NCF Grant | 1,220 | (1220) | ------- | |
| Heritage Open Day Donatons | 5,136 | (5,136) | ------- | |
| ========== | ========== | ========== | ========= | |
| At 1 April | Incoming | Resources | At 31 March | |
| Previous year: | 2024 | resources | expended | 2025 |
| £ | £ | £ | £ | |
| NCF Grant | ----- | 4,950 | (3,730) | 1,220 |
| ======== | ======== | ======= | ======= |
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DOWNHAM MARKET & DISTRICT HERITAGE SOCIETY For year ended 31 March 2026
15 Unrestricted funds
The unrestricted funds of the charity comprise of the unexpended balances of donations and grants which are not subject to specific conditions by donors and grantors as to how they may be used. These include designated funds which have been set aside out of unrestricted funds by the trustees for specific purposes.
| At 1 April 2025 Incoming resources £ £ General funds 242,047 32,646 ========= ========= Previous year: At 1 April 2024 Incoming resources £ £ General funds 242,947 25,253 ========= ========= 16 Analysis of net assets between funds Unrestricted funds 2026 As at March 2026: £ Tangible assets 156,819 Current assets/(liabilites) 72,468 229,467 ======== Unrestricted funds 2025 At 31 March 2025: £ Tangible assets 168,501 Current assets/(liabilites) 72,326 240,827 ======== |
Resources expended At 31 March 2026 £ £ 40,269 234,423 ========= ========= Resources expended At 31 March 2025 £ £ (27,373) 240,827 ========= ========= Restricted funds 2026 Total 2026 £ £ 156,819 5,136 77,604 5,136 234,423 ======== ======== Restricted funds 2025 Total 2025 £ £ --- 168,501 1,220 73,546 1,220 242,047 ======== ======== |
Resources expended At 31 March 2026 £ £ 40,269 234,423 ========= ========= Resources expended At 31 March 2025 £ £ (27,373) 240,827 ========= ========= Restricted funds 2026 Total 2026 £ £ 156,819 5,136 77,604 5,136 234,423 ======== ======== Restricted funds 2025 Total 2025 £ £ --- 168,501 1,220 73,546 1,220 242,047 ======== ======== |
|---|---|---|
234,423 ======== Total 2025 £ 168,501 73,546 |
||
242,047 ======== |
17 Related party transactions
There were no disclosable related party transactions during the year.
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