THORPE CAMP PRESERVATION GROUP LIMITED (LIMITED BY GUARANTEE)
Company Number 08729269 (England & Wales) Charity Number 1154931
DIRECTORS' AND TRUSTEES' REPORT AND ACCOUNTS FOR THE YEAR ENDED 31 OCTOBER 2024
THORPE CAMP PRESERVATION GROUP LIMITED (LIMITED BY GUARANTEE)
Company Information
Directors and Trustees Nicholas John Bird Heather Bird David Overton Lesley Reeson John Horn Secretary Heather Bird Registered Office Kelham House Chapel Road Tumby Woodside Boston Lincolnshire PE22 7SP Independent Examiner Mrs Nicola Lenton FCCA Dexter & Sharpe Chartered Certified Accountants The Old Vicarage Church Close Boston, Lincolnshire PE21 6NA Company Number 08729269 (England & Wales) Charity Number 1154931
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THORPE CAMP PRESERVATION GROUP LIMITED (LIMITED BY GUARANTEE)
Contents
| Page | |
|---|---|
| Directors' and Trustees' Report | 3 - 4 |
| Independent Examiner’s Report | 5 |
| Statement of Financial Activities | 6 |
| Balance Sheet | 7 |
| Notes to the Accounts | 8 - 11 |
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THORPE CAMP PRESERVATION GROUP LIMITED
(LIMITED BY GUARANTEE)
Directors' and Trustees' Report for the Year Ended 31 October 2024
The directors, who are also trustees of the charity, present their annual report and the financial statements for the year ended 31 October 2024.
The company was incorporated on 11 October 2013 and registered as a charity on 8 December 2013.
Objects of the charity, principal activities and organisation of our work
The charity is constituted as a company limited by guarantee, and is therefore governed by a memorandum and articles of association.
The company is a registered charity with the principal activity of the operation of historical sites and buildings and similar visitor attractions.
The object of the charity is to advance the education of the general public by the acquisition and restoration of the former No. 1 Communal site, Royal Air Force Woodhall Spa, creating a visitor centre, and furthering an interest in Royal Air Force Woodhall Spa and its war-time squadrons, civil life in Lincolnshire during World War II and aviation history in general. It does not seek to justify or glorify war. It is not a re-enactment society nor is it commercially motivated. It is entirely non-political and applications for membership are welcomed from anyone with an interest in the subject. The object of the Group is to further the interest in the public in the recent history of Royal Air Force Woodhall Spa and life in Lincolnshire during World War II by the management of the Thorpe Camp Visitor Centre, by promoting and supporting related events and projects and to keep close contact with like-minded groups and organisations. The Directors/Trustees are keen to support related projects and activities within schools and are committed to seeking association with the younger generation. The Directors/Trustees remain active and committed to the challenges ahead and are aware of the need to review and improve the administration systems and controls required to support the Group.
Directors and Organisational Structure
The directors who served during the period were:
Nicholas John Bird Heather Bird David Overton Lesley Reeson John Horn
At each annual general meeting one third of the directors must retire from office. The directors to retire by rotation shall be those who have been longest in office since their last appointment. If a director is required to retire at an annual general meeting the retirement shall take effect upon the conclusion of the meeting. No person other than a director retiring by rotation may be appointed a director at any general meeting. All members who are entitled to receive notice of a general meeting must be given not less than 7 nor more than 28 days’ notice of any resolution to be put to the meeting to appoint a director other than a director who is to retire by rotation.
Volunteers
The charity relies on the work of 22 volunteers.
Recruitment and appointment of new Trustees
Any new Director/Trustee will be a member of the Group and will therefore be familiar with the activities of the Group. On appointment as a Trustee each is advised on the role and responsibility of a charity’s trustee.
Organisation
The Directors/Trustees determine the general management of the Group and have met on 11 occasions during the year. There have been no major changes in the policies adopted to achieve the objectives during the year.
Investment Powers
Under the Memorandum and Articles of Association, the Trustees have the power to expend the funds of the Charity in such a manner as they consider most beneficial for the achievement of the objects of the Charity.
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THORPE CAMP PRESERVATION GROUP LIMITED (LIMITED BY GUARANTEE)
Directors' and Trustees' Report for the Year Ended 31 October 2024 Contd..
Development, activities and achievements
The Trustees are pleased to report that our thirty sixth year has proved to have been one of our most challenging and successful years for the group. The Charity saw a rise in the number of visitors to the Camp on the regular opening days. The limited Sunday and Bank Holiday openings together with the Wednesdays in July and August continued to be a hit with our visitors. The Charity saw to the organising and putting on of the 1940s weekend. It was well attended and will hopefully continue to be a major event in the Charity calendar.
The Trustees are pleased with the development of new displays including a replica great escape tunnel and the ongoing projects for the Camp. Visitors have said how impressive and realistic.
The number of ‘Trip Advisor’ reviews continues to grow, the majority giving excellent reports with only a handful listing the Centre as ‘very good’ or ‘average’. There was not one adverse review during the year.
It has been another brilliant year and the trustees offer a big thank you to all members for their contributions towards achieving this success.
Transactions, financial position and reserves
– During the period the charity had incoming resources of £75,145 (2023 £45,120) and outgoing resources of £36,605 – (2023 £41,954) leaving a surplus of £38,540 (2023 surplus £3,166) for the year. The charity has reserves of £184,926 – (2023 £146,386) to continue its work.
Reserves Policy and Risk management
The Charity’s policy is to maintain reserves at a sufficiently high level so as to
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Allow the charity to continue to exist through periods of low income
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Assist with capital expenditure
The major risks to which the charity has been exposed have been identified in the charity’s business plan. These are reviewed by the managing trustees as appropriate.
Statement of trustees' responsibilities
The trustees are required by law to prepare financial statements for each financial year which give a true and fair view of the financial activities of the charity and of its financial position at the end of that year. In preparing those financial statements, the trustees are required to:
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select suitable accounting policies and then apply them consistently;
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make judgements and estimates that are reasonable and prudent;
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state whether the policies adopted are in accordance with the Companies Act 2006 and with applicable accounting standards and statements of recommended practices, 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 assume that the charity will continue in operation.
The trustees are responsible for keeping proper accounting records which disclose with reasonable accuracy at any time the financial position of the charity and to enable them to ensure that the financial statements comply with the Companies Act 2006. 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.
Small Company Rules
This report has been prepared in accordance with the special provisions of Part 15 of the Companies Act 2006 relating to small companies.
This report was approved by the board on 18 October 2025 and signed on its behalf.
N Bird ~ Director
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THORPE CAMP PRESERVATION GROUP LIMITED (LIMITED BY GUARANTEE)
Independent Examiner’s Report to the Trustees Of Thorpe Camp Preservation Group Limited
I report on the accounts of the company for the year ended 31 October 2024 set out on pages 6 to 11.
Responsibilities and basis of report
As the charity’s trustees of the Company (who are also the directors of the company for the purposes of company law), you are responsible for the preparation of the accounts in accordance with the requirements of the Companies Act 2006 (“the 2006 Act”).
Having satisfied myself that the accounts of the Company are not required to be audited for this year under Part 16 of the 2006 Act and are eligible for independent examination, I report in respect of my examination of your charity’s accounts as carried out under section 145 of the Charities Act 2011 (“the 2011 Act”). In carrying out my examination, I have followed the Directions given by the Charity Commission (under section 145(5) (b) of the 2011 Act.
Independent examiner's statement
I have completed my examination. I confirm that no material matters have come to my attention which gives me cause to believe that:
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accounting records were not kept in accordance with section 386 of the Companies Act 2006; or
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the accounts do not accord with such records; or
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the accounts do not comply with relevant accounting requirements under section 396 of the Companies Act 2006 other than any requirement that the accounts give a ‘true and fair’ view which is not a matter considered as part of an independent examination; or
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the accounts have not been prepared in accordance with the Charities SORP (FRS102).
I have no concerns and have come across no other matters in connection with the examination to which attention should be drawn in this report in order to enable a proper understanding of the accounts to be reached.
NICOLA LENTON FCCA Independent Examiner Dexter & Sharpe Chartered Certified Accountants The Old Vicarage Church Close Boston, Lincolnshire PE21 6NA
18 October 2025
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THORPE CAMP PRESERVATION GROUP LIMITED (LIMITED BY GUARANTEE)
Statement of Financial Activities (Including Income & Expenditure Account) For the Year Ended 31 October 2024
| Unrestricted | Unrestricted | Restricted | Total | Total | |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Funds | Funds | 2024 | 2023 | ||
| Notes | £ | £ | £ | £ | |
| Income and endowments from: | |||||
| 2 | Donations and Legacies | 38,482 | - | 38,482 | 12,893 |
| 3 | Charitable Activities | 15,173 | - | 15,173 | 15,588 |
| 4 | Other Trading Activities | 21,490 | - | 21,490 | 16,639 |
| _ | _ | _ | _ | ||
| Total Income | 75,145 | - | 75,145 | 45,120 | |
| ═══════ | ═══════ | ═══════ | ═══════ | ||
| Expenditure on: | |||||
| Raising Funds: | |||||
| 5 | Running Costs | 23,982 | 231 | 24,213 | 28,659 |
| 6 | Operating Expenditure | 10,302 | - | 10,302 | 11,703 |
| 7 | Managing & Administering the Charities Activities | 2,090 | - | 2,090 | 1,592 |
| _ | _ | _ | _ | ||
| Total Expenditure | 36,374 | 231 | 36,605 | 41,954 | |
| ═══════ | ═══════ | ═══════ | ═══════ | ||
| Net Income/(Expenditure) for the Year | 38,771 | (231) | 38,540 | 3,166 | |
| Total Funds brought forward | 142,063 | 4,323 | 146,386 | 143,220 | |
| _ | _ | _ | _ | ||
| Total Funds carried forward | 180,834 | 4,092 | 184,926 | 146,386 | |
| ═══════ | ═══════ | ═══════ | ═══════ |
There were no recognised gains and losses for the trading period other than those included in the statement of financial activities.
The notes on pages 8 to 11 form part of these accounts.
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THORPE CAMP PRESERVATION GROUP LIMITED (LIMITED BY GUARANTEE)
Balance Sheet as at 31 October 2024
| Notes | 2024 £ |
2023 £ |
|
|---|---|---|---|
| 8 | Fixed Assets | 90,415 | 83,354 |
| Current Assets | |||
| 9 | Prepayments | 592 | 651 |
| Cash at Bank and In Hand | 92,983 | 61,843 | |
| Stock | 2,214 | 1,708 | |
| _ | _ | ||
| Total Current Assets | 95,789 | 64,202 | |
| ═══════ | ═══════ | ||
| 10 | Creditors:amounts falling due within one year | amounts falling due within one year 1,278 |
1,170 |
| ═══════ | ═══════ | ||
| Net Current Assets | 94,511 | 63,032 | |
| _ | _ | ||
| Net Assets | 184,926 | 146,386 | |
| ═══════ | ═══════ | ||
| 11 | Funds | ||
| Unrestricted Funds | 180,834 | 142,063 | |
| Restricted Funds | 4,092 | 4,323 | |
| _ | _ | ||
| 184,926 | 146,386 | ||
| ═══════ | ═══════ |
The charitable company is entitled to exemption from audit under Section 477 of the Companies Act 2006 for the year ended 31 October 2024. The trustees have not required the charitable company to obtain an audit of its financial statements for the year ended 31 October 2024 in accordance with Section 476 of the Companies Act 2006.
The trustees acknowledge their responsibilities for:
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(a) ensuring that the charitable company keeps accounting records which comply with Sections 386 and 387 of the Companies Act 2006; and
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(b) preparing financial statements which give a true and fair view of the state of affairs of the charitable company as at the end of each financial year and of its surplus or deficit for each financial year in accordance with the requirements of Sections 394 and 395 and which otherwise comply with the requirements of the Companies Act 2006 relating to financial statements, so far as applicable to the charitable company.
These financial statements have been prepared in accordance with the special provisions of Part 15 of the Companies Act 2006 relating to small charitable companies.
The financial statements were approved by the Board of Trustees on 18 October 2025 and were signed on its behalf by:
N Bird Director
The notes on pages 8 to 11 form part of these accounts
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THORPE CAMP PRESERVATION GROUP LIMITED (LIMITED BY GUARANTEE)
Notes to the Accounts for the Year Ended 31 October 2024
1. ACCOUNTING POLICIES
Basis of Preparation of Accounts
The financial statements of the charitable company, which a public benefit entity under FRS 102, 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 2016)’, Financial Reporting Standard 102 ‘The Financial Reporting Standard applicable in the UK and Republic of Ireland’ and the Companies Act 2006. The financial statements have been prepared under the historical cost convention.
Tangible Fixed Assets and Depreciation
Tangible fixed assets are stated at cost or valuation less depreciation. Depreciation is provided at rates calculated to write off the cost or valuation of fixed assets, less their estimated residual value, over their expected useful lives on the following bases:
Improvements to Property - 1% on Cost Display Stands - 12.5% Reducing Balance Basis
Incoming Resources
Income from subscriptions, donations, grants including capital grants and gifts are included in incoming resources when these are received.
Value Added Tax
Value added tax is not recoverable by the charity, and as such is included in the relevant costs in the financial statements.
Staff Costs
No remuneration was paid to any director or trustee during the year. No director or trustee had any undisclosed material interest in any transaction with the company during the year.
Income
Voluntary income and donations are accounted for as received by the charity.
Funds
Unrestricted funds are donations and other incoming resources receivable or generated for the objects of the charity without further specified purpose and which are available as general funds.
Restricted funds are amounts receivable by the charity where the use is specified by the donor, or where funds have been internally generated for a specific purpose relating to the objects of the charity. Full details relating to the restricted funds of the charity are included within the notes to the accounts.
2. DONATIONS AND LEGACIES
| Donations Memberships Legacies |
Unrestricted Restricted Total Total Funds Funds 2024 2023 £ £ £ £ 10,965 - 10,965 11,907 1,212 - 1,212986 26,305 - 26,305 - _ _ _ _ 38,482 - 38,482 12,893 ═══════ ═══════ ═══════ ═══════ |
|---|---|
__ ══ |
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THORPE CAMP PRESERVATION GROUP LIMITED
(LIMITED BY GUARANTEE)
Notes to the Accounts Continued for the Year Ended 31 October 2024
3. CHARITABLE ACTIVITIES
----- Start of picture text -----
Unrestricted Restricted Total Total
Funds Funds 2024 2023
£ £ £ £
-
Shop and Cafe Sales 15,173 15,173 15,588
═══════ ═══════ ═══════ ═══════
4. OTHER TRADING ACTIVITIES
Centre Gate – Suns and Bank Holidays 3,751 - 3,751 4,222
Centre Gate – Wednesday 5,064 - 5,064 1,325
Centre Gate – Monday 232 - 232 455
Centre Gate – Saturday 35 - 35 1,147
Centre Gate – Card 12,050 - 12,050 9,046
Stall Rents 358 - 358 444
_ _ _ _
21,490 - 21,490 16,639
═══════ ═══════ ═══════ ═══════
5. RUNNING COSTS
Repairs 14,918 - 14,918 20,228
Light & Heat 5,420 - 5,420 4,540
Rates 62 - 62 64
Insurance 1,077 - 1,077 1,017
Drainage Rates 22 - 22 19
Sewage Removal 1,590 - 1,590 1,701 1
Depreciation 893 231 1,124 1,090
_ _ _ _
23,982 231 24,213 28,659
═══════ ═══════ ═══════ ═══════
6. OPERATING EXPENDITURE
Shop Stock 3,407 - 3,407 4,832
Stationery 88 - 88 647
Other Expenditure 6,807 - 6,807 6,224
_ _ _ _
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10,302 10,302 11,703
═══════ ═══════ ═══════ ═══════
----- End of picture text -----
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THORPE CAMP PRESERVATION GROUP LIMITED (LIMITED BY GUARANTEE)
Notes to the Accounts Continued for the Year Ended 31 October 2024
| 7. 8. |
MANAGING AND ADMINISTERING THE CHARITY’S ACTIVITIES Unrestricted Restricted Total Total Funds Funds 2024 2023 £ £ £ £ Accountancy 1,278 - 1,278 1,170 Telephone 120 - 120 126 Credit Card Fees 692 - 692 296 _ _ _ _ 2,090 - 2,090 1,592 ═══════ ═══════ ═══════ ═══════ FIXED ASSETS Improvements Display Total To Property Stands 2024 £ £ £ Cost At 1 November 2023 85,411 7,022 92,433 Additions 8,185 - 8,185 _ _ _ At 31 October 2024 93,596 7,022 100,618 ═══════ ═══════ ═══════ Depreciation At 1 November 2023 3,902 5,177 9,079 Charge for year 893 231 1,124 _ _ _ At 31 October 2024 4,795 5,408 10,203 ═══════ ═══════ ═══════ Net Book Value 31 October 2024 88,801 1,614 90,415 ═══════ ═══════ ═══════ Net Book Value 31 October 2023 81,509 1,845 83,354 ═══════ ═══════ ═══════ |
MANAGING AND ADMINISTERING THE CHARITY’S ACTIVITIES Unrestricted Restricted Total Total Funds Funds 2024 2023 £ £ £ £ Accountancy 1,278 - 1,278 1,170 Telephone 120 - 120 126 Credit Card Fees 692 - 692 296 _ _ _ _ 2,090 - 2,090 1,592 ═══════ ═══════ ═══════ ═══════ FIXED ASSETS Improvements Display Total To Property Stands 2024 £ £ £ Cost At 1 November 2023 85,411 7,022 92,433 Additions 8,185 - 8,185 _ _ _ At 31 October 2024 93,596 7,022 100,618 ═══════ ═══════ ═══════ Depreciation At 1 November 2023 3,902 5,177 9,079 Charge for year 893 231 1,124 _ _ _ At 31 October 2024 4,795 5,408 10,203 ═══════ ═══════ ═══════ Net Book Value 31 October 2024 88,801 1,614 90,415 ═══════ ═══════ ═══════ Net Book Value 31 October 2023 81,509 1,845 83,354 ═══════ ═══════ ═══════ |
|---|---|---|
| Accountancy Telephone Credit Card Fees FIXED ASSETS Cost At 1 November 2023 Additions At 31 October 2024 Depreciation At 1 November 2023 Charge for year At 31 October 2024 Net Book Value 31 October 2024 Net Book Value 31 October 2023 |
||
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THORPE CAMP PRESERVATION GROUP LIMITED (LIMITED BY GUARANTEE)
Notes to the Accounts Continued for the Year Ended 31 October 2024
9. DEBTORS: DUE WITHIN ONE YEAR
| 10. | 2024 2023 £ £ Prepayments 592 651 ═══════ ═══════ CREDITORS; AMOUNTS FALLING DUE WITHIN ONE YEAR Accruals 1,278 1,170 ═══════ ═══════ |
|---|---|
11. FUNDS OF THE CHARITY
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(a) The restricted capital funds are to be utilised to replace fixed assets and maintain the educational equipment and assets in a suitable condition.
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(b) Unrestricted funds represent the accumulated revenue of the charity.
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(c) Analysis of net assets between funds:
| Tangible fixed assets Net current assets |
Unrestricted Restricted Capital Funds Funds |
Unrestricted Restricted Capital Funds Funds |
Unrestricted Restricted Capital Funds Funds |
|---|---|---|---|
£ 88,801 92,033 _ 180,834 ═══════ |
£ | ||
__ ══ |
12. SHARE CAPITAL
The company is incorporated under the Companies Act as a Guarantee company. No share capital has been issued. In the event of the company’s winding up each member may be required to contribute an amount not exceeding £1 as a contribution towards the debts and liabilities of the company.
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