TRUSTEES ANNUAL REPORT
st
For the Period I" April 2023 to 31 March 2024
Section A: Reference and administration details
Kent Firefighting Museum
Registered Charity No: 1157631
Principal Address
Kent Firefighting Museum
Woodlands Garden Centre, Ash Lane. Ash, Nr Sevenoaks, Kent TN17 7EG
Names of Trustees
J W Beech, Chairman of Trustees
AC Wells, Vice Chairman
H Myers, Treasurer
K Clay
J Luque
K Sivell (from November 2023}
Section B: Structure Governance and Management
Kent Firefighting Museum is a Charitable Incorporated Organisation the only voting
members of which are its charity Trustees. The charity has the "Foundation" model
constitution, and new Trustees are appointed by the Board of Trustees.
During 2023 two of our valued Trustees resigned, one on grounds of ill health and the other
due to pressure of other commitments. In addition to this, the rotation of Trustees meant
that two more Trustees left the Board in November 2023: Messrs J Meakins and R Miller.
However, the Museum was fortunate to secure the services of Mr Kevin Sivell as a Trustee.
Also due to rotation of Trustees. Chairman Mr J Beech and Vice Chairman Mr A Wells
together with Mr H Myers, will be stepping down as Trustees in November 2024, having
completing their three terms of office.
Following Mr Myers, notice of intention of standing down as Treasurer, during the year the
Board of Trustees were fortunate enough to obtain the services of Mrs Debbie Payne as
Temporary Treasurer.
Whilst in its infancy the Management Committee, formed following the 2022 AGM and
under the Chairmanship of Mr J Luque. is functioning as was perceived, thereby allowing
Trustees to focus on governance, probity, and oversight of the Museum.

The Museum continues to operate using volunteers and has no paid employees.
Mrs Debbie Payne was elected as Treasurer and Mrs Trish Hopkins was re-elected to
Secretary to the Board of Trustees and the Museum.
During 2023124 the Museum was open from 8 March until 10 December 2023: it re-opened
on 6 March 2024.
Section C: Objertives and activitie5
The objects of the charity, set out in its governing document, are to advance education for
the public benefit in the subject of firefighting in Kent, its history and heritage by the
establishment and maintenance of a museum and learning resources. All Trustees have
made the statutory declaration to have regard to the guidance of the Charity commission on
public benefit.
In this ninth year of operation, it is pleasing to report that the Museum, through the help of
its very resourceful and valued group of volunteers, was able to remain open on 5 days a
week (Wednesday - Sunday) for the entire period as well as on other days such as Bank
Holidays and pre-arranged visit5.
Section D: Achievements and performance
During the 2023124 period the Museum received 6,196 visitors: it was also promoted at
outside events such as Fire Station open days and continues to give presentations to various
societies.
The Website is now fully functional and receives many requests for historical information
through this medium, most of which are satisfied due to the immense knowledge of the
Museum's Curator. The Website is continually monitored and updated as necessary with
consideration currently being given to allow donations to be collected through this medium.
Preparations are in their infancy for an Open Day to celebrate the ioth Anniversary of Kent
Firefighting Museum being at Woodlands Garden Centre. This event will be in June 2024.
Section E: Financial review
The Lease for the premises which Kent Firefighting Museum occupy was due for renewal in
September 2023. Renewal was successfully completed and the site secured for a further 7
years.
The Charity did not adopt a policy on reserves in this period of operation.
During the period under report, income from donations and interest was £4,369
Expenditure was £2,127 providing a surplus of £2,242 for the year.

The closing balance at the bank as at 31 March 2024 was £59,550.
The Charity's bankers are the Charities Aid Foundation, 25 Kings Hill Avenue, Kings Hill, Kent
ME19 4TA.
The Charity has no funds materially in deficit.
Section F: Other optional information
The Museum does not charge for admission.
Section G: Declaration
The Trustees declare that they have approved the Trustees report above.
Signed on behalf of the Charity's Trustees
Jeremy Wilson Beech CBE, QFSM
Chairman of Trustees 202312024
Date:

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Endowment
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Total funds
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to the noarnst £
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A6 Cash funds last year end
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CCXX R1 accounts {SS)
2811112024

Section B Statement of assets and liabilities at the end of the period
Unrestricted
funds
to nearest £
Restricted
funds
to nearest £
Endowment
funds
to nearest £
Categorles
Details
81 Cash funds
Total cash funds
q15-0-
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Unrestrfcted
funds
to nearnst £
Restricted
funds
to noar•st t
Endowment
funds
to nearest £
Details
Fund to whlch
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Fund to whl¢h
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Current valuo
tional
Details
¢￿t loptlonall
84 Assets retainod for the
charlty's own use
UWREST
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Fund to whl¢h
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Amount du•
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When due
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Details
B5 Llabilities
Signed by one or trustees on
behalf of all the trustees
Signature
Print Name
Date of
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CCXX R2 accounts {SSI
2811112024