THE AYCLIFFE & DISTRICT BUS PRESERVATION SOCIETY
ANNUAL RETURN SEPTEMBER 2024 - AUGUST 2025
BURTREE ROAD, NEWTON AYCLIFFE DL5 6BL
Aycliffe & District SOCIETY
Charity Number: 1158142 • Accredited Museum No - 320
Trustees Serving During the Year
The Society records its sincere thanks to David Clark, who stepped down as Chairman in March 2025 after a period of dedicated service lasting three years and to Sue Clarke, who also stood down as a trustee during the year. The trustees acknowledge and appreciate their contributions to the Society and its charitable objectives.
The following individuals served as trustees of the Aycliffe & District Bus Preservation Society during the reporting period:
Alexander Willis was appointed Chair of Trustees on 8 March 2025.
Robert Shotton, Zenaida Robertshaw and Catherine Singh were all appointed as trustees on 8 March 2025.
Paul Banham continued to serve as a trustee following his appointment on 3 April 2024.
Kevin Openshaw, Mike Clayton and Ian James Wiggett also continued to serve as trustees throughout the year.
Structure, Governance and Management
The Aycliffe & District Bus Preservation Society is governed by its Constitution and is managed by a Board of Trustees, who are responsible for the overall governance, strategic direction and administration of the charity.
The trustees meet regularly throughout the year to oversee the Society's governance, financial management, museum operations, preservation activities and public engagement programmes. New trustees are provided with information regarding the charity's objectives, governing document and the guidance issued by the Charity Commission to assist them in fulfilling their responsibilities effectively.
At the end of the reporting period, the Society had eight trustees in office.
Objectives and Public Benefit
The Society's charitable objectives are to preserve, restore and exhibit historic buses and transport-related artefacts for the education and benefit of the public.
To achieve these aims, the Society operates Aycliffe Bus Museum and undertakes a wide range of activities designed to promote public understanding of transport heritage. These activities include the restoration and preservation of historic vehicles, the development of museum displays and exhibitions, educational engagement initiatives, attendance at community events and the operation of public open days.
The trustees confirm that they have complied with their duty under Section 17 of the Charities Act 2011 to have due regard to the Charity Commission's guidance on public benefit when planning and carrying out the charity's activities.
Achievements and Performance
During the year, the Society continued its work in preserving historic vehicles and transport heritage while maintaining and developing activities at Aycliffe Bus Museum.
The charity benefited from a number of positive opportunities for local media coverage, which helped to increase public awareness of the museum, the Society's charitable work and the importance of preserving the region's transport heritage for future generations. The museum opened every school holiday on Saturdays to allow young children to visit the museum, as well as visit local events.
The trustees would like to place on record their sincere gratitude to the Society's volunteers, members, supporters and visitors, whose continued dedication and support remain essential to the success of the charity.
Financial Review
The trustees are satisfied with the financial position of the Society during the reporting period.
The charity continues to receive valuable support through donations and Gift Aid, membership subscriptions, fundraising activities, museum admissions, visitor income and revenue generated through public events and related activities.
The trustees continue to monitor expenditure carefully and maintain appropriate financial controls to ensure the long-term sustainability of the Society.
Reserves Policy
The trustees aim to maintain sufficient reserves to ensure the continued operation of the museum and the ongoing preservation of the Society's historic collection and assets. Reserve levels are reviewed regularly as part of the Society' financial management procedures to ensure that adequate resources remain available to support future activities and unforeseen expenditure.
Plans for Future Periods
With the change of Chairman, and new trustees the Society intends to continue its work in preserving and restoring historic vehicles while further developing museum displays and enhancing visitor engagement opportunities.
Future plans include expanding educational and community activities, organising public events and exhibitions, and continuing to promote transport heritage across the region. The trustees also intend to build upon the success, public awareness and community engagement generated through the Society's 45th anniversary celebrations.
Through these activities, the Society aims to ensure that the region's transport heritage is preserved, interpreted and enjoyed by current and future generations.
Signed on behalf of the Board of Trustees & David Clarke
Alexander Willis
Chair of Trustees
Catherine Singh Treasurer
David Mackintosh Auditor
THE AYCLIFFE & DISTRICT BUS PRESERVATION SOCIETY
Registered Charity in England and Wales
Charity Name The Aycliffe & District Bus Preservation Society
Charity Number 1158142
Museum Accreditation Number 320
VAT Number 809 9809 11 Principal Address Unit 1H Langton Business Centre Durham Way Aycliffe Business Park Newton Aycliffe DL5 6BL
Registered Office: Unit 1H Langton Business Centre Durham Way Aycliffe Business Park Newton Aycliffe DL5 6BL Email: aycliffe-bus@hotmail.com Website: www.aycliffe-bus.com
TRUSTEES’ ANNUAL REPORT For the year September 2024 to August 2025