REGISTERED CHARITY NUMBER: 1159405 REPORT OF THE TRUSTEES AND UNAUDITED FINANCIAL STATEMENTS FOR THE YEAR ENDED 30JUNE 2025 FOR RAYLEIGH TOWN MUSEUM KDV Accountanry Servlce5 114 The Chase Rayleigh Essex SS6 8QP
RAYLEIGH TOWN MUSEUM CONTENTS OF THE FINANCIAL STATEMENTS FOR THE YEAR ENDED 30 JUNE 2025 Page Report of the Trustees Statement of Financlal Actlvlties Statement of Asset5 and Llabllltles 10 Note to the Flnanclal Statements 11-12 Detailed Ststement of Financial Actlvlties 13
Trustees. Annual Report for the period Period start date Period end date 2024 2025 From Section A Reference and administration details Charity name Rayleigh Town Museum Other names charity is known by Registered charity number (if any) 1159405 Charity's principal address 1. Fkx)r 91 High Street Rayleh, Essex Postcode SS6 7EJ Names of the charfjty trustses who manage the charity D•tr8 a¢tsd If not for wholfr ear Trn8te• n•mt Offlce {If N•me of lSOn lor b¢>dyl ontltlod olnl tru8lee Ifan Mr WA Clark Chair Mrs S P Keys- Smrth Secretary Mrs V Martin-lrvine Mrs A Jolly Mr T Jobson Mr MF Davies Mr E Dray Mrs L Davison Mr J.A Buxton 10 Mr B. Bowdler 12 13 14 15 16 17 18 19 20 Names of the trustees for the charity, if any, (for example, any custodian trustees) Name Dates acted rf not for whole ear
Names and addresses of advisers {Optional information) of adviser Name Address Name of chief executive or names of senior staff members Ioptional information) Mr M F Davies- Chair of Management Team Section B Structure, overnance and mana ement Descrlptlon of the charlty's trusts Type of governing document Governance since 2021 How the charrty is constituted Charrtable Incorporated Organisation Trustee selection methods Appointed and approved by Trustee Board Additional governance issues (Optional infomiation) Induction and Training Links have been maintained with a number of organisations who provide training and awareness of the responsibilities and requirements of being a Trustee. These courses may be free or at a reduced cost and are circulated to Trustees for attendance wheie the trustee is available. These are... Association of Independent Museums Essex Museums Devebopment Servi Share Museums East You may choose to include additional information, where relevant, about: policies and procedures adopted for the induction and training of trustees,. the charity's organisational structure and any wider network with which the charity works; relationship with any related parties., trustees, consideration of major risks and the system and procedures to manage them. Organisational Structure: Trustees. Management Team SUl>CommitteeeaM Structure including: Buildings Maintenance Team Volunteer Team Development Accessioning Acquisitions Team Eventslschool Liaison Team Finance Sub-commrtlee Friendslmembership Team Commercial Hire Marketing PR Team Information Commissioner IGDPR Lead Research Team Retail Team IT Team
Risk Management The Trustees have a duty to identify and review the risks lo which the Charity is exposed and to ensure appropriate controls are in place to provide reasonable assurance against fraud and error. A number of Policies and Procedures constantly reviewed especially in relation to financial considerations following the pandemic of 2020121122. It is necessary to continue to carry out Risk Assessments because of our commitment to build in resilience and sustainabilty.. Our commitment to our accredrtation work is important to create a Cultu of VIeW and renew to a number of the policies and procedures to move foThvard. The Risk Assessment was reviewed in November 2024. Section C Ob'ectives and activities The Museum, funded initially by a grant from the Herrtage Lottery Fund, Rayleigh Town Council and others, opened to the general public on 9 April 2016. Dedicated solely to the history of Raybeigh, the Museum has acquired a large number of local artefacts. including an 18th Century Bow Window. an original cinema projector, a scale working model of the local windmill, an old pub sign, an original baker's cart and a large amount of ephemera, including original postcards, newspapers, books, Town guides, maps and original documents of all sorts, all wrth a direct Rayleigh provenance. The Museum continues to receive a wide range of Rayleigh related artefacts added to our archives. Public Benefit The Museum is designed for the benefit of the residents of Rayleigh of all ages, those new to the town, long tem residents, as well as those visitors to Rayleigh from the wider community. The Museum has fully compliant access for individuals with special needs, both wheelchair users and those with mobility issues, including a disabled toilet and hearing loop. These provisions are constantty reviewed and we were pleased to recerve agreement from the Vrk carried out to ensu that we have become Dementia Friendty location. The Museum also has a mobile defibrillator. There will be those who view the exhibits as a social visit, others for famity research and those who wish to find out more aboul a specific aspect of our towns history. Visitor numbers now exed 46,000+ since opening in 2016 a significant number for a small independent town museum. We work closely with the 8 Primary and 2 Senior Schools in Rayleigh in range of educational and community activities. These include organised school visits (both at the Museum and in schools), in line with each individual school's curriculum. In addttion, GuideslBrownieslScoutslCub Scouts group's award badges and work placement students. We actively seek to recruit new volunteer stewards, for example. those wishing to retum to work, as part of their skills set Jor prospective employers. We are a Museum for the whole communty and offer a diverse range of activities and events both in the Museum and within the local area, to raise awareness and involvement with our Town's rich and varied history. A number of our stewards and all Duty Supervisors have appropriate ongoing training and refresher courses to include basic first aid training, fire extinguisher, use of the defibrillator. as appropriate. We offer a facilty to hire the Museum for non-heritage 'commercial' meetings as an additional Sour of income. In addition a growing element of the Museums events also include the Heritage Walks that are held on a regular basis both for local community rou s as well as visbtors to the town. Some of our volunteers re ularl Summary of the objects of the charity set out in its governing document Summary of the main activities undertaken for the public benefit in relation to these objècts (include withln this section the statutory declaration that trustees have had regard to the guidance issued by the Charity Commission on public benefit)
carry out visits to shetted accommodation and historical socEties deliverin resentations and historical stories to those rou Additional details of objectives and activities (Optional infomiation) The Museum has a deded leam of volunteer stewards who work under the direction of a Duty Supervisor. Development of volunteer skills is offered through a series of courses conceming customer service, Museum orientation. first aid, computer literacy and conservation. As a member of several Museum Associations, we can identify a range of cost effective courses to assist with volunteer development and the advance of professionalism. We afe continuing to work towards 'Accreditation' status with the Collections Trusl. This process is in its final year and having signed up to the Grantium system we are now uploading several policies including organisational structure abng with a Forward Plan, Care and Conservation Policy and procedures. There are several volunteers who have led and continue to prc£ess our application in this area. My thanks to them for their work. A sound financial base is sustained by our 'Friends' Support Group and a wide range of local and commercial sponsorship. Our policy of exhibit rotation as well as an on-going series of events and exhibitions will encourage new visitors, which, in turn, will generate new income streams. You may choose lo include further statements, where relevant, about.. policy on grantmaking; policy programme related investment; contribution made by volunteers. Special Teams, reptIng to the Managemenl Group. work on a large range of fundraising activities. These include our 'Friends Group, quizzes, coach trips, guided town walks, slide shows, monthly special interest talks, special exhibrtions, sponsorship deals, themed events, retail outlet and special merchandise such as Christmas cards and other seasonal promotions..
Objectives and Aims The Museum, funded initially by a grant from the Heritage Lottery Fund. Rayleigh Town Council and others, opened to the general public on g April 2016. Dedicated solely to the history of Rayleigh, the Museum has acquired a large number of local artefacts, including an 18th Century Bow Window, an original cinema projector. a scale working model of the local windmill, an old pub sign, an onginal baker's cart and a large amount of ephemera, including original postcards, newspapers, books, Town guides, maps and original documents of all sorts, all wrth a direct Rayleigh provenance. The Museum continues to receive a wide range of Rayleigh related artefacts added to our archives. A programme of special events takes place with talks, slideshows, school visits. special exhibitions. a dedicated children's area, and historical research area. The Museum is also available as a base for community groups to meet. All our visitors are met in the reception area of the Museum by two or more of our volunteer stewards who staff the Museum from 10.00 a.m. to 4.00 p.m. on Wednesday, Friday and Saturday every week. Special provisions exist to open the Museum on selected bank holidays and evenings as required and for special events like the Rayleigh Trinty Fair and the Rayleigh Town Christmas Lights Switch on. On-going funding is provided by our flourishing 'Friends' Group, which has currently 500 rrEmbers; by local business and private sponsorship and, by the provision of a small retail unit within the Museurn, which offers Rayleigh relaled products such as DVD'S, books, key rings, small children's items and soft toys for sale. We have also received a number of bequests from supporters who have passed.
Section D Achievements and performance Summary of the main achievements of the charity during the year The recovery of our presence within the communty has continued to grow even with the rising cosl of living. We have continued with a number of procedures we have in place to continue offering a safe environment for our visitors and volunteers alike. I would like to concentrate upon and hwhlight what l. as Chair of Trustees, believe to be the biggest strength and achievement that any organisation, wholly run by volunteers. could have had over the past year of this report. Our volunteers have continued to show the commitment to the Museum and its presence in the Town and they have worked hard to continue to prepare plans, prOdureS and preparations should we return to the previous difficult period similar to the pandemic. You can never rule out the possibility of another catastrophic event that VK)uld affect the abilrty, desire or commrtment to our volunteer run Museum. That is why I congratulate all of the volunteers both long and short term individuals who have put their hearts and souls into providing a substantial communty facility celebrating the past and the future of an ever growing town like Rayleigh. It seems a long time since the pandemic but recovery has been a long and hard task that our volunteers have stuck with. Because of this dedication we have continued to be rnindful of the need to project funding reductions, rising cosl of living and through our dedicated volunteer Finance team we have been able to manage the budget to their credtt with determination and good management outcomes. I reiterate this year the Finance Team who deserve thorough 'pat on the back, for the management of high cost of living including energy cost issues that have affected our funding. They are always looking to save a penny here and a penny there much to their credit. The Rayleigh Castle Timbers exhibrtion has this year drawn a number of visrtors. These timbers had been in storage with the National Trust for a number of years and it was onty through a chance meeting we were able to complete those negotiations and set up a Rayleigh Castle Timbers Exhibition with the opening being attended by the Lord Lieutenant of Essex. This year saw the 9 Anniversary of OUT opening as a museum and we had the pleasure of welcoming the High Sheriff of Essex Julie Fosh her second term following 2020 -21 which was severely impacted by the pandemic. It was an honour to welcome her with other distinguished guests. We are approaching the final leg of the accreditation project which rt is hoped will be a success as it would give us the opportunity to be allowed to borrow displays and artifacts from other accredited museums so enhancing our ability to bnng differing eXhIb.0nS and displays to our communty Unfortunate, we have lost some vital fundraising activities but are working to introduce a changing programme for the future incorporating a wide range of talks and heritage events. We welcome a new Trustee Mr Barrie Bowdler who has already, in addition to bein a trustee, volunteers as rt of the IT team workin
through the introduction of a new computer system . It is necessary to ensure the museum moves fOrard with the introduction of elements of technology to bring us up to date highlighting the growing use of audio visual equipment. We must also review the use and growing challenges of Al {artificial intelligence) and any impact this could have as an advantage or a disadvantage. Funding for the Museum is a growing concem in times of 'cost of living. pressures and the principS we operate to is that we will be free at the point of Sou. This is becoming more difficult arKI the need to change how we look at things and how we manage issues will aKvays be a pressure we have to address. But the overriding principles we have of Good Financial Management and Excellent Volunteers will take us to a better futu. In summary as I said last year for a small musèum totally operated by an excellent and dedicated group of volunteers again 2024- 2025 has been our greatest challenge and achievement. We hope that we will achieve the final phase of the accreditation procèss which will give the Rayleigh Town Museum the recognition for the hard work the volunteers carry out week in and week out. I personally thank all volunteers for their hard work and dedication which is a credit to the town of Rayleigh.
Section E Financial review Finance Resep4es Policy As part of our on-going financial sustainabilty, we have a contingencylresenie fund. We aim to maintain this to at least 10 plc of our annual tumover to ensure we have a minimum of 6 months operating costs covered. Brief statement of the charity's policy on reserves Details of any funds materially in deficit We have sound financial control and none of our funds are in def1t. Further financial review details (Optional infomlation) Principal Funding Source Rayleigh Town Council, Friends Support Group Sponsorship from local Trades and Organisations Personal Benefactors, Retail Sales Commercial Hire, Donations from visrtors to the Museum, Specialist Talks and Lectures. Bequests Events Expenditure All museum expenditure relates to the costs and overheads of running the operations of the museum and purchasing exhibits, where possible, and artefacts that are the key objectives of the charity You may choose to include additional information, where relevant about.. the charity's principal sources of funds (including any fundraising). how expenditure has supported the key objectives of the charity: investment policy and objectives including any ethical investment policy adopted. Investment Policy The museum does not have an Investment Policy as such, although there is a Reserve Fund Policy that outlines in detail any potential future investment the chari ma need to afford. Section F Other o tional information The Trustees Annual Report allows me, as Chair, to thank personally all the Trustees, Management Team and Volunteers for the work they have done in unprecedented times of previous years. I look forward to taking the museum into the future maintaining and providing our community with the pserVatIon of Rayleigh as a town of historical importance. Section G Declaration The trustees declare that they have approved the trustees, report above. Signed on behalf of the charity's trustees Signature{s) WA Clark Full namels) Position (eg Secretary. Chair, etc) William Alan Clark Chair of Trustees Date 3rd September 2025
RAYLEIGH TOWN MUSEUM STATEMENI OF FIIIANCIAL AMMES YEAR ENOED 30 JUNE 2025 2024 Total Funds Note5 UnTe5tlcted Fund Restrkted Fund Total Funds INCOMING RESOURCES Voluntary income Activities lor 8eneratin8 funds 29974 13245 2070 32044 13245 30702 11112 Tot•1 Incomlry Resoyr 43219 2070 45289 41814 RESOURCES EXPENDED Fundraisin8 tradins Charitable Activities 3857 37881 3857 39951 3664 35805 2070 Total resourtes ¢xp•nd•d 41738 2070 43808 39469 NEY INCOME RESOURCÉS BEFORE TW4SFERS 1481 1481 2345 Gross transfers betr*een funds Net IncomI(oUt80In8l resources 1481 1481 2345 RECONaLIATION OF FUNDS Total funds brought forwmfd 067 773 17 49 TOTAL FUNDS CARRIED FORWARD
RAYLEIGH TOWN MUSEUM STATEMENT OF ASSETS AND LIABIUTIES AT 30JUNE 2025 2024 Total Funds Notes Unrestricted Fund Restrirted Fund Total Funds FIXED ASSErs Tan8ible Assets Heritage Assets 67417 67417 4589 70496 4589 72( 721)6 75085 CURREMf ASSET5 Cash at Bank Cash In Contingency Reserve Fund Pollcy Target Mlnimum Cash In Hand 12638 5966 25010 33 12638 5966 25010 33 12198 25010 43 NET CURRENT AET$ 43647 43647 42931 TOTAL ASSEfs iES5 CURRENT UA8ILmES 115653 115653 118016 TOTAL NEfASSErs The financlal 5tstements were aODroved by the Board of Trustees on 3rd September 2025 and were 51Rned on its behalf by.. W A Clark Chairman of the Trustees ie5 stee 10
RAYLEIGHTOWN MUSEUM NOTES TO THE FINANCIAL STATEMEhlTS YEAR ENDED 30 JUNE 2025 I ACCOUNTING POLICIES Basls of preparlng the flnanclal statements The accounts have been prepared on the Recelpts and Payments basls Accounting Conventlon The financial statements have been prepared under the historical cost convention, and In accordance with the Financial Reportin8 Standard for Similar Entities (effective Aprll 20081,the Charities Act 2011 and the requirements of the Statement of Recommended Practlce, Accountln8 and Reportln8 by Charities. Incomln8 Resources All incornin8 resources are included on the Statement of Financial Artlvitles when the charlty receives the Income and the amount can be quallfled wlth reasonable accuracv. Resources Expended Expenditure is accounted for on a payments basis and has been classified under headln8S that aggregate all cost related to the category.Where costs cannot be dlrectly attributed to particular headin8S they have been allocated to activrties on a ba$ls consistent with the use of resources. Taxatlon The charity is exempt from tax on its charitable actlvitSes Fund Accountln8 Unrestrlcted funds can be used in accordance wlth the charltable objectlves at the discretion of the trustees. Restrlcted funds can only be used for particular restrlcted purposes within the objects of the charity. Restrictions arise when specified by the donor or when funds are raised for particular purposes. Further explanation of the nature and purpose of each fund is included In the notes to the financial statements 2 AcnvmES FOR GENERATING FUNDS Year ended 30 June 2025 Year ended 30 June 2024 Fundralsin8 events Retail income Sponsorships 6116 3394 33CK) 5057 2976 69 3 TRUSTEES REMUNERATION AND BENEFITS There were no trustees, remuneration or benefits for the year ended 30 June 2025 11
RAYLÉIGH TOWN MUSÈUM NOTES TO THE HNANCIAL STATEMENYS YEAR E14DED XI IUNE 2025 4 TANGIBLE FIXED ASSErs Impfovernenti to Property Firtures and Fitiings Computer Equipment Tot•ls COST At l Juty 2024 Disposa15 Addttions 42372 25045 3079 -3079 70496 42372 2XJ45 67417 NEf BOOK VALUE At 30 June 2025 At 30 June 2024 5 HERITAGE Awr5 MARKET VALIJE Ai l July 2024 Additlons 4589 NET BOOK VALUE At 30 June 2025 At 30 June 2024 6 MOVEMENT IN FV1405 Atljuty 2024 Net movement In lunds Transfers between Funds AI 30 June 2025 Unrestrla•d fvnds General lund 107967 1481 109448 •rtrIct fundl 9873 9873 Incoml Aesourtes expended Movement In funds sources Unrestrlrted fvndj General fund 45289 43808 1481 R•strf¢t•d lundi 7 VOLUNTAAY INCOME The total fwdure 01 £29974 Includes the folk¢wTrA8 Gr•nt'. Raylewh Town Councll £155(Kt Irent payments) 12
RAYLEIGH TOWN MUSEUM DETAILED STATEMENT OF RECEIPTS AND PAYMEiirs YEAR ENDED 30JUNE 2025 Inot part of the statutory flfiandal ststementsl Year ended 30June2025 Year ended 30 June 2024 RECEisrrs Voluntary Income tk)nations lincludlng Gift dI Grants 29974 2070 30702 Artlvltles for8énerallni Income Fundraising events Retail income Sponsorships 6116 3394 33 5057 2976 2690 Ineter5t Recehed 435 389 Total recelpts 45189 41114 PAYMENTS Fundrnlslni tradlni: ¢ost of ioods sold, ett Purchase of 8oods Cost of outln8s and events 2307 1550 1876 1788 Support Costs Purchases Care and Conservation Rent and rates Insurance Light and heat Telephone Equipment Pfintlng, posta8e and statlonery Advertising and Promotional Costs Sundrles Volunteer travel and expen5e5 Computer expenses Renewals and repalr5 Cleaning Other Admlnlstratlon costs Computer Expense5 SubscriptSons Credlt Card Charges Professlonal tees Accountancy fees Sundry Expenses 388 116 21144 2570 2518 739 2089 2739 1482 134 20852 2296 3743 717 2454 377 245 276 1785 199 12 2436 2848 291 95 736 16 750 220 Total Payments 43808 39469 INCOME 13
REGISTERED CHARITY NUMBER: 1159405 REPORT OF THE TRUSTEES AND UNAUDITED FINANCIAL STATEMENTS FOR THE YEAR ENDED 30JUNE 2025 FOR RAYLEIGH TOWN MUSEUM KDV Accountanry Servlce5 114 The Chase Rayleigh Essex SS6 8QP
RAYLEIGH TOWN MUSEUM CONTENTS OF THE FINANCIAL STATEMENTS FOR THE YEAR ENDED 30 JUNE 2025 Page Report of the Trustees Statement of Financlal Actlvlties Statement of Asset5 and Llabllltles 10 Note to the Flnanclal Statements 11-12 Detailed Ststement of Financial Actlvlties 13
Trustees. Annual Report for the period Period start date Period end date 2024 2025 From Section A Reference and administration details Charity name Rayleigh Town Museum Other names charity is known by Registered charity number (if any) 1159405 Charity's principal address 1. Fkx)r 91 High Street Rayleh, Essex Postcode SS6 7EJ Names of the charfjty trustses who manage the charity D•tr8 a¢tsd If not for wholfr ear Trn8te• n•mt Offlce {If N•me of lSOn lor b¢>dyl ontltlod olnl tru8lee Ifan Mr WA Clark Chair Mrs S P Keys- Smrth Secretary Mrs V Martin-lrvine Mrs A Jolly Mr T Jobson Mr MF Davies Mr E Dray Mrs L Davison Mr J.A Buxton 10 Mr B. Bowdler 12 13 14 15 16 17 18 19 20 Names of the trustees for the charity, if any, (for example, any custodian trustees) Name Dates acted rf not for whole ear
Names and addresses of advisers {Optional information) of adviser Name Address Name of chief executive or names of senior staff members Ioptional information) Mr M F Davies- Chair of Management Team Section B Structure, overnance and mana ement Descrlptlon of the charlty's trusts Type of governing document Governance since 2021 How the charrty is constituted Charrtable Incorporated Organisation Trustee selection methods Appointed and approved by Trustee Board Additional governance issues (Optional infomiation) Induction and Training Links have been maintained with a number of organisations who provide training and awareness of the responsibilities and requirements of being a Trustee. These courses may be free or at a reduced cost and are circulated to Trustees for attendance wheie the trustee is available. These are... Association of Independent Museums Essex Museums Devebopment Servi Share Museums East You may choose to include additional information, where relevant, about: policies and procedures adopted for the induction and training of trustees,. the charity's organisational structure and any wider network with which the charity works; relationship with any related parties., trustees, consideration of major risks and the system and procedures to manage them. Organisational Structure: Trustees. Management Team SUl>CommitteeeaM Structure including: Buildings Maintenance Team Volunteer Team Development Accessioning Acquisitions Team Eventslschool Liaison Team Finance Sub-commrtlee Friendslmembership Team Commercial Hire Marketing PR Team Information Commissioner IGDPR Lead Research Team Retail Team IT Team
Risk Management The Trustees have a duty to identify and review the risks lo which the Charity is exposed and to ensure appropriate controls are in place to provide reasonable assurance against fraud and error. A number of Policies and Procedures constantly reviewed especially in relation to financial considerations following the pandemic of 2020121122. It is necessary to continue to carry out Risk Assessments because of our commitment to build in resilience and sustainabilty.. Our commitment to our accredrtation work is important to create a Cultu of VIeW and renew to a number of the policies and procedures to move foThvard. The Risk Assessment was reviewed in November 2024. Section C Ob'ectives and activities The Museum, funded initially by a grant from the Herrtage Lottery Fund, Rayleigh Town Council and others, opened to the general public on 9 April 2016. Dedicated solely to the history of Raybeigh, the Museum has acquired a large number of local artefacts. including an 18th Century Bow Window. an original cinema projector, a scale working model of the local windmill, an old pub sign, an original baker's cart and a large amount of ephemera, including original postcards, newspapers, books, Town guides, maps and original documents of all sorts, all wrth a direct Rayleigh provenance. The Museum continues to receive a wide range of Rayleigh related artefacts added to our archives. Public Benefit The Museum is designed for the benefit of the residents of Rayleigh of all ages, those new to the town, long tem residents, as well as those visitors to Rayleigh from the wider community. The Museum has fully compliant access for individuals with special needs, both wheelchair users and those with mobility issues, including a disabled toilet and hearing loop. These provisions are constantty reviewed and we were pleased to recerve agreement from the Vrk carried out to ensu that we have become Dementia Friendty location. The Museum also has a mobile defibrillator. There will be those who view the exhibits as a social visit, others for famity research and those who wish to find out more aboul a specific aspect of our towns history. Visitor numbers now exed 46,000+ since opening in 2016 a significant number for a small independent town museum. We work closely with the 8 Primary and 2 Senior Schools in Rayleigh in range of educational and community activities. These include organised school visits (both at the Museum and in schools), in line with each individual school's curriculum. In addttion, GuideslBrownieslScoutslCub Scouts group's award badges and work placement students. We actively seek to recruit new volunteer stewards, for example. those wishing to retum to work, as part of their skills set Jor prospective employers. We are a Museum for the whole communty and offer a diverse range of activities and events both in the Museum and within the local area, to raise awareness and involvement with our Town's rich and varied history. A number of our stewards and all Duty Supervisors have appropriate ongoing training and refresher courses to include basic first aid training, fire extinguisher, use of the defibrillator. as appropriate. We offer a facilty to hire the Museum for non-heritage 'commercial' meetings as an additional Sour of income. In addition a growing element of the Museums events also include the Heritage Walks that are held on a regular basis both for local community rou s as well as visbtors to the town. Some of our volunteers re ularl Summary of the objects of the charity set out in its governing document Summary of the main activities undertaken for the public benefit in relation to these objècts (include withln this section the statutory declaration that trustees have had regard to the guidance issued by the Charity Commission on public benefit)
carry out visits to shetted accommodation and historical socEties deliverin resentations and historical stories to those rou Additional details of objectives and activities (Optional infomiation) The Museum has a deded leam of volunteer stewards who work under the direction of a Duty Supervisor. Development of volunteer skills is offered through a series of courses conceming customer service, Museum orientation. first aid, computer literacy and conservation. As a member of several Museum Associations, we can identify a range of cost effective courses to assist with volunteer development and the advance of professionalism. We afe continuing to work towards 'Accreditation' status with the Collections Trusl. This process is in its final year and having signed up to the Grantium system we are now uploading several policies including organisational structure abng with a Forward Plan, Care and Conservation Policy and procedures. There are several volunteers who have led and continue to prc£ess our application in this area. My thanks to them for their work. A sound financial base is sustained by our 'Friends' Support Group and a wide range of local and commercial sponsorship. Our policy of exhibit rotation as well as an on-going series of events and exhibitions will encourage new visitors, which, in turn, will generate new income streams. You may choose lo include further statements, where relevant, about.. policy on grantmaking; policy programme related investment; contribution made by volunteers. Special Teams, reptIng to the Managemenl Group. work on a large range of fundraising activities. These include our 'Friends Group, quizzes, coach trips, guided town walks, slide shows, monthly special interest talks, special exhibrtions, sponsorship deals, themed events, retail outlet and special merchandise such as Christmas cards and other seasonal promotions..
Objectives and Aims The Museum, funded initially by a grant from the Heritage Lottery Fund. Rayleigh Town Council and others, opened to the general public on g April 2016. Dedicated solely to the history of Rayleigh, the Museum has acquired a large number of local artefacts, including an 18th Century Bow Window, an original cinema projector. a scale working model of the local windmill, an old pub sign, an onginal baker's cart and a large amount of ephemera, including original postcards, newspapers, books, Town guides, maps and original documents of all sorts, all wrth a direct Rayleigh provenance. The Museum continues to receive a wide range of Rayleigh related artefacts added to our archives. A programme of special events takes place with talks, slideshows, school visits. special exhibitions. a dedicated children's area, and historical research area. The Museum is also available as a base for community groups to meet. All our visitors are met in the reception area of the Museum by two or more of our volunteer stewards who staff the Museum from 10.00 a.m. to 4.00 p.m. on Wednesday, Friday and Saturday every week. Special provisions exist to open the Museum on selected bank holidays and evenings as required and for special events like the Rayleigh Trinty Fair and the Rayleigh Town Christmas Lights Switch on. On-going funding is provided by our flourishing 'Friends' Group, which has currently 500 rrEmbers; by local business and private sponsorship and, by the provision of a small retail unit within the Museurn, which offers Rayleigh relaled products such as DVD'S, books, key rings, small children's items and soft toys for sale. We have also received a number of bequests from supporters who have passed.
Section D Achievements and performance Summary of the main achievements of the charity during the year The recovery of our presence within the communty has continued to grow even with the rising cosl of living. We have continued with a number of procedures we have in place to continue offering a safe environment for our visitors and volunteers alike. I would like to concentrate upon and hwhlight what l. as Chair of Trustees, believe to be the biggest strength and achievement that any organisation, wholly run by volunteers. could have had over the past year of this report. Our volunteers have continued to show the commitment to the Museum and its presence in the Town and they have worked hard to continue to prepare plans, prOdureS and preparations should we return to the previous difficult period similar to the pandemic. You can never rule out the possibility of another catastrophic event that VK)uld affect the abilrty, desire or commrtment to our volunteer run Museum. That is why I congratulate all of the volunteers both long and short term individuals who have put their hearts and souls into providing a substantial communty facility celebrating the past and the future of an ever growing town like Rayleigh. It seems a long time since the pandemic but recovery has been a long and hard task that our volunteers have stuck with. Because of this dedication we have continued to be rnindful of the need to project funding reductions, rising cosl of living and through our dedicated volunteer Finance team we have been able to manage the budget to their credtt with determination and good management outcomes. I reiterate this year the Finance Team who deserve thorough 'pat on the back, for the management of high cost of living including energy cost issues that have affected our funding. They are always looking to save a penny here and a penny there much to their credit. The Rayleigh Castle Timbers exhibrtion has this year drawn a number of visrtors. These timbers had been in storage with the National Trust for a number of years and it was onty through a chance meeting we were able to complete those negotiations and set up a Rayleigh Castle Timbers Exhibition with the opening being attended by the Lord Lieutenant of Essex. This year saw the 9 Anniversary of OUT opening as a museum and we had the pleasure of welcoming the High Sheriff of Essex Julie Fosh her second term following 2020 -21 which was severely impacted by the pandemic. It was an honour to welcome her with other distinguished guests. We are approaching the final leg of the accreditation project which rt is hoped will be a success as it would give us the opportunity to be allowed to borrow displays and artifacts from other accredited museums so enhancing our ability to bnng differing eXhIb.0nS and displays to our communty Unfortunate, we have lost some vital fundraising activities but are working to introduce a changing programme for the future incorporating a wide range of talks and heritage events. We welcome a new Trustee Mr Barrie Bowdler who has already, in addition to bein a trustee, volunteers as rt of the IT team workin
through the introduction of a new computer system . It is necessary to ensure the museum moves fOrard with the introduction of elements of technology to bring us up to date highlighting the growing use of audio visual equipment. We must also review the use and growing challenges of Al {artificial intelligence) and any impact this could have as an advantage or a disadvantage. Funding for the Museum is a growing concem in times of 'cost of living. pressures and the principS we operate to is that we will be free at the point of Sou. This is becoming more difficult arKI the need to change how we look at things and how we manage issues will aKvays be a pressure we have to address. But the overriding principles we have of Good Financial Management and Excellent Volunteers will take us to a better futu. In summary as I said last year for a small musèum totally operated by an excellent and dedicated group of volunteers again 2024- 2025 has been our greatest challenge and achievement. We hope that we will achieve the final phase of the accreditation procèss which will give the Rayleigh Town Museum the recognition for the hard work the volunteers carry out week in and week out. I personally thank all volunteers for their hard work and dedication which is a credit to the town of Rayleigh.
Section E Financial review Finance Resep4es Policy As part of our on-going financial sustainabilty, we have a contingencylresenie fund. We aim to maintain this to at least 10 plc of our annual tumover to ensure we have a minimum of 6 months operating costs covered. Brief statement of the charity's policy on reserves Details of any funds materially in deficit We have sound financial control and none of our funds are in def1t. Further financial review details (Optional infomlation) Principal Funding Source Rayleigh Town Council, Friends Support Group Sponsorship from local Trades and Organisations Personal Benefactors, Retail Sales Commercial Hire, Donations from visrtors to the Museum, Specialist Talks and Lectures. Bequests Events Expenditure All museum expenditure relates to the costs and overheads of running the operations of the museum and purchasing exhibits, where possible, and artefacts that are the key objectives of the charity You may choose to include additional information, where relevant about.. the charity's principal sources of funds (including any fundraising). how expenditure has supported the key objectives of the charity: investment policy and objectives including any ethical investment policy adopted. Investment Policy The museum does not have an Investment Policy as such, although there is a Reserve Fund Policy that outlines in detail any potential future investment the chari ma need to afford. Section F Other o tional information The Trustees Annual Report allows me, as Chair, to thank personally all the Trustees, Management Team and Volunteers for the work they have done in unprecedented times of previous years. I look forward to taking the museum into the future maintaining and providing our community with the pserVatIon of Rayleigh as a town of historical importance. Section G Declaration The trustees declare that they have approved the trustees, report above. Signed on behalf of the charity's trustees Signature{s) WA Clark Full namels) Position (eg Secretary. Chair, etc) William Alan Clark Chair of Trustees Date 3rd September 2025
RAYLEIGH TOWN MUSEUM STATEMENI OF FIIIANCIAL AMMES YEAR ENOED 30 JUNE 2025 2024 Total Funds Note5 UnTe5tlcted Fund Restrkted Fund Total Funds INCOMING RESOURCES Voluntary income Activities lor 8eneratin8 funds 29974 13245 2070 32044 13245 30702 11112 Tot•1 Incomlry Resoyr 43219 2070 45289 41814 RESOURCES EXPENDED Fundraisin8 tradins Charitable Activities 3857 37881 3857 39951 3664 35805 2070 Total resourtes ¢xp•nd•d 41738 2070 43808 39469 NEY INCOME RESOURCÉS BEFORE TW4SFERS 1481 1481 2345 Gross transfers betr*een funds Net IncomI(oUt80In8l resources 1481 1481 2345 RECONaLIATION OF FUNDS Total funds brought forwmfd 067 773 17 49 TOTAL FUNDS CARRIED FORWARD
RAYLEIGH TOWN MUSEUM STATEMENT OF ASSETS AND LIABIUTIES AT 30JUNE 2025 2024 Total Funds Notes Unrestricted Fund Restrirted Fund Total Funds FIXED ASSErs Tan8ible Assets Heritage Assets 67417 67417 4589 70496 4589 72( 721)6 75085 CURREMf ASSET5 Cash at Bank Cash In Contingency Reserve Fund Pollcy Target Mlnimum Cash In Hand 12638 5966 25010 33 12638 5966 25010 33 12198 25010 43 NET CURRENT AET$ 43647 43647 42931 TOTAL ASSEfs iES5 CURRENT UA8ILmES 115653 115653 118016 TOTAL NEfASSErs The financlal 5tstements were aODroved by the Board of Trustees on 3rd September 2025 and were 51Rned on its behalf by.. W A Clark Chairman of the Trustees ie5 stee 10
RAYLEIGHTOWN MUSEUM NOTES TO THE FINANCIAL STATEMEhlTS YEAR ENDED 30 JUNE 2025 I ACCOUNTING POLICIES Basls of preparlng the flnanclal statements The accounts have been prepared on the Recelpts and Payments basls Accounting Conventlon The financial statements have been prepared under the historical cost convention, and In accordance with the Financial Reportin8 Standard for Similar Entities (effective Aprll 20081,the Charities Act 2011 and the requirements of the Statement of Recommended Practlce, Accountln8 and Reportln8 by Charities. Incomln8 Resources All incornin8 resources are included on the Statement of Financial Artlvitles when the charlty receives the Income and the amount can be quallfled wlth reasonable accuracv. Resources Expended Expenditure is accounted for on a payments basis and has been classified under headln8S that aggregate all cost related to the category.Where costs cannot be dlrectly attributed to particular headin8S they have been allocated to activrties on a ba$ls consistent with the use of resources. Taxatlon The charity is exempt from tax on its charitable actlvitSes Fund Accountln8 Unrestrlcted funds can be used in accordance wlth the charltable objectlves at the discretion of the trustees. Restrlcted funds can only be used for particular restrlcted purposes within the objects of the charity. Restrictions arise when specified by the donor or when funds are raised for particular purposes. Further explanation of the nature and purpose of each fund is included In the notes to the financial statements 2 AcnvmES FOR GENERATING FUNDS Year ended 30 June 2025 Year ended 30 June 2024 Fundralsin8 events Retail income Sponsorships 6116 3394 33CK) 5057 2976 69 3 TRUSTEES REMUNERATION AND BENEFITS There were no trustees, remuneration or benefits for the year ended 30 June 2025 11
RAYLÉIGH TOWN MUSÈUM NOTES TO THE HNANCIAL STATEMENYS YEAR E14DED XI IUNE 2025 4 TANGIBLE FIXED ASSErs Impfovernenti to Property Firtures and Fitiings Computer Equipment Tot•ls COST At l Juty 2024 Disposa15 Addttions 42372 25045 3079 -3079 70496 42372 2XJ45 67417 NEf BOOK VALUE At 30 June 2025 At 30 June 2024 5 HERITAGE Awr5 MARKET VALIJE Ai l July 2024 Additlons 4589 NET BOOK VALUE At 30 June 2025 At 30 June 2024 6 MOVEMENT IN FV1405 Atljuty 2024 Net movement In lunds Transfers between Funds AI 30 June 2025 Unrestrla•d fvnds General lund 107967 1481 109448 •rtrIct fundl 9873 9873 Incoml Aesourtes expended Movement In funds sources Unrestrlrted fvndj General fund 45289 43808 1481 R•strf¢t•d lundi 7 VOLUNTAAY INCOME The total fwdure 01 £29974 Includes the folk¢wTrA8 Gr•nt'. Raylewh Town Councll £155(Kt Irent payments) 12
RAYLEIGH TOWN MUSEUM DETAILED STATEMENT OF RECEIPTS AND PAYMEiirs YEAR ENDED 30JUNE 2025 Inot part of the statutory flfiandal ststementsl Year ended 30June2025 Year ended 30 June 2024 RECEisrrs Voluntary Income tk)nations lincludlng Gift dI Grants 29974 2070 30702 Artlvltles for8énerallni Income Fundraising events Retail income Sponsorships 6116 3394 33 5057 2976 2690 Ineter5t Recehed 435 389 Total recelpts 45189 41114 PAYMENTS Fundrnlslni tradlni: ¢ost of ioods sold, ett Purchase of 8oods Cost of outln8s and events 2307 1550 1876 1788 Support Costs Purchases Care and Conservation Rent and rates Insurance Light and heat Telephone Equipment Pfintlng, posta8e and statlonery Advertising and Promotional Costs Sundrles Volunteer travel and expen5e5 Computer expenses Renewals and repalr5 Cleaning Other Admlnlstratlon costs Computer Expense5 SubscriptSons Credlt Card Charges Professlonal tees Accountancy fees Sundry Expenses 388 116 21144 2570 2518 739 2089 2739 1482 134 20852 2296 3743 717 2454 377 245 276 1785 199 12 2436 2848 291 95 736 16 750 220 Total Payments 43808 39469 INCOME 13
CHARITY COMMISSION I FOR ENGLAND AND WALES Independent examiner's report on the accounts Section A Independent Examiner's Report Report to the trustees Rayleigh Town Museum On accounts for the year ended 30 June 2025 Charity no (if any) 1159405 Set out on pages I report to the trustees on my examination of the accounts of the above charity ("the Trust") for the year ended 3010612025 Responslbllltles and basis of report 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 rp.sppct of my examinatinn of the Trust's ac.counts carried oijt 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 tTh8 charity's gross income exceeded £250,000 and l am qualifiad to examlner's ststement undertake the examination by being a qualified member of (insert name of applicable listed body]]. De18te [ ] if not applicable. 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.. the accounting records were not kept in accordance with section 130 of the Charities Act; or the accounts did not accord with the accounting records; or the accounts did not comply with the applicable requirements coiicei-niiig tlie forni and bonteiit of akntsouiils set out in tl)e 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 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. Please delete the words in the brackets rf they do not 8ppIy. Signed: Date: 2210812025 Name: Jacqueline Wallis Rolevant prof888ional qualification{s) or body Retired Accounts Officer and Bookkeeper IER Oct 2018
{if any): Address: Flat 5, 1 Sandleigh Road, Leigh-on-sea Essex SS9 1JT Section B Disclosure Only complete if the examiner needs to highlight material matters of concern (see CC32, Independent examination of charity accounts.. directions and guidance for examiners). Glve here brlef deta118 of any items that the •xaminer wishes to disclose. IER Oct 2018