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
Rayle￿h, 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>Committee￿eaM 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 V￿rk 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 ex￿ed 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 shette￿d accommodation and historical socEties
deliverin
resentations and historical stories to those
rou
Additional details of objectives and activities (Optional infomiation)
The Museum has a ded￿￿ed 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, rep￿tIng 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, prO￿dureS 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 fOr￿ard 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 princip￿S 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 def￿1t.
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 p￿serVatIon 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 A￿ET$
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
Rayle￿h, 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>Committee￿eaM 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 V￿rk 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 ex￿ed 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 shette￿d accommodation and historical socEties
deliverin
resentations and historical stories to those
rou
Additional details of objectives and activities (Optional infomiation)
The Museum has a ded￿￿ed 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, rep￿tIng 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, prO￿dureS 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 fOr￿ard 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 princip￿S 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 def￿1t.
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 p￿serVatIon 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 A￿ET$
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