DEAN FOREST LOCOMOTIVE GROUP (CIO)
INCORPORATING THE FOREST PRAIRIE & THE FOREST PANNIER FUNDS PRESERVING LOCOS Ex. GWR 2-6-2T No. 5541, Ex. BR 0-6-0PT No. 9681 & 9682
DEAN FOREST LOCOMOTIVE GROUP(CIO) Trustees’ Annual Report for the Period From 1[st] January 2022 to 31[st] December 2022
The Dean Forest Locomotive Group is a Charitable Incorporated Organisation (CIO). Registered charity No. 1164847
DEAN FOREST LOCOMOTIVE GROUP (CIO)
INCORPORATING THE FOREST PRAIRIE & THE FOREST PANNIER FUNDS PRESERVING LOCOS Ex. GWR 2-6-2T No. 5541, Ex. BR 0-6-0PT No. 9681 & 9682
Structure
The Dean Forest Locomotive Group is Charitable Incorporated Organisation (CIO)
Registered Charity No.1164847
Charity’s Principal Address: Norchard, Forest Road, Lydney, Gloucestershire. GL15 4ET
Names of Trustees who manage the Charity.
Mr Ian Beaton Treasurer & Deputy Chair Mr Ian Fawcett
Mr Tom Halford
Mrs Anne Hayes
Mrs Hilary Hill
Mr Charles Mansell
Mr John Metherall Secretary
Mr Douglas Phelps
Mr Paul Sandles
Mr Matthew Sexton Chair
Mr Rauffe Shirley Mr Richard Thacker
Mr Josh Watkins
Mr Adam Williams
Governance
Appointment of Trustees
The Appointment of Trustees is conducted in accordance with the Articles of Association and Rules of the CIO. The maximum number of Trustees permissible is 15. Trustees may serve for a maximum of three years after which they may seek re-election at the next AGM. One third of the serving Trustees must retire on rotation at each AGM and can seek re-election if they so wish. The standing Trustees have the power to appoint (co-opt) Trustees at their discretion.
No Trustees were co-opted 2021.
The Dean Forest Locomotive Group is a Charitable Incorporated Organisation (CIO). Registered charity No. 1164847
DEAN FOREST LOCOMOTIVE GROUP (CIO)
INCORPORATING THE FOREST PRAIRIE & THE FOREST PANNIER FUNDS
PRESERVING LOCOS Ex. GWR 2-6-2T No. 5541, Ex. BR 0-6-0PT No. 9681 & 9682
Objectives of the Charity (As set out in the Governing Document)
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To acquire and take over all or any part of the assets and liabilities of the present unincorporated body known as the Dean Forest Locomotive Group.
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To advance public education, learning and skills development by the acquisition, restoration, preservation, exhibition and operation of heritage railway locomotives, rolling stock and equipment associated with, but not exclusively, the Severn & Wye Railway, railways in the Forest of Dean & Gloucestershire and in particular to preserve, operate and display for the public benefit former GWR steam locomotive no.5541 and BR steam locomotive no.9681 at the Dean Forest Railway and other suitable locations.
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To advance public education and learning by the conservation and exhibition to museum standards of documents and records of historic, technical and academic interest associated with the locomotives, rolling stock and equipment as the charity trustees may from time to time decide.
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To advance public education and learning by the publication of pamphlets, booklets, periodicals or books relating to the acquisition, maintenance, rebuilding and operation of the locomotives and rolling stock so as to ensure continuity of preservation for future generations.
Activities
The Trustees have complied with their duty to have due regard to the commission’s public benefit guidance when exercising any powers or duties to which the guidance is relevant.
Attendance
There were 6 Trustees Board Meetings held in 2022 all held virtually.
The attendance of Trustees at Meetings is recorded below:
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Trustee Trustee Meetings
Ian Beaton 6 of possible 6
Ian Fawcett 4 of possible 6
Tom Halford 3 of possible 6
Anne Hayes 0 of possible 6
Hilary Hill 6 of possible 6
John Metherall 6 of possible 6
Charlie Mansell 2 of possible 6
Doug Phelps 2 of possible 6
Paul Sandles 2 of possible 6
Matthew Sexton 6 of possible 6
Rauffe Shirley 2 of possible 6
Richard Thacker 3 of possible 6
Josh Watkins 5 of possible 6
Adam Williams 4 of possible 6
----- End of picture text -----
The Dean Forest Locomotive Group is a Charitable Incorporated Organisation (CIO). Registered charity No. 1164847
DEAN FOREST LOCOMOTIVE GROUP (CIO)
INCORPORATING THE FOREST PRAIRIE & THE FOREST PANNIER FUNDS
PRESERVING LOCOS Ex. GWR 2-6-2T No. 5541, Ex. BR 0-6-0PT No. 9681 & 9682
Achievements & Performance
2022 has been another busy year for the Dean Forest Locomotive Group. The headline news is that BR Pannier 9681 is now complete thanks to sterling efforts of a small band of volunteers led by Tom Halford and Charlie Mansell.
Hydraulic and Steam Tests were conducted to the satisfaction of the boiler Inspector, with another Steam Test Planned in February 2023 to set the 10-year boiler ticket running. We have had the locomotive professionally painted in Late BR Black
GW Prairie no 5541 continued to be a strong performer achieving a total of 117 steam days (73 in 2021) travelling 3505 miles all at the Dean Forest Railway. This includes one courtesy steaming for the Lydney Remembrance Day parade, two photo charters and three Television appearances:
The Father Brown Mysteries (BBC S10, E8) The Cotswolds with Pan Ayres (ITV S2, E7) Dodger – Train (CBBC. Special S2, E1)
After discussions with the new Boiler Inspector, we expect 5541 to stay in service now until the middle of 2024 and maybe slightly longer. This of course depends on no major issues occurring.
Again, the continued high availability of 5541 is a credit to the Engineering team who kept up with the continual maintenance and inspection programme in all weathers and despite the restrictions and additional social distancing measures.
Similar to last year, work on BR Pannier 9682 has been restricted to sourcing missing components as and when funds allow.
The DFLG Sales Coach performed extremely well again thanks to the dedicated efforts of all associated. It achieved £15689 (£14599 in 2021) sales of donated items excluding gift aid. Strong sales of Model Railway Items (in good condition) were achieved particularly of more modern brands and models of local items such as wagons.
Sales of bric-a-brac, DVD, Videos, and magazines were weak, perhaps reflecting on changes in taste, technology and the economic climate. To free up sales space we will discontinue selling these items in the future.
Particular mention must be made of our members who donated the proceeds from selling their models via the shop’s retail gift aid scheme and Bernard Baldwin who has donated £1120 from selling his replica wooden nameplates using the scheme.
Although Charities have strict rules on how much small trading turn over they can undertake (£8000 or higher dependent on turnover) we have continued with the sale of merchandise started in 2021. We have currently restricted this to DFLG branded work wear such, T shirts and Sweatshirts for members and volunteers. Not only do these provide a functional purpose but it makes our brand more visible. The total small trading turn-over was £477 (£853 in 2021).
The DFLG Website and Facebook page continues to be refreshed and we appear to be gaining more contacts and followers. Finally, the Trustees would like to thank the volunteers, members and donors for their support through the year.
The Dean Forest Locomotive Group is a Charitable Incorporated Organisation (CIO). Registered charity No. 1164847
DEAN FOREST LOCOMOTIVE GROUP (CIO)
INCORPORATING THE FOREST PRAIRIE & THE FOREST PANNIER FUNDS
PRESERVING LOCOS Ex. GWR 2-6-2T No. 5541, Ex. BR 0-6-0PT No. 9681 & 9682
Financial Review
Reserves Policy
A review was carried of the reserves fund policy in 2022, taking into account factors such as inflation and the expanded fleet of vehicles the organisation owns. As a result of this review, it was decided to increase the reserves from the previous amount of £50000 to £60000.
The reserve policy is to hold £60000 in existing current accounts sufficient to cover emergency or unforeseen expenditure. This will be complimented with an active reduction in non-critical expenditure as an when a critical risk is crystalised.
Details of any Funds Materially in Deficit
The CIO has no funds in deficit.
Loans
The CIO has no outstanding loans, including loans agreed under guarantee and/or secured against assets.
Principal Source of Funds
The principal source of funds (excluding reclaimed VAT) has been through Steaming fees £55350 received for the use of GW Prairie No 5541 accounted for 70% (52% in 2021).
Sale of Donated Items was £15689. This accounted for 20% of funds received in 2022.
Un-restricted of Donations of £3206. This accounted for 4% of funds received in 2022.
Donations towards Pannier 9682 accounted for 17% of funds received in 2022.
Expenditure in Support of the Key Objectives of the Charity.
Expenditure relating to restoration and maintenance of BR Pannier 9681 was £66707 and GW Prairie 5541 £16046 which is 70% and 17% of total expenditure respectively.
Principal Risk Facing the Charity
The Trustees see the Principal Risks facing the Charity as:
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Loss of income from steaming fees resulting from suspension of operations due to a crisis or other reason or serious mechanical failure. The Trustees use the Reserves Policy to mitigate this risk.
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The difficulty of securing future coal supplies to run our steam locomotives resulting from economic, environmental and supply issues. The DFLG is a member of the Heritage Railway Association whose members are actively pursuing alternative sustainable sources of supply.
The Dean Forest Locomotive Group is a Charitable Incorporated Organisation (CIO). Registered charity No. 1164847
DEAN FOREST LOCOMOTIVE GROUP (CIO) INCORPORATING THE FOREST PRAIRIE & THE FOREST PANNIER FUNDS PRESERVING LOCOS Ex. GWR 24-2T No. 5541, Ex. BR O-6-OPT No. 9681 & 9682 Recei and ents accounts To Sectioii A Rocoipts and payineiits A1 R•¢•l F•e• 5041 100CIL. rnl Sub lotal(Gnk88 *kxThiJ ,17• i• CoKh 13 ¢0•th 73e2 Tclid 1746 kA 1235e9 4nkG Sect¥on B Stateiiient of assets and liabilities at the eiid of tlie peri od lan K B88ft The Dean Forest Locomotive Grollp is a Charitsble Incorw)]aied Organisaiioth (CIO}. Regisiered charity No. 1161847
DEAN FOREST LOCOMOTIVE GROUP (CIO)
INCORPORATING THE FOREST PRAIRIE & THE FOREST PANNIER FUNDS PRESERVING LOCOS Ex. GWR 2-6-2T No. 5541, Ex. BR 0-6-0PT No. 9681 & 9682
Other Interests
Shares Face Value Forest of Dean Railway Ltd 18627 £18627 Hawksworth Saloon Group 30 £7500 Heritage Wagon Group 115 £115
Main Assets (Rolling Stock)
Locomotives
2-6-2 Small Prairie 5541
0-6-0 Pannier Tank 9681
0-6-0 Pannier Tank 9682
Passenger Coaches
GWR Collet Composite Brake 7362
GWR 3[rd] Corridor 5813
Wagons
Shunters Gig 41152 Mink G 112857 Fruit D 3411
Toad Brake Van 17488 Mink A 95750
Mink A 123589 Starfish 70047 Starfish 60923 Starfish 80232
Open Wagon 61015 Open Wagon 75607
The Dean Forest Locomotive Group is a Charitable Incorporated Organisation (CIO). Registered charity No. 1164847
DEAN FOREST LOCOMOTIVE GROUP (CIO)
INCORPORATING THE FOREST PRAIRIE & THE FOREST PANNIER FUNDS
PRESERVING LOCOS Ex. GWR 2-6-2T No. 5541, Ex. BR 0-6-0PT No. 9681 & 9682
Examiner's Certificate
I have examined these accounts and in my opinion the information summarised therein has been correctly extracted from the records maintained by the Group.
In examining the accounts my work involved inspecting bank statements for all of the bank accounts.
The bank and cash balances, as recorded, amount to £279,115 in total at the 31st of December 2022.
I did not write to the banks to obtain their written confirmation of the balances at the 31st of December 2022.
I have made no attempt to confirm the legal title to the steam locomotives or their current value which is believed to be substantial.
The group also owns 18627 shares in the Forest of Dean Railway Ltd. There is no market in these shares and the company is apparently prohibited from paying a dividend or returning any money to shareholders. I did not come across any evidence that the Group has any liabilities other than routine day to day expenditure and the amount due to HMRC.
D. L. Woodliffe, FCA Independent Examiner
11 March 2023
The Dean Forest Locomotive Group is a Charitable Incorporated Organisation (CIO). Registered charity No. 1164847
DEAN FOREST LOCOMOTIVE GROUP (CIO)
INCORPORATING THE FOREST PRAIRIE & THE FOREST PANNIER FUNDS
PRESERVING LOCOS Ex. GWR 2-6-2T No. 5541, Ex. BR 0-6-0PT No. 9681 & 9682
Account Notes
Note 1: Number of Steaming GW Prairie 5541
| Year | 2016 | 2017 | 2018 | 2019 | 2020 | 2021 | 2022 |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Steamings | 104 | 67 | 61 | 60 | 25 | 73 | 117 |
Note 2: Membership
| Note 2: Membership | ||
|---|---|---|
| Year Ending 2022 | Year Ending 2021 | |
| Foundation Members | 110 | 111 |
| Life Members | 16 | 13 |
| Annual Members | 31 | 27 |
| Total | 157 | 151 |
The Dean Forest Locomotive Group is a Charitable Incorporated Organisation (CIO). Registered charity No. 1164847