**Charity registration number 1171266**
**WHITBY LITERARY AND PHILOSOPHICAL SOCIETY ANNUAL REPORT AND UNAUDITED FINANCIAL STATEMENTS FOR THE YEAR ENDED 30 SEPTEMBER 2025**
**WHITBY LITERARY AND PHILOSOPHICAL SOCIETY**
## **CONTENTS**
||**Page**|
|---|---|
|Legal and administrative information|1|
|Trustees' report|2 - 3|
|Statement of trustees' responsibilities|4|
|Independent examiner's report|5|
|Statement of financial activities|6 - 7|
|Statement of financial position|8|
|Notes to the financial statements|9 - 19|
## **WHITBY LITERARY AND PHILOSOPHICAL SOCIETY**
## **LEGAL AND ADMINISTRATIVE INFORMATION**
**Trustees** David Rodwell-Cox - Chair Alison Roberts - Secretary Sarah Booth - Treasurer Ruth Smith - Membership Secretary Colin Pyrah OBE - Marketing Officer Robert Williams - Archivist Wendy Price - Trustee (Deceased 25 June 2025) Penny Cockill - Trustee Sue Morton - Trustee Gregory Pipe - Trustee Robert Smith - Trustee **Patron** The Marchioness of Normanby **Museum Mentor** Andrew Woods - York Museums Trust **Charity number** 1171266 **Principal address** Whitby Museum Pannett Park Whitby YO21 1RE **Independent examiner** Andrew Northern FCA Fortus Limited Business Advisors and Accountants Equinox House Clifton Park Shipton Road York YO30 5PA **Bankers** HSBC Bank Plc 33 St Nicholas Street Scarborogh North Yorkshire YO11 2HN **Investment Managers** Brewin Dolphin 12 Smithfield Street London EC1A 9BD **Financial Advisors** Anderson Brown (Whitby) Ltd Victoria House 7 Victoria Square Whitby North Yorkshire YO21 1EA
- 1 -
## **WHITBY LITERARY AND PHILOSOPHICAL SOCIETY**
## **TRUSTEES' REPORT** _**FOR THE YEAR ENDED 30 SEPTEMBER 2025**_
The trustees present their annual report and financial statements for the year ended 30 September 2025.
The financial statements have been prepared in accordance with the accounting policies set out in note 1 to the financial statements and comply with the charity's governing document, the Charities Act 2011 and "Accounting and Reporting by Charities: Statement of Recommended Practice applicable to charities preparing their accounts in accordance with the Financial Reporting Standard applicable in the UK and Republic of Ireland published in October 2019".
The legal and administrative information page forms part of this report.
## **Objectives and activities**
The Society’s objects are to educate the public in the interests of Science, the Humanities and Literature by the provision of a Museum, a Library and Archives and by such charitable means as may be practicable.
In pursuit of that overall objective, the Society continues to maintain and develop the Museum, which continues to attract visitors from all parts of the UK and overseas, including a number of educational visits from school parties. It is staffed by a team of volunteers, including the sectional curators, supported by paid part-time staff comprising a Documentation officer, a Museum manager, an Administration Assistant, three museum assistants, four casual relief Museum Assistants and NLHF-supported Archivist and Outreach Officer.
The Library and Archives, amassed over the Society’s life, amount to over 7,500 volumes covering a wide range of topics of local interest and at least as many archives. The Museum also has some 15,000 photographs, pictures and prints, and roughly 600 maps.
Stewardship of the photographs, pictures and maps is shared with the Library and Archive. The Museum, Library and Archive has approximately 90,000 artefacts in total.
The trustees have paid due regard to guidance issued by the Charity Commission in deciding what activities the charity should undertake.
## **Achievements and performance**
Our Admission numbers for the period October 2024 - September 2025 were down by 9% on the previous year at 32,640.
Our social media presence on Facebook and Instagram has increased with regular postings to raise the Museum’s profile. Visitors to our website and other social media outlets continue to rise.
Our temporary exhibition entitled Our Lasses – Inspirational Women of Whitby was very popular and was extended until June 2025. This exhibition was shortlisted for a national Museum and Heritage award.
Following on from the _Our Lasses_ exhibition we hosted a prestigious exhibition of Aboriginal art; _Revisions – Made by the Warlpiri and Patrick Waterhouse._ This exhibition was curated by Rebecca Hossack, a well-known London gallery owner and specialist in the subject. This was the first time that the artworks had been seen in the UK and was very well received.
The Museum Supporters Scheme established at the end of 2017 continues to attract new Museum Patrons. Further Patrons are being sought and an increase in membership actively promoted.
## **Training**
The Trustees remain aware of the importance of training and take advantage of opportunities as they occur. Several training courses have been attended by staff and volunteers covering a number of topics such as: marketing, conservation, safeguarding, ladder safety and emergency planning. Training opportunities will continue to be sought in the coming year.
Staff and volunteers regularly attend regional meetings with other museums as well as attending national conferences and meetings associated with tourism, education and heritage.
## **Financial review**
During the year income received was £379,235 (2024: £262,980) and £395,188 was spent (2024: £348,405). This resulted in a deficit of £15,953 (2024: deficit £85,425). Gains on Investments of £23,976 (2024: gains of £42,149) leaves a surplus of £8,023 (2024: deficit £43,276).
We are grateful to the Thomas William Varley Roe Deceased Charity for continuously supporting us.
- 2 -
## **WHITBY LITERARY AND PHILOSOPHICAL SOCIETY**
## **TRUSTEES' REPORT (CONTINUED)** _**FOR THE YEAR ENDED 30 SEPTEMBER 2025**_
## **Reserves policy**
The Society has funds from historic donations and legacies which are invested to maintain sufficient reserves to enable the Society to be sustainable. Additional funds will be held in a quick access account to meet immediate needs.
The free reserves at 30 September 2025 were £670,451 (2024: £627,627).
## **PLANS FOR FUTURE PERIODS**
Our current Forward Plan (2023-2026) is under continuous review.
Continuing conservation work is planned in the coming year to preserve the collections for future generations. Generous private funding is enabling us to continue to upgrade specific facilities and functions to improve certain aspects of the Museum and its operation.
We will continue to attend national and regional meetings and conferences relevant to the museum.
An Arts Council England funded project has allowed us to complete a scoping project looking at the redesign and reinterpretation of our explorers wing. Further grant funding will be sought in the coming year to implement the project.
## **Structure, governance and management**
## **Governing Document**
The Society is governed by its Constitution, approved by the Members on 12 March 2017.
## **Summary of Powers**
The Society’s Constitution provides for the appointment of a Committee, whose powers include:
- Power to raise funds
- Power to acquire and dispose of the property of the Society
- Power, subject to any consent required by law, to borrow money
- Power to appoint advisory committees
## **Nominees**
As a CIO, the Society is now a legal entity that is able to hold its own investments and property. The Committee may also permit any investment held by or in trust for the Society to be held in the name of a clearing bank, trust, corporation or any stockbroking company which is a member of the International Stock Exchange as a nominee of the Committee. The investments are managed by a nominee company.
The trustees' report was approved by the Board of Trustees.
David Rodwell-Cox - Chair
Date: 27 January 2026
- 3 -
## **WHITBY LITERARY AND PHILOSOPHICAL SOCIETY**
## **STATEMENT OF TRUSTEES' RESPONSIBILITIES** _**FOR THE YEAR ENDED 30 SEPTEMBER 2025**_
The trustees are responsible for preparing the Trustees' Report and the financial statements in accordance with applicable law and United Kingdom Accounting Standards (United Kingdom Generally Accepted Accounting Practice).
The law applicable to charities in England and Wales requires the trustees to prepare financial statements for each financial year which give a true and fair view of the state of affairs of the charity and of the incoming resources and application of resources of the charity for that year.
In preparing these financial statements, the trustees are required to:
- select suitable accounting policies and then apply them consistently;
- observe the methods and principles in the Charities SORP;
- make judgements and estimates that are reasonable and prudent;
- state whether applicable accounting standards have been followed, subject to any material departures disclosed and explained in the financial statements; and
- prepare the financial statements on the going concern basis unless it is inappropriate to presume that the charity will continue in operation.
The trustees are responsible for keeping sufficient accounting records that disclose with reasonable accuracy at any time the financial position of the charity and enable them to ensure that the financial statements comply with the Charities Act 2011, the Charity (Accounts and Reports) Regulations 2008 and the provisions of the trust deed. They are also responsible for safeguarding the assets of the charity and hence for taking reasonable steps for the prevention and detection of fraud and other irregularities.
- 4 -
## **WHITBY LITERARY AND PHILOSOPHICAL SOCIETY**
## **INDEPENDENT EXAMINER'S REPORT**
## **TO THE TRUSTEES OF WHITBY LITERARY AND PHILOSOPHICAL SOCIETY**
I report to the trustees on my examination of the financial statements of Whitby Literary and Philosophical Society (the charity) for the year ended 30 September 2025.
## **Responsibilities and basis of report**
As the trustees of the charity you are responsible for the preparation of the financial statements in accordance with the requirements of the Charities Act 2011 (the 2011 Act).
I report in respect of my examination of the charity’s financial statements carried out under section 145 of the 2011 Act. In carrying out my examination I have followed all the applicable Directions given by the Charity Commission under section 145(5)(b) of the 2011 Act.
## **Independent examiner's statement**
Since the charity’s gross income exceeded £250,000 your examiner must be a member of a body listed in section 145 of the 2011 Act. I confirm that I am qualified to undertake the examination because I am a member of the Institute of Chartered Accountants in England and Wales, which is a listed body.
I have completed my examination. I confirm that no matters have come to my attention in connection with the examination giving me cause to believe that in any material respect:
- 1 accounting records were not kept in respect of the charity as required by section 130 of the 2011 Act; or
- 2 the financial statements do not accord with those records; or
- 3 the financial statements do not comply with the applicable requirements concerning the form and content of accounts set out in the 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 financial statements to be reached.
## **Andrew Northern FCA**
Fortus Limited Business Advisors and Accountants
Equinox House Clifton Park Shipton Road YO30 5PA York
Dated: 9 February 2026
- 5 -
## **WHITBY LITERARY AND PHILOSOPHICAL SOCIETY**
## **STATEMENT OF FINANCIAL ACTIVITIES INCLUDING INCOME AND EXPENDITURE ACCOUNT** _**FOR THE YEAR ENDED 30 SEPTEMBER 2025**_
## **CURRENT FINANCIAL YEAR**
|**Unrestricted**
**Unrestricted**
**Restricted**
**funds**
**funds**
**funds**
**general**
**designated**
**2025**
**2025**
**2025**
**Notes**
**£**
**£**
**£**
**Income**
Donations and legacies
**2**
92,483
-
62,540
Charitable activities
**3**
92,050
-
60,006
Other trading activities
**4**
53,432
-
-
Investment income
16,603
-
703
Other income
1,418
-
-
**Total income**
255,986
-
123,249
**Expenditure**
Raising funds
**5**
26,296
-
150
Charitable activities
**6**
208,095
71,692
88,955
**Total expenditure**
234,391
71,692
89,105
Net gains/(losses) on investments
23,976
-
-
**Net income/(expenditure) before transfers**
45,571
(71,692)
34,144
Gross transfers between funds
(3,257)
17,238
(13,981)
**Net income/(expenditure) for the year**
**Net movement in funds**
42,314
(54,454)
20,163
Fund balances at 1 October 2024
630,203
397,800
83,861
**Fund balances at 30 September 2025**
672,517
343,346
104,024|**Total**
**2025**
**£**
155,023
152,056
53,432
17,306
1,418
379,235
26,446
368,742
395,188
23,976
8,023
-
8,023
1,111,864
1,119,887|Total
2024
**£**
39,535
159,065
50,137
13,986
257
262,980
23,363
325,042
348,405
42,149
(43,276)
-
(43,276)
1,155,140
1,111,864|
|---|---|---|
The statement of financial activities includes all gains and losses recognised in the year.
All income and expenditure derive from continuing activities.
- 6 -
## **WHITBY LITERARY AND PHILOSOPHICAL SOCIETY**
## **STATEMENT OF FINANCIAL ACTIVITIES (CONTINUED)INCLUDING INCOME AND EXPENDITURE ACCOUNT**
## _**FOR THE YEAR ENDED 30 SEPTEMBER 2025**_
## **PRIOR FINANCIAL YEAR**
|**Unrestricted**
**Unrestricted**
**Restricted**
**funds**
**funds**
**funds**
**general**
**designated**
**2024**
**2024**
**2024**
**Notes**
**£**
**£**
**£**
**Income and endowments**
Donations and legacies
**2**
39,535
-
-
Charitable activities
**3**
80,528
-
78,537
Other trading activities
**4**
50,137
-
-
Investment income
12,602
-
1,384
Other income
257
-
-
**Total income**
183,059
-
79,921
**Expenditure**
Raising funds
**5**
23,363
-
-
Charitable activities
**6**
178,784
71,230
75,028
**Total expenditure**
202,147
71,230
75,028
Net gains/(losses) on investments
42,149
-
-
**Net income/(expenditure) before transfers**
23,061
(71,230)
4,893
Gross transfers between funds
(5,147)
13,981
(8,834)
**Net income/(expenditure) for the year/**
**Net movement in funds**
17,914
(57,249)
(3,941)
Fund balances at 1 October 2023
612,289
455,049
87,802
**Fund balances at 30 September 2024**
630,203
397,800
83,861|**Total**
**2024**
**£**
39,535
159,065
50,137
13,986
257
262,980
23,363
325,042
348,405
42,149
(43,276)
-
(43,276)
1,155,140
1,111,864|
|---|---|
The statement of financial activities includes all gains and losses recognised in the year.
All income and expenditure derive from continuing activities.
- 7 -
## **WHITBY LITERARY AND PHILOSOPHICAL SOCIETY**
## **STATEMENT OF FINANCIAL POSITION** _**AS AT 30 SEPTEMBER 2025**_
|**Notes**
**Fixed assets**
Intangible assets
**11**
Tangible assets
**12**
Investments
**13**
**Current assets**
Stocks
Debtors
**14**
Cash at bank and in hand
**Creditors: amounts falling due within one year**
**15**
Net current assets
**Total assets less current liabilities**
**Income funds**
Restricted funds
**16**
Unrestricted funds - designated
**17**
Unrestricted funds - general|**2025**
**£**
12,900
27,789
288,152
328,841
(15,219)|**£**
1,333
330,013
474,919
806,265
313,622
1,119,887
104,024
343,346
672,517
1,119,887|**2024**
**£**
13,186
24,194
256,148
293,528
(13,225)|**£**
2,133
383,667
445,761|
|---|---|---|---|---|
|||||831,561
280,303|
|||||1,111,864|
|||||83,861
397,800
630,203|
|||||1,111,864|
The financial statements were approved by the Trustees on 27 January 2026
Sarah Booth - Treasurer
David Rodwell-Cox - Chair
- 8 -
**WHITBY LITERARY AND PHILOSOPHICAL SOCIETY**
## **NOTES TO THE FINANCIAL STATEMENTS**
## _**FOR THE YEAR ENDED 30 SEPTEMBER 2025**_
## **1 Accounting policies**
## **Charity information**
Whitby Literary and Philosophical Society is a charitable incorporated organisation registered in England.
## **1.1 Accounting convention**
The charity constitutes a public benefit entity as defined by FRS 102. The financial statements have been prepared in accordance with Accounting and Reporting by Charities: Statement of Recommended Practice applicable to charities preparing their accounts in accordance with the Financial Reporting Standard applicable in the UK and Republic of Ireland issued in October 2019, the Financial Reporting Standard applicable in the United Kingdom and Republic of Ireland (FRS 102), the Charities Act 2011 and UK Generally Accepted Accounting Practice.
The financial statements have been prepared to give a ‘true and fair’ view and have departed from the Charities (Accounts and Reports) Regulations 2008 only to the extent required to provide a ‘true and fair view’. This departure has involved following the Accounting and Reporting by Charities: Statement of Recommended Practice applicable to charities preparing their accounts in accordance with the Financial Reporting Standard applicable in the UK and Republic of Ireland (FRS 102) issued on 16 July 2014 rather than the Accounting and Reporting by Charities: Statement of Recommended Practice effective from 1 April 2005 which has since been withdrawn.
The significant accounting policies applied in the preparation of these financial statements are set out below. These policies are consistently applied to all years presented unless otherwise stated.
## **1.2 Going concern**
At the time of approving the financial statements, the trustees have a reasonable expectation that the charity has adequate resources to continue in operational existence for the foreseeable future. Thus the trustees continue to adopt the going concern basis of accounting in preparing the financial statements.
## **1.3 Charitable funds**
The charity maintains a general unrestricted fund which is expendable at the discretion of the trustees in furtherance of the objects of the charity.
Designated funds are set up by the trustees for a variety of purposes and are detailed in note 17.
Restricted funds are funds that can only be used for particular restricted purposes within the objects of the charity. Restrictions arise when specified by the funder or when funds are raised for a specific purpose.
## **1.4 Income**
All income is included in the statement of financial activities when the charity is entitled to the income and the amount can be quantified with reasonable accuracy. The following specific policies are applied to particular categories of income:
Donations and legacies are received by way of grants, donations and gifts and are included in full in the statement of financial activities when receivable. Grants where entitlement is not conditional on the delivery of a specific performance by the charity are recognised when the charity becomes unconditionally entitled to the grant.
Income from investments is included in the year in which it is receivable.
## **1.5 Expenditure**
Expenditure is recognised on an accruals basis as a liability is incurred.
Raising funds comprise the costs associated with attracting donations and legacies. The costs of trading for fundraising purposes includes the charity’s shop.
Charitable expenditure comprises those costs incurred by the charity on the delivery of its activities and services for its beneficiaries. It includes both costs that can be allocated directly to such activities and those costs of an indirect nature necessary to support them.
Fundraising costs are those incurred in seeking voluntary contributions and do not include the costs of disseminating information in support of the charitable activities.
Support costs are those costs incurred directly in support of expenditure on the objects of the charity and include project management.
- 9 -
**WHITBY LITERARY AND PHILOSOPHICAL SOCIETY**
## **NOTES TO THE FINANCIAL STATEMENTS (CONTINUED)** _**FOR THE YEAR ENDED 30 SEPTEMBER 2025**_
## **1 Accounting policies**
## **(Continued)**
## **1.6 Intangible fixed assets other than goodwill**
Intangible assets acquired separately from a business are recognised at cost and are subsequently measured at cost less accumulated amortisation and accumulated impairment losses.
Intangible assets acquired on business combinations are recognised separately from goodwill at the acquisition date where it is probable that the expected future economic benefits that are attributable to the asset will flow to the entity and the fair value of the asset can be measured reliably; the intangible asset arises from contractual or other legal rights; and the intangible asset is separable from the entity.
Amortisation is recognised so as to write off the cost or valuation of assets less their residual values over their useful lives on the following bases:
Intangible assets 3 years straight line
## **1.7 Tangible fixed assets**
Tangible fixed assets are initially measured at cost and subsequently measured at cost or valuation, net of depreciation and any impairment losses.
Expenditure on fixed assets costing more than £1,000 is capitalised. Assets are depreciated over their estimated useful lives on a straight line basis as follows:-
|Leasehold property|25 years|
|---|---|
|Leasehold improvements|25 years|
|Fixtures|20 years|
|Furniture and equipment|8 years|
|Computer equipment|4 years|
The gain or loss arising on the disposal of an asset is determined as the difference between the sale proceeds and the carrying value of the asset, and is recognised in the statement of financial activities.
## **1.8 Fixed asset investments**
Fixed asset investments are initially measured at transaction price excluding transaction costs, and are subsequently measured at fair value at each reporting date. Changes in fair value are recognised in net income/(expenditure) for the year. Transaction costs are expensed as incurred.
## **1.9 Stocks**
Stock is valued at the lower of cost and net realisable value.
Net realisable value is the estimated selling price less all estimated costs of completion and costs to be incurred in marketing, selling and distribution.
## **1.10 Cash and cash equivalents**
Cash and cash equivalents include cash in hand and deposits held at call with banks.
## **1.11 Leases**
Rentals applicable to operating leases where substantially all of the benefits and risks of ownership remain with the lessor are charged in the statement of financial activities on a straight line basis over the period of the lease.
- 10 -
**WHITBY LITERARY AND PHILOSOPHICAL SOCIETY**
## **NOTES TO THE FINANCIAL STATEMENTS (CONTINUED)** _**FOR THE YEAR ENDED 30 SEPTEMBER 2025**_
## **2 Donations and legacies**
|**Unrestricted**
**Restricted**
**funds**
**funds**
**general**
**2025**
**2025**
**£**
**£**
Donations and gifts
9,294
50,040
Legacies receivable
53,327
-
Membership fees
9,215
-
Gift aid
20,647
12,500
92,483
62,540
**Donations and gifts**
Patron Donations
4,000
-
Development donations
-
50,040
Other donations
5,294
-
9,294
50,040|**Total**
Unrestricted
funds
general
**2025**
2024
**£**
£
59,334
9,500
53,327
306
9,215
8,972
33,147
20,757
155,023
39,535
4,000
5,295
50,040
-
5,294
4,205
59,334
9,500|**Total**
Unrestricted
funds
general
**2025**
2024
**£**
£
59,334
9,500
53,327
306
9,215
8,972
33,147
20,757
155,023
39,535
4,000
5,295
50,040
-
5,294
4,205
59,334
9,500|
|---|---|---|
|||39,535|
|||5,295
-
4,205|
|||9,500|
## **3 Charitable activities**
||**Charitable**|**Charitable**|
|---|---|---|
||**activities**|**activities**|
||**2025**|**2024**|
||**£**|**£**|
|Income from admissions|137,650|145,955|
|Less amount paid to Whitby Town Council|(76,699)|(82,277)|
|Thomas William Varley Roe Deceased|30,718|16,462|
|Library sales|381|388|
|Grant income|60,006|78,537|
||152,056|159,065|
|**Analysis by fund**|||
|Unrestricted funds - general|92,050|80,528|
|Restricted funds|60,006|78,537|
||152,056|159,065|
- 11 -
## **WHITBY LITERARY AND PHILOSOPHICAL SOCIETY**
## **NOTES TO THE FINANCIAL STATEMENTS (CONTINUED)** _**FOR THE YEAR ENDED 30 SEPTEMBER 2025**_
- **4 Other trading activities**
|Museum shop
Café fee
Room hire
**Raising funds**
**Unrestricted**
**Restricted**
**funds**
**funds**
**general**
**2025**
**2025**
**£**
**£**
Operating charity shops
20,692
150
Investment management
5,604
-
26,296
150
**Charitable activities**
Direct costs
Staff costs
Share of support costs (see note 7)
Share of governance costs (see note 7)
**Analysis by fund**
Unrestricted funds - general
Unrestricted funds - designated
Restricted funds|**Unrestricted**
Unrestricted
**funds**
funds
**general**
general
**2025**
2024
**£**
£
42,211
36,713
9,550
8,692
1,671
4,732
53,432
50,137
**Total**
Unrestricted
Total
funds
general
**2025**
2024
2024
**£**
£
£
20,842
18,080
18,080
5,604
5,283
5,283
26,446
23,363
23,363
**Charitable**
**activities**
**Charitable**
**activities**
**2025**
**2024**
**£**
**£**
37,982
19,156
172,863
149,765
210,845
168,921
153,886
152,275
4,011
3,846
368,742
325,042
208,095
178,784
71,692
71,230
88,955
75,028
368,742
325,042|**Unrestricted**
Unrestricted
**funds**
funds
**general**
general
**2025**
2024
**£**
£
42,211
36,713
9,550
8,692
1,671
4,732
53,432
50,137
**Total**
Unrestricted
Total
funds
general
**2025**
2024
2024
**£**
£
£
20,842
18,080
18,080
5,604
5,283
5,283
26,446
23,363
23,363
**Charitable**
**activities**
**Charitable**
**activities**
**2025**
**2024**
**£**
**£**
37,982
19,156
172,863
149,765
210,845
168,921
153,886
152,275
4,011
3,846
368,742
325,042
208,095
178,784
71,692
71,230
88,955
75,028
368,742
325,042|
|---|---|---|
|||168,921
152,275
3,846|
|||325,042|
|||178,784
71,230
75,028|
|||325,042|
## **5 Raising funds**
## **6 Charitable activities**
- 12 -
## **WHITBY LITERARY AND PHILOSOPHICAL SOCIETY**
## **NOTES TO THE FINANCIAL STATEMENTS (CONTINUED)** _**FOR THE YEAR ENDED 30 SEPTEMBER 2025**_
## **7 Support costs**
|**2025**
**Support costs**
**Governance**
**costs**
**£**
**£**
Depreciation
71,692
-
Printing, postage and
stationery
3,086
-
Subscriptions and journals
1,389
-
Legal and professional fees
17,684
-
Sundry expenses
7,087
-
Insurance
4,267
-
Computer expenses
10,032
-
Communication with members
2,203
-
Advertising and publicity
6,501
-
Repairs and maintenance
25,838
-
Bank charges
4,107
-
Accountancy fees
-
4,011
153,886
4,011
Analysed between
Charitable activities
153,886
4,011|2024
**2025**
Support costs
Governance
costs
**£**
£
£
71,692
71,230
-
3,086
4,340
-
1,389
921
-
17,684
388
-
7,087
2,887
-
4,267
4,227
-
10,032
12,916
-
2,203
1,676
-
6,501
7,471
-
25,838
42,181
-
4,107
4,038
-
4,011
-
3,846
157,897
152,275
3,846
157,897
152,275
3,846|2024
£
71,230
4,340
921
388
2,887
4,227
12,916
1,676
7,471
42,181
4,038
3,846|
|---|---|---|
|||156,121|
|||156,121|
Governance costs accountancy fees includes independent examination fees of £2,214 (2023: £2,040).
## **8 Trustees**
During the year, 2 trustees were reimbursed a total of £770 for travel expenses (2024: 1 trustee was reimbursed £49).
## **9 Employees**
The average monthly number of employees during the year was:
|Total
Wages and salaries
Social security costs
Other pension costs|**2025**
**Number**
11
165,126
5,831
2,006
172,963|**2024**
**Number**
9|
|---|---|---|
|||145,803
2,685
1,551|
|||150,039|
There were no employees who received total employee benefits of more than £60,000 in either year.
## **10 Taxation**
The charity is exempt from tax on income and gains falling within section 505 of the Taxes Act 1988 or section 252 of the Taxation of Chargeable Gains Act 1992 to the extent that these are applied to its charitable objects.
- 13 -
## **WHITBY LITERARY AND PHILOSOPHICAL SOCIETY**
## **NOTES TO THE FINANCIAL STATEMENTS (CONTINUED)**
## _**FOR THE YEAR ENDED 30 SEPTEMBER 2025**_
|**11**|**Intangible fixed assets**||
|---|---|---|
|||**Intangible assets**|
|||**£**|
||**Cost**||
||At 1 October 2024 and 30 September 2025|2,400|
||**Amortisation and impairment**||
||At 1 October 2024|267|
||Amortisation charged for the year|800|
||At 30 September 2025|1,067|
||**Carrying amount**||
||At 30 September 2025|1,333|
||At 30 September 2024|2,133|
- 14 -
## **WHITBY LITERARY AND PHILOSOPHICAL SOCIETY**
## **NOTES TO THE FINANCIAL STATEMENTS (CONTINUED)**
## _**FOR THE YEAR ENDED 30 SEPTEMBER 2025**_
## **12 Tangible fixed assets**
|**Leasehold**
**property**
**Leasehold**
**improvements**
**£**
**£**
**Cost**
At 1 October 2024
1,162,278
35,600
Additions
-
7,785
At 30 September 2025
1,162,278
43,385
**Depreciation**
At 1 October 2024
976,314
2,504
Depreciation charged in the year
46,491
1,632
At 30 September 2025
1,022,805
4,136
**Carrying amount**
At 30 September 2025
139,473
39,249
At 30 September 2024
185,964
33,096|**Fixtures Furniture and**
**equipment**
**Computer**
**equipment**
**£**
**£**
**£**
205,740
90,243
37,098
5,857
3,596
-
211,597
93,839
37,098
88,972
52,406
27,096
10,463
7,560
4,746
99,435
59,966
31,842
112,162
33,873
5,256
116,768
37,837
10,002|**Total**
**£**
1,530,959
17,238|
|---|---|---|
|||1,548,197|
|||1,147,292
70,892|
|||1,218,184|
|||330,013|
|||383,667|
- 15 -
## **WHITBY LITERARY AND PHILOSOPHICAL SOCIETY**
## **NOTES TO THE FINANCIAL STATEMENTS (CONTINUED)** _**FOR THE YEAR ENDED 30 SEPTEMBER 2025**_
## **13 Fixed asset investments**
||**Listed investments**|
|---|---|
||**£**|
|**Valuation**||
|At 1 October 2024|445,761|
|Additions|65,724|
|Disposal proceeds|(58,330)|
|Net gains (losses) on disposals|4,100|
|Unrealised gains (losses)|19,797|
|Movement in income account|(123)|
|Movement in capital account|(2,010)|
|At 30 September 2025|474,919|
|**Carrying amount**||
|At 30 September 2025|474,919|
|At 30 September 2024|445,761|
The historic cost of the above investments at 30 September 2024 is £414,955 (2024: £395,293).
Included in the above is £16,741 of cash held in the portfolio's income and capital accounts (2024: £18,875) leaving £458,178 (2024: £426,887) of listed investments.
## **14 Debtors**
|**Amounts falling due within one year:**
Trade debtors
Other debtors
Prepayments and accrued income|**2025**
**£**
482
18,605
8,702
27,789|**2024**
**£**
1,343
15,469
7,382|
|---|---|---|
|||24,194|
## **15 Creditors: amounts falling due within one year**
|**Creditors: amounts falling due within one year**|||
|---|---|---|
|Other creditors
Accruals and deferred income|**2025**
**£**
4,244
10,975
15,219|**2024**
**£**
2,008
11,217|
|||13,225|
Included in the above is £246 (2024: £48) of deferred income. This relates to school trips and room hire in the future.
- 16 -
**WHITBY LITERARY AND PHILOSOPHICAL SOCIETY**
## **NOTES TO THE FINANCIAL STATEMENTS (CONTINUED)** _**FOR THE YEAR ENDED 30 SEPTEMBER 2025**_
## **16 Restricted funds**
The income funds of the charity include restricted funds comprising the following unexpended balances of donations and grants held on trust for specific purposes:
|**Balance at**
**1 October 2024**
**£**
Development fund
59,551
NLHF Archives for All
-
Special Receipt Science fund
420
ACE From Whitby to the World and Beyond
23,890
Sewell Family Trust
-
Special Receipt Library Conservation
-
83,861
**Balance at**
**1 October 2023**
**£**
Development fund
85,332
Normanby Trust
2,050
NLHF Archives for All
-
Special Receipt Science fund
420
ACE From Whitby to the World and Beyond
-
87,802|**Movement in funds**
**Income**
**Expenditure**
**Transfers**
**Balance at**
**30 September**
**2025**
**£**
**£**
**£**
**£**
63,203
(9,096)
(13,981)
99,677
59,006
(59,006)
-
-
-
-
-
420
-
(20,003)
-
3,887
1,000
(1,000)
-
-
40
-
-
40
123,249
(89,105)
(13,981)
104,024
**Movement in funds**
**Income**
**Expenditure**
**Transfers**
**Balance at**
**30 September**
**2024**
**£**
**£**
**£**
**£**
1,384
(18,331)
(8,834)
59,551
-
(2,050)
-
-
53,337
(53,337)
-
-
-
-
-
420
25,200
(1,310)
-
23,890
79,921
(75,028)
(8,834)
83,861|**Movement in funds**
**Income**
**Expenditure**
**Transfers**
**Balance at**
**30 September**
**2025**
**£**
**£**
**£**
**£**
63,203
(9,096)
(13,981)
99,677
59,006
(59,006)
-
-
-
-
-
420
-
(20,003)
-
3,887
1,000
(1,000)
-
-
40
-
-
40
123,249
(89,105)
(13,981)
104,024
**Movement in funds**
**Income**
**Expenditure**
**Transfers**
**Balance at**
**30 September**
**2024**
**£**
**£**
**£**
**£**
1,384
(18,331)
(8,834)
59,551
-
(2,050)
-
-
53,337
(53,337)
-
-
-
-
-
420
25,200
(1,310)
-
23,890
79,921
(75,028)
(8,834)
83,861|
|---|---|---|
|||83,861|
**Development fund:** This fund represents restricted monies donated for specific development projects at the museum approved by the donor. The transfer out to the designated fixed asset fund represents monies spent on tangible fixed assets not included in the expenditure on the statement of financial activities.
**Normanby Trust (2024 only):** This fund represents a restricted grant from the Normanby Trust for the charity's bi-centenary celebrations in 2023.
**NLHF Archives for All:** This fund represents a restricted grant from the National Lottery Heritage Fund for improvements to the longevity of, and access to, the archive. £210,205 has been awarded over 3 years, along with £12,000 from the society towards the project. Funds can only be claimed once expenditure exceeds £10,000. The income represents a claim made for expenditure during the year. The transfer out of the fund represents monies spent on tangible fixed assets not included in the expenditure on the statement of financial activities.
**Special Receipt Science Fund:** This fund represents a donation restricted for use on a science trail.
**ACE From Whitby to the World and Beyond:** This fund represents a grant of £28,000 from Arts Council England as part of their National Lottery Project Grants scheme. The award will be used to develop the redesign and reinterpretation of our current explorer’s wing. It will look at collections including; World Cultures; Captain Cook; The Scoresbys; Whaling and modern-day space exploration.
**Sewell Family Trust:** This fund represents a grant from the Sewell Family Trust to fund the publication of an "Our Lasses" booklet.
**Special Receipt Library Conservation:** This fund represents donations restricted for use on library conservation.
- 17 -
**WHITBY LITERARY AND PHILOSOPHICAL SOCIETY**
## **NOTES TO THE FINANCIAL STATEMENTS (CONTINUED)** _**FOR THE YEAR ENDED 30 SEPTEMBER 2025**_
## **17 Unrestricted funds - designated**
These are unrestricted funds which are material to the charity's activities made up as follows:
|**Balance at**
**1 October 2023**
**Expenditure**
**£**
**£**
Fixed asset fund
443,049
(71,230)
Archives For All
12,000
-
455,049
(71,230)|**Transfers**
**Balance at**
**1 October 2024**
**Expenditure**
**£**
**£**
**£**
13,981
385,800
(71,692)
-
12,000
-
13,981
397,800
(71,692)|**Transfers**
**Balance at**
**30 September**
**2025**
**£**
**£**
17,238
331,346
-
12,000
17,238
343,346|**Transfers**
**Balance at**
**30 September**
**2025**
**£**
**£**
17,238
331,346
-
12,000
17,238
343,346|
|---|---|---|---|
||||343,346|
**Fixed Asset Fund:** This fund represents the tangible and intangible fixed assets owned by the charity. Depreciation is charged as expenditure to the fund. The transfer into the fund represents fixed asset additions.
**Archives For All society contribution:** This fund represents monies designated as the society's contribution to the Archives For All project.
## **18 Analysis of net assets between funds**
|**Unrestricted**
**funds**
**Designated**
**funds**
**Restricted**
**funds**
**2025**
**2025**
**2025**
**£**
**£**
**£**
Fund balances at 30 September 2025 are represented by:
Intangible fixed assets
-
1,333
-
Tangible assets
-
330,013
-
Investments
474,919
-
-
Current assets/(liabilities)
197,598
12,000
104,024
672,517
343,346
104,024
**Unrestricted**
**funds**
**Designated**
**funds**
**Restricted**
**funds**
**2024**
**2024**
**2024**
**£**
**£**
**£**
Fund balances at 30 September 2024 are represented by:
Intangible fixed assets
-
2,133
-
Tangible assets
-
383,667
-
Investments
445,761
-
-
Current assets/(liabilities)
184,442
12,000
83,861
630,203
397,800
83,861|**Total**
**2025**
**£**
1,333
330,013
474,919
313,622|
|---|---|
||1,119,887|
||**Total**
**2024**
**£**
2,133
383,667
445,761
280,303|
||1,111,864|
- 18 -
## **WHITBY LITERARY AND PHILOSOPHICAL SOCIETY**
## **NOTES TO THE FINANCIAL STATEMENTS (CONTINUED)** _**FOR THE YEAR ENDED 30 SEPTEMBER 2025**_
## **19 Operating lease commitments**
At the reporting end date the charity had outstanding commitments for future minimum lease payments under non-cancellable operating leases which fall due as follows:
|Within one year
Between two and five years
In over five years|**2025**
**£**
510
640
916
2,066|**2024**
**£**
510
1,149
917|
|---|---|---|
|||2,576|
Included in the above is £921 remaining of a 999 year peppercorn lease for the building. The lease is with Whitby Town Council and is in the process of being transferred from the unincorporated charity.
## **20 Related party transactions**
There were no related party transactions during the year. (2024: Purchased exhibition items worth £248 from CP Heritage, of which Colin Pyrah OBE is a director).
- 19 -