2024-12-31-accounts

Trustees’ Annual Report for the period

From 1 January 2024 to 31 December 2024

Charity name: The Regimental and Chattels Charity of the former Durham Light Infantry

Charity registration number: 1174128

Objectives and Activities

	SORP reference
Summary of the purposes of the charity as set out in its governing document	Para 1.17	In accordance with the Charity’s constitution dated the 3 August 2017, as amended on 12 March 2020, the three objects of the CIO are: - The advancement of education for the public benefit by the holding and provision of artefacts, items and collections, connected to or associated with the armed services and in particular with the former Durham Light Infantry, and the facilitation of the display and exhibition of the same in such manner as the Trustees of the CIO from time to time think fit. - The promotion and efficiency of the armed forces of the Crown, including through: o Promoting the military efficiency of the Army Reserve units as are from time to time based in the County of Durham, by improving facilities and amenities of training and service. o Creating repairing and maintaining memorials commemorating the deeds of the Durham Light Infantry or the names of its members. o Making grants:  to The Rifles’ Benevolent Trust, as renamed or amalgamated into such other charitable

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		organisations from time to time;  towards the upkeep of the Durham Light Infantry Chapel in Durham Cathedral and the Memorial Garden in the Cathedral precincts; and  to public museums relating to British military forces. - The advancement of culture and heritage related to the armed forces, in particular in upholding the traditions of the former Durham Light Infantry and of perpetuating its deeds.
Summary of the main activities in relation to those purposes for the public benefit, in particular, the activities, projects or services identified in the accounts.	Para 1.17 and 1.19	The Charity’s focus is to preserve and raise public awareness of the former Durham Light Infantry, held in such high esteem across the nation but most particularly in the North East of England. The Trustees are particularly grateful to Durham County Council (DCC) for their exceptional commitment and support, not just for the maintenance and safe keeping of the Regimental Collection, but also for financing, developing and delivering lifelong learning programmes for schools, community groups and the public. The Charity owns the Regimental Collection which is on loan to DCC under an agreement between the Charity and DCC, the most recent version of which came into effect on 13 October 2021. The Regimental Collection comprises two parts: - The Archive is that part of the Regimental Collection consisting of documents, manuscript and printed books, maps and plans, photograph albums and photographs etc covering the entire history of the Durham Light Infantry from 1758 to 1968. The Archive is cared for by the Durham County Record Office (DCRO), an Accredited Archive Service administered by DCC. - The Objects is that part of the Regimental Collection consisting of some 15,000 2D and 3D objects including textiles, uniforms, weapons, medals, relics and memorials, covering the entire

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		history of the Durham Light Infantry from 1758 to 1968. The objects are cared for by the DLI Collection (DLIC) which is also nationally accredited and is administered by DCC. The Trustees are delighted to report that the DLI’s Collection and Archives now form a key component of ‘The Story’, Durham County Council’s new collections facility at Mount Oswald, just two miles south of Durham city centre. Officially opened on 14 June 2024, The Story provides a gateway to the history of County Durham and its people in a restored and extended Grade II listed manor house with state-of-the-art modern facilities. Combining five important collections, it offers visitors access to documents and archaeological finds, records of bravery, and stories of life- changing events. This includes six miles of archives charting 900 years of County Durham's history and the entire DLI Collection, which has been reunited with the DLI Archive for the first time since 1998. Items from the Collection form free permanent and themed temporary exhibitions whilst ~~victors~~ ~~v~~i sitors can undertake research using the very latest facilities. Some 68,000 people have visited The Story in the 6 months from the date it opened to 31 December 2024. In 2016, its final year, the former DLI Museum and Art Gallery at Aykley Heads attracted 36,000 visitors. It can be seen, therefore, that ‘The Story’ has very nearly doubled the number of visitors in half the time. The Trustees are particularly pleased to note: • The schools’ learning programme for Remembrance at The Story with a performance from a bugler from The Rifles. • The illumination of the building for Remembrance. • Family learning activities delivered as part of the Kohima exhibition. • The Kohima Creative writing project, working with local writing groups, a wellbeing group at St. Cuthbert’s Hospice and DLI Volunteers to produce poems in collaboration with

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		the poet Paul Cookson. • Working with Age UK Culture Companions Group, delivering DLI handling sessions based on WW1 and Remembrance. • A Christmas embroidery workshop inspired by embroidered cards in the DLI Collection, delivered to community arts groups and visitors to The Story. • Public store tours of the DLI Collection. • The continuing role of the DLI Volunteers who meet at The Story and at Sevenhills to work on research for the Collection and future exhibitions. The Volunteers and the DLI Friends are also delivering public events once a month for the public to drop in and talk about DLI history and memories. • New research into the letters relating to Lt Col Henry Harpur Greer (1821- 1886), Commanding Officer of the 68th (Durham) Light Infantry during the New Zealand Wars including the Battles of Gate Pa and Te Ranga in 1864. It is anticipated that this research will be of interest to museums in New Zealand. The Trustees are also pleased to note that plans are well underway to redevelop the former DLI Museum and Art Gallery. Durham County Council have secured significant funding from the Arts Council.
Statement confirming whether the trustees have had regard to the guidance issued by the Charity Commission on public benefit	Para 1.18	The Trustees have complied with their duty in section 17(5) of the 2011 Charities Act to have due regard to the guidance published by the Charity Commission on public benefit.

Additional information (optional) You may choose to include further statements where relevant about:

	SORP reference
Policy on grant making	Para 1.38	In accordance with the Charity’s constitution dated the 3 August 2017, as amended on 12 March 2020, the Charity’s policy on grant making is as follows: - to The Rifles’ Benevolent Trust, as renamed or amalgamated into such other charitable organisations from time to time;

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		- towards the upkeep of the Durham Light Infantry Chapel in Durham Cathedral and the Memorial Garden in the Cathedral precincts; and - to public museums relating to British military forces.
Policy on social investment including program related investment	Para 1.38
Contribution made by volunteers	Para 1.38	The Charity is hugely grateful for the support that is given by many volunteers. The DLIC and DCRO continue to work with volunteers to help catalogue, research and interpret the collections through learning programmes. This involves veterans, The DLI Friends and DLI Association. Volunteering opportunities are being developed through The Story project to encourage and support more people to explore and work with the collections.
Other

Achievements and Performance

	SORP reference
Summary of the main achievements of the charity, identifying the difference the charity’s work has made to the circumstances of its beneficiaries and any wider benefits to society as a whole.	Para 1.20	With the opening of The Story in June 2024, the Charity could not have wished for a more positive outcome. The Collection will continue to be conserved, preserved and widely shared thus helping to ensure that the Charity conforms to its three objects.

Additional information (optional)

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You may choose to include further statements where relevant about:

Achievements against objectives set	Para 1.41
Performance of fundraising activities against objectives set	Para 1.41	Investments have been impacted by the instability caused by global events but no more and no less than that experienced by other investors across the UK. The portfolio is kept under review.
Investment performance against objectives	Para 1.41
Other

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Financial Review

Financial Review
Review of the charity’s financial position at the end of the period	Para 1.21	Of the total sum of £107,369 held on current and deposit (£53,189) with the Royal Bank of Scotland and the remainder (£54,180) in the COIF Deposit Account. Of this total, £27,000 is restricted. The Trustees confirm their previous view that the level of free reserves be maintained at approximately £30,000 to cover ongoing commitments and irregular outgoings.
Statement explaining the policy for holding reserves stating why they are held	Para 1.22	The Charity maintains a working reserve in order to meet its objectives described above for the purpose of: a. Promoting the efficiency of the Armed Forces of the Crown, through promoting the military efficiency of the Army Reserve Units based in the County of Durham, by improving facilities and amenities of training and service. b. Creating, repairing and maintaining memorials commemorating the deeds of the Durham Light Infantry or the names of its members. c. Making grants to The Rifles Benevolent Trust, as renamed or amalgamated into such other charitable organisations from time to time d. Towards the upkeep of the Durham Light Infantry Chapel in Durham Cathedral and the Memorial Garden in the Cathedral precinct. e. To public museums relating to British Military Forces.
Amount of reserves held	Para 1.22	£77,369
Reasons for holding zero reserves	Para 1.22	N/A
Details of fund materially in deficit	Para 1.24	N/A
Explanation of any uncertainties about the charity continuing as a going concern	Para 1.23	N/A

Additional information (optional)

You may choose to include further statements where relevant about:

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The charity’s principal sources of funds (including any fundraising)	Para 1.47	The Charity’s principal source of income is derived from interest gained within the Investment Portfolio. It is further supplemented through ad-hoc donations and bequeathments. In 2024 the Charity realised £50 through these funding streams.
Investment policy and objectives including any social investment policy adopted	Para 1.46	The objective of the Charity’s investments is to obtain the best financial return in order to maintain an income stream while furthering the aims of the charity.
A description of the principal risks facing the charity	Para 1.46	The Trustees have a Risk Register which records any significant risks identified at their bi-annual meetings.
Other		The assets of the Regimental Museum are Heritage Assets. Heritage Assets are not valued in the Accounts. No reliable valuation is available.

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Structure, Governance and Management

Description of charity’s trusts:
Type of governing document (trust deed, royal charter)	Para 1.25	Constitution dated the 3 August 2017 as Amended on 12 March 2020
How is the charity constituted? (e.g unincorporated association, CIO)	Para 1.25	As a Charitable Incorporated Organisation
Trustee selection methods including details of any constitutional provisions e.g. election to post or name of any person or body entitled to appoint one or more trustees	Para 1.25	By the Trustees

Additional information (optional) You may choose to include further statements where relevant about:

Policies and procedures adopted for the induction and training of trustees	Para 1.51	When a vacancy amongst the Trustees is expected, potential candidates are identified. Following an initial approach by a Trustee, a candidate’s name is put to a properly convened meeting of the Trustees with a copy of their CV. If approved, they are appointed by the Trustees for a period of 5 years. On appointment, a new Trustee is given an aide memoire containing a history of the Durham Light Infantry and of the Charity, a copy of the Constitution, the Trustees’ Roll, a copy of the Charity’s most recent accounts and copies of the minutes of the previous two Trustees’ meetings.
The charity’s organisational structure and any wider network with which the charity works	Para 1.51	The Charity works very closely with the Heritage Venues and Collections Manager of Durham County Council’s Culture, Sport and Tourism as well as with the County Archivist atThe Story (previously Durham County Record Office) .
Relationship with any related parties	Para 1.51	The Charity recognises the general support offered by the Army Museums Ogilby Trust and will seek to engage more closely in 2025.
Other

Reference and Administrative details

Charity name	The Regimental and Chattels Charity of the former Durham Light Infantry
Other name the charity

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uses Registered charity number 1174128 Charity’s principal address The Rifles Durham Office Elvet Waterside DURHAM County Durham DH1 3BW

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Names of the charity trustees who manage the charity

1 2 3 4 5 6 7 8 9 10 11 12 13 14 15 16 17 18 19 20	Trustee name	Office (if any)	Dates acted if not for whole year	Name of person (or body) entitled to appoint trustee (ifany)
	Colonel Harry Edward Shields MBE DL	Chair		The Trustees themselves
	Christian Hugh Stuart Swinburne LLB Hons	Secretary		The Trustees themselves
	Major David Hamilton MSc	Treasurer		The Trustees themselves
	Lieutenant Colonel Timothy John Harris MBE			The Trustees themselves
	Colonel Stephen John Hopper TD			The Trustees themselves
	Brigadier Paul Joseph Andrew Baker OBE			The Trustees themselves
	Dr Keith John Bartlett PhD BSc			The Trustees themselves
	Lieutenant General Charles Seymour Collins DSO OBE			The Trustees themselves
	Lieutenant Colonel Daryl Dowdall			The Trustees themselves
	Lieutenant Colonel Andrew Hugh Ward			The Trustees themselves
	Major Benjamin John Dyer			The Trustees themselves
	Professor Richard David Ellis Scothon		Acting from 24 March 2024, the date on which he was appointed.	The Trustees themselves

– Corporate trustees names of the directors at the date the report was approved Director name

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Name of trustees holding title to property belonging to the charity

Trustee name Dates acted if not for whole year

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Funds held as custodian trustees on behalf of others

Description of the assets held in this capacity

Name and objects of the charity on whose behalf the assets are held and how this falls within the custodian charity’s objects

Details of arrangements for safe custody and segregation of such assets from the charity’s own assets

Additional information (optional)

Names and addresses of advisers (Optional information)

Type of Name Address adviser

Name of chief executive or names of senior staff members (Optional information)

Exemptions from disclosure

Reason for non-disclosure of key personnel details

Other optional information

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Declarations

The trustees declare that they have approved the trustees’ report above.

Signed on behalf of the charity’s trustees

Signature(s) CHRISTIAN HUGH STUART Full name(s) HARRY EDWARD SHIELDS SWINBURNE Position (eg Chair Secretary Secretary, Chair, etc) Date

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CHARITY COMMISSION FOR ENGIAND AND WALES Th• R•glm•ntal and Chatt•ls Charlty ofth• fomi Durham Llght Infantry Ch•rfty numb•r 1174128 CC16a Recei ts and payments accounts I YAN 2024 For tho Porfod To SI PEC 2014 Section A Receipts and payments Unrestricted funds Re¥tricted fund• Endowment fund• Total fvnd• La•t y•ar to th• nMr••t to th• TrJ•r••t£ to th• nwr••t£ to th• n•ar••t£ toth• n•ar•st£ A1 R•celpts N(th1h8m Trust M&G Oonatlon9 Bla¢krod( R•lum ofun?￿t Grnnt18 RIFLESI lfiterèston COIF d•poilt 1.647 l.u7 676 1,476 642 50 187 187 187 2,713 2,713 2,328 Oangtlon from Durhaffl County Coundl Iow8rd8 th• arnount charqe•J by Iha Commonwe•lth Wdr Grave COMI￿￿lan ss ncome AR) A2 A•8•1 and Inv••tm•nt sal••. (Seo tabl•). 6,273 0.273 .273 5.049 A3Pa onts 8undry D•bto Relrnbur88mgni8 Donallon to 8 RIFLES Donotlon to DLI AJ8ocl•llon Catanli Trtp 86 322 4000 1100 6tratsv8 Costs ond Postage unt In¥paC￿on Fee AZETS CWGC DLI Mgrnorfal C8t•nla rnglnl Tw8tog Inburanca Pollty 300 232 339 232 330 Sub total 6,062 A4 Asset and Inve8tmant urchase¥. Ise• tabl•) CGWM Bond Fund Sub total 656 Net of receipts/(p4ym•ntsJ AS Transf•rs botw••n fvnd8 A6 Ca8h funds last year end Cash fvnds this year end 107,369 Section B Statement of assets and liabilities at the end of the period

Unr•8lrlcted funds to nb•r••t£ Rastrlcted funds lo n•ar••t£ Endownwnt funds to n••r••t £ Catognr B1 Cash funds COIF Deposit A¢￿￿t 26.914 Cash at bank 53.189 Total cash fvnds 80,455 26,914 l•gm6 b84aneeBwlth rects ond PA￿¢￿￿ Acmunl(&ll Unre$trlcted fvnds to n•w•t£ Endowmént funds lo n•Ar•8t£ funds to nMrnsl£ Detslls B2 Othor monatary assets Fund to whl¢h ••••t h•lon Cuff•nt ￿lu• nal Do10118 Cost {optlonll $1.311 83 Inv08tm•nt a88•ts 220 CGWM Bond Fund (Nothwn Tru•ti Unr••trfct•d 31112r2024 chIrfn￿ CotTr)YJn Inve8twffit Fund Inc¢ 181gckrotl Th• EquIt1￿ Invastmant Fund lor Ch￿rf￿#S Incorn• Unlt81'Chorffund'l {M a o InvBBlrn8nt&l To¢al c#Jrrnnt VAlu• ol Im1￿¢MontI 3,109 Unroslrlred 31112f2024 11,785 11.007 Unro6irlcted 3111W2024 01.704 Fund to whkll ••t b•lon Co•t loptlonall Curr•nt ¥•lu• Detalls 84 Assets retalnad lor th• charlty's own use lo whkh Amwnt du• Wh•A du• Detalls ltsb 85 Llabllltles Slgrrtd by one Dr trust•￿ on half of all the tru8ta•s Date of Slgnaturn Prfnt Name Cdonel Harry Edward Shields MBE Christian Srynbume 14 Mar-25 Mar-25