Trustees' Annual Report for the period
Period start date Period end date Day Month Year Day Month Year 1[[st]] September 2023 Too 31[st] August 2024
Day Month Year From 1[[st]] September 2023 Too
Section A Reference and administration details
Charity name
PORTHCAWL MUSEUM & HISTORICAL SOCIETY CIO
Other names charity is known by Registered charity number (if any) 1176042
Charity's principal address
THE OLD POLICE STATION
JOHN STREET PORTHCAWL Postcode CF36 3DT
Names of the charity trustees who manage the charity
Dates acted if not for whole Name of person (or body) entitled Trustee name Office (if any) year to appoint trustee (if any) 1 2 3 4 5 6 7 8 9 10 11 12 13 14 15 16
Names of the trustees for the charity, if any, (for example, any custodian trustees)
| Name | Dates acted if not for whole year |
|---|---|
| JOHN RICHARSON | |
| EVAN WILLIAMS | |
| JAYNE JAMES |
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Names and addresses of advisers (Optional information) Type of adviser Name Address
Name of chief executive or names of senior staff members (Optional information)
Section B Structure, governance and management
Description of the charity’s trusts
CONSTITUTION Type of governing document
- (eg. trust deed, constitution)
CHARITABLE INCORPORATED ORGANISATION How the charity is constituted
- (eg. trust, association, company)
ELECTED BY MEMBERS AT THE AGM Trustee selection methods
- (eg. appointed by, elected by)
Additional governance issues (Optional information)
You may choose to include additional information, where relevant, about:
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policies and procedures adopted for the induction and training of trustees;
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the charity’s organisational structure and any wider network with which the charity works;
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relationship with any related parties;
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trustees’ consideration of major risks and the system and procedures to manage them.
Section C Objectives and activities
The aim of Porthcawl Museum is to assist in the enhancement of the quality of life in the community by seeking a deeper understanding and appreciation of our local heritage, culture and environment through the Summary of the objects of the acquisition, preservation and interpretation of artefacts and associated charity set out in its information relating to the history of Porthcawl and its adjacent villages of governing document Newton and Nottage; but not exclusively by limitation. Porthcawl Museum aim is to play a key role in making the town and indeed the neighbouring area, a better place to live, work and visit.
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The museum continues to develop both in exhibition space and public recognition. Schools, organisations, residents, members and tourists, both inside and outside Wales, visited the museum during the year. Admission numbers reached approx. 7000 which is evidence of the museum’s success.
Success that is built on Museum volunteers maintaining the ethos of the museum. They have continued to: -
Summary of the main activities undertaken for the public benefit in relation to these objects (include within this section the statutory declaration that trustees have had regard to the guidance issued by the Charity Commission on public benefit)
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Welcome, guide, and support visitors,
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Present historical talks to various organisations,
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Deliver guided heritage walks of the area.
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Visit schools/local organisations.
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Receive school parties/local organisations to the Museum.
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Organise Special Event Days.
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Support other Community Groups.
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Assist people with their request’s re- genealogy or items of local interest.
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Maintain the building to a high standard, developing and improving certain display areas to enhance public understanding, knowledge and enjoyment.
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Record and maintain the Archive Collection in the 1[st] Floor Storerooms for future exhibitions and public interest.
Additional details of objectives and activities (Optional information)
PORTHCAWL MUSEUM IS RUN TOTALLY BY VOLUNTEERS.
THE ELECTED MANAGEMENT COMMITTEE MAKE THE DECISIONS.
THE TRUSTEES ARE APPOINTED TO MONITOR AND ADVISE.
You may choose to include further statements, where relevant, about:
WHEN THE BUILDING IS PURCHASED OR LEASE EXTENDED THE COMMITTEE AND TRUSTESS WILL APPLY FOR GRANTS FOR EITHER BUILDING IMPROVEMENTS OR CONSERVATION OF ARTEFACTS.
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policy on grant making.
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policy programme related investment.
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contribution made by volunteers.
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Section D Achievements and performance
Porthcawl Museum has continued to grow not only as a Tourist Attraction Summary of the main and part of Porthcawl life but is also being recognised for its contribution achievements of the charity within Amgueddfa Cymru. All visitors including schools and organisations during the year constantly refer to the excellent standard of exhibition, events, the welcome they receive and the expertise of our volunteers. Our museum remains a community within a community. Trustees, committee, members and volunteers make up A Special Museum Family which is the platform from which all is achieved. The past year’s achievements are divided into categories. EVENTS The Evacuee Day in September 2023 attracted more families than previous years. Our wonderful volunteers didn’t stop throughout the day providing every facet possible, relating to the Evacuee Experience. Evacuees of all ages equipped with gasmask boxes and labels assimilated leaving their school, being taken to the train station, and being met by the WVS Ladies before being deposited with their new foster parents. We were also very fortunate to have real evacuees who took time to tell of their wartime experiences. The Victorian Christmas Event, which this year included town events attracted many visitors. It is becoming an essential town Christmas event. In July 2024 Police Day was another successful venture. The weather was kinder this year and enabled the Suffragettes (growing in number) to march. Once again, the ‘Halberdiers’ supported the day protecting the magistrate and the day ended with the arrival of the ‘Police Horses.’ Dinosaur Day on 17[th] August, proved an immensely successful and enjoyable day. Accompanied by their handlers, approximately 200 little dinos descended on the museum from the minute the doors opened. In October, after quite a few years since the last one in 2015, the social group organised an Antiques Evening. It was very evident from the start that it was going to be a hit as tickets sold well. Museum lectures were, also, well attended especially benefitting through when moving to the afternoon in January and February due to the dark nights. VISITS A variety of groups visited particularly 25 Porthcawl Primary School pupils and staff to learn about the history of our town. Our volunteers as always rose to the task and received well-earned praise. Their teacher, Mrs. Loveluck emailed – ‘I just wanted to say a big thank you for everything. The volunteers were fantastic and very knowledgeable, and I would really appreciate it if you could pass on my thanks for giving their time up for us. The whole trip was so well organised, and the children haven’t stopped talking about it.’ Other visits included other local schools, church groups, ladies’ groups and heritage groups. Swansea Town Twinning Group brought their French counterparts. Significantly, Cowbridge Historical Society visited. 13[th] March is Cowbridge’s Charter Day, and the society always commemorate the day with an organised visit to a place of interest. We were so pleased to be their chosen venue this year. Interestingly, in June members of the museum were asked to deliver a talk on the SS Samtampa to 300 pupils at Brynteg Comprehensive School, Bridgend. Although a new venture, following its success, it will now be repeated next year.
There have also been other visitors worthy of mentioning. In October 2023 two young gentlemen visited, paid their admission and set off on their guided tour of the museum assisted by one of our volunteers, as is the normal practice. They eventually reached the RAF Stormy Down Exhibition whereupon our volunteer explained how the museum acquired
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Section D Achievements and performance
the propeller on show. Suddenly one of the young men exclaimed, pointing at the accompanying photograph, of Sergeant P O (Pilot) Strycharek “That’s my great-uncle!” You can imagine the surprise, emotion and pride felt by all. Later that evening Dr. Bartosz "Bart" Nietrzeba MRCVS emailed, “I would like to send my deepest thanks to the whole team at the museum for showing us all the exhibitions and especially spending time to tell us the story of finding my great uncles plane propeller.
In November 2023 ‘It's My Shout; ‘an independent film production company, that provides training for all ages interested in gaining experience in film and training scheme based in Wales, visited. It. Each year they provide short films for BBC Wales and S4C. The 50 personnel involved trainee camera men, make-up artists, actors as well as a variety of supporting set crew. The draw was our police cell. It was needed for the ‘criminals’ to act out the relevant scene.
In November 2023 we had a request from the BBC programme ‘Saving Lives at Sea’ asking if their cameraman could visit the museum to film the maritime items that we have on display, plus the museum’s frontage. The following day they also interviewed museum member Philip, and his daughter Angharad who is a member of the Porthcawl RNLI crew.
Community Support/recognition for contribution to town life.
The Porthcawl Museum is gaining greater support each year which is at times translating into donations, for which we are so appreciative.
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Christmas Swim Committee for the eleventh year kindly remembered us in their donations. It is worth mentioning that the weather on Christmas Day was horrendous. Our Paul and Tina’s buckets were not only heavy with donations but with water too!
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In October 2023 for the second time, we were accepted as one of the Coop’s charities.
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In June 2024 Porthcawl Museum was chosen to be one of the two charities chosen by Mayor Cllr Jeff Perrin, for his coming year.
Porthcawl Museum’s growing links with certain groups has other benefits. For the first time a museum volunteers’ Christmas lunch was served at the Seabank Hotel. This hotel has continually supported the museum throughout the year, sending people to the museum on the days there had no organised trips
The museum has consistently worked with the Porthcawl Lions Club especially at Christmas whereupon they annually hold Santa’s Grotto in our garage.
In June 2024 Porthcawl Museum volunteers attended the newly formed Bridgend County Borough Heritage Group’s first meeting in Maesteg. The whole aim is to integrate and benefit from other heritage societies in the borough.
MEMORABLE MOMENTS
In May 2024 the Museums Standards and Performance Advisor, promoting a new initiative relating to the mentoring scheme was asking for suggestions for a relevant newsletter title and if museums would like to take the opportunity to contribute an article for the ‘getting to know your museum’ slot. We were the first to respond and as such were invited to submit the first article. This we did and consequently it was sent out to all the other museums in the newsletter. Additionally, the newsletter is now called Y Ffynhonell (The Source in Welsh) following our suggestion. The Museum’s own members newsletter ‘The Source’ enjoyed its 150[th] publication in January 2024. The first ‘SOURCE’ was issued in January 2012. At the time the Museum was going through a transitional period
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Section D Achievements and performance
Young members are encouraged to get involved in a variety of ways from helping to archive, meet the public etc. Sara Male, who is studying History at Swansea University, provided October’s article for the local magazine. Titled ‘Hitler’s Greatest General’ Erich Von Manstein.
MUSEUM PROGRESS
Museum Trustees and Committee are constantly striving to improve facilities and experiences for members and visitors alike. In August 2024 the decision was taken to provide a broadband service throughout the building. This will enable displays and visitor experience to be more interactive.
Robin Johnson AMA Museum Consultant visited in November 2023 to make us aware of money available for training to help with integrating the needs of schools into museum visits. On being told how we already adapt our visits to their specific needs it was felt that we were already achieving the objectives. Robin then spent the rest of his visit meeting our industrious volunteers and viewing the exhibitions. Following the visit we received this email -
“I have to say that in my 30+ years of working in heritage & arts I have never seen a more committed and enthusiastic workforce of volunteers. You should all be congratulated.”
MUSEUM SHOP
Allan and Lesley Doyle, our shop managers are constantly striving to find exciting merchandise for both children and adults. Their choice of merchandise is becoming a winner with visitors as profits are doing well. Further, they won yet another Town Community Window Award.
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Section E Financial review
Brief statement of the charity’s policy on reserves
Any monies that the organisation amasses through profit is transferred to 2 deposit accounts. One holds £35,571 which will not be touched but be held in abeyance, as a safety net, to assist in the payment of household bills should it be needed in future years. The other is a working deposit account where monies are used to top up the current account to maintain, run or improve the building, exhibitions, or the experiences of the visiting public.
Details of any funds materially in deficit
Further financial review details (Optional information)
You may choose to include additional information, where relevant about:
Principal sources of funding 2023/24:
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Grants
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Donations
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the charity’s principal sources of funds (including any fundraising);
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how expenditure has supported the key objectives of the charity;
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investment policy and objectives including any ethical investment policy adopted.
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Admissions/Events
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Group/School Visits
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Merchandising
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Memberships £10 per annum
All monies are used to maintain, run or improve the building, conserve the artefacts, provide exhibitions or enhance the experiences of the visiting public.
Section F Other optional information
Section G Declaration
The trustees declare that they have approved the trustees’ report above.
Signed on behalf of the charity’s trustees
Signature(s)
Full name(s) PAUL JOSEPH Position (eg Secretary, Chair, CHAIR etc) Date 21st June 2025
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PORTHCAWL MUSEUM AND HISTOAICAL SOCIETY CIO ACCOUNTS FOR THE YEAR ENDED 31ST AUGUST 1024 Income 2023-24 2022-13 5.859.37 158.IS AiJmission5 Books 6.648.32 117.35 120.96 2,189.30 1.178.49 Buil Repairs Refund by PAS Donations 34.50 2,193.75 1.281.73 24. Donation Boxes Driftwood OVD'5 25. 14.CJ) 141.81 819.68 35.TrJ Driftwood Electricity Relund by PAS Events 449.51 2.34 Gift Aid Grants Group Visits Lectures 533 38 5,414.64 432.ts) 279.C 3,245.50 2.894.Q) 428.50 30.L)) 3.365.CiI 22.65 Membership M15cellaneous Postage refund Rents Room Hire Santa Poat School Visits Shop Social Talks Walks Water Refund by PAS Interest 2.CW.00 2.l.(#) 325. 17.50 418.fy) 3,459.QKJ 1.470.10 205.(KJ 254. 76.77 738.06 543.50 4.294.25 1.740.70 287.50 51. 131.12 182.07 Total Income 29.589.48 27.147.02
PORTHCAWL MUSEUM AND HISTORICALSOCIErY cio ACCOUNTS FOR THE YEAR ENDED 31ST AUGUST 2024 Expenditure Books 136.28 102.75 6.496.27 76.33 Building Maintenan Card Payment Cleaning Computer Con5er¥ation 1,503.47 99.53 22.30 160.11 327.46 8.40 4.so 3.965.60 3.613.22 386.71 1.952.87 950.51 302.20 501.53 194.29 2880 Oriftwood OVD'S 27.Th) Ele¢tri¢ity Equipment Events 2,292 51 1.554.92 2.405.36 639.65 Exhibitions Insurance 929.73 40. Lectures Marketing & Print COSIS Miscellaneous 594.CQ 382.04 124.25 89.12 Pètty Cash P05ta8e Printin8 Room Hi Security Shop Social 178.65 12.98 103.64 121.LKI 231.LKI 2.352.92 1.583.66 1.087.92 82.34 404.IX) 803.21 159.(Kl 255.86 233.26 240.1Y) 225.(N) 841.83 2.684.85 335.60 Stationery Subscflptions Telephonellnternef TV Licente 128.12 391.Tr) 686.02 159.(M) Water 200.72 Website Window Cleaner 240.(M) Total Expenses 20,904.50 22.754.79 Net SurplusllOeficFtI 8,684.98 4,392.23
PORTHCAWL MUSEUM AND HISTORICAL SOCI CIO ACCOUNTS FOA THE YEAR ENDED 31ST AUGUST 2024 Bank Attounts Opening Balances Current Alc General Deposit Al¢ Reserve Oeposit Alc Shop Alc Petty Cash 631.43 21.000.18 28,137.86 2,371.79 16.61 277.22 18.723.18 25.032.79 3,717.19 15.26 Net Surpluslloeficltl 8,684.98 4,392.23 60,842.85 52.157.87 Closing 8alances Current Alc General Deposit Alc Reserve Deposit Wc Shop Alc Petty Cash 2.042.56 631.43 20.905.04 21.000.18 35,571.06 28.137.86 2,306.70 2.371.79 17.49 16.61 60,842.85 52.157.87
PORTHCAWL MUSEUM & HISTORICAL SOCIETY Accounts for the period ended 31" August 2024 Tungsten Corporate Solutions Cardiff Anns Park Cardiff CFIO IJA Tel: 01656 783420 E-mail: accountsCthtungstencs.co.uk
I.NDEPENDI-NT Tr-XA.MINLR'S REPORT TO TFIfr- COMMirrF.F. OF TIIE POR'I'IICAI%I..%ILSTr-LII & 111S-I-ORJC,11. fiOCIF"I'Y I report on ihe accounts of ihe Society lor ihe period ended 31 Augu512024. which are set out on page l. Rcspective re5ponsibilitles of trustees Alld ex•miner 'I'h¢ charity's Lonimitlce is rcswnsiblc for Ihc prLparation of ihc accounts. The charity's commiltec consider thai an audit is not requirol for this year under SLYiion 144{2) of the Chariiics Aci 2011 (the 201 l Act) and that an independent examinaiion is needed. li is my responsibility lo.. cxamine the accounts under section 145 of the 2011 Aci ' tu follow th¢ proccdures laid down in ihe general Dir¢ciions given by ihc Charity Commission under seciion 145(51(b) ofthe 2011 Aci to slaie whether particular matters have come io my atteniion Basis of independent ¢xminer'J report My exaTninaiion was carried out in accordance with Ihe general DIr110nS given by ihe Charity Commission and is in accordanle wilh the 2011 Act. An cxamination includes a rcvicw ofihc accounlin&T rccords kept by the charity and a comparison of ihc ac¢ounis prL¢n1Cd with thosc records. li also in¢ludcs Consideration of any unusual items or disclosures in ihe accounis, and sceking ¢xplanaiiDns from you as ihe C'ommiiice c()nccming any such matters. The proccdurcs undenaken do noi providc all the evidencc Ihat would bc rcquircd in an audit and cons¢qucnily no opinion is given as io whdher ihc accounts prcseni a 'true and fair view. and the rq)ort is limited to ihos¢ maller5 sd out in ihc ncxi staicmeni. Independent ex*mlner'$ statemen¢ In LonnLL¢ion with my Lxaminaii()n. no matter has come to my 8lteniion-. { l ) which gives mc reasonable cause to belicvc thal in any malcrial rcspcci Ihc requircm¢nls'. lo keep accouniing rccords in accordance wilh seciion 130 of ihe 2011 Act and io prcparc accounts which accord wilh thc accounting records and comply with lh¢ accounting rcquir¢mcnts of ihe 2011 Act havc noi bcen mct or (2) lo which, in my opinion, attention slK)uld be drawn in ord¢r lo enable a proper undersianding of th¢ accounts to reachcd 'run&ysicn CTrrpora¢e Solutions Cardiff Amis Park Wcslgiaie Strcci Cardi CFIO IJA l)ate.. 13 13125 Signed.. T .tHI