RAF STATION COLTISHALL HEIUTAGE TRUST ANNUAL REPORT AND FINANCIAL STATEMENT FOR THE YEAR ENDED 31 JANUARY 2025 Registered Charity No. 1176736 Wxveney Accountants Limited tla Newman & Co Chartered Accountants 7 Hungate Beccles Suffolk NR34 9T
RAF STATION COLTISHALL IIERITAGE TRUST Page Annual Report of the Trustees Independent Examiner's Report 9-10 Statement of Financial Activities 11-12 Statement of Assels and Liabilities 13 Notes to the Financial Statements 14 Page 2
RAF STATION COLTISHALL HERITAGE TRUST TRUSTEES, REPORT For the year ended 31 January 2025 Reference and Administrative Details Charity Registration No: 1176736 Address: The RAF Coltishall Heritage Centre Building 40 (Main Guardroom) Scottow Enterprise Park Badersfleld, Norfolk IIRIO 5FB Trustees: The Trustees shown below were appointed in 2018 and 2020 and have held office to the date of this report. Mr. Mervyn Cousens (Chainnan) Mr. Paul Sweetman (Treasurer) Mr. John Welton (SecretarylBusiness Manager) Mr Thomas Hempsall (Exhibition Manager) Mr Christopher Maloney (Fundraising Manager) Mr lan Stannett (Reconnaissance Collection Manager) Mr David Holland (Technical Support Manager) Mr Paul Hendley. (Health & Salety manager) Mr Carl Lamb (Marketing & Corporate Business Manager) Joined in 2021 ** Joined in 2023 Strueture, Governance and Management: Governing Document The RAF Station Coltishall Heritage Trust is a Charitable Incorporated Organisation (Company No. CE012970) and is governed by the constitution and rules adopted 18 January 2018. Appointment of Trustees The Trust¢es are appointed as per the governing document. Page 3
RAF STATION COLTISHALL HERITAGE TRUST TRUSTEES, REPORT For the year ended 31 January 2025 Contd.. Objects and Activities: The object of the CIO is as stated in the Constitution: l. To advance the education of the public in the history of RAF Coltishall and its place in the defence of the United Kingdom throughout its operational life by the establishment and maint¢nan¢¢ of a Herilage Centre to display art¢fa¢ts, documents and associated media relaled to RAF Coltishall. 2. To promote the Provision of facilities for recreation or other leisure time occupation for the public at large in the interests of social welfare and wilh the object of improving conditions of life. The Trustees confimi that they and the management committee operate in accordance with the Chariiy Commission's generdl guidance on public benefit in all respects. Achievements and Performance: The Trust achieved charitable (CIO) statu5 on 18 January 2018. having fornierly been known as the RAF Coltishall Station Heritage Fund. The closing cash balance of th¢ Fund has been treated as an unrestricted donation to th¢ CIO. During the period to 31 January 2025 th¢ Trust has achieved the following.. Once again. in our fourth year of operations, the RAF Station Coltishall Heritage Trust has seen the RAF Coltishall Heritsge Centre continue its success as a major military aviation attraction with steady growth in visitor numbers. Fornler station staff. both service and civilian together with the general public have again been welcomed and have seen additional exhibits. Visitors have benefitted from the broad knowledge of our growing number of volunteers most of whom served on the Station. This year, we have welcomed a number of new non-veteran volunteers who have brought their enthusiasm for RAF Coltishall together with many useful practical skills to the fold. We have full access to the fonner station, now called Scottow Enterprise Park, and this allows us to run guided tours which our vi51tors find fascinating. Our operation of the Heritage Centre and the tours to such a high standard is made possible by the rinn bUPPUrt ufttie tsile I110rds, HeLliel liiiiovalioii Ltd, wl)o see us as a vital eleineiit of the site's life. In turn. the TrusL provides heritage expertise and activity which ensures that they are able to more than meet their commitments under the conservation and heritage requirements set out in the local authority planning document that Covers the operation of the enterprise park and to some extent Norfolk City Coun¢il's obligations under the Arnied Forces Covenant. The Trust very much appreciates the pern]ission granted by the site manages to allow the scattering of ashes of fornier RAF Coltishall personnel and this happened on several occasion5 this year and was greatly appreciated by the families. Page 4
RAF STATION COLTISHALL HERITAGE TRUST TRUSTEES, REPORT For the year ended 31 January 2025 Contd.. Achievements and Performance Contd.... As usual, our Winter season (November to March) saw the team preparing the Heritage L'entre by cleaning, refijrbishing and adding new exhibits including a 2 seat Hunter aircrdft cockpit, to continue to broaden the appeal of the RAF Coltishall Heritage Centre. In addition, we also offer¢d pre-organised group visits during the closed season and this year a number of organisations took up the opportunity of a private viewing and this brought in revenue to bolster funds. A full programrne of group visits together with our nonnal opening days added io a healthy footfall growth and our vi51tor's book bears witness to the success of our operation with many glowing reports and a 5 star rating on Tripadvisor. This year saw the arrival of one of our largest and most significant exhibits in the fonn of a Jaguar aircraft. the typ¢ which operated from RAF Coltlshall for over 30 years. Supported by our patron. Air Marshal Sir Chris Harper and Air Vice Marshall Mark Flewin (Air Otricer Commanding No l Group ]L4F) a fonnal presentation was made to Wing Commander Erica Ferguson of the RAF Heritage Branch and this was successful with ihe allocation of a redundant aircraft from the Jaguar fleet used to train aircraft technicians at RAF Cosford. As the majority of our volunteers are fonner Jaguar Engineers, a team was selected and working with a specialist contractor, the aircraft was dismantled at Cosford, loaded, transported to site and reassembled in preparation for display. The event was covered in the local press and national aviation magazines. The aircraft arrived in July 2024 and was immediately put on display. A number of missing components were sourced or manufactured and the Jaguar now is a major draw for visitors to the Heritage Centre and the site generdlly. Our unique Reconnaissance Colleclion, now regarded as a nationally significant series of exhibits, has also been enhanced with a rther mobile cabin to compl¢te th¢ set and we have obtained a 5 ton Bedford truck that is of the era and of the type used to transport the Reconnaissance Cabins during deployments. The recently acquired cabin is being mounted on the truck to show the role of the vehicle. The Trust's role in education has again been developed this year with a very Successful talk being arranged. Sqn Ldr John Peters, a Tornado pilot who was a prisoner of the Iraqis during the Gulf War gave an enthralling talk on his experiences and this was well attended with local RAF Air Cadet squadrons making full use of the evening's opportunities. Many local people also attended and the event Taised significant flmds for the Trust. Our cooperation with a Norwich based apprentice training college ha5 been mutually beneficial this year with the college undertaking engineering tasks which gives the apprentices experiences to develop their skills whilst providing the Heritage Centre with refurbished equipment. Both sides see this scheme developing further in the fiJtur¢. Page 5
IL4F STATION COLTISHALL HERrrAGE TRUST TRUSTEES. REPORT For the year ended 31 January 2025 Contd... Achievements and Performanee Contd.... The Trust's finances have made significant gains this year. With the addition of a new tnjstee in 2023 with considerable commcrLial experience and acumen, a 8reater level of focus on th¢ fundraising has born fruit. A corporate mernbership scheme saw several significant local business making grants to th¢ Trust. Regular advertising in aviation heritage magazines has also improved the profile of the Heritage Centre and thus improved footfall. For the futUTe, plans are in place for the RAF Coltishall to rnove from the forn)er guardroom to a newly refurbished Air TratTic Control building. The work will be done by the sit¢ managers based on ndIng from the Heritage Lottery Fund and a bid is pending. The Trust has had significant input to th¢ plans and has worked with the architects in drawings up plans io convert th¢ building sympathetically within conservation guidelines. In summary, the RAF Station Coltishall Herilage Trust has had an extremely busy year on all fronts. li is more than meeting its aims of preserving the history and heritsge of RAF Coltishall and presenting it to visitors in an inleresting and educational way. The team of mostly RAF veterans continu¢s to grow and maintain its enthusiasm for ihe project and thus inspires visitors and to enthral them the story of the only RAF Battle of Britain siation to have operated fighters throughout its 66 year history. Volunteers: The charity is wholly run by unpaid volunteers who are primarily the Trnstees. All Trustees undertake their roles on a voluntarylunpaid basis. Further volunteers were recruited this year to provide exhibition guidesleducators and to support operations in tenns of maintenance of our building and the exhibits. Financial Revlew: The results for the year are set out on page I l of the financial statements. The financial statements relate to the provision of services to satisfy the charity's financial objectives during the period from l February 2024 through to 31 January 2025 and show that we had a total income of £33,237 and our expenditure totalled £23,577. The charity is in its seventh year of operation being Tegistered on 18 January 2018. For the current period £8.517 was brought forward from last year's account to this account on l February 2024. Page 6
RAF STATION COLTISHALL HERITAGE TRUST TRUSTEES, REPORT For the year ended 31 January 2025 Contd... Achievements and Perform8nce Contd.... Reserves Policy: 'rhe charity currently only holds unrestricted reserves. The reserves are represented by cash at bank. The tSte¢S consider that the unrestricted reserves should be sufficient to cover the charitable company's planned expenditure where possible. Risk Management: The Trustees have assessed the major risk factors to which the charity is exposed and are satisfied that systems are in place to lessen (hose risks. Page 7
RAF STATION COLTISHALL HERITAGE TRUST TRUSTEES, REPORT For the year ended 31 January 2025 Contd... St'atement of Trustees, Responsibilities: The Trustees are responsible for preparing the Trustees, Report and the financial statements in accordance with the applicable law and the United Kingdom Accountin8 Standards (United Kingdom Generally Accepted Accounting Prdctice). The law applicable to charities in England and Wales requires the tsSteeS to prepare financial statements for each financial year which give a true and fair view of the state of affairs of the charity and the incoming resources and application of resources of the charity foi that period. In preparing these financial statements, the Trustees are required lo: Select suitable accounting policies and then apply them consistently; Observe 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 financial statements. Prepare the financial statements on the going concern basis unless it is inappropriate lo presume thai the charity will continue in operation. The Trustees are responsibl¢ for keeping 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 Reports) Regulations 2008 and the provisions of th¢ Trusi Deed. They are also responsible for safeguarding the assets of the charity and hence for tsking reasonable steps for the prevention and detection of fraud and other irregularities. PUBLIC BENEFIT STATEMENT Th¢ Trustees have regard to the Charity Commission's public benefit guidance. ON BEHALF OF THE TRUSTEES: Mr. Mervyn Cousens (Chair of Trustees) . Paul Sweelman (Treasurer) /March 2025 March 2025 Page 8
RAF STATION COLTISHALL HERIT AGE TRUST INDEPENDEIYT EXAMINER'S REPORT Year ended 31 January 2025 Independent examiner's report to the trustees ofRAF Station Coltishall Heritage Trust I report on the accounts of the Charity for the year ended 31. January 2025, which are the Summary of Receipts and Payments and the Treasurer's Report. Respective responsibilities of trustees and examiner The Charity's trustees are responsible for the preparation of the accounts. The charity's trustees consider that an audit is not r¢quired for this year under section 144(2) of the Charities Act 2011 (the 201 IA¢t) and thal an independent examination is required. It is my responsibility to: examine the accounts under section 145 of the 2011 act. to follow the procedures laid down in the General Direclions given by the Charity Commission (under section 145(5Xb) of the 2011 Act. and to state whether particular matters have corne to my attention. Basis of independent examiner's statement My examination was Carried out in accordance with the General Directions given by the Charity Commission. An examination includes a review of the accounting records kept by the Charity and a comparison of the accounts presented with those records. It also includes consideration of any unusual items or disclosures in the accounts, and seeking explanations from you as trustees concerning any such matters. The Procedures undertaken do not provide all the evidence that would be required in an audit, and consequently no opinion is given as to whether the accounts presenl a 'true and fair, view and the report is limited to those matters set out in the statement below. Independent examlner's statement In connection with my examination, no matter has come to my attention: (l) which gives me reasonable cause to believe that in any materials respects, the requirements.. to keep accounting records in accordance with section 130 of the 2011 Act. and to prepare accounts which accord with ihe accounting r¢cords and comply with the accounting requirements of th¢ 2011 Act have not been met" or (2) to which, in my opinion, attention should be drawn in order to enable a pmper understanding of the accounts to be reached. Page 9
RAF STATION COL TISHALL HEIUTAGE TRUST INDEPENDENT EXAMINER'S REPORT Year ended 31 January 2025 contd... Narne; Leslie Newman FCA Address.. Newman & Co 7 Hungate Beccles Suffolk NR34 9 Dat¢., Page 10
RAF STATION COLTISHALL HERITAGE TRUST S'I'ATEMENT OF FINANCIAL ACTIVITIES For the year ended 31 January 2025 Unrestricted 2025 Incoming Resources Donations NND Council Rate Refund Jaguar Aircraft Donations Pledge Crowd Funding Corporate Memberships John Peters Lecture Donations HMRC Gift Aid 16.675 248 3,950 9.932 1.000 990 442 16,675 248 3,950 9,932 1,000 990 442 33,237 33,237 Resourees Expended Building Rent/Ratcs Building Electricity Charges Yard 12 Rent Merchandise Costs HC Refurbishrnent Costs Jaguar Refurb1shmentraftSpOrt Costs Jaguar Advert Costs ATREL Refurbishment Costs Hunter Cockpit Refurbishment Reece Truck TransportlRestore Costs Vintage Tractor Costs John Peters Lecture Advert John Peters Lecture Catering Revetment Hanger Catering Internet Fee Accountants Fee HC Insurance HC Public Liability Insurdnce Airside Insurance Misc Costs 3,371 504 3,371 504 144 940 1,758 11,388 1,272 589 309 563 236 250 71 70 24 300 311 629 615 233 940 1,758 1,388 1,272 589 309 563 236 250 71 70 24 300 311 629 615 233 Total Re50urees Expended 23,577 23,577 Page 11
RAF STATION COLTISHALL HERITAGE TRUST STA TEMENT OF FINANCIAL ACTIVITIES For the year ended 31 January 2025 Net Resources Incoming Resources 9.660 9,660 Total Funds brought fonvard 8.517 8,517 Total funds Carried forward 18,177 18.177 Page 12
RAF STATION COLTISHALL HEIUTAGE TRUST STATEMENT OF ASSETS ANL) LIABILITIES As at 31 January 2025 2025 Current Assets Cash at bank and in hand 18.177 Net Assets 18,177 Funds Unrestricted 18,177 Restricted 18,177 The financial statements were approved by the Trust¢¢s on. March 2025. Mr. Mervy ousens (Chair of Trustees) r. Paul Sweetman (Treasurer) Date: March 2025 Date: March 2025 Page 13
RAF STATIOIN, COL TISHALL HEIUTAGE TRUST NOTES TO THE FINANCIAL ST ATEMENTS For the year ended 31 January 2025 I. ACCOUNTING POLICIES The Principal accounting policies are set out below. Accountlng Convention The financial statements have been prepared under the historical cost convention and are in accordance with applicable UK accounting standards. The financial statements also comply with the Statement of Recommended Practice.. "Accounting and Reporting by Charities" published in 2015 and the Charities Act 2011. Income Incorn¢ is accounted for on a receipts basis. Expenditure Expenditure is accounted for on a payments basis. Taxation The Charity is not liable for assessment to tax on its results. 2. FUNDS Unreslricted fijnds are available for use at the discretion of the Trustees in fvrtherance of the general objectives of the Charity and which have not been designated for other purposes. During the period, no Testricied income or donations were received. 3. T114NSACTIONS WITH TRUSTEES No Trustee or connected person received any remuneration or Teimbursement of expenses. 4. EMPLOYEES The Charity had no employees during the year. Page 14