SOUTH YORKSHIRE INDUSTRIAL HISTORY SOCIETY CIO
Registered Charity No. 1178389
ANNUAL REPORT AND ACCOUNTS
For the year ended 30 April 2025
TRUSTEES’ REPORT
The Council present their annual report together with the financial accounts of the Society for the year ended 30 April 2025
CONTACT ADDRESS
75, Banner Cross Road, Sheffield, S11 9HQ.
STRUCTURE GOVERNANCE & MANAGEMENT
The Society was registered as a Charitable Incorporated Organisation on 15 May 2018 and is governed by its constitution which vests control and responsibility in a Board of Trustees on behalf of the membership. On registration it took over the assets, liabilities and activities of an unincorporated charitable body of the same name.
Trustees
AMJ Ball – chair J McQuaid J Brown J McNeil DG Cantrell S Myers JA Cooper RM Tiddy AW Dunlop MA Tylee CM Jones J Wright
OBJECTIVES AND ACTIVITIES
The objectives are the education and instruction of the public by the furtherance of the study, investigation, description and preservation of the historical and archaeological evidence of the trades which have been carried on in South Yorkshire from the earliest times to the recent past.
On its own or in collaboration with others such as the Newcomen Society and the Institute of Mechanical Engineers, the Society had a full programme of lectures, mostly at Kelham Island Museum. We have successfully tried afternoon meetings and a second regular venue at Portland Works. The Society has also kept in touch with the membership and made sales of publications through the website and at
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SOUTH YORKSHIRE INDUSTRIAL HISTORY SOCIETY CIO
TRUSTEES’ REPORT continued
events such as the Sheffield Heritage Fair. There were no new publications in the last year.
The number of members of the Society stands at 160 (2024; 159), the majority of whom have given an email to enable them to receive regular updates on the Society’s activities. The number of followers on Facebook has increased to over 800. Most new members join through the website.
As reported last year, Wortley Top Forge Cottage has been fully integrated into the Top Forge site and fully functioning as a library and archive space as well as providing proper meeting and rest rooms for the trustees and volunteers.
The Society has continued in collaboration with members of the Sheffield Historic Buildings Taskforce at the Bower Spring site. Historic England has provided funding for most of the costs and main contractors, Pinnacle Conservation Limited, have been retained. At the year end, scaffolding had been erected and the site was being prepared for work in May and June, A review of the scheduled area is also under way as part of the archaeology associated with the monument is currently not properly protected. An effort is also being made to obtain the small area of land within the curtilage of the site which still belongs to Sheffield City Council.
The Society was pleased to continue for a third year assisting with the South Yorkshire Local Heritage List. This is a project to identify and list heritage assets which currently do not have any national protection. Members of the Society sit on a committee to consider the merit of nominations.
A number of other outside research projects have contacted the Society and assistance has been provided with the knowledge and help of the membership. Monitoring of developments at its various sites and elsewhere in South Yorkshire continues through the Field Recording Group.
Assets
In following its objectives, the Society has beneficial freehold ownership of the following historical heritage properties:
| Wortley Top Forge | Grade I listed and Scheduled Ancient Monument |
|---|---|
| (cottages are II) | |
| Top Forge Cottage | Grade II listed |
| Rockley Engine House | Scheduled Ancient Monument |
| Rockley Furnace | Scheduled Ancient Monument |
| Bower Spring Cementation | Furnace Scheduled Ancient Monument |
| Hoylandswaine Nail Forge | Grade II listed |
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SOUTH YORKSHIRE INDUSTRIAL HISTORY SOCIETY CIO
TRUSTEES’ REPORT continued
In addition the Society owns a collection of historic stationary steam engines and other machinery and artefacts mostly held at Wortley Top Forge.
The properties and machines are managed through a formal Memorandum of Understanding by South Yorkshire Trades Historical Trust Limited (a registered charity).
The trustees consider that the activities and achievements of the Society in the past year continue to meet the public benefit requirements of the Charities Act.
FINANCIAL REVIEW
The Society normally derives its funds from membership fees, sales of publications and donations, and seeks grants or similar funding for the maintenance of its properties. Income from subscriptions has been stable and it is hoped that the increase from 1[st] May 2025 will generate more funds. Charges for the hire of rooms for lectures and committee meetings are now a major drain on resources although we have not needed to pay any fees to speakers.
Overall there has been a substantial surplus, but this is largely attributable to restricted grant income for the Bower Spring project from the Sheffield Town Trust and Historic England. There was also an unrestricted legacy from the Estate of Ken Hawley, a long-standing member.
Investment & reserves policy
The trustees invest the funds of the Society so as to generate short term income for the use of the Society. All funds are placed with registered deposit takers. Reserves are maintained to ensure that the Society may meet running costs and publication obligations for the next year.
PLANS FOR FUTURE PERIODS
The lecture programme is planned to continue with the usual series of meetings at Kelham Island Industrial Museum and elsewhere. The trustees will continue to use the website, Facebook and other electronic means to keep the membership updated. The Bower Spring restoration project is a major commitment which is expected to be completed during the summer of 2025 and will be reported on at the AGM.
The Society will also continue to collaborate with other heritage organisations and work on publications.
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TRUSTEES’ REPORT continued
Archaeological investigations in the area which used to be the cottage garden of Wortley Top Forge Cottage remain a medium term objective, particularly to locate the foundations of the Andrews test rig. The Society is mindful that this is a Scheduled Ancient Monument and a proper plan must be agreed with Historic England before anything can proceed and funds sought.
On behalf of the Trustees,
A M J Ball President 9 June 2025
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Independent examiners report to the trustees of SOUTH YORKSHIRE INDUSTRIAL HISTORY SOCIETY for the year ended 30[th] April 2025
I report on the accounts and accompanying notes of the charity for the year ended 30 April 2025 which follow this 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 required for this year under section 144(2) of the Charities Act 2011 (the 2011 Act) and that an independent examination is needed.
It is my responsibility to:
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examine the accounts under section 145 of the 2011 Act;
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follow the procedures laid down in the general Directions given by the Charity Commission under section 145(5)(b) of the 2011 Act; and
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state whether particular matters have come to my attention.
Basis of independent examiner's report
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 present a “true and fair view” and the report is limited to those matters set out in the statement below.
Independent examiner's statement
In connection with my examination, no matter has come to my attention:
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1 which gives me reasonable cause to believe that, in any material respect, the requirements:
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to keep accounting records in accordance with section 130 of the 2011 Act; and
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to prepare accounts which accord with the accounting records and comply with the accounting requirements of the 2011 Act have not been met; or
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2 to which, in my opinion, attention should be drawn in order to enable a proper understanding of the accounts to be reached.
Mr Heera Singh FMAAT Date: 10[th] June 2025 HSL Accountancy Solutions Ltd Enterprise House 61a Carr House Doncaster DN1 2BY
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SOUTH YORKSHIRE INDUSTRIAL HISTORY SOCIETY CIO
STATEMENT OF FINANCIAL ACTIVITIES
for the Year ended 30 April 2025
| notes Incoming resources Incoming resources from generated funds Voluntary income 3 Activities for generating funds 4 Investment income Resources expended Costs of generating funds Costs of generating voluntary income 5 Charitable activities 6 Total resources expended Net (expenditure) / income Total funds brought forward Total funds carried forward |
Restricted £ 18,576 - - 18,576 - 1,000 1,000 17,576 3,620 21,196 |
Unrestricted £ 2,933 217 284 3,434 6 1,223 1,229 2,205 198,260 200,465 |
2025 2024 Total Funds Total Funds £ £ 21,509 1,891 217 189 284 364 22,010 2,444 6 975 2,223 3,804 2,229 4,779 19,781 (2,335) 201,880 204,215 221,661 201,880 |
|---|---|---|---|
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SOUTH YORKSHIRE INDUSTRIAL HISTORY SOCIETY CIO
BALANCE SHEET
| At 30 April 2025 note Fixed Assets and Investments 8 Current Assets Stock of books Cash at bank Deposit account Current account Cash in hand Prepayments and accrued income Liabilities Creditors: amounts falling due within one year Short term financing loan 10 Outstanding expenses Creditors: amounts falling due after more than one year Capital Loan 11 Total Net Assets Accumulated Funds Restricted 12 Unrestricted general |
2025 £ 259,331 500 18,377 23,877 7 301 43,062 - (732) (732) (80,000) 221,661 21,196 200,465 221,661 |
2024 £ 259,331 500 18,093 6,741 - 311 |
|---|---|---|
| 25,645 | ||
| - (3,096) |
||
| (3,096) | ||
| (80,000) | ||
| 201,880 | ||
| 3,620 198,260 |
||
| 201,880 |
The financial statements were approved by the Trustees on 9 June 2025 and are signed on their behalf by;
A. M. J. Ball President
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SOUTH YORKSHIRE INDUSTRIAL HISTORY SOCIETY CIO
NOTES TO THE FINANCIAL STATEMENTS
For the year ended 30 April 2025
1. ACCOUNTING POLICIES
a) General information and basis of preparation
South Yorkshire Industrial History Society is a Charitable Incorporated Organisation (CIO) registered with the Charity Commission in England & Wales. The address of the registered office is given in the charity information on page 1 of these financial statements. The nature of the charity’s operations and principal activities is given in the Trustees’ Report.
The charity constitutes a public benefit entity as defined by FRS102. 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 (FRS102), the Charities Act 2011, the Companies Act 2006 and UK Generally Accepted Practice.
The charity has applied Update Bulletin 1 as published on 2 February 2016 and does not include a cash flow statement on the grounds that it is applying FRS102 Section 1A. The financial statements are prepared on a going concern basis under the historical cost convention. The financial statements are presented in sterling which is the functional currency of the charity.
The significant accounting policies applied in the preparation of these financial statements are set out below. These policies have been consistently applied to all years presented unless otherwise stated.
b) Grants and voluntary income
All grants and voluntary income are accounted for in the year when they are received unless receipt has become certain at the balance sheet date.
c) Other income and expenditure
Other income and expenditure is accounted for on the accruals basis.
d) Restricted funds
Restricted funds are funds which are to be used in accordance with specific restrictions imposed by donors or which have been raised by the charity for particular purposes. The aim and use of each restricted fund is set out in the notes to the financial statements.
e) Investments
All investments stated as current, being monetary assets, are stated at cost.
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SOUTH YORKSHIRE INDUSTRIAL HISTORY SOCIETY CIO
NOTES TO THE FINANCIAL STATEMENTS
For the year ended 30 April 2025
ACCOUNTING POLICIES (cont)
f) Stocks
Stock consist of unsold copies of Water Power on the Sheffield Rivers and other published books at an estimate of realisable future value. Journals and donated books are not considered to have a value unless sold.
g) Loose tools and equipment
Loose tools and equipment owned by the Society for the purposes of maintaining and operating the properties and the machinery is not capitalised but is written off as expenditure when incurred.
h) Heritage Assets
Heritage assets acquired prior to 2011 are not capitalised because the Trustees consider that it would be impractical to arrive at a value for assets which were acquired for a nominal fee or were donated, are mostly unique and for which there is no reliable replacement cost information.
Assets acquired since then, for which there is a reliable cost, are stated at cost. The trustees do not consider that the value has been impaired since acquisition.
i) Donations in kind
Donations in kind which are intended for repairs or maintenance of sites or exhibits are accounted for using the trustees’ estimate of value. Donations which are intended as exhibits are included within the nominal £1 brought forward on the balance sheet.
No value is attributed to the activities of the trustees or voluntary helpers.
j) TAXATION
As a registered charity, the Trust does not pay tax on its income.
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SOUTH YORKSHIRE INDUSTRIAL HISTORY SOCIETY CIO
NOTES TO THE FINANCIAL STATEMENTS
For the Year ended 30 April 2025
| 3 VOLUNTARY INCOME Sheffield Town Trust Grant for Bower Spring project Historic England Grant for Bower Spring project Restricted Total Subscriptions and tax recovered Legacy - Estate of Ken Hawley General donations Total unrestricted 4 ACTIVITIES FOR GENERATING FUNDS Water Power on the Sheffield Rivers Other published books Donated books and publications 5. COST OF GENERATING VOLUNTARY INCOME Costs of published books (inc distribution) 6. CHARITABLE ACTIVITIES Room hire Insurance Costs at Bower Spring Restricted Legal re property transfers (note) Support costs - see note 7 Governance costs Miscellaneous |
2025 £ 3,000 15,576 18,576 1,711 1,068 154 2,933 70 147 - 217 6 6 320 111 1,000 (12) 304 500 - 2,223 |
2024 £ - - |
|---|---|---|
| - | ||
| 1,670 - 221 |
||
| 1,891 | ||
| 50 109 30 |
||
| 189 | ||
| 975 | ||
| 975 | ||
| 340 111 - 2,620 288 350 95 |
||
| 3,804 |
The property transfers were from the previous unincorporated Society to the CIO to simplify administration and comply with legal requirements.
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SOUTH YORKSHIRE INDUSTRIAL HISTORY SOCIETY CIO
NOTES TO THE FINANCIAL STATEMENTS
For the Year ended 30 April 2025
7. OTHER COSTS
Governance costs consist of room hire for the committee, examination costs and public meetings.
Support costs consist of postage, stationery, subscriptions, website and miscellaneous costs and are allocated appropriate to the activities supported.
8. FIXED ASSETS AND INVESTMENTS
| 2025 £ Investment £100 shares in Portland Works 100 Heritage Assets Buxton & Thornley engine at cost 6,500 Beam engine "Elizabeth" at donated value 2,730 Top Forge Cottage at cost - freehold 250,000 Nominal value of other heritage assets 1 259,331 |
2024 £ 100 6,500 2,730 250,000 1 |
|---|---|
| 259,331 |
The Society also has beneficial ownership of a number of other historic properties, machines and other artefacts which are carried in the balance sheet at a nominal £1 because there is no reliable original cost or any meaningful current value. Details of the properties are shown in the Trustees' Report.
9. TRUSTEES REMUNERATION
Members of the Council received no direct remuneration or expenses other than a reimbursement of direct expenses incurred on behalf of the Society.
10. RELATED PARTY
The trustees consider South Yorkshire Trades Historical Trust Limited to be a related party because a majority of the trustees act for both organisations and the Trust manages the assets on behalf of the Society.
11. CAPITAL LOAN
The loan of £80,000 towards the purchase of Top Forge Cottage has been given by a member. It is secured but carries no interest and has no fixed repayment date.
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SOUTH YORKSHIRE INDUSTRIAL HISTORY SOCIETY CIO
NOTES TO THE FINANCIAL STATEMENTS
For the Year ended 30 April 2025
| For the Year ended 30 April 2025 | ||||
|---|---|---|---|---|
| 12 RESTRICTED FUNDS Bower Spring Furnace restoration: Balance from previous project Sheffield Town Trust Historic England |
Balance at 01/05/2024 £ 3,620 - - |
Incoming - 3,000 15,776 18,576 |
Outgoing £ (1,000) - - |
Balance at 30/04/2025 2,620 3,000 15,576 |
| 3,620 | (1,000) | 21,196 |
Incoming amounts are from Historic England £15,576 and Sheffield Town Trust £3,000.
13 ANALYSIS BETWEEN FUNDS
| Fixed assets Current assets Current liabilities Non current liability |
Unrestricted 259,331 21,866 (732) (80,000) 200,465 |
Restricted Total - 259,331 21,196 43,062 - (732) - (80,000) 21,196 221,661 |
|---|---|---|
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