Ottery St Mary Heritage Society (CIO: 1179598) Trustees’ Annual Report – July 2025
Introduction
These past twelve months continue to be busy and somewhat evolutionary with changes to our Board of Trustees, developments in the museum and importantly an increase in our membership. I report here on many of the developments achieved and opportunities presenting themselves to the Board of Trustees since the last AGM.
Financial
The finances for the Society remain sound and through the continued astute management of our Treasurer and careful expenditure management, the Society remains in tight control. Clever investment allows us to fund some of the developments in the museum.
Membership and Meetings
Pleasingly, our membership numbers have risen again this year. I am delighted to report that we have seen higher turnouts this year to our members’ meetings, both members and nonmembers. This is not only down to us publicising these events better but also to the quality of the speakers. Our new Trustee Alayne Pullman has already engaged some strong speakers for next year, continuing this trend.
The Journal
Lynda Murlewski has again produced this year’s journals to great acclaim and I thank her here. They continue to be supported by knowledgeable and erudite contributors whom we thank sincerely. The journal demonstrates the integrity and academic standing of our Heritage Society. It is always such a good read.
Main Museum developments
Jo Smith, another new trustee, together with Denise Melhuish, worked hard during the winter break with Nigel Sadler, our curator, to produce a new display for the museum about how WW2 affected Ottery St Mary in recognition of the 80th anniversary of VE day. It is proving a popular addition to the appeal of the museum which is attracting more visitors this year.
David Venner has worked so hard to update the museum’s software systems. We now have a more secure and accessible system, particularly our archiving database. This facility is crucial to logging our historical documents and artefacts but more especially in our work to achieve formal Museum Accreditation. A team led by Richard Wakeman, is embarking on this demanding accreditation process. Once achieved, it will enable the Society to apply for grants to make major improvements to the museum and help to attract even more visitors. It will put the museum on the national map attracting more visitors to the town.
The Board continues to work towards the possible purchase of the freehold of the Old Town Hall and I will keep the membership advised of important developments in our discussions with the Town Council, our landlords.
continued
King’s School collaboration
The King’s School has invited the Heritage Society to collaborate with them on the curation of the school archives. This will involve cataloguing and conserving the school’s collection of artefacts, photographs and documents and will involve some of their alumni and Society volunteers as well as using the museum’s archiving software mentioned above.
Trustees
The Trustees continue to work hard for the Society this year and we are again seeking new Trustees as two of our number have decided to retire after years of terrific contributions. June Harvey and Anne Edwards - Thank you so much both.
Finally, I would like to particularly thank the Trustees for their extraordinary effort again this year and their support in achieving so much. Likewise, the volunteers who help in stewarding the museum. Without them all, we could not run the Society or museum. Thank you.
Peter Shrubsall
Chair - Ottery St Mary Heritage Society
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ACCOUNTS for the year ending 30th April 2025-1
| 2. Barclays Museum Account | |||||
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Income | |||||
| Water refund and Bank Rewards | £1.84 | £9.67 | |||
| Donations | £83.60 | £2888.66 | |||
| Cash Donations | £70.00 | £1089.56 | |||
| Misc Reimbursements | £274.87 | £665.14 | |||
| Receipts | £430.31 | £4653.03 | |||
| Expenditure | |||||
| Equip’t displays | £500.99 | £3009.31 | |||
| Electricity | £1917.52 | £1381.61 | |||
| Water | £473.61 | £544.22 | |||
| Bank Charges | £105.16 | £112.89 | |||
| BT Internet | £337.09 | £284.24 | |||
| Barclaycard | £1.68 | £35.96 | |||
| Misc donatations/preservation/frecheck | £90.00 | £5630.83 | |||
| Total expenditure | £3426.05 | £10999.06 | |||
| Net receipts | -£2995.74 | -£6346.03 | |||
| Transfer to savings acc | £-10000.00 | £0.00 | |||
| Opening balance | £22451.97 | £28798.00 | |||
| Closing balance | £9456.23 | £22451.97 | |||
| 3. Barclays Savings Account | |||||
| Income | |||||
| Transfer from Museum Acc | £10000.00 | ||||
| Interest | £76.15 | ||||
| Receipts | £10076.15 | ||||
| Expenditure | |||||
| Reciepts | £0.00 | ||||
| Opening Balance | £0.00 | ||||
| Closing Balance | £10076.15 |