OpenCharities

This text was generated using OCR and may contain errors. Check the original PDF to see the document submitted to the regulator.

2025-10-31-accounts

Docusign Envelope ID: 558D9322-BFEA-861F-83A8-5467AEF07510

Charity Number 1181127

THE LAURENCE STERNE TRUST

REPORT AND FINANCIAL STATEMENTS YEAR ENDED 31 OCTOBER 2025

Docusign Envelope ID: 558D9322-BFEA-861F-83A8-5467AEF07510

CONTENTS

Page
Trustees’ Annual Report 1 – 7
Independent Examiner’s Report 8
Statement of Financial Activities 9
Balance Sheet 10
Notes to the Accounts 11 – 22

Docusign Envelope ID: 558D9322-BFEA-861F-83A8-5467AEF07510

THE LAURENCE STERNE TRUST

TRUSTEES’ ANNUAL REPORT FOR THE YEAR ENDED 31 OCTOBER 2025

Charity details

Charity Name and Number The Laurence Sterne Trust Charitable Incorporated Organisation Registered charity number 1181127 Registered Address Shandy Hall, Coxwold, York YO61 4AD Trustees Robert John Wyke: Chair (resigned 19 January 2026 due to serious ill health) Rachel Feldberg Lady Feversham Megan Forde (appointed 4 August 2025) Thomas Forrest (resigned 11 December 2025) Peter Bardsea Miller At an extraordinary meeting on 6 February 2026 it was agreed that Rachel Feldberg and Megan Forde would share the role of Chair to succeed Rob Wyke. Staff and Volunteers Patrick Wildgust: Curator Chris Pearson: Volunteer and volunteer co-ordinator Michael Stanley, Museum Mentor (resigned 16 December 2025 due to ill health) Bankers Virgin Money, 46 Coney Street, York YO1 9NQ Independent Examiners HPH Chartered Accountants, 54 Bootham, York YO30 7XZ

1

Docusign Envelope ID: 558D9322-BFEA-861F-83A8-5467AEF07510

THE LAURENCE STERNE TRUST

TRUSTEES’ ANNUAL REPORT FOR THE YEAR ENDED 31 OCTOBER 2025

Annual Report of the Trustees of The Laurence Sterne Trust

The Trustees present their annual report together with the financial statements of the CIO for the year ended 31 October 2025. The financial statements have been prepared in accordance with statutory requirements, the CIO’s governing document and the Statement of Recommended Practice: Accounting and Reporting by Charities (SORP FRS 102).

Structure, Governance and Management

The Trust is a Charitable Incorporated Organisation (CIO). It is governed by a foundation model constitution, agreed by the first trustees on 24 April 2018 and accepted by the Charity Commission on 11 December 2018.

Constitution and Trustees

There have been no changes to the constitution. Megan Forde became a Trustee on 4 August 2025.

Full meetings of trustees were held at Shandy Hall on 1 March 2025, 4 June 2025, and 17 September 2024.

Affiliation

The Charity is not affiliated to any other Charity.

Trustee Induction and Training

New trustees will be briefed on their legal obligations under charity law, the workings of the Trust and decisionmaking processes, the business plan and recent financial performance of the Charity. During their induction they will meet key officers and the other trustees. Trustees are encouraged to attend appropriate external training events where these will facilitate the understanding of their role.

Objectives and Activities

The principal objects as stated in the governing document are to advance education for the public benefit by promoting the understanding and appreciation of the life, works and continuing influence of Laurence Sterne; primarily, but not exclusively, through maintaining and managing Shandy Hall, Coxwold, and its collections as a public museum and a centre for research, education and creativity.

The Trustees believe that they have complied with the duty in section 17(5) of the Charities Act 2011 to have due regard to guidance published by the Charity Commission in regard to public benefit.

2

Docusign Envelope ID: 558D9322-BFEA-861F-83A8-5467AEF07510

THE LAURENCE STERNE TRUST

TRUSTEES’ ANNUAL REPORT FOR THE YEAR ENDED 31 OCTOBER 2025

Achievements and Performance

Shandy Hall, purchased freehold in 1968 to be a public museum dedicated to the life, work and legacy of Laurence Sterne (1713-1768), remains the Laurence Sterne Trust’s most important heritage asset. It is a Grade I listed building with all the challenges associated with that status. Shandy Hall is a significant local landmark and, with nearly 600 years of architectural history, it charts the changing use and social context of a place that is treasured by local communities. People come from across the world to be in the place where Laurence Sterne wrote Tristram Shandy and feel connected to the author.

Shandy Hall is a fully accredited Museum (Accreditation number AN1580).

Public Access

The main visitor season ran from 1 May to 30 September. The House was open on Saturdays, Sundays and Bank Holidays for guided tours at 11:30 and 14:30 which could be booked in advance. The Gardens were open 11:0016:30 Wednesday to Sunday and Bank Holidays. Visitors continued to be happy with opening days and times and with admission charges: House & Garden: £10 per head; Garden only: £4. The Curator is free to waive admission charges for any visitor who cannot afford them. Individuals and groups who could not manage these times could visit by appointment; many did so.

The total number of visitors was 2,036 (including 997 free of charge as part of various schemes, for example Coxwold Open Gardens): House and Garden: 473; Garden only: 1,523. Visitor feedback was once again overwhelmingly positive. Visitors valued the house tours and the peace and tranquillity and sympathetic planting of the garden. 98 per cent of visitors surveyed reported that their visit to Shandy Hall was 'excellent or good'.

The Trust continues to take action in response to the 2023 Accessibility Audit as funds and time permit. In 2025 access details were updated on the website and the ‘Visit’ section was restructured to ensure these were more prominent. 10 members of Open Country who visited with their carers in August 2025 were very helpful with specific feedback on accessibility on site and their suggestions have been actioned.

Health and Safety, and Safeguarding

The path by the area of rockfall on the southern boundary of the Wild Garden has been allowed to grow over to keep visitors clear of the area as there are still occasional rock falls.

The bee colonies are carefully monitored, with signs and barriers in place to keep visitors away from the immediate area.

A safeguarding matter arose during the year and was managed promptly in line with the Trust's safeguarding policy; appropriate support was provided to those affected and the matter has been resolved.

Heritage Assets: Shandy Hall

A problem with damp in the Porch was investigated by Pinnacle Conservation Ltd and referred to the architect. Despite their efforts no source was found. An air brick has been installed and further steps will be taken to rectify the problem.

3

Docusign Envelope ID: 558D9322-BFEA-861F-83A8-5467AEF07510

THE LAURENCE STERNE TRUST

TRUSTEES’ ANNUAL REPORT FOR THE YEAR ENDED 31 OCTOBER 2025

Repairs and maintenance

In 2021 the Trust designated a fund to ensure that regular maintenance is carried out.

The hot water tank, taps and a faulty toilet cistern which failed were repaired by NG Plumbing. Water from the cistern damaged the ceiling in the parlour and stained the carpet.

A new Cobra ride-on mower was purchased in May 2025 to replace the old Lawnflite which had been condemned as unsafe.

Heritage Assets: Collection

The Collection at Shandy Hall of books and other items relating to Laurence Sterne is of international importance. The Trust makes the Collection readily accessible to visitors and scholars. A full catalogue of our holdings is available online through our website.

In March 2025 Laura Sadler from the University of Northumbria met with Jenny Hannam for training on book conservation processes and did some work listing newspapers in the collection, as well as continuing to catalogue the collection.

Geoff Day donated a new German edition of Tristram Shandy and other items in April 2025.

A Sterne Lent by Chris Swift was launched in York Minster Library in January 2025 (35 attended). Copies donated by Chris Swift are now in the collection and on sale in the Shandy Hall shop.

Exhibitions and Events

Glen Baxter – Prints and Drawings was exhibited from 5 July – 14 September 2025. It was Glen Baxter’s last exhibition (he died on 29 March 2026). All works were for sale.

The film A Cock & Bull S tory showed at Coxwold Village Hall on 1 Nov 2024. Curator answered questions on how the production was developed. 40 attended.

A ‘Grand Book Sale’ was held in the gallery 1 May - 1 June 2025. It included donated second-hand books on art, literature, antiques, horology and Folio Society volumes.

The Garden was open under the National Garden Scheme (NGS) on 16 May and 13 June 2025. NGS raised the recommended entrance fee for this event to £5 for 2025.

In all, 75 people attended and the NGS Assistant County Officer visited to give support. Although the May date was too cold and wet for a moth trap a better catch for 13 June meant a public moth release session could take place.

On 8 May the Trust promoted ‘Wildlife Friendly Gardening‘ in conjunction with Yorkshire Wildlife Trust.

On 8 June 2025 Coxwold Open Gardens attracted 323 visitors to Shandy Hall who came free of charge; an increase of 70 visitors on the previous year.

4

Docusign Envelope ID: 558D9322-BFEA-861F-83A8-5467AEF07510

THE LAURENCE STERNE TRUST

TRUSTEES’ ANNUAL REPORT FOR THE YEAR ENDED 31 OCTOBER 2025

Outreach, Partnership and Relationships

In addition to encouraging visitors to visit Shandy Hall in person, we promote Laurence Sterne and his legacy through educational outreach and contact with other organisations.

The Curator and Chris Pearson attended the North Yorkshire Cultural Symposium in Malton in December 2024.

The Curator travelled to Cambridge to meet Ian Wilson (President of Jesus College) and renew contact with Nick Ray (Emeritus Professor, Architecture). The artist Kabe Wilson and Katharina Bohm also attended.

The Curator and Chris Pearson helped Coxwold achieve Dark Skies Village status by supporting a lighting survey.

The relationship with the University of Pennsylvania (USA) continues and Sophia Hernandez was an excellent UPenn intern 17 June - 11 August 2025.

Talks and visits

Chris Pearson gave two talks in March 2025 on Gardening with wildlife to a total of 90 attendees in Knaresborough and for Sutton and Huby Gardening Group (60)

There were 12 special visits by educational and other groups during the season involving 167 individuals. These included groups from: Yamanashi University, Australian Lit. Group, University of York’s PGCE students and Thin Ice Press, Open Country disability and access group, the National Trust and Hornsea, Market Weighton and Welburn Garden Clubs.

Publicity

A new full colour general publicity A5 flyer was designed and distributed in July 2025 Advertisements included: Out and about Magazine (NYM National Park), and adverts for the Glen Baxter exhibition in the Easingwold Advertiser.

During the year, the mailing list for the LST newsletter, which has reached nearly 3000 subscribers, became too large for ‘Mailchimp’s free service. The Trust therefore now uses both Mailchimp and Sender remaining below the payment thresholds for both.

Following a visit by Helen Suckling, Partnership & Commercial Manager at VisitNorthYorkshire (the tourism arm of North Yorkshire Council) the Trust signed up to a Silver Partnership which gives more publicity opportunities. Shandy Hall now has a presence on its website and can post events online.

Press and Media

Yorkshire Post ran a photo of the Glen Baxter exhibition and Michael Caines featured the Glen Baxter exhibition in the Times Literary Supplement (TLS); it was also featured in Inscription magazine.

5

Docusign Envelope ID: 558D9322-BFEA-861F-83A8-5467AEF07510

THE LAURENCE STERNE TRUST

TRUSTEES’ ANNUAL REPORT FOR THE YEAR ENDED 31 OCTOBER 2025

Financial Review

The Trust aims to raise sufficient income each year to cover its running costs, including salaries.

In the last two financial years, expenditure exceeded income (£33,446 in 2023/24 and £4,866 in 2022/23). In 2024/25, however, the Trust’s finances have seen a return to a net income position (income exceeded expenditure by £14,595). This was in spite of the collapse of the publisher Unbound and the loss of expected royalties from Cain’s Jawbone as reported last year.

The return to a net income position is due, in large part, to the work of the then Chair, Rob Wyke in raising awareness of the Trust’s financial risks through his many contacts and networks. This resulted in generous donations. The Glen Baxter exhibition raised significant income and the Grand Book Sale at the start of the season also contributed to this net income position.

The Trustees continue to explore other sources of income and to identify alternative publishers for Cain’s Jawbone .

Reserves

At the end of October 2025 unrestricted funds, excluding fixed heritage assets, were £74,803 (£62,041 at October 2024). This includes a designated fund of £19,727 for repairs and maintenance.

The Trust aims to have reserves of £62,000 (the annual running costs). Many small charities work on a six-month operational cost reserve, but as Shandy Hall is only open (and able to raise visitor income) for five months of the year the Trust considers a full year operational cost to be a more prudent level of reserves.

Principal Specific Projects and Objectives for the Year 2025-2026

6

Docusign Envelope ID: 558D9322-BFEA-861F-83A8-5467AEF07510

THE LAURENCE STERNE TRUST

TRUSTEES’ ANNUAL REPORT FOR THE YEAR ENDED 31 OCTOBER 2025

Statement of Trustees’ Responsibilities

Charity law requires the Trustees to prepare financial statements for each financial year which give a true and fair view of the charity’s financial activities during the year and of its financial position at the end of the year. In preparing the financial statements, the Trustees are required to:

The Trustees are responsible for keeping proper accounting records which disclose with reasonable accuracy the financial position of the charity and which enable them to ensure that the financial statements comply with the Charities Act 2011. They are responsible for safeguarding the assets of the charity and hence for taking reasonable steps for the prevention and detection of fraud and other irregularities.

Signed on behalf of the Trustees on 20 August 2026

Megan Forde Chair

7

Docusign Envelope ID: 558D9322-BFEA-861F-83A8-5467AEF07510

THE LAURENCE STERNE TRUST

INDEPENDENT EXAMINER’S REPORT TO THE TRUSTEES OF THE LAURENCE STERNE TRUST

I report to the trustees on my examination of the accounts of The Laurence Sterne Trust (the Trust) for the year ended 31 October 2025.

This report is made solely to the charity’s trustees, as a body, in accordance with section 154 of the Charities Act 2011. My independent examiner’s work has been undertaken so that I might state to the charity’s trustees those matters I am required to state to them in an independent examiner’s report and for no other purpose. To the fullest extent permitted by law, I do not accept or assume responsibility to anyone other than the charity, the charity’s members as a body and the charity’s trustees as a body for my independent examiner’s work, for this report, or for the opinions I have formed.

Responsibilities and basis of report

As the charity trustees of the Trust you are responsible for the preparation of the accounts in accordance with the requirements of the Charities Act 2011 (‘the Act’).

I report in respect of my examination of the Trust’s accounts carried out under section 145 of the 2011 Act and in carrying out my examination I have followed all the applicable Directions given by the Charity Commission under section 145(5)(b) of the Act.

Independent examiner’s statement

I have completed my examination. I confirm that no material matters have come to my attention in connection with the examination giving me cause to believe that in any material respect:

  1. accounting records were not kept in respect of the Trust as required by section 130 of the Act; or

  2. the accounts do not accord with those records; or

  3. the accounts do not comply with the applicable requirements concerning the form and content of accounts set out in the Charities (Accounts and Reports) Regulations 2008 other than any requirement that the accounts give a ‘true and fair view’ which is not a matter considered as part of an independent examination.

I have no concerns and have come across no other matters in connection with the examination to which attention should be drawn in this report in order to enable a proper understanding of the accounts to be reached.

Sarah Wearing FCA, DChA HPH, Chartered Accountants 54 Bootham, York YO30 7XZ

20 August 2026

8

Docusign Envelope ID: 558D9322-BFEA-861F-83A8-5467AEF07510

THE LAURENCE STERNE TRUST

STATEMENT OF FINANCIAL ACTIVITIES YEAR ENDED 31 OCTOBER 2025

Restricted Designated Unrestricted Total Total
Funds Funds Funds 31 October 31 October
Notes 2025 2025 2025 2025 2024
£ £ £ £ £
Income and endowments from:
Government Grants 6 4,042 - - 4,042 137,581
Other Grants 7 - 200 - 200 7,016
Donations & Legacies 8 - - 34,241 34,241 3,175
Charitable Activities 9 - - 6,616 6,616 6,096
Other Trading Activities 10 - - 40,843 40,843 20,294
Investments 11 - - 470 470 523
Total income 4,042 200 82,170 86,412 174,685
Expenditure on:
Charitable Activities 12 - - 1,447 1,447 2,992
Support Costs 12 - 5,341 61,047 66,388 61,272
Grant Project (MEND) 12 3,982 - - 3,982 143,867
Total expenditure 3,982 5,341 62,494 71,817 208,131
Net income / (expenditure) 60 (5,141) 19,676 14,595 (33,446)
Transfers between funds 18 (60) 60 - - -
Net movement in funds - (5,081) 19,676 14,595 (33,446)
Reconciliation of funds:
Total funds brought forward - 1,449,883 37,233 1,487,116 1,520,562
Total funds carried forward £ - £ 1,444,802 £ 56,909 £ 1,501,711 £ 1,487,116

The Statement of Financial Activities includes all gains and losses in the year.

All of the above amounts relate to continuing activities.

The notes on pages 11 to 22 form part of these financial statements.

9

Docusign Envelope ID: 558D9322-BFEA-861F-83A8-5467AEF07510

THE LAURENCE STERNE TRUST

BALANCE SHEET AT 31 OCTOBER 2025

Notes
Fixed assets
Tangible assets
13
Shandy Hall
Collection
Plant & Machinery
Current assets
Stock
14
Cash at bank & in hand
Debtors & Prepayments
15
Creditors : amounts falling due
within one year
Creditors & Accruals
16
Net current assets
Total assets less current liabilities
Net assets
Funds
18
Restricted Funds
Unrestricted Funds:
Designated Fund (Heritage Fixed Assets)
Designated Fund (Repair & Maintenance)
Undesignated Funds		 2025
£
£
1,160,000
265,075
1,833
1,426,908
2,220
71,947
2,519
76,686
1,883
1,883
74,803
1,501,711
£ 1,501,711
-
1,425,075
19,727
56,909
£ 1,501,711		 2024
£
£
1,160,000
265,075
-
1,425,075
2,538
48,657
17,955
69,150
7,109
7,109
62,041
1,487,116
£ 1,487,116
-
1,425,075
24,808
37,233
£ 1,487,116		 2024
£
£
1,160,000
265,075
-
1,425,075
2,538
48,657
17,955
69,150
7,109
7,109
62,041
1,487,116
£ 1,487,116
-
1,425,075
24,808
37,233
£ 1,487,116
1,425,075
62,041
1,487,116
£ 1,487,116
-
1,425,075
24,808
37,233
£ 1,487,116

The financial statements were approved by the members of the committee and authorised for issue on 20 August 2026 and signed on their behalf, by:

Megan Forde Chair

The notes on pages 11 to 22 form part of these financial statements.

10

Docusign Envelope ID: 558D9322-BFEA-861F-83A8-5467AEF07510

THE LAURENCE STERNE TRUST

NOTES TO THE FINANCIAL STATEMENTS YEAR ENDED 31 OCTOBER 2025

1. ACCOUNTING POLICIES

a) Basis of preparation

The Accounts 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 (FRS 102) (effective 1 January 2019) - (Charites SORP (FRS 102)), the Financial Reporting Standard applicable in the UK and Republic of Ireland (FRS102).

The Laurence Sterne Trust meets the definition of a public benefit entity under FRS 102. Assets and liabilities are initially recognised at historical cost or transaction value unless otherwise stated in the relevant accounting policy note(s).

The principal address of the Trust is: Shandy Hall, Coxwold, York, YO61 4AD.

b) Preparation of accounts on a going concern basis

The Charity has cash resources and has no requirement for external funding. The trustees have a reasonable expectation that the Charity has adequate resources to continue in operational existence for the foreseeable future and have prepared the annual financial statements on the going concern basis of accounting. The Trust's funds, reserves and operations were transferred from the old Trust to the Charitable Incorporated Organisation (CIO) on 1st November 2019, permission for which was granted by the Charity Commission on 11 December 2018. The new body is designed to run the operations of the Trust and the company limited by guarantee which held the principal asset Shandy Hall. The process for transferring the property to the CIO was concluded on 10 April 2021.

c) Fund Structure

The unrestricted income fund comprises those funds which the trustees are free to use for any purpose in furtherance of the charitable objects. Unrestricted funds include designated funds where the Trustees, at their discretion, have created a fund for a specific purpose. The restricted income fund comprises those funds that can only be used for particular purposes within the objects of the Charity. Restrictions arise when specified by the donor or when funds are raised for particular purposes.

d) Income and Endowments

Donations and legacies

Donations include amounts received during the year from supporters and friends.

Other trading activities

Incoming resources from generated funds are comprised of income from shop sales, lectures, exhibitions and rental income from visiting artists and students. All incoming resources are recognised once the Charity has entitlement to the resources, it is certain that the resources will be received and the monetary value of incoming resources can be measured with sufficient reliability.

11

Docusign Envelope ID: 558D9322-BFEA-861F-83A8-5467AEF07510

THE LAURENCE STERNE TRUST

NOTES TO THE FINANCIAL STATEMENTS YEAR ENDED 31 OCTOBER 2025

1. ACCOUNTING POLICIES (CONTINUED)

d) Income and Endowments (continued)

Investments

Investment income from bank interest is brought into the accounts gross when receivable.

Charitable activities

Incoming resources from charitable activities are comprised of income from admissions during the year. Income is recognised in the period in which it is received.

Deferred income

Income is only deferred and included in creditors when:

e) Expenditure

Raising funds

The costs of generating funds include those costs associated with the promotion of the activities of the Trust. These costs are charged on the basis of the accruals concept, including irrecoverable value added tax where applicable

Charitable activities

Charitable expenditure includes all expenditure directly relating to the objects of the Trust and costs are charged on the basis of the accruals concept, including irrecoverable value added tax where applicable. Also included are governance costs which include those incurred in the governance of the Trust and its assets and primarily associated with constitutional and statutory requirements, including irrecoverable value added tax where applicable.

f) Taxation

As a registered charity, the Charity is exempt from the payment of income tax in respect of its charitable activities.

g) Stocks

Stocks are included at the lower of cost and net realisable value. Unsold donated items are not included in stocks.

12

Docusign Envelope ID: 558D9322-BFEA-861F-83A8-5467AEF07510

THE LAURENCE STERNE TRUST

NOTES TO THE FINANCIAL STATEMENTS YEAR ENDED 31 OCTOBER 2025

1. ACCOUNTING POLICIES (CONTINUED)

h) Fixed Assets

Fixed assets costing more than £1,000 are capitalised and included at cost. Items costing less than £1,000 are written off as an expense as acquired. Tangible fixed assets are depreciated over their expected useful lives at the following annual rates:

Plant & machinery

20% straight line

The heritage assets are held in perpetuity under the terms of the Trust's Constitution. Owing to the historic nature of Shandy Hall and the Collection (see Note 11) they are deemed to have indefinite lives and therefore the CIO values the assets at full cost or valuation with no depreciation.

i) Debtors

Trade and other debtors are recognised at the settlement amount due after any trade discount offered. Prepayments are valued at the amount prepaid net of any trade discounts due.

j) Creditors and Provisions

Creditors and provisions are recognised where the charity has a present obligation resulting from a past event that will probably result in a transfer of funds to a third party and the amount due to settle the obligation can be measured or estimated reliably. Creditors and provisions are normally recognised at their settlement amount after allowing for any trade discounts due.

k) Cash at Bank and In Hand

Cash at bank and cash in hand includes cash and short term highly liquid investments with a short maturity of three months or less from the date of acquisition or opening of the deposit or similar account.

13

Docusign Envelope ID: 558D9322-BFEA-861F-83A8-5467AEF07510

THE LAURENCE STERNE TRUST

NOTES TO THE FINANCIAL STATEMENTS FOR THE YEAR ENDED 31 OCTOBER 2025

3. STAFF COSTS

STAFF COSTS
Salaries
Pension Costs
The average number of employees in the year, analysed by function was:
Management and Administration of the Charity		 2025
£
25,252
3,344
£ 28,596
2025
1		 2024
£
26,452
2,653
£ 29,105
2024
1

No employee received emoluments in excess of £60,000 (2024 - none).

The Charity also benefits greatly from the involvement and enthusiastic support of its volunteers, details of which are given in our annual report. In accordance with Charities SORP, the economic contribution of general volunteers is not recognised in the accounts.

4. REALTED PARTY TRANSACTIONS

There were no related party transactions in the current or previous reporting periods.

5. NET EXPENDITURE/INCOME

Net expenditure/income is stated after charging the Accountant’s remuneration.

2025 2024
£ £
Independent Examiner Fees 1,260 1,200

14

Docusign Envelope ID: 558D9322-BFEA-861F-83A8-5467AEF07510

THE LAURENCE STERNE TRUST

NOTES TO THE FINANCIAL STATEMENTS FOR THE YEAR ENDED 31 OCTOBER 2025

6. GOVERNMENT GRANTS

Restricted Funds

Government's Museum Estate and Development Fund 2025
£
4,042		 2024
£
137,581

7. OTHER GRANTS

Restricted Funds 2025 2024
£ £
Historic Houses Foundation - 6,000

In 2024 a grant of £6,000 was made as a contribution to the Government’s Museum Estate and Development Fund (MEND) project.

Designated Funds

North York Moors National Park made a grant of £200 towards the repair of the dry-stone wall.

2025 2024
£ £
North York Moors National Park 200 1,016

In 2024 North York Moors National Park made three grants: £384; £288; and £344 towards repair and maintenance works on the garden walls and gates.

15

Docusign Envelope ID: 558D9322-BFEA-861F-83A8-5467AEF07510

THE LAURENCE STERNE TRUST

NOTES TO THE FINANCIAL STATEMENTS FOR THE YEAR ENDED 31 OCTOBER 2025

8. INCOME FROM DONATIONS AND LEGACIES

Restricted Designated Unrestricted Total Total
Funds Funds Funds Funds Funds
2025 2025 2025 2025 2024
£ £ £ £ £
Donations
Individual donations - - 34,241 34,241 3,175
INCOME FROM CHARITABLE ACTIVITIES
Restricted Designated Unrestricted Total Total
Funds Funds Funds Funds Funds
2025 2025 2025 2025 2024
£ £ £ £ £
Charitable activities
Admissions - - 6,616 6,616 6,096
INCOME FROM OTHER TRADING ACTIVITIES
Restricted Designated Unrestricted Total Total
Funds Funds Funds Funds Funds
2025 2025 2025 2025 2024
£ £ £ £ £
Trading activites
Shop sales - - 14,730 14,730 8,974
Lectures & exhibitions - - 17,738 17,738 5,270
- - 2,900 2,900 1,050
Rights & licenses - - 5,475 5,475 5,000
- - 40,843 40,843 20,294
INVESTMENTS
Restricted Designated Unrestricted Total Total
Funds Funds Funds Funds Funds
2025 2025 2025 2025 2024
£ £ £ £ £
Investments
Bank interest - - 470 470 523

9. INCOME FROM CHARITABLE ACTIVITIES

10. INCOME FROM OTHER TRADING ACTIVITIES

11. INVESTMENTS

16

Docusign Envelope ID: 558D9322-BFEA-861F-83A8-5467AEF07510

THE LAURENCE STERNE TRUST

NOTES TO THE FINANCIAL STATEMENTS FOR THE YEAR ENDED 31 OCTOBER 2025

12. TOTAL RESOURCES EXPENDED

Charitable activities

Cost of sales
Basis of allocation: direct
Support costs
Repairs & maintenance
Insurance
Rent & water
Heat & light
Telecommunications
Stationary, postage & marketing
Equipment
Professional fees
Subscriptions
Exhibition costs
Staff
Travel
Depreciation
Basis of allocation: usage
MEND grant funded project
TOTAL RESOURCES EXPENDED
Professional fees relating to
governance		 Restricted
Funds
2025
£
-
Restricted
Funds
2025
£
-
-
-
-
-
-
-
-
-
-
-
-
-
-
3,982
3,982
-		 Designated
Funds
2025
£
-
Designated
Funds
2025
£
5,341
-
-
-
-
-
-
-
-
-
-
-
-
5,341
-
5,341
-		 Unrestricted
Funds
2025
£
1,447
Unrestricted
Funds
2025
£
-
4,835
2,584
5,920
2,783
1,745
695
2,149
287
10,864
28,596
131
458
61,047
-
62,494
1,260		 Total
Funds
2025
£
1,447
Total
Funds
2025
£
5,341
4,835
2,584
5,920
2,783
1,745
695
2,149
287
10,864
28,596
131
458

66,388
3,982
71,817
1,260		 Total
Funds
2024
£
2,992
Total
Funds
2024
£
8,268
4,597
2,444
7,181
2,362
1,374
92
2,545
303
2,850
29,105
151
-
61,272
143,867
208,131
1,200

17

Docusign Envelope ID: 558D9322-BFEA-861F-83A8-5467AEF07510

THE LAURENCE STERNE TRUST

NOTES TO THE FINANCIAL STATEMENTS FOR THE YEAR ENDED 31 OCTOBER 2025

13. FIXED ASSETS

FIXED ASSETS
Cost or valuation
At 1 November 2024
Additions in year
At 31 October 2025
Depreciation
Charge for year
At 31 October 2025
Net book value
At 31 October 2025
At 31 October 2025
Valuation
Cost
Total		 Shandy Hall
£
1,160,000
-		 Collection
£
265,075
-		 Plant &
Machinery
£
-
2,291		 Total
£
1,425,075
2,291
1,160,000 265,075 2,291 1,427,366
- - 458 458
- - 458 458
1,160,000 265,075 1,833 1,425,075
1,160,000 265,075 - 1,425,075
1,160,000
-		 -
265,075		 -
2,291		 1,160,000
267,366
1,160,000 265,075 2,291 1,427,366

Shandy Hall, the house where Laurence Sterne lived from 1760 until his death in 1768, was purchased by the original Laurence Sterne Trust in 1968 with the aim of establishing it as a public museum. It opened to the public in 1973. The freehold title of the property was transferred to The Laurence Sterne Trust Charitable Incorporated Organisation on 10 April 2021.

The Sterne Collection has been built up over time to be the most significant collection of editions of the works of Sterne. It also includes works of art and artefacts connected to Sterne. All items are catalogued and the details are available through the website. There is an acquisitions and disposals policy. Most of the collection is on public display in Shandy Hall and all items are available to view upon request. The Collection was transferred to The Laurence Sterne Trust Charitable Incorporated Organisation in 2020.

Shandy Hall and the Collection are held in trust for the furtherance of the public benefits of the Charity.

18

Docusign Envelope ID: 558D9322-BFEA-861F-83A8-5467AEF07510

THE LAURENCE STERNE TRUST

NOTES TO THE FINANCIAL STATEMENTS FOR THE YEAR ENDED 31 OCTOBER 2025

14. STOCKS
Stocks
Goods for resale
15. DEBTORS
Debtors
MEND Project
Other debtors
Prepayments
16. CREDITORS
Amounts falling within one year
Creditors
MEND Project
Other creditors
Taxation & pensions
17. DEFERRED INCOME
Balance at 1 November
Released during the year
Provided at 31 October
Balance at 31 October		 Restricted
Funds
2025
£
-
Restricted
Funds
2025
£
-
-
-
-
Restricted
Funds
2025
£
-
-
-
-
2025
£
-
-
-
-		 Designated
Funds
2025
£
-
Designated
Funds
2025
£
-
-
-
-
Designated
Funds
2025
£
-
-
-
-		 Unrestricted
Funds
2025
£
2,220
Unrestricted
Funds
2025
£
-
193
2,326
2,519
Unrestricted
Funds
2025
£
-
1,680
203
1,883
2024
£
71,081
(71,081)
-
-		 Total
Funds
2025
£
2,220		 Total
Funds
2024
£
2,538
Total
Funds
2025
£
-
193
2,326		 Total
Funds
2024
£
16,625
206
1,124
2,519 17,955
Total
Funds
2025
£
-
1,680
203		 Total
Funds
2024
£
4,042
2,414
653
1,883 7,109

19

Docusign Envelope ID: 558D9322-BFEA-861F-83A8-5467AEF07510

THE LAURENCE STERNE TRUST

NOTES TO THE FINANCIAL STATEMENTS YEAR ENDED 31 OCTOBER 2025

18. THE CHARITY'S FUNDS

Financial year ending 31 October 2025

Restricted funds
MEND Grant Project
Total restricted funds
Designated funds
Heritage Assets
Repairs & Maintenance
Total designated funds
General unrestricted funds
Total funds		 Brought
forward
£
-		 Incoming
resources
£
4,042		 Outgoing
resources
£
(3,982)		 Net gains/
(losses)
£
-
-
-
-
-
-
-		 Transfers
£
(60)
(60)
-
60
60
-
-		 Carried
forward
£
-
-
1,425,075
24,808		 4,042
-
200		 (3,982)
-
(5,341)		 -
1,425,075
19,727
1,449,883
37,233		 200
82,170		 (5,341)
(62,494)		 1,444,802
56,909
1,487,116 86,412 (71,817) 1,501,711

Previous financial year ending 31 October 2024

Restricted funds
MEND Grant Project
Total restricted funds
Designated funds
Heritage Assets
Repairs & Maintenance
Total designated funds
General unrestricted funds
Total funds		 Brought
forward
£
-		 Incoming
resources
£
143,581		 Outgoing
resources
£
(143,867)		 Net gains/
(losses)
£
-
-
-
-
-
-
-		 Transfers
£
286
286
-
(286)
(286)
-
-		 Carried
forward
£
-
-
1,425,075
32,346		 143,581
-
1,016		 (143,867)
-
(8,268)		 -
1,425,075
24,808
1,457,421
63,141		 1,016
30,088		 (8,268)
(55,996)		 1,449,883
37,233
1,520,562 174,685 (208,131) 1,487,116

20

Docusign Envelope ID: 558D9322-BFEA-861F-83A8-5467AEF07510

THE LAURENCE STERNE TRUST

NOTES TO THE FINANCIAL STATEMENTS YEAR ENDED 31 OCTOBER 2025

19. THE CHARITY'S ASSETS AND LIABILITIES

Financial year ending 31 October 2025

Fixed assets
Current assets
Current liabilities
Total funds		 Restricted
Funds
£
-
-
-		 Designated
Funds
£
1,426,908
19,727
-		 Unrestricted
Funds
£
-
56,959
(1,883)
55,076		 Total
2025
£
1,426,908
76,686
(1,883)
1,501,711		 Total
2024
£
1,425,075
69,150
(7,109)
- 1,446,635 1,487,116

Previous financial year ending 31 October 2024

Fixed assets
Current assets
Current liabilities
Total funds		 Restricted
Funds
£
-
4,042
(4,042)		 Designated
Funds
£
1,425,075
25,602
(794)		 Unrestricted
Funds
£
-
39,506
(2,273)
37,233		 Total
2024
£
1,425,075
69,150
(7,109)
1,487,116
 Total
2023
£
1,425,075
168,901
(73,414)
- 1,449,883 1,520,562

21

Docusign Envelope ID: 558D9322-BFEA-861F-83A8-5467AEF07510

THE LAURENCE STERNE TRUST

NOTES TO THE FINANCIAL STATEMENTS YEAR ENDED 31 OCTOBER 2025

20. COMPARATIVE STATEMENT OF FINANCIAL ACTIVITIES

Income and endowments from:
Government Grants
Other Grants
Donations & Legacies
Charitable Activities
Other Trading Activities
Investments
Total income
Expenditure on:
Charitable Activities
Support Costs
Grant Project (MEND)
Total expenditure
Net expenditure
Transfers between funds
Reconciliation of funds:
Total funds brought forward
Total funds carried forward		 Restricted
Funds
2024
£
137,581
6,000
-
-
-
-		 Designated
Funds
2024
£
-
1,016
-
-
-
-		 Unrestricted
Funds
2024
£
-
-
3,175
6,096
20,294
523		 Total
31 October
2024
£
137,581
7,016
3,175
6,096
20,294
523
143,581 1,016 30,088 174,685
-
-
143,867		 -
8,268
-		 2,992
53,004
-		 2,992
61,272
143,867
143,867 8,268 55,996 208,131
(286)
286
-		 (7,252)
(286)
1,457,421		 (25,908)
-
63,141		 (33,446)
-
1,520,562
£ - £ 1,449,883 £ 37,233 £ 1,487,116

22