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2024-12-31-accounts

Trustees’ Annual Report for the period

From 1[st] January 2024 To 31[st] December 2024

Charity name: Dean Forest Railway Society

Charity registration number: 1183538

Objectives and Activities

SORP reference
Summary of the purposes of
the charity as set out in its
governing document
Para 1.17 The objects of the charity are:
(1) To preserve, restore, develop and
operate the Dean Forest Railway;
(2) To advance the education of the public
in railway history and in particular the
preservation and development of the Dean
Forest Railway, the former Severn and
Wye Joint Railway and other railways in or
around the Forest of Dean, including the
history of associated canals, plateways and
tramways and connected industries;
(3) To advance education by training in
craft, engineering, business and all other
skills pertinent to the maintenance and
operation of a heritage railway as the
trustees consider appropriate.
Summary of the main
activities in relation to those
purposes for the public
benefit, in particular, the
activities, projects or
services identified in the
accounts.
Para 1.17 and
1.19
The charity’s members undertake voluntary
work to operate, restore and develop the
Dean Forest Railway. Throughout the
period under review, our ‘working’
volunteers have operated the railway, and
training has been provided by our members
to newly recruited volunteers, in the
necessary skills for operation of the
heritage railway.
We provide funds for enhancement
projects at the railway, where they are in
accordance with our charitable purposes.
The society also holds a number of assets
to support the operation of the railway,
including the carriages, the locomotive
‘Uskmouth 1’, the Road Rail Vehicle (which
helps tremendously with maintenance
works) and other rolling stock.
We continue to publish the Dean Forest
Railway magazine, which includes a
mixture of articles educating the readership
about current activities at the heritage
railway, and on the history of railways in
the Forest of Dean.
We have raised funds through a number of
sources during the period in question,
mainly membership subscriptions, raffles,
grant funding, and donations.
Statement confirming
whether the trustees have
had regard to the guidance
issued by the Charity
Commission on public
benefit
Para 1.18 The Trustees have complied with their duty
to have due regard to the commission’s
public benefit guidance when exercising
any powers or duties to which the guidance
is relevant.
Additional information (optional)
You may choose to include further statements
Additional information (optional)
You may choose to include further statements
where relevant about:
SORP reference
Policy on grant making Para 1.38 The charity has a specific grant-making
policy, which is available to applicants. In
summary, the Trustees require projects to
be fully costed before we will consider
funding them, and require a written
explanation of how the project meets with
our charitable purposes before it will be
considered for funding. Most projects are
managed from within the Trustees, but if
not procedures are in place for financial
management and reporting of each funded
project.
Policy on social investment
including program related
investment
Para 1.38 N/A
Contribution made by
volunteers
Para 1.38 The charity has no paid employees – all of
its work and organisation is done by
volunteers.
The contribution made by volunteers to the
charity’s work is significant – we estimate
over 20,000 hours of voluntary work was
provided during the period covered by this
report to operate, develop and restore the
railway by our volunteers. Their work
ranges from that of the Trustees, through
fundraising and membership
administration, to railway operation,
engineering and restoration activities.
Other

Achievements and Performance

SORP reference
Summary of the main
achievements of the charity,
identifying the difference the
charity’s work has made to
the circumstances of its
beneficiaries and any wider
benefits to society as a
whole.
Para 1.20 In addition to the wider work of our
members in operating, developing and
restoring the Dean Forest Railway during
this reporting period, the charity has made
some specific achievements which are
outlined below:
Return to steam of Uskmouth 1
The Society’s flagship locomotive,
Uskmouth 1, finished its restoration this
year and returned to steam for the end of
the season. We also were able to raise
important funds towards the continued
maintenance of the locomotive by hiring
Uskmouth to the Somerset & Dorset
Railway at Midsomer Norton for their
Christmas event.
Carriages
Vital works continued on the coaching
stock throughout the year, including
complete reupholstery on at least one
vehicle, with the aim to complete a full
update across the running stock by the end
of 2025. This included the agreement to
hire in a coach in 2025 to allow a rotation of
coaches to be taken out of service for
maintenance.
Volunteer Accommodation
By the end of 2024 the accommodation
coach was nearly fully completed, and was
habitable, allowing volunteers to stay
overnight, with just a few works needed to
sort items including the shower.
Volunteer & Membership Benefits
The Society has worked with the company
to improve the benefits afforded to all its
members at special events. Previously the
membership discounts have only been
valid for standard train rides, but we are
now able to offer discounts at most of the
railway’s special events, including all galas,
evening dining trains and childrens’ events.
Raffles
Once again, the Society held it’s two
annual draws (Spring and Autumn), plus
the raffle on board the train at the Santa
Specials. We are grateful to all of our
volunteers who give their time to sell
tickets. We have however found difficulties
in filling our ticket seller duties in recent
times and would welcome any new

volunteers who would be interested in helping out. Young Volunteers Group The young volunteers group has once again continued to grow and has seen even more involvement in both small jobs around the railway and helping at events, including fully decorating the carriages for Christmas and helping bring fun activities to both the Forest Railway Stories and Witches & Wizards events. Other achievements The Society continued to produce the ‘Dean Forest Railway Magazine’, espousing the achievements of the railway and providing historical pieces about the railway. The Society Stand attended multiple events throughout the year, promoting both the railway and the Society specifically and bringing in new members and volunteers.

Additional information (optional) You may choose to include further statements where relevant about:

Achievements against
objectives set
Para 1.41
Performance of fundraising
activities against objectives
set
Para 1.41
Investment performance
against objectives
Para 1.41
Other

Financial Review

Review of the charity’s
financial position at the end
of the period
Para 1.21 2025 saw a continued increase in fixed
asset value thanks to continued investment
in rolling stock and machinery. Significant
purchases included additional attachments
for the RRV such as a log grab, sleeper
grab and auger, a steam pressure cleaner
at the request of the DFR Engineering
department, and a road vehicle trailer
purchased with the help of donations which
will prove useful in moving materials
around the DFR without the need for rail
moves. The Society also became the
owners of the two 16t mineral wagons
currently located at St Marys, and Tube
wagon no. 730386 lying at Lydney
Junction.
The Society is pleased to have overseen
major progress on a number of restoration
projects. Peckett locomotive ‘Uskmouth 1’
returned to service in late 2024 at the Royal
Forest of Steam gala, while work quickly
commenced on Andrew Barclay saddle
tank no. 2221. We hope to see the latter
completed in 2026. Similarly, Wickham
trolley no.4254 is approaching completion
as at October 2025, and we continue to
thank Michael Keenoy for the work he is
putting into this vehicle.
Turnover decreased from £131,740 in 2023
to £118,550 in 2024. The total value of
donations reduced from £31,571 to
£21,444, although there were no significant
donation drives throughout the year so this
is not unreasonable. Membership fees,
however, did increase from £14,429 to
£20,566.
Raffle takings improved from £20,608 to
£22,278. We continue to be grateful to our
ticket sellers and those involved with
organising the rosters, and of course all our
supporters who enter our raffle each year.
Expenditure for the year decreased from
£62,684 to £71,343. This combined with a
reduction in income means that the overall
retained earnings reduced to £46,732 for
the year, compared to £68,855 in 2023.
The Society continues to make provisions
for the future by retaining £60,000 in a
general reserve at the end of 2024.
Para 1.22 A reserve policy was introduced in 2019
following the incorporation of the DFRS as
a CIO; £10,000 of unrestricted income per
annum is set aside into a General Reserve
fund, which will be invested when
appropriate to provide a long-term source
of income through interest.
Amount of reserves held Para 1.22 £60,000 as at 31st December 2024.
Reasons for holding zero
reserves
Para 1.22 N/A
Details of fund materially in
deficit
Para 1.24 No funds were materially in deficit.
Explanation of any
uncertainties about the
charity continuing as a going
concern
Para 1.23 The trustees have no concerns about the
charity continuing as a going concern.

Structure, Governance and Management

Description of charity’s
trusts:
N/A
Type of governing document
(trust deed, royal charter)
Para 1.25 The governing document is a CIO
Association Constitution based on the
Charity Commission’s model.
How is the charity
constituted?
(e.g unincorporated
association, CIO)
Para 1.25 Charitable Incorporated Organisation (CIO)
Trustee selection methods
including details of any
constitutional provisions e.g.
election to post or name of
any person or body entitled
to appoint one or more
trustees
Para 1.25 Up to 12 Trustees are elected by the
membership as outlined in the Constitution.
The Trustees also have the ability to
appoint (co-opt) a further four Trustees in
order to fill any identified skills gaps.
Additional information (optional)
You may choose to include further statements
Additional information (optional)
You may choose to include further statements
where relevant about:
Policies and procedures
adopted for the induction
and training of trustees
Para 1.51 The charity has no formal policy for the
induction and training of trustees, but
requirements are met by ad-hoc training
arranged as required by the Chair and
other trustees.
The charity’s organisational
structure and any wider
network with which the
charity works
Para 1.51 The charity is administered by the
Trustees, who meet on an approximately
monthly basis. Within the Trustees, sub-
groups cover subjects such as Fundraising,
Volunteering & Publicity, Education etc.
Relationship with any
related parties
Para 1.51 The charity works closely with Forest of
Dean Railway Limited, a not-for-profit
company which owns the Dean Forest
Railway. The charity is a ‘Person with
significant control’ within the company, as it
owns over 25% of the issued shares. We
have a Memorandum of Understanding
with the company which covers how we
work together on delivering the Charity’s
aims.
Other

Reference and Administrative details

Charity name Dean Forest Railway Society
Other name the charity uses DFRS, DFR Society
Registered charity number 1183538
Charity’s principal address Norchard Station
New Mills
Forest Road
Lydney
GL15 4ET

Names of the charity trustees who manage the charity

1
2
3
4
5
6
7
8
9
10
11
12
13
14
15
16
17
18
19
20
Trustee name Office (if any) Dates acted if not for whole
year
Name of person (or body) entitled
to appoint trustee(if any)
James Graham Chair of Trustees
Adam Williams Vice-Chair of
Trustees/
Membership
Secretary
TimothyMcLennan Treasurer
Susan Williams HonorarySecretary
Alastair Clarke Chair of Trustees Resigned March 2024
Adrian Copley
Daniel Winter Resigned May2024
David Churton
Robert Harris Resigned October 2024
Ian Pope Resigned March 2024
Stan Rudge Resigned April 2024
Lynne Wentworth Appointed May2024
Martin Hillier Appointed May2024
Alan Grant Appointed May2024
Douglas Johnson Appointed May2024
Edward Dyer Appointed May2024
Peter Wood Appointed May2024

– Corporate trustees names of the directors at the date the report was approved

Director name N/A

Name of trustees holding title to property belonging to the charity

Trustee name **Dates acted if not for whole year **
N/A

Funds held as custodian trustees on behalf of others

Description of the assets N/A held in this capacity Name and objects of the N/A charity on whose behalf the assets are held and how this falls within the custodian charity’s objects Details of arrangements for N/A safe custody and segregation of such assets from the charity’s own assets

Additional information (optional)

Names and addresses of advisers (Optional information)

Type of
adviser
Name
Address
Type of
adviser
Name
Address
Type of
adviser
Name
Address
Name of chief executive or names of senior staff members (Optional information)

Exemptions from disclosure

Reason for non-disclosure of key personnel details

N/A

Other optional information

Declarations

The trustees declare that they have approved the trustees’ report above.

Signed on behalf of the charity’s trustees

Signature(s)
Full name(s)
Position (eg Secretary,
Chair, etc)
Date
James Andrew Graham Susan Williams

Chair
Honorary Secretary
30/10/2025
30/10/2025

Dean Forest Railway Society (CIO) Balance Sheet

For the year ended 31 December 2024

Account 2024 2023 2022
Fixed Assets
Tangible Assets
Railway Vehicle 154,304 145,363 128,089
Machinery 67,299 46,617 44,124
Office Equipment 115 127 142
Shareholding in FoDRL 246,682 240,311 228,111
Shareholding in DFR DMU Group 500 500 500
Shareholding in DFR Heritage Wagon Group 295 295 295
Total Tangible Assets 469,194 433,213 401,261
Total Fixed Assets 469,194 433,213 401,261
Current Assets
Cash at bank and in hand
Accommodation Acc 9,162 11,557 11,691
C&W Acc 22,738 22,470 22,274
Carriage Account 79,725 54,061 29,113
Draw Account 8,918 0 0
Locomotive Account 6,275 0 6,904
Membership Acc 1,396 1,441 1,033
Reserve Acc 115,387 138,965 124,679
Total Cash at bank and in hand 243,601 228,494 195,695
Accounts Receivable 0 5,080 4,800
Total Current Assets 243,601 233,574 200,495
Creditors: amounts falling due within one year
Accounts Payable 160 1,097 6,268
VAT payable 1,646 1,433 1,085
Total Creditors: amounts falling due within one year 1,806 2,530 7,352
Net Current Assets (Liabilities) 241,796 231,045 193,143
Total Assets less Current Liabilities 710,990 664,258 594,404
Net Assets 710,990 664,258 594,404
Capital and Reserves
Retained Earnings brought forward 664,258 594,404 526,105
Current Year Income(Expenditure) 46,732 68,855 68,299
Total Retained Earnings 710,990 663,259 594,404
Revaluation Reserves - 999 -
Total Capital and Reserves 710,990 664,258 594,404

Asset Register

Scrap vaDescription Scrap vaDescription 2024 2023 2022
4,500 GWR Collett Corridor coach no. 5863 4,500 4,500 4,500
5,000 BR Mark 2 TSO no. M5175 23,764 17,410 15,855
5,000 BR Mark 2a TSO no. W5341 26,500 22,716 24,963
5,000 BR Mark 1 BCK no. 21267 22,377 24,863 27,556
3,000 BR ‘Shark’ van no. 993901 3,000 3,000 3,000
1,000 Conflat wagon no. 504817 1,000 1,000 1,000
1,500 Fuel tanker wagon no. 48525 1,500 1,500 1,500
2,000 BR 20T Brake van no. 955224 2,000 2,000 2,000
1,500 Fuel tanker wagon no. 749676 1,500 1,500 1,500
1,500 Dogfish no. 992873 1,500 1,500 1,500
2,000 Midland Brake no. 732268 25,176 27,974 22,415
10,000 50% ownership of Austerity locomotive 'Wilbert' 10,000 10,000 10,000
3,300 8 x Mk.1 coaches + XP64 coach 3,300 3,300 3,300
5,000 BR Mark 1 CK no. 15984 7,290 8,100 9,000
1,000 Wickham Trolley Works No. 4254 1,773 1,000 -
15,000 Andrew Barclay 0-4-0ST no. 2221 16,124 15,000 -
1,500 BR 'Tube' wagon no. 730386 1,500 - -
200 Thompson Hydraulic Fast Clipper, serial no. FC20311027 200 200 200
150 Thompson Hydraulic Fast Clipper, serial no. FC20110004 150 150 150
1,000 Rexquote T4 20T TWIN AXLE RAIL TRAILER, serial no. 101199-6, plant no. RT193 3,645 4,050 4,500
RRV Flail Mower
1,000 Robustrack Flail Mower LS5 1000 4,374 4,860 5,400
0 Robustrack Quick hitch mounting bracket for Flail LS5 243 270 300
RRV Log Grab
0 Robustrack KAR 02 for C110F - link adapter 305 339 377
1,000 Robustrack Log Grab RM2 1650 SP 2,399 2,666 2,962
500 Robustrack Log Grab Rotor C110 F (GR104DB) 1,592 1,769 1,966
0 Robustrack GMR rotator Mounting Bracket - Quick Hitch 218 242 269
10,000 Komatsu PW130ES-6K no.331 23,468 26,076 28,000
0 20ft Container 5,396 5,995 -
0 ZZap CS20+ Coin Counter & Sorter 115 127 142
RRV Swinging Log Grab
500 Robustrack Ltd - Log Grab Rotor C110 F (GR104DB) Swinging 1,724 - -
0 Robustrack Ltd - GMR Rotator Mounting Bracket 320 - -
0 Robustrack Ltd - KAR 02 for C110F - link adapter 420 - -
0 Robustrack Ltd - 2 pairs of 2m pipes 3/4 with couplings 200 - -
0 Nilfisk 400HM Mobile Hot Water Pressure Washer 3,695 - -
500 Ballast Box 3,381 - -
500 RRV Sleeper Grab 2,840 - -
0 18" KOMATSU PW130 / WELD IN PIN / RBOCE 950 - -
500 Thomson BALLAST PLOUGH, plant no. BP106, serial no. BP20606007 1,450 - -
250 Fassetta RAIL LIFTING BEAM, plant no. FB275, serial no. 250 1,300 - -
250 Fassetta RAIL LIFTING BEAM, plant no. FB153, serial no. TT27763 1,350 - -
1,000 Augertorque 15000 Max Drive Motor 3,223 - -
0 Mixer Drum 348 - -
500 Auger S6 - Rock Auger 600mm 1,154 - -
0 DPCH 60mm Pins 914 - -
0 S6 2m Extension 539 - -
250 Ifor Williams flatbed trailer 1,500 - -
750 16t wagon 750
750 16t wagon 750
221,717 192,107 172,355

Dean Forest Railway Society (CIO) Income & Expenditure

For the year ended 31 December 2024

Account 2024 2023 2022
Turnover
Memberships 20,566 14,429 14,111
Donations 21,444 31,571 64,071
Raffle 22,278 20,608 24,711
Hire and Sales 45,650 51,156 52,565
Gift Aid 4,428 8,666 8,830
Interest Income 2,564 2,285 99
Other Revenue 1,620 3,024 0
Total Turnover 118,550 131,740 164,386
Cost of Sales
Processing Fees 475 200 198
Total Cost of Sales 475 200 198
Gross Income(Expenditure) 118,075 131,540 164,189
Administrative Costs
Operating Costs 13,720 10,278 19,419
Project Funding 1,466 7,043 6,494
Maintenance 8,800 1,668 6,501
Restoration 31,088 29,004 45,295
Other DFR Funding 110 115 8,144
Equipment 1,412 206 2,028
Depreciation 14,746 14,370 8,008
Total Administrative Costs 71,343 62,684 95,890
Operating Income(Expenditure) 46,732 68,855 68,299
Retained Earnings 46,732 68,855 68,299

Income

Raffle 2024 2023 2022
2020 Xmas Raffle 0 0 0
2021 Main Raffle 0 0 0
2021 Santa Raffle 0 0 4,669
2022 Main Raffle H1 0 0 9,733
2022 Main Raffle H2 0 0 7,049
2022 Santa Raffle 0 3,660 3,260
2023 Main Raffle H1 0 8,784 0
2023 Main Raffle H2 73 8,163 0
2023 Santa Raffle 6,447 0 0
2024 Main Raffle 7,209 0 0
2024 Main Raffle H2 5,616 0 0
2024 Santa Raffle 2,933 0 0
Total 22,278 20,608 24,711
Donations 2024 2023 2022
Monetary Donations 18,373 16,371 29,481
Donation of shares 71 200 1,290
Donation of Railway Vehicle 3,000 15,000 28,000
Grants 0 0 2,300
Legacies 0 0 3,000
Total 21,444 31,571 64,071
Hire and Sales 2024 2023 2022
Vehicle Hire 44,195 50,080 48,260
Book Sales 1,301 214 3,732
Merchandising 142 594 572
Event Tickets 0 269 0
Magazine Sales 13 0 0
Total 45,650 51,156 52,565
Other Revenue 2024 2023 2022
Filming Income 0 2,880 0
Scrapped Material 0 144 0
Share Saver 2023/24 1,620 0 0
Total 1,620 3,024 -

Expenditure

Operating Costs 2024 2023 2022
Advertising & Marketing 140 456 607
General Expenses 25 639 191
Postage, Freight & Courier 1,480 779 5,641
Printing & Stationery 9,317 3,726 10,520
Subscriptions 1,393 533 582
Raffle Prize Money 425 800 850
Exhibition Stand 45 7 228
Locomotive Hire 0 0 800
Filming Expenses 0 1,650 0
Stock for Refreshment Stand 895 650 0
Merchandising Recharge 0 1,038 0
Total 13,720 10,278 19,419
Project Funding 2024 2023 2022
Extension Work 0 0 0
Long Siding Work 0 0 0
Lydney Junction Improvement Works 145 72 790
Parkend Works 0 6,694 5,704
Wye Valley Project 0 0 0
Norchard Memorial Garden 125 120 0
Norchard Improvement Works 1,196 156 0
Total 1,466 7,043 6,494
Maintenance 2024 2023 2022
Repairs & Maintenance 2,807 1,500 275
Carriage Maintenance 2,365 23 4,335
Accommodation Coach Maintenance 3,627 144 1,891
Total 8,800 1,668 6,501
Restoration 2024 2023 2022
Wagon Restoration 195 0 552
Carriage Restoration 4,804 14,387 33,660
Uskmouth Restoration 26,089 14,618 11,084
Total 31,088 29,004 45,295
Other DFR Funding 2024 2023 2022
Volunteer Training 0 0 1,750
Whitecroft Cable Repair 0 0 4,046
Sundry Materials 110 115 1,890
Woodwork Shop Build 0 0 458
Total 110 115 8,144

Dean FOr￿t Railwa Soci Inde endent Examiners Re ort for the ar ended December 2024 1183538 Confirmation of continued appointment as Independent Examiner received via email. I can confirm that l am a qualified accountant IFCG41 and do not have any related parties in connettion wtth DFRS as descrlbed under Diièction 2 of CC32- Independent examination of charity attounts. Inde endent Examlners Re rt for Dean Forest Railwa Soa I report to the trustees on my exarnination of the atCOLtnts of DFRS for the year ended 31 December 2024. Res onsibilities and basis of re ort As the charity trustees you are responsible for the preparation of the accounts in accordante with the requirements of the Charitles Act 20111.the Act'l. I report in respect of my examination of the Trust's accounts carried out under section 145 of the 2011 Act and in carrylng out my examination I have followed all the applicable Dtreuions given by the Charity Commission under section 14515llbl of the Act. Inde endent I have completed my examination. I tonlirm that no material matters have come to my attention irt Connedioft with the emamination giving me cause to believe that in any maierial respect= l. accounting records were not kepl in respect ol thè Trust as required by settlon 130 of the Act.. or 2. the accounts do not accord with those records. I have no concefns and have come across no other matters in conneciion with the examination to which attentlon should be drawn in thrs report in order to enable a proper understanding of the accounts to be re¥hed. Addltional note Durin8 the year, the Society continued to invest in its assets. including the acqulsition of a plate grab and au8er for use wlth the road4ail machine. and a sleeper drill for the Permanent Way Department. Slgniflcant pro8ress wa5 made on the hèavy restoration of coach M4862. while LMS Brakevan M732268 returned following an extensive restoration carried out off-site. In addition. ongoint maintenance work across the railway, notably the renewal of Lydney Town Level Crossing, which has enhanced both safety and the 0￿ra11 appearance of the railway. Work Commenced on clearing the yard at Lydney Junction in prépaiation for the development of a new en8ineerinB facility and carrlage storage shed. aimed at impioving the conditions in which the Societrfs asseis are maintained. As part of this pro8ramme, inilial work be8an on the XP64 coach. The restoratioft of Peckett No. 2147 Uskmouth I was succe55fully tomplèted during the yeaf. with the locomotive steamin8 for the first time this century, and attention ha5 now turnèd to thè restoration of Andrew 8arclay No. 2221. These achitvèments were made possible through the generou5 donations of money and the considerable time freely glven bv volunteers. Signed- Name.. Elaine Trinder Relevani professional qualification or rnembership of profèssronal bodies Irf any): Assoctation of Chartered Certified A¢countants Address= 92 Gilpin Avenue, Hucclecote, Gloucester. GL3 3DF Date.. 2211012025