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2023-12-31-accounts

THE BRIAN MAY ARCHIVE OF STEREOSCOPY

Trustees’ Report

and Unaudited Financial Statements

for the year ended 31 December 2023

Registered Charity Number 1184354

FINANCIAL STATEMENTS FOR THE YEAR ENDED 31 DECEMBER 2023

THE BRIAN MAY ARCHIVE OF STEREOSCOPY

INDEX

Page
Charity information 1
Trustees’ report 2
Independent examiner’s report 6
Statement of financial activities 7
Balance sheet 8
Statement of Cash Flows 9
Accounting policies 10
Notes to the financial statements 12

THE BRIAN MAY ARCHIVE OF STEREOSCOPY

FINANCIAL STATEMENTS FOR THE YEAR ENDED 31 DECEMBER 2023

CHARITY INFORMATION

Trustees

Emily Alford Sir Brian May CBE Louisa Winter Dr Michael Pritchard BSc(Hons) FRPS DGPH Lindsey Stewart (appointed 29 November 2023)

Principal office

Allerton Hill Westwood Road Windlesham GU20 6LS

Registered charity number

1184354

Independent examiner

Blue Spire Limited Cawley Priory South Pallant Chichester West Sussex PO19 1SY

Bankers

Coutts & Co 440 Strand London WC2R 0QS

Page 1

THE BRIAN MAY ARCHIVE OF STEREOSCOPY

FINANCIAL STATEMENTS FOR THE YEAR ENDED 31 DECEMBER 2023

TRUSTEES’ REPORT

The trustees have pleasure in presenting their annual report for the purposes of the Charities Act 2011, together with the accounts for the year ended 31 December 2023. The trustees have adopted the provisions of the Statement of Recommended Practice (SORP) “Accounting and Reporting by Charities” (FRS 102) in preparing the annual report and financial statements of the charity.

STRUCTURE GOVERNANCE AND MANAGEMENT

The Brian May Archive of Stereoscopy (BMAS) is a registered charity established as a charitable incorporated organisation and registered 10 July 2019 as amended 21 March 2022.

The power to appoint and remove trustees is vested in the trustees by resolution at meetings of the trustees.

On agreeing to become a trustee of the charity, the trustees are thoroughly briefed by the existing co-trustees on the constitution of the Trust, the day-to-day management, responsibilities of the trustees, the current objectives and future plans.

The trustees are responsible for authorising grant payments, for ensuring all grants are made in pursuance of the objectives of the charity and for ensuring the objectives of the Trust are met

The trustees are responsible for identifying and reviewing the major risks to which the charity is exposed and confirm that, as far as is possible given the nature of the grant payments and locations to which they are made, arrangements have been established to mitigate those risks.

Key management personnel remuneration

The trustees consider the board of trustees comprise the key management personnel of the charity in charge of directing and controlling the charity and running and operating the charity on a day to day basis. The trustees give of their time freely and no trustee remuneration or expenses were paid in the year.

OBJECTIVES AND ACTIVITIES

The objects of the charity are:

  1. To preserve and conserve for the Nation a unique collection of stereoscopic images and devices and other related materials (the "Archive"), representing a significant part of Britain's heritage of stereoscopic (3-D) photography, created from the 1850s onwards.

  2. To advance the education of the public in the subject of stereoscopic photography in England and elsewhere by providing physical access to the Archive for those carrying out academic research, the development and publication of a free to access online catalogue of the stereoscopic images and other related materials held in the Archive, and through the loan of items from the Archive to public museums and galleries.

In pursuance of its objects, the charity's income is applied as deemed appropriate in accordance with and in furtherance of the charity's objectives. The Trust has established its grant making policy to achieve these stated objectives for the public benefit. The trustees confirm that they have referred to the guidance contained in the Charity Commission's general guidance on public benefit when reviewing the Trust's objectives in planning its future activities and agreeing its grant making for the year.

ACHIEVEMENTS AND PERFORMANCE

During the year under review the undertook to collate and conserve stereoscope equipment and stereoscopic images in addition to providing education on and promotion of the field. A summary of the activities undertaken is provided below.

Page 2

THE BRIAN MAY ARCHIVE OF STEREOSCOPY FINANCIAL STATEMENTS FOR THE YEAR ENDED 31 DECEMBER 2023

TRUSTEES’ REPORT

Page 3

THE BRIAN MAY ARCHIVE OF STEREOSCOPY

FINANCIAL STATEMENTS FOR THE YEAR ENDED 31 DECEMBER 2023

TRUSTEES’ REPORT

Churchill War Rooms, London, Clifton Bridge Visitor Centre, Stonyhurst College Museum and Archives, Lancashire, Disabled Artists in Surrey (DAISY) and Gloucester Museum.

FINANCIAL REVIEW

During the year, donations of £190,000 (2022: £1,035,000) were received and applied for the management of the charity and to acquire stereoscopic images and equipment. There was a surplus for the year of £5,837 (2022 surplus: £856,609).

During the year the charity acquired stereoscopic images and equipment totalling £9,161 (2022: £842,317) which have been capitalised as heritage assets and will be preserved and maintained by the charity.

The charity’s reserves, being unrestricted funds not represented by fixed assets, at the balance sheet date were a deficit of £4,891 (2022 deficit: £1,927). The Trustees are satisfied, whilst the reserves are currently in deficit, ongoing donations are expected which in turn ensure funds held are adequate to fulfil its obligations from time to time.

PLANS FOR FUTURE PERIODS

The trustees will continue to identify stereoscopic material which it can preserve and where necessary acquire and preserve.

STATEMENT OF TRUSTEES’ RESPONSIBILITIES

The trustees are responsible for preparing the Trustees’ Report and the financial statements in accordance with applicable law and United Kingdom Accounting Standards (United Kingdom Generally Accepted Accounting Practice).

The law applicable to charities in England & Wales requires the trustees to prepare financial statements for each financial year which give a true and fair view of the state of affairs of the charity and of the incoming resources and application of resources of the charity for that period. In preparing these financial statements, the trustees are required to:

The trustees are responsible for keeping proper 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

Page 4

THE BRIAN MAY ARCHIVE OF STEREOSCOPY FINANCIAL STATEMENTS FOR THE YEAR ENDED 31 DECEMBER 2023

TRUSTEES’ REPORT

Charities Act 2011, the Charity (Accounts and Reports) Regulations 2008 and the provisions of the trust deed. They are also responsible for safeguarding the assets of the charity and hence for taking reasonable steps for the prevention and detection of fraud and other irregularities.

APPOINTMENT OF AN INDEPENDENT EXAMINER

During the year under review the charity fell below the audit threshold and the trustees retained Geoffrey Frost of Blue Spire Limited as independent examiner. Geoffrey Frost has expressed his willingness to continue as examiner to the charity provided the charity remains below the audit threshold.

Approved by the trustees and signed on their behalf.

Trustee

Date 31 October 2024

Page 5

THE BRIAN MAY ARCHIVE OF STEREOSCOPY

FINANCIAL STATEMENTS FOR THE YEAR ENDED 31 DECEMBER 2023

INDEPENDENT EXAMINER’S REPORT

Independent Examiner's Report to the Trustees of The Brian May Archive of Stereoscopy

I report to the charity trustees on my examination of the accounts of the charity for the year ended 31 December 2023 which are set out on pages 6 to 14.

Responsibilities and basis of report

As the charity’s trustees 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 charity’s accounts carried out under section 145 of the 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 charity 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.

Geoffrey Frost BSc(Hons) FCA Blue Spire Limited Cawley Priory South Pallant Chichester West Sussex PO19 1SY

Date 31 October 2024

Page 6

THE BRIAN MAY ARCHIVE OF STEREOSCOPY

FINANCIAL STATEMENTS FOR THE YEAR ENDED 31 DECEMBER 2023

STATEMENT OF FINANCIAL ACTIVITIES

Note
INCOME AND ENDOWMENTS FROM:
Donations and legacies
1
Other trading activities
2
Total
EXPENDITURE ON:
Raising funds
3
Charitable activities
4
Total
Net income/expenditure)
Transfers between funds
12
Net movement in funds
RECONCILIATION OF FUNDS
Total funds brought forward
11, 12
Total funds carried forward
11, 12		 Unrestricted
Funds
£
190,000
3,000
193,000
1,460
185,703
187,163
5,837
-
5,837
1,039,606
1,045,443		 Restricted
Funds
£
-
-
-
-
-
-
-
-
-
-		 2023
Total
Funds
£
190,000
3,000
193,000
1,460
185,703
187,163
5,837
-
5,837
1,039,606
1,045,443		 2022
Total
Funds
£
1,035,000
1,035,000
-
178,391
178,391
856,609
-
856,609
182,997
1,039,606

None of the charity’s activities were acquired or discontinued during the above two financial years. The charity has no recognised gains or losses other than those dealt with in the statement of financial activities.

Page 7

THE BRIAN MAY ARCHIVE OF STEREOSCOPY

FINANCIAL STATEMENTS FOR THE YEAR ENDED 31 DECEMBER 2023

BALANCE SHEET AS AT 31 DECEMBER 2023

Note
FIXED ASSETS
Tangible fixed assets
6
Heritage fixed assets
7
CURRENT ASSETS
Cash at hand and in bank
Total current assets
CURRENT LIABILITIES
Creditors: amounts falling due within one year
8
Net current assets/(liabilities)
Net assets/(liabilities)
THE FUNDS OF THE CHARITY
Restricted funds
9, 10
Unrestricted funds
9, 10
Total charity funds		 £
£
210
1,050,124
1,050,334
6,039
6,039
10,930
(4,891)
1,045,443
-
1,045,443
1,045,443
2023		 £
£
570
1,040,963
1,041,533
3,499
3,499
5,426
(1,927)
1,039,606
-
1,039,606
1,039,606
2022		 £
£
570
1,040,963
1,041,533
3,499
3,499
5,426
(1,927)
1,039,606
-
1,039,606
1,039,606
2022
1,039,606
-
1,039,606
1,039,606

The accompanying notes form part of the financial statements

Approved by the trustees and signed on their behalf

Trustee

Date 31 October 2024

Page 8

THE BRIAN MAY ARCHIVE OF STEREOSCOPY

FINANCIAL STATEMENTS FOR THE YEAR ENDED 31 DECEMBER 2023

STATEMENT OF CASH FLOWS

Note
Net cash flow from operating activities (see below)
Cash flow from investing activities
Purchase of tangible fixed assets
Purchase of heritage fixed assets
Interest received
Net cash flow from investing activities
Net increase/(decrease) in cash and cash equivalents
Cash and cash equivalents at 1 January 2022
Cash and cash equivalents at 31 December 2022
Cash and cash equivalents consist of:
Cash at bank and in hand
Cash and cash equivalents at 31 December 2022
Reconciliation of net income to net cash flow from operating activities
Net income for the year
Adjusted for:
Depreciation charges
Increase/(decrease) in creditors		 £
£
11,701
-
(9,161)
-
(9,161)
2,540
3,499
6,039
6,039
6,039
-
£
£
5,837
360
5,504
5,864
11,701
2023
2023		 £
£
878,724
-
(25,558)
-
(25,558)
853,166
6,011
859,177
3,499
3,499
£
£
856,609
359
21,756
22,115
878,724
2022
2022		 £
£
878,724
-
(25,558)
-
(25,558)
853,166
6,011
859,177
3,499
3,499
£
£
856,609
359
21,756
22,115
878,724
2022
2022
878,724

Page 9

THE BRIAN MAY ARCHIVE OF STEREOSCOPY

FINANCIAL STATEMENTS FOR THE YEAR ENDED 31 DECEMBER 2023

ACCOUNTING POLICIES

General information, scope and basis of the financial statements

The Brian May Archive of Stereoscopy is an charitable incorporated organisation. The address of the principal office is given in the reference and administrative details section and the nature of the charity’s operations and principal activities are given in the trustees' report.

The charity constitutes a public benefit entity as defined by FRS 102. 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 issued in October 2019, the Financial Reporting Standard applicable in the United Kingdom and Republic of Ireland (FRS 102), the Charities Act 2011 and UK Generally Accepted Accounting Practice.

The financial statements are prepared on a going concern basis under the historical cost convention, modified to include certain items at fair value. The financial statements are presented in sterling which is the functional currency of the charity and rounded to the nearest £.

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.

Incoming resources

All incoming resources are included in the Statement of Financial Activities (SoFA) when the charity is legally entitled to the income after any performance conditions have been met, the amount can be measured reliably and it is probable that the income will be received.

For donations to be recognised the Charity will have been notified of the amounts and the settlement date in writing. If there are conditions attached to the donation and this requires a level of performance before entitlement can be obtained then income is deferred until those conditions are fully met or the fulfilment of those conditions is within the control of the Charity and it is probable that they will be fulfilled.

Resources expended

All expenditure is accounted for on an accruals basis and has been classified under headings that aggregate all costs related to the category. Expenditure is recognised where there is a legal or constructive obligation to make payments to third parties, it is probable that the settlement will be required and the amount of the obligation can be measured reliably. It is categorised under the following expenditure headings:

● Charitable activities; these include costs of administering the charity and governance costs.

Governance costs are those incurred in the governance of the charity and primarily associated with the constitution and statutory requirements.

Employee benefits

When employees have rendered service to the Charity, short-term employee benefits to which the employees are entitled are recognised at the undiscounted amount expected to be paid in exchange for that service.

Contributions are made to the employee's personal pension arrangements. The pension costs charged to the statement of financial activities are the contributions payable to the scheme in respect of the accounting period.

VAT

The charity is not registered for VAT and is unable to recover VAT incurred. On this basis costs are recorded inclusive of VAT within the Statement of Financial Activities.

Taxation

The charity is considered to pass the tests set out in sections 521 to 536 Income Tax Act 2007 (ITA 2007), as such no income tax is payable on the charity's activities.

Tangible fixed Assets

Tangible fixed assets are stated at cost or valuation less accumulated depreciation and accumulated impairment losses. Cost includes costs directly attributable to making the asset capable of operating as intended.

Depreciation is provided on all tangible fixed assets, at rates calculated to write off the cost, less estimated residual value, of each asset on a systematic basis over its expected useful life as follows:

Office equipment 20% straight line

Page 10

THE BRIAN MAY ARCHIVE OF STEREOSCOPY

FINANCIAL STATEMENTS FOR THE YEAR ENDED 31 DECEMBER 2023

ACCOUNTING POLICIES

Heritage fixed assets

Heritage assets are recognised on the balance sheet and initially measured at cost when purchased or if donated, their valuation. Assets are subsequently stated at cost or valuation less accumulated depreciation and accumulated impairment losses. Fair values for donated assets are estimated by reference to market prices, where available, or insurance valuation.

No depreciation is provided on heritage fixed assets as they have indefinite lives and any depreciation would be immaterial. Assets are reviewed for impairment annually.

Acquisitions only arise when donated to the Charity or if it is believed that they will further the Charity’s objectives. Once acquired they will be preserved by the Charity in order to keep their historical, artistic, scientific, technological, geophysical or environmental qualities to such a high level as to contribute to knowledge and culture. A register of all assets held by the Charity is available and the assets themselves are accessible to the public with prior agreement. Heritage assets are to be held for the foreseeable future.

Debtors receivable and creditors payable within one year

Debtors and creditors with no stated interest rate and receivable or payable within one year are recorded at transaction price. Any losses arising from impairment are recognised in expenditure.

Cash and cash equivalents

Cash and cash equivalents includes cash at bank and in hand.

Foreign currency

Monetary assets and liabilities denominated in foreign currencies are translated into Pounds Sterling at rates of exchange ruling at the balance sheet date. Transactions in foreign currencies are translated into Pounds Sterling at the rate ruling on the date of the transaction. Exchange gains and losses are recognised in the Statement of Financial Activities.

Fund accounting

Unrestricted general funds are incoming resources receivable or generated for use in furtherance of the general objects of the charity without restriction.

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 cost of raising and administering such funds are charged against the specific fund. The aim and use of each restricted fund is set out in note 10 of these financial statements.

Going concern

The financial statements have been prepared on a going concern basis as the trustees believe that no material uncertainties exist. The trustees have considered the level of funds held and the expected level of income and expenditure for 12 months from authorising these financial statements. The budgeted income and expenditure is sufficient with the level of reserves for the charity to be able to continue as a going concern.

Page 11

THE BRIAN MAY ARCHIVE OF STEREOSCOPY

FINANCIAL STATEMENTS FOR THE YEAR ENDED 31 DECEMBER 2023

NOTES TO THE FINANCIAL STATEMENTS

1. Donations and legacies

Donations
2. Other trading activities
Sale of digtal stereoscopy prints
3. Raising funds
Cost of sale of digtal stereoscopy prints		 Income
Funds
£
190,000
190,000
Income
Funds
£
3,000
3,000
Income
Funds
£
1,460
1,460		 Restricted
Funds
£
-
-
Restricted
Funds
£
-
-
Restricted
Funds
£
-
-		 2023
Total
Funds
£
190,000
190,000
2023
Total
Funds
£
3,000
3,000
2023
Total
Funds
£
1,460
1,460		 Income
Funds
£
1,035,000
1,035,000
Income
Funds
£
-
-
Income
Funds
£
-
-		 Restricted
Funds
£
-
-
Restricted
Funds
£
-
-
Restricted
Funds
£
-
-		 2022
Total
Funds
£
1,035,000
1,035,000
2022
Total
Funds
£
-
-
2022
Total
Funds
£
-
-

4. Charitable activities

Wages and salaries
Repairs and maintenance
Insurance
Accountancy fees
Legal and professional fees
Office and other costs
Depreciation
Governance costs:
Independent auditor's fees
Independent examiner's fees		 Unrestricted
Funds
£
149,683
18,458
1,456
14,183
-
3
360
-
1,560
185,703		 Restricted
Funds
£
-
-
-
-
-
-
-
-
-
-		 2023
Total
Funds
£
149,683
18,458
1,456
14,183
-
3
360
-
1,560
185,703		 Unrestricted
Funds
£
145,653
1,109
1,358
14,224
12,136
672
359
2,880
-
178,391		 Restricted
Funds
£
-
-
-
-
-
-
-
-
-
-		 2022
Total
Funds
£
145,653
1,109
1,358
14,224
12,136
672
359
2,880
-
178,391

5. Independent auditor's and examiner's fees

2023 2022
Unrestricted Restricted Total Unrestricted Restricted Total
Funds Funds Funds Funds Funds Funds
£ £ £ £ £ £
Auditor's fees - audit - - - 2,880 - 2,880
Examiner's fees - examination 1,560 - 1,560 - - -

Page 12

THE BRIAN MAY ARCHIVE OF STEREOSCOPY

FINANCIAL STATEMENTS FOR THE YEAR ENDED 31 DECEMBER 2023

NOTES TO THE FINANCIAL STATEMENTS

6. Wages and salary cost

6. Wages and salary cost
Gross wages
Employer's national insurance costs
Pension costs
Staff numbers:
Average head count		 2023
Total
Funds
£
133,509
12,168
4,005
149,682
£
2023
2		 2022
Total
Funds
£
129,471
12,298
3,884
145,653
£
2022
2

One employee had emoluments (excluding employer pension costs) above £60,000 in the year under review in the band £90,000 to £100,000.

No remuneration was paid to Trustees during the period or in the previous financial period.

Pension scheme

The Charity contributes to defined contribution personal pension schemes on behalf of its employees. The total amount of contributions charged in the year under review were £4,005 (2022: £3,884).

7. Related party transactions

No Trustees or companies where a Trustee was a director received any remuneration or expenses during the year (2022: £nil).

B H May, who is a trustee of the charity and director and shareholder of Duck Productions Limited, a company which made donations to the charity amounting to £190,000 (2022: £1,035,000) during the year.

8. Tangible fixed assets

Cost
At 1 January 2023
Additions
Disposals
At 31 December 2023
Depreciation
Accumulated at 1 January 2023
Charge for the year
On disposals
At 31 December 2023
Net book value at 31 December 2023
Net book value at 31 December 2022		 Office
equipment
£
1,799
-
-
1,799
1,229
360
-
1,589
210
570		 Total
£
1,799
-
-
1,799
1,229
360
-
1,589
210
570

Page 13

THE BRIAN MAY ARCHIVE OF STEREOSCOPY

FINANCIAL STATEMENTS FOR THE YEAR ENDED 31 DECEMBER 2023

NOTES TO THE FINANCIAL STATEMENTS

9. Heritage fixed assets

9. Heritage fixed assets
Historic costs and carrying amount at 1 January 2023
Additions
Disposals
Depreciation/impairment
Revaluation
Historic cost and carrying amount at 31 December 2023
Additions at cost are inclusive of:
Other additions		 Stereoscopic
images and
equipment
£
1,040,963
9,161
-
-
-
1,050,124
9,161
9,161		 Total
£
1,040,963
9,161
-
-
-
1,050,124
9,161
9,161

10. Creditors: amounts falling due within one year

Accruals
Other creditors		 2023
£
8,805
2,125
10,930		 2022
£
5,426
-
5,426

11. Analysis of net assets between funds

Fixed assets
Current assets
Current liabilities		 Unrestricted
Funds
£
1,050,334
6,039
(10,930)
1,045,443		 Restricted
Funds
£
-
-
-
-		 2023
Total
Funds
£
1,050,334
6,039
(10,930)
1,045,443		 Unrestricted
Funds
£
1,041,533
3,499
(5,426)
1,039,606		 Restricted
Funds
£
-
-
-
-		 2022
Total
Funds
£
1,041,533
3,499
(5,426)
1,039,606

Page 14

THE BRIAN MAY ARCHIVE OF STEREOSCOPY

FINANCIAL STATEMENTS FOR THE YEAR ENDED 31 DECEMBER 2023

NOTES TO THE FINANCIAL STATEMENTS

12. Net movement in funds
Restricted funds
Unrestricted funds
Restricted funds - Wages
Unrestricted funds
13. Comparative statement of financial activities
INCOME AND ENDOWMENTS FROM:
Donations and legacies
Total
EXPENDITURE ON:
Charitable activities
Total
Net income/expenditure)
Transfers between funds
Net movement in funds
RECONCILIATION OF FUNDS
Total funds brought forward
Total funds carried forward		 Total funds
brought
forward
£
-
1,039,606
1,039,606
Total funds
brought
forward
£
-
182,997
182,997
Note
1
4
12
11, 12
11, 12		 Total
Total
Transfers
incoming
resources
between
resources
expended
funds
£
£
£
-
-
-
193,000
(187,163)
-
193,000
(187,163)
-
Total
Total
Transfers
incoming
resources
between
resources
expended
funds
£
£
£
-
-
-
1,035,000
(178,391)
-
1,035,000
(178,391)
-
Unrestricted
Restricted
Funds
Funds
£
£
1,035,000
-
1,035,000
-
178,391
-
178,391
-
856,609
-
-
-
856,609
-
182,997
-
1,039,606
-
Year ended 31 December 2022
Year ended 31 December 2023		 Total funds
carried
forward
£
-
1,045,443
1,045,443
Total funds
carried
forward
£
-
1,039,606
1,039,606
2022
Total
Funds
£
1,035,000
1,035,000
178,391
178,391
856,609
-
856,609
182,997
1,039,606

Page 15