GREATER MANCHESTER FIRE SERVICE MUSEUM TRUST
(FIREGROUND MUSEUM)
TRUSTEES’ ANNUAL REPORT y/e 31st March 2025
The year under review has seen the Trust continue to operate satisfactorily, with no charitable, financial or constitutional issues of concern.
This year has seen retirements from, and appointments to, the Board of Governors, which is currently working very efficiently. Three Trustees’ meetings have taken place during the year.
Relations with our partner organisations – Greater Manchester Fire and Rescue Service and Rochdale Borough Council – remain strong. The year under review also marked the 50[th] anniversary of GMFRS with a number of events being held jointly to celebrate this landmark.
Several improvements to the museum exhibition have taken place this year, including the acquisition of additional large objects and the creation of new display spaces, partly funded through a local Visitor Attraction and Venue Improvement Scheme.
Visitor numbers showed a welcome increase of around 6% this year.
We were thrilled this year when our team of wonderful volunteers – without whom Fireground Museum could not exist – were deservedly given the King’s Award for Voluntary Service. Volunteering has been a way of life here since 1978 but to receive royal recognition at last was probably worth the wait. Over the year under review, some 7,830 volunteer-hours were recorded.
Bob Bonner
Secretary to the Trustees
7[th] May 2025
GMFS MUSEUM TRUST - INCOME and EXPENDITURE 2024-2025
| INCOME Cash in Hand April 2024 Tickets Shop Education work GMFRS grant support Donations Memorabilia Sales Café rent Member subscriptions TV work Fairground, open day stalls etc Fm.Sam ride Room Hire Christmas Meal FHNUK AGM Refunds (various) TOTAL INCOME |
28,163.00 £ 5,684.55 £ 19,544.00 £ 17,479.00 £ 3,783.50 £ 4,044.50 £ 4,999.92 £ 400.00 £ 950.00 £ 400.00 £ 248.20 £ 70.00 £ 810.00 £ 198.00 £ 72,067.75 £ |
186,408.44 £ 345,250.86 £ |
EXPENDITURE Payroll New shop stock Vehicle restoration/repair (PDK 717) (6900 NF) (GNB 217) (TDK 999 K) (K 630 KMB) (Hatfield) (Norweb) Vehicle fuel Materials/tools Household Stationery New objects Landlord's Service Charge Business Rates Insurance (Museum) Insurance & breakdown (vehicles) Exhibition/Education equipment Archives IT and EPOS Training Courses Furniture/office equipment Café equipment Advertising and listings Hospitality and Refreshments Telephone Signage Garden Postage Christmas meal Memorabilia Sales Funeral tribute Affiliation fees Christmas Tree Van hire KAVS badges Car parking FHNUK AGM HGV medical TOTAL EXPENDITURE Cash in Hand April 2025 |
27,038.24 £ 7,352.06 £ 33.89 £ 42.00 £ 362.99 £ 414.00 £ 2,314.00 £ 30.00 £ 40.00 £ 338.85 £ 706.89 £ 377.51 £ 538.20 £ 5.00 £ 72,000.00 £ 2,320.35 £ 3,246.53 £ 2,010.03 £ 126.42 £ 451.73 £ 2,286.46 £ 337.09 £ 368.98 £ 2,182.80 £ 330.00 £ 738.42 £ 382.31 £ 156.00 £ 35.98 £ 194.19 £ 745.65 £ 568.00 £ 92.50 £ 680.50 £ 62.50 £ 105.60 £ 130.70 £ 7.00 £ 266.00 £ 55.00 £ |
215,776.49 £ |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| 158,842.42 £ |
|||||
| 129,474.37 £ |
|||||
| 345,250.86 £ |
Independent examiner’s report to the trustees of Greater Manchester Fire Service Museum Trust. Charity No. 1189175
I submit a report on the accounts of the Trust for the year 2024-2025.
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 the Charities Act 2011 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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to follow the procedures laid down in the general Directions given by the Charity Commission under section 145(5)(b) of the 2011 Act
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to 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
Having completed my examination, I confirm that no matter has come to my attention in connection with the examination giving me cause to believe that in any material respect:
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accounting records were not kept in respect of the Trust as required by section 130 of the 2011 Act; or
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the accounts do not accord with those records; or
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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.
In conclusion, 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.
Name: Graham Veevers
Former Financial Manager, Greater Manchester Fire Authority:
Address: 38 Ashley Close, Rochdale, Lancashire OL11 3EP Date: 17[th] December 2025
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