Company registration number: 11773904 Charity registration number: 1190609
EAST LANCASHIRE RAILWAY PRESERVATION SOCIETY LIMITED TRUSTEES' REPORT AND UNAUDITED FINANCIAL STATEMENTS FOR THE YEAR ENDED 31 DECEMBER 2025
Ormesher & Co Bookkeeping & Accounts
East Lancashire Railway Preservation Society Limited Contents
| Page | |
|---|---|
| Reference and Administrative Details | 1 |
| Trustees' Report | 2—4 |
| Independent Examiner's Report | 5 |
| Statement of Financial Activities (including Income and Expenditure Account) | 6 |
| Comparative Statement of Financial Activities (including Income and Expenditure Account) | 7 |
| Statement of Financial Position | 8 |
| Notes to the Financial Statements | 9—13 |
| The following pages do not form part of the statutory accounts: | |
| Detailed Statement of Financial Activities (including Income and Expenditure Account) | 14 |
East Lancashire Railway Preservation Society Limited Reference and Administrative Details For The Year Ended 31 December 2025
| Trustees | Mr Ian Aspey - Chair |
|---|---|
| Mr David Wright - Vice Chair | |
| Mr Gerald Atherton - Vice Chair | |
| Mr Peter Colpman - Membership Secretary | |
| Mr Nigel Barnes - Assets Director | |
| Mr John Tate | |
| Mr Keith Shilton | |
| Mr Donald Vause | |
| Mrs Louise Newport | |
| Mr Glen Newport | |
| Mr Michael Wood | |
| Charity Number | 1190609 |
| Company Number | 11773904 |
| Principal Address | Bolton Street Station |
| Bolton Street | |
| Bury | |
| Lancashire | |
| BL9 0EY | |
| Registered Office | 33 Croft Meadow |
| Bamber Bridge | |
| Preston | |
| Lancashire | |
| PR5 8HX | |
| Independent Examiner | Janet Barton AATQB |
Page 1
East Lancashire Railway Preservation Society Limited Company No. 11773904 Trustees' Report For The Year Ended 31 December 2025
The trustees present their report and the financial statements for the year ended 31 December 2025.
Objectives and Activities
Aims and Objectives
Our charity’s purposes as set out in the Objects clause in the company’s Articles of Association are to:
advance education for the benefit of the public in the history, heritage construction, engineering and operation of the East Lancashire Railway in such ways and by such means as the trustees shall determine and by supporting the charitable work of the East Lancashire Light Railway Company Limited (registered charity number 1186648).
The aims of our charity are:
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to preserve the whole or part of the ex-British Railways branch line between Rawtenstall and Castleton Junction through Bury together with its connection to the National Rail network;
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to operate, restore, maintain and improve locomotives, rolling stock, infrastructure and all other objectives of the said railway;
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to encourage volunteer activity in the furtherance of its aims.
Ensuring our work delivers our aims
We review our aims, objectives and activities each year. This review looks at what we have achieved and the outcomes of our work in the previous twelve months. The review also helps us ensure our aim, objectives and activities remain focused on our stated purposes. We have referred to the guidance provided by the Charity Commission when reviewing our aims and objectives and in planning our future activities. In particular, the trustees consider how planned activities will contribute to the aims and objectives they have set.
The focus of our work
Our main objectives for the year were to support the East Lancashire Light Railway Company Limited (ELLRCo) through volunteer recruitment and funding.
Public Benefit
The East Lancashire Railway Preservation Society Limited meets the definition of a public benefit entity under FR 102. Assets and liabilities are initially recognised at historical cost or transaction value unless otherwise stated in the relevant accounting policy.
The trustees confirm that they have complied with the requirements of Section 17 of the Charities Act 2011 to have due regard to the Charity Commission’s guidance on public benefit.
Financial Review
Financial Position
At 31 December 2025, the Society held total funds of £124,451 (2024: £114,836), representing an increase of £9,615 during the year.
Unrestricted funds totalled £115,458 (2024: £108,621). This includes a designated fund of £51,500, known as The Crab Locomotive Fund, which has been set aside by the Trustees to support the restoration of Hughes-Fowler LMS locomotive No. 13065, “The Crab”. The remaining unrestricted funds are available to support the Society’s ongoing charitable activities.
Restricted funds at the year end amounted to £8,993 (2024: £6,215). These funds relate entirely to donations received specifically for the Crab locomotive restoration project and may only be applied for that purpose.
The Society maintained a strong cash position at the year end, with cash at bank and in hand of £239,805 (2024: £230,779). Total current assets amounted to £250,164 (2024: £243,365). After allowing for current liabilities of £42,168 (2024: £48,079), net current assets were £207,996 (2024: £195,286).
Creditors falling due after more than one year totalled £83,545 (2024: £80,450). These balances primarily represent deferred income received in advance and do not represent external borrowing.
The Trustees consider the financial position at the year end to be sound and appropriate to support the Society’s charitable objectives.
Going Concern
After reviewing the Society’s financial position, including its level of unrestricted reserves, cash balances, and forecast commitments, the Trustees have a reasonable expectation that the Society has adequate resources to continue in operational existence for the foreseeable future.
Accordingly, the Trustees continue to adopt the going concern basis in preparing the financial statements. No material uncertainties have been identified that may cast significant doubt on the Society’s ability to continue as a going concern.
Page 2
East Lancashire Railway Preservation Society Limited Trustees' Report (continued) For The Year Ended 31 December 2025
Structure, Governance and Management
Governing Document
The organisation is a charitable company limited by guarantee, incorporated in January 2019, and registered as a charity in July 2020. The company was established under a Memorandum and Articles of Association which established the objects and powers of the charitable company. In the event of the company being wound up, members are required to contribute an amount not exceeding £1.
All Directors are also Trustees of the charity for the purpose of charity law and under the requirements of the company’s Articles of Association. Under those requirements, any director is appointed for a period of three years after which they must be re-elected at the next Annual General Meeting.
All Directors/Trustees give their time voluntarily and receive no benefits from the charity. Any expenses claimed from the charity must be supported by appropriate receipts and have been pre-approved as a legitimate expense under the financial management of the charity.
Risk Management
The Board has conducted a review of the major risks to which the charity is exposed and established policies and procedures to minimise any adverse risk. This covers both data and financial risks. Risks and mitigating actions are kept under constant review and updated as appropriate.
Organisational Structure
The business of the charity is administered by the Board who meet on a regular basis, normally monthly. Certain members of the Board have specific responsibilities based on their experience and professional backgrounds.
The Board has appointed an ‘Executive’ which consists of the Chair, two Vice-Chairs and a Secretary to carry out the work of the charity where the full Board is unable to operate due to timing or other reasons.
Statement of Trustees' Responsibilities
The trustees (who are also the directors of East Lancashire Railway Preservation Society Limited for the purposes of company law) 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).
Company law requires the trustees to prepare financial statements for each financial year. Under company law the trustees must not approve the financial statement unless they are satisfied that they give a true and fair view of the state of affairs of the charitable company and of the incoming resources and application of resources, including the income and expenditure, of the charitable company for that period. In preparing the financial statements the trustees are required to:
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select suitable accounting policies and then apply them consistently;
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observe the methods and principles in the Charity SORP;
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make judgments and accounting estimates that are reasonable and prudent; and
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prepare the financial statements on the going concern basis unless it is inappropriate to presume that the company will continue in business.
The trustees are responsible for keeping adequate accounting records which disclose with reasonable accuracy at anytime the financial position of the charitable company and to enable them to ensure that the accounts comply with the Companies Act 2006. They are also responsible for safeguarding the assets of the company and hence for taking reasonable steps for the prevention and detection of fraud and other irregularities.
The trustees are responsible for the maintenance and integrity of the corporate and financial information included on the charitable company's website. Legislation in the United Kingdom governing the preparation and dissemination of financial statements may differ from legislation in other jurisdictions.
Members of the Board
The Board members who are also Directors and Trustees who served during the period of this report are set out at the beginning of this report. In accordance with company law, as the directors, we certify that:
so far as we are aware, there is no relevant audit information of which the company’s Independent Financial Examiner is aware; and as the directors of the company, we have taken all the steps that we ought to have taken in order to make ourselves aware of any such information.
Small Company Rules
This report has been prepared in accordance with the special provisions relating to companies subject to the small companies regime within Part 15 of the Companies Act 2006.
Page 3
East Lancashire Railway Preservation Society Limited Trustees' Report (continued) For The Year Ended 31 December 2025
The trustees' report was approved by the board of trustees and signed on its behalf by:
Mr Ian Aspey Trustee 16/03/2026
Page 4
East Lancashire Railway Preservation Society Limited Independent Examiner's Report to the Trustees of East Lancashire Railway Preservation Society Limited For The Year Ended 31 December 2025
I report to the charity trustees on my examination of the accounts of the Company for the year ended 31 December 2025.
Responsibilities and Basis of Report
As the charity trustees of the Company (and also its directors for the purposes of company law), you are responsible for the preparation of the accounts in accordance with the requirements of the Companies Act 2006 (“the 2006 Act”).
Having satisfied myself that the accounts of the Company are not required to be audited under Part 16 of the 2006 Act and are eligible for independent examination, I report in respect of my examination of your charity’s accounts as carried out under section 145 of the Charities Act 2011 (‘the 2011 Act’). In carrying out my examination I have followed the Directions given by the Charity Commission under section 145(5) (b) of the 2011 Act.
Independent Examiner's Statement
I have completed my examination. I confirm that no matters have come to my attention in connection with the examination giving me cause to believe:
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accounting records were not kept in respect of the Company as required by section 386 of the 2006 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 accounting requirements of section 396 of the 2006 Act 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; or
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the accounts have not been prepared in accordance with the methods and principles of the Statement of Recommended Practice for accounting and reporting by charities applicable to charities preparing their accounts in accordance with the Financial Reporting Standard applicable in the UK and Republic of Ireland (FRS 102).
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.
Janet Barton AATQB 01/03/2026
Page 5
East Lancashire Railway Preservation Society Limited Statement of Financial Activities (including Income and Expenditure Account) For The Year Ended 31 December 2025
| Notes INCOME AND ENDOWMENTS FROM: Donations and legacies 3 Other trading activities 4 Investments 5 EXPENDITURE ON: Charitable activities: 7 Our Aims and Objectives NET INCOME NET MOVEMENT IN FUNDS RECONCILIATION OF FUNDS: Total funds brought forward TOTAL FUNDS CARRIED FORWARD 15 |
Unrestricted funds £ 66,250 2,129 4,810 |
Restricted funds £ 2,778 - - |
2025 Total funds £ 69,028 2,129 4,810 |
2024 Total funds £ 49,781 1,570 4,667 |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| 73,189 | 2,778 | 75,967 | 56,018 | |
| (66,352) | - | (66,352) | (53,307) | |
| 6,837 | 2,778 | 9,615 | 2,711 | |
| 6,837 108,621 |
2,778 6,215 |
9,615 114,836 |
2,711 112,125 |
|
| 115,458 | 8,993 | 124,451 | 114,836 |
The notes on pages 9 to 13 form part of these financial statements.
Page 6
East Lancashire Railway Preservation Society Limited Comparative Statement of Financial Activities (including Income and Expenditure Account) For The Year Ended 31 December 2025
| Notes INCOME AND ENDOWMENTS FROM: Donations and legacies 3 Other trading activities 4 Investments 5 EXPENDITURE ON: Charitable activities: 7 Our Aims and Objectives NET INCOME NET MOVEMENT IN FUNDS RECONCILIATION OF FUNDS: Total funds brought forward TOTAL FUNDS CARRIED FORWARD 15 |
Unrestricted funds £ 43,566 1,570 4,667 |
Restricted funds £ 6,215 - - |
2024 Total funds £ 49,781 1,570 4,667 |
|---|---|---|---|
| 49,803 | 6,215 | 56,018 | |
| (53,307) | - | (53,307) | |
| (3,504) | 6,215 | 2,711 | |
| (3,504) 112,125 |
6,215 - |
2,711 112,125 |
|
| 108,621 | 6,215 | 114,836 |
The notes on pages 9 to 13 form part of these financial statements.
Page 7
East Lancashire Railway Preservation Society Limited Statement of Financial Position As At 31 December 2025
| Notes FIXED ASSETS CURRENT ASSETS Stocks 11 Debtors 12 Cash at bank and in hand Creditors: Amounts Falling Due Within One Year 13 NET CURRENT ASSETS (LIABILITIES) TOTAL ASSETS LESS CURRENT LIABILITIES Creditors: Amounts Falling Due After More Than One Year 14 NET ASSETS FUNDS OF THE CHARITY Restricted Funds Unrestricted Funds TOTAL FUNDS 15 |
Unrestricted funds £ |
Restricted funds £ |
2025 Total funds £ |
2024 Total funds £ |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| 1,290 9,069 230,812 |
- - 8,993 |
1,290 9,069 239,805 |
1,869 10,717 230,779 |
|
| 241,171 (42,168) |
8,993 - |
250,164 (42,168) |
243,365 (48,079) |
|
| 199,003 | 8,993 | 207,996 | 195,286 | |
| 199,003 | 8,993 | 207,996 | 195,286 | |
| (83,545) | - | (83,545) | (80,450) | |
| 115,458 | 8,993 | 124,451 | 114,836 | |
| 8,993 115,458 |
6,215 108,621 |
|||
| 124,451 | 114,836 |
For the year ending 31 December 2025 the charitable company was entitled to exemption from audit under section 477 of the Companies Act 2006 relating to small companies.
The members have not required the charitable company to obtain an audit in accordance with section 476 of the Companies Act 2006.
The trustees acknowledge their responsibilities for complying with the requirements of the Act with respect to accounting records and the preparation of accounts.
These accounts have been prepared in accordance with the provisions applicable to companies subject to the small companies regime.
On behalf of the board
Mr Ian Aspey
Trustee 16/03/2026
The notes on pages 9 to 13 form part of these financial statements.
Page 8
East Lancashire Railway Preservation Society Limited Notes to the Financial Statements For The Year Ended 31 December 2025
1. General Information
East Lancashire Railway Preservation Society Limited is a company limited by guarantee, incorporated in England & Wales, registered number 11773904 and registered charity number 1190609. The registered office is 33 Croft Meadow , Bamber Bridge, Preston, Lancashire, PR5 8HX.
2. Accounting Policies
2.1. Basis of Preparation of Financial Statements
The financial statements have been prepared in accordance with the Charities SORP (FRS 102) "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)", Financial Reporting Standard 102 "The Financial Reporting Standard applicable in the UK and Republic of Ireland" and the Companies Act 2006.
The charitable company is a Public Benefit Entity as defined by FRS 102.
2.2. Going Concern Disclosure
The trustees have not identified material uncertainties related to events or conditions that may cast significant doubt about the charitable company's ability to continue as a going concern, however, the going concern basis remains appropriate.
2.3. Fund Accounting
Unrestricted funds can be used in accordance with the charitable objectives at the discretion of the trustees.
Designated funds comprise unrestricted funds that have been set aside by the trustees for a specific purpose.
Restricted funds are to be used for specific purposes as laid down by the donor.
2.4. Incoming Resources
All income is recognised once the company has entitlement to the income, it is probable that the income will be received, and the amount of income receivable can be measured reliably.
The charity operates a membership scheme designed to support its charitable objectives. Members receive publications and access to discounted heritage railway travel, which supports public engagement with the history, heritage construction, engineering and operation of the East Lancashire Railway. Membership income is treated as income from charitable activities. Any benefits received by members are incidental to the charity’s primary charitable purpose.
Grants are included in the statement of financial activities on a receivable basis. The balance of income received for specific purposes but not expended during the period is shown in the relevant funds on the balance sheet.
Gifts donated for resale are included as income when they are sold. The Trustees acknowledge that they are assets of the company as soon as received but the minimal value of these assets makes it uneconomic to value them prior to sale.
No amounts are included in the financial statements for services donated by volunteers.
Income tax recoverable in relation to donations received under Gift Aid or deeds of covenant is recognised at the time of the donation.
2.5. Resources Expended
Expenditure is recognised once there is a legal or constructive obligation to transfer economic benefit to a third party, it is probable that a transfer of economic benefits will be required in settlement and the amount of the obligation can be measured reliably.
Costs of generating funds are costs incurred in attracting voluntary income, and those incurred in trading activities that raise funds. Charitable activities are costs incurred on the company's charitable operations, including support costs and costs relating to the governance of the company apportioned to charitable activities.
2.6. Tangible Fixed Assets and Depreciation
Tangible fixed assets are measured at cost less accumulated depreciation and any accumulated impairment losses. Depreciation is provided at rates calculated to write off the cost of the fixed assets, less their estimated residual value, over their expected useful lives on the following bases:
Computer Equipment
20% Straight Line
Page 9
East Lancashire Railway Preservation Society Limited Notes to the Financial Statements (continued) For The Year Ended 31 December 2025
2.7. Stocks and Work in Progress
Stocks and work in progress are valued at the lower of cost and net realisable value after making due allowance for obsolete and slowmoving stocks.
Cost is determined using the first-in, first-out method. Cost includes all direct costs and an appropriate proportion of fixed and variable overheads.
Work in progress is reflected in the accounts on a contract by contract basis by recording turnover and related costs as contract activity progresses.
At the end of each reporting period stocks are assessed for impairment. If an item of stock is impaired, the identified stock is reduced to its selling price less costs to complete and sell and an impairment charge is recognised in the statement of financial activities. Where a reversal of the impairment is required the impairment charge is reversed, up to the original impairment loss, and is recognised as a credit in the statement of financial activities.
2.8. Cash and Cash Equivalents
Cash and cash equivalents are basic financial assets and include cash in hand and deposits held at call with banks, other short-term highly liquid investments that mature in no more than three months from the date of acquisition and are readily convertible to a known amount of cash with insignificant risk of change in value, and bank overdrafts.
3. Income from Donations and Legacies
| Donations and gifts Member subscriptions and sponsorships Gift aid Donations and gifts Member subscriptions and sponsorships Gift aid |
Unrestricted funds £ 3,194 56,389 6,667 |
Restricted funds £ 2,778 - - |
2025 Total funds £ 5,972 56,389 6,667 |
|---|---|---|---|
| 66,250 | 2,778 | 69,028 | |
| Unrestricted funds £ 6,831 25,960 10,775 |
Restricted funds £ 6,215 - - |
2024 Total funds £ 13,046 25,960 10,775 |
|
| 43,566 | 6,215 | 49,781 |
4. Income from Other Trading Activities
Income from other trading activities
| 2025 | 2024 |
|---|---|
| Unrestricted | Unrestricted |
| funds | funds |
| £ | £ |
| 2,129 | 1,570 |
5. Investment Income
Interest on short-term deposits
| 2025 | 2024 |
|---|---|
| Unrestricted | Unrestricted |
| funds | funds |
| £ | £ |
| 4,810 | 4,667 |
Page 10
East Lancashire Railway Preservation Society Limited Notes to the Financial Statements (continued) For The Year Ended 31 December 2025
6. Net Income/(Expenditure)
The net income is stated after charging/(crediting):
| 2025 | 2024 | |||
|---|---|---|---|---|
| £ | £ | |||
| Depreciation of tangible fixed assets - owned | - | 30 |
7. Analysis of Expenditure
| Our Aims and Objectives Our Aims and Objectives . Support Costs Premises expenses General administration Governance costs Premises expenses General administration Depreciation Governance costs |
Activities undertaken directly £ 33,494 |
Grant funding of activities £ 27,485 |
Support costs (see note 8) £ 5,373 |
2025 Total £ 66,352 |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Activities undertaken directly £ 31,400 |
Grant funding of activities £ 14,967 |
Support costs (see note 8) £ 6,940 |
2024 Total £ 53,307 |
|
| 2025 Our Aims and Objectives £ 9 4,768 596 |
||||
| 5,373 | ||||
| 2024 Our Aims and Objectives £ 214 4,510 30 2,186 |
||||
| 6,940 |
8. Support Costs
9. Average Number of Employees
Average number of employees during the year was: NIL (2024: NIL)
Page 11
East Lancashire Railway Preservation Society Limited Notes to the Financial Statements (continued) For The Year Ended 31 December 2025
10. Tangible Assets
| Cost As at 1 January 2025 As at 31 December 2025 Depreciation As at 1 January 2025 As at 31 December 2025 Net Book Value As at 31 December 2025 As at 1 January 2025 11. Stocks 2025 £ Stock 1,290 12. Debtors 2025 £ Due within one year Other debtors 9,069 13. Creditors: Amounts Falling Due Within One Year 2025 £ Accruals and deferred income 42,168 14. Creditors: Amounts Falling Due After More Than One Year 2025 £ Accruals and deferred income 83,545 15. Movement in Funds As at 1 January 2025 Income Expenditure £ £ £ Unrestricted funds General: General unrestricted fund 57,121 73,189 (66,352) |
Fixtures & Fittings £ 1,466 1,466 1,466 1,466 - - 2024 £ 1,869 2024 £ 10,717 2024 £ 48,079 2024 £ 80,450 As at 31 December 2025 £ 63,958 ...CONTINUED |
|---|---|
Page 12
East Lancashire Railway Preservation Society Limited Notes to the Financial Statements (continued) For The Year Ended 31 December 2025
| Designated: The Crab Locomotive Fund Total unrestricted funds Restricted funds Donations to the Crab restoration Total funds Unrestricted funds General: General unrestricted fund Designated: The Crab Locomotive Fund Total unrestricted funds Restricted funds Donations to the Crab restoration Total funds |
As at 1 January 2024 £ 112,125 - |
51,500 | - | - | 51,500 |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| 108,621 | 73,189 | (66,352) | 115,458 | ||
| 6,215 | 2,778 | - | 8,993 | ||
| 114,836 | 75,967 | (66,352) | 124,451 | ||
| Income £ 49,803 - |
Expenditure £ (53,307) - |
Transfers £ (51,500) 51,500 |
As at 31 December 2024 £ 57,121 51,500 |
||
| 112,125 | 49,803 | (53,307) | - | 108,621 | |
| - | 6,215 | - | - | 6,215 | |
| 112,125 | 56,018 | (53,307) | - | 114,836 |
- Transactions with Trustees
During the year no Trustees received any remuneration or other benefits.
4 Trustees received reimbursement of expenses, already paid out personally by them on Trust business, amounting to £411 in the year (2024: £455)
| 2025 | 2024 |
|---|---|
| £ | £ |
17. Related Party Disclosures
The charity has no related parties in a corporate legal sense but is linked, in its charitable aims, with the operating company of the ELR, the East Lancashire Light Railway Company Limited (ELLRCo). There was no overlap of trustees between the ELRPS and the ELLRCo.
18. Company limited by guarantee
The company is limited by guarantee and has no share capital.
Every member of the company undertakes to contribute to the assets of the company, in the event of a winding up, such an amount as may be required not exceeding £1.
Page 13
East Lancashire Railway Preservation Society Limited Detailed Statement of Financial Activities (including Income and Expenditure Account) For The Year Ended 31 December 2025
| INCOME AND ENDOWMENTS FROM: Donations and legacies Donations from individuals Membership subscriptions Gift aid Other trading activities Income from other trading activities Investments Interest on short term deposits EXPENDITURE ON: Charitable Activities: Our Aims and Objectives Advertising, marketing, direct mail and publicity Support and administration costs Grants to institutions Repairs and maintenance Insurance Printing, postage and stationery Postage Advertising and marketing costs Telecommunications and data costs Accountancy fees Legal fees Subscriptions Charitable donations Sundry expenses Depreciation AGM / board meetings expenses NET INCOME |
2025 Total funds £ 5,972 56,389 6,667 |
2024 Total funds £ 13,046 25,960 10,775 |
|---|---|---|
| 69,028 2,129 |
49,781 1,570 |
|
| 2,129 4,810 |
1,570 4,667 |
|
| 4,810 | 4,667 | |
| 75,967 (22,443) (11,051) (27,485) (9) (214) (76) (367) (50) - (3,349) (364) (40) - (308) - (596) |
56,018 (23,139) (8,261) (14,967) (214) (223) - (330) - (5) (3,130) (413) (160) (100) (149) (30) (2,186) |
|
| (66,352) | (53,307) | |
| (66,352) | (53,307) | |
| 9,615 | 2,711 |
Page 14
East Lancashire Railway Preservation Society Limited
2025 Trustee Report
Chairman’s Report
As the years pass, the needs and requirements of the Heritage Railway sector nationally change and so we, as the East Lancashire Railway Preservation Society, need to adjust our focus to reflect these changes with regards to our support to the East Lancashire Light Railway Company (ELLRCo), who are, rightly, the main benefactor of our fund raising efforts.
As you are aware, we have a strict process with regards to our allocation of funds to the Railway and for each and every grant a formal application has to be made from one of three allocated directors of the ELLRCo . This application is then scrutinised by your Board of Directors to ensure that the application complies with our Aims and Objectives, that the application is for a viable project and finally that the project brings a value for money in the furtherance of maintaining the East Lancashire Railway at the fore of the Heritage Railway movement.
You will recall that some of our funds were allocated for 2025 towards the refurbishment of two Carriages from the rolling stock of the railway which were in urgent need of repair before returning to service. However, due to a welcome change in staffing within the maintenance teams, this work could now be carried out ‘in house’ rather than being placed into the hands of contractors, and thus the financial commitment for this project became redundant. However, at the time that this became apparent, the planning for the Steam Gala of the summer of 2025 and the Rail200 celebrations were well underway and your Society was approached to support a couple of projects related to these events. It was decided to divert the previously allocated money from the project highlighted above, to support the ELLRCo in bringing to the East Lancashire Railway both the Furness 20 Locomotive, which is the oldest working steam locomotive in the United Kingdom having been built in 1863, and the replica of Trevithick’s “Catch Me Who Can” which was displayed in the Bury Transport Museum as both a static exhibit and a focus for education of visiting schools with actors providing a narrative into the beginnings of steam power. Both these initiatives, whilst a departure from our usual form of support to the ELLRCo, proved to be very positive in attracting new visitors to the Railway and also encouraging return visits and also membership of the Society. I’m sure that you will agree that this new form of support is a good use of your Society’s resources.
As you will also recall, as part of the process in the lead to last year’s Annual General Meeting, a questionnaire document was circulated seeking the opinions and views of the membership as to their understanding of the Society’s role and what could be improved with regard to the relationship with both the East Lancashire Light Railway Company and the East Lancashire Railway Trust.
My colleague and fellow Director, Keith Shilton, has provided a comprehensive report highlighting the various opinions and concerns of the membership of the Society from the 434 returned documents. The results have been published for all to read in the Society Magazine and it is fair to say that this has been an enlightening process. As a result, Keith has published a further document which has sought to clarify the relationship between our Society, the East Lancashire Light Railway Company and the East Lancashire Railway Trust over which there appears to be some confusion. I thank Keith for his dedication to this project.
The Board of Directors of your Society continue to work for the benefit of the East Lancashire Railway family. We hold meetings each month and each member of the Board gives of their time freely, not only at these meetings but throughout the year as ‘working members’ and representing the Society at events and other meetings both at the railway and outside.
It has been my pleasure to welcome four new Directors to your Society Board since I last addressed the Membership in this way. Glen Newport and Louise Newport joined in January of 2025, Mike Wood in February
9
East Lancashire Railway Preservation Society Limited
2025 Trustee Report
2025 and most recently, Jerry McNicol who was co-opted to the Board in November 2025 and whose formal appointment to the Board of Directors we hope will be approved at this meeting. All of the new directors bring with them a knowledge of the East Lancashire Railway’s operations, albeit from differing aspects, which lends itself to a wide debating chamber when the direction of our resources are discussed. At this point may I express my thanks to Keith Shilton, who resigned his position of Administrative Secretary after the AGM of 2025, for his support from that onerous position over the preceding years. Keith has also indicated that he will resign his position from the Board of Directors after the 2026 AGM. He will be greatly missed for his knowledge, sense of humour and contributions to the Society.
The Working Members of the Society continue to provide an irreplaceable force in the day to day success of the East Lancashire Railway. Our members support the professional workforce and other working volunteers throughout the year both in ‘front of house’ and ‘behind the scenes’ roles. Whilst we are all too aware of the contribution of drivers, firemen and women, locomotive cleaners, guards, ticket inspectors, station staff, shop staff, museum staff, stewards, booking office clerks and carriage cleaners due to their highly visible presence, there are many roles that are performed behind the scenes and without whom the railway could not function, namely the Signalmen and women, the maintenance teams for both locomotives and rolling stock, the lineside teams (who came to the fore during the storms of the Autumn of 2025 having to clear the tracks at short notice of fallen trees), electricians, plumbers, builders and the Responsible Officers. Please forgive me if I have missed any roles from this list, it is not intentional. My thanks goes to each and everyone so involved.
It was my pleasure to host a Service Awards afternoon in September 2025 where I was able to present commemorative ties and cravats, badges and certificates of service to Society Members who had ‘worked’ as volunteers for 10, 20, 30 and even 40 years. This shows a dedication to the East Lancashire Railway which cannot, in my opinion, be surpassed.
Unfortunately quite a few Members have passed over during the last year and I list the names here . Each and every one remains in my, the ELRPS Board and those who knew them, thoughts as do their families ;
Rea Wheeler (S & T)
John Morahan (Signalling)
Graham Law (Rawtenstall Station Master)
Derek Johnson (Buffet Coach Staff)
Martin ‘Tidds’ Tottle (Diesel driver & Bury Hydraulic Group)
William ‘Bill’ James (Civil Engineering & Information Office)
Peter Denny (Civil Engineering)
Christine Dunford (Catering)
Robert ‘Bob’ Johnson (Santa’s & The Hit Squad)
William ’Bill’ Yates (Display Display team)
Donald Grindrod (Coach and Wagon)
John Stubbs (Catering)
Albert Dyker (Bury Transport Museum)
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East Lancashire Railway Preservation Society Limited
2025 Trustee Report
Alan Bowles (Bury Station Shop)
Alan O’Brien (Signalling)
Roger Johnston (Building and Maintenance)
Duncan Geddes
Tim Shann
Leonard John Haynes
I am aware that many Members are concerned regarding the future of our Railway and the possibility of integration with the Metrolink and other transport initiatives from various national and local government authorities. At this time nothing has been decided and all I can do is assure you that the Society and the Board of the East Lancashire Light Railway will do all within their power to ensure the continued operation of our Heritage line.
Thanks to the continued support of the Membership, the East Lancashire Railway Preservation Society and the wider East Lancashire Railway family continue to prosper and are at the forefront of the Heritage Railway service nationally.
Please accept my thanks and may I take the opportunity to wish each of you a prosperous 2026.
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East Lancashire Railway Preservation Society Limited
2025 Trustee Report
Report on the ELRPS Memberships 2025
The active membership at 31[st] December 2025 stood at 3,075 (of which 744 were life members)
The society has seen a slight decrease ( 2.35%) across all classes compared to 2024 with an additional 243 new members being added over the year. (see tables below)
Membership fees have remained unchanged since 2023
Current classes of membership and fees are Proposed fees for 2027 will be
Young persons (under 18) Membership 1 year only £13.00 rising to £15.00 from 1st Jan 2027
Full Membership (18 – 66) 1 year £28.00 rising to £30.00 from 1st Jan 2027
Full Membership 3 years £75.00 rising to £80.00 from 1st Jan 2027
Senior Membership (66+) 1 year £22.00 rising to £25.00 from 1st Jan 2027
Senior Membership (66+) 3 year £60.00 rising to £65.00 from 1st Jan 2027
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East Lancashire Railway Preservation Society Limited
2025 Trustee Report
– ELRPS Memberships 2025
| Total Members @ 31st December 2025 = 3076 (includes 4 staff) | Total Members @ 31st December 2025 = 3076 (includes 4 staff) | Total Members @ 31st December 2025 = 3076 (includes 4 staff) | Total Members @ 31st December 2025 = 3076 (includes 4 staff) | Total Members @ 31st December 2025 = 3076 (includes 4 staff) | |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Age Groups @ 31/12/25 | 2025 | 2024 | |||
| 0 – 18 | 52 | 42 | |||
| 18 – 66 | 819 | 817 | |||
| 66+ | 1432 | 1507 | |||
| Life | 744 | 753 | |||
| Paid | 28 | 30 | |||
| Total | 3075 | 3149 | |||
| 18 - 66 1 |
128 | 158 | |||
| 66+ | 95 | 116 | |||
| Total | 243 | 293 | |||
| Lapsed Members | |||||
| 2025 | 2024 | ||||
| Lapsed @ 31/12/25 | 294 | 347 | |||
| Note – Totals include Honorary Life Members = 18 |
Peter Colpman, Membership Secretary
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East Lancashire Railway Preservation Society Limited
2025 Trustee Report
Volunteer Liaison Officer 2025 Year End Report
2025 has been another successful year. There were 341 total enquiries for the year. This is similar to 2024 One hundred and fifty five referrals were made through to eighteen different departments.
The monthly phasing and breakdown of applications to departments are shown in Table 2025 Enquiries. Totals are compared with 2024.
One hundred and eighty six of the 341, did not respond to email or telephone calls, decided not to volunteer, were under the age of sixteen, or were not suitable for the only role they would consider or decided to book a Volunteer Recruitment Tour.
Various enquiries received, were for work experience, which were passed on to ELLR Co., companies wishing to volunteer for one or two days only, these were also passed to ELLR Co. as they were specific requests. Various requests were received from Health Care professionals wishing to place rehabilitation patients at the Railway. These required specific needs which the Health Care professionals expected the Railway to provide.
The Volunteer Recruitment Tours recommenced in March 2025. Nine tours were booked by seventy eight potential volunteers. Twenty eight were referred to departments, five were existing volunteers, two attendees did not wish to volunteer, a further eleven did not respond after the tours, thirty two failed to attend or cancelled. Thirteen have completed the Basic Safety Training.
Thanks go to Glen Newport, the Volunteer Recruitment Tour Leader and his team of;
Nigel Barnes, John Bevan, Louise Newport, Simon Patterson, Brian Pollard, Alan Spencer and Eileen Winterbottom for their efforts and enthusiasm in engaging the tour participants.
Despite increasing the number of tour precipitants from eight to twelve there has been no increase in the booking numbers over 2024. Some of the applications were ‘spoof’ applications, these of course, blocked genuine applicants from booking. Monitoring of the bookings needs to be carried out to delete these ‘spoof’ applicants.
Tour dates for 2026 are as follows;
Saturday, 21 March, Saturday, 25 April, Saturday, 16 May, Saturday, 27 June, Saturday, 11 July, Saturday, 22 August, Saturday, 26 September, Saturday, 24 October, Saturday, 07 November
Booking is essential, and can be accessed via the link below:
https://www.elrps.co.uk/volunteer-tours
Margaret J. Wilson Volunteer Liaison Officer 31st December 2025
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