## **THE JOHNSON SOCIETY:** **TRUSTEES’ ANNUAL REPORT** ## **AND** ## **FINANCIAL STATEMENTS** **FOR THE YEAR ENDING 31 DECEMBER 2025** **Charity no: 1200987** ## **THE JOHNSON SOCIETY:** ## **TRUSTEES’ ANNUAL REPORT** ## **AND** # **FINANCIAL STATEMENTS** ## **FOR THE YEAR ENDING 31 DECEMBER 2025** ## **CONTENTS** |Legal and Administrative Information|2| |---|---| |Trustees’ Report|3| |Independent Examiner's Report on the Accounts|6| |Statement of Financial Activities|7| |Balance Sheet|8| |Notes to the Financial Statements|9 - 10| 1 ## **LEGAL AND ADMINISTRATIVE INFORMATION** ## **Status** The organisation is a registered Charitable Incorporated Organisation set up on 11 November 2022. ## **Trustees** The trustees are as follows: ## **Elected until 2026 AGM** Marilyn Davies Rod Hannam Annette Rubery **Elected until 2027 AGM** David Arthur Phil Jones (Chairman) Colin Greatorex ## **Elected until 2028 AGM** Richard Davies Martha Ross Smith John Winterton ## **Correspondence address** Richard Davies, 18 Cricket Lane, Lichfield, Staffordshire, WS14 8ER ## **Bankers** Lloyds TSB plc, Victoria Branch, London 2 ## **TRUSTEES’ REPORT FOR THE YEAR ENDING 31 DECEMBER 2025** The trustees present their report with the financial statements of the charity for the period between 1 January 2025 and 31 December 2025. ## **Constitution** The Johnson Society is a registered Charitable Incorporated Organisation (CIO) operated in accordance with the constitution dated 25 September 2022. It is run in accordance with the guidelines and directives as laid down by the Charity Commissioners. ## **Trustees** (As set out under the Charities Act 2011) 1. Trustees will all serve for a period of three years, after which they will retire from their role. They may choose to offer themselves for re-election as trustee for up to two further consecutive terms, after which they will step down for a year before seeking to serve again. 2. Three trustees will retire at each AGM, and the meeting will elect three trustees to serve for three years. 3. The trustees’ responsibility is for the general control and management of the administration of the charity. They are responsible for the proper and appropriate running of the charity, and for ensuring that it meets its obligations laid out in the terms of its constitution. 4. The trustees will appoint a managing body, the Johnson Council, which will carry out the day-to-day running of the Society. This body will include the trustees and other Society members. Paid-up members of the Johnson Society are entitled to stand for election as trustee at the AGM. ## **Aims and objectives of the charity** The Johnson Society has been in existence since 1910 and as a charitable body since 1995. The merging of the original charity with the new CIO was completed on 7 June 2023. The aims and objectives of the Johnson Society are to advance the education of the public in the life, works and times of Dr Samuel Johnson (1709–1784) by any means the charity trustees see fit, including: - Encouraging interest in, and study of, the writings, life and times of Samuel Johnson. - Supporting the Samuel Johnson Birthplace Museum in the City of Lichfield by helping to maintain and enhance its contents, and by working with the Johnson Birthplace Advisory Committee of Lichfield City Council. - Assisting in preserving physical memorials of Johnson and his contemporaries, including books, manuscripts, artefacts, buildings, statues and Johnson's Willow. - - - Participating in annual commemorations of Johnson's birthday. - Promoting knowledge of eighteenth-century history in general. 3 ## **Organisational structure and decision making** The trustees meet twice a year to review progress. The Johnson Council holds three meetings per year. All main decisions affecting the charity are made at these meetings. This includes policy decisions, main spending and strategic planning. The Chairman has the casting vote in the event of a tie. Urgent matters requiring Council approval outside these times may be communicated to Council Members by email and ratified by a simple majority vote. The Society treasurer has delegated powers to authorise routine financial transactions. ## **Risk Management** The risks facing the charity are recognised and actively monitored and the necessary steps are taken to lessen these risks. ## **Achievements** The CIO was set up in November 2022 and commenced active running of Society business on 1 May 2023 when the new bank account became available. The principal achievements for the year were as follows: The support for two projects with a Johnsonian interest, these being: 1. Bringing to completion the project to propagate Johnson’s Willow in the USA, and presenting plaques to accompany the cuttings planted at Graeme Park, Pennsylvania, and Vassar College, New York State. 2. The digitalisation of the contents of past editions of Transactions so that they can be accessed online via the Johnson Society website. Delivering: 1. a series of lectures during the winter months on relevant topics, made available to a wider audience via Zoom; 2. the Society's keynote Annual Lecture on 2 March; 3. the Johnson Birthday Supper in September, featuring an Address by the Society's new President. 4. A visit to Johnson’s old school in St John Street, Lichfield. 5. Helping Lichfield City Council to develop future plans for the Birthplace Museum and with other heritage projects. 6. Working with Lichfield District Council on the care and propagation of Johnson's Willow. 7. Publishing the Society's annual _Transactions_ , including reports of lectures and events, and original articles on Johnson and his age. ## **Financial review** The income and expenditure for the year and financial position of the charity are as shown in the annexed financial statements. The Society has no ongoing financial commitments at the end of 2025. None of the Society’s funds is in deficit at the end of the financial year. 4 ## **Reserves policy** The trustees take an active and realistic approach to the management of our reserves, which accords with the regulatory frameworks in which we work and with good practice as laid down by the Charity Commission. The Society has adopted the following guidelines: 1. _Contingency funds_ : to meet unknown contingences and liabilities that may arise at some future date – 10%* 2. _Long_ - _term funds_ : to fund specific larger projects, in the medium to longer term, whose timing may not be predictable. The longer-term project currently envisaged, if the opportunity arises, is to assist the Samuel Johnson Birthplace Museum to expand, by contributing to the cost of acquiring adjacent premises. This would enable the Birthplace to display more of its collections, and to improve its facilities for visitors and researchers alike – 60% 3. _Short/medium-term funds_ : to fund ad hoc projects which are likely to arise more frequently than long-term projects, but which will generally be more modest in scope and spend level. As a general principle, the Society would aim to fund such projects in partnership with others, rather than meeting the full cost itself – 30%. * Irrespective of total funds, contingency funds should not fall below £20k. ## **Investment policy** Our current account with Lloyds plc is monitored on an ongoing basis. Balances that exceed our immediate cash requirements are placed in an interest-bearing deposit account. ## **ON BEHALF OF THE TRUSTEES** PW Jones (Chairman) Date 5 INDEPENDENT EXAMINER • REPORT TO THE TRUSTEES OF THE JOHNSON SOCIETY ON THE ACCOUNTS FOR THE PERIOD 1 JANUARY 2025 TO 31 DECEMBER 2025 SET OUT ON PAGES 7 TO 10 I report to the trustees on my examination of the accounts of the above chari',y ('the Trust,) forthe period between the 1st January and 31st December 2025. Responsibilities and basis of report As the charity trustees of the Trust you are responsible for the preparation of Ihe accounts In accordance with the requirements of the Charities Act 2011 (the A¢t}. I report in respect of r,iy examination of the Trust's accounts Carried out under section 145 of the Act and in carying out my examination, I have followed the applicable Directions given by the Charity Commission under section 145{5}(bl 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 witfr. the examination which gives me reasonable cause to believe that in any material respect.. accounting records were not kept in accordance with section 130 of the Act: and the accounts do not accord with the accounting records I have no concerns and have come across no other matters in connec+ion with the examination to which attention should be drawn to enable a proper understanding of the accounts to be reached. Signed: fv- Date: Mr P Martin, Chartered Accountant 11 Church Road, Sheiistone, Li¢hfield WS14 ONG THE JOHNSON SOCIETY CHARITY NUMBER 1200987 Statement of Financial Activities for the year ended 31st De¢ember 2025 Unwffictttd Fund8 Rostri¢tsd Fut)d¥ Totsl Fund 202S Total Fund8 2024 Re¢èlpts: Receipts from Donors 1.970.44 0.00 1.970 44 2,156.80 Receipts from Organised Events 5,235.50 0.00 5.235 50 3,411.53 Receipts from Trading & Transactions 360.78 0.00 360 76 497.50 Re￿Ipts from Investrnenls 9,16982 0.00 9.169.82 10.980.16 Totsl Receipts 17,439.58 0.00 17.439.58 17.025.99 Paym•nts: Donations & Refund of Subs¢riptyons 1.835.12 0.00 1,835.12 2.775.00 Cost of Organised events 6.142.27 120.99 8.263.2e 4,239.28 Other Payrnenls 5.568.64 0.00 5.588.64 1,553.31 Totsl Payments 18.881.03 120.99 18,802.02 13,545 85 Ngt R8celptsllPaymerbtsl 11,241.451 1120.991 11.362.441 3.480.14 Gain5 1 ILosse51 on Investments 0.00 0.00 0.00 0.00 Net Movemènt in Funds 11,241.451 1120 991 11,362.441 3,480.14 Balan￿$ brought forward at 1st Jan 2025 228.659.59 1,414.95 230.074 54 226,594.40 Balan¢e$ Carrled Fo￿ard at 31st December 2025 227,418.14 1,293.96 228.712 10 230.074.54 Unr08tr1ctod Fund¥ Rggtrfctsd FundB Totsi Fund• 2025 Total Fund8 2024 Di$tribuUon of Fund$ The Johnson Society Friends of the Birthplace Peter Baffett Fund 227,418 14 000 0.00 227,418.14 0.00 339.95 954.01 1.293.96 227.418.14 339.95 954.01 228,712.10 228.659.59 339.95 1,075.00 230.074.54 Approved by the Trustees on 2026 and signed on their behalf by **R. A. Davies, Hon Treasurer.** 8 THE JOHNSON SOCIETY Notes to Accounts Unre8trf¢t•d Fund Re$trlctsd Fund$ Total Funds 202S Total Fut)d¥ 2024 Noto 1- Recelpts from Donors Annual Subscriptions Donations Legacy Friends of the Birthplace 1.940.44 30.00 o.oo 0.00 1.970.44 0.00 0.00 0.00 0.00 0.00 1,940 44 30.00 0.00 0.00 1.970.44 2,146.80 1000 0.00 000 2,158.80 Note 2- Recelpts from Organl$¢d Events Unr¥itrttsd Funds R•8trf¢t Fund TotAI Fund 2025 Total Fund• 2024 AGM Lecture & Chair Ceremony Annu81 Supper Birthday Celebrations Lecture Serie8 Peter Barrett Fund Outings 0.00 21.00 4.735 00 0.00 239 50 0.00 240 00 5 235.50 0.00 0.00 0.00 0.00 0.00 0.00 000 0.00 0.00 21.00 4.735.00 0.00 239.50 0.00 240.00 5.235.50 0.00 0.00 2.819.41 0.00 157.12 435.00 0.00 3411.53 Nots 3- Recoipts from Tradlng & Tran8actlon8 Unr•$tyi¢tsd Fund8 Rostrf¢tsd Funds Total Fund 2025 Total Funds 2024 Booklets & Leafiets Transaction5 Other Mer¢handise 000 250.00 11076 380.76 0.00 0.00 000 0.00 0.00 442.50 55.00 497.50 110.76 360.76 Not8 4- Recelpts from Investm8Trts ¥Jnre•trictsd Funds 9.169.82 9.169.82 Rejtricted Funds Totsi Fundg 202S 9,169 82 9 169.82 Totsl Fund 2024 10.960.18 10.960 16 Interest Received 0.00 000 Not8 5- Othef Recelpts Unre8trictqd FundB R*itri¢tsd Funds Tol•l Fund• 2026 703 06 0.00 703.06 Totsl Fundi 2024 Gift Aid Miscellaneous 703.06 0.00 703.06 0.00 0.00 0.00 O.OD OOD 0.00 Note 6. tkjnatlons & Refund of Subscrlptlons Unrogtrf¢tod Fund¥ 10.00 1,825.12 Rostrfcted Funds Tolal Funds 2025 Total Futids 2024 18500 2,590.00 000 2,775.00 Annual Su08￿ptIOns Donation5 Friends of the Bithplace 0.00 0.00 0.00 o.oo 10.00 1,825 12 0.00 1,835 12 1835.12 THE JOHNSON SOCIETY Notes to Accounts Note 7- Cost of Organlsed gv•nts UTrrestrlctod Furbdts 49.34 294.44 5.174.26 66.50 0.00 322 00 235.73 6,142.27 RHtrfctod Fundts Total Fund9 2025 Total Fund• 2024 AG Lecture & Chair Ceremony Annual Supper Birthday Celebrations Peter Barrett Lecture Le¢t￿￿ Senes Outsng$ 0.00 0.00 0.00 0.00 120.99 0.00 0.00 120.99 49.34 294.44 5,174.26 66.50 120.99 322.00 235.73 6,263 26 68.87 431.90 3.284.96 273.65 0.00 179.90 000 4,239 28 Note 8- Co$t of Tradlng & Tran5actlon8 Unro8trl¢t•d Fund¥ 140.00 4.995.00 0.00 5,135.00 R88trl¢t8d Fund$ Totsl Fund$ 2025 140 00 4.995 00 000 5,13500 Total Fund• 2024 Booklet5 & Leafl8ts Transactions Other Merchandise 9S.00 4.883.26 000 4,978 26 0.00 Note 9- Other Payments Unmtricted Fund¥ R88trfctsd Fund¥ Total Fundi 2026 40.00 75.00 7413 000 000 246 87 1,133.20 702.DO 176.84 70.00 3,045.60 5.00 5 568.64 Totsl Funds 2024 Alliance of Literary Societies Subscription BALH Subscription Insuran Presidents Medallions Presidents Board Other Printsng & Ststionery P0518ge Willow Advert Web Site Zoom Expen58S Transa¢tlQn5 Digitalisalion Miscellaneous 40.00 75.00 74.13 0.00 0.00 246.87 1,133.20 702.00 176.84 70.00 3,045.60 500 556864 o.oo 0.00 0.00 0.00 0.00 0.00 0.00 0.00 0.00 0.00 0.00 0.00 0.00 20.00 75.00 71.27 0.00 000 2249 1,089 90 0.00 189.65 80.00 0.00 5.00 1.553.31 10