The L&NWR Society
also known as
The London & North Western Railway Society
Registered Charity Number: 1204954
Trustees’ annual report for the period 27[th] September 2023 to 31st December 2024
Due to the change of status of the Society this report covers the period from our becoming a Charitable Incorporated Organisation (CIO) on the 27[th] September 2023 up until the end of 2024. This extended period was approved by the Charity Commission at the time we were granted CIO status.
Principal address: Unit 6A Princes Drive Industrial Estate, Kenilworth, Warwickshire CV8 2FD
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Trustees who managed the charity:
Chair. John Gowers
Secretary. Michael Hollick Treasurer. Michael Musson David Barrett (from 1[st] June2024) Murray Bartlett (resigned November 2023 re-elected 1[st] June 2024) David Bond Matthew Cadbury Dr. Tony Gillam Ian Hopkins (from 1[st] June 2024) Anthony Howarth (resigned July 2024) Norman Lee David Patrick (until 1[st] June 2024) Maurice Phillips (co-opted 27[th] September 2024) Peter Stanton
Except where stated all the above Trustees have been in post for the full financial period.
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Structure and governance:
The Society was founded in 1973 and has been a charity since 2005 (Reg No 1110210) the members approved a motion to apply to become a CIO at our 2023 AGM. CIO status was granted on the 27[th] September 2023. Therefore, this report covers the period from that date until the end of 2024.
The London & North Western Railway Society is an association of approximately 700 members.
The charity’s governing document is the Constitution as approved by the Charty Commission on 27[th] September 2023. We are constituted as a Charitable Incorporated Organisation
The O�cers and Executive Committee are appointed or reappointed in accordance with our constitution at the Annual General Meeting normally held in May.
Vacancies for trustees are advertised in our members Newsletter with suitable applicants being co-opted into post. Co-opted trustees stand for election at the next AGM.
All Trustees, Executive O�cers, Co-ordinators and Committee members etc. give their time voluntarily and receive no remuneration or other
Objectives:
To advance the education of the public in all aspects of the London and North Western Railway, including the study and preservation of information, drawings, photographs, models, and other material pertaining to the railway company and related organisations and subjects.
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Meeting our charitable obligations
Our main activities are gathering, preserving and dissemination information on the London & North Western Railway which was formed in 1846 and operated up until 1923 when it was absorbed into the London Midland & Scottish Railway. We are interested in the railway itself and in the people who worked on and around the line.
We have both an Archivist and a Sta� History O�cer who answer queries from the public and members of the society. We also assist members of the public researching family history. Our period of interest covers a time when almost every family would have at least one member working on the railways. Many of the o�cial sta� records were destroyed but we are working to recreate a least some of them from information from numerous sources.
We provide information and period photographs to a number of railway related magazines and to several TV production companies. Our quarterly Journal carries well researched articles, often on subjects that might not receive attention from commercial publications.
Our Study Centre in Kenilworth, Warwickshire is open to all on a weekly basis, and one Saturday a month. We o�er to open at other times by mutual arrangement. The Study Centre has an extensive library that includes both books and period publications all of which are indexed to assist those engaged in research. We are continuing with our program of digitising our collection for the benefit of future generations. All original documents are conserved and kept in suitable storage.
We are reaching out to local history groups in areas served by the LNWR, both to o�er information on the railway and to gain more insights into the social history of the era. We o�er talks on railway related subjects to such groups.
We are working with other archives to share information on our respective collections.
Our public website gives information on our railway, its sta� and the social conditions of the time. It carries a detailed bibliography that lists LNWR related publications and has a searchable index of our Society Journal going back almost twenty-five years, both invaluable aids to research.
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The Society o�ers our scanning and printing facilities to other organisations. This has been taken up by local history societies and some other railway related societies. Our equipment is o�ered as rates that reflect our costs only and therefore assist these organisations by reducing their own costs. We have also hosted delegations from other similar societies interested in our solution to providing online access to archive material. We have provided help and advice to assist them in creating their own online system.
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Overview of the period
The Society performed satisfactorily during this period. Our transition to becoming a CIO was seamless. Our members and those we assist would have not noticed any changes.
In October 2023 we discovered that Barclays Bank had closed all our bank accounts. This was done without warning or explanation. We have since learned that several other charities had a similar experience. With our annual renewals imminent we did manage to open new accounts with another bank in time to receive the 2024 subscriptions. Although Barclays did eventually reinstate our accounts they gave no explanation. In view of this we transferred all funds to our new account and closed all our accounts with Barclays. To remove the risk of a similar occurrence we have opened an account with another bank.
We continued to reach out to the public at several railway related exhibitions throughout the year. Our Society stands spread awareness and knowledge both of the LNWR and the Society in addition to raising funds and recruiting new members.
We are also developing a range of talks on LNWR related topics that can be used by our members to give illustrated talks to local groups around the country.
Our archives team are working with a number of County Archives to our
During the period the trustees looked at how we manage the day to day running of the society. The result was the setting up of two more sub committees. We now have four such sub committees charged with running di�erent aspects of the society’s activities. They are as follows, Archive, Digital, Modelling and Publications. All were formed in accordance with the relevant clause in our constitution. Each subcommittee has at least two trustees and is required to report to the regular trustees’ meetings.
Our main purpose of this change was to allow the trustees to concentrate on oversight and strategic matters, including developing plans for the future of our society in an ever-changing world.
Our society attracted more new members than we lost during the period covered by this report. (losses were mainly through age and infirmity) This is important because our membership subscriptions are our main income source and allow us to fund our charitable activities.
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The merger of the old charity (reg. no, 1112010) with the new CIO (reg. no. 1204954) was approved on the 16[th] July 2024. We received notification that the old society was closed on the 1[st] of August 2024.
Finances
The Society’s finances remain in good order. Our main income is from membership subscriptions, with sales of Society publications and donated items helping to make up the gap between income and expenditure.
Our expenditure consists of funding our regular quarterly publications with our Journal being a vehicle for disseminating information through well researched articles. This allows us to publish articles of historical interest that are unlikely to appear in a commercial publication. We fund our Study Centre where the important work of conserving, cataloguing, digitising & storing historical documents goes on. We also use our funds to acquire historical documents which are then scanned to be made available to members and researchers. Our income for this period includes funds transferred from the old charity (no. 1112010).
Reserves
While none of our funds were specifically reserved during this period, the lease on our Study Centre is subject to a break clause in 2025. We have had to consider the possibility of a significant expenditure in relocating in our next financial year. We therefore considered it prudent to maintain the current level of reserves.
This report signed by the Chair on 7[th] May 2025 Approved by vote of the trustees on 8[th] May 2025
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CHARITY NUMBER 1204954
L&NWR SOCIETY
Report and Accounts
27 September 2023 to 31 December 2024
Page
| Independent examiners' report | 2 |
|---|---|
| Statement of financial activities | 3 |
| Balance sheet | 4 |
| Notes to the accounts | 5-10 |
L&NWR SOCIETY ACCOUNTS Independent Examiner's Report to The Trustees
I report on the accounts of the Society for the period ended 31 December 2024, which are set out on pages 3 to 10.
Respective responsibilities of trustees and examiner
The charity’s trustees consider that an audit is not required for this period under the Charities Act 2011 'the Act' and that an independent examination is needed.
It is my responsibility to:
-
examine the accounts under the Act;
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to follow the procedures laid down in the General Directions given by the Charity Commission under the Act; and
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to state whether particular matters have come to my attention.
Basis of the independent examiner’s report
My examination was carried out in accordance with the General Directions given by the Charity Commissioners. 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 I do not express an audit opinion on the view given by the accounts.
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:
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accounting records were not kept in respect of the Trust as required by section 130 of the Act or
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the accounts do not accord with those records; or
• 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.
Gordon Stretch Independent examiner
Relevant professional qualification: Chartered Accountant
Address: 3 St Margarets Court, Kineton Green Road, Solihull, West Midlands B92 7DZ Date: 6th May 2025
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L&NWR SOCIETY Statement of Financial Activities
Charity Number 1204954
For the period ending 31 December 2024
| Note Incoming resources 3 Incoming resources from generated funds Voluntary income Resources expended 4-5 Charitable activities Governance costs Total resources expended Total incoming resources Total funds carried forward Total funds brought forward Net incoming/(outgoing) resources Gift aid |
Unrestricted funds Restricted funds Total this period £ £ £ 19,306 - 19,306 82,853 - 82,853 - - 102,159 - 102,159 18,138 - 18,138 19,442 - 19,442 37,580 - 37,580 64,579 - 64,579 - - - 64,579 - 64,579 |
|---|---|
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L&NWR SOCIETY ACCOUNTS Balance Sheet as at 31st December 2024
Charity No. 1204954
| Note Fixed assets Tangible assets Total fixed assets Current assets Debtors Cash at bank and in hand Total current assets Current liabilities 6 Net current assets/(liabilities) Total assets less current liabilities Net assets Funds of the Charity Unrestricted funds Total funds 7 |
Unrestricted funds Restricted income funds Total this period £ £ £ - - - - - - - - - 75,438 - 75,438 75,438 - 75,438 (10,860) - (10,860) 64,578 - 64,578 64,578 - 64,578 64,578 - 64,578 64,579 64,579 64,579 - 64,579 |
|---|---|
The trustees acknowledge their responsibilities for complying with the requirements of charity legislation with respect to accounting records and the preparation of ther accounts.
The financial statements were approved by the trustees on 8th May 2025
Signed on behalf of the trustees
John Gowers
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L&NWR SOCIETY ACCOUNTS
Notes to the accounts
Note 1 Basis of preparation
1.1 Basis of accounting
These accounts have been prepared on the basis of historic cost (except that investments are shown at market value) in accordance with:
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the Statement of Recommended Practice: Accounting and Reporting by Charities preparing
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their accounts in accordance with the Financial Reporting Standard applicable in the UK and
Republic of Ireland (FRS 102)FRS 102 SORP (Statement of Recommended Practice
for Accounting and Reporting by Charities) 2019, applicable to all accounting beginning on or
after 1 January 2019
- and with the Charities Act 2011.
1.2 Change in basis of accounting
There has been no change to the accounting policies (valuation rules and methods of accounting) since last year.
1.3 Changes to previous accounts
No changes have been made to accounts for previous years.
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L&NWR SOCIETY ACCOUNTS
Notes to the accounts (continued)
Note 2 Accounting policies
INCOMING RESOURCES
Recognition of incoming These are included in the Statement of Financial Activities (SoFA) when: resources the charity becomes entitled to the resources; the trustees are virtually certain they will receive the resources; and the monetary value can be measured with sufficient reliability. Incoming resources with Where incoming resources have related expenditure (as with fundraising or contract income) related expenditure the incoming resources and related expenditure are reported gross in the SoFA. Grants and donations Grants and donations are only included in the SoFA when the charity has unconditional entitlement to the resources. Tax reclaims on donations Incoming resources from tax reclaims are included in the SoFA at the same time as the gift to and gifts which they relate. Investment income This is included in the accounts when receivable. Investment gains and losses This includes any gain or loss on the sale of investments and any gain or loss resulting from revaluing investments to market value at the end of the year.
EXPENDITURE AND LIABILITIES
Liability recognition Liabilities are recognised as soon as there is a legal or constructive obligation committing the charity to pay out resources.
Governance costs Include costs of the preparation and examination of statutory accounts, the costs of trustee meetings and cost of any legal advice to trustees on governance or constitutional matters.
ASSETS
Tangible fixed assets for use
by charity
The Society has adopted the policy of writing off the value of all assets purchased within the accounting period.
This includes fixed assets and publications. The Society has insured the assets as follows: Library £20,000, Archives £60,000 and Relics £50,000.
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L&NWR SOCIETY ACCOUNTS
Notes to the accounts (continued)
Note 3
Analysis of incoming resources
| Analysis | £ | ||
|---|---|---|---|
| Voluntary income | Donations | 158 | |
| 2024 Membership | 14,356 | ||
| 2024 Membership paid into old Charity | 9,372 | ||
| Donations from old charity | 58,717 | ||
| Sales | 13,230 | ||
| Sub-rentals | 5,018 | ||
| Interest | 1,057 | ||
| Computer refund | 250 | ||
| Total | 102,159 | ||
| Note 4 | Analysis of resources expended | ||
| Analysis | |||
| Charitable activities | Archive purchases | £ 3,187 |
|
| Journal | 6,771 | ||
| Newsletter | 2,283 | ||
| Modeller | 695 | ||
| Calendar | 481 | ||
| Production | 1,573 | ||
| Peripherals & Sales Postage | 914 | ||
| Exhibitions | 502 | ||
| Restoration of Carriage Painting | 1,733 | ||
| Total | 18,138 | ||
| Governance costs | Rent | 6,000 | |
| Rates | 935 | ||
| Insurance | 1,236 | ||
| Electricity | 962 | ||
| Broadband | 331 | ||
| Study Centre Move | 739 | ||
| Journal postage | 6,063 | ||
| Photo & PDF Software | 145 | ||
| Adobe | 299 | ||
| AGM | 100 | ||
| Website Hosting (IONOS) | 549 | ||
| Zenfolio | 176 | ||
| NCVO | 55 | ||
| Website & plugins | 208 | ||
| FLIPBOOKs | 247 | ||
| Zoom | 156 | ||
| Photocopier | 288 | ||
| Photocopier peripherals | 49 | ||
| Pay Pal Costs | 270 | ||
| Membership Software | 175 | ||
| Membership costs | 439 | ||
| DGI Sky Protect | 20 | ||
| Total | 19,442 |
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L&NWR SOCIETY ACCOUNTS Notes to the accounts (continued)
Note 5 Details of certain items of expenditure
5.1 Trustee expenses
| Other fees (for example: advice, consultancy, accountancy services) paid to the independent examiner or auditor Number of trustees who were paid expenses Nature of the expenses Total amount paid Independent examiner’s or auditors' fees for reporting on the accounts 5.2 Fees for examination or audit of the accounts |
- Travel None £ None - |
|---|---|
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L&NWR SOCIETY ACCOUNTS
Notes to the accounts (continued)
Note 6 Creditors
| Deferred income Fund balances brought forward Incoming resources £ £ Retained profits - 102,159 Total Funds - 102,159 Fund names Note 7 Movements of major funds 6.1 Analysis of creditors |
9,653.37 9 653 37 9,653.37 Outgoing resources Gains and losses Fund balances carried forward £ £ £ (37,580) - 64,579 (37,580) - 64,579 Amounts falling due within one year |
|---|---|
There was an addditional £9,371 transferred from the old charity in the form of subscriptions for 2024.
Notwithstanding the transfer from the old charity, the L&NWR society made a surplus of £ 5,861.26 during the year.
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L&NWR SOCIETY ACCOUNTS Notes to the accounts (continued)
Note 8 Gift Aid
There is no Gift Aid shown in the CIO’s September 2023 – 31[st] December 2024 accounts because the accounts are prepared on a ‘cash accounting’ (Receipts and Payments) basis. This means the Gift Aid refund monies due on 2024 subscriptions will be paid into 2025.
Because the old Charity's (No 1110210) 2023 accounts ended on 31st January 2024, we were able to submit the 2023 Gift Aid application on 4th January 2024 and receive payment prior to the 31st January 2024.
Note 9 Post Balance Sheet Events
The Society has been given notice to move out of its current premises in Kenilworth. The estimated costs of accommodating this exercise are in the region of £6,000. There are sufficient funds available to meet this cost.
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L&NWR SOCIETY ACCOUNTS Independent Examiner's Report to The Trustees I report on the accounts of the Society for the period ended 31 December 2024, which are set out on pages 3 to 10. Respective responsibilities of trustees and examiner The charty's trustees consider that an audit is not required for this period under the Charits'es Act 2011 '1he Act. and that an independent examination is needed. 11 is my responsibility to.. examine the accounts under the Act.. * lo follow the procedures laid dovm in the General Directions given by the Charty Commission under the Act", and . to State whether parb'¢ular matters have come to my attention. 8a81$ of th• Ind•p•nd•nt •xamln•e• rnport My examination was carried OLrt in accordance vMh the General Directions given by the Charity Commissioners. An examination includes a review of the accounting records kept by the Charity and a comparison of the accounts presenled wlh those records. It also includes consi¢Jeralion of any unusual items or disclosures in the a¢¢ounls. and seeking eyplanab.ons from you as trustees concerning any such rnatters. The procedures undertaken do not prowde all the evidence that would be required in an audit, and consequently I do not express an audit opinion on the view given by the accounts. Independent examlnefs $tatement I have completed my examination. I confim that no material matters have come to my attention in Connection wth the examinats'on giving me ¢au$e to believe that in any material re$pe¢l'. ' accounting records were not kept in respect of the Trust as required by seth'on 130 of the Act or . the accounts do not accord wth those records.. or . the accounts do not comply the applicable requirements conceming the form and content ol accounts set out in the Charities (Accounls and Reportsj Regulations 2008 other than any requirement that the accounts give a 'true and fair view %thich is not a matter considered a5 part of an independent examination. I have no concems and have come across no other matters in connectn 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. Gordon Stretch Independent examiner Relevant professional qualification.. Chartered Accountant Address". 3 Sl Margarets Court. Kineton Gen Road. Solihull. West Midlands B92 7DZ Date.. 6th May 2025