REGISTERED COMPANY NUMBER: CE035070 (England and Wales) REGISTERED CHARITY NUMBER: 1206770
ACTON SCOTT HERITAGE FARM
TRUSTEES' REPORT AND
UNAUDITED FINANCIAL STATEMENTS
FOR THE PERIOD 29 JANUARY 2024 TO 31 MARCH 2025
ACTON SCOTT HERITAGE FARM
CONTENTS OF THE FINANCIAL STATEMENTS FOR THE PERIOD 29 JANUARY 2024 TO 31 MARCH 2025
| Page | |
|---|---|
| Reference and Administrative Details | 1 |
| Trustees' Report | 2 to 8 |
| Independent Examiner's Report | 9 |
| Statement of Financial Activities | 10 |
| Statement of Financial Position | 11 to 12 |
| Notes to the Financial Statements | 13 to 17 |
ACTON SCOTT HERITAGE FARM
REFERENCE AND ADMINISTRATIVE DETAILS FOR THE PERIOD 29 JANUARY 2024 TO 31 MARCH 2025
TRUSTEES S Farquhar M N Bolton (appointed 6.2.24) J D Walker M J Lawton F S Acton A Clark (appointed 6.2.24) (resigned 7.4.25) H Paris (resigned 29.5.25) A Jolley (resigned 17.7.25) L O'Loughlin (appointed 6.2.24) (resigned 3.3.25) R Hill (resigned 30.1.24) REGISTERED OFFICE Acton Scott Church Stretton SY6 6QN REGISTERED COMPANY CE035070 (England and Wales) NUMBER REGISTERED CHARITY NUMBER 1206770 INDEPENDENT EXAMINER TCA (Shrewsbury) LLP Third Floor 21 St Mary's Street Shrewsbury Shropshire SY1 1ED
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ACTON SCOTT HERITAGE FARM
TRUSTEES' REPORT
FOR THE PERIOD 29 JANUARY 2024 TO 31 MARCH 2025
The trustees who are also directors of the charity for the purposes of the Companies Act 2006, present their report with the financial statements of the charity for the period 29 January 2024 to 31 March 2025. The trustees have adopted the provisions of 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).
INCORPORATION
Acton Scott Heritage Farm is a Charitable Incorporated Organisation (“CIO”) which was registered with the Charity Commission on 29th January 2024.
OBJECTIVES AND ACTIVITIES
Objectives and aims
The objects of the CIO are the advancement of education through operation of a heritage working farm which will provide in situ vocational courses to the general public in rural and endangered skills and crafts, and demonstrate historical agricultural practices. It will display and preserve historic buildings and equipment, promote biodiversity, and seek to enhance wellbeing through nature.
Significant activities
Acton Scott Heritage Farm operates a historic working farm within listed buildings, through demonstrating horse drawn agricultural processes, rearing traditional rare breed livestock and promoting traditional and endangered rural crafts and skills on a farm site comprising 20 acres of arable and grazing land. People of all ages are engaged as visitors during the open season, as participants in workshops, or as part of organised educational visits.
Public benefit
The objectives of the CIO, for the public benefit are:
1 - The advancement of education through operation of a heritage working farm which will:
(a) provide in situ vocational courses to the general public in rural and endangered skills and crafts, agricultural practices, historical innovation, diversification and sustainability in relation to the field to fork cycle / food supply chain.
(b) provide school and college visits for practical on-site experiences for students in line with the national curriculum.
(c) provide other vocational training for students and the general public as agreed by the trustees that enhances the understanding of agriculture and rural practices from the past and for the future, and the health benefits of engaging with the natural environment.
(d) preserve and display historic buildings on site.
(e) display and demonstrate agricultural items of historical significance to rural life.
2 - To promote for the benefit of the public the conservation protection and improvement of the physical and natural environment by promoting biological diversity.
3 - To provide or assist in the provision of facilities in the interests of social welfare for recreation or other leisure time occupation for the public at large with the object of improving their conditions of life.
Receipt of entry fees for the farm visitor attraction (including claiming Gift Aid on entry where appropriate) fundraising from trusts, foundations and grant making bodies; seeking in kind support from volunteers who dedicate time and share expertise to enable the site to be opened to the public for educational visits, maintained and further developed.
In setting objectives and planning for activities, the Trustees have given due consideration to general guidance published by the Charity Commission relating to public benefit and in particular to its supplementary public benefit guidance.
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ACTON SCOTT HERITAGE FARM
TRUSTEES' REPORT
FOR THE PERIOD 29 JANUARY 2024 TO 31 MARCH 2025
OBJECTIVES AND ACTIVITIES
For decades Acton Scott Historic Working Farm was managed and funded by Shropshire Council as part of their Museums Service. Their lease from the Acton Scott Estate was surrendered in April 2023.
After a formal public consultation, it became clear that the site held significant historical value and was highly cherished by the thousands of visitors who had enjoyed the farm and learned about traditional rural life.
In late 2023, volunteers established a Board of Trustees and registered Acton Scott Heritage Farm as an educational charity. The charity received £340,000 originating from the National Heritage Lottery Fund from Shropshire Council with the agreement of the National Heritage Lottery Fund, on the condition that the Farm would be operated as a heritage farm and remain open to the public.
ACHIEVEMENTS AND PERFORMANCE
Charitable activities
The charity gained registered charity status in February 2024, with volunteers playing a crucial role in its growth and operations. Their involvement includes governance, staff recruitment, site maintenance, visitor services, and administrative support.
Operational Support and Engagement: Volunteers facilitated high-quality visitor experiences by leading guided tours, demonstrating historical crafts, and supporting educational visits. They further extended the Charity's reach by representing the organisation at off-site events and spearheading development initiatives.
Site Maintenance and Development: Regular "Volunteer Days"-held four times per month-saw consistently high attendance. These sessions were instrumental in the ongoing development and maintenance of the Farm's physical infrastructure and preparedness for the return of the visiting public.
Specialist Projects: Collective efforts, such as the "Sewing Bee," successfully promoted traditional crafts. Additionally, volunteers played a critical role in the creation of the Charity's digital presence, contributing to the development of the official website and back-office systems to improve organisational efficiency.
Community Wellbeing: Participation in volunteer programmes continued to provide documented mental health benefits for participants, fostering a supportive community environment centred around shared heritage and conservation goals.
The Board of Trustees continues to oversee these contributions, ensuring activities align with the Charity's strategic objectives.
Summary of Main Achievements
Since its founding in February 2024, the charity has improved site access, enhanced health and safety with better facilities and maintenance, connected with the community, and tested plans for reopening. It also developed a website and upgraded back-office systems. Key achievements include positive impacts for beneficiaries and broader benefits to society.
1. Enhanced Engagement and Community Re-connection
Summer Guided Tours 2024: Family-friendly and adult tours were conducted on 14 open days, plus special events, with most events selling out in advance.
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ACTON SCOTT HERITAGE FARM
TRUSTEES' REPORT
FOR THE PERIOD 29 JANUARY 2024 TO 31 MARCH 2025
Difference Made: Provided opportunities for the public to re-engage with the site and for the charity to gain meaningful feedback on the future direction of the Farm, fostering a sense of collective ownership and community. Feedback from visitors noted they "learned more than I have on multiple previous visits."
Wider Benefit: Tested principles for safely reopening the site, built momentum for future activities, and supported local suppliers and people to deliver services. Supported local pride and sense of place.
Community Consultation and Events: A community consultation workshop was held in January where 30 stakeholders with a broad range of interests and experience related to the farm came together. Feedback and suggestions gathered during that session informed the planning for the summer open days. A volunteer celebration event was held to mark the achievements and hard work of the group's first year. In March 2025 an off site presentation to Church Stretton Dementia Friends offered those living with dementia a hands on session. Historical artefacts were handled and used as the basis for reminiscence and storytelling.
Difference Made: Supported social inclusion and well-being for local groups, including those living with dementia.
Wider Benefit: Strengthened community ties and expanded the supporter base through direct engagement and acting on feedback from a stakeholder workshop.
2. Volunteer Development and Support
Volunteer Activity and Engagement: Continuous volunteer recruitment and development have been a core focus, with opportunities created for learning and sharing skills and expertise. The charity benefitted from over 4,000 hours of volunteer work on site and over a thousand hours of governance and administrative expertise by the trustees.
Difference Made: Volunteers reported a feeling of shared purpose driven by the desire to see the farm reopen to the public. Drawing on their broad range of lived experience and working towards clear goals and interests brought volunteers a sense of ownership and achievement.
Wider Benefit: built momentum in the charity's mission, utilised shared skills efficiently, and provided structured, valuable activity for local people.
3. Infrastructure and Operational Improvements
Site Enhancements: Improvements were made to buildings and grounds informed by health and safety advice. Wi-Fi was installed on site. Support in kind, such as the donation of battery-powered garden machinery and building materials and expertise were also kindly given.
Difference Made: Created a safer environment for visitors and volunteers. Implemented systems to make the most efficient use of charity resources.
Wider Benefit: Ensures the site is a welcoming, safer, and sustainable community asset for the future.
Website and Recruitment: A website was created, and the team of three members of full time staff were recruited.
Difference Made: Improved communication channels with the public and stakeholders, and brought in necessary expertise to manage the charity's operations effectively.
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ACTON SCOTT HERITAGE FARM
TRUSTEES' REPORT
FOR THE PERIOD 29 JANUARY 2024 TO 31 MARCH 2025
4. Partnership Working and Education
Educational Outreach: A teacher CPD (Continuing Professional Development) evening was hosted with LEAF (organisation Linking Education and Farming), open to teachers from across the West Midlands. ASHF staff attended an open evening at Walford College to develop links to students and further education providers.
Difference Made: Provided professional development opportunities for educators and practical learning experiences for students.
Wider Benefit: Promoted education about local heritage and rural skills, supporting local educational institutions.
5. Collaborations:
Partnerships were established with international students from the MA Landscape Architecture course at Birmingham City University for a project to reimagine the Farm, resulting in dynamic and outward looking proposals focussed on sustainability, food security, and rural resilience. The Shropshire Hills Young Rangers visited to try traditional rural crafts, including spinning wool from fleece.
Difference Made: Provided real-world project experience for university students (international) and Young Rangers (local community).
Wider Benefit: Maximised impact through shared resources and skills, fostered collaboration across the region and promoted an improved understanding of the Shropshire landscape, rural heritage and systems for improving environmental sustainability.
FINANCIAL REVIEW
Reserves policy
In its first financial period the CIO has reported income of £348,891 and costs of £72,984 with a resulting net income of £275,907. This is mainly due to the grant from Shropshire Council of funds originating from the National Heritage Lottery Fund.
The reserves policy is to maintain a sum equivalent to 3 months running costs. As the charity matures and income grows it is our intention to increase reserves to the equivalent of 6 months running costs and consider a risk-based approach to our reserves policy.
At the year end date the CIO had unrestricted funds of £275,907. The free reserves of the CIO, calculated as unrestricted reserves less designated reserves and fixed assets were £262,430.
Going concern
After making appropriate enquiries, the Trustees have a reasonable expectation that the Charity has adequate resources to continue in operational existence for the foreseeable future. For this reason they continue to adopt the going concern basis in preparing the financial statements.
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ACTON SCOTT HERITAGE FARM
TRUSTEES' REPORT
FOR THE PERIOD 29 JANUARY 2024 TO 31 MARCH 2025
FUTURE PLANS
As funds allow, the charity will look to expand its offer from limited tours to increased public opening, including self-guided visits; increase the extent of its rare-breed animals; expand the scope of its historic farming operations; engage additional demonstrators of traditional crafts; offer its premises for use by outside organisations consistent with its charitable purposes; broaden the reach of its marketing; develop a calendar of events and a course / workshop programme; increasing employed staff and volunteers where required to support these initiatives.
In addition the charity is looking to conclude agreement with the Acton Scott Estate for a lease over the Historic Farm site, which will bring the listed farm buildings under both the control and responsibility of the charity.
STRUCTURE, GOVERNANCE AND MANAGEMENT
Governing document
The CIO is governed by a constitution, dated 23rd January 2024, which is based on the Charity Commission's Foundation model document.
STRUCTURE, GOVERNANCE AND MANAGEMENT
Charity constitution
The legal form of the charity is a Charitable Incorporated Organisation (CIO).
The objects of the CIO are:
(1) For the public benefit, the advancement of education through operation of a heritage working farm which will:
(a) provide in situ vocational courses to the general public in rural and endangered skills and crafts, agricultural practices, historical innovation, diversification and sustainability in relation to the field to fork cycle / food supply chain.
(b) provide school and college visits for practical on-site experiences for students in line with the national curriculum.
(c) provide other vocational training for students and the general public as agreed by the trustees that enhances the understanding of agriculture and rural practices from the past and for the future, and the health benefits of engaging with the natural environment.
(d) preserve and display historic buildings on site.
(e) display and demonstrate agricultural items of historical significance to rural life.
(2) To promote for the benefit of the public the conservation protection and improvement of the physical and natural environment by promoting biological diversity.
(3) To provide or assist in the provision of facilities in the interests of social welfare for recreation or other leisure time occupation for the public at large with the object of improving their conditions of life.
Nothing in this constitution shall authorise an application of the property of the CIO for the purposes which are not charitable.
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ACTON SCOTT HERITAGE FARM
TRUSTEES' REPORT
FOR THE PERIOD 29 JANUARY 2024 TO 31 MARCH 2025
STRUCTURE, GOVERNANCE AND MANAGEMENT
Recruitment and appointment of new trustees
- The charity trustees shall manage the affairs of the CIO and may for that purpose exercise all the powers of the CIO. It is the duty of each charity trustee:
a. to exercise his or her or their powers and to perform his or her or their functions in his or her or their capacity as a trustee of the CIO in the way he or she or they decide in good faith would be most likely to further the purposes of the CIO; and
b. to exercise, in the performance of those functions, such care and skill as is reasonable in the circumstances having regard in particular to:
i) any special knowledge or experience that he or she or they have or holds himself or herself or themselves out as having; and,
ii) if he or she or they act as a charity trustee of the CIO in the course of a business or profession, to any special knowledge or experience that it is reasonable to expect of a person acting in the course of that kind of business or profession.
2. Eligibility for trusteeship
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a. Every charity trustee must be a natural person.
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b. No individual may be appointed as a charity trustee of the CIO:
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if he or she or they are under the age of 16 years; or
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if he or she or they would automatically cease to hold office under the provisions of clause 12(1)(e).
c. No one is entitled to act as a charity trustee whether on appointment or on any re-appointment until he or she or they have expressly acknowledged, in whatever way the charity trustees decide, his or her or their acceptance of the office of charity trustee.
3. Number of charity trustees
There should be no more than 11 appointed trustees; and exactly one nominated trustee.
There must be at least four charity trustees. If the number falls below this minimum, the remaining trustee or trustees may act only to call a meeting of the charity trustees, or appoint a new charity trustee.
The maximum number of charity trustees that can be appointed is as provided in sub-clause (a) of this clause. No trustee appointment may be made in excess of these provision
Appointed charity trustees
Apart from the first charity trustees, every appointed trustee must be appointed for a term of 3 years by a resolution passed at a properly convened meeting of the charity trustees.
In selecting individuals for appointment as appointed charity trustees, the charity trustees must have regard to the skills, knowledge and experience needed for the effective administration of the CIO.
Nominated Trustee - The Trustees of the Acton Scott Estate ("the appointing body") may appoint one charity trustee.
Any appointment must be made at a meeting held according to the ordinary practice of the appointing body. Each appointment must be for a term of three years.
The appointment will be effective from the later of:
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the date of the vacancy; and
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the date on which the charity trustees or their secretary or clerk are informed of the appointment.
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The person appointed need not be a member of the appointing body.
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A trustee appointed by the appointing body has the same duty under clause 9(1) as the other charity trustees to act in the way he or she or they decide in good faith would be most likely to further the purposes of the CIO.
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ACTON SCOTT HERITAGE FARM
TRUSTEES' REPORT
FOR THE PERIOD 29 JANUARY 2024 TO 31 MARCH 2025
STRUCTURE, GOVERNANCE AND MANAGEMENT Induction and training of new trustees
Information for new charity trustees
The charity trustees will make available to each new charity trustee, on or before his or her or their first appointment:
a copy of the current version of this constitution; and
a copy of the CIO's latest Trustees' Annual Report and statement of accounts
New Trustees are required to undergo a DBS check.
TRUSTEES' RESPONSIBILITY STATEMENT
The trustees (who are also the directors of Acton Scott Heritage Farm 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) including Financial Reporting Standard 102 "The Financial Reporting Standard applicable in the UK and Republic of Ireland".
Company law requires the trustees to prepare financial statements for each financial year. Under that law, the trustees have elected to prepare the financial statements in accordance with United Kingdom Generally Accepted Accounting Practice (United Kingdom Accounting Standards and applicable law).
Under company law the trustees must not approve the financial statements 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 those 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 Charities SORP;
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make judgements and estimates that are reasonable and prudent;
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prepare the financial statements on the going concern basis unless it is inappropriate to presume that the charitable company will continue in business.
The trustees are responsible for keeping proper accounting records which disclose with reasonable accuracy at any time the financial position of the charitable company and to enable them to ensure that the financial statements comply with the Companies Act 2006. They are also responsible for safeguarding the assets of the charitable company and hence for taking reasonable steps for the prevention and detection of fraud and other irregularities.
29/01/2026
Approved by order of the board of trustees on .............................................. and signed on its behalf by:
.................................................................... S Farquhar - Trustee
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INDEPENDENT EXAMINER'S REPORT TO THETRUSTEES OF ACTON scorr HERITAGE FARM Independènt examinerfs reportto the trust¢•s of Acton Scott Heritage Farm Ilho Company'l l port to the charity Irustees on my examination of the accounts of the Company for the period 29 January 2024 to 31 March 2025. RpOnSibIlitieS and basis of report As the charty's trustees of the Company land also rts directors for the purposes of company lawl you are responsible for the preparation of the accounts in accordance with Ihe requirements of the Companies Act 2006 llhe 2006 ACVI. Having satisfied myself that the accounts of the Company are not required to be audfted 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 I'the 2011 Act'l In carrying out my examination I have followed the Oirections given by the Charity Commission under Section 145151 Ibl of the 2011 Indepgndent 8Xamin•S statemont Since your charity's gross income exceeded £250,000 your examiner must be a member of a 115tÈd body. I can confirm that l am qualified to undertake the examination because l am a member of the Institute of Chartered Accountants in England and Wales, which 15 one of the listed bodies. I have completed my examination. I confim that no matters have come to my attention in connection with the examination givin9 mè cause lo believe.. accounting records w6re not kept in respect of the Company #s required by Section 386 of the 2006 A¢t', or the accounts do not accord with those records.. or thè accounts do not comply wrth the accounting requirements of Se¢iion 396 01 the 2006 Act other than any requirement th* the accounts give a true and fair view which is not a matter considered as part of an independent examination.. or the a¢¢ounts have not been prepared in accordance with th$ methods and principles of the Statement of Rècommended Practice for accounting and reporting by charitie5 (applicable to chanlies preparing their aceounts in accordance with the Financial Reporting Stsn4Jard applicable in the UK and Republic of Ireland IFRS 102)). I have no concerns and have Come across no other matters in connection with the examination to which attentn shoul¢J be drawn in this repf)rt in order to enable a proper undèrstanding of the accounts to be reached. C MoeWn-Williams Bsc FCA TCA Ishrewsburyl LLP Third Floor 21 St Mary's Street Shrewsbury Shropshire SY1 1EO 2026 Page 9
ACTON SCOTT HERITAGE FARM
STATEMENT OF FINANCIAL ACTIVITIES
FOR THE PERIOD 29 JANUARY 2024 TO 31 MARCH 2025
| Unrestricte | ||
|---|---|---|
| fund | ||
| Notes | £ | |
| INCOME AND ENDOWMENTS FROM | ||
| Donations and legacies | 2 | 380 |
| Charitable activities | 3 | |
| General | 348,646 | |
| Other income | 14 | |
| Total | 349,040 | |
| EXPENDITURE ON | ||
| Charitable activities | ||
| General | 71,123 | |
| Other | 2,043 | |
| Total | 73,166 | |
| NET INCOME | 275,874 | |
| TOTAL FUNDS CARRIED FORWARD | 275,874 |
CONTINUING OPERATIONS
All income and expenditure has arisen from continuing activities.
The notes form part of these financial statements
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ACTON SCOTT HERITAGE FARM
STATEMENT OF FINANCIAL POSITION
31 MARCH 2025
| 31 MARCH 2025 | ||
|---|---|---|
| Unrestricte | ||
| fund | ||
| Notes | £ | |
| FIXED ASSETS | ||
| Tangible assets | 7 | 13,477 |
| CURRENT ASSETS | ||
| Debtors | 8 | 672 |
| Cash at bank | 288,784 | |
| 289,456 | ||
| CREDITORS | ||
| Amounts falling due within one year | 9 | (27,059) |
| NET CURRENT ASSETS | 262,397 | |
| TOTAL ASSETS LESS CURRENT | ||
| LIABILITIES | 275,874 | |
| NET ASSETS | 275,874 | |
| FUNDS | 10 | |
| Unrestricted funds | 275,874 | |
| TOTAL FUNDS | 275,874 |
The charitable company is entitled to exemption from audit under Section 477 of the Companies Act 2006 for the period ended 31 March 2025.
The members have not required the company to obtain an audit of its financial statements for the period ended 31 March 2025 in accordance with Section 476 of the Companies Act 2006.
The trustees acknowledge their responsibilities for
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(a) ensuring that the charitable company keeps accounting records that comply with Sections 386 and 387 of the Companies Act 2006 and
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(b) preparing financial statements which give a true and fair view of the state of affairs of the charitable company as at the end of each financial year and of its surplus or deficit for each financial year in accordance with the requirements of Sections 394 and 395 and which otherwise comply with the requirements of the Companies Act 2006 relating to financial statements, so far as applicable to the charitable company.
The notes form part of these financial statements
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ACTON SCOTT HERITAGE FARM
STATEMENT OF FINANCIAL POSITION - continued
31 MARCH 2025
These financial statements have been prepared in accordance with the provisions applicable to charitable companies subject to the small companies regime.
The financial statements were approved by the Board of Trustees and authorised for issue on 29/01/2026 . .......................................... and were signed on its behalf by:
............................................. S Farquhar - Trustee
The notes form part of these financial statements
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ACTON SCOTT HERITAGE FARM
NOTES TO THE FINANCIAL STATEMENTS
FOR THE PERIOD 29 JANUARY 2024 TO 31 MARCH 2025
1. ACCOUNTING POLICIES
Basis of preparing the financial statements
The financial statements of the charitable company, which is a public benefit entity under FRS 102, 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 financial statements have been prepared under the historical cost convention.
Financial reporting standard 102 - reduced disclosure exemptions
The charitable company has taken advantage of the following disclosure exemptions in preparing these financial statements, as permitted by FRS 102 'The Financial Reporting Standard applicable in the UK and Republic of Ireland':
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the requirements of Section 7 Statement of Cash Flows;
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the requirement of paragraph 3.17(d);
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the requirements of paragraphs 11.42, 11.44, 11.45, 11.47, 11.48(a)(iii), 11.48(a)(iv), 11.48(b) and 11.48(c);
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the requirements of paragraphs 12.26, 12.27, 12.29(a), 12.29(b) and 12.29A;
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the requirement of paragraph 33.7.
Income
All income is recognised in the Statement of Financial Activities once the charity has entitlement to the funds, it is probable that the income will be received and the amount can be measured reliably.
Expenditure
Liabilities are recognised as expenditure as soon as there is a legal or constructive obligation committing the charity to that expenditure, it is probable that a transfer of economic benefits will be required in settlement and the amount of the obligation can be measured reliably. Expenditure is accounted for on an accruals basis and has been classified under headings that aggregate all cost related to the category. Where costs cannot be directly attributed to particular headings they have been allocated to activities on a basis consistent with the use of resources.
Tangible fixed assets
Depreciation is provided at the following annual rates in order to write off each asset over its estimated useful life.
Computer Equipment - 25% straight line Plant, Machinery & Animals - Useful Life
Taxation
The charity is exempt from corporation tax on its charitable activities.
Fund accounting
Unrestricted funds can be used in accordance with the charitable objectives at the discretion of the trustees.
Restricted funds can only be used for particular restricted purposes within the objects of the charity. Restrictions arise when specified by the donor or when funds are raised for particular restricted purposes.
Further explanation of the nature and purpose of each fund is included in the notes to the financial statements.
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ACTON SCOTT HERITAGE FARM
NOTES TO THE FINANCIAL STATEMENTS - continued FOR THE PERIOD 29 JANUARY 2024 TO 31 MARCH 2025
1. ACCOUNTING POLICIES - continued
Pension costs and other post-retirement benefits
The charitable company operates a defined contribution pension scheme. Contributions payable to the charitable company's pension scheme are charged to the Statement of Financial Activities in the period to which they relate.
Debtors
Trade and other debtors are recognised at the settlement amount after any trade discount offered. Prepayments are valued at the amount prepaid net of any trade discounts due.
Cash at bank and in hand
Cash at bank and in hand includes cash and short-term highly liquid investments with a short maturity of three months or less from the date of acquisition or opening of the deposit or similar account.
Financial instruments
The charity only has financial assets and financial liabilities of a kind that qualify as basic financial instruments. Basic financial instruments are initially recognised at transaction value and subsequently measured at their settlement value.
2. DONATIONS AND LEGACIES
| Donations Donated animals & equipment INCOME FROM CHARITABLE ACTIVITIES General Admission Sales Grants Grants received, included in the above, are as follows: Local Authority Grant |
£ 180 200 380 £ 8,497 149 340,000 348,646 £ 340,000 |
|---|---|
3. INCOME FROM CHARITABLE ACTIVITIES
Included in grant income in £340,000 received from Shropshire Council; funding received from the Government and Local Authoritires during the period.
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ACTON SCOTT HERITAGE FARM
NOTES TO THE FINANCIAL STATEMENTS - continued FOR THE PERIOD 29 JANUARY 2024 TO 31 MARCH 2025
4. NET INCOME/(EXPENDITURE)
Net income/(expenditure) is stated after charging/(crediting):
| Net income/(expenditure) is stated after charging/(crediting): | |
|---|---|
| £ | |
| Depreciation - owned assets | 752 |
5. TRUSTEES' REMUNERATION AND BENEFITS
There were no trustees' remuneration or other benefits for the period ended 31 March 2025.
Trustees' expenses
There were no trustees' expenses paid for the period ended 31 March 2025.
6. STAFF COSTS
| Wages and salaries Other pension costs |
£ 25,308 1,265 |
|---|---|
| 26,573 |
The Key management personnel of the charity to whom the Trustees delegate the day-to-day running of the organisation is the Director. The total employee benefit of the key management personnel of the charity for the period ended 31 March 2025 were £20,711.
The average monthly number of employees during the period was as follows:
Farm Employees 1
No employees received emoluments in excess of £60,000.
7. TANGIBLE FIXED ASSETS
| COST Plant, Machinery Computer & Animals equipment £ £ Additions 11,220 3,009 DEPRECIATION Charge for year - 752 NET BOOK VALUE At 31 March 2025 11,220 2,257 |
Totals £ 14,229 |
|---|---|
| 752 | |
| 13,477 |
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ACTON SCOTT HERITAGE FARM
NOTES TO THE FINANCIAL STATEMENTS - continued FOR THE PERIOD 29 JANUARY 2024 TO 31 MARCH 2025
8. DEBTORS: AMOUNTS FALLING DUE WITHIN ONE YEAR
| DEBTORS: AMOUNTS FALLING DUE WITHIN ONE YEAR | ||
|---|---|---|
| Prepayments and accrued income CREDITORS: AMOUNTS FALLING DUE WITHIN ONE YEAR Trade creditors Social security and other taxes Other creditors Accruals and deferred income |
£ 672 £ 13,271 3,885 7,428 2,475 |
£ 672 |
| 27,059 |
9. CREDITORS: AMOUNTS FALLING DUE WITHIN ONE YEAR
10.
MOVEMENT IN FUNDS
| Unrestricted funds General fund TOTAL FUNDS |
Net movement in funds £ 275,874 275,874 |
At 31.3.25 £ 275,874 |
|---|---|---|
| 275,874 |
Net movement in funds, included in the above are as follows:
| Unrestricted funds General fund TOTAL FUNDS |
Incoming resources £ 349,040 349,040 |
Resources expended £ Movement in funds £ (73,166) 275,874 (73,166) 275,874 |
|---|---|---|
11. EMPLOYEE BENEFIT OBLIGATIONS
The charitable company operates a defined contribution pension scheme. The assets of the scheme are held separately from those of the charitable company in an independently administered fund. The pension cost charge represents contributions payable by the charitable company to the fund and amounted to £1,265. Contributions totaling £2,531 were payable to the fund at the balance sheet date.
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ACTON SCOTT HERITAGE FARM
NOTES TO THE FINANCIAL STATEMENTS - continued FOR THE PERIOD 29 JANUARY 2024 TO 31 MARCH 2025
12. RELATED PARTY DISCLOSURES
During the period, the charity paid Trustee M Lawton £238 in relation to consultancy costs.
During the period, the charity paid Trustee H Paris £300 in relation to consultancy costs.
During the year there has been transactions with Acton Scott Partners LLP, Trustee F S Acton is a LLP Designated Member. In total £11,480 has been paid to Acton Scott Estate during the period. These costs are broken down as Licence Fee and Utility Fee of £340, and Farm Animals of £11,140.
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