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2023-09-30-accounts

ANNUAL REPORT AND ACCOUNTS 2023

5 Minutes of 2023 AGM

18 Cash Flow Statement

19 Notes to the Financial Statements

35 Advert for the show

Contents

Chair of Board’s Report

SHIRE HORSE SOCIETY

Patron

HER MAJESTY THE QUEEN WAS OUR PATRON 1952-2022

President Mr J E Robinson

NOTICE OF ANNUAL GENERAL MEETING ANNUAL REPORT AND ACCOUNTS 2023

SHIRE HORSE SOCIETY

Established in 1878 to promote the Old English Breed of Cart Horse

3 Board Chairman Report 4 Chief Executive’s Report

4 Chair of Council Report

5 Notice of 2024 AGM

9 Report of the Trustees

12 Council, Committees and Officials 14 Independent Examiner’s Report 15 Statement of Financial activities 16 Balance Sheet

Detailed Statement of Financial Activities

29

It gives me great pleasure to wish you a Happy New Year, welcome you to 2024 and reflect on 2023.

2023 was a year when we were able to fully resume a normal way of life and get our horses out and about. It was good to see so many at our National Show at Newark when we had such bad weather, and we were nearly snowed away. The affiliated shows were a great success culminating with excellent classes at the Horse of the Year Show to bring the season to a close.

The SPARKS breeding programme has been taken up by many and we wait to see the anticipated benefits bear fruit for the gene pool by using such a programme.

Our Articles of Association give us a clear framework to work within and allows the Society to progress

with its purpose and objectives – which are to improve the breed and promote the breeding of the Shire Horse, and to educate the public about the Shire Horse and the importance of preserving the breed and its heritage. The Board has put together a Board Governance Pack to ensure that the Society meets the governance standards required of a charity of its size, the Board mitigate risks to the Society, complies with all legal and regulatory requirements and we observe the Charity Governance Code. The Board has also been reviewing policies to give greater guidance to the Society.

We very much look forward to our National Show at Stafford this year, being inside will safeguard the impending weather at this time of year. I hope to see many of you there. We hope that the Heavy Horse Camp continues to be a great success, and

also for our affiliated shows where we can show off our beautiful Shires. I would like to thank all those for making our National Show and Camp such great events.

We are now working on a three-year plan so that we can further the aims and objectives of the Society in a planned, resourced way to ensure that we lay good, clear foundations for the future. This has been done in co-operation with the Council who have brought forward some good ideas to develop.

Finally, I would like to thank my coTrustees and Board members for their dedication and effort and also thank the office staff and CEO who work tirelessly for the breed on so many fronts.

Helen Thomas, Chairman of Board

Governing Document: Memorandum of Association and Articles of Association

Company Limited by Guarantee Registered in England – Certificate of Incorporation 12383

Registered Charity No. 210619

Registered Office: The Old Dairy, Rockingham Castle & Park, Rockingham, Market Harborough, LE16 8TH

Tel: 01536 771 611

Email: info@shire-horse.org.uk Chief Executive: Victoria Clayton

31 Election of Council Members

Chief Executive’s Report

for this year by Colloe Grove Shires (Jason Holder), David Yates as Luke Evans Bakery and Alderley and Walton Shires (Jonathan Worthington). Our most sincere and grateful thanks to you all.

life that a new year brings. I wish all of our dedicated breeders a safe and successful breeding season. With that in mind, a new initiative borne from the Editing Committee will be in operation, to give back to breeders.

As I sit down to write this, we are at a completely different end of the spectrum weather wise to this time last year, rather than needing thermals and grit; I have sent for supplies to start building an ark! We have however, had the shortest day and winter solstice and therefore the lighter nights will soon be upon us.

Points will be awarded to breeders

As ever at this time of year, the office is busy and excited with the thought of the upcoming National Show. We return to the indoor venue of Bingley Hall, Stafford for 2024. There is a feeling of returning ‘home’ for us in the office, having had four wonderful shows between 2016 and 2019. We hope that competitors, spectators, judges, and officials all enjoy being back under cover; and wish anyone

and therefore the lighter nights will based on horses showing with their soon be upon us. prefix. Points will be awarded at affiliated shows and for a full range The last twelve months have had its of classes. At the end of the season, challenges, successes, highs, and the breeder with the most points will lows. We focus going forward in 2024 be awarded the title of ‘Breeder of the looking at breeding and breeders. This Year’ and £500, second placed £300 year will be the first year we see how and third placed £150. Double points many foals are born within the ‘green will be awarded for prizes won at the and yellow’ bands for the SPARKS National Show. These prizes have very system and we keenly await the new generously been donated respectively

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Annual Report and Accounts 2023

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2

competing the very best of luck. The Council members standing for reand to look at the bigger picture return is not without its challenges, election and those new members to help and to create demand and namely higher costs, and whilst we wishing to be elected. We have some sustainability for the Shire horse for have tried to limit passing these to wonderful candidates forward who generations to come, for which I am exhibitors, some higher costs are would all bring expertise, knowledge, deeply committed. I simply ask that unavoidable and for this we hope you and ideas to the table. These members we work together to continue to will understand. will sit on Committees who in turn aid demonstrate why the Shire horse is the Board in the running of the Society. the iconic, majestic and instantly most We will welcome a new member of the Please do use your vote. recognisable horse in the world.

We will welcome a new member of the office team in January, Laura, our new Events and Fundraising Co-ordinator. Laura joins us with a wealth of experience, and she will look forward to meeting many of you, our members at the show in March.

Events and Fundraising Co-ordinator. The office staff of Angela, Sue, Carol, On behalf of the Shire Horse Society, Laura joins us with a wealth of Laura, and I are all here to help I would like to take this opportunity experience, and she will look forward and along with Council members to thank you, the members for your to meeting many of you, our members to encourage newcomers and new continued support and love of the at the show in March. members to strive to help to preserve, breed. promote and protect (the three P’s) the Time waits for no one, and it is soon horse that put the Great into Britain. Victoria Clayton, election time again, please take the Chief Executive time to read the CVs of the dedicated My job is to help with the ‘three P’s’

Notice of AGM

Notice is hereby given that the ANNUAL GENERAL MEETING of the Members of the Shire Horse Society will be held on Friday 8th March 2024 in the Boden Room, Staffordshire County Showground Pavilion, at 4.30pm

AGENDA:

1. WELCOME ADDRESS.

2. APOLOGIES FOR ABSENCE.

3. MINUTES OF THE LAST ANNUAL GENERAL MEETING HELD ON 10TH MARCH 2023.

4. MATTERS ARISING FROM THE MINUTES.

5. RECEIVE REPORT OF COUNCIL & STATEMENT OF ACCOUNTS.

6. ELECTION OF TRUSTEES.

Chair of Council’s Report

7. ELECTION OF HONORARY TREASURER

8. ELECTION OF MEMBERS.

9. INDEPENDENT EXAMINER.

brought forward by the various chairs and their committees.

In 1974 I was elected by the There is now a Vice Chairman who brought forward by the various chairs membership to join the Shire Horse will succeed me when I retire. and their committees. Society’s Council attending my first meeting at Devonshire Street in Council is the eyes and ears of the Change is not always easy, and things London. I never envisaged being Society being voted for by the have to be discussed and debated made Chairman of Council. Seeing membership every year. There are before being accepted. many changes from the introduction some strong-minded people on of the stallion scheme, grants and Council that are passionate about It has been a privilege to work and approval, to a Spring Show move the breed and their opinions over the support the Shire Horse Society over from a weekday to the weekend, years. A number of members have the years of which on the whole I Shire Horse of the Year and a move resigned over the years over different have enjoyed. from Peterborough to Rockingham. opinions, and it is only right and democratic as long as they conduct Jim Yates The Shire Horse Society took a new themselves in a correct manner. Chairman of Council

Jim Yates Chairman of Council

The Shire Horse Society took a new route in 2021 by creating a Board

of Trustees in charge of the charity This year there was a need to call status taking an independent view. an extra meeting to discuss matters

10. ANY OTHER BUSINESS.

By Order of the Council Victoria Clayton, Chief Executive

AGM Minutes

Minutes of the Shire Horse Society’s Annual General Meeting held on Friday 10th March 2023 in the Sir Stuart Goodwin Pavilion at Newark Showground at 4:30pm.

PRESENT:

Mr S J Peacock (Chair of Show Committee) Mrs Y Simmons (Chair of Training & Education Committee) Mrs W Toomer-Harlow

Mr J Robinson (President) Mrs H Thomas (Chair of Board) Mr T J Yates (Chair of Council) Mr J W Clarke (Honorary Treasurer & Board Trustee) Ms L Archer (Chair of Editing & Training Committee)

(Chair of Strategy & Development Committee) Mr D Baker (CFW Accountants LLP)

MEMBERS ATTENDING:

Mrs D Badger Mr T Froggatt Mr E Leverett Mrs H Preece Mrs P L Wass Mr M Barnett Mr M Gath Mrs S Leverett Mr G J Rawlins Mr J Verhoeven Mrs D Bingham Mr J Goodwin Mr S Leverett Mr M Rendle Mrs N Verhoeven Mr M Bingham Miss C Harrison Mr G Livesey Mr F Richardson Mr C Wilkins Mr P Bower Mrs R L Harvey Mr S Livesey Mr P Shipman Mrs A Worthington Mr R Brewster Mr J Hick Mrs E MaceyMr P Simmons Miss E Worthington Mr A H Brown Mr C Horler Bracken Miss L Trotter Mr J Worthington Miss H Carr Mr D Iles Mr M J Martin Mr D Walker Mrs J Wordsworth Mr P J Cockcroft Miss J Jones Mr D Mouland Mr A J Wass Mrs S Yates Mrs S Cockcroft Mr M King Miss L Parr Miss C Eagle Mr S Ledsham Mr A J Peacock

IN ATTENDANCE:

Miss V L Clayton (Chief Executive) Mrs C Coles (Accounts)

Mrs S M Fox (Administration) Miss A Whiteway (Registrations)

4 Shire Horse Society

Annual Report and Accounts 2023

www.shire-horse.org.uk 5

1. WELCOME ADDRESS

The Chair of the Board, Mrs H Thomas welcomed members to the AGM and then introduced the Society’s new President Mr J Robinson who will be in office for two years. Mr Robinson’s family firm, Frederic Robinson (Robinsons Brewery) has a long relationship with Shire horses.

The President said he was no expert on Shire horses but his love for the breed stems from seeing the horses at the brewery and learning about them from Mr John Walker. The President added Robinsons Brewery not only have working Shires at the brewery but have also embarked on a breeding programme. He is proud to be President of the Society and offered his telephone number and email via the Chief Executive to those who wished to speak to him about Society matters. The President added he hoped to meet many members over the weekend and throughout his tenure.

APOLOGIES FOR ABSENCE

Apologies were received from Mr N Andrews, Mr A Atkin, Mr B Banham, Mr H Bedford, Mr W Bedford, Mr Wm Bedford, Mr J Burks, Mr M Burks, Mr J Clayton, Mrs J Clayton, Mr P Clayton, Miss J-A Clubley, Mr C Dawson, Miss S Field, Mrs S Flintham, Mrs L Froggatt, Mrs D Green, Mrs E Green, Mr R Green, Mr S Green, Mr R Griffith, Mr C Horler, Mr M Horler, Mrs T Horler, Miss L Hudd, Mr B Morgan, Mrs B Morgan, Mrs J Muntz-Torres, Mrs D Nulty, Mrs M Rendle, Mr P Ryder-Davies, Mr F M Richardson, Mr G Robinson, Mr D Shardlow, Mr C Trenchard Jarrett, Mr D Worthington and Mr D Yates.

2. MINUTES OF THE LAST

ANNUAL GENERAL MEETING HELD ON 11TH MARCH 2022.

The Minutes had been circulated to all members in the Annual Report and Accounts 2022.

3. MATTERS ARISING FROM

THE MINUTES

The President asked if there were any matters arising from the Minutes. There were no matters arising and Mr P Shipman proposed the Minutes should be signed as a true and correct record. Mr P Bower seconded the proposal. Members agreed.

4. RECEIVE REPORT OF THE COUNCIL AND STATEMENT OF ACCOUNTS

The Honorary Treasurer, Mr J W Clarke took Members through the accounts for the year ending September 2022 as set out in the Annual Report & Accounts.

Mr Clarke said in 2022 the Society received a surprise legacy which has helped the Society’s funds. The Heavy Horse Camp and National Shire Horse Show both realised a small profit and investments have recovered after Covid and the Ukrainian war.

The accounts are in good shape and James Sharp Investments manage the Society’s investments well. Expenditure is up on the previous year but on the whole, they are in better shape and the impact of the Ukrainian war has not been as dramatic on the accounts as was initially thought.

The Honorary Treasurer reported that membership needs to grow and asked members to help recruit more people. More help is needed from Gift Aid donations. He added money

is being invested in the new SPARKS (breeding programme).

Balance Sheet: Cash in the bank is high, due to legacies at the time the accounts were finalised and overall, in good shape. The Honorary Treasurer stated officials are doing their best they can with the accounts, and he was pleased to see a good recovery

following on from the Covid years. Trends are positive and encouraging.

Chair of Board, Mrs H Thomas invited members to ask questions.

Council member, Mr J Worthington asked if legacy money is ‘squandered’ on running costs. He added that those who leave a legacy for a particular purpose should have their request respected. The Chair and Honorary Treasurer confirmed that such money is directed to the right areas and legacies with a particular purpose are directed to the areas in which the instruction was received. The SPARKS breeding programme is funded by legacy money.

There being no further questions Mrs W Toomer-Harlow proposed that the Accounts for the year ending 2022 should be adopted, and Mrs D Badger seconded the proposal. All agreed.

5. ELECTION OF TRUSTEES

The Chair reported that two new Trustees were co-opted to the Board, Mr James Hick and Mr Simon Livesey. During this time both have been valued members and contributed to the work of the Shire Horse Society. Mr Hick is the Chief Executive of the British Horse Society and owns Shire horses which he shows in hand.

Mrs H Thomas proposed that Mr J Hick is appointed to the Board of Trustees. Mrs D Badger seconded this. All agreed.

Mr Simon Livesey runs a family business which grows, packs and distributes woodland mushrooms, which has become one of the largest in Europe. He runs a pedigree herd of Hereford cattle as well as breeding Shire horses.

Mrs H Thomas proposed that Mr S Livesey be appointed to the Board of

Trustees. Mr T J Yates seconded this. All agreed.

Members voted in favour of Messrs. Hick and Livesey. Mr J Hick – 98%; Mr S Livesey – 88%.

Both Mr Hick and Mr Livesey were successfully appointed to the Board of Trustees.

6. RE-ELECTION OF TRUSTEE/HON. TREASURER

The Chair explained to members that as per the Articles of Association, one third of Trustees retire on an annual basis.

Mr James Clarke has since tendered his resignation and unfortunately has taken the decision not to stand for re-election.

Mr Clarke was appointed President of the Shire Horse Society in 2018, after which he took on the role of Honorary Treasurer of the Society from Mr Richard Fuller.

The Chair thanked Mr Clarke for all the work he had done with the Shire Horse Society and presented him with a memento from the Society.

7. ELECTION OF COUNCIL

MEMBERS

Mr D Baker from CFW Accountants LLP who acted as the Scrutineers confirmed they had received 265 voting papers of which 260 were counted.

The Candidates duly elected were:

Mr W Bedford (147) Mr J Holder (139) Mr S J Peacock (136) Mr L M Fountain (135) Mr M Bedford (132) Mr D Worthington (126) Mr D Shardlow (123) Mr D Yates (114)

Mr P Shipman (112) Mrs Y Simmons (107)

Miss A Chetwood (103) Mr J Fairbairn (89)

The Council members were duly elected and congratulated. Grateful thanks were recorded to Mr D Baker and CFW Accountants LLP for their assistance.

8. APPOINTMENT OF INDEPENDENT EXAMINER

Mrs Y Simmons proposed that CFW Accountants LLP should be re-appointed as the Society’s Independent Examiners. This was seconded by Mr J Clarke and approved by the majority. Mr D Baker was thanked for all his help.

9. ANY OTHER BUSINESS

There were no further matters relating to the accounts and the Chair formally closed the AGM at 4:51pm.

Shire Horse Society

Annual Report and Accounts 2023

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6

Report of the Trustees and Unaudited Financial Statements

For the year ended 30 September 2023 For Shire Horse Society

Report of the Trustees

The Board of Trustees present their report with the financial statements of the charity for the year ended 30 September 2023. The trustees have adopted the provisions of the Statement of Recommended Practice (SORP) “Accounting and Reporting by Charities” (FRS 102) as applicable to charities in preparing the annual report and financial statements of the charity, in accordance with the applicable law and the United Kingdom Accounting Standards (United Kingdom Generally Accepted Accounting Practice - UK GAAP), including FRS102; The Financial Reporting Standard applicable in the UK and Republic of Ireland.

OBJECTIVES AND ACTIVITIES OBJECTIVES AND AIMS

The Society’s principal objective is the improvement and promotion of the English Cart Horse, more particularly, the Shire Horse, and to this end, maintaining a Stud Book in which are entered the names of all registered Shire Horses complying with the conditions for the time being applied by the Society.

To meet the objective the Society has established an expert Judging Panel, introduced a comprehensive system of DNA testing for all Pedigree animals and devised a Stallion inspection scheme in order to ensure that male animals used for breeding meet strict conformation and health criteria and introduced training courses.

The Society is generously assisted in its breeding policies by a grant from the Horserace Betting Levy Board which itself sets strict conditions for grant payment. The grant aided work is regularly reviewed by both parties in order to ensure its effectiveness.

The Charity has due regard during the year to the guidance published by the Charities Commission on public benefit.

NATIONAL SHIRE HORSE SHOW 2023

The National Show returned in 2023, held outdoors at Newark and Nottinghamshire County Showground. It was a successful show despite poor weather, large numbers of visitors attended and the quality of animals on display was clear for all to see. The show in 2024 will return to an indoor venue in Stafford. The venue has been historically very popular with the exhibitors and the members and the return indoors will hopefully see an increase in visitors on the numbers for 2023.

EXPORTS

Specific numbers are of horses exported are no longer recorded. Records from Stud Book entries and overseas attendance at the National Show indicate that the demand for quality horses abroad continues to be strong. Society members do not always notify the Society of exports therefore it is difficult to maintain accurate export figures.

MERCHANDISING AND MARKETING

The Society attended 16 events and shows including the two foal shows and three demonstration events in 2023. There has been significant promotion where possible and use of the website for sales of merchandise where possible. The Society is deeply indebted to the help of its volunteers and very much hope those and others wish to be a part of the marketing of the Society this coming year.

STALLION PREMIUM SCHEME

The Editing Committee have removed the premium scheme in its entirety. Other funding and grants will be given to breeders from 2023 onwards.

CFW Accountants LLP Chartered Accountants & Business Advisers 3 Weekley Wood Close Kettering Northamptonshire NN14 1UQ

SHIRE HORSE SOCIETY APPROVED CENTRES

The approved centres offer visitor experience and training facilities. The Trustees continue to consider the options available and develop a programme of activities that yield the maximum educational, training and promotional benefits for the Society and supporters.

OBJECTIVES AND ACTIVITIES

REGISTERED COMPANY NUMBER: 00012383 (England and Wales) REGISTERED CHARITY NUMBER: 210619

NATIONAL SHIRE HORSE TRUST FUND

The financial objective of the Society remains to increase the accumulated fund at a rate not less than inflation for the

Shire Horse Society

Annual Report and Accounts 2023

www.shire-horse.org.uk

current year thus ensuring that the purchasing power of the fund is maintained. The financial attitude of the Society remains to pursue a break even position financially, without the historic dependence on donations or legacies. By doing so, any excess income can be utilised in a more beneficial way for the breed generally.

The Trust Fund is used firstly and most importantly to further the Society’s charitable objectives including the promotion of the Shire Horse both at home and overseas and to also meet the Society’s operating costs. In addition, the Society is required to contribute to the Stallion Fund at a level of 20% of the funding received from the Horserace Betting Levy Board. The Society’s contribution is taken from the Trust Fund.

FINANCIAL REVIEW

The financial statements show an overall increase in net funds of £268,883 (2022: increase £256,960) as shown on the Statement of Financial Activities.

The Society received legacy income totalling £395,528 (2022: £440,162). This source of revenue remains important to the Society in improving the capital base and investment income. The Board of Trustees has agreed it is not appropriate to rely on legacy income.

December 2021.

The Charity is governed by Board of Trustees who meet at least four times a year. The Board with the support of the Council has established a committee structure to deal directly with specific aspects of the Society’s affairs. These Board and committees currently are:

The BOARD OF TRUSTEES dealing with financial matters and the day to day operation of the Society along with the CEO.

The EDITING COMMITTEE are responsible for all matters relating to the Stud Book, breeding programme and pedigrees.

The TRAINING AND EDUCATION COMMITTEE are responsible for the education of the public about the Shire Horse, running training events and programmes for the membership and the appointment, training and maintenance of an expert and active panel of Judges.

The SHOW COMMITTEE are responsible for all matters relating to the running of the National Show.

At the balance sheet date the Society had unrealised gains in the value of its portfolios of £29,056 (2022: unrealised losses £121,162). The market value of the Society’s investments at the end of the year was £682,703 (2022: £653,647) and is higher than their original cost of £323,723.

Improved rates of investment returns saw a slight increase in investment income at £25,970 (2022: £24,355). There was also interest received on the investments that have not been seen before at £2,666.

FUTURE PROSPECTS

Prospects, as ever for 2024 remain increasingly challenging, but with net assets valued at £1,421,023 (2022: £1,152,140) the Society is well placed to continue to assist Shire Breeders and encourage new owners.

The STRATEGY AND DEVELOPMENT COMMITTEE identify areas of strength and weaknesses within the Society. It is to promote and deliver new initiatives that provide for succession within the Society, including youth schemes and its sustainability for the long term.

The DISCIPLINARY COMMITTEE deal with all matters concerning the conduct of Members.

All Council and Committee members are volunteers who receive no payment for their services. The National Show in March, is also run, in part, by Stewards who give their time in a voluntary capacity.

The Society continues to invest heavily in the National Show as it is viewed by Trustees as an essential tool to promote the Shire both at home and overseas.

RISK MANAGEMENT

The Board of Trustees will continue to review the systems that are in place to mitigate the Society’s exposure to major risks.

RESERVES POLICY

The Society maintains a prudent level of reserves to generate income to help fund the activities that further the Society’s charitable aims and objectives. This income is intended to counter large fluctuations in irregular income such as legacies and help fund the National Show.

The Trustees continue to maintain a greater proportion of reserves in short term cash deposits to protect the Society from the volatile nature of equity and bond markets.

INDEPENDENT EXAMINER

The Society is no longer required to undertake a full audit, CFW Accountants LLP have undertaken an independent examiner’s review and their report is enclosed.

STRUCTURE, GOVERNANCE AND MANAGEMENT SOCIETY GOVERNANCE

The charity is controlled by its governing document, a deed of trust, and constitutes a limited company, limited by guarantee, as defined by the Companies Act 2006.

The Society’s governing document was reviewed and the adoption of new Articles of Association took place on 14th

Shire Horse Society

Annual Report and Accounts 2023

www.shire-horse.org.uk

Council, Committees and Officials

RETIRE 2024

P Bower, Essex M Burks, Lincolnshire J C Etches, Derbyshire L E Harrison, Co. Durham M A Horler, Somerset C Malkin, Shropshire Mrs D E Nulty, Cheshire Mrs H Preece, Cheshire D Roberts, Devon Mrs W Toomer-Harlow, Essex B A Winn, Lincolnshire

RETIRE 2025

Mrs D Badger, Tamworth Wm Bedford, Yorkshire J Burks, Lincolnshire Miss C Eagle, Suffolk Mrs S Flintham, Nottinghamshire R Griffith, Wales C Horler, Somerset S Ledsham, Shropshire G Rawlins, Tamworth F M Richardson, Yorkshire J Worthington, Cheshire T J Yates, Derbyshire

RETIRE 2026

W Bedford, Yorkshire M Bedford, Yorkshire A Chetwood, Cheshire J Fairbairn, Northumberland L M Fountain, Derbyshire

J Holder, Gloucestershire S J Peacock, Essex D Shardlow, Cheshire

P Shipman, Lincolnshire

Mrs Y Simmons, Shropshire D Worthington, Cheshire D Yates, Derbyshire

BOARD OF TRUSTEES

Mrs H Thomas (Board Chair), Mr T J Yates (Chairman of Council), Mr Simon Livesey, Mr James Hick.

EDITING COMMITTEE

Miss L Archer (Chairman) Mr P Ryder-Davies & Mr B RyderDavies (Honorary Veterinary Surgeons), Mr J Holder, Mr D Roberts, Mr P Shipman, Mr C Malkin (co-opt), Mr J Worthington, Mr B Winn, Mr D Yates.

TRAINING AND EDUCATION COMMITTEE

Mrs Y Simmons (Chair), Mrs D Badger, Miss C Eagle, Mr R Griffith, Mr M Richardson, Mr M Bingham (co-opt).

SHOW COMMITTEE

Mr S J Peacock (Chairman), Mr A Peacock (Chief Steward), Mr M Bedford, Mr A Brown (co-opt), Miss A Chetwood, Mrs D Nulty, Mrs B Harvey (co-opt), Mr M Burks (co-opt), Mr C Horler.

STRATEGY AND DEVELOPMENT COMMITTEE

Mrs W Toomer-Harlow (Chair), Mrs H Preece, Mr G Rawlins, Miss M Langley (co-opt), Mr D Shardlow, Mr J Fairbairn.

DISCIPLINARY COMMITTEE

The President, two Past Presidents or past deputies, two past chairs, a solicitor.

HONORARY TREASURER

Mr D Clarke.

BANKERS

Barclays Bank plc, Church Street, Peterborough

ACCOUNTANTS AND INDEPENDENT EXAMINERS

CFW Accountants LLP, 3 Weekley Wood Close, Kettering, NN14 1UQ

CHIEF EXECUTIVE OFFICER

Victoria Clayton MRICS FAAV

STUD BOOK AND REGISTRATIONS

Miss Angela Whiteway

REFERENCE AND ADMINISTRATIVE DETAILS

Registered Company number: 00012383 (Eng and Wales)

TRUSTEES

S Livesey (appointed 15.11.22) J Hick (appointed 15.11.22)

T J Yates

J W Clarke (resigned 10.03.23) Mrs H Thomas

COMPANY SECRETARY

Miss V Clayton

REFERENCE AND ADMINISTRATIVE DETAILS

Independent Examiner David Ian Baker FCCA, CFW Accountants LLP, Chartered Accountants & Business Advisers, 3 Weekley Wood Close, Kettering, Northamptonshire NN14 1UQ

This report has been prepared in accordance with the special provisions of Part 15 of the Companies Act 2006 relating to small companies.

Approved by order of the Board of Trustees and signed on its behalf by:

Victoria Clayton Secretary 16th January 2024

Registered Charity number: 210619

Registered Office: The Old Dairy Rockingham Castle and Park Rockingham Market Harborough LE16 8TH

Shire Horse Society

Annual Report and Accounts 2023

www.shire-horse.org.uk

Independent Examiner’s Report

Statement of Financial Activities

INDEPENDENT EXAMINER’S REPORT TO THE TRUSTEES OF SHIRE HORSE SOCIETY (‘THE COMPANY’)

I report to the charity trustees on my examination of the accounts of the Company for the year ended 30 September 2023.

RESPONSIBILITIES AND BASIS OF REPORT

As the charity’s 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

Since your charity’s gross income exceeded £250,000 your examiner must be a member of a listed body. I can confirm that I am qualified to undertake the examination because I am a member of the Association of Chartered Certified Accountants, which is one of the listed bodies.

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:

  1. accounting records were not kept in respect of the Company as required by Section 386 of the 2006 Act; or 2. the accounts do not accord with those records; or

  2. 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

  3. 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.

Notes
INCOME AND ENDOWMENTS FROM
Donations and legacies
2
Charitable activities
5
Membership subscriptions
Direct charitable purpose
Other trading activities
3
Investment income
4
Total
EXPENDITURE ON
Raising funds
6
Charitable activities
7
Shire horse show
Stud book fees, sales and service books
Membership subscriptions
Support costs
Direct charitable purpose
Shire/Heavy horse camp
Total
Net gains/(losses) on investments
NET INCOME
RECONCILIATION OF FUNDS
Total funds brought forward
TOTAL FUNDS CARRIED FORWARD		 Unrestricted
fund
£
428,287
42,484
131,790
7,209
28,636
638,406
67,064
103,767
125,266
36,135
57,062
-
13,555
402,849
29,056
264,613
1,034,813
1,299,427		 Restricted
funds
£
35,000
-
-
-
-
35,000
-
-
-
-
-
30,730
-
30,730
-
4,270
117,327
121,596		 2023
Total funds
£
463,287

42,484

131,790

7,209

28,636
673,406
67,064

103,767

125,266

36,135

57,062

30,730

13,555

433,579

29,056

268,883

1,152,140

1,421,023		 2022
Total funds
£
489,874
41,555
167,895
8,399
24,355
732,078
53,051
77,871
102,999
32,296
47,067
27,701
12,971
353,956
(121,162)
256,960
895,180
1,152,140

David Ian Baker FCCA

CFW Accountants LLP

Chartered Accountants & Business Advisers

3 Weekley Wood Close Kettering Northamptonshire NN14 1UQ

Shire Horse Society

Annual Report and Accounts 2023

www.shire-horse.org.uk

Balance Sheet

Notes
FIXED ASSETS
Tangible assets
13
Investments
14
CURRENT ASSETS
Stocks
15
Debtors
16
Cash at bank and in hand
CREDITORS
Amounts falling due within one year
17
NET CURRENT ASSETS
TOTAL ASSETS LESS CURRENT LIABILITIES
NET ASSETS
FUNDS
19
Unrestricted funds
Restricted funds
TOTAL FUNDS		 Unrestricted
fund
£
21,983
561,107
583,090
8,412
28,894
700,700
738,006
(21,669)
716,337
1,299,427
1,299,427		 Restricted
funds
£
-
121,596
121,596
-
-
-

-
-
-
121,596
121,596		 2023
Total funds
£

21,983

682,703

704,686

8,412

28,894

700,700

738,006

(21,669)

716,337
1,421,023

1,421,023
1,299,427
121,596
1,421,023		 2022
Total funds
£
27,398
653,647
681,045
10,719
20,212
461,797
492,728
(21,633)
471,095
1,152,140
1,152,140
1,034,813
117,327
1,152,140

The charitable company is entitled to exemption from audit under Section 477 of the Companies Act 2006 for the year ended 30 September 2023.

The members have not required the company to obtain an audit of its financial statements for the year ended 30 September 2023 in accordance with Section 476 of the Companies Act 2006.

The trustees acknowledge their responsibilities for

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 and were signed on its behalf by:

T J Yates - Trustee H Thomas - Trustee J Hick - Trustee S Livesey - Trustee

Shire Horse Society

Annual Report and Accounts 2023

www.shire-horse.org.uk

Cash Flow Statement

Notes to the Financial Statements

CASH FLOWS FROM OPERATING ACTIVITIES
Cash generated from operations
21
Net cash provided by operating activities
CASH FLOWS FROM INVESTING ACTIVITIES
Interest received
Dividends received
Net cash provided by investing activities
Change in cash and cash equivalents in the reporting period
Cash and cash equivalents at the beginning of the reporting period
Cash and cash equivalents at the end of the reporting period
Notes		 2023
£
210,267
210,267
2,666
25,970
28,636
238,903
461,797
700,700		 2022
£
334,312
334,312
-
24,355
24,355
358,667
103,130
461,797

1. ACCOUNTING POLICIES

GENERAL INFORMATION AND BASIS OF PREPARATION

General information and basis of preparation Shire Horse Society is a private company, limited by guarantee registered in England and Wales . In the event

of the charity being wound up, the liability in respect of the guarantee is limited to £5 per member of the charity. The address of the registered office is given in the charity information on page 12 of these financial statements.

The charity constitutes a public benefit entity as defined by FRS 102. The financial statements have been prepared in accordance with 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 issued in October 2019, the Financial Reporting Standard applicable in the United Kingdom and Republic of Ireland (FRS 102), the Charities Act 2011, the Companies Act 2006 and UK Generally Accepted Accounting Practice.

The financial statements are prepared on a going concern basis under the historical cost convention, modified to include certain items at fair value. The financial statements are presented in sterling which is the functional currency of the charity.

The significant accounting policies applied in the preparation of these financial statements are set out below.

These policies have been consistently applied to all years presented unless otherwise stated.

charity. For example the amount the charity would be willing to pay in the open market for such facilities and services. A corresponding amount is recognised in expenditure.

Activities for generated funds include proceeds from commercial trading activities.

Investment income is earned through holding assets for investment purposes such as shares. Dividend income is recognised as the charity’s right to receive payment is established.

Incoming resources from charitable activities include membership subscriptions, proceeds relating to the Shire Horse Show and income from the maintenance of a Shire Horse database.

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.

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.

Income is shown within four main categories in the Statement of Financial Activities: Voluntary income Activities for generated funds Investment income Incoming resources from charitable activities

Voluntary income includes bequests and donations, and are accounted for at the time of arising.

Gifts in kind are accounted for by recognising as an incoming resource at a reasonable estimate of their fair value. Fair value is determined on the basis of the value of the gift to the

Paintings 2% on cost less residual value Motor Vehicles 25% on reducing balance Office equipment 25% on reducing balance

Tangible fixed assets are initially measured at cost and subsequently measured at cost or valuation, net of depreciation and any impairment losses. Cost includes costs directly attributable to making the asset capable of operating as intended.

STOCKS

Stocks are valued at the lower of cost and net realisable value, after making due allowance for obsolete and slow moving items.

TAXATION

The charity is exempt from corporation tax on its charitable activities.

Shire Horse Society

Annual Report and Accounts 2023

www.shire-horse.org.uk

2. DONATIONS AND LEGACIES

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, and include the following:

The Farriery Fund is established to promote farriery skills and improve animal welfare.

The Stallion Fund is established to encourage stallion ownership, the purpose of which is appropriate genetic diversity.

FOREIGN CURRENCIES

Assets and liabilities in foreign currencies are translated into sterling at the rates of exchange ruling at the balance sheet date. Transactions in foreign currencies are translated into sterling at the rate of exchange ruling at the date of transaction. Exchange differences are taken into account in arriving at the operating result.

PENSION COSTS AND OTHER POSTRETIREMENT 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.

DONATED SERVICES

No income or expense is recognised in the financial statements for volunteer time in line with the SORP 2019, however further detail is included in the Trustees’ Annual Report.

DEBTORS AND CREDITORS

Debtors receivable / creditors payable within one year are measured at transaction price (less any impairment losses on debtors for bad and doubtful debts). Loans and other financial assets / liabilities are initially measured at transaction price and subsequently measured at amortised cost determined using the effective interest method (less any impairment losses on debtors) for bad and doubtful debts.

Statement of Financial Activities.

GOVERNMENT GRANTS

Government grants are recognised on an accrual basis and are classified as either ‘revenue-based’ grant or a ‘capital-based’ grant.

The grants relating to revenue are recognised in income on a systematic basis over the periods in which the entity recognises the related costs for which the grant is intended to compensate. The grant which becomes receivable as compensation for expenses or losses already incurred or for the purpose of giving immediate financial support to the entity with no future related costs is recognised in income in the period that it become receivable.

Legacies
Grants
Sponsorships and donations		 395,528
-
32,759
428,287
Unrestricted
fund
£		 -
35,000
-
35,000
Restricted
funds
£
395,528

35,000

32,759

463,287
2023
Total funds
£		 440,162
30,000
19,712
2022
Total funds
£
489,874

In 2023 the income from donations and legacies was £463,287 (2022: £489,874) of which £35,000 (2022: £30,000) was attributable to restricted income funds, with the balance of £428,287 (2022: £459,875) adding to unrestricted funds.

Included in sponsorships and donations is Gift Aid of £1,212 (2022: £695).

Grants received, included in the above, are as follows:

Grants received, included in the above, are as follows:
2023 2022
£ £
Horserace Betting Levy Board Grant 35,000 30,000
3. OTHER TRADING ACTIVITIES
Unrestricted Restricted 2023 2022
fund funds Total funds Total funds
£ £ £ £
Sale of goods 7,209 - 7,209 8,399
4. INVESTMENT INCOME
Unrestricted Restricted 2023 2022
fund funds Total funds Total funds
£ £ £ £
Listed investments 25,970 - 25,970 24,355
Bank interest received 2,666 - 2,666 -
28,636 - 28,636 24,355

INVESTMENTS

Investments are stated at their fair value. Unrealised gains on the revaluation of investments are included on the

Shire Horse Society

Annual Report and Accounts 2023

www.shire-horse.org.uk

5. INCOME FROM CHARITABLE ACTIVITIES

8. SUPPORT COSTS

Shire horse show
Stud book fees, sales and service books
Sundry sales and other income
Stallion fund
Membership subscriptions
Life membership subscriptions
Shire/Heavy horse camp		 Membership
subscriptions
£
-
-
-
-
35,380
7,104
-
42,484		 Direct
charitable
purpose
£
60,134
44,110
11,154
2,000
-
-
14,392
131,790		 2023
Total
activities
£
60,134
44,110
11,154
2,000
35,380
7,104
14,392

174,274		 2022
Total
activities
£
82,322
44,601
20,458
2,000
33,630
7,925
18,514
209,450

6. RAISING FUNDS

Raising donations and legacies
Marketing and merchandise costs
Attendance at shows and events
Support costs		 11,513
15,129
40,422
67,064
Unrestricted
fund
£		 -
-
-
-
Restricted
funds
£		 11,513
15,129
40,422
67,064
2023
Total funds
£		 10,263
9,448
33,340
2022
Total funds
£
53,051
9. NET INCOME/(EXPENDITURE)
Administration
charge
£
Raising donations and legacies
32,852
Stud book fees, sales and service books
88,895
Membership subscriptions
25,122
Support costs
46,378
193,247
Net income/(expenditure) is stated after charging/(crediting):
Depreciation - owned assets		 9. NET INCOME/(EXPENDITURE)
Administration
charge
£
Raising donations and legacies
32,852
Stud book fees, sales and service books
88,895
Membership subscriptions
25,122
Support costs
46,378
193,247
Net income/(expenditure) is stated after charging/(crediting):
Depreciation - owned assets		 Professional
Shire horse
fess
of the year
championship
£
£
6,333
1,237
17,135
3,347
4,843
946
8,939
1,745
37,250
7,275		 Professional
Shire horse
fess
of the year
championship
£
£
6,333
1,237
17,135
3,347
4,843
946
8,939
1,745
37,250
7,275		 Totals
£
40,422
109,377
30,911
57,062
237,772
2023
£
5,415		 2022
£
7,220

10. TRUSTEES’ REMUNERATION AND BENEFITS

There were no trustees’ remuneration or other benefits for the year ended 30 September 2023 nor for the year ended 30 September 2022.

Trustees’ expenses

There were no trustees’ expenses paid for the year ended 30 September 2023 nor for the year ended 30 September 2022.

7. CHARITABLE ACTIVITIES COSTS

11. STAFF COSTS

Shire horse show
Stud book fees, sales and service books
Membership subscriptions
Support costs
Direct charitable purpose
Shire/Heavy horse camp		 Direct
Costs
£
103,767
15,889
5,224
-
30,730
13,555
169,165		 Support
costs (see
note 8)
£

-

109,377

30,911

57,062

-
-

197,350		 Totals
£
103,767
125,266
36,135
57,062
30,730
13,555
366,515
11. STAFF COSTS
Wages and salaries
Social security costs
Other pension costs
The average monthly number of employees during the year was as follows:
Administrative staff		 2023
£
89,867
2,818
1,917
94,602
2023
4		 2022
£
85,036
3,190
1,790
90,016
2022
4

In 2023 the expenditure on charitable activities was £366,515 (2022: £300,905) of which £30,730 (2022:

£27,701) was expenditure from restricted funds and £335,785 (2022: £273,204) was from unrestricted funds.

No employees received emoluments in excess of £60,000.

Shire Horse Society

Annual Report and Accounts 2023

www.shire-horse.org.uk

12. INDEPENDENT EXAMINER’S REMUNERATION

15. STOCKS

Included in the accounts is a charge of £3,680 (2022: £3,550) in respect of the Independent Examiner’s remuneration.

13. TANGIBLE FIXED ASSETS

15. STOCKS
2023 2022
£ £
Goods held for resale 8,412 10,719
13. TANGIBLE FIXED ASSETS
Motor Offce
Paintings Vehicles equipment Totals
£ £ £ £
COST
At 1 October 2022 and 30 September 2023 5,765 48,311 17,639 71,715
DEPRECIATION
At 1 October 2022 - 31,116 13,201 44,317
Charge for year - 4,301 1,114 5,415
At 30 September 2023 - 35,417 14,315 49,732
NET BOOK VALUE
At 30 September 2023 5,765 12,894 3,324 21,983
At 30 September 2022 5,765 17,195 4,438 27,398

14. FIXED ASSET INVESTMENTS

14. FIXED ASSET INVESTMENTS
Listed investments
£
MARKET VALUE
At 1 October 2022 653,647
Revaluations 29,056
At 30 September 2023 682,703
NET BOOK VALUE
At 30 September 2023 682,703
At 30 September 2022 653,647

Listed investments includes £16,558 (2022: £17,680) held outside the UK. All investments are held primarily for an investment return.

16. DEBTORS: AMOUNTS FALLING DUE WITHIN ONE YEAR

Trade debtors
Other debtors
VAT
Prepayments and accrued income		 2023
£
4,690
-
334
23,870
28,894		 2022
£
3,990
1,292
-
14,930
20,212

17. CREDITORS: AMOUNTS FALLING DUE WITHIN ONE YEAR

Trade creditors
Social security and other taxes
VAT
Other creditors
Accruals and deferred income		 2023
£
9,268
1,314
-
1,146
9,941
21,669		 2022
£
10,847
1,264
779
1,281
7,462
21,633

18. LEASING AGREEMENTS

Minimum lease payments under non-cancellable operating leases fall due as follows:

Minimum lease payments under non-cancellable operating leases fall due as follows:
Within one year
Between one and fve years		 2023
£
12,500
9,375
21,875		 2022
£
12,500
21,875
34,375

Shire Horse Society

Annual Report and Accounts 2023

www.shire-horse.org.uk

19. MOVEMENT IN FUNDS

Comparative net movement in funds, included in the above are as follows

Unrestricted funds
National Shire Horse Trust Fund
Restricted funds
Farriery Fund
Stallion Fund
TOTAL FUNDS		 At
1.10.22
£
1,034,813
3,389
113,938
117,327
1,152,140		 Net
movement
in funds
£

264,614
-

4,269

4,269

268,883		 At
30.9.23
£
1,299,427
3,389
118,207
121,596
1,421,023

Net movement in funds, included in the above are as follows:

Unrestricted funds
National Shire Horse Trust Fund
Restricted funds
Stallion Fund
TOTAL FUNDS		 Incoming
resources
£
638,406
35,000
673,406		 Resources
expended
£
(402,848)
(30,731)
(433,579)		 Gains and
losses
£

29,056
-

29,056		 Movement
in funds
£
264,614
4,269
268,883
Unrestricted funds
National Shire Horse Trust Fund
Restricted funds
Stallion Fund
TOTAL FUNDS		 Incoming
resources
£
702,079
29,999
732,078		 Resources
expended
£
(326,256)
(27,700)
(353,956)		 Gains and
losses
£

121,162)

-

(121,162)		 Movement
in funds
£
254,661
2,299
256,960

A current year 12 months and prior year 12 months combined position is as follows:

Unrestricted funds
National Shire Horse Trust Fund
Restricted funds
Farriery Fund
Stallion Fund
TOTAL FUNDS		 At
1.10.21
£
780,152
3,389
111,639
115,028
895,180		 e
movement
in funds
£

519,275
-

6,568

6,568

525,843		 At
30.9.23
£
1,299,427
3,389
118,207
121,596
1,421,023

Comparatives for movement in funds

Unrestricted funds
National Shire Horse Trust Fund
Restricted funds
Farriery Fund
Stallion Fund
TOTAL FUNDS		 At
1.10.21
£
780,152
3,389
111,639
115,028
895,180		 Net
movement
in funds
£

254,661
-

2,299

2,299

256,960		 At
30.9.22
£
1,034,813
3,389
113,938
117,327
1,152,140
A current year 12 months and prior year 12 months combined net movement A current year 12 months and prior year 12 months combined net movement in funds, included in the above are as in funds, included in the above are as in funds, included in the above are as
follows:
Incoming Resources Gains and Movement
resources expended losses in funds
£ £ £ £
Unrestricted funds
National Shire Horse Trust Fund 1,340,485 (729,104) (92,106) 519,275
Restricted funds
Stallion Fund 64,999 (58,431) - 6,568
TOTAL FUNDS 1,405,484 (787,535) (92,106) 525,843

Shire Horse Society

Annual Report and Accounts 2023

www.shire-horse.org.uk

Detailed Statement of Financial Activities

20. RELATED PARTY DISCLOSURES

There were no related party transactions for the year ended 30 September 2023.

  1. RECONCILIATION OF NET INCOME TO NET CASH FLOW FROM OPERATING ACTIVITIES
Net income for the reporting period (as per the Statement of Financial Activities)
Adjustments for:
Depreciation charges
(Gain)/losses on investments
Interest received
Dividends received
Decrease in stocks
Increase in debtors
Increase/(decrease) in creditors
Net cash provided by operations		 2023
£
268,883
5,415
(29,056)
(2,666)
(25,970)
2,307
(8,682)
36
210.267		 2022
£
256,960
7,220
121,162
-
(24,355)
233
(1,244)
(25,664)
334,312

22. ANALYSIS OF CHANGES IN NET FUNDS

Net cash
Cash at bank and in hand
TOTAL		 At
1.10.22
£
461,797
461,797
461,797		 Cash
fow
£

238,903

238,903

238,903		 At
30.9.23
£
700,700
700,700
700,700
Detailed Statement of
Financial Activities
INCOME AND ENDOWMENTS
Donations and legacies
Legacies
Grants
Sponsorships and donations
Other trading activities
Sale of goods
Investment income
Listed investments
Bank interest received
Charitable activities
Shire horse show
Stud book fees, sales and service books
Sundry sales and other income
Stallion fund
Membership subscriptions
Life membership subscriptions
Shire/Heavy horse camp
Total incoming resources
EXPENDITURE
Raising donations and legacies
Marketing and merchandise costs
Attendance at shows and events
Charitable activities
Shire horse show
Studbook, sales and service book costs
Silver spoons and membership recruitment costs
Stallion premiums
Stallion approvals
Carried forward		 2023
£
395,528
35,000
32,759
463,287
7,209
25,970
2,666
28,636
60,134
44,110
11,154
2,000
35,380
7,104
14,392
174,274
673,406
11,513
15,129
26,642
100,537
15,889
5,224
9,115
5,032
135,797		 2022
£
440,162
30,000
19,712
489,874
8,399
24,355
-
24,355
82,322
44,601
20,458
2,000
33,630
7,925
18,514
209,450
732,078
10,263
9,448
19,711
77,871
12,787
6,801
16,863
9,627
123,949

Shire Horse Society

Annual Report and Accounts 2023

29

Election of Trustees and Honorar Treasurer y

2023 2022
£ £
CHARITABLE ACTIVITIES
Brought forward 135,797 123,949
Stallion travelling 3,702 102
Stallion premium foals 6,500 -
Stallion semen storage 1,078 1,109
Shire/Heavy horse camp 13,555 12,971
Judges assessments and seminars 8,533 -
169,165 138,131
SUPPORT COSTS
Administration charge
Salaries 89,867 85,036
Social security 2,818 3,190
Pensions 1,917 1,790
Postage 8,272 8,902
Printing and stationery 7,751 7,169
Meeting expenses 5,745 3,442
Bank charges 5,593 5,400
Promotion, advertising and website 5,818 4,973
Establishment costs 29,096 25,759
Sundry expenses 1,967 2,182
Irrecoverable VAT 28,988 10,415
PAYE interest - 8
Depreciation of tangible fxed assets 5,415 7,220
193,247 165,486
Professional fees
Accountancy charges 3,815 3,988
Professional and consultancy fees 29,755 15,795
Independent examiner’s remuneration 3,680 3,550
37,250 23,333
Shire horse of the year championship
Net defcit 7,275 7,295
Total resources expended 433,579 353,956
NET INCOME 239,827 378,122

HELEN THOMAS DL

Since Henry Weston founded Westons Cider in the Herefordshire village of Much Marcle in 1880 there have been five generations of Westons spanning the business. Helen Thomas, Henry’s great-granddaughter, became its first female Managing Director in 1996. During her 20+ years in the role Helen has spearheaded Westons’ growth; taking turnover from £5.5m to more than £65m. The company now employs two hundred and thirty people. One of the largest independent family cider makers in the UK today, Westons makes a broad range of premium drinks with its key brands including Stowford Press, Henry Westons, Old Rosie,

and Mortimer’s Orchard. They use traditional methods in their cider making process, skills passed down through the generations. Their brands are now widely available throughout the UK as well as in over forty

JOHN ROBINSON

John Robinson’s family run Robinsons Brewery based in Stockport in Cheshire. Mr Robinson works for the company who are great supporters of the Shire horse and Society, so much so, they have had Shire horses in their business for over one hundred years. With the decline in the breed, Robinsons Brewery in 2018 embarked on their own breeding programme to help preserve and promote the Shire horse and have since welcomed some super foals.

Mr Robinson is the current President of

countries globally.

Helen spear-headed the creation of a new visitor centre as a diversification exercise. and was able to bring Shire Horses back to Westons with Pride and Prince being purchased in 1991. Shire Horses are still at Westons and are always very popular with visitors. Helen also has two home-bred Shires at home.

Helen is a past Chair of the National Association of Cidermakers, a role she has occupied on two occasions. She became the first female to be appointed Chair in 2005 and recently undertook a second two-year term between 2016 and 2018. She is a member of the NACM Pomology Group.

Helen held the honorary position of President of Three Counties Agricultural Society in 2019-20 and is a Vice-President of the Shire Horse Society.

the Shire Horse Society, and the breed is important to him and the industry that he works in, without the famous Shire he said as a business they would not be where they are today – nor for that matter would our great country. They are a huge part of their history, and he very much hopes for them to be a huge part of their future.

Their working Shires can be seen at the brewery’s Society approved visitor centre, at shows or around the streets of Stockport.

She became a Deputy Lieutenant of Herefordshire in 2011 and is a Trustee of John Masefield High School, Hereford Cider Museum and Chair of the Buchanan Trust.

Shire Horse Society

Annual Report and Accounts 2023

www.shire-horse.org.uk 31

DAVID CLARKE

A Chartered Accountant who qualified the business, reporting and risk. My in 2008 and was made a Fellow in family have a farming business which 2018. I have experience of audit has always had horses. From a young and accounting for companies and age I would often visit John Segrave charities gained through a practice who breeds shire horses and I have training contract with clients ranging been fascinated by the breed since. from farmers, landowners, local I am pleased to be part of this historic charities, and trading companies. My organisation and will do all I can to work experience covers not-for-profit further the Charity and help it meet its organisation to large, listed companies. objectives. I currently work in a manufacturing business overseeing all elements of

Election of Council Members

Council members who retire in 2024 and have confirmed their intention to stand for re-election this year:

Mrs W Toomer-Harlow, Essex B A Winn, Lincolnshire

P L Bower, Essex C Malkin, Shropshire M Burks, Lincolnshire Mrs D E Nulty, Cheshire J Etches, Derbyshire Mrs H Preece, Cheshire L E Harrison, Co. Durham D Roberts, Devon

There are 12 spaces within the Council available.

Please find on the following pages a Please vote for your preferred brief introduction of existing and new candidates on the voting papers members putting themselves forward enclosed and return to the address for the 2024 Shire Horse Society shown in advance of the deadline. Council Elections.

For the avoidance of doubt, members can vote for up to 12 candidates. Members do not have to use all twelve votes. A member may only vote for one candidate once.

HUW MURPHY

Huw Murphy is the seventh-generation owner of Dyfed Shire Horse Farm a Shire Horse Society approved visitor centre located in Pembrokeshire, Wales a farm which has been owned by the family since 1849. This farm is currently the only non-English located visitor centre and offers visitors an opportunity to see and interact with Shire Horses in farm activities. The farm supports and sponsors many local charities and local organisations. Huw’s love for Shire Horses came from growing up and assisting his grandfather Mr J R Lewis who himself was a ploughman and breeder of note whose Shires were exported to many countries to include Germany and the USA. Huw’s mother Enid a then dairy farmer opened the farm to the public in 1992 as a means of offsetting the cost of Shire Horse ownership on the death of her father Mr Lewis.

Huw is married to Nikki and have two children, namely Joseff who is currently at the University of East Anglia and Erin who is on a gap year following completion of her studies at Peter Symonds College, Winchester.

Huw and his family are well known within the Shire Horse fraternity, especially in South and West Wales. Dyfed Shires are probably most wellknown for their success in supplying a number of Shire Horses to the Household Cavalry for use as “Drum Horses” for ceremonial parades such as Trooping the Colour and State Visits. At Trooping the Colour 2023 both Shire Horses on parade, namely Apollo and Juno commenced their learning at Dyfed Shires with home bred Juno the first female Shire to perform in this role since this event was first held in 1661.

Huw graduated with a degree in History in 1989, then serving as a police officer for 30 years, the vast majority as an armed response officer. During his later years Huw balanced policing with becoming increasingly involved with Dyfed Shires which was purchased from a family member.

Council. Huw is a member of a number of committees to include being the Chair of the Schools and Learning Scrutiny Committee.

involved with Dyfed Shires which was In the spare time at his disposal Huw purchased from a family member. enjoys outdoor activities, political and current affairs, attending rugby and In May 2022 Huw stood as an football internationals both home and Independent candidate and was away and visiting family members in subsequently elected as a County the Falkland Islands as often as time Councillor for the Newport & Dinas allows. Ward of Pembrokeshire County

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EXISTING COUNCIL MEMBERS STANDING FOR RE-ELECTION

Mr P L Bower Mr M Burks Mr J C Etches Mr L E Harrison Mr C Malkin

Mrs D E Nulty Mrs H Preece

Mr D Roberts Mrs W ToomerMr B A Winn Harlow

give me your vote to enable me to help do that.

MR P L BOWER

MR J C ETCHES

Meetings attended 6 of 6

Meetings attended 6 of 6

It is 55 years since I first showed one of my late father’s Shires. I am proud to continue to breed, exhibit and judge our magnificent Shire horses and still keep our stud farm going after 140 years.

I have 38 years experience of breeding and showing Shires, I am a panel judge and Chairman of SESHA. I have recently been voted by the Shire Horse Council to be their Vice Chairman and represent them on The Board of Trustees when I succeed as Chair of Council. This is a role I feel very honoured and privileged to have and I do always represent all the members in every matter arising. I am again putting myself forward for election and I need you behind me to be able to continue in this challenging role. By voting for me I can continue to be ‘the bridge’ between The Shire Council and The Board of Trustees ensuring all your views and suggestions are not only voiced but are always fully considered.

MRS D E NULTY

Meetings attended 5 of 6 (1 apology

received)

I don’t make promises that I can’t or won’t keep. In the time I have served on the Shire Horse Council I have done everything in my power to preserve the pure shire. I have put forward the opinions and requests of the membership I serve. I have never been afraid to speak up and say my piece. For over forty years I have championed the cause of young handlers and the need for encouraging them and new blood into the Society to secure the future of the breed. I promote the shire horse the length and breadth of the British Isles. The true Shire has been and will always be the passion that drives me. Nothing has changed.

I have previously worked on the Editing and Executive Committees along with the Stallion Approval Panel. I am dedicated to helping promote and improve the breed both locally and nationally and will continue to support the interests of all members of the Shire Horse Society. I would be honoured to have your support and serve another term on Council.

MR L E HARRISON

Meetings attended 5 of 6

During my time on Council, the people I try to represent are the ones who are putting their time and finances into actually doing the job, whether that is breeding, exhibiting, promoting or simply owning Shire horses, whatever they use them for. If re-elected, I will continue to do so to the best of my ability.

MR M BURKS

Meetings attended 6 of 6

MRS H PREECE

I have been involved with Shires all my life - breeding, showing and marketing them, having now served five terms on the Society’s Council as well as serving on the show committee.

Meetings attended 3 of 6 (3 apologies received)

I joined Robinson’s Brewery in Stockport back in 2002 and was appointed Headhorseman in 2013. I introduced the Brewery’s breeding programme in 2018, to help to preserve and promote the

MR C MALKIN

I feel I still have a lot to offer the Society and the breed’s future and will continue to do all I can to promote the uses and versatility of the great breed. I am a huge supporter of young people in the breed, having shown in young handler classes myself, as well as encouraging newcomers to the breed. With your vote I shall serve the breed to the best of my ability in these challenging times.

Meetings attended 6 of 6

breed.

After serving on Council for the last three years I’m putting myself forward for re-election, so that I can continue to represent the members in the whatever way I can. The Shire horse needs our support in these ever-changing times so that it can survive as a breed. So please

It is important to me to maintain traditions and to pass on the knowledge to the future generation. I am a strong supporter of the SHS Youth Council. I feel it is important that our junior members feel seen and heard. Since serving on Council, I am an active member of the

interests connected to the breed.

strategy and development committee and also a valued member of the SHS charity cycling team. I bring the members concerns to Council to be addressed and want to improve the communications between the society and its members going forward.

can around the shows. Biggest was the SPARKS programme to keep this amazing breed and bloodlines going for the future. I am loving every minute of this breed and always learning from peers and members which I would really appreciate to carry on doing. Most importantly it is the future of the amazing shire horse and the next generation to carry this breed to survive and prosper.

MR B A WINN

Meetings attended 5 of 6 (1 apology received)

As a long-term member, I have gained on doing. Most importantly it is the future extensive experience and have made of the amazing shire horse and the next considerable contributions whilst generation to carry this breed to survive preserving and promoting Shire Horses and prosper. in the UK and further afield. I am actively involved in breeding and judging Shire MRS W TOOMER-HARLOW horses both at home and abroad. I sponsor Meetings attended 5 of 6 (1 apology the Young Handler class at the National received) Show along with two other members. It If am lucky enough to be re-elected I is important to encourage young people will continue to endeavour to be a voice who are interested in Shires, as they for the membership and to champion are the future for the breed and for the and promote the shire horse through its Society. For the last three years I have many uses, particularly the driven and been on the Editing Committee where ridden. The Strategy and Development we have worked hard on the design Committee which I currently chair have and implementation of SPARKS to help launched a number of initiatives this year identify line breeding and in breeding. We aimed at our junior membership such have also introduced guidelines to improve as the Youth Council and Merit Badge shoeing for shires during showing. If reAward Scheme. I would be grateful for elected, I will continue to put your points the opportunity to help develop further forward and will encourage new people initiatives going forward and be a voice to get involved, as well as supporting the for the membership where I can. I own showing and ridden classes. and show under my prefix Eversley Shires but do not have any commercial links or

MR D ROBERTS

Meetings attended 5 of 6 (1 apology received)

I have been currently standing on the Council and Editing Committee for the last six years and also being one of the youngest to do so I have been loving every minute and proud to do so. Being in Devon I am the only representative of the southwest comprising of Cornwall, Devon and Somerset. I own, show and have bred shire horses with my family for many years and continuing to do so. I am very proud to also hold and be the youngest to do so as a full panel judge. Achievements so far on Council is helping with other Council members to provide more support to members and stallion owners. Encouraging younger members

to join the Council and support best I

NEW CANDIDATES STANDING FOR ELECTION

Mr R Clarke Mr T E Whittaker

Mr K Winn

purchase of our first filly, closely followed by the establishment of our harness and tack business as the struggle to find anything to fit was real! Our business was born out of necessity, but it also has given a great insight into the world of the noble shire. Showing these horses is a great help in promoting the breed and nobody could argue against the magnificent sight that a ring full of these beasts presents. However, our business puts us in contact with thousands of hobby owners which provides great insight into lives of the non-show horses and the issues their owners face. I would be striving to address some of the issues that have been raised by owners regarding breed standards and the health of our shires to make sure we have a healthy population going forward.

MR R CLARKE

MR T E WHITTAKER

From a family that have always had Shires, they are well and truly in my blood. The breed has allowed me to become a showman, breeder and most recently a judge on the panel. I have been lucky enough to grow up in an era of watching and learning off some of the best breeders and showman the shire horse world has to offer. Now into my 30’s I feel the time is right to stand on Council alongside these people to help benefit the Society using my passion, enthusiasm and youthful

I have been involved with the shire horse for a number of years now. I enjoy working my horses at home and I, along with my horses show regularly in turnout classes all over the country and take part in working demonstrations and other educational activities. For me I would love to join the Council to help to showcase the breed further and to pass on some of the knowledge and time that has been so generously passed on to me. I am increasingly worried about the low number of entries at a lot of the shows and would love to help increase these figures before the classes are dropped and lost forever.

ideas to keep the breed moving forward.

MR K WINN

I’ve always had a passion for heavy horses, shires in particular. Almost nine years ago our dreams came to fruition with the

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Shire Horse of the Year Qualifying Shows

2023 Shire Horse of the Year Show Champion Batley Pepper Gray owned by Mr R Bedford.

2024 HOYS Qualifiers

----- Start of picture text -----
Registered Charity No 210619
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Shire Horse Society

To preserve, promote and protect the horse that put the Great into Britain

National Shire Horse Show – Stallion National Shire Horse Show – Female Great Yorkshire Show

Royal Welsh Show Royal Cheshire Show Royal Norfolk Show Derbyshire County Show Driffield Show Great Eccleston Show Newport Show Penistone Show New Forest Show Essex Shire Horse Show Heckington Show

Shropshire and West Midlands Show Royal Three Counties Show Royal Bath & West Show

Demonstrations

Grateful thanks are recorded to the following members who helped the Society organise demonstrations promoting the Shire horse across the country in 2023.

Neil Andrews, Denise Badger, John Barnes, Mike Bingham, Rob Clarke, Jo-Ann Clubley, Caroline Eagle, Joanne Grant, Deb Green, Stuart Green, Hook Norton Brewery, Sally Jones, Gemma McClorey, Pip Read, Malcolm Rendle, Marilyn Rendle, Mark Richardson, Yvonne Simmons, Colin Stokes, Colin Taylor, Carolyn Truss, Jane Wordsworth, Charlotte Webb, Rita Wells.

National Shire Horse Show 8th-10th March 2024 Bingley Hall, Staffordshire Showground, ST18 0BD

Tel: 01536 771611 Email: info@shire-horse.org.uk www.shire-horse.org.uk /theshirehorsesociety @saveourshires shire_horse_society

Photo credit: 1st Class Images

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Notes

Notes

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SHIRE HORSE SOCIETY

(Established in 1878 to promote the Old English Breed of Cart Horse)

Governing Document: Memorandum of Association and Articles of Association

Company Limited by Guarantee

Registered in England – Certificate of Incorporation 12383

Registered Charity No. 210619

Registered Office: The Old Dairy, Rockingham Castle and Park, Market Harborough, Leicestershire LE16 8TH

Tel: 01536 771611

Email: info@shire-horse.org.uk

Web: www.shire-horse.org.uk Facebook: /theshirehorsesociety

X: @saveourshires

Chief Executive: Victoria Clayton