Jiii ,,Ill'L" ANNUAL REPORT AND ACCOUNTS 2024 ## **Contents** SHIRE HORSE SOCIETY Patron HIS MAJESTY KING CHARLES III President Mr H Whitbread NOTICE OF ANNUAL GENERAL MEETING ANNUAL REPORT AND ACCOUNTS 2024 ## 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 **3 Board Chairman Report 4 Chief Executive’s Report 4 Chair of Council Report 5 Notice of 2025 AGM 5 Minutes of 2024 AGM 8 Report of the Trustees** **12 Council, Committees and Officials 14 Independent Examiner’s Report 15 Statement of Financial activities** **16 Balance Sheet 18 Cash Flow Statement 19 Notes to the Financial Statements** **Detailed Statement of Financial Activities** **29** **Election of Council Members** **31** **Shire Horse of the Year Qualifying Shows** **37** **Advert for the show** **39** 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 2 Shire Horse Society Annual Report and Accounts 2024 ## **Chair of Board’s Report** It gives me great pleasure to wish you a Happy New Year and reflect on 2024. Our National Show back at Stafford was a great success and being inside we were safeguarded against the bad weather. The Heavy Horse Camp continues to be well supported and is enjoyed by all that attend. I would like to thank you all for making our National Show and Camp such great events. Our Shires were well represented at the affiliated shows and of course the highlight of the year was the Horse of the Year Show. The SPARKS breeding programme is in its first full year and the signs of take up are good, which can only be good for the needed diversity in genetics. I hope the breeders soon start to realise the benefits of such a programme. Our vision is to be the leading global authority in the preservation, promotion, and welfare of Shire horses, fostering a vibrant community of enthusiasts dedicated to safeguarding this iconic breed for future generations. ## Our Core values are. **Heritage** : respect for the rich history and heritage of the Shire horse breed. **Integrity:** commitment to honesty, transparency, and ethical practices. **Excellence:** pursuit of excellence in all aspects of breed preservation, promotion, and welfare. **Community:** fostering a supportive and inclusive community of Shire horse enthusiast. **Innovation** : embrace innovation and adaptability to meet the evolving needs of the breed and its community. ## **The Strategic Goals of The Shire Horse Society are:** **1. Breed Preservation and Promotion** – to enhance efforts to preserve the genetic diversity and improve the visibility of Shire horses. **2. Member Engagement and Retention** – to strengthen member engagement and retention strategies to cultivate a vibrant community of Shire horse enthusiasts. ## **3. Education and Outreach** – to expand educational initiatives to raise awareness about the history, characteristics, and care of Shire horses. **4. Welfare and Well-being** – to prioritise the welfare and well-being of Shire horses through advocacy, research, and support services. **5. Financial Sustainability** – to ensure the long-term sustainability and growth of the Shire Horse Society. 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. Finally, I would like to thank the Board, Council Members, Committee members, Staff and Volunteers for all their hard work, dedication, and support for which the Society is very grateful. _Helen Thomas, Chairman of Board_ ## **Chief Executive’s Report** Welcome to 2025- the 147th year of the Society. 2025 adds up to nine and I am told that it is linked to new adventures. With that in mind, we have new adventures ahead with changes to our Committee Chair personnel. Following sixty dedicated years’ service to the Society Mr Jim Yates retires from Council and his position as Chair of Council. Jim has worked in all areas of the Society in his time, he was the first ever Chair of Council and he has seen much change. He remains the one we all look to for advice and counsel and I will miss working with him day to day enormously. Jim leaves some very large shoes to fill and will be superseded by Mr Paul Bower of Thames Oak Shires. Paul is no stranger to chairing committees as he is the Chair at South Eastern Shire Horse Association and has a previous career in law enforcement. Paul will take the helm after the AGM in March. We also welcome a new Editing Chair in Jane Domhill, following in the footsteps of Libby Archer. We thank Libby enormously for all her work, effort, and dedication to the breed over her seven-year tenure ship. Jane has a significant equine www.shire-horse.org.uk 3 background, as an elected trustee of the British Horse Society, Chair of BHS Qualifications Ltd, and on the Board of the British Equestrian Federation. She is currently Vice-Chair of The Showing Council. The Editing Committee have some very exciting plans and are working on major projects looking at breed sustainability including further developing gene banking, so Jane is hitting the ground running. The last twelve months have had its challenges, successes, highs, and lows. We focus going forward as ever looking at breeding and breeders. The first SPARKS payments were made in December, and the result of our inaugural breeder’s competition was announced. The first winner was the Cowerslane Stud, with second place going to Bewholme Shires and third to Acle Shires. Congratulations to you all, we look forward to seeing who the winner of this award in 2025 will be. As ever at this time of year, the office is busy and excited with the thought of the upcoming National Show. After the feeling of all competitors and exhibitors, we will return to the indoor venue of Bingley Hall, Stafford for 2025. We hope that competitors, spectators, judges, and officials all enjoy the show; and wish anyone competing the very best of luck. The season of election is soon upon us and within this document you will see some CVs for dedicated Council members standing for re-election and those new members wishing to be elected. We have some wonderful candidates forward who would all bring expertise, knowledge, and ideas to the table. These members will sit on Committees who in turn aid the Board in the running of the Society. Please do use your vote. The office staff of Angela, Sue, Carol, Laura, and I are all here to help and along with Council members to encourage newcomers and new members to strive to help to preserve, promote and protect the horse that put the Great into Britain. On behalf of the Shire Horse Society, I would like to take this opportunity to thank you, the members for your continued support and love of the breed. _Victoria Clayton, Chief Executive_ ## **Chair of Council’s Report** As I start to write my last report as Chair of Council my memories go back for 50 years and more. Changes have been made with new ideas coming forward. I am a firm believer that youth must come into the equation going forward. The Council is the eyes and ears of the Society as they are representing the members who have voted for them. Over my term there have been some fundamental introductions into the running of the Society. Sparks and the breeding programme, the foot scheme, modernising the rules and regulations up to present day standards, bringing our Training and Education up to date, introducing the Youth Council and keeping Council more informed about the Society’s finances. All this has taken a considerable amount of time and effort by those involved and has led to extra work and meetings being held. Thanks must go to all those who have helped bring these changes to Council. At the Council meeting in October, I was privileged to be made an Honorary Vice-President of the Society which is something I am immensely proud of. I wish my successor Paul Bower all the best and a big thank you to everybody who has supported me in the past. _Jim Yates Chairman of Council_ 4 Shire Horse Society Annual Report and Accounts 2024 ## **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 7th March 2025 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 8TH MARCH 2024.** **4. MATTERS ARISING FROM THE MINUTES.** **5. RECEIVE REPORT OF TRUSTEES & STATEMENT OF ACCOUNTS.** **6. ELECTION OF MEMBERS.** **7. ELECTION OF TRUSTEES.** **8. INDEPENDENT EXAMINER.** **9. ELECTRONIC AGM MAILING FROM 2026.** **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 8th March 2024 in The Boden Room, Staffordshire County Showground, Stafford, at 4:30pm. ## **PRESENT:** Mrs H Thomas (Chair of Board) Mr T J Yates (Chair of Council) Mr D Clarke (Honorary Treasurer) Mr S J Peacock (Chair of Show Committee) Mr D Baker CFW (Accountants LLP) ## **MEMBERS ATTENDING:** Mr N Andrews, Mrs D Badger, Mr H Bardsley, Mr D Beardmore, Mr W Bedford, Mr D Billingsley, Mr P Bower, Mr P Bowyer, Mr A H Brown, Miss R Burgess, Mr M Butterworth, Miss A Chetwood, Mr J Clarke, Miss J-A Clubley, Mr P J Cockcroft, Mrs S Cockcroft, Mr C Dawson, Miss C Eagle, Mrs L Froggatt, Mr T Froggatt, Mrs V A Giles, Mr J Goodwin, Mrs H Gordon, Mr R Greenwood, Mrs S L Greenwood, Mr R Griffith, Mr E Groen, Mr J Hick, Mr C Horler, Mr M Horler, Mrs T Horler, Mr D Iles, Miss S Jones, Mr S Kerswell, Mr S Ledsham, Mr S Leedham, Mr E Leverett, Mrs S Leverett, Mr S Leverett, Mr G Livesey, Mr S Livesey, Mrs C Martin, Mr M J Martin, Mr B Masters, Mrs B Moore, Mr D Mouland, Mr H T Murphy, Mrs D E Nulty, Mr A J Peacock, Mrs H Preece, Mr G J Rawlins, Mr F M Richardson, Mr F W Richardson, Mr C Rink, Mr J Robinson, Mr H Roetgerink, Mr D Shardlow, Mr P Shipman, Mrs B Silverwood, Mr J Silverwood, Miss C M Threlfall, Miss L Trotter, Mr N Turner, Mrs M Ward, Mr A Wareing, Mr A J Wass, Miss M Webster, Mrs J R Wells, Mr T E Whittaker, Mr C Wilkins, Mr P Williams, Mr P Willis, Mr B A Winn, Mrs J Wordsworth, Mr D Worthington, Mrs A Worthington, Mr J Worthington, Mr D J Yates and Miss C Young. ## **IN ATTENDANCE:** Miss V L Clayton (Chief Executive) Mrs C Coles (Accounts) Mrs S M Fox (Administration) Miss A Whiteway (Registrations) www.shire-horse.org.uk 5 ## **1. WELCOME ADDRESS** In the absence of the President, Mr J Robinson, the Chair of the Board, Mrs H Thomas welcomed members to the Annual General Meeting. ## **APOLOGIES FOR ABSENCE** Apologies were received from Miss E Archer, Mr B Banham, Mr H Bedford, Mr M Bedford, Mr P Bedford, Mr Wm Bedford, Mr M Burks, Mr J C Etches, Mr L M Fountain, Mr K Hasemore, Mr B Morgan, Mrs B Morgan, Mr P Ryder-Davies, Mr P Simmons, Mrs Y Simmons, Miss M A J Swinley, OBE, Mrs W Toomer-Harlow, Captain C Trenchard Jarrett, Mrs P Wass and Miss E Worthington. ## **2. MINUTES OF THE LAST ANNUAL GENERAL MEETING HELD ON 10TH MARCH 2023.** The Minutes had been circulated to all members in the Annual Report and Accounts 2023. ## **3. MATTERS ARISING FROM THE MINUTES** The Chair asked if there were any matters arising from the Minutes. There were no matters arising and Mr F M Richardson 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 D Clarke took Members through the accounts for the year ending September 2023 as set out in the Annual Report & Accounts. Mr Clarke highlighted that legacy income was down in 2023 to £463,287 (2022: £489,874) but on a positive note membership had increased from £41,555 to £42,484 and investment income rose from £24,355 to £28,636. Total Income and Endowments: £673,406 (2022: £732,078) Expenditure on raising funds had increased from £53,051 to £67,064 and the cost of staging the National Shire Horse Show from £77,871 to £103,767. Other charitable activities which increased expenditure included attendance at shows around the country, demo teams and passports. Total net gain on investments: £29,056 - 2022: (£121,162) Net Income: £268,883 (2022: £256,960) Balance Sheet: Total funds £1,421,023 (2022: £1,152,140). The Chair of Board, Mrs H Thomas invited members to ask questions. Mrs D Badger said the accounts looked pleasing and in 2016 the Society had £740,000 and now the accounts have increased to £1.4m and as a Society we should be pleased by the work of the Board, Chief Executive and staff as the Shire Horse Society is in a stronger position than before. Mr S Ledsham asked why the professional and consultancy fees had risen from £15,795 to £29,755. Mr D Baker from CFW Accountants responded that this is owing to advice and work relating to the governance, policies and Articles of Association and Regulations. This has now been completed. Mr S Ledsham added that the Memorandum and Articles of Association has now cost a further £20,000 and he thought that this work had been completed. The Chair confirmed that this figure was spent on legal advice, governance packs and policies. Mr D Beardmore raised a question relating to the Society’s investments and asked if the Society’s money is being invested correctly. The Honorary Treasurer replied that James Sharp Investments looks after the Society’s investments and believes they are working in its favour. Mr Beardmore questioned whether the company is looking to invest in different funds. The Chair and Hon. Treasurer confirmed this will be done. There being no further questions Mrs D Badger proposed that the Accounts for the year ending 2023 should be adopted, and Mr P Bower seconded the proposal. All agreed. ## **5. ELECTION OF TRUSTEES** The Chair reported that two new Trustees had been co-opted to the Board, Mr Huw Murphy, and Mr John Robinson (Robinsons Brewery). Mr Murphy is seventh generation owner of Dyfed Shire Horse Farm, a Shire Horse Society approved visitor centre in Wales. The farm supports local charities and organisations. Dyfed Shires are well-known for their success in supplying Shire horses to the Household Cavalry for use as drum horses. The Chair of the Board, Mrs H Thomas proposed that Mr H Murphy is appointed to the Board of Trustees. Mr S Ledsham seconded the proposal. The Society’s current President, Mr John Robinson’s family run Robinsons Brewery in Stockport and are great supporters of the Shire horse and Society, so much they have had Shire horses in their business for over one hundred years. Robinsons Brewery embarked on Shire Horse Society Annual Report and Accounts 2024 6 their own breeding programme to help preserve and promote the breed. The Chair of the Board, Mrs H Thomas proposed that Mr J Robinson is appointed to the Board of Trustees. Mr C Horler seconded the proposal. Both Mr H Murphy and Mr J Robinson were successfully appointed to the Board of Trustees. The Chair explained that as per the Articles of Association, one third of the Trustees retire on an annual basis. Mrs H Thomas informed the members that it was now her time to tender her resignation and offer herself for re-election if members so wished. Mrs Thomas said she had enjoyed working for the Society and that the Board is making progress in governance matters. She added there is a great team in place – in the office, our committees and on Council and the passion for the breed is infectious. Mr J Hick proposed that Mrs H Thomas is re-elected to the Board of Trustees. Mr J Clarke seconded the proposal. A show of hands in the meeting took place and proxy voting for the election of Trustees and all were duly elected to the Board. ## **6. ELECTION OF TRUSTEE & HONORARY TREASURER** The Chair said the Society were introduced to Mr David Clarke, and subsequently he agreed to be the Society’s Honorary Treasurer. Mr Clarke’s family is from a farming business which has always had horses and from an early age he has had a love of the Shire horse. Mr Clarke is pleased to be part of the Shire Horse Society and will do all he can to further the charity and help meet its objectives. Mr Clarke is a chartered accountant who qualified in 2008 and made a Fellow in 2018. Mr Clarke’s experience of audit and accounting for companies and charities gained through a practice training contract with clients ranging from farmers, landowners, local charities, and trading companies. His work experience covers not-forprofit organisations to large, listed companies. Mr Clarke works in a manufacturing business overseeing all elements of the business reporting and risk. The Chair of the Board, Mrs H Thomas proposed that Mr D Clarke is appointed a Trustee and Honorary Treasurer. Mr J Clarke seconded the proposal. A show of hands in the meeting took place and proxy voting for the election of Mr D Clarke as a Trustee and the Society’s Honorary Treasurer and he was duly elected to the Board. ## **7. ELECTION OF COUNCIL MEMBERS** Mr D Baker from CFW Accountants LLP who act as the Scrutineers confirmed they had received 235 voting papers of which 234 were counted. The Candidates duly elected were: Mr M Burks (170) Mrs D E Nulty (157) Mr J C Etches (133) Mr C Malkin (133) Mr L E Harrison (131) Mr T E Whittaker (122) Mr P Bower (120) Mr D Roberts (118) Mr B A Winn (108) Mr R Clarke (101) Mrs W Toomer-Harlow (101) Mrs H Preece (78) 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** Mr J Hick proposed that CFW Accountants LLP should be re-appointed as the Society’s Independent Examiners. Mr P Shipman seconded this. All approved and Mr D Baker was thanked for his help. ## **9. ANY OTHER BUSINESS** There were no further matters relating to the accounts and the Chair formally closed the Annual General Meeting at 4:50pm. 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Us eS meee: eer Re UAPRGSoe a ae Rats Re ass Se CET CSE eA ee, ENE Laas oiSEReetQa REGISTERED COMPANY NUMBER: 00012383 (England and Wales) yay e agA eth Nateata RRRaetk © ERR anenRS Meeae peeSerereas Paar aos PRECoe[SERS] eek **e** a kekeos Ce eeerece UNHan seasTekoe €enue C2PegatasoicepdieNap eK eeRaatSh gpSokesNoes eekeSeah“Ke StSNeyeS, ee See stingResceAG eensSoSoseae Se=eePaintpane aeFEeee sekSieOtse BeasENEa MNaee eSSeeoAPRONERy CheASer **e** eee ee ee REGISTERED CHARITY NUMBER: 210619 apnea es tteue S Soe te Beat e 9 ate x ae the et A tee ceSe SRO Ra re ae ae ae Se eg Beers. S wreSarees: a a ise septpea taste nyEsau eaten DING ey HER as hed Ry cs Retgh hs oa gare oS eee Se Oe erie peat Mibguaeaie aSRLS 25 % Woe Se) RAR Bin Sa Se RRS POECS ee ees ' 2 Shire Horse Society a ## 8. SUPPORT COSTS |8. SUPPORT COSTS||||| |---|---|---|---|---| ||Administration|Professional|Professional
Shire horse|Totals| ||charge|fess|fess
of the year|| |||championship|championship|| ||£|£|£
£|£| |Raising donations and legacies|38,946|3,569|3,569
1,448|43,963| |Stud book fees, sales and service books|105,384|9,657|9,657
3,919|118,960| |Membership subscriptions|29,782|2,729|2,729
1,108|33,619| |Support costs|54,984|5,039|5,039
2,045|62,068| ||229,096|20,994|20,994
8,520|258,610| ## 9. NET INCOME/(EXPENDITURE) Net income/(expenditure) is stated after charging/(crediting): |Net income/(expenditure) is stated after charging/(crediting):||| |---|---|---| |Net income/(expenditure) is stated after charging/(crediting):|**2024**|**2023**| ||£|£| |Depreciation - owned assets|4,536|5,415| ## 10. TRUSTEES’ REMUNERATION AND BENEFITS There were no trustees’ remuneration or other benefits for the year ended 30 September 2024 nor for the year ended 30 September 2023. ## **Trustees’ expenses** There were no trustees’ expenses paid for the year ended 30 September 2024 nor for the year ended 30 September 2023. ## 11. STAFF COSTS |11. STAFF COSTS||| |---|---|---| ||**2024**|**2023**| ||£|£| |Wages and salaries|119,284|89,867| |Social security costs|4,532|2,818| |Other pension costs|2,446|1,917| ||126,262|94,602| |The average monthly number of employees during the year was as follows:||| ||**2024**|**2023**| |Administrative staff|5|4| |No employees received emoluments in excess of £60,000.||| www.shire-horse.org.uk ## 12. INDEPENDENT EXAMINER’S REMUNERATION Included in the accounts is a charge of £3,890 (2023: £3,680) in respect of the Independent Examiner’s remuneration. ## 13. TANGIBLE FIXED ASSETS |||Motor|Office|| |---|---|---|---|---| ||Paintings|Vehicles|equipment|Totals| ||£|£|£|£| |**COST**||||| |At 1 October 2023|5,765|48,311|17,639|71,715| |Additions|-|-|1,889|1,889| |At 30 September 2024|5,765|48,311|19,528|73,604| |**DEPRECIATION**||||| |At 1 October 2023|-|35,417|14,315|49,732| |Charge for year|-|3,226|1,310|4,536| |At 30 September 2024|-|38,643|15,625|54,268| |**NET BOOK VALUE**||||| |At 30 September 2024|5,765|9,668|3,903|19,336| |At 30 September 2023|5,765|12,894|3,324|21,983| ## 14. FIXED ASSET INVESTMENTS |14. FIXED ASSET INVESTMENTS|| |---|---| ||Listed investments| ||£| |**MARKET VALUE**|| |At 1 October 2023|682,703| |Additions|1,172,147| |Disposals|(1,173,715)| |Revaluations|7,676| |At 30 September 2024|688,811| |**NET BOOK VALUE**|| |At 30 September 2024|688,811| |At 30 September 2023|682,703| Listed investments includes £nil (2023: £16,558) held outside the UK. All investments are held primarily for an investment return. The Additions and Disposals noted above (and on the Cash Flow Statement) occurred on the transfer of investment fund managers as noted in the Trustees Report. LeIsRe Sa Annual Report and Accounts 2024 SEoe[Sey] amen[ Pict] tos oe SinanTe[A] oe[Or][eae][ee] > ' 2 Shire Horse Society a ## 15. STOCKS Goods held for resale |**2024**|**2023**| |---|---| |£|£| |10,938|8,412| ## 16. DEBTORS: AMOUNTS FALLING DUE WITHIN ONE YEAR ||**2024**|**2023**| |---|---|---| ||£|£| |Trade debtors|4,770|4,690| |VAT|-|334| |Prepayments and accrued income|18,948|23,870| ||23,718|28,894| ## 17. CREDITORS: AMOUNTS FALLING DUE WITHIN ONE YEAR ||**2024**|**2023**| |---|---|---| ||£|£| |Trade creditors|6,421|9,268| |Social security and other taxes|2,612|1,314| |VAT|609|-| |Other creditors|3,205|1,146| |Accruals and deferred income|14,482|9,941| ||27,329|21,669| ## 18. LEASING AGREEMENTS Minimum lease payments under non-cancellable operating leases fall due as follows: ||**2024**|**2023**| |---|---|---| ||£|£| |Within one year|9,375|12,500| |Between one and five years|-|9,375| ||9,375|21,875| www.shire-horse.org.uk i ## 19. MOVEMENT IN FUNDS ||||Net|| |---|---|---|---|---| |||At|movement|At| |||1.10.23|in funds|30.9.24| |||£|£|£| |**Unrestricted funds**||||| |National Shire Horse Trust Fund||1,299,427|37,111|1,336,538| |**Restricted funds**||||| |Farriery Fund||3,389|-|3,389| |Stallion Fund||118,207|8,479|126,686| |||121,596|8,479|130,075| |**TOTAL FUNDS**||1,421,023|1,421,023
45,590|1,466,613| |Net movement 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|503,940|(467,784)|955|37,111| |**Restricted funds**||||| |Stallion Fund|35,000|(26,521)|-|8,479| |**TOTAL FUNDS**|538,940|(494,305)|955|45,590| ## **Comparatives for movement in funds** |||Net|| |---|---|---|---| ||At|movement|At| ||1.10.22|in funds|30.9.23| ||£|£|£| |**Unrestricted funds**|||| |National Shire Horse Trust Fund|1,034,813|264,614|1,299,427| |**Restricted funds**|||| |Farriery Fund|3,389|-|3,389| |Stallion Fund|113,938|4,269|118,207| ||117,327|4,269|121,596| |z|||| |**TOTAL FUNDS**|1,152,140|268,883|1,421,023| LeIsRe Sa Annual Report and Accounts 2024 SEoe[Sey] amen[ Pict] tos oe SinanTe[A] oe[Or][eae][ee] > ' 2 Shire Horse Society a Comparative net movement 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|638,406|(402,848)|29,056|264,614| |**Restricted funds**||||| |Stallion Fund|35,000|(30,731)|-|4,269| |**TOTAL FUNDS**|673,406|(433,579)|29,056|268,883| A current year 12 months and prior year 12 months combined position is as follows: |||Net|| |---|---|---|---| ||At|movement|At| ||1.10.22|in funds|30.9.24| ||£|£|£| |**Unrestricted funds**|||| |National Shire Horse Trust Fund|1,034,813|301,725|1,336,538| |**Restricted funds**|||| |Farriery Fund|3,389|-|3,389| |Stallion Fund|113,938|12,748|126,686| ||117,327|12,748|130,075| |**TOTAL FUNDS**|1,152,140|314,473|1,466,613| A current year 12 months and prior year 12 months combined net movement 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|1,142,346|(870,632)|30,011|301,725| |**Restricted funds**||||| |Stallion Fund|70,000|(57,252)|-|12,748| |**TOTAL FUNDS**|1,212,346|(927,884)|30,011|314,473| www.shire-horse.org.uk ## 20. RELATED PARTY DISCLOSURES There were no related party transactions for the year ended 30 September 2024. ## 21. RECONCILIATION OF NET INCOME TO NET CASH FLOW FROM OPERATING ACTIVITIES |FROM OPERATING ACTIVITIES||| |---|---|---| ||**2024**|**2023**| ||£|£| |**Net income for the reporting period (as per the Statement of Financial Activities)**|45,590|268,883| |**Adjustments for:**||| |Depreciation charges|4,537|5,415| |Gain on investments|(955)|(29,056)| |Profit on disposal of fixed assets|(12,792)|-| |Interest received|(21,863)|(2,666)| |Dividends received|(27,954)|(25,970)| |(Increase)/decrease in stocks|(2,526)|2,307| |Decrease/(increase) in debtors|5,176|(8,682)| |Increase in creditors|5,660|36| |**Net cash provided by operations**|(5,127)|210,267| ## 22. ANALYSIS OF CHANGES IN NET FUNDS ||At|Cash|At| |---|---|---|---| ||1.10.23|flow|30.9.24| ||£|£|£| |**Net cash**|||| |Cash at bank and in hand|700,700|50,439|751,139| ||700,700|50,439|751,139| |**TOTAL**|700,700|50,439|751,139| > Shire Horse Society = > Annual Report and Accounts 2024 a bse US oh teh eice OR ## **Detailed Statement of** ~~ee~~ **Financial Activities** ||**2024**|**2023**| |---|---|---| ||£|£| |**INCOME AND ENDOWMENTS**||| |**Donations and legacies**||| |Legacies|182,017|395,528| |Grants|35,000|35,000| |Sponsorships and donations|62,064|32,759| ||279,081|463,287| |**Other trading activities**||| |Sale of goods|17,131|7,209| |**Investment income**||| |Listed investments|27,954|25,970| |Bank interest received|21,863|2,666| ||49,817|28,636| |**Charitable activities**||| |Shire horse show|82,453|60,134| |Stud book fees, sales and service books|46,097|44,110| |Sundry sales and other income|7,117|11,154| |Stallion fund|2,000|2,000| |Membership subscriptions|36,751|35,380| |Life membership subscriptions|5,435|7,104| |Shire/Heavy horse camp|13,058|14,392| ||192,911|174,274| |**Total incoming resources**|538,940|673,406| |**EXPENDITURE**||| |**Raising donations and legacies**||| |Marketing and merchandise costs|14,711|11,516| |Attendance at shows and events|22,207|15,126| ||36,918|26,642| |**Charitable activities**||| |Shire horse show|142,382|100,537| |Studbook, sales and service book costs|13,907|15,889| |Silver spoons and membership recruitment costs|5,326|5,224| |Stallion premiums|15,860|9,115| |Carried forward|177,475|130,765| **29** ||**2024**|**2023**| |---|---|---| ||£|£| |**CHARITABLE ACTIVITIES**||| |Brought forward|177,475|130,765| |Stallion approvals|5,786|5,032| |Stallion travelling|3,214|3,702| |Stallion premium foals|350|6,500| |Stallion semen storage|-|1,078| |Shire/Heavy horse camp|10,641|13,555| |Judges assessments and seminars|1,311|8,533| ||198,777|169,165| |**SUPPORT COSTS**||| |**Administration charge**||| |Salaries|119,284|89,867| |Social security|4,532|2,818| |Pensions|2,446|1,917| |Postage|8,933|8,272| |Printing and stationery|7,550|7,751| |Meeting expenses|10,602|5,745| |Bank charges|5,926|5,593| |Promotion, advertising and website|6,530|5,818| |Establishment costs|30,800|29,096| |Sundry expenses|5,258|1,967| |Irrecoverable VAT|22,678|28,988| |VAT interest|20|-| |Depreciation of tangible fixed assets|4,537|5,415| ||229,096|193,247| |**Professional fees**||| |Accountancy charges|9,705|3,815| |Professional and consultancy fees|7,399|29,755| |Independent examiner’s remuneration|3,890|3,680| ||20,994|37,250| |**Shire horse of the year championship**||| |Net deficit|8,520|7,275| |Total resources expended|494,305|433,579| |Net income before gains and losses|44,635|239,827| |Realised gains/(losses) on fixed asset||| |investments|6,070|-| |**NET INCOME**|50,705|239,827| ‘ Shire Horse Society Gate Mayr a eee ONY eRe tes Rake Poke Annual Report and Accounts 2024 ## **Election of Trustees and Honorar Treasurer y** ## **MARY FOSTER** Mary Foster has spent her career in investment banking, specialising in equities, based in the City of London. She now farms with her husband in Suffolk where they have a diversified enterprise ranging from arable to holiday accommodation. She enjoys supporting the Mid Suffolk Light Railway, which is on their land. She also works as a trustee for various charities, helping devise and manage investment portfolios to ensure and grow the funds available. The overall aim being to make certain the activities which are carried out are able to continue and that its longerterm needs are provided for within a clear governance framework, to ensure that ethical and sustainable goals are also met. Elsewhere she divides her time between Suffolk and London and is a keen liveryman of the Worshipful Company of Farmers and also the Worshipful Company of Arts Scholars, where she also chairs the finance committee. She is also a keen supporter of the arts and music ## **ANNA SOROKO** Anna Soroko is a solicitor and a Texas qualified US Attorney at Law and has lived in several countries around the world. She has worked as an energy lawyer internationally for over 40 years in both private practice and industry. Anna was also an elected director of the East of England Energy Group for 12 years and a member of the advisory board of the University of East Anglia business school for several years. Anna has also had several articles and papers published and spoken at numerous conferences on various energy matters, including LNG, gas quality, carbon capture and storage and M&A. She has had a lifelong interest in, and love of horses, and has competed at dressage, showjumping, and eventing in both the US and UK. Anna has also kept horses at livery in both the US and UK and, for a short while, helped breakin the Sheik of Abu Dhabi’s racehorses. She owns three eventers competing from BE100, to advanced level. She currently sits on a BE committee. ## **DAVID CLARKE** An accountant, with over 20 years’ experience working in both practice and in-house. I have experience of audit and accounting for a wide range of clients including farmers, landowners, local charities, and trading companies. I have worked across the full spectrum of organisations, from charities, public sector, listed companies and private companies. I currently work in a manufacturing business overseeing all elements of the business, reporting and risk. I am delighted to have acted as honorary treasurer for the last two years and would value your support in being re-elected to the post. I have had connections with horses from a very early age, both in my family farming business and from friends and colleagues. My fascination with Shire horses started when visiting a Shire breeder as a child. Volunteering my time to support this charity enables me to ensure the breed continues to fascinate many more generations to come. **www.shire-horse.org.uk 31** ## **Election of Council Members** Council members who retire in 2025 and have confirmed their intention to stand for re-election this year: **Mrs D Badger,** Tanworth in Arden, West Midlands **Wm Bedford,** York, North Yorkshire **J Burks,** Market Rasen, Lincolnshire **Miss C Eagle,** Sudbury, Suffolk **Mrs S Flintham,** Newark, Nottinghamshire **R Griffith,** Caernarfon, Gwynedd **C Horler,** Bath, Somerset **S Ledsham,** Shrewsbury, Shropshire **G Rawlins,** Tamworth, Staffordshire **F M Richardson,** Driffield, Yorkshire **J Worthington,** Macclesfield, Cheshire ## **New members standing for elections:** **M Martin,** Askam-in-Furness, Cumbria **Mrs J Muntz Torres,** Solihull, West Midlands **S Roper,** Battle, East Sussex 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 2025 Shire Horse Society shown in advance of the deadline. Council Elections. For the avoidance of doubt, members can vote for up to twelve candidates. Members do not have to use all twelve votes. A member may only vote for one candidate once. 32 Shire Horse Society Annual Report and Accounts 2024 Photo credit Peter Nixon www.shire-horse.org.uk 33 ## EXISTING COUNCIL MEMBERS STANDING FOR RE-ELECTION Mrs D Badger Mr W M Bedford Mr J Burks Miss C Eagle Mrs S Flintham Mr R Griffith Mr C Horler Mr S Ledsham Mr G Rawlins Mr F M Richardson Mr J Worthington ## **MRS D BADGER** ## **Meetings attended 8 of 8** I have now been on Council for three years and would like to stand for reelection. My family and I have a long history of breeding Shire horses at Bickers Court, which we continue to do so. We are breeding and using the SPARKS scheme as we believe in its value to increase the diversity of the gene pool to protect the Shire horse for future generations. During my time on Council, I have been a proactive member of the Training and Education committee, supporting training days and Heavy Horse Camp. I continue to support the Demo Team in their work promoting the versatility of the Shire horse breed to both the general public and wider membership. It would be an honour to be re-elected to Council and I would continue to work hard to represent Society members. ## **MR W M BEDFORD** ## **Meetings attended 5 of 8 (3 apologies received)** I have been a member of Council for many years and have previously served on the Editing Committee, the former Executive Committee, and the Judges Assessment Panel. My main interest is upholding breeding standards and breeding quality show horses. I stand a number of champion stallions each year at stud and next year is no different. ## **MR J BURKS** ## **Meetings attended 6 of 8 (2 apologies received)** I have been a great supporter of the Shire breed for the last 65 years, in that time I have been honoured to serve the members on Council, the judges panel as well as breeding and showing. I wish to stand for re-election and ask for your vote. I am a strong supporter of the next generation as well as new disciplines for the Shire and want to make sure the breed has a healthy future so future generations can enjoy them. Whilst not a political monster I do have an opinion and am prepared to stand up and be counted. ## **MISS C EAGLE** ## **Meetings attended 6 of 8 (2 apologies received)** Helping to promote the Shire to the public and raising the profile of the breed is very important to me. I would really like to be voted back on to the Council this year to continue to be part of the Training and Education Committee. I am actively involved in projects which will invest in the breed’s future to ensure longevity. I am passionate about helping people and ensuring that members feel inclusive, with access to any help required. I am involved with Heavy Horse Camp, which helps a considerable amount of people with confidence, improving knowledge and creating a network of new friends. I take part in demonstrations for the Society, to help promote the breed, raise awareness, and show its versatility. I am a rider and breeder but having been involved in Society events and training days, I now do some agricultural classes at shows and occasionally drive. ## **MRS S FLINTHAM** ## **Meetings attended 7 of 8** ## **(1 apology received)** I am a Shire breeder and farmer in Nottinghamshire, alongside my father and two daughters. I am passionate about encouraging new people into the Shires and keeping the history alive too. I specialise in breeding horses and have been breeding with our Shire stallions, via artificial insemination, for a number of years. I have held a breeding training day for the Youth Council and a show training day for Lincolnshire Shire Horse Association and plan to do more days like these in the coming years. I have been on the Council for three years and I am now on the Show Committee, I would like to continue to help keep up the integrity of the Shire horse and support the breeders and owners of these fantastic horses. ## **MR R GRIFFITH** ## **Meetings attended 8 of 8** I have been around the Shire breed all my life and am the third-generation breeder and exhibitor at the Trem y Wyddfa Stud, North Wales. I have been a life member from the age of fifteen and have been fortunate to show in-hand across the country from a young age, including at young handlers and HOYS. I enjoy the breeding side of the Shires, running multiple stallions in order to preserve and develop the breed. What I breed and 34 Shire Horse Society Annual Report and Accounts 2024 how I show is a good representation of what I stand for as I promote Shires and showing in and around Wales. Standing for my second term, I am now an in-hand panel judge and the Chairman of the North Wales Shire Horse Society. I am a strong voice to represent members of the Society and the only Welsh representative on Council. ## **MR C HORLER** ## **Meetings attended 8 of 8** My name is Colin Horler of Radford Shires, I have been a member of the Society for over 40 years and have been around and showing Shire horses for more years than I care to remember. If I were lucky enough to be re-elected back onto Council, I would do my upmost to make sure that the members voices and opinions are heard at Council Meetings. I feel it is down to the members and the Shire Horse Society to guide the magnificent Shire horse in the right direction for the future, I think it is important to have a mixture of the modern ways of the Shire world working alongside the traditional ways. ## **MR S LEDSHAM** ## **Meetings attended 6 of 8** ## **(2 apologies received)** I originally stood for Council to promote, protect, and preserve the Shire breed. Whilst on Council I have expressed my views on issues I feel have been important to achieve those goals. I have faced much opposition to my views on correct shoeing practices and on hock conformation. I know there are Council Members who agree with my opinions but are reluctant to express their views. I also believe that many of the general membership are of similar views to myself. I have failed to convince Council of the need to investigate the issues of conformation further and therefore I need to show that I have some support within the general membership. You can show your support by casting a vote for me in this election. If I am unable to increase the number of votes I had at the last election, I intend, with much regret, to step down from Council. ## **MR G RAWLINS** ## **Meetings attended 8 of 8** I have enjoyed my time on the Council, and I have attended all the meetings, taking a great interest in what has been discussed. I am particularly passionate about keeping up the number of foals born each year and encouraging more mares to be used for breeding. I have been an active member of the Strategy and Development committee for the past three years, during which time we have supported the setting up of the Youth Council. I have also enjoyed taking part in several Shire Horse Society demonstrations and fundraising events that have helped raise the profile of the Shire horse breed. Finally, I lead the Shire breeding and showing programme for my family business, which continues the Rawlins family tradition in the Midlands, dating back nearly 100 years. I feel strongly that as a member of Council, I have the preservation of the Shire and interests of the members of Society at my heart. ## **MR F M RICHARDSON** ## **Meetings attended 8 of 8** I have been a part of the Council for the last 17 years; I have fully embraced this to help my aim of keeping the Shire horse in the forefront of the equestrian breeds. Alongside of the Council I am also on the full judges panel keeping the quality of the Shire standard upmost throughout Europe. Breeding and the showing of Shires throughout the summer promotes our great horses whilst carrying on the breed. Listening to the members and reporting this to the Council, so that continuous development can be made, whilst tradition is maintained. ## **MR J WORTHINGTON** ## **Meetings attended 7 of 8 (1 apology received)** I am willing to be considered for another term on Council taking forward opinions of other members and my own to keep the breed being promoted and exhibited all over the globe. I am the fourth generation of breeding the Shire horse. The Shire is in my blood, and I hope that the love and appreciation of them passes down to my own children along with other families. My priority is to encourage others to breed Shires so they can be used in whatever discipline they want and show their versatility. www.shire-horse.org.uk 35 ## NEW CANDIDATES STANDING FOR ELECTION Mr M Martin Mrs J Muntz Torres Mr S Roper ## **MR M MARTIN** In my relative to some, short 10 years working with the Shire horse, I have developed a great passion for all aspects of showing and breeding of our great breed. Starting as a young handler, to owning, showing, and breeding my own horses. I have been lucky enough to learn from some of our great breeders and show men/women, and I believe it is imperative to pass on the knowledge and experience I have consumed to others. As a previous newcomer myself I recognise how overwhelming the Shire horse world could be and pride myself on being approachable and will always offer advice and support to others just as I have previously received. If elected I would be a voice for the great lovers of showing our magnificent horses, with a passion for maintaining our breed traditions for future generations to come. ## **MRS J MUNTZ TORRES** I am putting my name forward for Council 2025: I support the working Shire and the younger generation. I bought my first unbroken Shire in 1997. The Horlers broke him in and trained me, so I achieved an NVQ level 3 in Working and Driving Horses. I was driving from 1998 and started ploughing regularly from 2008. I have been a member of the MHHA since 1983 and Secretary from 2014-2023. I showed in harness, agricultural vehicle and implement classes: I started horse-boating in 2014. I was a contributor to Heavy Horse World until recently producing show reports. ## **MR S ROPER** I was four when we got our first Shire, and I have not been without one at any time since. I am an active breeder under the prefix ‘Horsmans.’ I am an avid follower of pedigrees and favour horses with depth, power, and good movement. I aim to breed to the standard, but it is growing increasingly difficult, I am concerned that there is a decline of these qualities. I have a dozen Shires and show regularly during the season, I believe in fairness and transparency for all exhibitors, again I am concerned that these fundamentals are sometimes lacking. I would like to support the Society’s members in upholding equality and preserving breed standards. Shire Horse Society Annual Report and Accounts 2024 36 ## **Shire Horse of the Year Qualifying Shows** 2024 Driven Champion Landcliffe Glassia ## **2025 HOYS Qualifiers** National Stallion National Mare Driffield Show South Wales Shire Horse Show Royal Cheshire Show Royal Norfolk Show Bakewell Show Great Eccleston Show Newport Show Derbyshire County Show Penistone Show New Forest County Show Suffolk County Nottinghamshire County Show Staffordshire County Show Royal Welsh Show Devon County Show ## **Demonstrations** Grateful thanks are recorded to the following members who helped the Society organise demonstrations promoting the Shire horse across the country in 2024. Neil Andrews, Denise Badger, Mike Bingham, Rob Clarke, Jo-Ann Clubley, Caroline Eagle, Jono Fryer, Callum Fuller-Shapcott, Gayle Fuller-Shapcott, Joanne Grant, Deb Green, Stuart Green, Kelly Holder, Brett Masters, Hook Norton Brewery, Sally Jones, Greg Rawlins, Mark Richardson, Yvonne Simmons, Colin Stokes, Carolyn Truss, Rita Wells. Photo credit: Grandstand Media Ltd & 1st Class Images www.shire-horse.org.uk 37 ## **Notes** Shire Horse Society Annual Report and Accounts 2024 38 Registered Charity No 210619 ## Shire Horse Society To preserve, promote and protect the horse that put the Great into Britain National Shire Horse Show 7th-9th March 2025 Bingley Hall, Staffordshire Showground, ST18 0BD **----- Start of picture text -----**
Photos credit: Real Time Imaging
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Tel: 01536 771611 Email: info@shire-horse.org.uk www.shire-horse.org.uk /theshirehorsesociety @saveourshires shire_horse_society www.shire-horse.org.uk 39 ## **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**