THE BRITISH NUMISMATIC SOCIETY
(Registered Charity No. 275906 )
TRUSTEES REPORT & FINANCIAL STATEMENTS FOR THE YEAR ENDED 31 DECEMBER 2024
THE BRITISH NUMISMATIC SOCIETY
CONTENTS
| Trustees Report | 3-4 |
|---|---|
| Statement of Trustees Responsibilities | 5 |
| Independent Examiner’s Report | 6 |
| Statement of Financial Activities | 7 |
| Balance Sheet | 8 |
| Notes to the Accounts | 9-16 |
2
THE BRITISH NUMISMATIC SOCIETY REPORT OF THE TRUSTEES
FOR THE YEAR ENDED 31 DECEMBER 2024
The British Numismatic Society was founded in 1903 and is a registered charity (No. 275906). The Society is established for the benefit of the public through the encouragement and promotion of numismatic science, and particularly through the study of the coins, medals and tokens of the peoples of the British Isles and Commonwealth and the United States of America, and of such territories as may at any time be, or have been, subject to their jurisdiction. The Society’s activities are governed by its ByLaws. The By-Laws were last amended in November 2015.
The trustees of the Society for the year ended 31 December 2024 were the officers and members of Council comprising:
E.M. Screen (President) M.R. Allen, K. Clancy (from 25 November), G.P. Dyer (to 25 November), D.W. Dykes and H.E. Pagan (Vice-Presidents) P.J. Preston-Morley (Secretary) D.M. Young (Treasurer) W.A. MacKay (Director) B.S. Shepherd (Librarian) R. Page (Website Officer) G.M. Oddie (Publicity Officer, to 28 May) R.J. Ambrose, M. Andrews (to 25 November), C.B.J. Barker, A.E. Blackwell, E.L. Burnett, J. Cattermole, T. Cook (from 25 November), J. Graham-Campbell (to 25 November), L. Hardcastle (from 25 November), R.W. Hoge, D.J. Kirk, J.E. Porter (to 25 November) and W. Scott (from 25 November) (Council Members)
The registered address of the charity is that of the current Treasurer, D.M. Young, 89 Gillards Close, Rockwell Green, Wellington, Somerset TA21 9DX. The Society’s bankers are the National Westminster Bank plc, PO Box 10720, 217 Strand, London WC2R 1AL and CAF Bank Ltd, 25 Kings Hill, West Malling, Kent ME19 4JQ. Funds are also deposited with Evelyn Partners Investment Management Services Ltd, 45 Gresham Street, London EC2V 7BG, Hampshire Trust Bank Ltd, 55 Bishopsgate, London EC2N 3AS, M & G Securities Ltd, 10 Fenchurch Avenue, London EC3M 5AG and United Trust Bank Ltd, 1 Ropemaker Street, London EC2Y 9AW. The Independent Examiner is N. Beaton, 48 Morgans Quay, Strand, Teignmouth, Devon TQ14 8XZ.
The Society’s financial accounts for the year ended 31 December 2011 and subsequent years are currently available on the Charity Commission website. The trustees have paid due regard to the Charity Commission’s guidance on public benefit and consider that the Society’s various activities further its purposes in that regard.
Society meetings were held in the fourth week of the month in January, March, April, June, September, October and November at the Society of Antiquaries of London. Additional meetings were held in the fourth week of the month in February and May at Swedenborg Hall, London. A further meeting was held in New York on Friday 12 January and a Summer meeting was held at the Royal Mint, Llantrisant, on Saturday 13 July.
In November 2024 the Society published volume 94 of The British Numismatic Journal. The Society’s Editor provided another substantial volume, containing articles, together with notes and reviews, the 2024 Coin Hoards from England, Scotland and Wales, the 2024 Coin Register and the 2023 Proceedings.
3
THE BRITISH NUMISMATIC SOCIETY
REPORT OF THE TRUSTEES (continued)
FOR THE YEAR ENDED 31 DECEMBER 2024
The Society also produces a series of Special Publications. Spink acts as distributor of the Society’s publications. In February 2018 the Society introduced E-NEWS, an online Society bulletin board circulated prior to each meeting to all members for whom the Society has email addresses. In April 2018 the Society established a research blog on the internet, to which 56 articles were contributed in calendar year 2024. In November 2022 the Society formally launched the Medieval Coin Hoards of the British Isles project, a web- based application for researchers covering the period from 450 to 1544 AD.
The Society’s bursary programme and grant-giving was placed on a new footing at the end of 2022 and £18,719 was distributed in 2024.
The Society has an independent website (www.britnumsoc.org) providing a mix of permanent factual information about the Society and details of its current programme of meetings and activities. Members may request issues of the Money & Medals newsletter in electronic format, published by the Money and Medals Network, which includes short and topical articles, reviews, details of meetings and exhibitions and a diary of fairs and auctions. The newsletter is also generally available through the Money and Medals Network website.
Following completion of the digital scanning of the entire run of back numbers of The British Numismatic Journal in 2011 the contents of all but the most recent volumes can now be freely accessed through the Society’s website.
The Society holds a substantial library, jointly with the Royal Numismatic Society, which is located at the Warburg Institute, and actively maintains a programme of acquiring new books and rebinding existing books, as necessary. Under the terms of an agreement signed in 2019 the future management of the library will be in the hands of the Warburg Institute, while the societies retain ownership of the books. The considerable expense incurred with the move, relating to cataloguing, electronic tagging and other security measures has been included in the Society’s accounts. Annual subscriptions were paid to the International Numismatic Commission and the British Association of Numismatic Societies (BANS).
The Society is financed by an annual subscription of £32, paid by both ordinary and institutional members, reduced to £15 for the first two years, and £10, paid by students up to the age of 25 or continuing in fulltime education, together with interest on cash held on deposit and donations from members exceeding their subscriptions. Other sources of income derive from legacies and gifts.
The Trustees believe that the present level of uncommitted reserves set against current and planned expenditure is both prudent and proportionate. The Society’s reserves and its investment policy are kept under active review by a Finance Committee.
All officers of the Society offer their services on a voluntary basis, and administrative costs were kept to a minimum, consisting largely of stationery and postage.
As of 25 November 2024 the Society had 619 members, both in Britain and overseas, and is actively seeking to increase this number.
Signed on behalf of the Trustees:
P.J. Preston-Morley Secretary
4
THE BRITISH NUMISMATIC SOCIETY STATEMENT OF TRUSTEES RESPONSIBILITIES
FOR THE YEAR ENDED 31 DECEMBER 2024
The trustees are responsible for preparing the Trustees’ Report and the financial statements in accordance with applicable law and United Kingdom Accounting Standards (United Kingdom Generally Accepted Accounting Practice).
The law applicable to charities in England and Wales requires the trustees to prepare financial statements for each financial year which give a true and fair view of the state of affairs of the charity and of the surplus or deficit of the charity for that year.
In preparing these financial statements, the trustees are required to:
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select suitable accounting policies and then apply them consistently;
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observe the methods and principles in the Charities SORP;
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make judgements and estimates that are reasonable and prudent;
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state whether applicable accounting standards have been followed, subject to any material departures disclosed and explained in the financial statements and
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prepare the financial statements on the going concern basis unless it is inappropriate to presume that the charity will continue in operation.
The trustees are responsible for keeping adequate accounting records that are sufficient to show and explain the charity’s transactions and disclose with reasonable accuracy at any time the financial position of the charity and enable them to ensure that the financial statements comply with the Charities Act 2011 and the Charities Statement of Recommended Practice. They are also responsible for safeguarding the assets of the charity and hence for taking reasonable steps for the prevention and detection of fraud and other irregularities.
5
THE BRITISH NUMISMATIC SOCIETY INPEPENDENT EXAMINER’S REPORT
TO THE TRUSTEES OF THE BRITISH NUMISMATIC SOCIETY
I report to the charity trustees on my examination of the financial statements of the Society for the year ended 31 December 2024, which is set out on pages 8 to 16.
Responsibilities and basis of report
As the trustees of the charity, you are responsible for the preparation of the accounts in accordance with the requirements of the Charities Act 2011 (“the Act”).
I have satisfied myself that the accounts of the charity do not require an audit, and that section 144 of the Charities Act 2011 does not apply. I report in respect of my examination of the charity’s accounts as carried out under section 145 of the Act. In carrying out my examination I have followed the all the applicable directions given by the Charity Commission under section 145(5) (b) of that Act.
Independent examiner’s report
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 that in any material aspect:
(1) accounting records were not kept in respect of the charity as required by section 130 of the Act; or
(2) the accounts do not accord with those accounting records; or
(3) the accounts do not comply with the applicable requirements concerning the form and content of the accounts set out in the Charities (Accounts and Reports) Regulations 2008 other than any requirement that the accounts give a “true and fair” view which is not a matter considered as part of an independent examination.
I have no concerns and have come across no other matters in connection with the examination to which attention should be drawn in this report in order to enable a proper understanding of the accounts to be reached.
Neil Beaton
30 September 2025
48 Morgans Quay Strand Teignmouth Devon TQ14 8XZ
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THE BRITISH NUMISMATIC SOCIETY
STATEMENT OF FINANCIAL ACTIVITIES
FOR THE YEAR ENDED 31 DECEMBER 2024
| Incoming Resources Donations & legacies Donations Legacies Subscriptions Gift Aid Charitable activities Publication sales Miscellaneous Income from investments Total Incoming Resources Resources Expended Charitable activities (note 3) Other (note 3) Total resources expended Net Incoming (Outgoings) Resources Realised gain/(loss) on investments Unrealised gain/(loss) on investments Net Movement in Funds Transfer between funds Total Funds at 1 January 2024 Total Funds at 31 December 2024 |
Unrestricted Funds Restricted Total Total General £ Designated £ Funds £ 2024 £ 2023 £ 323 - 11,939 12,262 1,047 62 - - 62 35,847 18,188 - - 18,188 17,537 999 - - 999 1,347 2,334 992 3,326 2,705 - - - - 6,335 12,727 1,577 20,639 15,143 |
|---|---|
| 28,241 13,719 13,516 55,476 76,626 |
|
| 44,186 20,492 1,000 65,678 69,388 2,883 - - 2,883 2,148 |
|
| 47,069 20,492 1,000 68,561 71,536 |
|
| (18,828) (6,773) 12,516 (13,085) 2,090 337 677 84 1,098 (611) 2,692 5,407 670 8,769 3,323 |
|
| (15,799) (689) 13,270 (3,218) 4,802 - - - - - 189,083 391,813 42,596 623,492 618,690 |
|
| 173,284 391,124 55,866 620,274 623,492 |
The statement of financial affairs includes all gains and losses in the year. All income and expenditure derive from continuing activities.
7
THE BRITISH NUMISMATIC SOCIETY BALANCE SHEET
AS AT 31 DECEMBER 2024
| Note 2024 £ FIXED ASSETS Library furniture 11 - Investments 4 314,629 314,629 CURRENT ASSETS Stock of Society Medals 6,353 Debtors and Prepayments 5 6,469 Cash at Bank Current Accounts 17,525 Deposit Accounts 287,707 318,054 LESS CURRENT LIABILITIES Subscriptions received in advance 2,834 Creditors 6 9,575 12,409 NET CURRENT ASSETS 305,645 NET ASSETS 620,274 Financed by: General Fund 8 173,284 Designated Funds 9 391,124 Restricted Funds 10 55,866 TOTAL FUNDS 620,274 Registered Charity No. 275906 Approved by the Council on 25 April 2025 and signed on its behalf by: |
6,353 6,469 17,525 287,707 |
2024 £ - 314,629 |
6,353 7,574 16,348 294,732 |
2023 £ 160 302,708 |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| 314,629 305,645 |
302,868 320,624 |
|||
| 318,054 | 325,007 | |||
| 2,834 9,575 |
2,882 1.501 |
|||
| 12,409 | 4,383 | |||
| 620,274 | 623,492 | |||
| 173,284 391,124 55,866 |
189,083 391,813 42,596 |
|||
| 620,274 | 623,492 | |||
E Screen D Young President Hon Treasurer
8
THE BRITISH NUMISMATIC SOCIETY NOTES TO THE ACCOUNTS
FOR THE YEAR ENDED 31 DECEMBER 2024
1. ACCOUNTING POLICIES
Basis of Preparation
The accounts have been prepared under the historical cost convention, modified by the revaluation of the investments.
The financial statements have been prepared in accordance with the requirements of the Charities Act 2011, the Statement of Recommended Practice (SORP): Accounting and Reporting by Charities preparing their accounts in accordance with the Financial Reporting Standard applicable in the UK and Republic of Ireland (FRS 102). The charity meets the definition of a public benefit charity under FRS 102.
The financial statements have been prepared under the going concern basis as the trustees have a reasonable expectation that the charity has adequate resources to continue in operational existence for the foreseeable future.
The financial statements are prepared in sterling, being the functional currency of the charity.
Fund Accounting
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Unrestricted funds are available for use at the discretion of the trustees in the furtherance of the general objectives of the charity.
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Designated funds are unrestricted funds that have been set aside by the trustees for particular purposes.
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Restricted funds are subject to restrictions on their expenditure imposed by donors.
Tangible fixed assets
Tangible fixed assets are stated at cost less accumulated depreciation. Depreciation is provided at rates calculated to write down the cost of the asset over their expected useful lives. The expected life of the office equipment is four years.
Library
No value has been attributed in the balance sheet to the Society’s library. The joint library of the Society and The Royal Numismatic Society was valued in 2020 at £415,650. The books are individually labelled as to which Society owns them, but for the purposes of practical day-to-day administration and the sharing of costs, one-third of the library is taken as belonging to The British Numismatic Society.
Investments
The society’s investments are held for their long term growth and are included in the financial statements at their mid-market values at the balance sheet date. Realised and unrealised gains and losses on the investments are shown in the statement of financial affairs and added or deducted from the appropriate fund in the statement of financial activities.
9
THE BRITISH NUMISMATIC SOCIETY NOTES TO THE ACCOUNTS
FOR THE YEAR ENDED 31 DECEMBER 2024
1. ACCOUNTING POLICIES (continued)
Stock
No value is attributed to the Society’s stocks of Special Publications and The British Numismatic Journal. The Society’s medals on hand at the balance sheet date are included at cost
Income
All incoming resources are recognised when the charity is entitled to the funds, the amount can be quantified with reasonable accuracy and it is probable that the income will be received.
Investment income is included on an accrual basis.
Legacies are included when the legacy is received or when the society has been notified of an impending distribution, the amount is known and receipt is expected.
Subscriptions are payable annually and included in the year to which they relate, however no credit is taken for subscriptions in arrears at the balance sheet date.
Expenditure
Expenditure is recognised on an accrual basis as a liability is incurred. Expenditure includes irrecoverable VAT and this is charged as a cost against the activity for which the expenditure was incurred.
Charitable expenditure comprises those costs incurred by the society in the delivery of its activities and services for its beneficiaries. It includes both costs that can be allocated directly to such activities and those costs of an indirect nature necessary to support them.
Other costs include those costs associated with meeting the constitutional requirements of the society.
Grants and Prizes
Grants and Prizes are authorised and awarded by the Council based on recommendations of the various sub-committees and are normally included in the accounts as payable when they have been authorised and awarded.
2. PAYMENTS TO TRUSTEES AND RELATED PARTY TRANSACTIONS
The amount of travel or other expenses received by trustees during the year is £nil (2023 £nil)
There were no related party transactions in the year.
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THE BRITISH NUMISMATIC SOCIETY
NOTES TO THE ACCOUNTS
FOR THE YEAR ENDED 31 DECEMBER 2024
3. CHARITABLE EXPENDITURE
| Charitable Activities British Numismatic Journal Special publications _Money & Medals_newsletter Meetings Library expenses Bursaries Grants Prizes Website costs Subscriptions 50 Year Membership Charitable support costs Bank charges Secretarial and clerical Investment management Library furniture written off |
Unrestricted Funds Restricted Total Total General £ Designated £ Funds £ 2024 £ 2023 £ 14,946 - - 14,946 13,811 - - - - - 5,844 - - 5,844 5,811 8,327 - - 8,327 11,341 107 2,742 - 2,849 6,207 - - 1,000 1,000 3,000 13,734 17,250 - 24,626 24,626 - 500 - 500 3,450 793 - - 793 832 291 - - 291 222 144 - - 144 88 |
|---|---|
| 44,186 20,492 1,000 65,678 69,388 |
|
| 763 - - 763 712 691 - - 691 665 1,269 - - 1,269 771 160 - - 160 - |
|
| 2,883 - - 2,883 2,148 |
4. INVESTMENTS
| . INVESTMENTS | |
|---|---|
| Mid-market value at 1 January Purchases at cost Disposals at cost Net profit/(loss) on disposals Unrealised gains/(losses) during year Mid-market value at 31 December |
2024 £ 2023 £ 302,708 97,952 78,099 208,036 (76,045) (5,992) 1,098 (611) 8,769 3,323) |
| 314,629 302,708 |
All investments are listed and held in the United Kingdom
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THE BRITISH NUMISMATIC SOCIETY
NOTES TO THE ACCOUNTS
FOR THE YEAR ENDED 31 DECEMBER 2024
5. DEBTORS
| Other debtors Accrued income receivable Prepayments 6. CREDITORS Creditor for British Numismatic Journal Other creditors |
2024 £ 2023 £ 1,189 2,248 4,885 3,616 395 1,710 6,469 7,574 |
|---|---|
| 2024 £ 2023 £ 76 1,126 9,499 375 9,575 1,5012 |
7. ANALYSIS OF NET ASSETS BETWEEN FUNDS
| Fixed Assets Tangible fixed assets Investments Current Assets Stock of medals Debtors and prepayments Cash at bank Current Liabilities Net Current Assets Net Assets |
Unrestricted Funds Restricted Total General £ Designated £ Funds £ 2024 £ - - 87,956 198,343 28,330 314,629 |
|---|---|
| 87,956 198,343 28,330 314,629 785 - 5,568 6,353 6,469 - - 6,469 90,483 192,781 21,968 305,232 |
|
| 97,737 192,781 27,536 318,054 12,409 - - 12,409 |
|
| 85,328 192,781 27,536 305,645 |
|
| 173,284 391,124 55,866 620,274 |
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THE BRITISH NUMISMATIC SOCIETY
NOTES TO THE ACCOUNTS
FOR THE YEAR ENDED 31 DECEMBER 2024
8. GENERAL FUND
| . GENERAL FUND | |
|---|---|
| Income Expenditure Net incoming (outgoing resources) Realised gains (losses) on investments Unrealised gains (losses) on investments Transfer to Prize Fund Fund balance at 1 January Fund balance at 31 December |
2024 £ 2023 £ 28,241 47,712 47,068 45,673 |
| (18,827) 2,039 337 (193) 2,692 1,049 |
|
| (15,798) 2,895 - (9,000) 189,083 195,188 |
|
| 173,275 189,083 |
9. DESIGNATED FUNDS
| Income Charitable Expenditure Net incoming/ (Outgoing) Resources Realised gains or (looses0 on investments Unrealised gains or (losses) on investments Net Movement in Funds Fund Balances at 1 January 2024 Fund Balances at 31 December 2024 |
North Fund £ Linecar Fund £ Osborne Fund £ Cross Fund £ Casey Fund £ Library Fund £ Total £ 348 374 3,818 4,591 1,459 3,129 13,719 500 - - 11,330 5,920 2,742 20,492 |
|---|---|
| (152) 374 3,818 (6,739) (4,461) 387 (6,773) 19 20 150 244 78 166 677 148 159 1,201 1,950 620 1,329 5,407 |
|
| 15 553 5,169 (4,545) (3,763) 1,882 (689) 10,710 11,513 87,021 141,336 44,920 96,313 391,813 10,725 12,066 92,190 136,791 41,157 96,313 391,813 |
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THE BRITISH NUMISMATIC SOCIETY
NOTES TO THE ACCOUNTS
FOR THE YEAR ENDED 31 DECEMBER 2024
9. DESIGNATED FUNDS continued
The North Fund was set up during 2006 with a generous donation from Mr J.J. North and Council has decided that this should partly be used to fund a biennial prize for the best book on British Numismatics published in the preceding three years. In 2007 Council decided additionally to use part of the fund to establish the Jeffrey North Medal, to be awarded occasionally to members of the society or others in recognition of outstanding services to British Numismatics, whether in the UK or overseas.
The Linecar Fund was started in 1986 with a bequest of £5,000 and Council has designated this fund to provide for a biennial lecture in Mr Linecar’s memory.
The Osborne Fund was started in 1991 with a bequest of £50,000 and Council has designated this fund to finance a series of Special Publications.
The name of the Benefactors’ Fund was changed to the Cross Fund to recognise the bequest of £140,000 from John Cross in 2022 which has been added to the fund and Council has designated this fund to provide grants and bursaries.
The John Casey Fund was started in 2017 with a bequest of £58,500 and Council has designated this fund to provide research grants.
The Library Fund was started in 2019 with a bequest of £100,000 from Robert Thompson and Council has designated this fund for the purchase of books in the Society’s library.
| Income Charitable expenditure Net Incoming/ (Outgoing) Resources Realised gains or (losses) on investments Unrealised gains (or losses) on investments Net Movement in Funds Fund Balances at 1 January 2023 Fund Balances at 31 December 2023 |
North Fund £ Linecar Fund £ Osborne Fund £ Cross Fund £ Casey Fund £ Library Fund £ Total £ 257 274 2,605 3,460 1,397 2,327 10,320 88 - - 4,112 13,825 1,476 19,501 |
|---|---|
| 169 274 2,605 (652) (12,428) 851 (9,181) (10) (11) (83) (140) (56) (94) (394) 56 60 451 759 307 510 2,143 |
|
| 215 323 2,973 (33) (12,177) 1,267 (7,432) 10,495 11,190 84,048 141,369 57,097 95,046 399,245 10,710 11,513 87,021 141,336 44,920 96,313 391,813 |
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THE BRITISH NUMISMATIC SOCIETY
NOTES TO THE ACCOUNTS
FOR THE YEAR ENDED 31 DECEMBER 2024
10. RESTRICTED FUNDS
The Prize Fund – following an appeal for donations in 2005, the Society created a new Prize Fund with the purpose of supporting the John Sanford Saltus Medal, the Blunt Prize and any other award the Society might introduce in the future.
The Leather Fund was started in 2022 with a bequest of £23,000 from Christopher Leather and at the request of Mr Leather the fund is to be used for research and bursaries.
The Lyon Fund was started in 2024 with a donation of £11,939 from the S & E Lyon Charitable Trust and requested that the fund be used for research grants.
| Income Charitable Expenditure Net incoming/ (Outgoing) Resources Realised gains or (looses) on investments Unrealised gains or (losses) on investments Net Movement in Funds Transfer from General Fund Fund Balances at 1 January 2024 Fund Balances at 31 December 2024 |
Lyon Fund £ Leather Fund £ Prize Fund £ Total 2022 £ 12,133 1,158 225 13,516 - 1,000 - 1,000 |
|---|---|
| 12,133 158 225 12,516 10 62 12 84 82 492 96 670 |
|
| 12,225 712 333 13,270 - - - - - 35,664 6,932 42,596 12,225 36,376 7,265 55,866 |
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THE BRITISH NUMISMATIC SOCIETY
NOTES TO THE ACCOUNTS
FOR THE YEAR ENDED 31 DECEMBER 2024
| Income Charitable Expenditure Net incoming/ (Outgoing) Resources Realised gains or (looses) on investments Unrealised gains or (losses) on investments Net Movement in Funds Transfer from General Fund Fund Balances at 1 January 2023 Fund Balances at 31 December 2023 |
Lyon Fund £ Leather Fund £ Prize Fund £ Total 2023 £ - 15,563 31 23,031 - 3,000 3,362 6,362 |
|---|---|
| - 12,563 (3,331) 9,232 - (23) (1) (24) - 124 7 131 |
|
| - 12,664 (3,325) 9,339 - - 9,000 9,000 - 23,000 1,257 24,257 - 35,664 6,932 42,596 |
| 11.TANGIBLE FIXED ASSETS Library furniture Less amount written off Balance at 31 December 2024 |
2024 £ 2023 £ 160 160 160 - |
|---|---|
| - 160 |
16