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2023-12-31-accounts

Charity Registration No. 276865

DEVON ARCHAEOLOGICAL SOCIETY

ANNUAL REPORT AND UNAUDITED FINANCIAL STATEMENTS FOR THE YEAR ENDED 31 DECEMBER 2023

DEVON ARCHAEOLOGICAL SOCIETY

LEGAL AND ADMINISTRATIVE INFORMATION

Trustees Dr D A Allen
Dr A Binding
Dr S Blaylock (Appointed 22 April 2023)
Prof J S Clibbens
Ms A L Eversett
Ms F M Griffith
Ms D M Griffiths
Mr J D Griffiths
Mr W Horner
Ms C M King
Ms P Manning
Prof V Maxfield
Dr P Newman
Ms H Quinnell
Dr J P Salvatore
Mr N M Stainer
Ms C J M Whitton
Dr E Wilkes
Mrs J Yendall (Appointed 22 April 2023)
Charity number 276865
Principal address Berkeley House
Dix's Field
Exeter
Devon
EX1 1PZ
Independent examiner Mr J L Coombs MA (Cantab) FCA
Simpkins Edwards LLP
The Summit
Woodwater Park
Pynes Hill
Exeter
Devon
EX2 5WS
Bankers Barclay's Bank
39-40 Fleet Street
Torquay
TQ2 5DL
Lloyds Bank
Exeter Branch
234 High Street
Exeter
Devon
EX4 3NL

DEVON ARCHAEOLOGICAL SOCIETY

CONTENTS

Page
Trustees' report 1 - 13
Independent examiner's report 14
Statement of financial activities 15
Balance sheet 16
Notes to the financial statements 17 - 27

DEVON ARCHAEOLOGICAL SOCIETY

TRUSTEES' REPORT

FOR THE YEAR ENDED 31 DECEMBER 2023

The trustees present their report and financial statements for the year ended 31 December 2023.

The financial statements have been prepared in accordance with the accounting policies set out in note 1 to the financial statements and comply with the charity’s governing document, the Charities Act 2011 and ‘Accounting and Reporting by Charities: Statement of Recommended Practice applicable to charities preparing their accounts in accordance with the Financial Reporting Standard applicable in the UK and Republic of Ireland (FRS 102)’ (as amended for accounting periods commencing from 1 January 2016).

Introduction by the Chair of the Executive Committee

2023 was another active year for DAS, its Trustees and members. The purchase of Hembury hillfort was celebrated and a range of events was delivered for the benefit of members and the wider public. The Society has remained active in the pursuance of all its charitable objectives, summarised as the protection and promotion of the archaeology of Devon.

It was with great sadness that we learned of the death of our Assistant Treasurer, John Smith, at the start of the year. John was a true stalwart of DAS and had maintained a calm oversight of our day-to-day finances that was particularly crucial following the death of our Treasurer, Alastair Ainsworth, in 2020. John’s attention to detail was meticulous and he is very much missed by all Trustees and his friends within DAS and wider circles. DAS is very fortunate that our Vice President, Prof Valerie Maxfield, has, for the time being, stepped in to take over the role of Assistant Treasurer. We continue to seek members who are able and prepared to take on these roles.

DAS events were held throughout 2023 in person, online, and on occasion, both together. This flexible approach continues to be well received by members and those attending our events as numbers both online and in person remain healthy. The Zoom lectures make ‘attendance’ possible for a greater number of members, but there has been a general sense of relief that we are all now more able to meet in person to enjoy Devon’s archaeology.

We celebrated the purchase of Hembury hillfort with two spring events at the site. Professional contractors and volunteer groups have been active throughout the year to keep the vegetation under control and the site remains open for the quiet enjoyment of all visitors.

Another significant development in the Society’s work has been the establishment in 2023 of a working group to consider the protection of Exeter’s archaeology. The City Walls are currently in a worse state of preservation than at any time since the War, and we are engaging with Exeter City Council to try to encourage a greater appreciation of their importance, both as a very important archaeological site in their own right and as an asset to the City.

Also in 2023, Trustees reviewed the Society’s five-year Business Plan, making adjustments for the current economic circumstances and post-pandemic environment we are now in. The Society remains in a stable and healthy condition due to the great deal of work by the DAS Trustees and the support of our members. All are most warmly thanked for their contributions to the Society. If you might be interested in joining the Executive Committee to help with the business of running the Society, please do get in touch.

DEVON ARCHAEOLOGICAL SOCIETY

TRUSTEES' REPORT (CONTINUED) FOR THE YEAR ENDED 31 DECEMBER 2023

Objectives and activities The Executive Committee and its Sub-Committees

The Executive Committee met once in person and three times online in 2023.

The General Purposes Sub-Committee (GP) met online four times in 2023.

The Editorial Sub-Committee met online four times in 2023.

Working Parties

The Membership and Premises Working Party (MaP, Convenor John Griffiths), is responsible to the Executive Committee for the provision of continued and improving service to the Society’s members; for overseeing the maintenance and use of the Society’s premises and its assets.

MaP has devoted a substantial amount of its time to developing ideas for attracting new members, including asking existing members to encourage their contacts to join, raising the Society’s profile at county-wide events, increasing distribution of leaflets and information about events, and adding fresh content to the Society’s website.

MaP continues to meet exclusively via Zoom and is likely to continue with this: the use of online meeting facilities gives more flexibility for attendees and may help the Society to improve further its environmental footprint (see below).

Covid-19 Safety has remained a concern and MaP defined existing limits on attendee numbers in Berkeley House, keeping the Covid policy under regular review and working with the Executive Committee to vary the limits as deemed necessary to protect members’ health. MaP also reviewed Berkeley House safety procedure and adopted a protocol to encourage anyone working alone in Berkeley House to notify at least one person of this in case of emergency.

The current business plan requires an examination of the Society’s environmental footprint and MaP has started work this year on establishing an environmental audit. One aspect of this is likely to be increased awareness of areas where the society can reduce its overall use of carbon-based transport without detriment to the availability of in-person events for which some members have expressed a preference.

MaP continues to review the issue of website maintenance and hosting, in conjunction with its sub-working party, the Web Group. The Society’s Hembury Working Party now also maintains a separate website related to Hembury Hillfort and work has progressed to link these two sites whilst retaining their separate identities.

MaP members have freed up space within Berkeley House for publications and equipment storage by a thinning out of duplicate or outdated library and publications held in store and by the removal of the bulk of the Planvariograph machine.

The Zoom Working Party (ZWP, Convenor Henrietta Quinnell) met once during the year, since our Zoom operations now seem to be on a stable footing.

The Hembury Working Party (HWP, Convenor Eileen Wilkes) met 26 times during 2023. Further meetings were held with Historic England, Devon Wildlife Trust (DWT), and various contractors related to site maintenance. In March, the Society celebrated its purchase of Hembury with a press event at the site. This was attended by representatives of Historic England, including their Chief Executive, Duncan Wilson, local Honiton MP, Richard Foord, representatives of other Societies, local parishes and the neighbours of Hembury along with DAS Trustees. The event was marked in the local, regional and national press.

In May, we held a members’ picnic, again to celebrate the Society’s purchase and to introduce members to the superb archaeology at Hembury, looking at both its prehistoric and more historic use. We intend to continue to offer regular guided visits for members and others.

DEVON ARCHAEOLOGICAL SOCIETY

TRUSTEES' REPORT (CONTINUED) FOR THE YEAR ENDED 31 DECEMBER 2023

In 2023, work was commissioned to manage the vegetation at Hembury and, as well as the endeavours of commercial contractors, the site benefitted from several episodes of vegetation clearance by DAS and MMS volunteers. We continue to build on the relationships with DWT and others interested in Hembury and, with this in mind, we are developing a ‘Friends of Hembury’ group that we intend to launch in 2024. The HWP is developing further proposals for the management of the site, together with associated grant applications.

The City Wall Working Party (Convenor Stuart Blaylock) was established on the recommendation of the Executive Committee due to concerns about the continued survival of Exeter’s nationally important city wall, as well as the treatment of the historic environment in the planning process in the City. In addition to threats from unsympathetic development adjacent to the wall, there are at least thirteen points around the circuit where there is cause for concern about the structural condition, or where a collapse has occurred. The working party has met seven times since early September and discussions are ongoing with Exeter City Council Officers, Councillors and with Historic England.

Public Benefit

The Trustees confirm that they have referred to the guidance contained in the Charity Commission’s general guidance on public benefit when reviewing the Society’s Aims and Objectives and in planning future activities. The activities of the Society are set out under the principal Charitable Objectives below.

The promotion of archaeological research and the instigation and execution of fieldwork

Archaeological Fieldwork (Eileen Wilkes)

Members of DAS again participated in the fieldwork at Mount Folly, south Devon. Good progress was made in the investigation of activities related to occupation of the enclosures in the later Iron Age and further work is planned for 2024.

Graffiti Research Project (Pru Manning)

The graffiti project continues to go well. Around another 18 churches have been looked at this year, either fully or partly recording them, or making initial assessments of readily accessible parts. Highlights of the findings have been reported on the News page of the Graffiti Survey website and the summary results and photos of two churches have been added to the Churches web page.

The Library (Celia King)

The library is one of the resources offered by the DAS to its members. As many of the members using the library attend one or more of the DAS courses, some books purchased during the year relate to the topics covered by the courses. In addition, suitable donated books are added. This year the library has benefitted from the addition of a large number of good quality books bequeathed by former members, particularly John Smith, longterm Assistant Treasurer. A catalogue is available on the DAS website and in Berkeley House.

The use of the library has been increasing with the relaxation of Covid-19 restrictions and short talks were reintroduced at the open mornings from July. Members can book individual research visits to the library.

The Society has

DEVON ARCHAEOLOGICAL SOCIETY

TRUSTEES' REPORT (CONTINUED) FOR THE YEAR ENDED 31 DECEMBER 2023

Preservation of archaeological sites and buildings

The Trustees have continued to monitor the provision of local authority heritage services across the historic County of Devon.

A number of national and local consultations regarding heritage, planning and the environment have come forward during 2023. The Trustees have considered and where appropriate commented on: Natural England’s consultations on Local Landscape Designations outside National Parks and Areas of Outstanding Natural Beauty and on the Green Infrastructure Strategy; the XLinks solar energy cable development in Torridge; the Independent Review on the Management of Dartmoor’s Protected Sites (The Fursdon Panel); revisions to the National Planning Policy Framework.

The scale and pace of development in Exeter, and circumstances within Exeter’s Planning Department, have led to the Society having greater involvement in City planning matters. The Society has commented on the proposed redevelopment of several archaeologically sensitive sites, such as the car park at Mary Arches Street; Paternoster House on the corner of North Street/Fore Street; and the South Gate (Acorn Roundabout) car park. The Society has also commented on two developments on the Exeter University campus.

The Government’s Levelling-Up and Regeneration Act was passed into law in October, placing a new Statutory Duty on local authorities to maintain or have access to a Historic Environment Record (HER). In 1975 the Devon Committee for Rescue Archaeology, a sub-committee of the Society, created an HER (then known as a Sites & Monuments Register) for the whole of Devon. This was passed to Devon County Council in 1979. HERs are currently maintained by Devon County Council for Devon’s rural districts and for Torbay, and by Dartmoor and Exmoor National Park Authorities. Plymouth and Exeter City started their own HERs in the late 1990s, but they are not currently maintained or accessible.

The Society has been approached to support two projects led by other groups: an archaeological research project at the Battens Farm Roman Villa, Halberton, which is being developed by the Tiverton Archaeological Group and the Sampford Peverell Society; and the Prayerbook Rebellion Battlefield Project at Sampford Courtenay, which is being developed by the Battlefields Trust. The Society has been represented at project meetings and will continue to liaise with the project leads in the coming year.

In late 2022 the Society purchased Hembury Hillfort, for its future conservation, protection and contribution to research. Details of our work are given under the HWP report above.

Members of the Executive Committee represent the Society on various forums and committees, inter alia the Dartmoor National Park Forum, the Exmoor National Park Historic Environment Advisory Group and the Council for British Archaeology (CBA).

Dartmoor National Park Forum (Nigel Stainer)

Dartmoor National Park Authority has responsibility to conserve and enhance the natural beauty, wildlife and cultural heritage of the National Park and to promote opportunities for the understanding and enjoyment of the park by the public. DAS maintains a watching brief with particular concern for the Archaeology within the park boundaries. A substantial review of the way in which the National Parks of England are managed that is likely to see significant changes in structure, purpose and funding is currently underway; the implications of this for archaeology are as yet unknown. A separate review of the issue of stock grazing, or lack of it, and its impact on the High Moor environment and the visibility of its archaeology is also underway. A well-publicised High Court case relating to backpack camping, which affects the accessibility of remote archaeological sites, is still unresolved. Work this year has seen some paths around the edges of the moor substantially upgraded to aid access by wheelchair and mobility scooter users.

Exmoor Historic Environment Advisory Panel (Jenny Yendall)

One meeting was attended in July. Topics covered included staffing, digital systems, the Conservation area, recent and future research and recording, and landscape and agriculture.

DEVON ARCHAEOLOGICAL SOCIETY

TRUSTEES' REPORT (CONTINUED) FOR THE YEAR ENDED 31 DECEMBER 2023

Site clearance and field equipment (Nigel Stainer)

There has been continuing use of our equipment by the Devon County Council Monument Management Scheme led by Cressida Whitton. Several opportunities have arisen over the last year for our members to undertake clearance under this scheme and much work has been carried out to aid access and visibility at several significant sites across the county including our own Hembury Hillfort.

The Society has

The Publication of material relevant to the archaeology of Devon

Editor’s Report (Phil Newman)

Proceedings No. 80 (2022), a 222-page volume, was published in April 2023. The volume contains ten papers, plus a tribute to the late Paul Bidwell. This year we have again used our system of delivery via a network of volunteers, with all remaining undelivered volumes posted via Royal mail by October. The distribution was ably organised by Celia King, to whom I would like to express thanks on behalf of the Executive Committee.

Proceedings No. 81 (2023) is currently being prepared for publication. Eight papers have been offered, covering mostly prehistoric topics from the middle Neolithic to the Romano British periods. Editing of this volume is now well advanced and on course for publication and distribution, hopefully in April 2024. Many thanks are tendered to committee colleagues and others who have helped with peer reviews of potential papers for PDAS and to members of the Editorial Committee for their sound advice and assistance over the past twelve months.

Further progress has been made with the project to digitise past volumes of the PDAS and make them freely available on the ADS digital archive. We have been granted a sum of £1681 by the Marc Fitch Fund to cover 50% of the total cost of the project. The money is payable on completion of the project and must be claimed before 24 September 2025. The major tasks that remain to be tackled are concerned with preparing a very precise set of data, which will be presented on a spreadsheet to form the basis for the search facility in the ADS archive. There are 80 volumes with a total of 550 articles, to give some idea of the size of the task.

Publication Sales (Celia King)

Society publications have continued to sell on a regular basis through the website throughout the year. Many of the requests are from individuals researching specific projects. Others have come from organisations and individuals wishing to purchase copies of the Proceedings . Some of our publications are available in appropriate outlets including the shop at the Royal Albert Memorial Museum in Exeter.

The reintroduction of in-person events at Berkeley House has led to an increase in donations for books given to the Society. They were also available at the Joint Prehistoric Society lecture in County Hall in March and the Devon Archaeological Society and Cornwall Archaeological Society Joint Symposium in Launceston in October. We are grateful to all those who have donated suitable books to the Society.

The Newsletter (Denise Allen)

During 2023 three newsletters have been produced and sent out to members, in January, May and September. Most were posted, although the number sent by email has increased slightly (to 39 individual members and 38 institutions). It remains an important medium for keeping all members informed about archaeological news and events in Devon, and for helping with forward planning for everyone. Grateful thanks are due to the many contributors of articles and news, and please keep these coming. New publications, discoveries, exhibitions and events about archaeology and heritage in the south-west are all of great interest to DAS members.

DEVON ARCHAEOLOGICAL SOCIETY

TRUSTEES' REPORT (CONTINUED) FOR THE YEAR ENDED 31 DECEMBER 2023

The Society has

Meetings, lectures and other events

Winter Meetings (Henrietta Quinnell and John Salvatore)

The Winter Lecture programme took place partly in person and partly also online. In the spring the limit for inperson attendance was set at 40 but this was never reached, with attendance of 20-25. Zoom was managed by Mandy Eversett and online attendance averaged 80. It should be noted that many of the Zoom attendances involved more than one person. John Salvatore, as Assistant Winter Meetings Secretary, provided great assistance.

8 February, online only, James Gossip, ‘Uncovering St Piran’s Oratory: archaeology and conservation of an iconic Cornish chapel’ (deferred from the Joint Symposium on Church Archaeology in autumn 2022; Cornwall Archaeological Society paid for extending the licence to cover attendance by their members). 8 March (Joint lecture with the Prehistoric Society), in person at County Hall and online for DAS members, Alan Outram, ‘Horse domestication as a two-stage process: the latest archaeological and palaeogenomic evidence’; preceded by a Reception supported by a donation from the Prehistoric Society; in-person attendance about 25, online about 80. 22 March, in person at Exeter Guildhall (attendance about 25) and online (attendance about 80), Clare Randall, ‘Roman Dorset – new information, new ideas’.

In the autumn in-person lectures were held in Berkeley House in October and on 1 November and with the rise in Covid-19 cases the limit on attendance was set at 25 but again was never reached, averaging 12. All lectures were also available online with an average attendance of 90.

4 October, John Salvatore, ‘Roman Exeter, an update on the latest research’. 18 October, John Allan, ‘The development of Exeter’s Cathedral Close’. 1 November, Susan Greaney, ‘The forgotten stone circles of Stanton Drew’. 15 November, Anne Preston-Jones and Andrew Langdon, ‘Illuminating our lantern crosses’. 29 November, Denise Allen, ‘Experiments in the manufacture of Roman window glass and its use in Britain from military bath houses to villas’. 13 December, Nick Hodgson, ‘Paul Bidwell and the Roman North’.

Archaeology Lecture Classes (Val Maxfield)

The programme of lecture courses is now into its eighteenth year. In both halves of the year one course was run in hybrid form with provision for attendance in person at Berkeley House as well as on line via Zoom. The upgrading of our broadband provision at the end of 2022 meant that this now ran smoothly.

From January to March Derek Gore ran a 6-week hybrid class on ‘The Viking Great Army’. Of the 28 class members registered, 11 attended in person at Berkeley House, 17 joined online. From November to December there were two 6-week courses, Geri Parlby on ‘The Legacy of Byzantium’ (online only) and Denise Allen and Val Maxfield on ‘What’s New in the Roman World’ in hybrid form, with 10 in-person attendees and 18 online.

There was a total enrolment of 72 people over the 3 classes run in 2023.

Seminars (Henrietta Quinnell)

Four seminars were held online after Christmas. The format aimed to present information with more time for discussion and audience interaction, something which proved difficult to ensure. Attendance generally was around 90. The speakers were as follows: 11 January, Sam Turner, ‘Roadford and the Wolf Valley: archaeology and history of a drowned Devon landscape’; 25 January, Laura Basell, ‘The emergence of artistic creativity: music, art and symbolic behaviour in the Palaeolithic’; 22 February (with South West Implement Petrology Group), Peter Topping, ‘Neolithic stone extraction – Lessons from Ethnography’; 5 April, Jenny Bennett, ‘River Terraces of the Exe Valley’.

DEVON ARCHAEOLOGICAL SOCIETY

TRUSTEES' REPORT (CONTINUED) FOR THE YEAR ENDED 31 DECEMBER 2023

Archaeology in Devon (Henrietta Quinnell)

This took place on Saturday 22 April following the AGM. It was put out on Zoom, expertly managed by Mandy Eversett. There were eight sessions involving ten speakers, ranging in time from the Middle Bronze Age to tree ring dating of medieval buildings. Zoom logins numbered around 70. Thanks go to Bill Horner for great assistance with the programme, the newly installed President Stuart Blaylock for Chairing, and to all speakers and those providing other help for the event.

Christmas Hamper (Mandy Eversett)

This one-off Zoom event, first held in 2020 as an extra during Covid, was held for a fourth year on 27 December, as response from 2022 continued to be positive. Four Trustees gave short talks on favourite topics with the aim of again providing a cheering archaeological interlude over the Christmas period.

Devon Archaeological Society and Cornwall Archaeological Society Joint Symposium (Henrietta Quinnell and

John Salvatore)

This was organised by CAS in 2023 and was held in Launceston Town Hall on 28 October, both in person and online. The topic was ‘Landscapes of extraction: how the raising of metal, stone and earth has shaped Cornwall and Devon’. Eight papers were presented on the topics of sites in Devon identified by aerial survey, the extraction of sea sand, the china clay industry, the Cornwall and West Devon Mining World Heritage Site, Cornish and Devon granite quarrying, and landscapes of extraction. Attendance was 67 in person and 46 online.

Field Meetings (Denise Allen)

Seven field visits were organised during 2023, and there was also a picnic with guided walks around Hembury Hillfort. All were well-attended and much enjoyed. In April Jenny Bennett led us through the Exe River Terraces at Brampford Speke; in May and June there were two visits to the reconstructed Roman Villa and Museum at the Newt, Somerset, as well as a tour of the Exeter University excavations at Killerton, with Susan Greaney. There was also a June walk across Ringmoor Down, Legistor Warren and Gutter Tor with Phil Newman, postponed from May due to dreadful weather. In early July we travelled to Stonehenge and Woodhenge with Mike Parker Pearson, and in September we visited the Dorchester Museum, Roman Townhouse and amphitheatre with Clare Randall. Details of visits planned for 2024 will be in the January and May Newsletters .

The Society has

DEVON ARCHAEOLOGICAL SOCIETY

TRUSTEES' REPORT (CONTINUED) FOR THE YEAR ENDED 31 DECEMBER 2023

Achievements and performance

Membership (John Griffiths)

At the end of November 2023, the total number of memberships has continued to decline, now down to 551 (567 at end of 2022). Overall, DAS recruited 24 new members but 40 members left the Society. The memberships break down as follows:

Individual memberships..……..392 (400) Joint Memberships……….….…91 (98) Family memberships…………….6 (4) Student memberships…….…....13 (16) Honorary memberships….……...5 (5) Institutional memberships….….44 (44)

Institutional memberships: Membership has remained stable over 2023 but two memberships remain unpaid so must be deemed to be at risk of leaving by year-end.

Private Memberships: The Society usually sees its main influx of new members in the first quarter of the calendar year but this did not happen in 2023, when membership numbers remained fairly flat. This, combined with a relatively high rate of non-payment (despite chasing, 27 personal memberships remain unpaid – the third highest number since 2014) has meant that our overall number of personal members is at its lowest in ten years.

The percentage of members who have put their email addresses on record is now over 89% (87% at the end of 2022). This allows the Society to communicate with members more effectively whilst keeping costs down.

Membership Distribution: Both Exeter and East Devon show a further decline in membership numbers, now for a fourth year in succession. This suggests that these might be good areas in which to focus recruitment effort. West Devon and Dartmoor (including Plymouth) show a substantial fall in memberships and it seems this is across all parts of the area, rather than in any particular town or city. The number of new members from outside the county has increased again, perhaps reflecting greater use of digital communication.

MEMBERSHIPS BY AREA OVER TIME 2022/23 2021/22 2020/21 2019/20
Exeter -3 -2 -7 -6
Torbay& South Hams +1 0 +7 -5
East Devon -1 -3 -1 -5
West Devon & Dartmoor -6 +1 0 -2
Mid Devon -3 +1 0 -1
North Devon +2 +1 -1 +1
Outside Devon +4 0 +9 -6

DEVON ARCHAEOLOGICAL SOCIETY

TRUSTEES' REPORT (CONTINUED) FOR THE YEAR ENDED 31 DECEMBER 2023

Financial review

For the year ended 31 December 2023, the Society had net unrestricted expenses of £201 compared to income of £4,257 for the year ended 31 December 2022. A generous legacy of £5,000 was received along with donations and grants for the management of Hembury hillfort, that is treated as a Restricted Fixed Asset (Heritage Asset). The Society’s investments had unrealised investment gains of £17,661 during 2023 compared to a loss of £22,816 during 2022, reversing the downturn that was widely experienced in that year.

The Trustees consider that the Society holds sufficient Reserves to maintain its activities in the event of unforeseen circumstances. Therefore, the aim of the Trustees is for each year’s financial activities to have a break-even result. This is difficult to achieve accurately and so annual fluctuations between total net expenditure and total net income should be expected.

The Charitable Objectives Fund receives annual income from investments of around £4,000 which is available to provide grants to applicants. No applications were received during 2023 so no grants were made.

The Society greatly feels the loss of John Smith, the Society’s Assistant Treasurer, and we are grateful to Valerie Maxfield for providing cover for that role.

The Society aims to break even each year. Restricted Reserves are donations and legacies given to the Society for a specific purpose designated by the donor.

The Trustees consider that the Society’s charitable objectives can best be implemented by having lecture and library facilities in the centre of Exeter. The Trustees consider that the Society should retain sufficient Reserves to demonstrate the Society’s financial strength to prospective landlords and to enable the Society to negotiate with landlords for suitable premises at a reasonable rent. The Trustees consider that the Society should retain sufficient Reserves so that they can develop long-term strategies and short-term plans to implement the Society’s charitable objectives, without being hampered by financial restraints. The Trustees consider that Unrestricted Reserves in excess of £100,000 should be retained to cover the above requirements.

The Trustees consider that the Society should retain sufficient Reserves to cover all committed liabilities that the Society would have at the commencement of the lease rental period for premises in Exeter. The Trustees consider that the Society should retain sufficient Reserves so that, in the event of a significant downturn in the Society’s finances, the Society could continue to provide the current scope of charitable activities for two years while the Trustees re-organise the Society’s activities within the reduced financial resources. The Trustees consider that Reserves of £120,000 should be retained to cover the above requirements.

It is the policy of the charity to maintain its free reserves at such a level as to enable the charity to cover the

major risks identified by the Trustees.

About half of the Society’s Unrestricted Reserves are invested in equity funds, partly as a hedge against future UK inflation, and also to provide income to implement the Society’s charitable objectives.

The Trustees have examined the major strategic and operational risks that the charity faces and confirmed that systems have been established in order to lessen these risks. The Trustees maintain these risks under regular review.

DEVON ARCHAEOLOGICAL SOCIETY

TRUSTEES' REPORT (CONTINUED) FOR THE YEAR ENDED 31 DECEMBER 2023

Structure, governance and management

The Society was founded in 1928 and is a registered charity (number 276865). In accordance with the rules, administration is by Trustee members of the Executive Committee, who are elected at the Annual General Meeting.

The objects of the Society shall be to promote and encourage archaeology in the historic County of Devon for the benefit and education of the public by means of:

Organisational structure

The Executive Committee’s members are Trustees and undertake the decision-making process, assisted by the General Purposes Sub-Committee and the Editorial Sub-Committee which may deal in the name of the Executive Committee subject to any financial transactions being ratified by the Executive Committee. In addition, four Working Parties are currently established, to deal with Membership and Premises; Zoom; Hembury Hillfort; and the Exeter City Wall.

Co-operation between the Society and related parties/other charities in the pursuit of the Society’s charitable objectives

The Society has no permanent relationships with any related parties or other charities except by way of joining with like-minded bodies in a common pursuit of the objectives as and when occasions arise.

The trustees who served during the year and up to the date of signature of the financial statements were:

Dr D A Allen Dr A Binding Dr S Blaylock (Appointed 22 April 2023) Prof J S Clibbens Ms A L Eversett Ms F M Griffith Ms D M Griffiths Mr J D Griffiths Mr W Horner Ms C M King Ms P Manning Prof V Maxfield Dr P Newman Ms H Quinnell Dr J P Salvatore Mr J E Smith (Deceased 18 February 2023) Mr N M Stainer Ms C J M Whitton Dr E Wilkes Mrs J Yendall

(Appointed 22 April 2023)

DEVON ARCHAEOLOGICAL SOCIETY

TRUSTEES' REPORT (CONTINUED) FOR THE YEAR ENDED 31 DECEMBER 2023

All Trustees are full members of the Society and are members of the Executive Committee.

The President serves for a period of two years and is elected at the Annual General Meeting on the nomination of the outgoing President and the Executive Committee. The President is not eligible for immediate re-election to this office.

Vice-Presidents, not exceeding twelve in number, may be elected at the Annual General Meeting on the nomination of the Executive Committee. Vice-Presidents serve for a period of three years and are eligible for immediate re-election.

Honorary Officers (Secretary, Treasurer, Editor, Field Meetings Secretary and Winter Meetings Secretary) are elected at the Annual General Meeting and serve for a period of one year. Immediate re-election is permitted. Members nominated for office will serve as members of the Executive Committee. Nominations are proposed and seconded by Full Members of the Society, the consent of the nominee having first been obtained in writing, and must be received by the Secretary by 14 February.

In addition to the above, up to eighteen Full Members of the Society may be elected as members of the Executive Committee for three years with one third of the members retiring each year. Immediate re-election is permitted. Nominations are made in writing by a proposer and seconder, the consent of the proposed nominee having first been obtained in writing. Nominations must be received by the Hon. Secretary by 14 February. If the nominations exceed the number of vacancies, a ballot is held at the Annual General Meeting.

The Executive Committee has the power to co-opt up to two additional members to serve until the next Annual General Meeting.

All Trustees are required to sign a statement of their willingness to act in the trusts of the Society.

Executive Committee Members and Trustees 2023-2024

President: Dr Stuart Blaylock

Vice-Presidents: Ms Frances Griffith, Miss Deborah Griffiths, Mr William Horner, Professor Valerie Maxfield, Mrs Henrietta Quinnell, Dr John Salvatore

Chair: Dr Eileen Wilkes

Vice-Chair: Miss Deborah Griffiths

Honorary Officers: Hon. Secretary: Mrs Amanda Eversett Hon. Treasurer: Vacant Hon. Editor: Dr Philip Newman Hon. Field Meetings Secretary: Dr Denise Allen Hon. Winter Meetings Secretary: Mrs Henrietta Quinnell

Members with special responsibilities: Assistant Secretary: Mrs Celia King Assistant Treasurer (Acting): Professor Valerie Maxfield Assistant Winter Meetings Secretary: Dr John Salvatore Business and Premises Manager: Mr John Griffiths Graffiti Survey Officer: Ms Prudence Manning Lecture Courses Co-ordinator: Professor Valerie Maxfield Librarian: Mrs Celia King Membership Secretary: Mr John Griffiths

DEVON ARCHAEOLOGICAL SOCIETY

TRUSTEES' REPORT (CONTINUED) FOR THE YEAR ENDED 31 DECEMBER 2023

Newsletter Editor: Dr Denise Allen

Outreach Officer: Mrs Amanda Eversett, Mr William Horner Publications Sales Officer: Mrs Celia King Safeguarding Officer: Mrs Amanda Eversett Seminar Officer: Mrs Henrietta Quinnell Site Clearance Working Party and Equipment Officer: Mr Nigel Stainer Webmaster: Mrs Amanda Eversett

Other members of the Executive Committee

Dr Andrew Binding, Professor John Clibbens, Ms Cressida Whitton, Mrs Jennifer Yendall

General Purposes Sub-Committee

Dr Eileen Wilkes (Chair), Dr Denise Allen, Dr Stuart Blaylock, Mrs Amanda Eversett, Ms Frances Griffith, Miss Deborah Griffiths, Mr John Griffiths, Mr William Horner, Dr Philip Newman and Mrs Henrietta Quinnell.

Editorial Sub-Committee

Dr Philip Newman (Chair), Dr Denise Allen, Dr Stuart Blaylock, Mrs Amanda Eversett, Ms Frances Griffith, Miss Deborah Griffiths, Mr William Horner, Professor Valerie Maxfield, Mrs Henrietta Quinnell and Dr Eileen Wilkes.

Membership and Premises Working Party (MaP)

Mr John Griffiths (Convenor), Dr Denise Allen, Dr Andrew Binding, Dr Stuart Blaylock, Professor John Clibbens, Mrs Amanda Eversett, Miss Deborah Griffiths, Mr William Horner, Mrs Celia King, Professor Valerie Maxfield, Mrs Henrietta Quinnell, Ms Cressida Whitton and Dr Eileen Wilkes.

Zoom Working Party (ZWP)

Mrs Henrietta Quinnell (Convener), Dr Denise Allen, Mrs Amanda Eversett, Professor Valerie Maxfield, Dr John Salvatore and Dr Eileen Wilkes.

Hembury Working Party (HWP)

Dr Eileen Wilkes (Convenor), Dr Andrew Binding. Mrs Amanda Eversett, Ms Frances Griffith, Mr John Griffiths and Mr William Horner.

City Wall Working Party

Dr Stuart Blaylock (Convenor), Mr John Allan, Dr Andrew Binding, Ms Frances Griffith, Professor Valerie Maxfield, Dr John Salvatore

Representatives on other bodies:

Council for British Archaeology (National): Mr William Horner Council for British Archaeology SW: Miss Deborah Griffiths and Dr Andrew Binding Dartmoor National Park Forum: Professor John Clibbens and Mr Nigel Stainer Exmoor Historic Environment Advisory Group: Ms Frances Griffith and Mrs Jennifer Yendall (from 27 May 2023)

Past Presidents (not Trustees): Mr John Allan, Mrs Shirley Blaylock, Professor Bryony Coles, Professor Andrew Fleming, Dr Robert Higham, Professor Susan Pearce, Mr Simon Timms.

Postal address: c/o Royal Albert Memorial Museum, Queen Street, Exeter EX4 3RX

Society premises: Berkeley House, Dix’s Field, Exeter EX1 1PZ

Website: www.devonarchaeologicalsociety.org.uk

Independent Examiners: Simpkins Edwards, The Summit, Woodwater Park, Pynes Hill, Exeter EX2 5WS

Bankers: Barclay’s Bank UK PLC, Leicester LE87 2BB; Lloyds TSB Bank, 234 High Street, Exeter EX4 3NL; Virgin Money, 60 South Street, Exeter EX1 1EE

The Trustees' report was approved by the Executive Commitee.

DEVON ARCHAEOLOGICAL SOCIETY

TRUSTEES' REPORT (CONTINUED) FOR THE YEAR ENDED 31 DECEMBER 2023

Dr S Blaylock

Trustee Dated: 21 March 2024

Dr E Wilkes

Trustee Dated:21 March 2024

DEVON ARCHAEOLOGICAL SOCIETY

INDEPENDENT EXAMINER'S REPORT

TO THE TRUSTEES OF DEVON ARCHAEOLOGICAL SOCIETY

I report to the trustees on my examination of the financial statements of Devon Archaeological Society (the charity) for the year ended 31 December 2023.

Responsibilities and basis of report

As the trustees of the charity you are responsible for the preparation of the financial statements in accordance with the requirements of the Charities Act 2011 (the 2011 Act).

I report in respect of my examination of the charity’s financial statements carried out under section 145 of the 2011 Act. In carrying out my examination I have followed all the applicable Directions given by the Charity Commission under section 145(5)(b) of the 2011 Act.

Independent examiner's statement

Your attention is drawn to the fact that the charity has prepared financial statements in accordance with 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) in preference to the Accounting and Reporting by Charities: Statement of Recommended Practice issued on 1 April 2005 which is referred to in the extant regulations but has now been withdrawn.

I understand that this has been done in order for financial statements to provide a true and fair view in accordance with Generally Accepted Accounting Practice effective for reporting periods beginning on or after 1 January 2015.

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 respect:

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 financial statements to be reached.

Mr J L Coombs MA (Cantab) FCA

for and on behalf of Simpkins Edwards LLP

The Summit Woodwater Park Pynes Hill Exeter Devon EX2 5WS

Dated: 26 March 2024

DEVON ARCHAEOLOGICAL SOCIETY

STATEMENT OF FINANCIAL ACTIVITIES INCLUDING INCOME AND EXPENDITURE ACCOUNT

FOR THE YEAR ENDED 31 DECEMBER 2023

Unrestricted
Restricted
funds
funds
2023
2023
Notes
£
£
Income from:
Donations and legacies
3
21,846
1,972
Charitable activities
4
10,450
15,000
Investments
5
7,714
-
Total income
40,010
16,972
Expenditure on:
Raising funds
6
253
-
Charitable activities
7
34,614
-
Other expenditure
9
5,344
-
Total expenditure
40,211
-
Net gains/(losses) on
investments
10
17,661
-
Net income
17,460
16,972
Transfers between
funds
-
-
Net movement in
funds
17,460
16,972
Reconciliation of funds:
Fund balances at 1 January
2023
269,684
176,699
Fund balances at 31
December 2023
287,144
193,671		 Total
Unrestricted
Restricted
funds
funds
2023
2022
2022
£
£
£
23,818
21,738
80,482
25,450
12,380
73,047
7,714
5,282
-
56,982
39,400
153,529
253
225
-
34,614
29,058
-
5,344
5,860
-
40,211
35,143
-
17,661
(22,816)
-
34,432
(18,559)
153,529
-
(21,000)
21,000
34,432
(39,559)
174,529
446,383
309,243
2,170
480,815
269,684
176,699		 Total
2022
£
102,220
85,427
5,282
192,929
225
29,058
5,860
35,143
(22,816)
134,970
-
134,970
311,413
446,383

The statement of financial activities includes all gains and losses recognised in the year. All income and expenditure derive from continuing activities.

DEVON ARCHAEOLOGICAL SOCIETY

BALANCE SHEET

AS AT 31 DECEMBER 2023

Notes
Fixed assets
Heritage assets
13
Investments
14
Current assets
Debtors
15
Cash at bank and in hand
Creditors: amounts falling due within
one year
16
Net current assets
Total assets less current liabilities
Creditors: amounts falling due after
more than one year
17
Net assets
The funds of the charity
Restricted income funds
18
Unrestricted funds		 2023
£
6,750
175,928
182,678
17,990		 £
142,650
173,477
316,127
164,688
480,815
-
480,815
193,671
287,144
480,815		 2022
£
6,309
161,146
167,455
18,738		 £
142,650
155,816
298,466
148,717
447,183
(800)
446,383
176,699
269,684
446,383

The financial statements were approved by the trustees on 17 March 2024

Dr S Blaylock Trustee

Dr E Wilkes Trustee

DEVON ARCHAEOLOGICAL SOCIETY

NOTES TO THE FINANCIAL STATEMENTS FOR THE YEAR ENDED 31 DECEMBER 2023

1 Accounting policies

Charity information

Devon Archaeological Society is a public benefit entity and a registered charity in England and Wales and is unincorporated. The address of the principal office is Berkley House, Dix's Field, Exeter, EX1 1PZ.

1.1 Accounting convention

The financial statements have been prepared in accordance with the charity's governing document, the Charities Act 2011, FRS 102 “The Financial Reporting Standard applicable in the UK and Republic of Ireland” (“FRS 102”) and the Charities SORP "Accounting and Reporting by Charities: Statement of Recommended Practice applicable to charities preparing their accounts in accordance with the Financial Reporting Standard applicable in the UK and Republic of Ireland (FRS 102)" (effective 1 January 2019). The charity is a Public Benefit Entity as defined by FRS 102.

The charity has taken advantage of the provisions in the SORP for charities not to prepare a Statement of Cash Flows.

The financial statements are prepared in sterling, which is the functional currency of the charity. Monetary amounts in these financial statements are rounded to the nearest £.

The financial statements have been prepared under the historical cost convention, modified to include certain investments at fair value. The principal accounting policies adopted are set out below.

1.2 Going concern

At the time of approving the financial statements, the trustees have a reasonable expectation that the charity has adequate resources to continue in operational existence for the foreseeable future. Thus the trustees continue to adopt the going concern basis of accounting in preparing the financial statements.

1.3 Charitable funds

Unrestricted funds are available for use at the discretion of the trustees in furtherance of their charitable objectives.

Restricted funds are subject to specific conditions by donors or grantors as to how they may be used. The purposes and uses of the restricted funds are set out in the notes to the financial statements.

1.4 Incoming resources

Income is recognised when the charity is legally entitled to it after any performance conditions have been met, the amounts can be measured reliably, and it is probable that income will be received.

Cash donations are recognised on receipt. Other donations are recognised once the charity has been notified of the donation, unless performance conditions require deferral of the amount. Income tax recoverable in relation to donations received under Gift Aid is recognised on receipt.

Legacies are recognised on receipt

Income from investments is accounted for on receipt.

1.5 Resources expended

Expenditure is recognised in the year in which it is incurred and includes attributable VAT that cannot be recovered. Expenditure includes those costs that can be allocated directly to each activity and support costs relating to the activity.

Expenditure on raising funds comprises the costs associated with attracting voluntary income.

DEVON ARCHAEOLOGICAL SOCIETY

NOTES TO THE FINANCIAL STATEMENTS (CONTINUED) FOR THE YEAR ENDED 31 DECEMBER 2023

1 Accounting policies

(Continued)

Expenditure on charitable activities includes those costs incurred by the charity in the delivery of its charitable activities.

Expenditure on governance includes those costs associated with meeting the constitutional and statutory requirements of the charity.

Support costs are allocated between expenditure categories on a basis designed to reflect the use of the resource.

Grants payable are payments made to third parties in the furtherance of the objectives of the charity. Grants are accounted for when the trustees have agreed to pay the grants without condition.

1.6 Tangible fixed assets

Tangible fixed assets are initially measured at cost and subsequently measured at cost net of depreciation and any impairment losses. Items are only capitalised when the purchase price exceeds £1,000. Heritage assets are initially measured at cost and subsequently measured at cost, net of depreciation and any impairment losses.

Depreciation is recognised so as to write off the cost of assets less their residual values over their useful lives on the following bases:

Plant and equipment

Straight line over 3 years

The gain or loss arising on the disposal of an asset is determined as the difference between the sale proceeds and the carrying value of the asset, and is recognised in net income/(expenditure) for the year.

1.7 Heritage assets

This policy covers the acquisition, preservation, management and disposal of heritage assets by Devon Archaeological Society.

It implements the following of our charitable objectives:

In accordance with this policy, the Society's Trustees may:

Such an asset may be retained for as long as is most appropriate for the preservation of the asset. It may be disposed of either where another benign owner is appropriate or where this is necessary for the future of the Society.

Any funds received for the acquisition, management or conservation of the heritage asset will normally be treated as restricted funds.

Such an asset will be treated as an heritage asset for accounting purposes, and treated as subject to neither appreciation nor depreciation in the Society's accounts.

DEVON ARCHAEOLOGICAL SOCIETY

NOTES TO THE FINANCIAL STATEMENTS (CONTINUED) FOR THE YEAR ENDED 31 DECEMBER 2023

1 Accounting policies

(Continued)

1.8 Fixed asset investments

Fixed asset investments are initially measured at transaction price excluding transaction costs, and are subsequently measured at fair value at each reporting date. Changes in fair value are recognised in net income/(expenditure) for the year. Transaction costs are expensed as incurred.

1.9 Stocks

No account is taken of the value of back issues of the Proceedings and other publications held in stock by the charity, as sales are too uncertain.

1.10 Financial instruments

The charity has elected to apply the provisions of Section 11 ‘Basic Financial Instruments’ and Section 12 ‘Other Financial Instruments Issues’ of FRS 102 to all of its financial instruments.

Financial instruments are recognised in the charity's balance sheet when the charity becomes party to the contractual provisions of the instrument.

Financial assets and liabilities are offset, with the net amounts presented in the financial statements, when there is a legally enforceable right to set off the recognised amounts and there is an intention to settle on a net basis or to realise the asset and settle the liability simultaneously.

Basic financial assets

Basic financial assets, which include debtors and cash and bank balances, are initially measured at transaction price including transaction costs and are subsequently carried at amortised cost using the effective interest method unless the arrangement constitutes a financing transaction, where the transaction is measured at the present value of the future receipts discounted at a market rate of interest. Financial assets classified as receivable within one year are not amortised.

Basic financial liabilities

Basic financial liabilities, including creditors and bank loans are initially recognised at transaction price unless the arrangement constitutes a financing transaction, where the debt instrument is measured at the present value of the future payments discounted at a market rate of interest. Financial liabilities classified as payable within one year are not amortised.

Debt instruments are subsequently carried at amortised cost, using the effective interest rate method.

Trade creditors are obligations to pay for goods or services that have been acquired in the ordinary course of operations from suppliers. Amounts payable are classified as current liabilities if payment is due within one year or less. If not, they are presented as non-current liabilities. Trade creditors are recognised initially at transaction price and subsequently measured at amortised cost using the effective interest method.

Derecognition of financial liabilities

Financial liabilities are derecognised when the charity’s contractual obligations expire or are discharged or cancelled.

DEVON ARCHAEOLOGICAL SOCIETY

NOTES TO THE FINANCIAL STATEMENTS (CONTINUED) FOR THE YEAR ENDED 31 DECEMBER 2023

2 Critical accounting estimates and judgements

In the application of the charity’s accounting policies, the trustees are required to make judgements, estimates and assumptions about the carrying amount of assets and liabilities that are not readily apparent from other sources. The estimates and associated assumptions are based on historical experience and other factors that are considered to be relevant. Actual results may differ from these estimates.

The estimates and underlying assumptions are reviewed on an ongoing basis. Revisions to accounting estimates are recognised in the period in which the estimate is revised where the revision affects only that period, or in the period of the revision and future periods where the revision affects both current and future periods.

3 Donations and legacies

Unrestricted
Restricted
funds
funds
2023
2023
£
£
Donations and gifts
2,970
1,972
Legacies receivable
5,000
-
Subscriptions
13,876
-
21,846
1,972
For the year ended 31 December 2022
21,738
80,482		 Total
2023
£
4,942
5,000
13,876
23,818		 Total
2022
£
86,974
-
15,246
102,220
102,220

DEVON ARCHAEOLOGICAL SOCIETY

NOTES TO THE FINANCIAL STATEMENTS (CONTINUED) FOR THE YEAR ENDED 31 DECEMBER 2023

4 Charitable activities

Charitable Charitable
Income Income
2023 2022
£ £
Lecture courses 3,698 4,404
Publishing and other grants 19,992 76,972
Symposia and conferences 48 -
Copyright fees 424 676
Field trips 834 1,427
Sales of publications 422 606
Hillfort investigation 32 1,342
25,450 85,427
Analysis by fund
Unrestricted funds 10,450 12,380
Restricted funds 15,000 73,047
25,450 85,427
For the year ended 31 December 2022
Unrestricted funds 12,380
Restricted funds 73,047
85,427

5 Income from investments

Unrestricted Unrestricted
funds funds
2023 2022
£ £
Income from listed investments 5,989 4,801
Interest receivable 1,725 481
7,714 5,282

DEVON ARCHAEOLOGICAL SOCIETY

NOTES TO THE FINANCIAL STATEMENTS (CONTINUED) FOR THE YEAR ENDED 31 DECEMBER 2023

6 Expenditure on raising funds

Unrestricted Unrestricted
funds funds
2023 2022
£ £
Fundraising and publicity
Other fundraising costs 253 225

7 Charitable activities

Charitable
Expenditure
Support
costs
2023
2023
£
£
Lecture courses
1,716
6,729
Proceedings
7,066
841
Newsletter
3,329
-
Symposia and conferences
-
238
Evening lectures and seminars
-
2,754
Grants made
-
-
Field meetings
825
127
Hillfort investigation and boards
7,300
-
Support of archaeological projects
20
1,914
Library
19
1,397
Devon graffiti project
170
-
Refunds for cancelled events
169
-
20,614
14,000
20,614
14,000		 Total
2023
£
8,445
7,907
3,329
238
2,754
-
952
7,300
1,934
1,416
170
169
34,614
34,614		 Total
2022
£
6,603
9,598
3,254
972
2,876
(1,000)
1,703
-
2,898
1,835
145
174
29,058
29,058

8 Trustees

The key management personnel of the charity are the trustees. None of the trustees (or any persons connected with them) received any remuneration for their services as trustees to the charity during the year.

During the year, payments for specialist services were made to trustees as follows:

Editorial services Dr P Newman £2,000 (2022: £2,000).

DEVON ARCHAEOLOGICAL SOCIETY

NOTES TO THE FINANCIAL STATEMENTS (CONTINUED) FOR THE YEAR ENDED 31 DECEMBER 2023

9 Governance costs

Unrestricted
funds
2023
Annual General Meeting
209
Independent Examination
1,200
Subscriptions to other organisations
241
Secretary's expenses
115
Support costs
3,579
5,344		 Total
2022
£
219
1,020
241
296
4,084
5,860

10 Gains and losses on investments

Unrestricted Unrestricted
funds funds
2023 2022
Gains/(losses) arising on: £ £
Revaluation of investments 17,661 (22,816)

11 Taxation

The charity is exempt from taxation on its activities because all its income is applied for charitable purposes.

12 Employees

The Society did not employ any staff during the year.

13 Heritage assets

£

At 1 January 2023 and at 31 December 2023 142,650

DEVON ARCHAEOLOGICAL SOCIETY

NOTES TO THE FINANCIAL STATEMENTS (CONTINUED) FOR THE YEAR ENDED 31 DECEMBER 2023

13 Heritage assets

(Continued)

On 20 September 2022, the Society completed the purchase of Hembury Hillfort, in line with the charitable objectives of the Society. The purchase price was £142,650.

The cost of purchase was covered by a contribution from the Society’s deposit account (of £20,000), substantial donations by some Trustees (totalling £76,000) and members (totalling £2,725 in 2022) and by a significant grant from Historic England (of £70,500). None of the donations had any conditions attached other than the donations be spent on the purchase and management of Hembury. Gift Aid could be reclaimed from some of the donations (total £2,737).

On 9 January 2023, it was confirmed that the Land Registry had recorded the proprietor of Hembury as the Official Custodian for Charities on behalf of the Trustees of the Devon Archaeological Society.

14 Fixed asset investments

Cost or valuation
At 1 January 2023
Valuation changes
At 31 December 2023
Carrying amount
At 31 December 2023
At 31 December 2022
15
Debtors
Amounts falling due within one year:
Other debtors
Prepayments and accrued income
16
Creditors: amounts falling due within one year
Accruals and deferred income		 Listed
investments
£
155,816
17,661
173,477
173,477
155,816
2023
2022
£
£
4,785
4,224
1,965
2,085
6,750
6,309
2023
2022
£
£
17,990
18,738

DEVON ARCHAEOLOGICAL SOCIETY

NOTES TO THE FINANCIAL STATEMENTS (CONTINUED) FOR THE YEAR ENDED 31 DECEMBER 2023

17 Creditors: amounts falling due after more than one year

2023 2022
£ £
Accruals and deferred income - 800

18 Restricted funds

The restricted funds of the charity comprise the unexpended balances of donations and grants held on trust subject to specific conditions by donors as to how they may be used.

At 1
Archaeological research projects on Dartmoor
Hembury Hillfort
Previous year:
At 1
Archaeological research projects on Dartmoor
Hembury Hillfort		 January
2023
Incoming
resources
Transfers
At 31
December
2023
£
£
£
£
2,170
-
-
2,170
174,529
16,972
-
191,501
176,699
16,972
-
193,671
January
2022
Incoming
resources
Transfers
At 31
December
2022
£
£
£
£
2,170
-
-
2,170
-
153,529
21,000
174,529
2,170
153,529
21,000
176,699		 January
2023
Incoming
resources
Transfers
At 31
December
2023
£
£
£
£
2,170
-
-
2,170
174,529
16,972
-
191,501
176,699
16,972
-
193,671
January
2022
Incoming
resources
Transfers
At 31
December
2022
£
£
£
£
2,170
-
-
2,170
-
153,529
21,000
174,529
2,170
153,529
21,000
176,699
176,699

During 2017, the charity received £2,540 from the Catherine Linehan Trust for archaeological research projects on Dartmoor and the surrounding area of Devon. £370 of the fund has been spent on such work; the remainder is held until such time as such project work again becomes possible.

In 2022, the charity received grants and donations for the purchase and management of Hembury (Payhembury) hillfort. These funds are held in a separate account from which all related expenditure is made. Hembury hillfort is considered a Restricted Fixed Asset (Heritage Asset). Further donations of £1,972 and grants totalling £15,000 were received in 2023.

DEVON ARCHAEOLOGICAL SOCIETY

NOTES TO THE FINANCIAL STATEMENTS (CONTINUED) FOR THE YEAR ENDED 31 DECEMBER 2023

19 Unrestricted funds

The unrestricted funds of the charity comprise the unexpended balances of donations and grants which are not subject to specific conditions by donors and grantors as to how they may be used. These include designated funds which have been set aside out of unrestricted funds by the trustees for specific purposes.

At 1 January At 1 January Incoming Incoming Resources Transfers Gains and At 31
2023 resources expended losses December
2023
£ £ £ £ £ £
General funds 269,684 40,010 (40,211) - 17,661 287,144
Previous year: At 1 January Incoming Resources Transfers Gains and At 31
2022 resources expended losses December
2022
£ £ £ £ £ £
General funds 309,243 39,400 (35,143) (21,000) (22,816) 269,684
Analysis of net assets between funds
Unrestricted Restricted Total Total
2023 2023 2023 2022
£ £ £ £
Fund balances at 31 December 2023 are
represented by:
Heritage assets - 142,650 142,650 142,650
Investments 173,477 - 173,477 155,816
Current assets/(liabilities) 113,667 51,021 164,688 148,717
Long term liabilities - - - (800)
287,144 193,671 480,815 446,383

20 Analysis of net assets between funds

21 Operating lease commitments

At the reporting end date the charity had outstanding commitments for future minimum lease payments under non-cancellable operating leases, which fall due as follows:

Within one year
Between two and five years		 2023
£
5,625
1,875
7,500		 2022
£
5,625
13,125
18,750

DEVON ARCHAEOLOGICAL SOCIETY

NOTES TO THE FINANCIAL STATEMENTS (CONTINUED) FOR THE YEAR ENDED 31 DECEMBER 2023

22 Related party transactions

The Society operates a deposit account as agent for the Mount Folly Enclosures project. This project is run by Dr Eileen Wilkes, the Chair of the Society. There are no outstanding sums and no transactions relating to the Mount Folly Enclosures account are included in these financial statements.