Westonzoyland Engine Trust Annual Report
2023-2024
Annual General Meeting
held on
16[th] March 2025 at 2.00pm
At Westonzoyland Pumping Station, Hoopers Lane, Westonzoyland Near Bridgwater, TA7 0LS, Somerset
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The President’s Opening Statement (Iain Miles).
As always, I want to thank you all for your continued support. I know you are all here because of your interest in what we are doing, but it takes a strong feeling of commitment to turn out and drive here on some days when we all know it’s going to be freezing cold, or wet. Even worse at 2-00 in the morning when we have to shut up after the Paranormals have gone! Luckily this doesn’t happen too often now as mostly they can lock up and leave the keys. Sometimes it looks like they have left in a hurry, possibly in fright!!
The Committee and especially Jason, once again deserves special thanks for all the work put in and especially for all that is happening at the moment. Also the others of you that do things quietly behind the scene. Nigel, John and Ian for keeping the boiler up and running, Chris for cutting grass and looking after the car parking and everyone who helps with Steam On The Levels and our other smaller, but no less labour intensive events like the railway days that bring in much needed funds. The other part of our team are, of course, the ladies who work Front of House in here, a very necessary part of our museum, without which we would lose a most important part of our income. Again, special thanks to Jason our Master Baker and on occasion, PIZZAIOLO!! They certainly taste a lot better than Asda’s!
In spite of all the hard work, worry and uncertainties, also, a lack of younger members, I think we have a bright future. Especially by diversifying and opening to other groups for use of the site. So we look forward to another successful year.
1. Apologies for absence
Apologies were received from:
Alan Davies Alastair Weldon Nick Gilliam
Total in attendance at the meeting was 16. The meeting was chaired by Andy Carter.
2. The minutes of the 2023 AGM
Accepted. Proposer: Geoff Harding; Seconder: Iain Miles.
3. Matters Arising
Items were to be covered later.
4. Chairman’s Report (Andy Carter)
Looking back at past reports, it seems to be another case of rinse and repeat, so without further ado I shall get on with it!
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I think I can say that we have had yet another good year over the past 12 months. Once again our annual Steam On The Levels event was well attended with lots of happy visitors and plenty going on. The string of successful events continued with the railway gala in August and the return of Graham Morris’ steam loco Peter Pan for the second time. This was preceded by a number of ‘railway days’ on Sundays which were quite successful in their own right, encouraging visitors to ride the train and get their tickets punched each time, a simple idea which was very popular.
The Halloween event was also very popular, though possibly the sunshine and blue skies detracted from the intended atmosphere, and the New Years Day steam-up went well despite grey skies and a car park which resembled the Somme by the end of the day. Apart from our own events, we have also hosted some visits from other organisations and the paranormal investigation visits are also a nice earner for us.
There have been a number of improvements around the site as well: you will note the new doors to the patio, a vast improvement over the leaky old ones. After many years lying in the weeds the Highbridge Clyse has now been set up against the side of the railway shed as an exhibit as well as some of the belt pulleys that were lying around the sculpture park. Inside the shed the railway signs from the S&D group are being mounted on the walls and nearby Pete has been converting one of the containers into a welding and fabrication shop.
The SIAS archives container is now complete and in use and further down the site work is well on with fitting out the pump room with a fine selection of pumps.
Not all of our steamings have been on site here: the Robey took a slow trip to Andersea at the beginning of June for the Andersea Show and a chance for us to raise the profile of the museum locally.
Finally, it hasn’t all been fluffy bunnies this year. The condition of the cottage and the subsidence is still giving cause for concern, however recent talks might give us a way forward to resolving the issue. On the bright side, we are now looking more seriously at expanding the museum to house many of the exhibits which are currently sitting in the open under tarpaulins.
Report accepted. Proposer: Geoff Harding. Seconder: Chris Britton.
5 . Treasurer’s Report (Jason Keswick)
Income
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Entrance slightly up on previous year, entry fees remain unchanged. Less steam events this year but visitor figures have been good.
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Entrance donations, largely collected on non-steam Sundays remain similar.
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Membership is up, this is largely following a greater uptake on the new membership system however this can’t take into account extra donations given so this is combined under this heading. We have also had some life membership applications at £200 which throws things out a little.
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Private visits are up - this includes and is predominantly earnt from Paranormal Investigations on Saturday nights (other nights as well if requested) at £200 per night.
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The cafe (tea rooms) continues to increase its income, this was supported by the addition of the Railway Days in 2024 however is down to the Cafe Volunteers which has been led by Dawn. I would like to express my thanks to Dawn, Elaine, Ruth, Mary and Jo for their hard work and support. They have risen to the challenge of the extra days and committed again to support the Trust in this coming year.
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General Donations are up slightly as is Interest Paid as the base rate has increased alongside our savings.
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Shop Sales are down, this is predominantly down to a lack of new stock. This area could really do with the input of a dedicated volunteer to run and manage this. One fantastic shop item this year has been our Honorary President Iain Miles’s Book ‘Narrow Gauge in Somerset, Dorset & Devon’. This has been selling really well from our web shop and on site. If you haven't had a look through please do. It's a very good read. We will be looking at new runs of Bogs and Easton Amos books as stock is running low of both.
Expenditure
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Membership costs are down, this is purely because of a lack of magazines. Postage which is now all done online is mixed in with other postage costs and so is covered under General Admin which is one reason this is higher.
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Cafe (tea room) expenses are up directly inline with increased sales.
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Site & General Expenses are up. We have completed much more general site work in the past year as opposed to specific project related work. We are also seeing the effect of increased costs as items and sundries we buy get ever more expensive.
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I have this year split out Building Repairs & Improvements, this will likely be even more accurate in the next set of accounts but the aim is show when money is being invested into our buildings rather than just general.
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Engineering & Exhibit Expenses remain similar.
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Insurance was re-negotiated and an error in the insurers calculation of volunteers was found. This was however then balanced back by re-negotiation of that cover in regards to the tasks with which we can carry out on site. The cover is now much better placed for our needs and at the most competitive we can get it. At present we have found no other insurer willing to provide cover whilst we have an open claim of damages with the EA.
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Project Fund expenses include the new Archive Centre that we have jointly funded and hosted at the Museum with the Somerset Industrial Archaeological Society. This is now complete with the final 50% of costs to be invoiced to SIAS soon. If you have not seen it please ask Mary who will be happy to show you what
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it's all about. I wish to thank SIAS for their support of this project and we look forward to starting work on our own paper records and small items in our archive.
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Promotion is also up. We decided to try some different methods in the last year, some of which were very successful, if not too successful and other methods remain more cost effective and flexible. This will be covered under the Promotion Officers Report but it is likely to reduce back down to a lower figure in the next accounts.
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Site Services are up. We have seen a difficult year in regards to our fixed service outgoings. Increases in electricity and falling out of a 4 year deal has seen a dramatic increase in electricity costs coupled with a much more active team on a Wednesday evening which requires lighting, heating and tools. Site Services also includes costs for our Epos system which has also seen increasing costs, monthly premiums for card payment machines etc. All essential items in order for us to open and offer efficient payment solutions. This is unlikely to decrease but we will be exploring options for solar and battery systems, covered under Accomodation.
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Steam on the Levels expenditure is up, but in relation to total income is very acceptable.
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With the ‘railway days‘ now supporting income for the Museum, continued investment in this along with ensuring that safety critical elements, covered by the Office of Rail & Road are all in order.
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We also took the decision following the test purchase of 1 tonne of South African Steam Coal to purchase 10 tonnes. This was done as a 24 tonne order of which we shared the remainder with Low Ham Steam Rally and Yesterday's Farming as well as some supply to a couple of local engine owners. We now have no likely need to purchase coal for a number of years as we go through this stock. It is not perfect but represented a significant saving over other supplies and at the time Welsh was not available at all and remains unavailable now.
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We are continuing with investment in tackling the Grade II* Listed Buildings, progress on this is reported in Accommodation.
Summary
We have spent much of the surplus from the previous year, with assets now totaling £38,000. We continue to put away £1500 per operational Steam Boiler and so continue to build a good fund towards the next major renovation. The Robey is due its 10 year ticket in 2026, however it is not expected to need any major work and can continue to use its tubes for now. That will mean that we can continue saving towards the next major overhaul of the Marshall in 2030 should it not require anything in the interim. We think this boiler may need an inner firebox at that point. Work to plan costs for that will happen a year or so before its ticket runs out.
Expenditure in the next financial year will need to be monitored. We will need to spend more time trying to fund work with grants and other outside assistance where
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possible to maximise our income for increased background costs. We will also want to continue to maximise income streams outside of our core public offering.
Report accepted. Proposer: John Ditchfield. Seconder: Nigel Webber
6. Secretary’s Report (Mary Miles)
None.
7 Chief Engineer’s Report (Ian Gilliam)
No issues were expected. However there had been problems with the seals. Bob Garnett had suggested a change of make and it was hoped this would rectify things.
A new acquisition had been an air receiver which should be in working condition.
He thanked Nigel and John for cutting wood to eke out the coal supply and for matches!
Report accepted. Proposer: Nigel Webber. Seconder: John Ditchfield..
8 Promotions Report (Charlie Talbot)
As mentioned in the Treasurers Report, Facebook was more cost-effective and we would stick to that going forwards. There will be paper leaflets which would be on-site and members were asked to distribute them around their local areas. Postage costs were rising and last year we had several batches returned making it even more expensive.
Report accepted. Proposer: Nigel Webber. Seconder: Ray West.
9. Membership Secretary (Jason Keswick)
Jason said that the on-line membership system was working well. He had set it up for a few people who would now be getting renewal reminders automatically.
10. Steam on the Levels (Jason Keswick)
Planning would be the same as before. However the canvas marquee was not available this year. Instead he had been able to get one via his father-in-law, saving £250. He was negotiating the licence for parking, etc.
Ian Lang had done a First Aid course, so was now qualified. Ian said that there should be more cover when over 500 people, and 2 if under. He would ask the company he had trained with and get some quotes. He would also check where the nearest defibrillator was in Westonzoyland as it would be sensible to have this information to hand. With Ian’s help Jason would draw up a folder to be held on site with useful information, e.g. use of epipens and inhalers.
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Ray pointed out that the First Aid box was in the member’s toilet which was not ideal. Agreed to find a more suitable place, and that there should be a portable one which could be carried to wherever it was needed. It should also be checked regularly to make sure that everything was in date and that it was fully stocked.
11. Steam Dates for 2025
These were in line with what they were last year.
The Railway days would also be the same, but with the addition of the 1[st] June as this was the end of the summer half-term. Charlie pointed out that this was the same day as the Andersea event, which he would be attending. Agreed this would perhaps pick up some extra trade. Jason had already had enquiries about the Railway Days.
Jason would email all with the dates.
12. Shop Sales (Jason Keswick)
As mentioned before these were down. Jason put out an appeal for a member to take on organising.
13. Accommodation (Jason Keswick)
In the last month a lot had happened. A meeting on-site with Matthew Knight (HE) and his manager had resulted in a suggestion that the Trust change tack with the EA, looking to engage them as a “partner”, emphasising the advantages for the EA in being seen as financially supporting.
The Arts Council “MEND” scheme would provide grants for back-dated repairs to buildings which had been left and not funded from other streams. It would cover the main building and the Exhibition Hall as well. HE would be a partner and give us advice. The MEND Fund was not open yet, but would require a condition survey by a RICS surveyor (no more than 5 years ago) and a costing (no more than 12 months ago). This would show the state of our buildings. Jason had met with two surveyors. One of them had run repair works for the National Trust and was very sympathetic to the Trust. If we can get the funding we would need someone to manage the different projects and follow them through. While Jason would voluntarily supply the architectural side he could not do it all. If the MEND scheme accepted the project there would be only 3 months in which to organise the next step. However we were in a good position as we had the fully designed answer for the major repair works on the cottage. Jason said that Kew Pumping Station had £2 ½ million, and Hollycombe £1 million in the last MEND scheme.
Regarding the extra land and workshop, Tamlyns were doing a valuation in the coming week, as we needed to have this done as a charity. We would then need to think about how we would fund this. There would not be a grant as the extra land was not historically important, though it clearly represented a big opportunity for us. Jason was keen that we should not borrow money as we would not be able to pay it back easily.
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Report accepted. Proposer: Iain Miles. Seconder: Andy Carter .
14 Accreditation (Jason Keswick )
Nothing to report.
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15 Collections Group Report/items on loan (Jason Keswick)
Nothing had changed in the last year.
16 CIO
The ownership of land was a problem, as the smaller patch only had two trustees still alive, and one of those was in a specialist dementia care home and so his Power of Attorney would have to sign on his behalf. This would need a solicitor to sort out. New trustees would need to be named on the Land Registry. ProArts gave specialist legal support to arts organisations, and we could use this to update the land-holding trustees so that we could become a CIO and legally transfer ownership of all the land to the CIO. A funding bid of £7,500 should cover the costs.
We would need to show how we would develop the committee, with new trustees with strategic input – we needed extra expertise.
Chard Museum and Wells Museum had been down this route and Jason had spoken to them about it.
Election of Officers
The present committee had all indicated that they were all willing to stand again, with the exception of John Trenchard.
Chris Britton proposed and Nigel Webber seconded that all the above nominees be elected. This was carried nem con.
Mary Miles proposed Ian Lang be elected but he felt that he was not able to stand, though he said he would be happy to be co-opted for specific things.
| Officers are:- | |
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| Chairman: Andy Carter |
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| Treasurer: Jason Keswick |
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| Secretary: Mary Miles |
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| Promotions: Charlie Talbot |
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| Chief Engineer: Ian Gilliam |
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| Committee Member: | Geoff Harding |
| Committee Member: | Alan Davies |
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17. Other non-agenda items
Geoff Harding noted that past member John Joyce had passed away.
The meeting ended at 3.10pm, with thanks to all those attending for their interest.
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AGM ACCOUNTS - 16/03/2025
WESTONZOYLAND ENGINE TRUST
Year Ended 30th September 2024
| RECEIPTS AND PAYMENTS | 2024 | 2023 |
|---|---|---|
| Income from Sales Entrance Entrance Donations Membership Private Visits Talks & Outside Exhibitions Experience Days Tea Rooms Site Hire Card Payment Other Income Donations Grant Aid Interest earned Other Income WZLR Donations Gift Aid Sale of Scrap/Plant/Other Refunds from Suppliers From Shop Sales Account Expenditure Membership Costs Tea Room Expenses Site & General Expenses Building Repairs & Improvements Engineering & Exhibits Expenses General Admin Insurance Project Fund Expenses Promotion Site Services Steam on the Levels Westonzoyland Light Railway Steam Fuel Listed Building Project WZLR Railway Building Experience Day Costs Professional Memberships Donations (to other charities) Uncategorised Expenses Surplus / Deficit for year BALANCE SHEET AT 30 SEPTEMBER 2024 Field |
£ p 16,792.83 789.75 1,673.73 3,105.00 50.00 - 8,037.31 - (196.45) 2,209.72 - 161.30 115.50 - - - - 828.37 33,567.06 250.17 1,992.73 8,559.03 1,841.04 2,654.32 613.14 6,226.15 3,563.66 2,208.07 2,711.04 1,514.86 2,652.89 5,549.75 3,015.60 15.96 - 261.40 - - 43,629.81 -10,062.75 £ p 1,000.00 |
£ p 16,170.44 727.91 821.00 2,610.00 190.00 200.00 6,746.98 - (170.04) 1,673.36 - 62.98 250.00 - 1,654.75 425.30 320.84 1,139.13 |
| 32,822.65 | ||
| 588.30 1,650.66 5,031.57 - 2,436.73 110.00 6,507.30 822.86 471.77 1,899.24 1,042.66 1,398.48 1,260.00 - 413.51 - - - 0.66 |
||
| 23,633.08 | ||
| 9,189.57 | ||
| £ p 1,000.00 |
||
| Shop stock holding at cost price Cash at Bank Float Assets Field fund General funds Allermoor Engine Fund Project Fund Boiler Fund Paypal Sales account Funds |
514.46 | 552.83 |
| 36,505.79 200.00 38,220.25 1,000.00 8,134.14 886.13 0.04 13,213.83 811.48 14,174.63 38,220.25 |
46,530.17 200.00 |
|
| 48,283.00 | ||
| 1,000.00 20,558.46 875.11 0.04 10,063.59 2,954.00 12,831.80 |
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| 48,283.00 |
Notes
The Trust owns the Pumping Station, which is a non-saleable exhibit and restricted to charitable use on purchase from the Environment Agency.
March 2025
Jason Keswick - Treasurer
Westonzoyland Engine Trust
AGM ACCOUNTS - 16/03/2025
WESTONZOYLAND ENGINE TRUST - SALES ACCOUNT Year Ended 30th September 2024
| SHOP SALES | 2024 | 2023 | |||
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| £ p | £ p | £ p | £ p | ||
| Shop Income | 1,338.72 | 1,286.24 | |||
| Stock 1st October | 552.83 | 540.84 | |||
| Add: | |||||
| Purchases | 471.98 | 159.10 | |||
| Less: | |||||
| Stock 30th Sep | 514.46 | 552.83 | |||
| Total Cost Price of new stock sold | 510.35 | 147.11 | |||
| Net Profit (to RECEIPTS AND PAYMENTS) | 828.37 | 1,139.13 |
WESTONZOYLAND ENGINE TRUST - STEAM ON THE LEVELS 18th & 19th May 2024
| SHOP SALES 2024 2023 £ p £ p £ p £ p Shop Income 1,338.72 1,286.24 Stock 1st October 552.83 540.84 Add: |
SHOP SALES 2024 2023 £ p £ p £ p £ p Shop Income 1,338.72 1,286.24 Stock 1st October 552.83 540.84 Add: |
SHOP SALES 2024 2023 £ p £ p £ p £ p Shop Income 1,338.72 1,286.24 Stock 1st October 552.83 540.84 Add: |
SHOP SALES 2024 2023 £ p £ p £ p £ p Shop Income 1,338.72 1,286.24 Stock 1st October 552.83 540.84 Add: |
|---|---|---|---|
| £ p £ p £ p £ p Shop Income 1,338.72 1,286.24 Stock 1st October 552.83 540.84 Add: |
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| Purchases 471.98 159.10 Less: Stock 30th Sep 514.46 552.83 Total Cost Price of new stock sold 510.35 147.11 Net Profit (to RECEIPTS AND PAYMENTS) 828.37 1,139.13 |
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| 510.35 828.37 |
147.11 | ||
| 1,139.13 | |||
| WESTONZOYLAND ENGINE TRUST - STEAM ON THE LEVEL 18th & 19th May 2024 |
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| INCOME 2024 Saturday £ p Entrance Fees 2,665.00 Tea Room 832.00 Shop Sales 74.50 Donations 9.20 WZLR Donations - Pizzas [Evening] 359.50 Sunday (Combined) Entrance Fees 4,610.00 Tea Room 1,413.50 Shop Sales 146.30 Donations 16.70 WZLR Donations - General Stall Holders 50.00 Westonzoyland Carnival Club 250.00 Parrett Real Ale & Cider Bar 796.04 5" Gauge Miniature Railway - Other 140.00 Exhibitor Entry Fees - Pre-Paid Entry - PayPal 340.00 Total Income 11,702.74 EXPENSES Promotion - Toilets 391.20 Coal - Westonzoyland Carnival Club - Entrance - Other 250.00 Waste Disposal - Administration Costs (Printing/Stickers/Ticket - Hire of Field & Legal - EA 450.00 Total Expediture 1,091.20 NET PROFIT 10,611.54 |
2023 £ p 3,388.00 895.10 297.34 3.40 - 272.00 3,582.50 970.50 98.74 51.56 - - 250.00 849.87 - - - 1,141.00 11,800.01 |
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| 162.42 391.20 - - 21.00 - 176.25 400.00 1,150.87 |
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| 10,649.14 | |||
| (excluding sales costs) |
March 2025
Jason Keswick - Treasurer
Westonzoyland Engine Trust