The Helicopter Museum – Chairman’s Report November 2025
It has been another strong year of trading with visitor numbers and income on par with the previous year. A successful diary of special events has funded the completion of the Weston Aviation Heritage Hangar and numerous site improvements.
The Weston above hangar has been completed this year with the electrics, lighting, access ramps and flooring all completed. The first displays have also been installed along with perimeter frieze artwork and a themed cinema. We plan to open by Easter 2026 once the allocated aircraft have been successfully moved across into their new home and we are currently looking for a celebrity to officially open the attraction.
Site improvements undertaken this year include new permanent displays in our Visitor Services Building, the re-surfacing the disabled car park, the overhaul of our on-site electrics, new boilers for the public toilets and several alterations to our displays.
A new children’s trail has also been created to better engage the collection with our younger visitors.
The restoration of the H-21 has made good progress and the restoration of the Royal Flight Whirlwind is now very near completion.
New acquisitions this year are the Westland Sea King HAS MK.6 - ZA133, an RAF 2000 GTC SE FI autogyro and a MD902 Explorer NOTAR Helicopter.
The disposal this year, which has been sold from our surplus airframe collection, is the Westland Wessex - G-ATBZ.
New appointments / staff changes are Chris Kelly taking over from the departing Visitor Services Supervisor. Caitlin Stokes joining as a Museum Assistant and Jessica Porter being promoted to Business Manager following the retirement of Wendy Cowlin after 35 years plus of loyal service to the museum. Wendy was awarded a suitable retirement gift.
Following last year’s independent Governance Review, the Trustees made the decision to change the legal name of the Museum from ‘The British Rotorcraft Museum and Avon Air Collection Ltd’ to ‘The Helicopter Museum Ltd’ which has been our trading name for over 20 years. It was also agreed to change the charity to a CIO to better modernise the structure of the business and move forward. This is a project we aim to complete by 31[st] March 2026 and is being steered by Molly Woodward (care of Rolls Royce) assisted by Clive and Phil. All of whom are doing an incredible job.
All in all it has been a very successful and fulfilling year. I feel we have the best all round team we could possibly achieve - trustees, staff and volunteers. Well done all, but not let us rest on our laurels. There is a lot more to do.
Peter Turner. Chairman of the Trustees.
THE HELICOPTER MUSEUM LIMITED (FORMERLY BRITISH ROTORCRAFT MUSEUM AND AVON AIR COLLECTION LIMITED)
FINANCIAL STATEMENTS FOR THE YEAR ENDED 31ST MARCH 2025
REGISTERED CHARITY NUMBER: 281053 COMPANY REGISTRATION NUMBER: 01517593
THE HELICOPTER MUSEUM LIMITED
(FORMERLY BRITISH ROTORCRAFT MUSEUM AND AVON AIR COLLECTION LIMITED) INDEX TO THE ACCOUNTS FOR THE YEAR ENDED 31ST MARCH 2025
Page 1 - 2 Company Information 3 - 4 Directors’ Report 5 - 6 Independent Examiner’s Report 7 - 8 Statement of Financial Activities 9 - 10 Balance Sheet 11 - 13 Notes to the Financial Statements Non-Statutory Financial Statement 14 Detailed Income and Expenditure Account
THE HELICOPTER MUSEUM LIMITED
(FORMERLY BRITISH ROTORCRAFT MUSEUM AND AVON AIR COLLECTION LIMITED) LEGAL AND ADMINISTRATIVE INFORMATION AS AT 31ST MARCH 2025
Constitution
The Helicopter Museum Limited (Formerly British Rotorcraft Museum and Avon Air Collection Limited) is a Company Limited by Guarantee and a registered Charity governed by its Memorandum and Articles of Association.
| Directors: | E. Ap Rees |
|---|---|
| P. Turner | |
| G. Dore | |
| S. R. Whittaker | |
| R. Adams | |
| P. Winterton | |
| Dr A. Wood | |
| C. Elks | |
| A. Norris (Resigned 15.01.25) | |
| Trustees: | E. Ap Rees |
| G. Dore | |
| P. Turner | |
| S. R. Whittaker | |
| R. Adams | |
| P. Winterton | |
| Dr A. Wood | |
| C. Elks | |
| A. Norris (Resigned 15.01.25) | |
| Secretary: | G. Dore |
| Registered Office: | Weston Heliport |
| Locking Moor Road | |
| Weston-super-Mare | |
| Somerset | |
| BS22 8PL | |
| Accountant: | David K. Hardiman |
| Chartered Accountant | |
| 13 Boulevard | |
| Weston-super-Mare | |
| Somerset | |
| BS23 1NR |
Continued on Page 2.
1
THE HELICOPTER MUSEUM LIMITED (FORMERLY BRITISH ROTORCRAFT MUSEUM AND AVON AIR COLLECTION LIMITED) LEGAL AND ADMINISTRATIVE INFORMATION AS AT 31ST MARCH 2025 (Continued)
Bankers: The Co-operative Bank plc. PO Box 101 1 Balloon Street Manchester M60 4EP Company Number: 01517593 Registered Charity Number: 281053
2
THE HELICOPTER MUSEUM LIMITED
(FORMERLY BRITISH ROTORCRAFT MUSEUM AND AVON AIR COLLECTION LIMITED)
THE DIRECTORS’ REPORT
The Directors present their report and the financial statements of the company for the year ended 31st March 2025.
Legal and administrative information set out on pages 1 and 2 form part of this report. All Directors/Trustees served throughout the year unless otherwise indicated. The Financial Statements comply with current statutory requirements, the Memorandum and Articles of Association and the Statement of Recommended Practice-Accounting and Reporting by Charities.
Activities
The principal activity of the company during the year under review was that of Museum Management. This is the World’s largest dedicated Helicopter Museum.
The Company also operates the Museum Shop.
No other significant changes in activities arose.
Development of the Business and its position at the end of the year
The Company’s results for the year, as stated on pages 7 and 8, show a decrease in incoming resources of £23509. The Company is a registered Charity and the net surplus for the year was £78468 compared to a surplus of £122530 in 2023/24.
The Directors consider the state of affairs of the company at 31st March 2025 to be satisfactory.
Fixed Assets
Changes in Fixed Assets in the year are scheduled in notes 2 and 3 to the accounts.
Results
The net surplus on ordinary activities amounted to £78468 and this was put to reserves.
Risk Management
The Directors have examined the major strategic business and operational risks which the charity faces and confirm that systems have been established to enable regular reports to be produced so that the necessary steps can be taken to lessen these risks.
3
THE HELICOPTER MUSEUM LIMITED (FORMERLY BRITISH ROTORCRAFT MUSEUM AND AVON AIR COLLECTION LIMITED)
THE DIRECTORS’ REPORT
(Continued)
Heritage Assets
Most heritage assets were donated to the Museum over a large number of years and the Trustees therefore consider that recognising these in the Balance Sheet is not practicable. The Charity Commission has indicated that charities should disclose the scale and nature of any significant holdings of heritage assets, and the public’s access to them within their annual report. The Directors/Trustees have considered the issue and have decided not to attribute a value to the helicopters in the Museum’s collection, but a comprehensive list of both owned and leased items which are considered to be Heritage Assets is available on the Museum’s website which is www.helicoptermuseum.co.uk.
Reserves
The policy of the trustees is to maintain unrestricted funds at a level to meet three months normal activities. Other specific projects and activities are not undertaken unless and until funding has been secured.
Statement of Directors’ Responsibilities
Company Law requires the Directors to prepare financial statements for each financial year which give a true and fair view of the state of affairs of the company and of the surplus or deficit of the company for that period. In preparing these financial statements, the Directors are required to:
-
a) select suitable accounting policies and then apply them consistently;
-
b) make judgements and estimates that are reasonable and prudent;
-
c) prepare the financial statements on the going concern basis unless it is inappropriate to presume that the company will continue in business.
The Directors are responsible for keeping proper accounting records which disclose with reasonable accuracy at any time the financial position of the company and to enable them to ensure that the financial statements comply with the Companies Act 2006. They are also responsible for safeguarding the assets of the company and hence for taking reasonable steps for the prevention and detection of fraud and other irregularities.
Status
The company is limited by guarantee and therefore does not have a share capital.
Small Company Exemptions
In preparing this report advantage has been taken of the small companies exemption.
On behalf of the Board
........................................................ Director G. Dore
4th November 2025
4
THE HELICOPTER MUSEUM LIMITED (FORMERLY BRITISH ROTORCRAFT MUSEUM AND AVON AIR COLLECTION LIMITED)
INDEPENDENT EXAMINER’S REPORT
Independent Examiner’s Report to the Trustees of The Helicopter Museum Limited (Formerly British Rotorcraft Museum and Avon Air Collection Limited)
I report on the accounts of the Charitable Company (Charity Number 0281053) for the year ended 31st March 2025, which are set out on pages 7 to 13.
Respective Responsibilities of Trustees and Examiner
The Charity’s Trustees are responsible for the preparation of the accounts. The Charity’s Trustees consider that an audit is not required for this year under Section 144 of the Charities Act 2011 (the Charities Act) and that an independent examination is needed. I am qualified to undertake the examination by being a qualified member of ICAEW.
It is my responsibility to:
-
examine the accounts under section 145 of the Charities Act,
-
to follow the applicable Directions given by the Charity Commission (under section 145 (5) (b) of the Charities Act), and
-
to state whether particular matters have come to my attention.
Basis of Independent Examiner’s Statement
My examination was carried out in accordance with general Directions given by the Charity Commission. An examination includes a review of the accounting records kept by the charity and a comparison of the accounts presented with those records. It also includes consideration of any unusual items or disclosures in the accounts and seeking explanations from the trustees concerning any such matters. The procedures undertaken do not provide all the evidence that would be required in an audit, and consequently no opinion is given as to whether the accounts present a ‘true and fair’ view and the report is limited to those matters set out in the statement below.
Independent Examiner’s Statement
In connection with my examination, no material matters have come to my attention which gives me cause to believe that in any material request:
-
the accounting records were not kept in accordance with section 130 of the Companies Act; or
-
the accounts did not accord with the accounting records; or
-
the accounts did not comply with the applicable requirements concerning the form and content of 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.
Continued on Page 6.
5
THE HELICOPTER MUSEUM LIMITED (FORMERLY BRITISH ROTORCRAFT MUSEUM AND AVON AIR COLLECTION LIMITED)
INDEPENDENT EXAMINER’S REPORT (Continued)
Independent Examiner’s Statement (continued)
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.
...............................................
David K. Hardiman FCA Chartered Accountant 13 Boulevard Weston-super-Mare North Somerset BS23 1NR
4th November 2025
6
THE HELICOPTER MUSEUM LIMITED (FORMERLY BRITISH ROTORCRAFT MUSEUM AND AVON AIR COLLECTION LIMITED)
STATEMENT OF FINANCIAL ACTIVITIES (INCLUDING INCOME AND EXPENDITURE ACCOUNT) FOR THE YEAR ENDED 31ST MARCH 2025
| 2025 | 2024 | |
|---|---|---|
| Unrestricted | Unrestricted | |
| Funds | Funds | |
| £ | £ | |
| Incoming Resources | ||
| Donations and Legacies | ||
| Donations | 38302 | 6063 |
| Fund Raising | 4153 | 3892 |
| 42455 |
9955 |
|
| Charitable Activities | ||
| Museum and Special Event Admissions | 212283 | 245331 |
| Gift Aid | 33750 | 43618 |
| Playground | 1330 | 1719 |
| 247363 |
290668 | |
| Other Trading Activities | ||
| Filming | - | 500 |
| Museum Shop | 49377 | 61986 |
| Helicopter Flight Donations | 1390 | 4594 |
| Sales of Scrap | 8091 | 7133 |
| 58858 |
74213 | |
| Investments | ||
| Interest Received | 3387 | 736 |
| Total Incoming Resources | £ 352063 | £ 375572 |
Continued on Page 8
7
THE HELICOPTER MUSEUM LIMITED
(FORMERLY BRITISH ROTORCRAFT MUSEUM AND AVON AIR COLLECTION LIMITED)
STATEMENT OF FINANCIAL ACTIVITIES (INCLUDING INCOME AND EXPENDITURE ACCOUNT) FOR THE YEAR ENDED 31ST MARCH 2025
(Continued)
| Resources Expended Charitable Activities Wages and National Insurance Costs Property Costs Maintenance Aircraft Restoration Costs Special Event Costs Display Boards Other Trading Activities Costs Shop Purchases (Adjusted for Stocks) Other Office and Administrative Costs Independent Examiner’s Fees Publicity and Advertising Sundry Expenses Bank and Merchant Acquiring Charges Depreciation of Tangible Fixed Assets Total Resources Expended £ Net Surplus of Income for the Year Reconciliation of Funds Total Funds at 1st April 2024 Total Funds at 31st March 2025 £ |
2025 2024 Unrestricted Unrestricted Funds Funds £ £ 132539 121022 42883 38763 9752 10335 7732 2258 5838 11057 6614 2095 205358 185530 31085 34320 6915 4458 1260 1200 161 3541 1188 891 5585 4934 22043 18168 37152 33192 273595 £ 253042 78468 122530 1108333 985803 1186801 £ 1108333 |
|---|---|
8
THE HELICOPTER MUSEUM LIMITED (FORMERLY BRITISH ROTORCRAFT MUSEUM AND AVON AIR COLLECTION LIMITED) (COMPANY NUMBER: 01517593)
BALANCE SHEET AS AT 31ST MARCH 2025
| Fixed Assets Tangible Assets Investments Current Assets Stocks Debtors Cash at Bank and in Hand Current Liabilities Creditors: Amounts falling due within one year Net Current Assets Total Assets less Current Liabilities Funds of Charity Unrestricted Funds Total Funds |
Notes 1f, 2 3 1g 4 5 |
2025 Unrestricted Funds £ £ 973460 1 973461 16827 20514 187944 225285 (11945) 213340 £ 1186801 1186801 £ 1186801 |
2024 Unrestricted Funds £ £ 801616 1 801617 18645 36596 256028 311269 (4553) 306716 £ 1108333 1108333 £ 1108333 |
|---|---|---|---|
| £ 16827 20514 187944 225285 (11945) £ £ |
£ 18645 36596 256028 311269 (4553) £ £ |
Continued on page 10.
9
THE HELICOPTER MUSEUM LIMITED
(FORMERLY BRITISH ROTORCRAFT MUSEUM AND AVON AIR COLLECTION LIMITED) (COMPANY NUMBER: 01517593)
BALANCE SHEET AS AT 31ST MARCH 2025
(Continued)
For the year ended 31st March 2025, the Company was entitled to exemption under Subsection 1 of Section 477 of the Companies Act 2006. The members have not required the Company to obtain an audit of its accounts for the year in accordance with Section 476. The Directors acknowledge their responsibility for ensuring that the Company keeps accounting records which comply with Section 386 of the Act and for preparing accounts which give a true and fair view of the state of affairs of the Company as at the end of the financial year and of its result for the financial year in accordance with the requirements of Sections 394 and 395 of the Act, and which otherwise comply with the requirements of the Companies Act 2006 relating to accounts, so far as applicable to the Company.
These accounts have been prepared in accordance with the provisions applicable to companies subject to the small companies regime.
Approved by the Board on 4th November 2025
................................................... P. Turner Director & Trustee
10
THE HELICOPTER MUSEUM LIMITED
(FORMERLY BRITISH ROTORCRAFT MUSEUM AND AVON AIR COLLECTION LIMITED)
NOTES TO THE FINANCIAL STATEMENTS FOR THE YEAR ENDED 31ST MARCH 2025
1. ACCOUNTING POLICIES
a) Basis of Accounting
The accounts have been prepared under the historical cost convention and in accordance with the Companies Act 2006, the Statement of Recommended Practice: Accounting and Reporting by Charities and applicable accounting standard applicable in the UK (FRS 102) and with the Charities Act 2011.
The Charity constitutes a Public Benefit Entity as defined by FRS102.
b) Income
Donations are accounted for when received. Other Income is accounted for on an accruals basis as far as it is prudent to do so.
c) Gifts in Kind
The Charity receives the benefit of work carried out by volunteers. No value has been placed on this in these accounts.
d) Grants Receivable
Revenue grants are credited to the Statement of Financial Activities as received unless related to a specific period, when they are placed in a restricted fund until used.
e) Taxation
As a Registered Charity the Company is not subject to Corporation Tax.
f) Depreciation
Depreciation is calculated to write down the cost of fixed assets to their estimated residual value over their expected useful lives. The annual rates and method of calculation are as follows:
Tools 25% Reducing Balance Museum Equipment, Fixtures and Fittings 25% Reducing Balance Buildings and Property Improvements 2% Straight Line Helicopters 2% Straight Line
g) Stocks
Stocks are valued at the lower of cost and net realisable value, after making allowance for obsolete and slow moving items.
11
THE HELICOPTER MUSEUM LIMITED
(FORMERLY BRITISH ROTORCRAFT MUSEUM AND AVON AIR COLLECTION LIMITED)
NOTES TO THE FINANCIAL STATEMENTS FOR THE YEAR ENDED 31ST MARCH 2025
(Continued)
2. TANGIBLE FIXED ASSETS
3.
| Cost At 1st April 2024 Additions At 31st March 2025 Depreciation At 1st April 2024 Charge for the Year At 31st March 2025 Net Book Values At 31st March 2025 At 31st March 2024 INVESTMENTS One Ordinary Share in |
Helicopters Tools 66861 1257 - - £ 66861 1257 18130 1257 1337 - £ 19467 1257 £ 47394 - £ 48731 - Heliworld Limited |
Helicopters Tools 66861 1257 - - £ 66861 1257 18130 1257 1337 - £ 19467 1257 £ 47394 - £ 48731 - Heliworld Limited |
Tools 1257 - |
Museum Equipment Fixtures & Fittings 9995 - |
Buildings & Improvements Total 884938 963051 193887 193887 1078825 1156938 132079 161435 20700 22043 152779 183478 926046 973460 752859 801616 2025 2024 £ 1 £ 1 |
Buildings & Improvements Total 884938 963051 193887 193887 1078825 1156938 132079 161435 20700 22043 152779 183478 926046 973460 752859 801616 2025 2024 £ 1 £ 1 |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| 66861 | 1257 | 9995 | ||||
| 18130 1337 |
1257 - |
9969 6 |
||||
| 19467 | 1257 | 9975 | ||||
| 47394 | - | 20 | ||||
| 48731 | - | 26 | ||||
| 2025 £ 1 |
12
THE HELICOPTER MUSEUM LIMITED
(FORMERLY BRITISH ROTORCRAFT MUSEUM AND AVON AIR COLLECTION LIMITED)
NOTES TO THE FINANCIAL STATEMENTS FOR THE YEAR ENDED 31ST MARCH 2025
(Continued)
| 4. 5. 6. |
DEBTORS Due Within One Year Prepayments Inter Company Account Gift Aid Other Debtors £ CREDITORS Due Within One Year Taxation and Social Security Accruals and Deferred Income Other Creditors £ STAFF COSTS AND TRUSTEES REMUNERATION Salaries and Employers National Insurance £ |
2025 £ - 17834 - 2680 20514 £ - 1260 10685 11945 £ 132539 £ |
2024 £ 292 29834 6470 - 36596 - 1200 3353 4553 121022 |
|---|---|---|---|
The average number of employees during the year was 7 (2024 6).
No employee received remuneration exceeding £60000.
No trustees received remuneration or were reimbursed expenses in the current or previous period.
13
THE HELICOPTER MUSEUM LIMITED
(FORMERLY BRITISH ROTORCRAFT MUSEUM AND AVON AIR COLLECTION LIMITED)
DETAILED INCOME AND EXPENDITURE ACCOUNT FOR THE YEAR ENDED 31ST MARCH 2025
| Museum Admissions Special Events Admissions Fundraising Museum Special Events and Shop Sales Gift Aid Donations Interest Received Helicopter Flight Donations Playground Filming Sales of Scrap Total Income Expenditure: Shop Purchases (Adjusted for Stocks) Special Events Wages and National Insurance Maintenance Aircraft Restoration Expenses Display Boards Publicity and Advertising Printing, Postage, Stationery and Leasing Insurance Telephone and Internet Charges Fees, Subscription and Training Rates Bank and Merchant Acquiring Charges Lighting, Heating and Power Cleaning, Hygiene and Waste Disposal Accountancy Archive Costs Sundry Expenses Depreciation Surplus for the Year |
£ 31085 5838 132539 9752 7732 6614 161 2311 14857 3072 2124 2041 5585 19506 3407 1260 2480 1188 22043 |
2025 £ 158667 53616 4153 49377 33750 38302 3387 1390 1330 - 8091 352063 273595 £ 78468 |
£ 34320 11057 121022 10335 2258 2095 3541 1471 13855 1695 547 1036 4934 20701 3171 1200 745 891 18168 |
2024 £ 182226 63105 3892 61986 43618 6063 736 4594 1719 500 7133 375572 253042 £ 122530 |
|---|---|---|---|---|
£ |
£ |
Surplus for the Year
14
THE HELICOPTER MUSEUM LIMITED (FORMERLY BRITISH ROTORCRAFT MUSEUM AND AVON AIR COLLECTION LIMITED)
FINANCIAL STATEMENTS FOR THE YEAR ENDED 31ST MARCH 2025
REGISTERED CHARITY NUMBER: 281053 COMPANY REGISTRATION NUMBER: 01517593
THE HELICOPTER MUSEUM LIMITED
(FORMERLY BRITISH ROTORCRAFT MUSEUM AND AVON AIR COLLECTION LIMITED) INDEX TO THE ACCOUNTS FOR THE YEAR ENDED 31ST MARCH 2025
Page 1 - 2 Company Information 3 - 4 Directors’ Report 5 - 6 Independent Examiner’s Report 7 - 8 Statement of Financial Activities 9 - 10 Balance Sheet 11 - 13 Notes to the Financial Statements Non-Statutory Financial Statement 14 Detailed Income and Expenditure Account
THE HELICOPTER MUSEUM LIMITED
(FORMERLY BRITISH ROTORCRAFT MUSEUM AND AVON AIR COLLECTION LIMITED) LEGAL AND ADMINISTRATIVE INFORMATION AS AT 31ST MARCH 2025
Constitution
The Helicopter Museum Limited (Formerly British Rotorcraft Museum and Avon Air Collection Limited) is a Company Limited by Guarantee and a registered Charity governed by its Memorandum and Articles of Association.
| Directors: | E. Ap Rees |
|---|---|
| P. Turner | |
| G. Dore | |
| S. R. Whittaker | |
| R. Adams | |
| P. Winterton | |
| Dr A. Wood | |
| C. Elks | |
| A. Norris (Resigned 15.01.25) | |
| Trustees: | E. Ap Rees |
| G. Dore | |
| P. Turner | |
| S. R. Whittaker | |
| R. Adams | |
| P. Winterton | |
| Dr A. Wood | |
| C. Elks | |
| A. Norris (Resigned 15.01.25) | |
| Secretary: | G. Dore |
| Registered Office: | Weston Heliport |
| Locking Moor Road | |
| Weston-super-Mare | |
| Somerset | |
| BS22 8PL | |
| Accountant: | David K. Hardiman |
| Chartered Accountant | |
| 13 Boulevard | |
| Weston-super-Mare | |
| Somerset | |
| BS23 1NR |
Continued on Page 2.
1
THE HELICOPTER MUSEUM LIMITED (FORMERLY BRITISH ROTORCRAFT MUSEUM AND AVON AIR COLLECTION LIMITED) LEGAL AND ADMINISTRATIVE INFORMATION AS AT 31ST MARCH 2025 (Continued)
Bankers: The Co-operative Bank plc. PO Box 101 1 Balloon Street Manchester M60 4EP Company Number: 01517593 Registered Charity Number: 281053
2
THE HELICOPTER MUSEUM LIMITED
(FORMERLY BRITISH ROTORCRAFT MUSEUM AND AVON AIR COLLECTION LIMITED)
THE DIRECTORS’ REPORT
The Directors present their report and the financial statements of the company for the year ended 31st March 2025.
Legal and administrative information set out on pages 1 and 2 form part of this report. All Directors/Trustees served throughout the year unless otherwise indicated. The Financial Statements comply with current statutory requirements, the Memorandum and Articles of Association and the Statement of Recommended Practice-Accounting and Reporting by Charities.
Activities
The principal activity of the company during the year under review was that of Museum Management. This is the World’s largest dedicated Helicopter Museum.
The Company also operates the Museum Shop.
No other significant changes in activities arose.
Development of the Business and its position at the end of the year
The Company’s results for the year, as stated on pages 7 and 8, show a decrease in incoming resources of £23509. The Company is a registered Charity and the net surplus for the year was £78468 compared to a surplus of £122530 in 2023/24.
The Directors consider the state of affairs of the company at 31st March 2025 to be satisfactory.
Fixed Assets
Changes in Fixed Assets in the year are scheduled in notes 2 and 3 to the accounts.
Results
The net surplus on ordinary activities amounted to £78468 and this was put to reserves.
Risk Management
The Directors have examined the major strategic business and operational risks which the charity faces and confirm that systems have been established to enable regular reports to be produced so that the necessary steps can be taken to lessen these risks.
3
THE HELICOPTER MUSEUM LIMITED (FORMERLY BRITISH ROTORCRAFT MUSEUM AND AVON AIR COLLECTION LIMITED)
THE DIRECTORS’ REPORT
(Continued)
Heritage Assets
Most heritage assets were donated to the Museum over a large number of years and the Trustees therefore consider that recognising these in the Balance Sheet is not practicable. The Charity Commission has indicated that charities should disclose the scale and nature of any significant holdings of heritage assets, and the public’s access to them within their annual report. The Directors/Trustees have considered the issue and have decided not to attribute a value to the helicopters in the Museum’s collection, but a comprehensive list of both owned and leased items which are considered to be Heritage Assets is available on the Museum’s website which is www.helicoptermuseum.co.uk.
Reserves
The policy of the trustees is to maintain unrestricted funds at a level to meet three months normal activities. Other specific projects and activities are not undertaken unless and until funding has been secured.
Statement of Directors’ Responsibilities
Company Law requires the Directors to prepare financial statements for each financial year which give a true and fair view of the state of affairs of the company and of the surplus or deficit of the company for that period. In preparing these financial statements, the Directors are required to:
-
a) select suitable accounting policies and then apply them consistently;
-
b) make judgements and estimates that are reasonable and prudent;
-
c) prepare the financial statements on the going concern basis unless it is inappropriate to presume that the company will continue in business.
The Directors are responsible for keeping proper accounting records which disclose with reasonable accuracy at any time the financial position of the company and to enable them to ensure that the financial statements comply with the Companies Act 2006. They are also responsible for safeguarding the assets of the company and hence for taking reasonable steps for the prevention and detection of fraud and other irregularities.
Status
The company is limited by guarantee and therefore does not have a share capital.
Small Company Exemptions
In preparing this report advantage has been taken of the small companies exemption.
On behalf of the Board
........................................................ Director G. Dore
4th November 2025
4
THE HELICOPTER MUSEUM LIMITED (FORMERLY BRITISH ROTORCRAFT MUSEUM AND AVON AIR COLLECTION LIMITED)
INDEPENDENT EXAMINER’S REPORT
Independent Examiner’s Report to the Trustees of The Helicopter Museum Limited (Formerly British Rotorcraft Museum and Avon Air Collection Limited)
I report on the accounts of the Charitable Company (Charity Number 0281053) for the year ended 31st March 2025, which are set out on pages 7 to 13.
Respective Responsibilities of Trustees and Examiner
The Charity’s Trustees are responsible for the preparation of the accounts. The Charity’s Trustees consider that an audit is not required for this year under Section 144 of the Charities Act 2011 (the Charities Act) and that an independent examination is needed. I am qualified to undertake the examination by being a qualified member of ICAEW.
It is my responsibility to:
-
examine the accounts under section 145 of the Charities Act,
-
to follow the applicable Directions given by the Charity Commission (under section 145 (5) (b) of the Charities Act), and
-
to state whether particular matters have come to my attention.
Basis of Independent Examiner’s Statement
My examination was carried out in accordance with general Directions given by the Charity Commission. An examination includes a review of the accounting records kept by the charity and a comparison of the accounts presented with those records. It also includes consideration of any unusual items or disclosures in the accounts and seeking explanations from the trustees concerning any such matters. The procedures undertaken do not provide all the evidence that would be required in an audit, and consequently no opinion is given as to whether the accounts present a ‘true and fair’ view and the report is limited to those matters set out in the statement below.
Independent Examiner’s Statement
In connection with my examination, no material matters have come to my attention which gives me cause to believe that in any material request:
-
the accounting records were not kept in accordance with section 130 of the Companies Act; or
-
the accounts did not accord with the accounting records; or
-
the accounts did not comply with the applicable requirements concerning the form and content of 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.
Continued on Page 6.
5
THE HELICOPTER MUSEUM LIMITED (FORMERLY BRITISH ROTORCRAFT MUSEUM AND AVON AIR COLLECTION LIMITED)
INDEPENDENT EXAMINER’S REPORT (Continued)
Independent Examiner’s Statement (continued)
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.
...............................................
David K. Hardiman FCA Chartered Accountant 13 Boulevard Weston-super-Mare North Somerset BS23 1NR
4th November 2025
6
THE HELICOPTER MUSEUM LIMITED (FORMERLY BRITISH ROTORCRAFT MUSEUM AND AVON AIR COLLECTION LIMITED)
STATEMENT OF FINANCIAL ACTIVITIES (INCLUDING INCOME AND EXPENDITURE ACCOUNT) FOR THE YEAR ENDED 31ST MARCH 2025
| 2025 | 2024 | |
|---|---|---|
| Unrestricted | Unrestricted | |
| Funds | Funds | |
| £ | £ | |
| Incoming Resources | ||
| Donations and Legacies | ||
| Donations | 38302 | 6063 |
| Fund Raising | 4153 | 3892 |
| 42455 |
9955 |
|
| Charitable Activities | ||
| Museum and Special Event Admissions | 212283 | 245331 |
| Gift Aid | 33750 | 43618 |
| Playground | 1330 | 1719 |
| 247363 |
290668 | |
| Other Trading Activities | ||
| Filming | - | 500 |
| Museum Shop | 49377 | 61986 |
| Helicopter Flight Donations | 1390 | 4594 |
| Sales of Scrap | 8091 | 7133 |
| 58858 |
74213 | |
| Investments | ||
| Interest Received | 3387 | 736 |
| Total Incoming Resources | £ 352063 | £ 375572 |
Continued on Page 8
7
THE HELICOPTER MUSEUM LIMITED
(FORMERLY BRITISH ROTORCRAFT MUSEUM AND AVON AIR COLLECTION LIMITED)
STATEMENT OF FINANCIAL ACTIVITIES (INCLUDING INCOME AND EXPENDITURE ACCOUNT) FOR THE YEAR ENDED 31ST MARCH 2025
(Continued)
| Resources Expended Charitable Activities Wages and National Insurance Costs Property Costs Maintenance Aircraft Restoration Costs Special Event Costs Display Boards Other Trading Activities Costs Shop Purchases (Adjusted for Stocks) Other Office and Administrative Costs Independent Examiner’s Fees Publicity and Advertising Sundry Expenses Bank and Merchant Acquiring Charges Depreciation of Tangible Fixed Assets Total Resources Expended £ Net Surplus of Income for the Year Reconciliation of Funds Total Funds at 1st April 2024 Total Funds at 31st March 2025 £ |
2025 2024 Unrestricted Unrestricted Funds Funds £ £ 132539 121022 42883 38763 9752 10335 7732 2258 5838 11057 6614 2095 205358 185530 31085 34320 6915 4458 1260 1200 161 3541 1188 891 5585 4934 22043 18168 37152 33192 273595 £ 253042 78468 122530 1108333 985803 1186801 £ 1108333 |
|---|---|
8
THE HELICOPTER MUSEUM LIMITED (FORMERLY BRITISH ROTORCRAFT MUSEUM AND AVON AIR COLLECTION LIMITED) (COMPANY NUMBER: 01517593)
BALANCE SHEET AS AT 31ST MARCH 2025
| Fixed Assets Tangible Assets Investments Current Assets Stocks Debtors Cash at Bank and in Hand Current Liabilities Creditors: Amounts falling due within one year Net Current Assets Total Assets less Current Liabilities Funds of Charity Unrestricted Funds Total Funds |
Notes 1f, 2 3 1g 4 5 |
2025 Unrestricted Funds £ £ 973460 1 973461 16827 20514 187944 225285 (11945) 213340 £ 1186801 1186801 £ 1186801 |
2024 Unrestricted Funds £ £ 801616 1 801617 18645 36596 256028 311269 (4553) 306716 £ 1108333 1108333 £ 1108333 |
|---|---|---|---|
| £ 16827 20514 187944 225285 (11945) £ £ |
£ 18645 36596 256028 311269 (4553) £ £ |
Continued on page 10.
9
THE HELICOPTER MUSEUM LIMITED
(FORMERLY BRITISH ROTORCRAFT MUSEUM AND AVON AIR COLLECTION LIMITED) (COMPANY NUMBER: 01517593)
BALANCE SHEET AS AT 31ST MARCH 2025
(Continued)
For the year ended 31st March 2025, the Company was entitled to exemption under Subsection 1 of Section 477 of the Companies Act 2006. The members have not required the Company to obtain an audit of its accounts for the year in accordance with Section 476. The Directors acknowledge their responsibility for ensuring that the Company keeps accounting records which comply with Section 386 of the Act and for preparing accounts which give a true and fair view of the state of affairs of the Company as at the end of the financial year and of its result for the financial year in accordance with the requirements of Sections 394 and 395 of the Act, and which otherwise comply with the requirements of the Companies Act 2006 relating to accounts, so far as applicable to the Company.
These accounts have been prepared in accordance with the provisions applicable to companies subject to the small companies regime.
Approved by the Board on 4th November 2025
................................................... P. Turner Director & Trustee
10
THE HELICOPTER MUSEUM LIMITED
(FORMERLY BRITISH ROTORCRAFT MUSEUM AND AVON AIR COLLECTION LIMITED)
NOTES TO THE FINANCIAL STATEMENTS FOR THE YEAR ENDED 31ST MARCH 2025
1. ACCOUNTING POLICIES
a) Basis of Accounting
The accounts have been prepared under the historical cost convention and in accordance with the Companies Act 2006, the Statement of Recommended Practice: Accounting and Reporting by Charities and applicable accounting standard applicable in the UK (FRS 102) and with the Charities Act 2011.
The Charity constitutes a Public Benefit Entity as defined by FRS102.
b) Income
Donations are accounted for when received. Other Income is accounted for on an accruals basis as far as it is prudent to do so.
c) Gifts in Kind
The Charity receives the benefit of work carried out by volunteers. No value has been placed on this in these accounts.
d) Grants Receivable
Revenue grants are credited to the Statement of Financial Activities as received unless related to a specific period, when they are placed in a restricted fund until used.
e) Taxation
As a Registered Charity the Company is not subject to Corporation Tax.
f) Depreciation
Depreciation is calculated to write down the cost of fixed assets to their estimated residual value over their expected useful lives. The annual rates and method of calculation are as follows:
Tools 25% Reducing Balance Museum Equipment, Fixtures and Fittings 25% Reducing Balance Buildings and Property Improvements 2% Straight Line Helicopters 2% Straight Line
g) Stocks
Stocks are valued at the lower of cost and net realisable value, after making allowance for obsolete and slow moving items.
11
THE HELICOPTER MUSEUM LIMITED
(FORMERLY BRITISH ROTORCRAFT MUSEUM AND AVON AIR COLLECTION LIMITED)
NOTES TO THE FINANCIAL STATEMENTS FOR THE YEAR ENDED 31ST MARCH 2025
(Continued)
2. TANGIBLE FIXED ASSETS
3.
| Cost At 1st April 2024 Additions At 31st March 2025 Depreciation At 1st April 2024 Charge for the Year At 31st March 2025 Net Book Values At 31st March 2025 At 31st March 2024 INVESTMENTS One Ordinary Share in |
Helicopters Tools 66861 1257 - - £ 66861 1257 18130 1257 1337 - £ 19467 1257 £ 47394 - £ 48731 - Heliworld Limited |
Helicopters Tools 66861 1257 - - £ 66861 1257 18130 1257 1337 - £ 19467 1257 £ 47394 - £ 48731 - Heliworld Limited |
Tools 1257 - |
Museum Equipment Fixtures & Fittings 9995 - |
Buildings & Improvements Total 884938 963051 193887 193887 1078825 1156938 132079 161435 20700 22043 152779 183478 926046 973460 752859 801616 2025 2024 £ 1 £ 1 |
Buildings & Improvements Total 884938 963051 193887 193887 1078825 1156938 132079 161435 20700 22043 152779 183478 926046 973460 752859 801616 2025 2024 £ 1 £ 1 |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| 66861 | 1257 | 9995 | ||||
| 18130 1337 |
1257 - |
9969 6 |
||||
| 19467 | 1257 | 9975 | ||||
| 47394 | - | 20 | ||||
| 48731 | - | 26 | ||||
| 2025 £ 1 |
12
THE HELICOPTER MUSEUM LIMITED
(FORMERLY BRITISH ROTORCRAFT MUSEUM AND AVON AIR COLLECTION LIMITED)
NOTES TO THE FINANCIAL STATEMENTS FOR THE YEAR ENDED 31ST MARCH 2025
(Continued)
| 4. 5. 6. |
DEBTORS Due Within One Year Prepayments Inter Company Account Gift Aid Other Debtors £ CREDITORS Due Within One Year Taxation and Social Security Accruals and Deferred Income Other Creditors £ STAFF COSTS AND TRUSTEES REMUNERATION Salaries and Employers National Insurance £ |
2025 £ - 17834 - 2680 20514 £ - 1260 10685 11945 £ 132539 £ |
2024 £ 292 29834 6470 - 36596 - 1200 3353 4553 121022 |
|---|---|---|---|
The average number of employees during the year was 7 (2024 6).
No employee received remuneration exceeding £60000.
No trustees received remuneration or were reimbursed expenses in the current or previous period.
13
THE HELICOPTER MUSEUM LIMITED
(FORMERLY BRITISH ROTORCRAFT MUSEUM AND AVON AIR COLLECTION LIMITED)
DETAILED INCOME AND EXPENDITURE ACCOUNT FOR THE YEAR ENDED 31ST MARCH 2025
| Museum Admissions Special Events Admissions Fundraising Museum Special Events and Shop Sales Gift Aid Donations Interest Received Helicopter Flight Donations Playground Filming Sales of Scrap Total Income Expenditure: Shop Purchases (Adjusted for Stocks) Special Events Wages and National Insurance Maintenance Aircraft Restoration Expenses Display Boards Publicity and Advertising Printing, Postage, Stationery and Leasing Insurance Telephone and Internet Charges Fees, Subscription and Training Rates Bank and Merchant Acquiring Charges Lighting, Heating and Power Cleaning, Hygiene and Waste Disposal Accountancy Archive Costs Sundry Expenses Depreciation Surplus for the Year |
£ 31085 5838 132539 9752 7732 6614 161 2311 14857 3072 2124 2041 5585 19506 3407 1260 2480 1188 22043 |
2025 £ 158667 53616 4153 49377 33750 38302 3387 1390 1330 - 8091 352063 273595 £ 78468 |
£ 34320 11057 121022 10335 2258 2095 3541 1471 13855 1695 547 1036 4934 20701 3171 1200 745 891 18168 |
2024 £ 182226 63105 3892 61986 43618 6063 736 4594 1719 500 7133 375572 253042 £ 122530 |
|---|---|---|---|---|
£ |
£ |
Surplus for the Year
14