Registered Charity No: 288865 Company No: 01790935 AMERSHAM MUSEUM LIMITED REPORT AND ACCOUNTS FOR THE YEAR ENDING 31 DECEMBER 2024 (A company Limited by Guarantee)
Amersham Museum Limited Contents Year Ended 31 December 2024 Page Report of the Trustees 3to13 Independent ExamineT'S Report 14 Statement of Financial Activities 15 Balance Sheet 16 Notes to the Financial Statements 17to29
Amersham Museum Limlted Annual Report of the Dirertors and Trustees Year Ended 31 December 2024 The Trustee5, who are also directors of the charitable company for the purposes of the Companies Act 2006. present their annual report and the financial Statements for the year ended 31 December 2024 which are also prepared to meet the requirements for a Director's report and accounts for Companie5 Art purposes. The financial statements have been prepared in accordance with the accounting policies set out in note 2 to the accounts and comply with the charity'5 Governing Document, the Companies Act 2006 and Reporting by Ch8rities.. Statement of Recommended Practice applicable in the UK and Republic of Ireland IFRS 1021. Company Registration Number 0179093S IEngland and Wale51 Registered Charity Number 288865 Registered Address of the Charity 49 High Street Amersham Bucks HP7 ODP Chairman and Dirertor Martin Day- appointed 21.01.2024 Howard Gotch- resigned 21.01.2024 Kieran Mcpolin Rosie Amar- appointed 01.05.2025 Alison Bailev Jenifer Baker OBE Jane Barnes Te55a Drysdale- resigned 30.06.2024 Nicho13s Gammage- resigned 30.04.2025 Linda Gould Peter Healy Janice Sparkes- appointed 01.05.2025 Mary Tebje- resigned 30.06.2025 Trustees and Director5 Bankers CAF Bank Limited 25 Kings Hill Avenue King5hill West Malling Kent ME19 41Q Independent Examiner Davicl Green MA (Cantabl FCA Azets Audit Services Suites B & D Burnham Yard 8eaconsfield Butks HP9 2JH
Amersham Museum Lirnited Annual Report of the Dlrertors and Trustees Year Ended 31 December 2024 Accountants Azets Suite5 B & D Burnham Yard Beaconsfield Buck5 HP9 21H
Amersham Museum Limited Annual Report of the Directors and Trustees On the Accounts for the Year Ended 31 December 2024 Structure Governance & Mana ement Governing Document Amersham Museum limited is a company limited by guarantee governed by its Memorandum and Articles of Association amended by Special Resolution dated 15 December 2022. In the event of the company being wound up, members are each required to contribute an amount not exceeding £1. Recruitment and Appointment of Management Commlttee The Directors are also trustee5 of the charity, They are elected for a 3-year term and may be re-elected. While some are drawn from volunteers and Friends of the Museum the majority have been appointed using an external and internal recruitment process. Trustees are given the opportunity to meet existing trustees and spend some time with the Chairman and the Museum Director. They are also encouraged to join the town walk guide5 to familiarize themselves with the history of Amersham and the Museum itself. Ob'ectives vision ur ose and alms The objectives of the museum as per memorandum of understanding Amersham Museum's charitable oljjective is 'to advonce public gduiotion in relÈition to the history of Amershom and the surrounding area, principally by the operation of G museum. Vlsion, mission and values Our vision is to 'bring local history to life to inspire, surprise L7nd engage people, helping then7 to explore the significance of the area s post, oppreciate the present, ond imagine thefuture. Our wider objective is to capture local history, caring for Amersham'5 historic buildings, collections and stories on behalf of the community. We support local tourism and businesses, provide learning opportunities for all ages and help to provide a sense of cohesion for old and young through targeted sessions, work experience and volunteering opportunities. Oescription of purpose and aims Amersham Museum explores life in the town's past through intriguing objects and local stories. Visitors can sit at a Tudor dinner table, relax in a 19305 living room, or listen to local stories in a 1960s record shop. Outside, a medicinal herb garden bordering the River Misbourne provides a sanrtuary for reflection as well as education. The museum's aim5 are designed to enable the t)roadest P055ible spectrum of our community to enjoy and benefit from an appreciatSon of the history and culture that ha5 built Amersham. These aims are intended to.. build the impart and profile of the museum, locally and nationally increase visitor numbers and diversify our visitor profile, expanding community connections through our outreach work recogni2e and respond to the needs and the key issues facing our key audiences, including the cost of living, special educational need5, disabilities, mental health issues nd the impact of climate change
develop campaSgns and undertake new research to fill gaps In our collertion, in particular to cover the last fifty years of local history and the stories of under- represented groups improve access to our cullection5, through interpretation and programming that engages and connects With all member5 of our local community. while improving our collections care and documentation sustain and enrich our offer to visitors and supporters (including our guided walks programmel with a positive welcome, inclusive approach and engaging interpretation gLtarantee the long-term 5U5tainability of the museum by investing in volunteers. maintaining accrecsitation and successfully funclrai5ing to 3chieve financial stability embrace the potenti31 of digital developments including social media and opportunities to share our collections and historical material online Customer offerings, key programmes and activitie5 Amersham Museum offers a broad range of activities to engage and interest a diverse base of supporters, be they visitors or volunteers. The key areas of customer offerings are.. local, national and international visitors to the museum who enjoy both the permanent displays and temporary exhibition5 focused on key themes of local interest the 'Friends of Amersham Museum, group of loc31 supporters Amersham Town walks, including specialist Tudor walks, film locations and prlvate walks 'reminiscence groups, for older vi51tors to meet regularly, either at the museum or the local library singing groups, specialist learning groups and care home visits local history talks, which are given bDth on and off-site visits to local schools and trips undertaken by School groups to the museum 'Young Ctjrators, group for 14 to 18 year olds the museum is also SLSPPOrted by volunteers who offer their skills and enjoy contributing to teams focused on gardening, collections and research groups, retail activity, finance and maintenance. We also operate a mobile museum I'AnthonVI, which Is a vintage-style vehicle that attends local events. Brief history of the building and the organisation 8ased in the heart of Old Amersham, the museum opened to the public in 1991. thanks to the Vlsion and determination of the Amersham Society supported by the local community. Amersham Museum is partly housed in a Grade 11 listed 15th-century half-timbered house with a herb garden to the rear. It has collections of fossils and archaeologic31 finds, including obietts from Roman and medlaeval tlmes, and Q15play5 on local craft5 Includlng chalrtnaklng, lace making and straw plaiting. In 2001 the museum was extended and in 2005 it employed it5 first professional curator. In 2017 Amer5ham Museum re-opened followlng 8 major development that included expansion into the neighbouring property at 51 High Street, a former post office. This enabled the creation of a new exhibition gallery, combiried activity and exhibition space, two collections Stores, indoor adapted WC and lift. The myseum also gained a spacioLlS glass reception area and shop.
Volunteers are involved in every èspect of the museum's operation. From the youngest volunteers in the'young Curators, group114 to 18 years oldsl to the oldest volunteers in their 90s, they form a strong and committed community ensuring that the museum Tuns to the highest 5tandard5 while maintaining a friendly 3nd welcoming atmosphere for volunteers and visitors alike. Amersham Museum has been recogni5ed throu8h the national Accreditation Standard, a Sandford Awaid for herit2ge leaTnin8, and numerous local award5 recognisin8 excellence. The museum is also a member of the Chiltern Tourism Network and works closely with Visit Amersham. It Is involved with initiatives and training organised by the region41 Museum Development team and is a150 a member of the Association of Independent MusetJm5 IAIMI. Group for Education in Museums IGEMI and the Museums Association and the museum is also a member of Community Impact Bucks. Activities durlng the past year Visitors and room hlre The museum opened to general visitors from 9 March to 15 December 2024, on Wednesdays to Sundays and Bank Holiday Mondays, from 12noDn to 4.30pm. Outside of these times it hosted group visits, our own groups and activities (see below) and hired the space for use by external groups including a weekly adult literature appreciation class and monthly junior Herbalists Club. 'A Newview, launch Following a significant grant from the Marie-Louise von Motesiczky Charitable Trust in 2022, the museum's 'A New View, project came to full fruition in 2024, with the opening of the newly refurbished exhibition gallery and new timeline display in our activity room in March 2024, a new garden shed tD increase storage facilities. CCTV, UV filter window film, and upgrades to security to enable loans from other museums. The first exhibition in the new gallery was Morie-Lourse in Amersham working with the South Bucks jewish Community. local artists, and Chestnut Lane School to explore Marie-Louise's life in Amersham in the 1940$, through the lens of the seven works donated to the museum by her Charitable Trust. The second exhibition was Precious Objects, curated by artist Elaine Duigenan. Elaine worked with the museum's singing group for older people, its Art Club Ifor 7- 11 year olds), and pupils from QLJr L3drfs School to create artworks based on their own precious objects and nSpired by Marie-Louise's life and works. Local people also lent precious objects to the museum to share their stories in the display. Additions to the collection During the year, the museum acquired a range of materlal that fell withiri ils CullgLIIoi)5 Development Policy, including a personal archive relating ta a fnan who worked at Latimer House, the complete archive of a loca1 amateur theatre group, foLJr garments related to the local Brazil family- two cotton-silk Woman'5 League of Health and Beauty tunics, 3 solicitor's gown use at the county court and a hunting jacket, and items related to the deconsecrated St. John's Methodist Church, including memorial plaque5, banner and offering bowl. With funding from the V&A with Art Fund Purchase Grant, Friends of Amersham Museum, and the ArneTsh8m Society, we acquired a portrait by Little Mis5enden artist Mary Henrietta Dering Curtois {1854-19281. With a grant from the Marie-Louise von Motesiczky Charitable Trust, we
bought and imported the Head of Marie-Louise sculpture by Mary Duras. We also bought two local maps, one 17, century, one later, at auction. Projects With funding from South East Museums Development's Going Green grant5, the museum installed electric hand dryers, commissioned a historical building5 consultant to recommend improvement to the site's thermal efficiency, ran summer workshops inspired by its garden, and hosted Green Gatherings of heritage, cultural and environmental organisations. The museum was also successful with a funding application to the Weston Foundation with Art Fund Research and Development stream for a project titled Artists Wont the Votel to carry out in-depth research into its archive of the Chiltern Club of Art5 and Handicrafts, founded in 1919, and the suffrage and antl-suffrage activities of its members, alongside making contacts with museums and galleries around the country that hold works by some of these individuals. The museum was awarded funding for a 3-year project from the Rothschild Foundation which supports additional time for all three paid staff members each week, and the employment of a Project Administrative Officer. The project, Creoting Connections, focuse5 on audience development in four area5.' researchers, makers, schools and visitors with SEND. Our Collertions Manager was awarded funding as a British Portr?iture Fellow and worked with our Young CuTators group and filw maker Ed Avern on a project based on the photographic collection of the local Du Parc family. With seed funding from the Chalk Cherries and Chairs Landscape Partnershlp, we set up a professional Maker5, Hub meeting monthly. Learning The museum hosted 791 children in School groups during the year and delivered educational sessions for 430 children in their 5chool5. Working with the National Paralympic Heritage Trust on their'sensory Explorations, project, our Learning Officer developed a visual story to support visitor5 Wlth SEND. created a timeline activity, and undertook training in audio description of object5. The museum also hosted a series of visits from two local schoo15 for SEND children.. Stony Dean and Alfriston. as well a5 trialling two quiet mornings for family vi51tors with SEND children. Engagement, outreach and events We held regular evening talks on local history topics on-site, as well as trialling two evening openings and a programme of events in our garden. We co-organi5ed Amersham's second community event for national Refugee Week and also hosted a visit from the local Ukrainian conversation class during that week. We took part in the Chilterns Walking Festival and Chiltern Society Heritage Festival, providins guided walks and local history talks. The Rotary Club of Amersham donated £1250 towards the running costs of our mobile museLJm, and the Amer5ham Lodge of the Freemasons donated £500 which was put towards new gazebo, branded banners and tablecloths and folding table5, for use at outreach events. We lent 6 objects relating to Metroland and 2 seating cubes to 'Hillingdon by Underground. exhibition at the library in Uxbridge and provided a specialist talk.
Groups that use and enjoy the museum Our visitor statistlC5 demonstrate continued growth following the down-turn experienced nationally due to the Covid epidemic. Our 2024 visltor stat15tics recorded total visitor numbers of 7,S23 made up as follows.. adult5.' 3,713 children.. 1,778 community visit5.' 1,515 Amersham Town walks-. 366 research contacts.. 151 Based on the result5 of our visitor surveys we have a clear picture of who visits the museum.. visitors are mostly from the local area and the majority ère from the UK there are consistently more female than male visitors the number of visitors aged over 65 is significantly higher than the national average most of our adult VlSltors come in pairs (rather than on their own or in larger groups) the majority are first-time visitors the most popular reasons for visiting are to learn something and spend time with friends and familv. Alms for 2025 We will continue to run our regular programmes and groups building on their ongoing Success. Our temporary exhibition gallery will open with Rooted in the Lt7nd. exploring the enduring links between town and country over Amersham's history. The exhibition will be co-curated with our Young Curators group and include loans from Discover Bucks Mugeum and the Chiltern Open Air Museum, alongside our own collections. The second exhibition (title tbc) will look at the local landscape via art and creativity. We have applied to borrow paintings from Discover 8ucks to enhance our own holdings, and plan to work with members of our Maker5, Hub and other local artists and maker5 to respond to the theme and our collections to exhibit contemporary works. Our walks programme will be enhanced by a special collaborative walk as part of the Chilterns Walking Festival between our museum and Milton's Cottage, and by a wildflower and landscape walk led by a botanist in partnership with Wild Amersham. With funding from the Chalk, Cherries and Chairs Next Generation scheme we will be working with Wild Amersham, Amersham Town Councll ènd St Mary'5 Church to explore the history of Amersham and an increase in the biodiversity of the churchy3rd, working to engage a new audience of young people in their 20s. We've been granted £500 from Amersham Arts Society to fund two family landscape modelling workshops to tie in with our exhibition programme. We will relaunch part of our website with a new focu5 on accessibility, including the visual Story created in 2024, more practical details about Vislting the mLJseum, and better link5 Wlthin the website to useful resources.
We will launch a new web section highlightlng themed galleries of our collertions. Funded by the Ma¥ie-Louise von Motesicsky Charitable Trust, the initial themes will be collections highlights, Marie-Louise's works, and the Du Parc Family. We will launch a presence on the Bloomberg Connects app and have also joined the National Art Pass scheme to raise our profile. Public Beneflt Both through advice at the time of recruitment and as a regular agenda item at Board meetings, Trustees are fully aware of theiT re5pon5ibilities as public servants the importance of acting in accordance with the Nolan Principles. A full set of guidance and policy documents are in place, including the Charity Commi55ion'5 guidance, to ensure a clear definition of the highest standards in public service. Link with local groups Amer5ham Museum has established and maintains close associations with a number of local bodie5 which bring significant mutual benefit5 to the Community. Our current collaborations include U3A, The john Brazil Trust, Amersharn Town Council. Amersham in Bloom volunteer group, Revitalisation Groups, Sustainable Amersham, the south Bucks Jewish Community, the Amersham Community Board, Restore Hope, the Amersham Society, Refugee Week and the Arts Society. Additionally. the museum fully engage5 in Ioc31 Heritage Days and Christmas Festivals. We have also worked on successful partnership projects with local museums and archives. Currently we're part of the Cultural Outreach Group. a project run by Discover Bucks (County) Museum and part of the AONB's Chalk, Cherries and Chairs project. We also work within the Bucks Cultural Strategy and have signed up to its Access and Inclusion Manifesto. We are members of the fair4AII Card scheme. Accessibllity The museum is continually working to provide better access facilities and provision. A comprehensive audit of accessibility and inclusion was undertaken by the Bucks Disability Service in 2023 and this formed the basis of the museum's accessibility and inclusion work. Funding from South East Museums Development and Amersham Community Board was recently provided to the museum to enable enhancements to physical access and a grant from the Rothschild Foundation focused on SEND 3S B specific audience. The museum also undertakes external visits for those unable to tr3vel to the museum and we are currently endeavouring to establish a disabled parking bay outside our reception area. Overall, Amersham Museum provide5 a focal community point for the many events organised In Atnershatn dEITlQlnStrates ilie struiix 5ULietdl befiefils ilidl idli dLlii¢vtd tliivu¥li cornmunity working together. Key Management Personnel The trustees comprise the key management personnel of the charity and are in charge of directing and controlling the charity and running and operating the charity on a day-to-day busines5. All trustees give of their time freeSy and no trustees remuneration was paid in the year. 10
Employees The Board employs a part-time Museum Director. a part-time Learning Officer, B part-time Collections Manager and a part-time Project Administrative Officer. Role of the Trustees Our Trustees have ultimate and collective responsibility for the 5ucce55ful operation of the museum and its governance. The key responsibilities of 3 Trustee are to contribute to the work of the Board, including setting the strategic direction, overseeing sustainable operating performance and ensuring compliance with national standard5 and policies in 5UPPOrt of the museum's charitable aims. Amersham Museum had a group of eight Trustees as at 31 December 2024 and recruited further two Trustees since the year end in order to expand the Board's experience and skill base. The formal process for Trustee appointment is set out in the museum'5 Articles of Association. All Trustee appointments require approval by the Trust Board and the normal recruitment checks are undertaken. Trustees are appointed for a set term of 3 years, which can be extended to a maximum of three terms. As well a5 a Chair and a Vice Chair, the Board appoints B Secretary and a Treasurer. Alongside. each Trustee has a specific area of volunteer artivity as a focus, to provide a tWD-wav communication link between the volunteer base and the Trust Board. The trustees have considered the guidance published by the Charity Commission and have concluded that the operation of the Mugeum meets the public interest and demonstrates that the charitable company has fulfilled the public benefit reqLJirement under the Charities Act 2011. Staff and recruitment The museum employs four part-time staff-. a Director10.B FTEI, a Learning Officer10.6 FfEI, a Collections Manèger10.5FTEI and a Project Administrative Officer10.25FTEI. A grant from the Rothschild Foundation'5 Strategic Fund, covers 0.5 days per week of the Director's role. one day each per week of the Learning Officer and Collertions Manager roles, and all of the Administrative Officels salary. This grant was initially awarded in May 2024 3nd is for 3 years. During 2024, Natalie McNeill was appointed as the Project Administrative Officer. Emma Treleaven, Collections Manager, went on maternity leave, and is being covered by Billy Summers from September 2024. Our freelance Art Club tutor Elly Bazigos left the role, to be replaced by Victoria Culf. Bulldlng works The required flve-yearly elettrlc41 i11speLLiuii was c6rried out a¢ross the whole site in April 2024.
Financial Review The Statement of Flnancial Activitles shows net income for the year of £81,034 12023.. £50,001) and the reserves stand at £2,212,24712023.. £2,131,393) in total. However, the net income and reserve5 as at 31 December 2024 includes a non-distributable reserve of £712,654 12023.. £606,444) arising on the revaluation of the Museum building of which £106.210 relates to the year ended 31 December 2024. The income for the year generated from charitable actVItieS was £46,104 12023.. £46.9401. During the year the charity received grants totalling £96,92812023.. £Nill and donations and legacles totalling £26,83912023: £23,840). Factors which might impart future performance We operate the museum with an annual deficit. Income from investments partly closes thls gap but the trustees acknowledge that we need to do more in terms of income generation and fundraising. We have financial investments that provide much needed income and our recent successes in applying for funding for Specific projects has been successful. We intend for this to continue. There are no specific factors of which the trustees are currently aware that will adversely affect financial performance. Reserves Polity Statement The museum holds significant financial reserves as a result of a historic legary. The value of this was £618,865, (which includes monies held within the investment portfolio within bank reservesl, at the end of December 2024 Our policy is to maintain sufficient cash to meet our normal commitments and no more. We bLJdget to benefit from around £30K each year in terms of withdrawals, which leave5 the capital intact. Risk Management The trustees have identified a series of key risks which are documented along with rnitigation plan5 in our formal policy statements. However, these will be incorporated into a formal risk register during the coming year. These include.. Financial risk of investments falling in value.. We moved a substantial part of our investment51£150k Dr around 25%) into a guaranteed interest-bearing account towards the end of the year to ensure that we would have at least 5% return. We rely on this return to help fund running c05t5. Financial 105$ we have a large investment managed by Cazenove on our behalf but would like to be self-sustaining lexcltjding investment income) in 3-5 years. We have set up a fund-raising committee which includes the Director and a number of trustees who have been tasked with producing a strstegic fund-raising plan. Lo55 of key people - Until recently there wa3 only one rnember of staff. However, we now have 3 employees who can help with most responsibilities. We also recruited 6 new trustees two years ago, which has strengthened and improved the management and the governance of the organization. Heritage Assets All of the item5 in the MuseLim's collection- objects, maps. document5, photographs and books- are heritage assets. The Museum's collection consists of item5 related to the history of the town and the 5urroundin8 vi51ages. The majority of the collertloll 15 related to local 12
people and their domest1C and working lives. Consequently, the majority of the objects are of no financial value and in some cases can be replated with similar or related items if damaged or stolen. Trustees. responsibilltles in relation to the financial statements The trustees are responsible for preparing the annual report and financial statements in accordance with applicable law and United Kingdom Accounting Standards (Untted Kingdom Generally Accepted Accounting Practice). Company law require5 the trustees to prepare financial statement5 for each financial year, which give a true and fair view of the state of affaiF5 of the charitable company and of the incoming resources and application of resources, including the income and expenditure, of the charitable company for that period. In preparing these financial statements the trustees are required to= select suitable accounting policies and then apply them consistentlv,. observe the methods and principles in the Charities SORP IFRS 1021,. make judgements and estimates that are reasonable and prudent,. state whether applc8b1e UK Accounting Standards have been followed, subject to any material departLJres disclosed and explained in the accounts,. and prepare the financi815tatements on the going concern basis unless it 15 inappropriate to presume that the company will continue in operation. The directors are responsible for keeping proper accountirig records that disc105e with reasonable accuracy at any time the financial position of the charitable company and enable them to ensure that the accounts comply with the Companies Act 2006. They are also responsible for safeguarding the assets of the charitable company and hence for tèking reasonable steps for the prevention and detection of fraud and other irregularitie5. The trustees are responsible for the rnaintenance and integrity of the corporate and financial information included on the charitable company's website. Legislation in the United Kingdom governing the preparation and dissemination of financial statements may differ from legislation in otherjurisdittions. Thi5 report h35 been prepared in accordance with the special provisions of the Charities Act 2011. Declaratlon Approved by the Board on 26 September 1025 and Signed on behalf of the Charity's Trustees bv- Mr K. McPolin Amer5ham Museum Limited
Amersham Museum Llmlted Annual Report of the Independent Examiner On the Account5 for the Year Ended 310ecember 2024 I report on the accounts of the Chzritable Company for the year ended 31 December 2024, which are set out on pages 15 to 29. Responslbllities and basls of report A5 the charity trustees of the company land also its director5 for the purposes of company lawl you are responsible for the preparation of the accounts in accordance with the requirements of the Companies Act 20061'the 2006 Act'l. Having satisfied myself that the accounts of the company are not required to be audited under Part 16 of the 2006 Act and are eligible for independent examination, I report in respect of my examination of your company's accounts as carried out under section 145 of the Charities Act 20111'the 2011 Act'l. In c3rryinB Out my examination I have followed the Directions given by the Charity Commission under section 14515llbl of the 2011 Act, Independent examiner's statement I have completed my examination. I confirm that no matters have come to my attention in connection with the exBmin3tion giving me cause to believe that in any material respect.. accounting records were not kept in respect of the company as required by section 386 of the 2006 Act,. or the accounts do not accord with those records., or the accounts do not comply with the aceounting requirements of sectlon 396 of the 2006 Act 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,. or 4. the accounts have noc been prepared in accordance with the methods and prtnciples of the Statement of Recommended Practice for accounting and reporting by charities applicable to charities preparing their accounts in accordance with the Financial Reporting Standard applicable in the UK and Republic of Ireland IFRS 1021. I have no concern5 and have come across no other matters in connection with the ex3minatiOF) to which attention should be drawn in this report in order to enable a proper understandinE of the accounts to be reached. DAVID GREEN, MA (Cantabl FCA Azets Suites B& D Burnham Yard Beaconsfield Bucks HP9 2JH 14
Amersham Museum Llmited Statement of Financial Activities On the Accounts for the Year Ended 31 December 2024 Unrestricted Restricted Funds Fund5 2024 Total Funds 2024 Total Funds 2023 Notes INCOME Grants Donations and legacies Charitable activities Investments 96.928 soo 96.928 26,839 46,104 13,555 26,339 46,104 13,555 23,840 46.940 9,196 TotL71 Income 85,998 97.428 183,426 79,976 EXPENDITURE Raising fund5 Charitable activitie5 Investment management costs 19,8021 1125,6071 15,2941 19,8021 1106,1391 1231,7461 15.2941 111,2561 1144,5451 16,1141 io rotal expenditure 1140,7031 {106,1391 1246,8421 1161,9151 Net gains/llossesl on investments Gain on revaluation of building li 38,240 106.210 38,240 106,210 31,938 12 Net lexpendlture}/lntomelor the yeor 89,745 18,7111 81,034 150,0011 Transfer between funds Reconciliation of Funds 18 141 Total Funds brought forward 2,048,754 82,639 2,131,393 2,181,394 Total Fund5 corriedfonvard 18 2,138,495 73,932 2,212,427 2.131,393 All income and expenditure derive from continuing activities The statement of financial a1VitieS include5 all gains and losses recognised during the year. The notes on pages 17 to 29 form part ofthese accounts
Amersham Museum Limited Balance Sheet On the Accounts for the Year Ended 31 December 2024 Total Funds 2024 Total Funds 2023 Notes FIXED ASSETS Tangible assets Investments - at Market Value 12 1.553.748 618,865 2,172,613 1,446,247 627,491 2,073,738 13 CURRENT ASSETS Stock Debtors Cash in hand and at Bank 5,583 9,003 29,974 44,560 4,069 6,953 51.776 62,798 14 LESS: CURRENT LIABILITIES Creditors.. amounts due within one year 15 14,7461 15,1431 ASSETS 2,212,427 2,131,393 CHARITY FUNDS Unrestricted funds Unrestricted fund5-revaluation reserve Restritted funds 1,425,841 712,654 73,932 1.442,310 606,444 82,639 Total charity fund5 18 2,212,427 2,131,393 The company is entitled to exemption from audit under Section 477 of the Companies Act 2016 for the year ended 31 December 2024. The members have not required the company to obtain an audit of its financial Statements for the Year ended 31 December 2024 in accordance with Section 476 of the Companies Act 2006. The trustees acknowledge their responsibilitie5 for.. lal ensuring that the company keeps accounting record5 which comply with Sections 386 and 387 of the Companies Act 2006 and Ibl preparing financial Statements which give a true and fair view of the state of affairs Df the company as at thp 9nA nf 92rh finanriAI yg2r nf itq prnfit nr InE% fnr parh finxnriAI ypar in xr.r.nrdAnr.p with thtS requirements of Sections 394 and 395 and which otherwise comply with the requirements of the Companies Act 2006 relating to financial statements, so far as applicable to the company. The financial statements have been prepared in accordance with the provisions of Part 15 of the Companies Act 2006 relating to small companies. These financial statements were approved by the Committee of Management on 26 September 2025 and signed on its behalf by.. Mr M. Day Mr McPolin The notes on pages 17 to 29 form part of these accounts 16
Amersham Museum Limited Notes to the Financial Statements On the Accounts forthe Year Ended 31 December 2024 1. STATUTORY INFORMATION Amersham Museum Limited is a private company, limlted ljy guarantee, re8lstered in England and Wales. The compaHy'5 re8lStered number and registered office address (which is also it's trading address) can be found on page 3. 2. ACCOUNTING POLICIES.. The charity ctsnstitutes a public benefit entity a5 defined by FRS 102. The Financial Staternents have been prepared in compliance with Accounting and Reporting by Charities.. Statetnent of Recommended Practice applicable to charities preparing theiT accounts in accordance with the Financial Reporting Standard applicable to the UK and Republic of Ireland IFRS1021, the Financial Reporting Standard applicable in the UK and Republic of Ireland IFRS1021 as it applies from l January 2024. A summary of the significant accounting policies appli in the preparatlon of these accounts are set out below. (al 8asis of Accounting The Financial St3tements are prepared under the historical cast convention, modified to include certsin item5 3t fair value. The financial statements are presented in sterling 1£) whlch 15 a150 the functional currency of the ornpany. (b) Fixed assets and depreciation. The Museum buildlng is stated at fair value 3nd no depreclatlon. Oepreciat50n 55 provided, on a reducing balance basis, on fitting5 and equipment in the Museum at IO% and on the Mobile Museum at 20%. Costs of exhibits ère written off as they are incurred as valuation of heritage assets cann(rt be obtalned at a cost commensurate with ihe benefit to the users of the accounts or the charity. Icl Value Added Tax.. Ameisham Museum Limited 15 not registered for Value Added Tax. In these Finaneial Statements, where applicable, expenditure is shown iDclu5ive of VAT. Idl Investment3 Investments are recognised initially at liir value which is normally the transaction price excluding costs. Subsequently, they are measured at fair value with changes recognised in 'net 83ins/ IIOs5e51 on investments" on the SOFA if the shares are publicly traded or their fair value can otherwise be measured lel Lash Flow Statemeni.. Under Financial Reporting Standard SORP IFRS 1021, the Trust Is not required to produce a Cash Flow Statement as it is a small charity. 17
Amersham Museum Limited Notes to the Flnanclal Statements On the Accounts for the Year Ended 31 December 2024 2. ACCOUNTING POLICIES Icontinuedl Legacies For legaci&5. entitlement is the earlier of the charity be*ng notified of an impendin8 distribution or the legacy being received. At this point income is recognised. On occasion legacies will be notified to the charity, however it is not possible to measure the amount expected to be distributed. On these occasions. the legacy 15 treated a5 a contingent a55et and disclosed. Income recognition All incomtn8 resources are Included in the Statement of Financial Act4Vitles ISOFAI when the charlty Is legally entitled to the incolne after any performance condition5 have been met, the amount can be measured reliably and it is probable that the income will be received. No amount is included in the financial statements for volunteer time in line with SORP IFRS 1021. FurtheT detail is given in the Trustee5' Annual Report. Investment income is earned through holding assets for investmeni purptsses such a5 shares and property. It includes dividend5, interest 3nd rent. Interest is recogni5ed using the effective interest mÈthod and dividend and rent income 15 recognised a5 the charity's right to Feceive payment 15 e5tabli5hed. Expenditure recognition All expefiditure is &ccounted for on an accrua15 basi5 and has been clas51fied under headings that agEreg3te all costs related to that category. Expenditure is recognised where there is a le8al or constructive obligation to make payments to Lhird parties, it is probable th3t the settlement will be required and the amount of the obligation can be measured reliably. lil Allocation of support costs Support costs are those that assist the work of the chèrity but do not dlrectly represent charrtable a£tivities and include office costs, governance costs ènd administrative payroll tosts. They are incurred directly in support of expenditure on ihe objects of the charity and have been allocated to cost of raising funds and expenditure on charitable activities. tj") Golng concern The financial statements have been prepared on a going concern ba51S 35 the trustee5 believe that no material uncertainties exist. The trustees have considered the level of funds held and the expetted level of income and expenditure for 12 rnonths from authorising these financial statements. The bud8eted income and expenditure is sufficient with the level of reserves for the charity tts be able to continue as a going concern. Ikl Stock Stock Is valued at the lower of cost or estlmated net realisable value. 111 Debtors Debtors a recognised al the settlement amount due. Prepayments are valued at the amount prepaid. 18
Amersham Museum Limited Notes to the Financial Statement5 On the Accounts for the Year Ended 31 December 2024 2. ACCOUNTIIIG POLICIES Icontlnuedl Iml Cash at bank Cash at bank comprises balances held in various short term or ebsy access accounts and represent highlv liquid fund5. Creditors Creditor5 and provision5 are recognlsed where the charity has a present obligation resulting from a past event that will probably result in the transfer of funds to a third party and the amount due to settle the obli83tion can be measured or estimated reliably. Creditors and provisions are normally recognised at their settlement date. lol Funds Unrestricted funds are available for the use at the discretion of the trustees in lurth&rance of the general objectives of the chaTlty and which have not be£n designated for other purposes. Critical accountin8 estimates and area5 of judgement Accounting estimates 3nd judgements are continually evaluated and are based on historical experience and other factors. including exp&ctations of future events that we believed to be reasonable under the circumstances. The company make5 estimate5 and èssumptions concerning the future. The re5ultlng accounting estimates and assumptions can, potentially, be different from the related results. In the opinion of the trustees. there are no specitic keydgementS or areas of estimates to disclose. 3. GRANTS 2024 2024 Unrestricted Restricted 96,928 2023 Unrestricted 2023 Restricted Projects 96,928 19
Amersham Museum Limlted Notes to the Financial Statements On the Accounts for the Year Ended 31 December 2024 4. INCOME FROM DONAT50NS AND LEGACIES 2024 2024 Unrestflrted Restylcted 9,447 6,985 4,728 2,941 2023 Vnrestrlcted 2,956 5,176 3,235 2.088 2023 ftestylcted 2,950 Donations & legacies Event5 Friend5 of Amersham Museum HMRC Gift aid Project5 Farnily & Adult Programmes 500 4,379 2,238 26,339 3.056 16,511 500 7,329 5. INVESTMENT INCOME 2024 Unrestrlrted 89 38 13.428 2024 Restricted 2023 Interest received- Bank accounts Other interest receivable Investrnent income Idividends and interest) 78 9,118 J3,555 9,196 6. CHARITABLE AcfiviTIES 2024 2024 2023 Unrestrlcted 26,939 13.525 1,978 3,662 46,104 Restrlrted Admissions, guided walks and talks Sale of goods Room Hire Club 200 income 24,466 14,952 3,330 4,192 46,940 Club 200 incorne re13te5 to a Small 5ociely Lottery which Is operated solely to contribute toward5 the museums. annual running costs. 7. NEfiNCOME FOR THE YEAR 2024 2023 Net income is stated after Icreditingllcharging.. Depreciation Loss on disposal of fixed assets Accountancy fee3- Independent Exjmination fees 18,063 222 18,350 3,960 3,462 8. RAISING FUNDS 2024 2023 Cost of goods sold 9,802 11.256 20
Amer5ham Museum Limited Notes to the Financial Statements On the Accounts for the Year Ended 31 December 2024 9. ANALY51S OF EXPENDITURE ON CHARITABLE ACTIVITIES AND SUPPORT COSTS 2024 2024 Unrestrtcted Restricted 2023 Total Staff ExhibitiOF)s & event5 Conservation Interpretation Acquisitions Subscriptions Publicity Collections Care AONB Chalk. Cherries & chair5 Amersham before Plastic Dolls House Mlvm charitable Trust Social Prescribing Rothschild Foundation Refugee week Chiltorn Society Open Weekend Bucks Freemasons Innovate to genèrate local history course SE Developrnent Goin8 Gree Artists for vote5 john Brazil Trust National Portrait Gallery Expenditure National Paralympic Heritage Trust Access grant Comrnunity Board Access grant Schools Talks Art Club Mobile Museum Club 200 cost5 cleanng General Maintenance Security & alarm maintenance Vtilities-Electric/ rates & water Bank charges Seminars & training Insurance Postage and stationery 50.368 374 131 898 4.333 644 1,418 516 19,356 50,819 542 550 3,311 1,490 623 I,oos 1.000 1,056 161 1,690 61.390 224 969 275 208 22,046 806 425 86 134 500 200 1.904 480 3,437 6,730 701 785 2.342 324 274 1.118 4,703 1,430 5,890 5,758 1.083 8,407 120 315 10,271 1,461 2,447 3,663 1,970 5,640 2,744 1,016 5,601 125 294 9,127 1.372 21
Amersham Museum Llmited Note5 to the Financial Statements On the Accounts forthe Year Ended 31 December 2024 9. ANAIYSIS OF EXPENDITUAE ON CHARITABLE ACTIVITIES AND SUPPORT COSTS Icontinuedl Sundries Depreciation Loss on disposal of fixed assets Telephone Computer consumables Independent Examiner's RemLLneration Professional fees 1.029 15.332 222 5,068 1.116 18,350 2,731 4,214 3.462 1,243 144.545 3,960 125,607 106,139 Club 200 cost5 relate to prize draws and to other costs incurred in the running of the Small Society Lottery. 10. INVESTMENT MANAGEMENT COSTS 2024 2023 Investment management charges 5,294 2024 6,114 2023 11. NET GAINSIILOSSESI ON INVESTMENTS Realised gainsll1055e51 on inve5tment5 Unrealised gainslllossesl on investments 17,$94 20,646 38,240 9.329 22,609 31,938 12. FIXED ASSETS Freehold Buildin s Museum fAMeTht Total 1,301.575 38.192 352.308 1,692,075 19.576 19,576 11,3291 11,3291 106,210 370,555 1,816,532 Moblle Cost or rev31uation Brought forward a5 at I january 2024 Additions Disposals Rev31u8tions Carried forward as at 31 December 2024 106,210 1,407,785 38.192 Depreciation 8rou8ht forward as at I january 2024 25,678 220,150 245,828 Charge lor year Eliminated ON disposal Carried forward as at 31 December 2024 2,503 15,560 11,1071 234,603 18,063 11,1071 262,784 28,181 Net BDok Value As at 31 December 2024 1.407,785 io,oii 135,952 1,553.748 As at 310ecember 2023 1,301,575 12,514 132,158 1,446.247 The bullding is valued at an open market value based on dtrector5' a5se5sment. If the building was stated on a historic c05t basis 22
Amersham Museum Limited Notes to the Financial Statements On the Account5 for the Year Ended 31 December 2024 rather than a fair value basis the amount would have been included as £695,13112023.. £695,131). Heritage Assets All of the items in the museum'5 collection objects, maps, documents, photographs, maps and books - are heritage a55ets. The museum's collecrion con51Sts of items re13ted to the history of the town and the surrounding villages. The majority of our collection is related to local people and their domestic and working lives. Consequently. the majority of our objects are of low financial value and In some cases can be replaced with similar or related items if damaged or stolen. 13. INVESTMENTS The portfolio comprises ol Fixed int&rest bonds. Index linked government bonds, Equities, credit and illiquid strategies, Global funds, gold 2nd precious meta15, forward foreign exchange and cash. Investments ot MARKET VALUE (Excludes c05h +loreiqn currtncles) Opening balance a5 at l January 2024 Additions Disposals Unre31ised 83ins Closing balance as at 31 December 2024 Disp0531 proceeds Net realised gain on disposal 465,574 352,709 1345,5771 20,646 493.352 363,169 L7,594 Analysts of Fair Imarketl value of all investment5 2024 2023 Securities Cash held 493,352 125,513 618,865 465,574 161,917 627,491 The lair value of listed investments is determined by reference to the quoted price lor identical asset5 an active market at the ba13nce sheet date. Cost value of investments in securltles 3s at 31 December 2024 469.519 Cost value of investments in securitie5 as at 310ecember 2023 437,329 14. DEBTORS 2024 2023 Prepayments and accrued in¢omÈ 9.003 6.953 15. CREDITORS 2024 20Z3 Accruals and deferred income 4,746 5,143 23
Amersham Museum Limited Notes to the Financial Statements On the Accounts for the Year Ended 31 December 2024 16. FRIENDS OFAMERSHAM MUSEUM 2024 2023 Income Sub5cription5 and donations less.. Expenditure Fund raising & sundry expenses 4,728 3,235 11,5851 18351 Transferred to SOFA 3,143 2.400 17. ANALYSIS OF N£T ASSETS BETWEEN FUNDS Unrestr7rted Aestricted Total Funds Funds Funds Fixed Assets Net Current Assets 2,151.903 113,4081 20.710 53.222 2,172,613 39.814 2,138,495 73,932 2,212,427 ANALYSIS OF NET ASSETS BEfwEEN FUNOS. PREVIOUS YEAR Ufirestricted Restrlcted Total Fund5 FLtrnds Funds Fixed Assets Net Current Assets 2,069,873 121.1191 3,865 78.774 2,073,738 57,655 2,048,754 82,639 2,131,393 24
Amersham Museum Limited Notes to the Financial Statements On the Accounts forthe Year Ended 31 December 2024 18 MOVEMENT IN FUNDS -CURRENTYEAR t l Janua Z024 79,144 Incomin Resources SO,685 2,860 Out oin Resource5 At 31 Dec 2024 64,261 967 Restrirted Funds Mlvm Charitable Trust AONB Chalk, Cherries & Chairs Dolls House Rothschild Foundation Plastic Free Shop Innovate to Generate Local History Course Social Prescribing (Bucks culturel RefLJgee week Chiltern Society SE Development Going Green Access Audit grant Community Board Access Grant National Paralympic Heritage Fund John Braiil Trust Understanding 8ritish Ptsrtraits Fellowship Artists want the vote CCC Makers hub Grant Collection Care Grant Freem350n5 Transfers 165,5681 11,8931 11,6901 116,6681 11611 12001 12241 12751 19141 11,9041 17851 12,3421 (1.0001 13,4371 16,7301 15981 12501 11,0001 15001 1106,1391 1,686 24,000 7.332 35 196 200 224 275 914 2.659 785 2.342 1,000 3.187 2,610 4,292 I,S08 1,000 500 755 12501 14.1201 3,694 1,258 82,639 97,428 73,932 General funds 2.048,754 192,208 1102,4631 141 2.138,495 Unrestricted funds 2,048,754 192,208 1102,4631 2,138.495 Total funds 2.131,393 289,636 1208,6021 2,212,427 Intoming and outcomin8 re50urce5 include reallsed and unrealised 83ins and losses on fair value of investments and revaluation of property. The funds in relation to John Brazil Trust and Understanding Brit15h Portr31ts Fellowship were temporarily in deficit as at 31 December 2024 with the supportlng funding received on 4 February 2025 and 11 Febrvary 2025 respectively. The Restricted funds comprises of MLVM Charltabte Trust. This represellts two distnCt grants from the MLVM Charitable Trust. The first was received in 2022 for the treation of 3 t?meline display, temporary exhibition gallery and related upgrades to our building I"A New View"I projoct. The Second for £50,685 received during the year ended 31 December 2024 is for the acquisition, transport and display of a bust of Marie-Louise,' support for creation, promotion and creative programming for QUF temporary exhibitions for 2025-2027 Inclusive and creation of new online collections section of our website. 25
Amersham Museum Llmited Notes to the Financial Statements On the Account5 for the Year Ended 31 December 2024 AON8, Chalk, Cherries & Chairs Funding for project5 designed to support the aim of connecting local people to the wildlife and cultural heritage of the area. Dolls House Dolls House Funding toward5 the creation of a doll's house, and the conservation of historical doSls house to form part of the exhibition within the museurn. Pl35tlc Free Shop Funding for a project with local community group Sustainable Amersharn to work towards plastic free status for Amersham which essentially mean5 reducing the use of single-use plastic. This include5 an exhibition at the museum, schools. session5 to explore ideas of 5UStainability. and outreach visits to consult with the local community about their use of plastics. shopplng and recycling habits. Innovate to Generate Local History Course Grants whlch have been used to commission an online local history course for adu115 and an ariist to design 3 textile for the museum, to develop Into products in our shop and to use within the museum. Soclal Prescrlblng proJecl. Funded by Buck5 Culture Isupported by the Clare Foundatlonl to promote and run a series ol sesslons for older people linked to object5 and music. exploring the link5 wlth socla prescribing. Refuge week Funding tOW3rds 2023 Refugee Week programme. Permission has been given by one of the dorier5 for outstanding funds to be put towards the 2024 Refugee Week prosramrne. Chiltern Soclety To support staff time and materi815 related to the documentation and cataloguinB of callectlOn5 recetlY acqulred from the families of the late Anne Paton and Jean Archer. Access Audit Grant For physical improvements to the site to improve acc£5sibility for a11 (signage. WC fittings, support for neurodiverse visitors, handr3ill. SE Developmet)t Golng Green For historic buildings consultant audit of site's thermal efficiency, 5UPPOrt for wildlife-linked family activities progrèmme, support for quarterly Green GatheTing environrnental issues networking events. Comfflunity Board Access Grant For phys1cal Improvernents to the site to improve acce55ibility for all (staircase handrails, adaptations to displays). Rothsthild Foundatlon For increased staff time for 3 existing stsff and new èdmln officer to deliver udience development programme. Artists want the vote For research and development into relationship between Chiltem Club of Arts rchive, suffrage movement and holdings in other institutlons. Understandlng British Portralts Fellowship For research and programming to catalogue, store, interpret and promote historical photography collection, including film project. 26
Arnersham Museum Limited Notes to the Financial Statements On the Accounts for the Year Ended 31 December 2024 CCC Makers hub Grant For seed funding to13unch a monthly hub for profÈssionèl artists and makers, with programming. promotional and staff costs National Pafalympic Herltage Fund For creation of Visual Story and h3nds-c>n timeline resources and other materials to support V15itors with Speci31 Educational Needs and Disabilities John Brazll Trust For historical building5 con5u1tancy to produce hertage statement to support listed buildings consent èpplication for thermal efficiency improvements, and related costs Collertion Care Grant Contribution towards the total cost of UV window film installation. Freemasons donation For outreach equipment- gazebo, tables and branded bannersltablecloth5 Others represent funding for the a£qui51tlDrF of artwork, purchase of photographic album and conservation of a paintin8. Restricted fund5 are provided to the Museum with conditions on the precise use of the funds. They cany follow an appIltIon for grant aid, and in most cases any unused surplus should be ofFered back to the donatin8 body. They can inclucse funding not included in regular income and expenditure reports due to the rnulti-year duration of the projects. 18 MOVEMENT IN FUNDS- PREVIOUSYEAR Janua comifi Resources 579 50 Out oin Resources At 31 Dec 2023 79.144 Restrirted Funds Mlvm Charitable Trust AONB Chalk. Cherries & Chairs Dolls House ToEether we build stronger Plastic Free Shop Innovate to Generate Local History Course Social Prescribing (Bucks culturel Refugee week Chiltern Societv Open weekend Bucks Other 2023 105.232 Transfers 126,6671 11,0051 955 1.686 179 196 200 1,686 11791 196 2W 224 275 914 1,750 700 1.000 300 2,950 7,329 11.5261 14251 1861 13001 12,9501 133,1381 107,493 955 82,639 Gener31 funds 2,073.901 104,585 1128,7771 19551 2,048.754 unstrICted funds 2,073,901 104,585 1128,7771 19551 2,048,754 Total fund5 2,181,394 111,914 1161,9151 2,131.393 27
Amersham Museum Llmited Notes to the Financial Statements On the Accounts for the Year Ended 31 December 2024 Incoming and outgoing resources Include unreallsed gains/llossesl on revaluation of investment5. The purpose of restricted funds still held as at 31 December 2023 have been covered within the rnovement in funds CUfrent year. 19 ANALY515 OF CHANGES IN DEBT Janua 2024 Othe At 31 Dec 2024 Czsh flow chan Cash at bank and in hand 51.776 121,8021 29,974 51,776 121,8021 29,974 Loans Total net debts 51,776 121,8021 29,974 20. RELATED PARTY TRANsAloN5 There were no related party transactions during the period12023.. £nill. 21.TRUSTEES AND KEYMANAGEMENT EXPENSES The reimbursement of expenses wa5 as follows'.- 2024 No. 2013 No. 2024 2023 Trustees 801 804 801 804 Reimbursed expenditure wa5 in relation to 5tatSonery, marketing and costs relevant to charitable activities. 28
Amersham Museum Limited Notes to the Financial Statements On the Accounts for the Year Ended 31 December 2024 22. STAFF C05T5 AND EMPLOYEE BENEFITS The average number of monthly employees during the year was.. 2024 No. 2023 Alo. Charitable acrivities The expenses reimbursed include tr8vel and gener31 items for the rnuseum for the general day to day running. The total staff costs and employees benefits were as follows... 024 20 Wage5 and salaries Employers Nl Employers pension costs 67.872 49,324 1,852 1,495 69,724 50,819 No employee received emoluments of more than £60.000 ill the current or prior year. Th2 chèrity trustee5 were not remunerated or received benefits in the current or prior year. 23. SHARE CAPITAL The charitable company 15 limlted by guarantee and has no share capital. 29