Registered number 01950221
Charity Number 292807
Buckingham Old Gaol Trust
Report and Accounts
31 March 2025
Buckingham Old Gaol Trust Legal and Administrative Information
Trustees
Mr Terence Bloomfield Mrs Angela Brock Mrs Diane Chappenden Mr Phil Dutton Ms Sybil Edgar Mr David Fell Mrs Joanne Thompson Mr Michael Wisbach
Chairman
Mrs Joanne Thompson
Secretary
Mr Michael Wisbach
Treasurer
Mr Terence Bloomfield
Independent Examiner
BirchCooper Accounting Services Ltd 26 Badgers Way Buckingham MK18 7EQ
Registered Office
The Old Gaol Market Hill Buckingham MK19 1JX
Company Number 01950221
Charity Number 292907
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Buckingham Old Gaol Trust Company Number: 01950221 Charity Number: 292807
Trustee’s Report
The Trustee’s present their Annual Report along with Financial Statements for the year ended 31 March 2025.
Structure, Governance and Management
The organisation is a charitable company limited by guarantee, incorporated on 25 September 1985 and registered as charity on 25 October 1985. The charity changed its name from Buckingham Heritage Trust to Buckingham old Gaol Trust on 29 February 2021.
The charity was created with a Memorandum of Association, which establishes the objects and powers of the company. It is governed by its Articles of Association. In the last year Brianna Wyatt and Beth Hawking resigned and Bery Cootes died. Diane Chappenden joined the Trustees to lead on Education. Mike Wisbach, as Company Secretary & Terry Bloomfield, as Treasurer, continue to keep the management of the museum running smoothly. The board has worked over the last year to maintain the building (Phil Dutton), clean the collection (Joanne Thompson & Phil), catalogue the collection (Joanne & David Fell) and to increase fundraising activities (Angela Brock, Diane Chappenden & Sybil Edgar). Maintaining such an old building is a challenge so we have been looking for a Heritage partner to help.
The Memorandum of Association with the Town Council defines our relationship with the Tourist Information Office and has been updated. Their staff supervise our volunteer in the museum shop and undertake the weekly fire alarm testing.
Related parties
There are no related parties
Risk management
Housing the museum in such an old building adds to the risk for the charity. The glass roof over the exercise yard is 25 years old and can no longer be walked on. Replacing the glass roof would need major investment so we are investigating some essential repairs. Running the charity with only volunteers is a risk. We have had a recent recruitment drive, which has been successful in producing more volunteers to work in the shop, but we are struggling to retain Trustees. It is a major commitment as they undertake most of the volunteer work rather than just set the direction of the Company. Fortunately, an increase in the entrance fee and fundraising activities has improved our financial position and we continue with a small contingency fund. We mitigate the risk by planning a budget for the year.
Objectives and Activities
The Objectives of the charity, as set out in the Memorandum of Association, are to restore and maintain the building known as Buckingham Old Gaol as a Grade 2* listed building of historical interest; and to develop the same as a heritage museum and gallery for the benefit of the people of Buckingham and Buckinghamshire. We updated our 3-year plan but have not been able to achieve any of the major objectives with regard to replacing the roof or making a new exhibition space (we still have to use the space for storage). Our next objective will be to apply for re-accreditation.
Achievements and Performance
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We are continuing with our plans to maintain the collection by cleaning the display cases and re-packing our storage boxes. The high level clean and glass cleaning is undertaken once a year. We have started a project to look at the temperature and humidity throughout the day in the museum, thanks to a Community Fund Grant to buy TinyTag monitors. Unfortunately, without major investment, we may not be able to alter the environment.
We continue our fundraising with paranormal events, Santa Claus visits in December and intermittent events or walks led by volunteers. The booking system at Christmas worked well this year. We also hosted a model of the 1725 Buckingham fire, made by School children, and organised by the Rotary Club that brought is donations. Heritage Day is also free to visit but raises funds via donations. We completed our work with the Paralympic Trust and produced a sensory leaflet, updated our website and disabled toilet, as well as having a training session for volunteers on “Access”. We produce a bi-yearly newsletter and are now making weekly posts on Facebook and Instagram. We have also increased our educational visits and the lead Trustee, Diane, has updated our education page on the website and our Safeguarding policy.
We continue our beneficial arrangements with our tenants – the Tourist Information Centre, Giltswan (Mr Russell Cross) and Skyline Taxis. Mr Russell Cross also acts as our valuer for insurance purposes. The Town Council continues to provide an annual grant.
We have been much more successful this year is getting temporary exhibitions in the exercise yard to add interest for our visitors. The military cabinet was finally repaired and now houses a Hussar’s drum and modern uniform. A standard now replaces the oil painting that that was returned to its owner.
Museum Report
We have been unsuccessful in our plans to remove the flagpole, repair the roof and undertake some internal maintenance. Unfortunately, we have persued several ideas, such as a solid roof over the exercise yard, that have not proved feasible. We struggle to find suitable experts to give advice and to find contractors that will undertake the work, with the appropriate licenses for working in close proximity to a major road, on a listed building. Even replacing the basement door, with a flood defence door, was not approved in our first application for listed Building Consent. We have not yet been able to clear the old office so have no immediate plans for re-decoration and opening it to the public. We had some free racking for our external store which has made it more organised for our Christmas decorations.
Staffing
The building, museum and the museum shop continue to be managed and staffed wholly voluntary basis, although valuable day-to-day assistance is provided by TIC staff.
Financial Review
The net (outgoing) resources for the year amount to £7244 after depreciation. The balance of unrestricted funds (those monies which were not identified for a specific purpose) at 31 March 2025 stood at £75763.
Trustee’s Responsibilities in Relation to financial Statements
The Trustees remain resolved to:
-
Continue to maintain and preserve the Grade 2* listed Old Gaol as a building of historical interest.
-
Apply for re-accreditation when requested by the ARTs council
-
Continue the cleaning process to enhance the life of the collection and the visitor experience.
-
Continue to investigate of the exercise yard roof.
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-
Continue careful management of the museum shop stock, to both reflect the historic building and
-
the museum content and to maximise income
-
Improve training of the volunteers and trustees
-
Maintain the Buckingham Old Gaol Trust membership
The Trustees are responsible for maintaining proper accounting records which disclose with reasonable accuracy at any time the financial position of the charity and enable them to ensure that the financial statements comply with the Companies Act 2006. The Trustees are also responsible for safeguarding the assets of the charity and hence for taking reasonable steps to prevention and detection of fraud and other irregularities
Accounts
A resolution proposing the re-appointment of BirchCooper Accounting Services Ltd as Buckingham Old Gaol Trust’s independent Examiner will be tabled at the Annual General meeting.
This report will be presented to the Trustees at its Trust Board meeting on October 2[nd] 2025 for formal approval.
Signed………………………………………………. Mrs Joanne Thompson (Chairman)
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Buckingham Old Gaol Trust Accountants' Report
I report to the trustees on my examination of the accounts of the above charity (“the Trust”) for the year ended 31[st] March 2025.
Responsibilities and basis of report
As the charity's trustees, you are responsible for the preparation of the accounts in accordance with the requirements of the Charities Act 2011 (“the Act”).
I report in respect of my examination of the Trust’s accounts carried out under section 145 of the 2011 Act and in carrying out my examination, I have followed all the applicable Directions given by the Charity Commission under section 145(5)(b) of the Act.
Independent examiner's statement
I have completed my examination. I confirm that no material matters have come to my attention in connection with the examination which gives me cause to believe that in, any material respect:
the accounting records were not kept in accordance with section 130 of the Charities 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.
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.
BirchCooper Accounting Services Limited Accountants
26 Badgers Way Buckingham MK18 7EQ
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Buckingham Old Gaol Trust Statement of Financial Activities for the year ended 31 March 2025
| Notes Incoming resources Incoming resources from generated funds Voluntary income 3 Activities for generating funds 4 Investment income 5 Incoming resources from charitable activities 6 Other incoming resources 7 Total incoming resources Resources expended Costs of generating funds Costs of generating voluntary income 8 Fundraising trading: Cost of goods sold and other costs 9 Charitable activities 10 Governance costs 11 Total resources expended Net incoming (outgoing) resources before transfers Gross transfers 18 Net incoming (outgoing) resources Fund balances brought forward Fund balances carried forward |
Unrestricted funds £ 9,009 26,976 1,167 5,200 335 42,687 278 6,162 34,297 3,011 43,748 (1,061) - (1,061) 76,824 75,763 |
Restricted funds £ - - - - - - - - 6,183 - 6,183 (6,183) - (6,183) 180,759 174,576 |
2025 Total £ 9,009 26,976 1,167 5,200 335 42,687 278 6,162 40,480 3,011 49,931 (7,244) - (7,244) 257,583 250,339 |
2024 £ 6,565 23,338 438 6,563 6,988 |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| 43,892 674 (260) 47,017 746 |
||||
| 48,177 (4,285) - |
||||
| (4,285) 261,868 |
||||
| 257,583 |
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Buckingham Old Gaol Trust Registered number: 01950221 Balance Sheet as at 31 March 2025
| Notes Fixed assets Tangible assets 13 Current assets Stocks Cash at bank and in hand Creditors: amounts falling due within one year 17 Net current assets Net assets Restricted funds 18 Contingency and repair Unrestricted funds 18 General fund Shareholders' funds |
2025 £ 156,632 5,965 88,438 94,403 (696) 93,707 250,339 174,576 75,763 250,339 |
2024 £ 163,921 10,508 83,850 94,358 (696) 93,662 257,583 180,759 76,824 257,583 |
2024 £ 163,921 10,508 83,850 94,358 (696) 93,662 257,583 180,759 76,824 257,583 |
|---|---|---|---|
| 257,583 | |||
| 180,759 76,824 |
|||
| 257,583 |
The directors are satisfied that the company is entitled to exemption from the requirement to obtain an audit under section 477 of the Companies Act 2006.
The members have not required the company to obtain an audit in accordance with section 476 of the Act.
The directors acknowledge their responsibilities for complying with the requirements of the Companies Act 2006 with respect to accounting records and the preparation of accounts.
The accounts have been prepared and delivered in accordance with the special provisions applicable to companies subject to the small companies regime. The profit and loss account has not been delivered to the Registrar of Companies.
Mrs Joanne Thompson (Chairman) Director
Approved by the board on 2 October 2025
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Buckingham Old Gaol Trust Notes to the Accounts for the year ended 31 March 2025
1 Accounting policies
Basis of preparation
The financial statements have been prepared under the historical cost convention and in accordance with the Statement of Recommended Practice, Accounting and Reporting by Charities SORP (FRS 102) 2019, applicable accounting standards and the Companies Act 2006.ln common with many other businesses of our size and nature we use our accountants to assist us with the preparation of the financial statements.
Cashflow
The financial statements do not include a cash flow statement because the charity, as a small reporting entity, is exempt from the requirement to prepare such a statement under the Financial Reporting Standard for Smaller Entities (effective April 2008).
Incoming resources
Charitable Trading Activities
Income from museum admissions, lettings and rents is included in incoming resources in the period to which it relates.
Commercial Trading Activities
Income from commercial activities (museum shop and tourist information centre) is included in the period in which the group is entitled to receipt.
Donations and Grants
Income from donations and grants, including capital grants, is included in incoming resources when these are receivable, except as follows:-
-
When donors specify that donations and grants given to the charity must be used in future accounting periods.
-
When donors impose conditions which have to be fulfilled before the charity becomes entitled to use such income, the income is deferred until the pre-conditions are met.
-
When donors specify that donations and grants, including capital grants, are for particular restricted purposes, this income is included in incoming resources of restricted funds when receivable.
Interest Receivable
Interest is included when receivable by the charity.
Resources expended
Resources expended are included in the Statement of Financial Activities on an accruals basis.
Tangible fixed assets
Tangible Fixed Assets are depreciated on a straight-line basis over their estimated useful lives as follows:
| Freehold Buildings Restoration and Refurbishment Costs Fixtures and Fittings | 2% |
|---|---|
| Fixtures and Fittings | 5%-50% |
| Furniture and Equipment | 20% |
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Stocks
Stock is valued at the lower of cost and net realisable value.
Fund accounting
Funds held by the charity are either:
Unrestricted general funds
These are funds which can be used in accordance with the charitable objects at the discretion of the trustees.
Designated Funds
These are funds set aside by the trustees out of unrestricted general funds for specific future projects.
Restricted Funds
These are funds that can only be used for particular restricted purposes within the objects of the charity. Restrictions arise when specified by the donor or when funds are raised for particular restricted purposes.
2 Legal status of the charity
The charity is a company limited by guarantee and has no share capital. The liability of each member in the event of winding-up is limited to £1.
3 Voluntary income
| Donations & gifts - Other Membership subscription |
Unrestricted funds £ 8,457 552 9,009 |
Restricted funds £ - - - |
2025 Total £ 8,457 552 9,009 |
2024 £ 5,758 807 |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| 6,565 |
4 Activities for generating income
| Activities Collection & Entry Fees Events Father Christmas Cell income rent Shop income Museum Shop & TIC sales |
Unrestricted funds £ - 14,803 3,720 1,194 3,000 3,388 871 26,976 |
Restricted funds £ - - - - - - - - |
2025 Total £ - 14,803 3,720 1,194 3,000 3,388 871 26,976 |
2024 £ 90 13,207 2,900 1,277 3,000 2,864 - |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| 23,248 |
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5 Investment income
| Unrestricted funds £ Interest 1,167 1,167 6 Incoming resources from charitable activities Unrestricted funds £ Rent receivable 5,200 5,200 7 Other incoming resources Unrestricted funds £ Charities Trust 127 Insurance claim - Bucks lottery 208 335 8 Costs of generating voluntary income Unrestricted funds £ Advertising and Promotion - Event and Volunteer Expenses 278 Sundries - 278 |
Restricted funds £ - - Restricted funds £ - - Restricted funds £ - - - - Restricted funds £ - - - - |
2025 Total £ 1,167 1,167 2025 Total £ 5,200 5,200 2025 Total £ 127 - 208 335 2025 Total £ - 278 - 278 |
2024 £ 438 |
|---|---|---|---|
| 438 | |||
| 2024 £ 6,563 |
|||
| 6,563 | |||
| 2024 £ 101 6,624 263 |
|||
| 6,988 | |||
| 2024 £ - 674 - |
|||
| 674 |
9 Fundraising trading: Cost of goods sold and other costs
| Museum shop & TIC Cost of sales Museum shop & TIC Admin costs |
Unrestricted funds £ 6,162 - 6,162 |
Restricted funds £ - - - |
2025 Total £ 6,162 - 6,162 |
2024 £ (260) - |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| (260) |
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10 Charitable activities
| 275th Anniversary AGM Bank Charges Caretaking Cleaning Data protection Depreciation : Restoration Donation New facility Insurance Printing, Postage & Stationery Rates and utilities Repairs (including conservation) Room hire Software Subscriptions Telephone Wifi installation |
Unrestricted funds £ - - 1,139 370 2,343 - 1,105 50 - 9,960 322 4,340 13,394 58 348 298 570 - 34,297 |
Restricted funds £ - - - - - - 6,183 - - - - - - - - - - - 6,183 |
2025 Total £ - - 1,139 370 2,343 - 7,288 50 - 9,960 322 4,340 13,394 58 348 298 570 - 40,480 |
2024 £ 1,693 - 998 90 2,009 40 7,288 - 3,282 9,334 435 5,046 15,792 - 351 192 507 - |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| 47,057 |
5046
11 Governance costs
| Accountancy Planning Consultancy Solicitor Strategy day |
Unrestricted funds £ 767 2,244 - - - 3,011 |
Restricted funds £ - - - - |
2025 Total £ 767 2,244 - - - 3,011 |
2024 £ 746 - - - - |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| 746 |
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12 Movement in total funds for the year
| 12 Movement in total funds for the year | ||
|---|---|---|
| This is stated after charging: Depreciation: Restoration & refurbishment costs Accountants remuneration During the year no trustee received any remuneration (2020 : £Nil) 13 Tangible fixed assets Restoration Fixtures & refurb & fittings Costs £ £ Cost At 1 April 2024 364,402 193,804 Additions - - Surplus on revaluation - - Disposals - - At 31 March 2025 364,402 193,804 Depreciation At 1 April 2024 200,482 193,804 Charge for the year 7,288 - Surplus on revaluation - - On disposals - - At 31 March 2025 207,770 193,804 Net book value At 31 March 2025 156,632 - At 31 March 2024 163,920 - |
2025 £ 7,288 767 Furniture & equip £ 30,844 - - - 30,844 30,844 - - - 30,844 - - |
2024 £ 7,288 746 |
| Total £ 589,050 - - - |
||
| 589,050 | ||
| 425,130 7,288 - - |
||
| 432,418 | ||
| 156,632 | ||
| 163,920 |
15 Investments
| Investment in subsidiary undertaking | 2025 £ - |
2024 £ - |
|---|---|---|
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16 Debtors
| 16 Debtors | |||
|---|---|---|---|
| Amounts due from Buckingham Heritage Trust (Enterprises) Ltd. Other debtors 17 Creditors Amounts falling due within one year: Trade creditors Other creditors Other taxes and social security 18 Funds Balance at 31.03.24 £ Restricted funds Fixed assets 180,759 Restoration & repairs contingency & building repair - 180,759 Unrestricted funds Designated funds - fixed assets - General fund 76,824 76,824 |
Movement £ (6,183) - (6,183) - (1,061) (1,061) |
2025 £ - - 2025 £ 696 - - 696 Transfers £ - - - - - - |
2024 £ - - |
| 2024 £ 696 - - |
|||
| 696 | |||
| Balance at 31.03.25 £ 174,576 - |
|||
| 174,576 | |||
| - 75,763 |
|||
| 75,763 |
19 Related parties
There were no related party transactions during the year
| 20 Employees Average number of persons employed by the company |
2025 Number - |
2024 Number - |
|---|---|---|
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Buckingham Old Gaol Trust Detailed profit and loss account for the year ended 31 March 2025
| Income Activities Bucks Lottery Cell income rent Charities trust Collections and entry fees Donations & gifts Events Father Christmas Grants Insurance claim Interest receivable Rent received Shop income Subscriptions Talks TIC Venue hire Expenditure 275th Anniversary Audit & accountancy AGM Bank charges Caretaking Cleaning Conservation Consultancy fees Cost of sales Data protection Donation Event & volunteer expenses Exhibit facilities Insurance New facility Planning Printing, postage & stationary Rates Repairs & renewals Room hire Solicitor Subscriptions Sundry Software |
2025 £ - 209 3,000 127 14,803 159 552 1,194 8,297 - 1,168 5,200 3,388 552 - 871 3,168 42,688 - 767 - 1,139 370 2,343 5,123 - 6,162 - 50 278 - 9,960 - 2,244 322 67 8,271 58 - 298 - 348 |
2024 £ 90 263 3,000 101 13,207 583 516 1,277 5,175 6,624 438 6,563 2,864 807 - - 2,384 |
|---|---|---|
| 43,892 | ||
| 1,693 746 - 998 90 2,009 3,589 - (260) - - 674 - 9,334 3,282 - 435 69 12,203 - - 192 - 351 |
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Buckingham Old Gaol Trust Detailed profit and loss account for the year ended 31 March 2025
| Income Telephone Utilities Surplus before depreciation Restoration (Deficit)/Surplus |
2025 £ 570 4,274 42,644 44 7,288 7,288 (7,244) |
2024 £ 507 4,977 |
|---|---|---|
| 40,889 | ||
| 3,003 | ||
| 7,288 | ||
| 7,288 | ||
| (4,285) |
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