**Charity Registration No. 295911** **Company Registration No. 02154580 (England and Wales)** ## **THE BRITISH SOCIETY OF DOWSERS** **ANNUAL REPORT AND UNAUDITED FINANCIAL STATEMENTS** **FOR THE YEAR ENDED 31 MARCH 2025** ## **THE BRITISH SOCIETY OF DOWSERS** ## **LEGAL AND ADMINISTRATIVE INFORMATION** **Trustees** Mr R Fry (President) Mrs J Webber Ms S Mann Mr P Craddock (Appointed 20 June 2025) Mr J Hudson (Appointed 20 June 2025) Ms S Pine (Appointed 20 June 2025) **Charity number** 295911 **Company number** 02154580 **Registered office** 61 Bridge Street Kington Herefordshire HR5 3DJ **Independent Examiner** Kendall Wadley LLP Granta Lodge 71 Graham Road Malvern Worcestershire WR14 2JS **Bankers** Barclays Bank Plc 54 High Street Worcester WR1 2QQ ## **THE BRITISH SOCIETY OF DOWSERS** ## **CONTENTS** ||**Page**| |---|---| |President's address|1 - 3| |Trustees report|4 - 7| |Statement of Trustees responsibilities|8| |Independent examiner's report|9| |Statement of financial activities|10 - 11| |Balance sheet|12| |Notes to the financial statements|13 - 22| ## **THE BRITISH SOCIETY OF DOWSERS** ## **PRESIDENT'S ADDRESS** ## _**FOR THE YEAR ENDED 31 MARCH 2025**_ ## **Trustees and Volunteers** Our Council of management started 2024-25 with four Trustees: Richard Fry as President together with Trustees; Jonquil Webber, Dawn Kirkham, and Paul Syrett. However, Paul Syrett resigned on 17[th] June 2025 and Sue Mann was appointed on the same day which enabled the us to remain quorate. On 20[th] June 2025 Sue Pine, Guy Hudson, Grace Edgar, Andrew Edgar and Paul Craddock were also appointed onto the council. Unfortunately, during this year the Council suffered a breakdown in collaboration following a compromise of our website in October together with a number of managerial and governance issues that arose following that. There was also an issue regarding the validity of a number of the trustees whose membership subscriptions had lapsed. Our system was not creating reminders for them but once the problem was realised, the correct fee was paid and backdated. In addition, the production of our magazine and submission of year end accounts were late. The Council sought necessary legal advice to provide guidance to overcome these difficulties and with their assistance, the incident was reported to the Charity Commission to inform them of the situation and outline the actions put in place to overcome such matters and make sufficient improvements to take the Society forward. ## **BSD Office** Our office had been supported by two part-time members of staff who not only dealt with the day to day running of the Society but also oversaw the social media content and engaged with members of our BSD Community Groups and others. In July Amber Tutt, our admin assistant resigned and Karyn Claxton then joined the team. However, in December our office manager, Hillary Bell also resigned. About the same time, we received notice from the landlord of the Wyche Innovation Centre that all small businesses on his premises had to vacate their offices by 31[st] March 25. We therefore did not replace Hilary and concentrated on moving our office. The result was that Karyn now works from home still on a part-time basis and is the only paid member of staff. Everything that was stored in the office is now kept at a storage unit just outside of Malvern. Although this has significantly reduced our overheads it still exceeds our ability to pay for it and we are most grateful to the volunteers who assist us. We are very grateful to Nick Haywood who has been working to improve our website, in particular, to research and install a brand-new membership system that will be fit for purpose and provide prompt and accurate renewal reminders to all members. There has been some concern recently that our magazine, Dowsing Today, will stop being printed and only digital versions will be available. I am delighted to say that we are continuing to produce hard copies of the publication for all full members of the Society and hope to for many years to come. - 1 - ## **THE BRITISH SOCIETY OF DOWSERS** ## **PRESIDENT'S ADDRESS (CONTINUED)** _**FOR THE YEAR ENDED 31 MARCH 2025**_ ## **Spring Symposium** Our Symposium was again held at the Malvern Cube on 4[th] /5[th] May and proved to be very popular as this year we attracted over 70 delegates. This event was held on some quite important dates for us as 4[th] May is not only the anniversary of the formation of the BSD but this year it coincided with the World International Labyrinth Day. We were fortunate that we could celebrate the event as Grahame Gardner was able to attend as a speaker and he constructed a Labyrinth just outside the building for delegates to use and experience. 5[th] May is of course International Dowsing Day and so we had much to celebrate on this occasion. In addition, we continued with live broadcasting of the Speakers and Workshops via a zoom teleconference so delegates could experience the event from further afield. During the weekend we took part for the first time in the **Malvern Well Dressing Competition** and achieved a Bronze Award. Much appreciation goes to Sue Mann for her painting which decorated the location we were allocated. ## **Annual Conference** The Conference was held on 21[st] /22[nd] September at the Stratford Manor Hotel, Stratford-upon-Avon, Warwickshire. This had the advantage that all delegates could stay under one roof and enjoy each other’s company and easily attend the talks and workshops. The town was chosen as it is a central location as requested by many previous delegates and it also has the ‘Spine of Albion’ running through it. Again, we attracted over 60 delegates, some travelling from overseas as well a host of eminent speakers, including Gordana Dragonić who had travelled all the way from Croatia. We were also grateful to Gary Biltcliffe and Caroline Hoare whose book made the Spine of Albion famous and were able to attend and lead a tour of the town to show where the lines of energy were present. ## **Tutor Programme** The tutor programme continues to grow and is overseen by the Education Committee whose role is to give advice to new and potential tutors as well as monitoring the feedback from students attending all the courses. The monitoring is to ensure the quality of teaching is up to standard and that everyone is treated fairly and with respect. Some tutors are now allowing potential tutors to attend their course to ‘sit in’ and observe how they are run in order to help and encourage them to commence their own courses. - 2 - ## **THE BRITISH SOCIETY OF DOWSERS** ## **PRESIDENT'S ADDRESS (CONTINUED)** _**FOR THE YEAR ENDED 31 MARCH 2025**_ ## **BSD Zoom Talks** We have an established series of monthly zoom talks which are very popular and attract a varied audience from around the UK and beyond. These are still being delivered free to all attendees but we shall be working to monetise these especially as their number grows and our YouTube Channel expands with more and more viewers subscribing each month. We were hoping to have completed the pay for view system by now but have been delayed due to the work being undertaken on the website membership system. We also conduct a regular International Zoom Call which starts at 09.00am and concludes at midnight to reach out to as many people in as many time zones as possible. Again, this has proven very popular and even attracted new members from various regions around the world. This, however, continues to be a free event and relies on volunteers to operate it. ## **In summary** This year has been quite challenging because of the change of staff and office move which has proven to be another milestone in the history of the BSD. It is, however, reassuring to know that throughout all that has occurred, there has been tremendous support from numerous members especially those who have volunteered to join us as trustees. I am also pleased to say that in spite of everything, it has been ‘business as usual’ in that we have still managed to provide two major events, produce the magazine, arrange monthly zoom talks, continue with the tutor programme and operate the office. Much appreciation must go to Karyn who we have now appointed as our office manager and who pulled out all the stops to ensure a smooth transition during the move and has shown much generosity in accommodating our office in her home. Finally, I must again say how grateful I am to all the members who have remained together with us throughout and their loyalty makes the hard work we put into running the Society all the more rewarding. .............................. Mr Richard Fry **President** Date: 17 December 2025 - 3 - ## **THE BRITISH SOCIETY OF DOWSERS** ## **TRUSTEES REPORT (INCLUDING DIRECTOR'S REPORT)** _**FOR THE YEAR ENDED 31 MARCH 2025**_ The trustees who are also directors of the charity for the purposes of the Companies Act 2006, present their report with the financial statements of the charity for the year ended 31 March 2025. The accounts have been prepared in accordance with the accounting policies set out in note 1 to the accounts and comply with the charitable company's memorandum and articles of association, the Companies Act 2006 and "Accounting and Reporting by Charities" Statement of Recommended Practice applicable to charities preparing their accounts in accordance with the Financial Reporting Standard applicable in the UK and Republic of Ireland (FRS102) 1A (as amended for accounting periods commencing from 1st January 2019). ## **Introduction** British Dowsers is the working name of The British Society of Dowsers. Founded in 1933 it is a national charity offering education and training support to members and non-members through courses, meetings and events and through its annual national conference. In addition, British Dowsers acts as the voice for Dowsing in both the UK and beyond. ## **Objectives and activities** The objects of the charity are to encourage and support the study and practice of dowsing and its application in every field of human interest; to maintain a public dowsing information service, including a Register of Dowsing Practitioners and a Register of Dowsing Tutors; and to relieve communities, particularly those in less well developed countries, who are suffering hardship by reason of their economic and social circumstances, especially in relation to water supplies. ## **Public Benefit Statement** The charity's Trustees have complied with their duty to have due regard to the guidance on public benefit published by the Charity Commission in exercising their powers and duties. ## **Grantmaking** Previously, the charity had a small research fund available for grant making. As of April 2016 the Charity Commission gave consent to change the objects of the fund and the balance was transferred to the Unrestricted fund. ## **Achievements and performance** The objectives of the charity have been achieved through a number of activities which can be summarised as follows: ## **Communications** - Publication of our magazine, ‘Dowsing Today’. Distributed three times per year to members and other organisations. - Regular e-newsletters each year. - Regular updates of our social media platform. - On-going development of our website. - Regular updates from our President/Trustees to members. - Liaising with Affiliated Local Groups - Providing personal advice and assistance to members and the public on all matters relating to dowsing - 4 - ## **THE BRITISH SOCIETY OF DOWSERS** ## **TRUSTEES REPORT (INCLUDING DIRECTOR'S REPORT) (CONTINUED)** _**FOR THE YEAR ENDED 31 MARCH 2025**_ ## **Education and Training** - Regular review of our course programme incorporating a range of core curriculum courses. Our plans include making these available online for our members and others further afield. - Holding an annual conference in which we plan to provide delegates with a broad spectrum of topics delivered by qualified speakers. In 2024 the conference in September was attended by over 60 delegates per day. - Holding an annual symposium. Again, we plan to provide a broad spectrum of topics. The event in May attracted over 70 delegates per day. - Selling educational books and dowsing equipment from our shop and online. - Encouraging independent professional dowsers to exhibit and retail their products at conferences etc. - Publicising and supplying dowsing services to the public via the media and the Dowsing Information Service. ## **Other activities** - Supporting members on the Professional Register. Our plans include reviewing their website page to enhance their profile. - Engaging with trainers to deliver the Society’s courses and workshops and encouraging them to maintain a high standard of competence. This will assist in our plans to deliver courses online. - Supporting International dowsing events. We plan to monitor the events of dowsing societies in other countries and join with them via the internet. This will not only support them but enhance the profile of our own Society. - Raising and distributing funds to assist with the provision of natural water supplies in developing countries ## **Financial review** For the year ended 31 March 2025 the total income amounted to £68,839 (2024 - £73,493) and expenditure amounted to £83,507 (2024 - £75,967), giving an overall deficit for the year of £12,908 (2024 - £1,396 deficit) after investment gains. The total amount of reserves held at the year end amounted to £32,905 (2024 £45,813) of which £32,905 related to unrestricted reserves and £nil to restricted funds. After making allowances for tangible fixed assets the free reserves of the charity amounted to £32,338 (2024 £44,991). This includes £35,182 (2024 £53,422) investment funds which are convertible at short notice if required. The charity needs reserves invested at current levels, as represented by the unrestricted fund, and these need to be invested to generate income to supplement that from subscriptions, donations and activities in order to meet its objectives. ## **Principal funding sources** The charity is funded primarily through members' subscriptions, fees for meetings and conferences and the sale of educational books and equipment. - 5 - ## **THE BRITISH SOCIETY OF DOWSERS** ## **TRUSTEES REPORT (INCLUDING DIRECTOR'S REPORT) (CONTINUED)** _**FOR THE YEAR ENDED 31 MARCH 2025**_ ## **Investment policy and objectives** The Council of the charity invests in common investment funds with the aim of maintaining a balance between income and capital growth and to ensure secure management of the charity's assets. There are no restrictions on either the investment powers of the Council or the way in which the charity operates, except that they must be in furtherance of the charity's objectives and in accordance with the Memorandum and Articles of Association. ## **Reserves Policy** The minimum amount to be accumulated as a operating reserve will be established in an amount sufficient to maintain ongoing operations and programs for a set period of time, measured in months. The operating reserve serves a dynamic role and will be reviewed and adjusted in response to internal and external changes. The target minimum operating reserve fund is equal to three months of average operating costs. The calculation of average monthly operating costs includes all recurring, predictable expenses such as salaries and benefits, contracts and ongoing professional services.This equates to approximately £21,000 this year, which the charity's free reserves exceeds. ## **Risk assessment** The Trustees have a duty to identify and review the risks to which the charity is exposed. The risk assessment has been reviewed and updated where appropriate and is used as a guide for Council to manage these risks. ## **Structure, governance and management** The charity is controlled by its governing document, a deed of trust, and constitutes a limited company, limited by guarantee, as defined by the Companies Act 2006. The Trustees, who are also the directors for the purpose of company law, who served during the period and at the date of approval were: Mr R Fry (President) Mrs J Webber Mrs D Kirkham (Resigned 28 August 2025) Ms S Mann Mr P Craddock (Appointed 20 June 2025) Mr J Hudson (Appointed 20 June 2025) Ms S Pine (Appointed 20 June 2025) Mr A Edgar (Appointed 20 June 2025 and Resigned 10 July 2025) Mrs G Edgar (Appointed 20 June 2025 and Resigned 22 October 2025) ## **Recruitment and appointment of members of the Council of Management** The directors of the company are also charity Trustees for the purpose of charity law and under the company's Articles are known as the Council of Management. Under the terms of the Memorandum and Articles of Association, Council members are required to be members of BSD and elected by members. The President is elected by members. The membership is invited to nominate candidates for any vacancies on the Council of Management. A range of relevant skills is represented on the Council but in the event of any perceived gaps in skills the Articles provide for co-option by Council to fill vacancies. New Trustees take part in an induction programme, in line with guidance issued by the Charity Commission. ## **Organisational Structure** The Council meets regularly to review finances and investments and decide matters of policy. An Office Manager is appointed by the Council to run the day-to-day operations of the Society who is supported as required by additional members of staff. The remuneration of management is set by the Trustees. - 6 - ## **THE BRITISH SOCIETY OF DOWSERS** ## **TRUSTEES REPORT (INCLUDING DIRECTOR'S REPORT) (CONTINUED)** _**FOR THE YEAR ENDED 31 MARCH 2025**_ ## **Related parties** Related party transactions are detailed in note 22 of the accounts. The Trustees report was approved by the Board of Trustees. Mr Richard Fry **President** 17 December 2025 - 7 - ## **THE BRITISH SOCIETY OF DOWSERS** ## **TRUSTEES' RESPONSIBILITIES STATEMENT** ## _**FOR THE YEAR ENDED 31 MARCH 2025**_ The Trustees, who are also the directors of The British Society of Dowsers for the purpose of company law, are responsible for preparing the Trustees Report and the financial statements in accordance with applicable law and United Kingdom Accounting Standards (United Kingdom Generally Accepted Accounting Practice). Company Law requires the Trustees to prepare financial statements for each financial year which give a true and fair view of the state of affairs of the charity and of the incoming resources and application of resources, including the income and expenditure, of the charitable company for that year. In preparing these financial statements, the Trustees are required to: - select suitable accounting policies and then apply them consistently; - observe the methods and principles in the Charities SORP; - make judgements and estimates that are reasonable and prudent; - state whether applicable UK Accounting Standards have been followed, subject to any material departures disclosed and explained in the financial statements; and - prepare the financial statements on the going concern basis unless it is inappropriate to presume that the charity will continue in operation. The Trustees are responsible for keeping adequate accounting records that 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. They are also responsible for safeguarding the assets of the charity and hence for taking reasonable steps for the prevention and detection of fraud and other irregularities. - 8 - ## **THE BRITISH SOCIETY OF DOWSERS** ## **INDEPENDENT EXAMINER'S REPORT** ## **TO THE TRUSTEES OF THE BRITISH SOCIETY OF DOWSERS** I report on the financial statements of the charity for the year ended 31 March 2025, which are set out on pages 10 to 22. ## **Respective responsibilities of Trustees and examiner** As the charity trustees of the company (and also its directors for the purposes of company law) you are responsible for the preparation of the accounts in accordance with the requirements of the Companies Act 2006 (‘the 2006 Act’). 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 2011 (‘the 2011 Act’). In carrying out my examination I have followed the Directions given by the Charity Commission under section 145(5)(b) of the 2011 Act. ## **Independent examiner's statement** I have completed my examination. A matter that has come to my attention is that, in the course of my examination of the accounting records of the charity, it has been noted that the records were not kept up to date in a timely manner during the course of the year. In particular the bank account, petty cash reconciliations, meeting minutes and the society has not always been able to produce three copies of Dowsing today for its members per annum due to a lack of resource. The charity trustees are aware of the importance of these matters and will rectify going forward. I confirm that no other matters have come to my attention in connection with the examination giving me reasonable cause to believe that in any material respect: 1. except for the matter of concern noted above the accounting records were not kept in respect of the company as required by section 386 of the 2006 Act; or 2. the accounts do not accord with those records; or 3. the accounts do not comply with the accounting requirements of section 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 not been prepared in accordance with the methods and principles of the Statement of Recommended Practice for accounting and reporting by charities I confirm that there are no other matters to which your attention should be drawn to enable a proper understanding of the accounts to be reached. ## **Sarah Morley ACA** Kendall Wadley LLP Granta Lodge 71 Graham Road Malvern Worcestershire WR14 2JS Dated: 17 December 2025 - 9 - ## **THE BRITISH SOCIETY OF DOWSERS** ## **STATEMENT OF FINANCIAL ACTIVITIES INCLUDING INCOME AND EXPENDITURE ACCOUNT** ## _**FOR THE YEAR ENDED 31 MARCH 2025**_ ## **Current financial year** |**Current financial year**|||| |---|---|---|---| |||**Unrestricted Unrestricted**|| |||**funds**|**funds**| |||**2025**|**2024**| ||**Notes**|**£**|**£**| |**Income from:**|||| |Voluntary Income|**3**|36,898|28,344| |Charitable activities|**4**|30,411|43,251| |Investments|**6**|1,530|1,898| |**Total income**||68,839|73,493| |**Expenditure on:**|||| |Charitable activities|**8**|83,507|75,967| |Net gains/(losses) on investments|**12**|1,760|1,078| |**Net movement in funds**||(12,908)|(1,396)| |Fund balances at 1 April 2024||45,813|47,209| |**Fund balances at 31 March 2025**||32,905|45,813| The statement of financial activities includes all gains and losses recognised in the year. All income and expenditure derive from continuing activities. The statement of financial activities also complies with the requirements for an income and expenditure account under the Companies Act 2006. - 10 - ## **THE BRITISH SOCIETY OF DOWSERS** ## **STATEMENT OF FINANCIAL ACTIVITIES (CONTINUED) INCLUDING INCOME AND EXPENDITURE ACCOUNT** ## _**FOR THE YEAR ENDED 31 MARCH 2025**_ ## **Prior financial year** |**Unrestricted**
**funds**
**2024**
**Notes**
**£**
**Income from:**
Voluntary Income
**3**
28,344
Charitable activities
**4**
43,251
Investments
**6**
1,898
**Total income**
73,493
**Expenditure on:**
Charitable activities
**8**
75,967
Net gains/(losses) on investments
**12**
1,078
**Net movement in funds**
(1,396)
Fund balances at 1 April 2023
47,209
**Fund balances at 31 March 2024**
45,813|**Total**
**2024**
**£**
28,344
43,251
1,898
73,493
75,967
1,078
(1,396)
47,209
45,813| |---|---| The statement of financial activities includes all gains and losses recognised in the year. The statement of financial activities includes all gains and losses recognised in the year. All income and expenditure derive from continuing activities. The statement of financial activities also complies with the requirements for an income and expenditure account under the Companies Act 2006. - 11 - ## **THE BRITISH SOCIETY OF DOWSERS** ## **BALANCE SHEET** ## _**AS AT 31 MARCH 2025**_ |**2025**
**Notes**
**£**
**Fixed assets**
Tangible assets
**13**
Investments
**14**
**Current assets**
Stocks
**15**
1,744
Debtors
**16**
932
Cash at bank and in hand
15,849
18,525
**Creditors: amounts falling due within**
**one year**
**17**
(21,369)
Net current liabilities
**Total assets less current liabilities**
**Income funds**
Unrestricted funds -|**2024**
**£**
**£**
567
35,182
35,749
1,702
1,332
9,237
12,271
(20,702)
(2,844)
32,905
32,905
32,905|**£**
822
53,422
54,244
(8,431)
45,813
45,813
45,813| |---|---|---| The company is entitled to the exemption from the audit requirement contained in section 477 of the Companies Act 2006 relating to small companies, for the year ended 31 March 2025. The members have not required the company to obtain an audit in accordance with section 476 of the Companies Act 2006. The director acknowledges his responsibilities for complying with the requirements of the Companies Act 2006 with respect to accounting records and the preparation of financial statements. These financial statements have been prepared in accordance with the provisions applicable to companies subject to the small companies regime. The financial statements were approved by the board of directors and authorised for issue on 17 December 2025 and are signed on its behalf by: Mr R Fry **Trustee** ## **Company Registration No. 02154580** - 12 - ## **THE BRITISH SOCIETY OF DOWSERS** ## **NOTES TO THE FINANCIAL STATEMENTS** _**FOR THE YEAR ENDED 31 MARCH 2025**_ ## **1 Accounting policies** ## **Company information** The British Society of Dowsers is a private company limited by guarantee and was registered in England and Wales. The registered office Wyche Innovation Centre, Walwyn Road, Malvern, Worcestershire, WR13 6PL. ## **1.1 Accounting convention** The financial statements have been prepared in accordance with the charity's trust deed, the Companies Act 2006 and “Accounting and Reporting by Charities: Statement of Recommended Practice applicable to charities preparing their accounts in accordance with the Financial Reporting Standard applicable in the UK and Republic of Ireland (FRS 102)” 1A (as amended for accounting periods commencing from 1 January 2019). The charity is a Public Benefit Entity as defined by FRS 102. The charity has taken advantage of the provisions in the SORP for charities applying FRS 102 Update Bulletin 1 not to prepare a Statement of Cash Flows. The financial statements are prepared in sterling, which is the functional currency of the charity. Monetary amounts in these financial statements are rounded to the nearest £. The accounts have been prepared on the historical cost convention, modified to include the revaluation of certain financial instruments at fair value. The principal accounting policies adopted are set out below. ## **1.2 Going concern** At the time of approving the accounts, the Trustees have a reasonable expectation that the charity has adequate resources to continue in operational existence for the foreseeable future. Thus the Trustees continue to adopt the going concern basis of accounting in preparing the accounts. ## **1.3 Charitable funds** Unrestricted funds are available for use at the discretion of the Trustees in furtherance of their charitable objectives. Restricted funds 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. The purposes are set out in the notes to the accounts. ## **1.4 Incoming resources** Membership fees are accrued over the period to which they relate. Cash donations are recognised on receipt. Other donations are recognised once the charity has been notified of the donation, unless performance conditions require deferral of the amount. Income tax recoverable in relation to donations received under Gift Aid or deeds of covenant is recognised at the time of the donation. Legacies are recognised on receipt or otherwise if the charity has been notified of an impending distribution, the amount is known, and receipt is expected. If the amount is not known, the legacy is treated as a contingent asset. Turnover is measured at the fair value of the consideration received or receivable and represents amounts receivable for goods and services provided in the normal course of business. - 13 - ## **THE BRITISH SOCIETY OF DOWSERS** ## **NOTES TO THE FINANCIAL STATEMENTS (CONTINUED)** _**FOR THE YEAR ENDED 31 MARCH 2025**_ ## **1 Accounting policies** **(Continued)** ## **1.5 Resources expended** Expenditure is accounted for on a accruals basis and has been classified under headings that aggregate all cost related to the category. Where costs cannot be directly attributed to particular headings they have been allocated to activities on a basis consistent with the use of resources. ## **1.6 Tangible fixed assets** Tangible fixed assets are initially measured at cost and subsequently measured at cost or valuation, net of depreciation and any impairment losses. Depreciation is provided at the following annual rates in order to write off each asset over its estimated useful life. Computer equipment 33.33% on reducing balance Office equipment Straight line over 6 years The gain or loss arising on the disposal of an asset is determined as the difference between the sale proceeds and the carrying value of the asset, and is recognised in the statement of financial activities. ## **1.7 Impairment of fixed assets** At each reporting end date, the charity reviews the carrying amounts of its tangible and intangible assets to determine whether there is any indication that those assets have suffered an impairment loss. If any such indication exists, the recoverable amount of the asset is estimated in order to determine the extent of the impairment loss (if any). Recoverable amount is the higher of fair value less costs to sell and value in use. In assessing value in use, the estimated future cash flows are discounted to their present value using a pre-tax discount rate that reflects current market assessments of the time value of money and the risks specific to the asset for which the estimates of future cash flows have not been adjusted. If the recoverable amount of an asset is estimated to be less than its carrying amount, the carrying amount of the asset is reduced to its recoverable amount. An impairment loss is recognised immediately in income/ (expenditure) for the year, unless the relevant asset is carried at a revalued amount, in which case the impairment loss is treated as a revaluation decrease. ## **1.8 Stocks** Stocks are stated at the lower of cost and estimated selling price less costs to complete and sell. Cost comprises direct materials and, where applicable, those overheads that have been incurred in bringing the stocks to their present location and condition. Items held for distribution at no or nominal consideration are measured at cost. Net realisable value is the estimated selling price less all estimated costs of completion and costs to be incurred in marketing, selling and distribution. ## **1.9 Cash and cash equivalents** Cash and cash equivalents include cash in hand, deposits held at call with banks, other short-term liquid investments with original maturities of three months or less. - 14 - ## **THE BRITISH SOCIETY OF DOWSERS** ## **NOTES TO THE FINANCIAL STATEMENTS (CONTINUED)** _**FOR THE YEAR ENDED 31 MARCH 2025**_ ## **1 Accounting policies** ## **(Continued)** ## **1.10 Financial instruments** The charity has elected to apply the provisions of Section 11 ‘Basic Financial Instruments’ and Section 12 ‘Other Financial Instruments Issues’ of FRS 102 to all of its financial instruments. Financial instruments are recognised in the charity's balance sheet when the charity becomes party to the contractual provisions of the instrument. Financial assets and liabilities are offset, with the net amounts presented in the financial statements, when there is a legally enforceable right to set off the recognised amounts and there is an intention to settle on a net basis or to realise the asset and settle the liability simultaneously. ## _**Basic financial assets**_ Basic financial assets, which include debtors and cash and bank balances, are initially measured at transaction price including transaction costs and are subsequently carried at amortised cost using the effective interest method unless the arrangement constitutes a financing transaction, where the transaction is measured at the present value of the future receipts discounted at a market rate of interest. Financial assets classified as receivable within one year are not amortised. ## _**Basic financial liabilities**_ Basic financial liabilities, including creditors and bank loans are initially recognised at transaction price unless the arrangement constitutes a financing transaction, where the debt instrument is measured at the present value of the future payments discounted at a market rate of interest. Financial liabilities classified as payable within one year are not amortised. Debt instruments are subsequently carried at amortised cost, using the effective interest rate method. Trade creditors are obligations to pay for goods or services that have been acquired in the ordinary course of operations from suppliers. Amounts payable are classified as current liabilities if payment is due within one year or less. If not, they are presented as non-current liabilities. Trade creditors are recognised initially at transaction price and subsequently measured at amortised cost using the effective interest method. ## _**Derecognition of financial liabilities**_ Financial liabilities are derecognised when the charity’s contractual obligations expire or are discharged or cancelled. ## **1.11 Employee benefits** The cost of any unused holiday entitlement is recognised in the period in which the employee’s services are received. Termination benefits are recognised immediately as an expense when the charity is demonstrably committed to terminate the employment of an employee or to provide termination benefits. ## **1.12 Retirement benefits** Payments to defined contribution retirement benefit schemes are charged as an expense as they fall due. - 15 - ## **THE BRITISH SOCIETY OF DOWSERS** ## **NOTES TO THE FINANCIAL STATEMENTS (CONTINUED)** _**FOR THE YEAR ENDED 31 MARCH 2025**_ ## **2 Critical accounting estimates and judgements** In the application of the charity’s accounting policies, the director is required to make judgements, estimates and assumptions about the carrying amount of assets and liabilities that are not readily apparent from other sources. The estimates and associated assumptions are based on historical experience and other factors that are considered to be relevant. Actual results may differ from these estimates. The estimates and underlying assumptions are reviewed on an ongoing basis. Revisions to accounting estimates are recognised in the period in which the estimate is revised where the revision affects only that period, or in the period of the revision and future periods where the revision affects both current and future periods. ## **3 Voluntary Income** |Donations and gifts
Membership fees|**2025**
**£**
17,230
19,668
36,898|**2024**
**£**
14,856
13,488| |---|---|---| |||28,344| ## **4 Charitable activities** |Meetings and conferences
Educational books and equipment
**5**
**Net movement in funds**
The net movement in funds is stated after charging/(crediting):
Depreciation of owned tangible fixed assets
**6**
**Investments**
Income from listed investments|**2025**
**£**
27,085
3,326
30,411
**2025**
**£**
255
**2025**
**£**
1,530|**2024**
**£**
35,085
8,166| |---|---|---| |||43,251| |||**2024**
**£**
377| |||**2024**
**£**
1,898| - 16 - ## **THE BRITISH SOCIETY OF DOWSERS** ## **NOTES TO THE FINANCIAL STATEMENTS (CONTINUED)** _**FOR THE YEAR ENDED 31 MARCH 2025**_ ## **7 Trustees** Trustees were paid £nil in relation to council meeting expenses for the year ended 31 March 2025 (2024 - £nil). There were no trustees' remuneration or other benefits for the year ended 31 March 2025 (2024 £nil). ## **8 Charitable activities** |**Charitable**
**activities**
**Support**
**costs**
**£**
**£**
Staff costs
-
26,079
Depreciation & impairment
-
255
Meetings & conferences
23,835
-
Educational books & equipment
4,756
-
28,591
26,334
Share of support costs (see note 9)
-
19,173
Share of governance costs (see note 9)
-
9,409
28,591
54,916
**Analysis by fund**
Unrestricted funds - general
28,591
54,916
28,591
54,916
**For the year ended 31 March 2024**
Unrestricted funds - general
21,743
54,224
21,743
54,224|**Total**
**2025**
**£**
26,079
255
23,835
4,756
54,925
19,173
9,409
83,507
83,507
83,507|**Total**
**2024**
**£**
28,352
376
18,510
3,233| |---|---|---| |||50,471
20,558
4,938| |||75,967| |||75,967| |||75,967| - 17 - ## **THE BRITISH SOCIETY OF DOWSERS** ## **NOTES TO THE FINANCIAL STATEMENTS (CONTINUED)** _**FOR THE YEAR ENDED 31 MARCH 2025**_ ## **9 Support costs** |**Support**
**costs**
**Governance**
**costs**
**£**
**£**
Rent and Rates
7,895
-
Office Expenses
574
-
Postage
863
-
Stationery and advertising
941
-
Sundries
181
-
Journal and publishing costs
5,076
-
Credit card charges
890
-
Computer costs
2,753
-
Professional fees and insurance
-
1,593
Accountancy
-
2,100
Bookkeeping and payroll
-
5,716
19,173
9,409
Analysed between
Charitable activities
19,173
9,409|**2025**
**£**
7,895
574
863
941
181
5,076
890
2,753
1,593
2,100
5,716
28,582
28,582|**2024 Basis of allocation**
**£**
7,140
289
1,377
837
84
3,918
1,772
5,141
1,015 Governance
2,081 Governance
1,842 Governance
25,496
25,496| |---|---|---| The above stated accountancy fee of £2,100 (2024 - £2,081) is inclusive of both independent examination and preparation of statutory accounts. ## **10 Taxation** The charity is exempt from taxation on its activities because all its income is applied for charitable purposes. ## **11 Employees** ## **Number of employees** The average monthly number employees during the year was: ||**2025**|**2024**| |---|---|---| ||**Number**|**Number**| |Management and administration|2|2| |**Employment costs**|**2025**|**2024**| ||**£**|**£**| |Wages and salaries|25,350|27,510| |Other pension costs|729|842| ||26,079|28,352| There were no employees whose annual remuneration was £60,000 or more. - 18 - ## **THE BRITISH SOCIETY OF DOWSERS** ## **NOTES TO THE FINANCIAL STATEMENTS (CONTINUED)** ## _**FOR THE YEAR ENDED 31 MARCH 2025**_ ## **12 Net gains/(losses) on investments** |**2025**
**£**
Revaluation of investments
1,575
Gain/loss on sale of investments
(185)
1,760
**13**
**Tangible fixed assets**
**Computer**
**equipment**
**Office**
**equipment**
**£**
**£**
**Cost**
At 1 April 2024
12,987
3,088
At 31 March 2025
12,987
3,088
**Depreciation and impairment**
At 1 April 2024
12,282
2,971
Depreciation charged in the year
235
20
At 31 March 2025
12,517
2,991
**Carrying amount**
At 31 March 2025
470
97
At 31 March 2024
705
117|**2024**
**£**
1,078
-| |---|---| ||1,078| ||**Total**
**£**
16,075| ||16,075| ||15,253
255| ||15,508| ||567| ||822| - 19 - ## **THE BRITISH SOCIETY OF DOWSERS** ## **NOTES TO THE FINANCIAL STATEMENTS (CONTINUED)** _**FOR THE YEAR ENDED 31 MARCH 2025**_ |**14**
**Fixed asset investments**
**2025**
**£**
Market value at beginning of year
53,422
Disposals
(20,000)
Change in value in the year
1,760
**Market value at end of year**
35,182
Historical cost
34,676
**15**
**Stocks**
**2025**
**£**
Books and equipment
1,744
**16**
**Debtors**
**2025**
**Amounts falling due within one year:**
**£**
Trade debtors
-
Other debtors
190
Prepayments and accrued income
742
932
**17**
**Creditors: amounts falling due within one year**
**2025**
**£**
Other taxation and social security
-
Trade creditors
765
Other creditors
2,942
Accruals and deferred income
17,662
21,369
**18**
**Retirement benefit schemes**
**2025**
**Defined contribution schemes**
**£**
Charge to profit or loss in respect of defined contribution schemes
729|**2024**
**£**
52,344
-
1,078| |---|---| ||53,422| ||| ||44,488| ||**2024**
**£**
1,702| ||**2024**
**£**
750
-
582| ||1,332| ||**2024**
**£**
91
1,208
7,799
11,604| ||20,702| ||**2024**
**£**
842| - 20 - ## **THE BRITISH SOCIETY OF DOWSERS** ## **NOTES TO THE FINANCIAL STATEMENTS (CONTINUED)** _**FOR THE YEAR ENDED 31 MARCH 2025**_ ## **18 Retirement benefit schemes** ## **(Continued)** The charity operates a defined contribution pension scheme for all qualifying employees. The assets of the scheme are held separately from those of the charity in an independently administered fund. ## **19 Unrestricted funds** The unrestricted funds of the charity comprise the unexpended balances of donations and grants which are not subject to specific conditions by donors and grantors as to how they may be used. These include designated funds which have been set aside out of unrestricted funds by the trustees for specific purposes. ||**At 1**|**April**|**Incoming**|**Incoming**|**Resources**|**Resources**|**Transfers**|**Gains and**|**Gains and**|**At 31 March**| |---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---| |||**2024**|**resources**||**expended**|||**losses**||**2025**| |||**£**||**£**||**£**|**£**||**£**|**£**| |Operating||||||||||| |Reserve Fund||-||-||-|21,000||-|21,000| |General funds|45,813|||68,839||(83,507)|(21,000)|1,760||11,905| ||45,813|||68,839||(83,507)|-|1,760||32,905| |**Previous year:**|**At 1**|**April**|**Incoming**||**Resources**||**Transfers**|**Gains and**||**At 31 March**| |||**2023**|**resources**||**expended**|||**losses**||**2024**| |||**£**||**£**||**£**|**£**||**£**|**£**| |General funds|47,209|||73,493||(75,967)|-|1,078||45,813| |**Analysis of net assets between**|||**funds**|||||||| ||||||||**Unrestricted**|||**Total**| |||||||||**£**||**£**| |Fund balances at 31 March 2025|||are represented||by:|||||| |Tangible assets||||||||567||567| |Investments||||||||35,182||35,182| |Current assets/(liabilities)||||||||(2,844)||(2,844)| |||||||||32,905||32,905| |Fund balances at 31 March 2023|||are represented||by:|||||| |Tangible assets||||||||822||822| |Investments||||||||53,422||53,422| |Current assets/(liabilities)||||||||(8,431)||(8,431)| |||||||||45,813||45,813| ## **20 Analysis of net assets between funds** - 21 - ## **THE BRITISH SOCIETY OF DOWSERS** ## **NOTES TO THE FINANCIAL STATEMENTS (CONTINUED)** _**FOR THE YEAR ENDED 31 MARCH 2025**_ ## **21 Operating lease commitments** ## **Lessee** At the reporting end date the charity had outstanding commitments for future minimum lease payments under non-cancellable operating leases, which fall due as follows: |Within one year
Between two and five years|**2025**
**£**
2,008
3,185
5,193|**2024**
**£**
2,549
5,193| |---|---|---| |||7,742| ## **22 Related party transactions** At the balance sheet date £2,177 (2024- £6,177) was due to Mr R Fry, a Trustee of the charity. - 22 -