Thornbury and District Heritage Trust Chairman’s Annual Report
Annual Report 2025
It has been a turbulent year with a mixture of significant achievements and an even more significant risk to our future. In February, we were given notice that our lease would not be renewed when it expired in January 2026. This was completely unexpected and there were no alternative plans for our future. We are not yet clear what will happen but we have gone from what we were sure was certain closure to a more optimistic position. I will provide more details later in this report.
Opening Times
Starting from January, we are now open for an extra afternoon during the week. Our opening times are now Tuesday, Wednesday and Friday afternoons from 1:00pm to 4:00pm and Saturday from 10:00am to 4:00pm. Our aim is to return to our previous Tuesday to Saturday opening times in the future.
Memoriums
It is with sadness that I have to report that we have lost Jill Shepherd one of our archaeology volunteers.
Volunteers
During the reporting year the upturn in people wanting to volunteer at the museum has continued and we are maintaining additional support to induction and training.
At the present time we have 36 people who act as front of house Custodians and an additional 30 people designated as Volunteers who carry out a variety of museum duties. Some Custodians also carry out other volunteering activities so the total number of active volunteers at any time is approximately 61.
There are nine Trustees from the volunteers who make up the Trust Council and there is a designated Town Councillor who acts as liaison between us and the Town Council. We also have 74 associates who support us and take an interest in the Museum. Many of them are also one of our 41 Trust Members who make a small annual subscription and have the right to cast a vote at our Annual General Meeting.
The total number of people on our mailing list that is used to send out regular newsletters and items of interest is 153.
Displays During the Reporting Period
The upstairs front room Thornbury Folk / Thornbury in the Making continues with minor amendments being made from time to time. Increasingly, this room is also being used as a workspace for volunteers. This arrangement is satisfactory and visitors have the opportunity to interact with the volunteers.
The condition of the Roman coins has recently been inspected by Bristol Museum and after the silica gel to keep them dry had been replaced, I am pleased to report that they were given a clean bill of health.
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A new display cabinet has been installed on the landing to display some of the railway items in the collection.
In the downstairs front room, the exhibition to mark the bi centenary of Handel Cossham continued to be in place up to the end of the year with a short break to accommodate the Art Trail.
Since January, the exhibition featuring the Lower Hazel archaeological site has been in place. The site continues to provide interesting finds that add to, rather than solve the historic mystery of the buildings. With recent finds including a rare type of sword, the importance of the site is gradually being discovered.
Town Hall Exhibition
The Thornbury Quilt has been installed in an upstairs room in the Town Hall behind a custom-made acrylic screen. An audio-visual unit that will tell the story of the quilt has been purchased and it is being programmed with information prior to its installation in the near future.
In the downstairs front room, the two display cabinets that were installed last year are now fully populated with artifacts relating to the old Borough of Thornbury and three large information panels have been prepared and installed on the walls.
We are grateful for the grant of £8,750.00 from the West of England Combined Authority (WECA) to pay for most of this work.
Heritage Trail
All the floor plaques have been reinstated in the High Street and the trail is fully operational. The sundial near St Mary’s Church has been given a face lift with new gravel. Our continued thanks go to our volunteer who is looking after the trail for us.
Collection Rationalisation
Work on the first stage of rationalisation of the collection to make it more relevant and manageable is almost complete and we are now looking further into identifying additional items that have:
-
no historical value
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are in poor unrestorable condition
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are not connected with the local people or the area
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or are more suitable additions to our handling collections.
Walks, Talks and Events
Several talks on a variety of subjects have been given throughout the year and we also:
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Took part in the Jigsaw Fun Palace event in the Library.
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Hosted local jeweller Rosemary Millar during the Thornbury Arts Trail in April.
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Took part in the Heritage Open Days in September with a walk “Thornbury and the Railway”
We took the decision to end the tours we gave to guests at Thornbury Castle in December. Despite the fact that it was very profitable and indeed enjoyable, we considered that it was taking us away from our primary objective to provide a museum service for the local people and the local area. The Castle is now providing guided tours for its guests on a commercial basis.
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When time permits, we intend to compile a pictorial book based on the material we used during our tours, together with details of additional research we have carried out.
Outreach Activities
Local schools continue to request educational material and the loan of handling collections. These have proved popular and feedback from teachers is positive.
Internet / Social Media
We intend to refresh our website to make it even more visually appealing to its visitors. It will continue to be a wealth of information and a valuable resource to the museum service we provide to the area.
We continue to be well supported by the vibrant social media presence on Facebook, Twitter and Instagram. The comments and feedback, particularly during our recent threat of closure, have been very encouraging and reinforced our resolve to carry on. Our thanks to the volunteers who do an excellent job maintaining these sites on our behalf.
Thornbury Roots is the web site to visit for any information about Thornbury buildings and its people and we are proud to be associated with it, and we are grateful to those that develop and maintain it. Tytherington Roots is now being revitalised and I am pleased to say that we continue to support it by facilitating a service provider.
IT Systems
Our updated computer systems are fully operational and help to improve our efficiency and resilience. During this reporting year we have upgraded the laptop used for the Modes system and the computer used for public access.
Finance
We now have a bank card reader so that we can accept payments for shop items and donations.
In March we received a draft service level agreement from the Town Council to provide funding in return for us providing a museum service for the next four years. It is agreed in principle with just minor details to be finalised, this gives us some degree of optimism for the future.
The separate financial report will show that we maintain a comfortable position but there is still some uncertainty over our tenancy and should we have the opportunity to stay where we are or be forced to move, there will be considerable costs involved.
Museum Premises
We entered this year with the continuing uncertainty of what might happen to our museum, but we became more optimistic when it was announced that the Armstrong Hall had received a large donation that might enable it to reopen. Although we were not complacent, it came as a big shock when I received an email from the Armstrong Hall Trust informing me that our lease would not be renewed. I will not go into all the detail here but the minutes of an extraordinary meeting held by the Museum Trustees on Friday 7[th] March, outline the events and meetings that have taken place since February.
The current situation is that we are having constructive meetings with representatives of the Armstrong Hall Trust, the Town Council and others and we are exploring viable options for the Museum. It is still a possibility that we may have to move from 4 Chapel Street but
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ongoing dialogue with the Town Council suggests that they have a commitment for maintaining a museum service in the town.
When the news about our likely closure became known, we were gratified at the amount of support we had from local organisations and the community.
Conclusion and the Future
At the beginning of last year our future was still by no means certain but we were optimistic and were able to achieve several important goals. Then in February we reached a new low, morale plummeted and it seemed that the will to carry on was exhausted and the prospect of recovery was unlikely.
However, we end this year with some degree of optimism and determination to carry on. We owe that turn around to the people that have given us their verbal and written support and in particular those that are helping us to find solutions to the long-term viability of the Museum.
I would like to thank all the volunteers that devote their time, expertise and good will to the museum and make all this possible.
John Shepherd
Chairman
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Registered number: 02087293
THORNBURY AND DISTRICT HERITAGE TRUST
UNAUDITED
DIRECTORS' REPORT AND FINANCIAL STATEMENTS
For the Year Ended 31 December 2024
THORNBURY AND DISTRICT HERITAGE TRUST
COMPANY INFORMATION
Directors M Elton A F Girdlestone J Marks P D Montgomery S M Morrissey J Newley J M Shepherd D Thomas M M Wise Company secretary P D Montgomery Registered number 02087293 Registered office Town Hall 35 High Street Thornbury Bristol BS35 2AR Accountants Savage Associates The Coach House Aust Road Olveston Bristol BS35 4DE
THORNBURY AND DISTRICT HERITAGE TRUST
CONTENTS
| Page | |
|---|---|
| Directors' report | 1 |
| Accountants' report | 2 |
| Profit and loss account | 3 |
| Balance sheet | 4 - 5 |
| The following pages do not form part of the statutory financial statements: | |
| Detailed profit and loss account and summaries | 6 - 8 |
THORNBURY AND DISTRICT HERrrAGE TRUST DIRECTORS. REPORT For the Year Ended 31 December 2024 The directors present their report and the financial statements for the year ended 31 December 2024. Directors The directors who served during the year were: M Elton A F Girdlestone J Marks P D Montgornery S M Morrissey J Newley J M Shepherd D Thomas Mmwise Dlrectors retirfng by rotation P D Montgomery J Newley J M Shepherd This report was approved by the board on 3 i" t4orck J 02¥ and signed on its behalf. Secretary P J: *. Page 1
THORNBURY WID DISTrICT HERITAGE TRUST ACCOUNTANTS. REPORT TO THE BOARD OF DIRECTORS ON THE PREPARATION OF THE UNAUDrrED STATUTORY FINANCIAL STATEMENTS OF THORNBURY AND DISTRICT HERrrAGE TRUST FOR THE YEAR ENDED 31 DECEMBER 2024 You consider that the Company is exempt from an audit for the year ended 31 December 2024. You have acknowledged. on the Balance sheet. your resp(msibilities for ensuring that the Company keeps adequate accounting records which comply with section 386 of the Companies Act 2006. and for preparing the financial statements which give a true and fair view of the state of affairs of the Company and of its profft or loss for the financial year. In accA)rdance with your instructions. we have prepared the finan(xal statements on pages 5 from the accounting records of the Company and on the basis of information and explanations yr)u have given to us. We have not carried out an audit or any other review, and ConSUentIY we do not express any opinion on these ancial statements. Savage Associates The Coach House Aust Ro1 Ofveston Bristol BS35 4DE Date: 2olS Page 2
THORNBURY AND DISTRICT HERITAGE TRUST
PROFIT AND LOSS ACCOUNT For the Year Ended 31 December 2024
| Note Turnover Other income Cost of raw materials and consumables Depreciation and other amounts written off assets Other charges Profit |
2024 £ 31,105 1,026 (123) (1,699) (24,479) 5,830 |
2023 £ 31,666 237 (450) (1,211) (16,403) 13,839 |
|---|---|---|
Page 3
THORNBURY AND DISTRICT HERifAGE TRUST Registered number. 02087293 BALANCE SHEEr As at 31 December 2024 2024 2023 Fixed assets 6,788 4,951 Current assets Creditors: amounts falling due within one year 90,935 (863) (881) Net current assets 94.065 90,072 Total assets less current liabilities 100,853 95,023 Net assets 100.853 95.023 Capital and reserves 100,853 95,023 Notes General inforniation The company is a private company limited by guarantee. incorporated in England and Wales. The address of its registered office is= Town Hall 35 High Street Thombury Bristol BS35 2AR The directors consider that the Company is entitled to exemption from audit under section 4TI of the Companies Act 2006 and members have not required the Company to obtain an audit for the year in question in accordance with section 476 of the Companies Act 2006. The directors acknowledge their responsibilities for complying with the requirements of the Companies Act 2006 with respect to accOUntir records and the preparation of financial statements. These financial statements have been prepared in accordance with the provisions applicable to entities subject to the micrfrentities, regime. The financial ststements were aw)roved arKI authorised for issue by the board and were signed on its behalf on p.k Ya 21/0512< Director Z). */ 7&lOJ&7+S Page 4
THORNBURY AND DISTRICT HERITAGE TRUST Registered number: 02087293
1. Debtors
| Other debtors 2. Cash and cash equivalents Cash at bank and in hand 3. Creditors: Amounts falling due within one year Accruals and deferred income |
2024 £ 3,800 3,800 2024 £ 88,113 88,113 2024 £ 881 881 |
2023 £ 3,818 3,818 |
|---|---|---|
| 2023 £ 85,146 85,146 |
||
| 2023 £ 863 863 |
Page 5
THORNBURY AND DISTRICT HERITAGE TRUST
DETAILED PROFIT AND LOSS ACCOUNT For the Year Ended 31 December 2024
| Turnover Other Income Cost Of Raw Materials And Consumables Depreciation And Other Amounts Written Off Assets Other Charges Profit |
2024 £ 31,105 1,026 (123) (1,699) (24,479) 5,830 |
2023 £ 31,666 237 (450) (1,211) (16,403) 13,839 |
|---|---|---|
Page 6
THORNBURY AND DISTRICT HERITAGE TRUST
| SCHEDULE TO THE DETAILED ACCOUNTS For the Year Ended 31 December 2024 Turnover Sales of publications Donations Members' subscriptions Events Grants - Thornbury Town Council Grants - South Glos Council, SLA Grants - WECA Other project funding Other income Bank interest receivable Cost of raw materials and consumables Opening stocks Closing stocks Purchases Depreciation and other amounts written off assets Depreciation |
2024 £ 727 562 155 9,706 17,085 2,800 - 70 31,105 2024 £ 1,026 1,026 2024 £ 1,971 (3,033) 1,185 123 2024 £ 1,699 1,699 |
2023 £ 3,431 154 135 12,965 5,166 2,800 4,375 2,640 31,666 2023 £ 237 237 2023 £ 2,126 (1,971) 295 450 2023 £ 1,211 1,211 |
|---|---|---|
Page 7
THORNBURY AND DISTRICT HERITAGE TRUST
| SCHEDULE TO THE DETAILED ACCOUNTS For the Year Ended 31 December 2024 Other charges Rent Insurances Repairs and maintenance Administration Collection care Projects (Town Hall displays) Operating costs inc internet |
2024 £ 3,520 1,324 9,215 390 1,247 6,155 2,628 24,479 |
2023 £ 3,450 1,328 4,412 882 5,187 - 1,144 16,403 |
|---|---|---|
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Registered number: 02087293
THORNBURY AND DISTRICT HERITAGE TRUST
UNAUDITED
DIRECTORS' REPORT AND FINANCIAL STATEMENTS
For the Year Ended 31 December 2024
THORNBURY AND DISTRICT HERITAGE TRUST
COMPANY INFORMATION
Directors M Elton A F Girdlestone J Marks P D Montgomery S M Morrissey J Newley J M Shepherd D Thomas M M Wise Company secretary P D Montgomery Registered number 02087293 Registered office Town Hall 35 High Street Thornbury Bristol BS35 2AR Accountants Savage Associates The Coach House Aust Road Olveston Bristol BS35 4DE
THORNBURY AND DISTRICT HERITAGE TRUST
CONTENTS
| Page | |
|---|---|
| Directors' report | 1 |
| Accountants' report | 2 |
| Profit and loss account | 3 |
| Balance sheet | 4 - 5 |
| The following pages do not form part of the statutory financial statements: | |
| Detailed profit and loss account and summaries | 6 - 8 |
THORNBURY AND DISTRICT HERrrAGE TRUST DIRECTORS. REPORT For the Year Ended 31 December 2024 The directors present their report and the financial statements for the year ended 31 December 2024. Directors The directors who served during the year were: M Elton A F Girdlestone J Marks P D Montgornery S M Morrissey J Newley J M Shepherd D Thomas Mmwise Dlrectors retirfng by rotation P D Montgomery J Newley J M Shepherd This report was approved by the board on 3 i" t4orck J 02¥ and signed on its behalf. Secretary P J: *. Page 1
THORNBURY WID DISTrICT HERITAGE TRUST ACCOUNTANTS. REPORT TO THE BOARD OF DIRECTORS ON THE PREPARATION OF THE UNAUDrrED STATUTORY FINANCIAL STATEMENTS OF THORNBURY AND DISTRICT HERrrAGE TRUST FOR THE YEAR ENDED 31 DECEMBER 2024 You consider that the Company is exempt from an audit for the year ended 31 December 2024. You have acknowledged. on the Balance sheet. your resp(msibilities for ensuring that the Company keeps adequate accounting records which comply with section 386 of the Companies Act 2006. and for preparing the financial statements which give a true and fair view of the state of affairs of the Company and of its profft or loss for the financial year. In accA)rdance with your instructions. we have prepared the finan(xal statements on pages 5 from the accounting records of the Company and on the basis of information and explanations yr)u have given to us. We have not carried out an audit or any other review, and ConSUentIY we do not express any opinion on these ancial statements. Savage Associates The Coach House Aust Ro1 Ofveston Bristol BS35 4DE Date: 2olS Page 2
THORNBURY AND DISTRICT HERITAGE TRUST
PROFIT AND LOSS ACCOUNT For the Year Ended 31 December 2024
| Note Turnover Other income Cost of raw materials and consumables Depreciation and other amounts written off assets Other charges Profit |
2024 £ 31,105 1,026 (123) (1,699) (24,479) 5,830 |
2023 £ 31,666 237 (450) (1,211) (16,403) 13,839 |
|---|---|---|
Page 3
THORNBURY AND DISTRICT HERifAGE TRUST Registered number. 02087293 BALANCE SHEEr As at 31 December 2024 2024 2023 Fixed assets 6,788 4,951 Current assets Creditors: amounts falling due within one year 90,935 (863) (881) Net current assets 94.065 90,072 Total assets less current liabilities 100,853 95,023 Net assets 100.853 95.023 Capital and reserves 100,853 95,023 Notes General inforniation The company is a private company limited by guarantee. incorporated in England and Wales. The address of its registered office is= Town Hall 35 High Street Thombury Bristol BS35 2AR The directors consider that the Company is entitled to exemption from audit under section 4TI of the Companies Act 2006 and members have not required the Company to obtain an audit for the year in question in accordance with section 476 of the Companies Act 2006. The directors acknowledge their responsibilities for complying with the requirements of the Companies Act 2006 with respect to accOUntir records and the preparation of financial statements. These financial statements have been prepared in accordance with the provisions applicable to entities subject to the micrfrentities, regime. The financial ststements were aw)roved arKI authorised for issue by the board and were signed on its behalf on p.k Ya 21/0512< Director Z). */ 7&lOJ&7+S Page 4
THORNBURY AND DISTRICT HERITAGE TRUST Registered number: 02087293
1. Debtors
| Other debtors 2. Cash and cash equivalents Cash at bank and in hand 3. Creditors: Amounts falling due within one year Accruals and deferred income |
2024 £ 3,800 3,800 2024 £ 88,113 88,113 2024 £ 881 881 |
2023 £ 3,818 3,818 |
|---|---|---|
| 2023 £ 85,146 85,146 |
||
| 2023 £ 863 863 |
Page 5
THORNBURY AND DISTRICT HERITAGE TRUST
DETAILED PROFIT AND LOSS ACCOUNT For the Year Ended 31 December 2024
| Turnover Other Income Cost Of Raw Materials And Consumables Depreciation And Other Amounts Written Off Assets Other Charges Profit |
2024 £ 31,105 1,026 (123) (1,699) (24,479) 5,830 |
2023 £ 31,666 237 (450) (1,211) (16,403) 13,839 |
|---|---|---|
Page 6
THORNBURY AND DISTRICT HERITAGE TRUST
| SCHEDULE TO THE DETAILED ACCOUNTS For the Year Ended 31 December 2024 Turnover Sales of publications Donations Members' subscriptions Events Grants - Thornbury Town Council Grants - South Glos Council, SLA Grants - WECA Other project funding Other income Bank interest receivable Cost of raw materials and consumables Opening stocks Closing stocks Purchases Depreciation and other amounts written off assets Depreciation |
2024 £ 727 562 155 9,706 17,085 2,800 - 70 31,105 2024 £ 1,026 1,026 2024 £ 1,971 (3,033) 1,185 123 2024 £ 1,699 1,699 |
2023 £ 3,431 154 135 12,965 5,166 2,800 4,375 2,640 31,666 2023 £ 237 237 2023 £ 2,126 (1,971) 295 450 2023 £ 1,211 1,211 |
|---|---|---|
Page 7
THORNBURY AND DISTRICT HERITAGE TRUST
| SCHEDULE TO THE DETAILED ACCOUNTS For the Year Ended 31 December 2024 Other charges Rent Insurances Repairs and maintenance Administration Collection care Projects (Town Hall displays) Operating costs inc internet |
2024 £ 3,520 1,324 9,215 390 1,247 6,155 2,628 24,479 |
2023 £ 3,450 1,328 4,412 882 5,187 - 1,144 16,403 |
|---|---|---|
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