OpenCharities

This text was generated using OCR and may contain errors. Check the original PDF to see the document submitted to the regulator.

2025-03-31-accounts

REGISTERED CHARITY NUMBER: 311307

REPORT OF THE TRUSTEES AND

UNAUDITED FINANCIAL STATEMENTS FOR THE YEAR ENDED 31 MARCH 2025

FOR

THE WISBECH AND FENLAND MUSEUM

Wheelers

Chartered Accountants & Tax Consultants 27-29 Old Market Wisbech Cambridgeshire PE13 1NE

THE WISBECH AND FENLAND MUSEUM

CONTENTS OF THE FINANCIAL STATEMENTS FOR THE YEAR ENDED 31 MARCH 2025

Page
Report of the Trustees 1 to 10
Independent Examiner's Report 11
Statement of Financial Activities 12
Balance Sheet 13
Notes to the Financial Statements 14 to 22

THE WISBECH AND FENLAND MUSEUM

REPORT OF THE TRUSTEES FOR THE YEAR ENDED 31 MARCH 2025

The trustees present their report with the financial statements of the charity for the year ended 31 March 2025. The trustees have adopted the provisions of 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) (effective 1 January 2019).

OBJECTIVES AND ACTIVITIES

Objectives

Vision Statement

The Trustees believe that Wisbech is a unique place with a rich and diverse history. The vision is simple. It is to provide a welcoming and enjoyable environment - both physical and digital - safe and accessible to all, where people can explore the heritage of Wisbech and the surrounding fenland. The Museum aspires to be the best in class, a fascinating Museum at the heart of a strong community, providing a truly inspiring, engaging, and enriching experience.

Mission Statement

The Wisbech and Fenland Museum is a perfect surviving example of the Victorian Museum. Its collections are rich, eclectic, encyclopaedic and unrivalled. They contain precious and remarkable objects that are of great significance locally, nationally, and internationally and which tell the history of Wisbech and also of the World.

Our mission is to develop, to care for and to interpret those collections for current and future generations, to stimulate curiosity and wonder and to make them accessible to everyone everywhere so they can discover and connect with their history and heritage.

We are committed to extending our impact in:-

We will adopt a sustainable and resilient business model so that we can continue to develop and share our collections for the widest possible public benefit.

Page 1

THE WISBECH AND FENLAND MUSEUM

REPORT OF THE TRUSTEES FOR THE YEAR ENDED 31 MARCH 2025

OBJECTIVES AND ACTIVITIES Activities Details of Services Provided

o Opening Hours: Wednesday - Saturday 10.00 - 4.00 o Admission is free o Accessibility: - Level Entrance: There is now level access to the Museum via the courtyard entrance. Access is made through the gates in the courtyard wall located close to the tower of St. Peter's Church.

Services and Facilities: o Exhibitions o Website o Gift shop o Education service o Volunteering opportunities o Outreach o Archive/Record Office o Loans out o Galleries o Group Visits

Visitor figures - April 2024 to March 2025

Total visitors: 6,551 (6,800 in 2023/24)

Whilst visitor numbers are down from the previous year, this is attributable to the cancellation of the Wisbech Christmas Fayre because of bad weather. If this event is stripped out of the figures, then there is a modest rise in the number of visitors.

Hours open to the public: 1,315 (1,074 in 2023/24)

Engagement through social media platforms continues to grow with over 5,000 followers/subscribers on Facebook, X, Instagram, or YouTube.

Over the year the Museum's website has had 16,188 unique visitors.

Exhibitions and Events

30 Mar - 13 Apr Young Arts Open Exhibition 20 Apr - 13 July Lilian Ream: Faces and Places 3 July Fen Food : Talk and Taste event (evening) 20 July Fenland Archaeology Society display in the Museum Courtyard 24 July - 31 Aug Beasts : : epic creatures real and imagined 8 Aug Clay beasts workshop 14 Aug Summer Family Open Day (meet Inferno the Dragon) (Free Entry) 16 Aug Animal Mix-ups activity 29 Aug Family Open Day 31 Aug Book launch: 'The Castle at Wisbech' by Kevin Rodgers (all money sales to the Museum) 11 -14 Sept Wisbech Art Club Exhibition 2 Oct - 2 Nov The Odder the Better - 180 years of collecting curiosities 13 Nov - 21 Dec Country Days - an exhibition by local artist David Houseden 3 Dec - 30 Apr Fred Clarke , model maker 19 Feb - 22 Mar Roman Fenland - included a display by the Fenland Archaeology Society 18 - 29 Mar Time to Grow - Queer Histories exhibition mounted by the Kite Trust

Page 2

THE WISBECH AND FENLAND MUSEUM

REPORT OF THE TRUSTEES

FOR THE YEAR ENDED 31 MARCH 2025

OBJECTIVES AND ACTIVITIES Collections

Loans Out

The Museum was very pleased to loan Thomas Clarkson's chest of African artifacts to the Fitzwilliam Museum's major exhibition Rise Up: Resistance, Revolution, Abolition, which is scheduled to run from 21 February to 1 June 2025. Clarkson collected examples of African manufacturing and produce to promote an alternative relationship with African which did not involved slavery.

A corn merchant's sign for Scarnell, Wood & Co., Downham Market, has been loaned to Discover Downham Heritage Centre for one year for their shop exhibition. The sign is part of a collection of corn merchants' signs that were used at Wisbech Corn Exchange.

Research on the Collections

The importance and diversity of the Museum's collections is illustrated by the range of academic research requests that we receive. Over the year these enquiries have included requests for information and/or visits to view items from:

We were also approached by Mr. Gary Oddie who was interested re our holdings of fruit pickers checks - as he was working on a definitive listing of the series. Sadly, in February 2025 we were made aware of Gary's death and that he had bequeathed his collection of checks to the Museum. The collection comprises c3,000 checks as well as several original 'check' boxes that were used by local farmers.

Magwitch Quiz night

The Museum supplied a selection of 'mystery' objects for the quiz nights at the Magwitch which have been held for the benefit of the Museum.

Volunteers working with the collections

Volunteers have added new records to the Museum's MODES catalogue as well as updating object locations for existing records. Transcriptions have been produced for 1940s diaries, Corporation minutes and an inventory of the Museum's galleries which was made in 1904.

During the Christmas and New Year closure period volunteers have again been able to undertake object cleaning focusing on the Staffordshire pottery on display and the large items under the desk cases in the Main Gallery.

Page 3

THE WISBECH AND FENLAND MUSEUM

REPORT OF THE TRUSTEES FOR THE YEAR ENDED 31 MARCH 2025

OBJECTIVES AND ACTIVITIES

Group Visits

The Museum has welcomed groups from Business in the Community, Barhale, Hunstanton U3A Art Appreciation Group, and Nottingham National Trust Group.

Talks have been given to Wisbech St. Peter's Ladies, and Wisbech Mother's Union.

Arts Council England/Cambridgeshire C.C. Small Grant Scheme 2024-25

The Museum was successful in securing a grant of £750 to pay for professional help to develop and add content for a guide with collection information and future events, which is hosted on Bloomberg Connects' heritage mobile phone app.

Working with the Community

Alongside the permanent galleries, the Museum programmes a diverse range of temporary exhibitions, many of which are co-produced with local communities and groups. This is complemented by a programme of associated events and activities that attract a diverse range of audiences.

This work is managed by the Museum's Learning and Community Participation Officer whose role is funded by two local charities, the Hudson Foundation and the Elizabeth Wright Charity.

This role enables the Museum to deliver regular school holiday programming, a formal learning programme, adult workshops and events, community outreach activity, and a vibrant volunteering programme.

The role grant-funds much of the activity that takes place to ensure accessibility, attempting to safeguard local beneficiaries from cultural-poverty, and to offer discrete activity to targeted audiences, such as those experiencing socio-economic disadvantage.

Learning and Community Participation Officer Report

Family and Community Events

The Museum ran a Family Open Day on Wednesday 3 April during the Easter school holidays: 142 visitors attended (free entry day).

An artist-led mosaic workshop was held on Friday 12 April, with 3 adults and 5 children attending (£12 per ticket).

During May half-term the LCPO organised a charged-for drop-in event; unsurprisingly, footfall figures continue to be low for charged-for activity in comparison with our free open days: 11 children attended (Museum admission charge for adults + £2 per participating child).

An artist-led needle felting workshop for adults was held on Friday 7 June, with 7 adults attending (£30 per ticket).

On 13 June, the LCPO co-hosted an event at the Museum for under fives with Wisbech Child and Family Centres exploring food and farming in the Fens through sensory and imaginative play.

An artist-led cyanotype printing workshop for adults was held on Saturday 15 June, with 9 adults attending (£25 per ticket).

An evening 'talk and taste' event, Food of the Fens, was hosted at the Museum on 3 July in partnership with The Ferry Project Cookery School; 28 adults attended with profits shared between the Museum and The Ferry Project (£12 per ticket).

The LCPO provided a family activity at WisBEACH Rock Festival with partners Cambridgeshire Libraries.

Page 4

THE WISBECH AND FENLAND MUSEUM

REPORT OF THE TRUSTEES

FOR THE YEAR ENDED 31 MARCH 2025

OBJECTIVES AND ACTIVITIES

On 7 August, the LCPO provided an activity for National PlayDay at The Spinney Wisbech Adventure Playground. Over 100 young people engaged with the Museum's activity.

The following events and activities were funded by a grant from the Fenland Culture Fund:

The LCPO delivered an after-hours family event on 29 October. The event was attended by 48 children and 42 adults and took £112.50 in admissions income.

Wisbech Christmas Fayre was cancelled by organisers Fenland District Council due to severe weather; the Museum and Wisbech Library went ahead with our programmed indoor activities. The Museum hosted Peckover House, Octavia Hill Birthplace House, and The Ferry Project Cookery School; 88 visitors were recorded as attending.

The LCPO delivered two half-term family events in February: a pre-booked mosaic coaster workshop on Wednesday 19 February attended by 8 children at £5 per ticket; and a drop-in Roman activity day on Friday 21 February attended by 23 children and 30 adults. Activities were provided free of charge at the drop-in, with accompanying adults required to purchase or already hold a valid Museum Annual Pass; admission income recorded on the day was £145.

Schools

During the year 730, pupils have benefitted from access to the Museum's loan boxes.

From 17 June to 28 June the Museum welcomed 796 pupils to an extended Wisbech Reads Festival for all pupils attending Years 1 and 5 in a Wisbech Schools Partnership school. During the festival, the LCPO delivered 26 workshops to 36 classes from 16 different schools.

From 18 September to 18 October the Museum participated in the Wisbech Autumn Festival and the LCPO delivered workshops to 331 pupils from 9 Wisbech schools that explored food and farming in the Fens.

59 pupils have attended paid-for workshops at the Museum during the period covered by this report.

The LCPO gave a presentation to the Wisbech Schools' Partnership Headteachers Meeting at Orchard's Church of England Academy in May about the range of services the Museum can offer their school communities.

The LCPO co-hosted a teacher CPD event at the Museum on 26 September with 20Twenty Productions, Cambridgeshire Libraries, and Historic England. 10 teachers from primary schools in Wisbech and March attended

A further 149 pupils have attended paid-for workshops at the Museum during the year, including 90 pupils from Nene & Ramnoth School who visited in January to learn about Thomas Clarkson prior to the departure of his chest of African artifacts Clarkson's chest going on loan to the Fitzwilliam Museum, Cambridge.

Work Experience and Routes to Employment

4 pupils from the College of West Anglia, Thomas Clarkson and Long Sutton have undertaken work experience placements and have completed over 150 hours of work placement activity.

1 pupil from Wisbech Grammar School completed their volunteering section of their Bronze Duke of Edinburgh Award (30 hour commitment).

Page 5

THE WISBECH AND FENLAND MUSEUM

REPORT OF THE TRUSTEES FOR THE YEAR ENDED 31 MARCH 2025

OBJECTIVES AND ACTIVITIES Volunteering

The LCPO continues to manage the Museum's volunteer team, with 9 new adult volunteers having been inducted into the front-of-house team and providing ad-hoc support for school and family activities.

Community Projects

The LCPO worked in partnership with CPP Marketplace and The Spinney Adventure Playground to deliver 'Wisbech Stories', a free arts programme for young people aged 8+ inspired by the Museum collections. 5 sessions took place at The Spinney, with 1 session held at the Museum in early October.

Young Arts Open

The LCPO secured £1,270 of sponsorship for the Young Arts Open 2024 from local organisations, charities, and businesses.

The exhibition displayed 78 entries from young people aged 4 to 24 in a variety of media.

Over 100 visitors turned out to support the community launch on Saturday, 30 March, where 14 prizes were awarded across five age categories.

The exhibition ran from 30 March - 13 April 2024.

Exhibitions

The LCPO curated the Museum's summer exhibition, Beasts: epic creatures real and imagined. A programme of associated events further enhanced the exhibition, as reflected by increased visitor footfall.

Upcoming Events

The Legends of the Fen

The Legends of the Fen project delivered by New International Encounter Theatre in collaboration with the Museum toured Fenland with performances taking place in Cambridge, Ramsey, March, and Wisbech. The Museum has received a fee of £1,200 for its involvement in this project, which has worked with over 250 young people.

Networking

The LCPO has represented the Museum at the Fenland Youth Worker Network, Fenland Young Creatives LCEP group, a consultation event led by CPP Marketplace and 20Twenty Productions CIC ahead of a Fenland application to the Arts Council's Place Partnership fund, and the informal network for independent arts, cultural, and heritage venues within the town.

Arts Council Place Partnership Bid

The LCPO has been attending meetings organised by CPP Marketplace, Clarion Futures, and 20Twenty Productions in relation to an application to the Arts Council's Place Partnership Fund. If successful, the LCPO will lead the Heritage Strand of the project on behalf of the Museum.

Benefact Group

The LCPO co-ordinated a social media campaign to encourage followers to nominate the Museum for a £5,000 charitable donation as part of the Benefact Group's Movement for Good campaign. This was a lottery-style draw, with each nomination by a third-party counting as an entry into the draw. We were fortunate to have our name drawn and have received a £5,000 donation. There are no restrictions attached to this money; it is a donation.

Page 6

THE WISBECH AND FENLAND MUSEUM

REPORT OF THE TRUSTEES FOR THE YEAR ENDED 31 MARCH 2025

OBJECTIVES AND ACTIVITIES BloombergConnects App

The LCPO has been attending a comprehensive programme of free online training provided by Bloomberg Philanthropies as part of the onboarding process for use of their free BloombergConnects app. The app will allow us to develop free digital content that functions as a series of mini tours relevant to the Museum and its collections that can be used both on and off-site. The Museum's guide will be live and available for download when we reopen in February.

Fenland Culture Fund

The Museum was awarded £200 to purchase retractable wall-barriers for use during the Museum's toddler sessions. These barriers will ensure young visitors have greater freedom of movement within the Hudson Gallery where sessions are currently held, reducing the risks posed by the stairs in this area.

Page 7

THE WISBECH AND FENLAND MUSEUM

REPORT OF THE TRUSTEES FOR THE YEAR ENDED 31 MARCH 2025

FINANCIAL REVIEW

Financial Review and Performance

The result for the financial year shows an operating deficit of £11,347. This is a marked worsening over the average of the previous 4 years but is in line with the trend for weakening financial performance. Against this one can set off the increase in the value of the Invested Reserves during period by £3,136. The overall loss is therefore £8,211.

It is more than likely that market adjustments in the next two years will end the run of steady increases in capital values of the reserves so we cannot expect this comfort to continue every year.

The figure for the operational loss includes depreciation of £1,127. This results in a net cash asset reduction of £7,084.

The Museum is not threatened by annual losses of this size or by a likely market adjustment but the Board is anxious to restore the finances to a breakeven position as soon as possible while maintaining the value of reserves.

Admission charges have been introduced and produce a double edged effect. They raise significant income but result in a reduction in visitor numbers. The scope for increasing these admission fees in line with inflation is therefore circumscribed. The Patrons Scheme and Supporters Circle enable supporters to contribute and raising public awareness of these schemes is a priority.

The Wisbech Town Council has continued to support the Museum in the year under review and the current year (2025/26) for which the Board is most grateful. However this is at a reducing level year on year and adds to the financial pressures of the future.

In addition, and for the second successive year, the Museum received a contribution from the Friends of the Museum in the sum of £5,000 for which the Board is most grateful. The purposes of the Friends are the support, assistance, promotion and improvement of the Museum and this is one of the most tangible ways that this can be done.

The Museum received a grant of £10,000 from Garfield Weston Foundation . This Foundation had launched a rare scheme to provide Core Costs/operating grants to which the Museum was able to apply and has been invaluable. The Scheme is a rare example of help for these costs and the Board are very grateful to the Trustees of the Garfield Weston Foundation for their support.

The Museum was very pleased to receive a donation of £3,000 from Barhale Construction Ltd. In addition, donations of £2,000 and £1,000, were received from private individuals. These donations, as well as the may smaller ones, are all very much appreciated.

The recent £20,000,000 Museum Renewal Fund was open to civic Museums only and therefore independent Museums such as the Wisbech and Fenland Museum were unable to gain any benefit. The Garfield Weston Foundation Scheme is a rare and creative, not to say much needed, offer of support accessible by independent Museums.

The Board will continue to seek grant funding for core costs as well as expanding the membership of the existing Supporter Circle and Patrons Schemes. It has restructured the staff benefits and levels during the year and as part of this withdrawn from the Local Government Pension Scheme.

Project funding is available in support of good schemes and in the current year a major overhaul of the heating system will be accomplished, funded in this way. However, such funding for core costs is elusive yet becoming more vital to the Museum sector as a whole.

The Board regrets that this previous consistency in the levels of cash retained within the charity is under threat and hopes to return to that situation as soon as possible. Only by doing so can the Museum demonstrate the financial resilience of the Museum to existing and prospective funders.

The Board recognises the reality that without access to central or district government grants, the fact remains that unless the local population and local councils are prepared to support their Museum it will eventually fail and be lost to that population.

Investment policy and objectives

There are no restrictions on the power of investment of the Trustee. Income requirements, risk profile and Investment manager views of market performance are considered when investment decisions are taken.

Page 8

THE WISBECH AND FENLAND MUSEUM

REPORT OF THE TRUSTEES FOR THE YEAR ENDED 31 MARCH 2025

FINANCIAL REVIEW

Reserves policy

The Trustee has established a policy whereby reserves are required in two areas, namely:-

(a) General operating revenue expenditure; and (b) building maintenance.

Based on a current assessment of overall risk, the Trustee has determined that the Charity should have general funds in reserve and readily available equating to 12 months' operating expenditure - a figure of £70,000 is currently appropriate.

The Charity should also have general reserve funds available to meet unexpected and significant building maintenance costs - a figure of £30,000 is currently considered appropriate.

The Trustee regards the Investments as the Charity's reserves.

The general fund as at 31 March 2025 is therefore considered to be sufficient.

The Trustee will review the Charity's reserve requirements, having regard to an assessment of current risks, annually or more often as required.

STRUCTURE, GOVERNANCE AND MANAGEMENT Governing document

The charity is controlled by its governing document, a deed of trust and constitutes an unincorporated charity.

Charity constitution

Wisbech and Fenland Museum is a Registered Charity (No. 311307). It is governed by a constitution adopted by Resolution on 9 September 2014 that consolidated all previous governing documents, and which permitted a sole Corporate Trustee, Wisbech and Fenland Museum Trustee Company Limited (effective from 1 April 2015).

Governance

The Corporate Trustee is required to have not less than 6 and not more than 12 directors who serve for a three-year term but who are eligible to serve for 2 succeeding terms. The Board meets on 4 occasions per year.

The Board has established a Management Committee the members of which are the Chairman, Vice Chairman and heads of committees. This committee has prescribed powers of decision making and reports to the Board.

The Curator manages the Museum on a day to day basis and reports to the Management Committee.

REFERENCE AND ADMINISTRATIVE DETAILS Registered Charity number

311307

Principal address

Museum Square Wisbech Cambridgeshire PE13 1ES

Page 9

THE WISBECH AND FENLAND MUSEUM

REPORT OF THE TRUSTEES FOR THE YEAR ENDED 31 MARCH 2025

Trustees

Wisbech and Fenland Museum Trustee Company Limited, Corporate Trustee.

The directors of the Corporate Trustee are as follows: S J McGregor (Chairman) D W Ball (Treasurer) R Beal C I Brodie R Powell Councillor L C Foice-Beard N Meekins (resigned 1 July 2025) Mrs C M Mason J D Leigh (appointed 3 April 2025)

Independent Examiner

Wheelers Chartered Accountants & Tax Consultants 27-29 Old Market Wisbech Cambridgeshire PE13 1NE

Approved by order of the board of trustees on 16 December 2025 and signed on its behalf by:

S.J. McGregor - Trustee

Page 10

INDEPENDENT EXAMINER'S REPORT TO THE TRUSTEES OF THE WISBECH AND FENLAND MUSEUM

Independent examiner's report to the trustees of The Wisbech and Fenland Museum

I report to the charity trustees on my examination of the accounts of The Wisbech and Fenland Museum (the Trust) for the year ended 31 March 2025.

Responsibilities and basis of report

As the charity trustees of the Trust 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 Act and in carrying out my examination I have followed all 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 giving me cause to believe that in any material respect:

  1. accounting records were not kept in respect of the Trust as required by Section 130 of the Act; or

  2. the accounts do not accord with those records; or

  3. the accounts do 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.

Emma Booty

Wheelers Chartered Accountants & Tax Consultants 27-29 Old Market Wisbech Cambridgeshire PE13 1NE

16 December 2025

Page 11

THE WISBECH AND FENLAND MUSEUM

STATEMENT OF FINANCIAL ACTIVITIES FOR THE YEAR ENDED 31 MARCH 2025

Unrestricted
Designated
funds
funds
Notes
£
£
INCOME AND
ENDOWMENTS FROM
Donations and legacies
62,269
-
Other trading activities
2
27,662
20,000
Investment income
3
2,535
-
Total
92,466
20,000
EXPENDITURE ON
Raising funds
3,964
-
Charitable activities
Museum costs
97,870
-
Governance costs
5,082
-
Total
106,916
-
Net gains on investments
3,136
-
NET
INCOME/(EXPENDITURE)
(11,314)
20,000
Transfers between funds
12
3,103
-
Net movement in funds
(8,211)
20,000
RECONCILIATION OF
FUNDS
Total funds brought forward
160,105
-
TOTAL FUNDS CARRIED
FORWARD
151,894
20,000		 Restricted
funds
£
29,844
-
197
30,041
113
29,028
-
29,141
-
900
(3,103)
(2,203)
35,712
33,509		 31.3.25
Total
funds
£
92,113
47,662
2,732
142,507
4,077
126,898
5,082
136,057
3,136
9,586
-
9,586
195,817
205,403		 31.3.24
Total
funds
£
82,247
20,108
2,372
104,727
4,674
145,553
4,968
155,195
10,972
(39,496)
-
(39,496)
235,313
195,817

The notes form part of these financial statements

Page 12

THE WISBECH AND FENLAND MUSEUM

BALANCE SHEET

31 MARCH 2025

Unrestricted
Designated
funds
funds
Notes
£
£
FIXED ASSETS
Tangible assets
7
11,580
-
Investments
8
106,008
-
117,588
-
CURRENT ASSETS
Stocks
9
1,319
-
Debtors
10
6,985
-
Cash at bank and in hand
36,404
20,000
44,708
20,000
CREDITORS
Amounts falling due within one
year
11
(10,402)
-
NET CURRENT ASSETS
34,306
20,000
TOTAL ASSETS LESS
CURRENT LIABILITIES
151,894
20,000
NET ASSETS
151,894
20,000
FUNDS
12
Unrestricted funds
Restricted funds
TOTAL FUNDS		 Restricted
funds
£
248
-
248
-
-
33,261
33,261
-
33,261
33,509
33,509		 31.3.25
Total
funds
£
11,828
106,008
117,836
1,319
6,985
89,665
97,969
(10,402)
87,567
205,403
205,403
171,894
33,509
205,403		 31.3.24
Total
funds
£
21,214
103,092
124,306
1,556
6,627
75,053
83,236
(11,725)
71,511
195,817
195,817
160,105
35,712
195,817

The financial statements were approved by the Board of Trustees and authorised for issue on 16 December 2025 and were signed on its behalf by:

S.J. McGregor - Trustee

D W Ball - Trustee

The notes form part of these financial statements

Page 13

THE WISBECH AND FENLAND MUSEUM

NOTES TO THE FINANCIAL STATEMENTS FOR THE YEAR ENDED 31 MARCH 2025

1. ACCOUNTING POLICIES

Basis of preparing the financial statements

The financial statements of the charity, which is a public benefit entity under FRS 102, have been prepared in accordance with the Charities SORP (FRS 102) '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) (effective 1 January 2019)', Financial Reporting Standard 102 'The Financial Reporting Standard applicable in the UK and Republic of Ireland' and the Charities Act 2011. The financial statements have been prepared under the historical cost convention, with the exception of investments which are included at market value, as modified by the revaluation of certain assets.

Going Concern

The Financial Statements have been prepared on a going concern basis as the Trustee believes that no material uncertainties exist. The Trustee has considered the level of funds held and the expected level of income and expenditure for 12 months from authorising these Financial Statements. The budgeted income and expenditure is sufficient with the level of reserves of the Charity to be able to continue as a going concern.

Income

All income is recognised in the Statement of Financial Activities once the charity has entitlement to the funds, it is probable that the income will be received and the amount can be measured reliably.

Expenditure

Liabilities are recognised as expenditure as soon as there is a legal or constructive obligation committing the charity to that expenditure, it is probable that a transfer of economic benefits will be required in settlement and the amount of the obligation can be measured reliably. Expenditure is accounted for on an 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.

Tangible fixed assets

Depreciation is provided at the following annual rates in order to write off each asset over its estimated useful life.

Leasehold property - 4% on cost
Alterations to freehold property - Over the period of the lease
Leasehold alterations - 4% on cost

Stocks

Stocks are valued at the lower of cost and net realisable value, after making due allowance for obsolete and slow moving items.

Taxation

The charity is exempt from tax on its charitable activities.

Fund accounting

Unrestricted funds can be used in accordance with the charitable objectives at the discretion of the trustees.

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.

Further explanation of the nature and purpose of each fund is included in the notes to the financial statements.

continued...

Page 14

THE WISBECH AND FENLAND MUSEUM

NOTES TO THE FINANCIAL STATEMENTS - continued FOR THE YEAR ENDED 31 MARCH 2025

1. ACCOUNTING POLICIES - continued

Pension costs and other post-retirement benefits

The charity participated in the Cambridgeshire Pension Fund for a number of staff, part of the Local Government Pension Scheme until the year ended 31 March 2025, when it left the fund. In accordance with FRS 102, the fund is deemed to be a multi-employer pension plan with contributions accounted for as a defined benefit pension scheme as information relating to the assets and liabilities of these employees is available as at 31 March each year. The Trustees did not wish to bear the cost of obtaining a FRS 102 report and as a result, the recognition of the associated asset/liability has not previously been included within the accounts or the disclosures thereto. The contributions paid during the year are accounted for on a defined contribution basis. On ceasing to be to part of the fund, the charity had a surplus in the fund of £34,000 which was repaid to the charity.

Heritage assets

Various historical items and collections were held at the Balance Sheet date that have been acquired over many years. However, these have not been recognised on the Balance Sheet as information on their cost or value is not available and the cost to obtain such information is considered not to be commensurate with the benefit to users of these Accounts and to the Charity.

2. OTHER TRADING ACTIVITIES

OTHER TRADING ACTIVITIES
31.3.25 31.3.24
Unrestricted Restricted Total Total
funds funds funds funds
£ £ £ £
Shop income 7,853 - 7,853 8,624
Education income 842 - 842 3,885
Gift aid 2,916 - 2,916 5,783
Charitable activities 2,051 - 2,051 1,816
LGPS pension exit credit 34,000 - 34,000 -
47,662 - 47,662 20,108

3. INVESTMENT INCOME

INVESTMENT INCOME
31.3.25 31.3.24
Unrestricted Restricted Total Total
funds funds funds funds
£ £ £ £
Other investment income 1,995 - 1,995 1,674
Deposit account interest 540 197 737 698
2,535 197 2,732 2,372

4. TRUSTEES' REMUNERATION AND BENEFITS

There were no trustees' remuneration or other benefits for the year ended 31 March 2025 nor for the year ended 31 March 2024.

Trustees' expenses

There were no trustees' expenses paid for the year ended 31 March 2025 nor for the year ended 31 March 2024.

Page 15

continued...

THE WISBECH AND FENLAND MUSEUM

NOTES TO THE FINANCIAL STATEMENTS - continued FOR THE YEAR ENDED 31 MARCH 2025

5. STAFF COSTS

The average monthly number of employees during the year was as follows:

Employees
No employees received emoluments in excess of £60,000.
6.
COMPARATIVES FOR THE STATEMENT OF FINANCIAL ACTIVITIES
Unrestricted
Designated
funds
funds
£
£
INCOME AND ENDOWMENTS FROM
Donations and legacies
59,535
-
Other trading activities
20,108
-
Investment income
2,237
-
Total
81,880
-
EXPENDITURE ON
Raising funds
4,674
-
Charitable activities
Museum costs
96,318
-
Governance costs
4,968
-
Total
105,960
-
Net gains on investments
10,972
-
NET INCOME/(EXPENDITURE)
(13,108)
-
Transfers between funds
1,035
-
Net movement in funds
(12,073)
-
RECONCILIATION OF FUNDS
Total funds brought forward
172,178
-
TOTAL FUNDS CARRIED FORWARD
160,105
-		 31.3.25

5
Restricted
funds
£
22,712
-
135
22,847
-
49,235
-
49,235
-
(26,388)
(1,035)
(27,423)
63,135
35,712		 31.3.24
5
Total
funds
£
82,247
20,108
2,372
104,727
4,674
145,553
4,968
155,195
10,972
(39,496)
-
(39,496)
235,313
195,817

Page 16

continued...

THE WISBECH AND FENLAND MUSEUM

NOTES TO THE FINANCIAL STATEMENTS - continued FOR THE YEAR ENDED 31 MARCH 2025

7. TANGIBLE FIXED ASSETS

Leasehold
property
£
COST
At 1 April 2024 and 31 March 2025
12,020
DEPRECIATION
At 1 April 2024
960
Charge for year
96
At 31 March 2025
1,056
NET BOOK VALUE
At 31 March 2025
10,964
At 31 March 2024
11,060
8.
FIXED ASSET INVESTMENTS
MARKET VALUE
At 1 April 2024
Additions
Disposals
Revaluations
At 31 March 2025
NET BOOK VALUE
At 31 March 2025
At 31 March 2024
There were no investment assets outside the UK.
Cost or valuation at 31 March 2025 is represented by:
Valuation in 2025		 Alterations
to
freehold
property
£
231,253
221,724
9,249
230,973
280
9,529		 Leasehold
alterations
Totals
£
£
1,035
244,308
410
223,094
41
9,386
451
232,480
584
11,828
625
21,214
Unlisted
investments
£
103,092
66
(286)
3,136
106,008
106,008
103,092
Unlisted
investments
£
106,008

continued...

Page 17

THE WISBECH AND FENLAND MUSEUM

NOTES TO THE FINANCIAL STATEMENTS - continued FOR THE YEAR ENDED 31 MARCH 2025

9.
STOCKS
Stocks
10.
DEBTORS: AMOUNTS FALLING DUE WITHIN ONE YEAR
Prepayments
11.
CREDITORS: AMOUNTS FALLING DUE WITHIN ONE YEAR
Trade creditors
Taxation and social security
Other creditors
12.
MOVEMENT IN FUNDS
Net
movement
At 1.4.24
in funds
£
£
Unrestricted funds
General Fund
159,083
(10,324)
Refurbishment Fund
1,022
(990)
Designated - salary fund
-
20,000
160,105
8,686
Restricted funds
Elgoods Trust Fund
3,908
58
Caxton Tercentenary Fund
4,395
140
Refurbishment Fund
8,508
(8,260)
The Building Fund
122
(89)
Anglian Water Fund
2,000
-
Esmee Fairbairn Fund
1,013
(198)
SHARE Summer Holiday Fund
452
(301)
Brian Payne Legacy Fund
3,000
-
National Manuscripts Fund
1,677
(330)
Learning and Community Participation
Officer Fund
8,937
6,587
Fenland Culture Fund
1,700
(1,488)
VoIP Fund
-
4,444
Young Arts Fund
-
337
35,712
900
TOTAL FUNDS
195,817
9,586		 31.3.25
£
1,319
31.3.25
£
6,985
31.3.25
£
4,190
811
5,401
10,402
Transfers
between
funds
£
3,103
-
-
3,103
-
-
-
-
-
-
-
-
-
(3,103)
-
-
-
(3,103)
-		 31.3.24
£
1,556
31.3.24
£
6,627
31.3.24
£
4,254
493
6,978
11,725
At
31.3.25
£
151,862
32
20,000
171,894
3,966
4,535
248
33
2,000
815
151
3,000
1,347
12,421
212
4,444
337
33,509
205,403

continued...

Page 18

THE WISBECH AND FENLAND MUSEUM

NOTES TO THE FINANCIAL STATEMENTS - continued FOR THE YEAR ENDED 31 MARCH 2025

12. MOVEMENT IN FUNDS - continued

Net movement in funds, included in the above are as follows:

Unrestricted funds
General Fund
Refurbishment Fund
Designated - salary fund
Restricted funds
Elgoods Trust Fund
Caxton Tercentenary Fund
Refurbishment Fund
The Building Fund
Esmee Fairbairn Fund
SHARE Summer Holiday Fund
National Manuscripts Fund
Learning and Community Participation
Officer Fund
Fenland Culture Fund
VoIP Fund
MIC Fund
Young Arts Fund
TOTAL FUNDS		 Incoming
resources
£
92,466
-
20,000
112,466
58
140
-
-
-
(1)
-
24,000
200
4,444
750
450
30,041
142,507		 Resources
expended
£
(105,926)
(990)
-
(106,916)
-
-
(8,260)
(89)
(198)
(300)
(330)
(17,413)
(1,688)
-
(750)
(113)
(29,141)
(136,057)		 Gains and
Movement
losses
in funds
£
£
3,136
(10,324)
-
(990)
-
20,000
3,136
8,686
-
58
-
140
-
(8,260)
-
(89)
-
(198)
-
(301)
-
(330)
-
6,587
-
(1,488)
-
4,444
-
-
-
337
-
900
3,136
9,586

continued...

Page 19

THE WISBECH AND FENLAND MUSEUM

NOTES TO THE FINANCIAL STATEMENTS - continued FOR THE YEAR ENDED 31 MARCH 2025

12. MOVEMENT IN FUNDS - continued

Comparatives for movement in funds

Unrestricted funds
General Fund
Refurbishment Fund
Restricted funds
Elgoods Trust Fund
Caxton Tercentenary Fund
Refurbishment Fund
The Building Fund
Anglian Water Fund
Esmee Fairbairn Fund
SHARE Summer Holiday Fund
Brian Payne Legacy Fund
SHARE Next Steps Fund
National Manuscripts Fund
School Budget Fund
Learning and Community Participation
Officer Fund
Fenland Culture Fund
TOTAL FUNDS		 At 1.4.23
£
170,166
2,012
172,178
3,861
4,306
16,768
21,220
2,000
1,013
1,194
3,000
550
1,677
1,295
6,251
-
63,135
235,313		 Net
movement
in funds
£
(12,118)
(990)
(13,108)
47
89
(8,260)
(20,227)
-
-
(742)
-
(566)
-
-
1,571
1,700
(26,388)
(39,496)		 Transfers
between
funds
£
1,035
-
1,035
-
-
-
(871)
-
-
-
-
16
-
(1,295)
1,115
-
(1,035)
-		 At
31.3.24
£
159,083
1,022
160,105
3,908
4,395
8,508
122
2,000
1,013
452
3,000
-
1,677
-
8,937
1,700
35,712
195,817

Comparative net movement in funds, included in the above are as follows:

Unrestricted funds
General Fund
Refurbishment Fund
Restricted funds
Elgoods Trust Fund
Caxton Tercentenary Fund
Refurbishment Fund
The Building Fund
SHARE Summer Holiday Fund
SHARE Next Steps Fund
Learning and Community Participation
Officer Fund
Fenland Culture Fund
TOTAL FUNDS		 Incoming
resources
£
81,880
-
81,880
47
89
-
2,310
1
-
18,700
1,700
22,847
104,727		 Resources
expended
£
(104,970)
(990)
(105,960)
-
-
(8,260)
(22,537)
(743)
(566)
(17,129)
-
(49,235)
(155,195)		 Gains and
Movement
losses
in funds
£
£
10,972
(12,118)
-
(990)
10,972
(13,108)
-
47
-
89
-
(8,260)
-
(20,227)
-
(742)
-
(566)
-
1,571
-
1,700
-
(26,388)
10,972
(39,496)		 Gains and
Movement
losses
in funds
£
£
10,972
(12,118)
-
(990)
10,972
(13,108)
-
47
-
89
-
(8,260)
-
(20,227)
-
(742)
-
(566)
-
1,571
-
1,700
-
(26,388)
10,972
(39,496)
(13,108)
47
89
(8,260)
(20,227)
(742)
(566)
1,571
1,700
(26,388)
(39,496)

continued...

Page 20

THE WISBECH AND FENLAND MUSEUM

NOTES TO THE FINANCIAL STATEMENTS - continued FOR THE YEAR ENDED 31 MARCH 2025

12. MOVEMENT IN FUNDS - continued

The General fund represents free funds of the Charity which are not designated for particular purposes.

Purpose of Designated Funds:

Refurbishment Fund:

The fund represents funds designated for the refurbishment of the museum less expenditure incurred.

Purpose of Restricted Funds:

The Elgoods Trust Fund:

This fund relates to the preservation of the collection of moths and butterflies.

The Caxton Tercentenary Trust Fund:

This fund relates to the maintenance of the Town Library manuscripts and books.

Refurbishment Fund:

This fund represents grants received for refurbishment of the Museum.

The Building Fund:

This fund represents grants for the major project of the repair of the Museum roof and other external parts which continues in the current financial year.

Anglian Water Fund:

This fund is sponsorship for a series of lectures to be given at the Museum in the future.

Esmee Fairbairn Fund:

This fund represents the balance of a grant for the "Articles for Change" project that is widening access to the Thomas Clarkson collection of 18th Century anti-slavery documents and artefacts; opening debate about issues of modern slavery in England and in particular with the extensive migrant communities in the East of England.

SHARE Summer Holiday Fund:

This fund represents a grant to fund a holiday club week at the Museum during the summer months.

Brian Payne Legacy Fund:

This fund is a legacy in the Will of the late Brian Payne who died on 6 April 2017 and was expressed to be a contribution to the costs of preserving the photographic collection and other papers left to the Museum in the said Will.

National Manuscripts Fund:

This fund comprises a grant to conserve and digitise the manuscript of The Monk by M.G. Lewis.

Learning and Community Participation Officer Fund:

This fund is to enable the Museum to employ a part time officer to oversee volunteer support and to administer the School Budget Fund.

Fenland Culture Fund:

This fund is to cover the cost of the co-programmed summer holiday activities in 2024 linked to the "Beasts" exhibition.

VoIP Fund :

This fund represents a donation for the upgrade of the VoIP telephone system.

MIC Fund:

This fund represents funding towards digital support and volunteer training.

Young Arts Fund:

continued...

Page 21

THE WISBECH AND FENLAND MUSEUM

NOTES TO THE FINANCIAL STATEMENTS - continued FOR THE YEAR ENDED 31 MARCH 2025

12. MOVEMENT IN FUNDS - continued

This fund represents funding towards an open submission art competition for young people aged 18 and under living, working or attending school in the districts of Fenland, West Norfolk or South Holland. The exhibition is organised by Wisbech and Fenland Museum and supported by 20Twenty Productions CIC.

13. EMPLOYEE BENEFIT OBLIGATIONS

The charity participated in the Cambridgeshire Pension Fund for a number of staff, part of the Local Government Pension Scheme until ceasing participation during the year ended 31 March 2025. The pension cost charge includes contributions payable by the charity to the fund which amounted to £4,170 (2024 - £12,381). Contributions totalling £Nil (2024 - £1,382) were payable to the fund at the balance sheet date and are included in creditors. Following the exit from the Cambridgeshire Pension Fund, the charity contributed to a defined contribution scheme for its employees. The pension cost change for the year amounted to £972 (2024 - £Nil) and contributions of £118 (2024 - £Nil) were outstanding at 31 March 2025 and are included in creditors.

14. RELATED PARTY DISCLOSURES

During the year, The Hudson Foundation (Registered Charity No. 280332), of which Mr D W Ball is a trustee, made grants of £11,000 (2024 - £19,310) to the Wisbech & Fenland Museum.

During the year, the Robert Hall Charity (Registered Charity No. 1015493), of which Mr D W Ball is a trustee, made donations of £4,444 (2024 - £5,000) to the Wisbech & Fenland Museum.

Page 22