Charity Registration No. 313051 Company Registration No. 01002955 {En9land and Wales) ALPINE CLUB LIBRARY (LIMITED BY GUARANTEE) COUNCIL'S REPORT AND FINANCIAL STATEMENTS FOR THE YEAR ENDED 31 DECEMBER 2023
ALPINE CLUB LIBRARY ILIMITED BY GUARANTEE) CONTENTS Pago Council's report Independent Examiners report 12 statement of financial actiwties 13 Balance sheet 14 Notes to the accounts 1&22
ALPINE CLUB LIBRARY (LIMITED BY GUARANTEE) COUNCIL'S REPORT FOR THE YEAR ENDED 31 DECEMBER 2023 The Trustees (who are also directors of the Charty for Ihe purposes of the Companies Act) present their report and the finanoal stalements for Alpine Club Library (the Company) for the year end 31 December 2023 which are also prepared to meet the requirements for a directors, report for Companies Act purposes. The accounts comply wth the CharTtses Ad 2011. the Companies Ad 20C6, the Memorandum and Artic188 of Assoriation. and AGcounting and Reporting by Charilies: Statement of Recommended Practice applicable to charities preparing their accounts in aco)rdance with the Financial Reporting Standard applicable in the UK and Republic of Ireland {FRS 102) (effective 1 January 2015). Qur purposes and general activities The Alpine Club Library charity's purpose and prinapal acts.vity is to re for and manage the colledions of mountaineering books, tracts. arthives. artefacts, photographs and paintings owned, in the main, by the Alpine Club, and to make them available to the public. Based in the Alpine Club's London premises, the Alpine Club Library manages one of the most signfficant collections of mountain material world-wide which provides an important SOU of reference. To achieve these purposes, fhe knbrary gains funds by: the sale of duplicate books; the sale of reproduction rights for photographs., commissions from painting sales,. contributions from members of the public and organisalions who use the Library", owasional support from grant making bodies and occasional appeals primarily - though not exdusively- to the Club membership. The Library aciively seeks donations in kind of archives, photographs, paintings and books. We consider all items for addition to our collections and we also retain duplicates (and triplicates or quadruples) as needed. We publish a regular list of surplus books for sale- recycling books back into circulation for interested readers. The acquisition and disposal of rare and importanl book volumes is only carried out in consultstion with the CILJb', a restricted Acquisitions & Restoration Fund exists for the purposes of acquiring specialist books. There has been no change in these policies during the year. In shaping the objectives for the year and planning the activities. the Members of CounrAI have considered the Charity Commission's guidance on wblic benefft. including the guidance 'Public Benefit: Running A Charity (PB2)'. Financial review and reserves policy The results for the year show a SUTplus of £59.455 (2022". deficit £182,801), after accounting for total gains on investmenls of £54,917 {2022.' losses £206.557)- Realised gains for the year totalled £3,395 (2022= losses £47,562). Unrealised gains whith are not cash iiems and solely reflect the movem8nt of the investments with regaid to the value of the portfclio at the y8ar end totslled £51,522 (2022,'105ses £158.994). Total funds carried forward were £1,457.369 (2022.. £1,397.914) of which £1.299,141 (2022: £1,247,315) were unrestricted funds, £14,382 (2022: £nil) were designated and £143.846 were restn.cted funds (2022.. £150,599). It is the policy ofthe charity that unrestrided funds which have not been designated for a specific use should be rnainlained at a level equivalent to between three and six month's expenditure, which is between £20,000 and £40.000 al current levels. Th8 trustees consider that reserves at this level will ensure Ihat. in Ihe event of a significant drop in funding. thèy will be able lo continue the charity's current activtbes Whi consideration is given to ways in which additional funds may be raised. In the event of reseNes nol meeting the required amount to fund the expenditure of the charity, the trustees have discussed realising some of the Gharrws investments to meet the shortfall. The charity had free reserves of £1.209.445 at the year end (2022: £1.146.166). Wrth the authority of the Charity Commissioners. the Libratys investrnents were managed on a discretionary basis by Quilter Cheviot Asset Management. These investments provide a vttal source of income lo support the salary for our professional Librarian and the costs of our premises. Investment income for the year was £49,082 (2022: £36.382). The value of listed investments increased from £1.119.247 to £1.222.862 at 31 December 2023. Note 14 sets out an analysis of the assets attributable to the various fijnds and a description of the funds held. These assets are SLJfficient to meet the charitys obligations on a fund by fund basis.
ALPINE CLUB LIBRARY (LIMITED BY GUARANTEE) COUNCIL'S REPORT (CONTINUED) FOR THE YEAR ENDED 31 DECEMBER 2023 People and Events Just as for 2022. physical visitor numbers to the Library remained low during 2023 relative lo historical pr8-Cowd levels. It seems that the majority of AC members now prefer to do their research and access material online. either through Ihe website or via emails. As I have previously noled, although this approach is time efficient, I remain convinced that leasing out key details is often enhanced by a physical visit and firsl-hand perusal of the relevant documents. Arguably the most momentous event of the year was BaTbara Grigor-Taylorfs decision lo step down from her role as our Honorary brarIan at the end of the year. Barbara has been a stalwart member of the Library for two decades since George Band. then Chair of the knbrary CounGil, invited her to become a Trustee in 2004. She then took over responsibility for the listing and sale of donated duplicate books after the death of Mike Hewson in 2014 and has continued to issue those listings to AC members ever since. Also in 2014, Batbara was appointed as deputy to Jery Lovatt, taking over many of his day-to-day duties. especially during the interregnums beeen Librarians. She was then appointed as Honorary Librarian in 2016 when Jerry stepped down from that role. Barbara also served on the Club's Propety Sub-committee during a somewhat fraught period when a move outside London was being contemplated and when architectural plans for a major revamp of the Charlotte Road premises were submitted for planning consent. During her term as Honorary Librarian Barbara re-established contact with renowned conservation binder Cyril Titus, who now handles all the Library's rebinding and conseNation requirements for books. archives and Sor original artwork. Her sales of donated duplicate books have provided a Mtal source of funding for this essential consetvation work. Barbara's appointment as Honorary Librarian more-or-less rxjincided with my appointment as a knbrary Trustee after being involved with the logistics of mounting the major exhibition of AC paintings celebrating the Golden Age of Alpinism in the Alpine Museum in Chamonix. So, I know from first-hand experience how much time. effort and resolve that she has d8vot8d to the Library during her long tenure. A recent example of Ihat dedicated effort was the hugely succ8ssful landmark exhibition Everest by 'those who were there, 1921.1922, 1924, curated by Barbara to commemorale the centenary of the first reconnaissance expedttion to Mount Everest and the 1922 and 1924 climbing expeditions. exploring the experien$ of expedition members as told in their own words and through their arlefacts. Corresponden and artworks. Barbara also wrote the accompanying catalogue that reproduced every item from the exhibilion. This proved to be such a besl-seller that the original print run of 300 copies rnpletelY sold out and a seojnd impression had to be published. l am deeply grateful for her amazing level of supp)rt, and it is therefore my great pleasure to be able to take this opportuntty io Ihank her profusely for thal on behalf of the Library Council and the whole Library tearn. Following Barbara's indication that she wished lo step down, the Club had the unenviable task of seeking a new Honorary Librarian. The post was adv8rtiS8d wdety to the whole AC membership and a number of expressions of interest was received. Following a selection and interview process. the President, on behalf of the AC Committee, was pl8ased to offer the position to Gordon Tumer. Gordon is uirrently Director of Clinical Govemance at the West London NHS Trust-, he has had a long involvement in sports medicine and. amongsl other posts, was previously the Head of Sports Medicine at Glenmore Lodge. H8 also has a long-lerm interest in rafe and collectible mountaineering literature. and has been an AC Library Volunteer since 2016. In fact. it was Gordon's eagle eye that spotted a copy of Douglas Freshfield's Across Country from Thonon to Trent for sale in an online auction catalogue in 2021., Freshfield's first and rarest book, published in 1865. It tums out that this was the copy °missing' from the ACL bookshelves, and after many phone calls and email exchanges the sale was eventually Canlled and this valuable volume reslored lo its rightful place on the reserve shelves of the Library, where it is nowonce more available forperusal. So, I think it is fair to say that Gordon has an excellent knowledge of ACL operations. He is already developing ideas for Library improvements. and it is a pleasure to welcome him to the Library team.
ALPINE CLUB LIBRARY (LIMITED BY GUARANTEE) COUNCIL'S REPORT (CONTINUED) FOR THE YEAR ENDED 31 DECEMBER 2023 Another exijting development during the year was the stsrt of th8 Kapadia Interview project, overseen by Adam Bulterwcrth and Emma MacDonald, which involved uploading Harish Kapadia's interview archive to YouTube. At the last count tsventy-five episodes have gone live. including interviews with Chris Bonington, Stephen V8nables, Tamotsu Nakamura. Bemadette M¢Donald and Tony Streather amongst others. All of the interwews can be viewed via a dedicated YouTube playlist. The Kapadia I ntervieI17 Episcxle I Chris Bi)ninuion Tlie Kapadia IntervieTh's This year the Club revived its photographic compelition. wilh four compètition categories," Alpine Climbing, Mountain Landscape, AC Gatherings and The Unusual. A tolal of over 100 photographs were subrnttted, and they were judged by John Cleare. The four winning photographs, together with Iwelve other highly commended images were then printed and exhibited in the Leciure Room at Charlotte Road as Current AC Photographers during the aLrtumn. Following the exhibition, the wnning photographs and nine other selected images were reproduced forthe Alpin8 Club 2024 Calendar. and eight were reproduced in vinyl to strikingty adom the exterior windows in the side wall Df the clubhouse in Mills CourL 2024 Calendar In October, we were extremely pleased to receive an unsolitited donation of $10.000 from the Chalten Fund of thé Marin Community Foundation recommended by the Holdfast Collective, which is the new chartlable arm of Patagonia. The donation was nol allocated for any specrfic purpose. but for 'general operating supporf. After discussion belween the AC and the ACL, it was used to support the ongoing project to digitise and update the Himalayan Index. It was fell that this was a worthy cause that both meets the aims of the Foundation aTKI has the potential to be of longstanding benefit to alpinists and expeditioners globally.
ALPINE CLUB LIBRARY ILIMITED BY GUARANTEE) COUNCIL'S REPORT (CONTINUED) FOR THE YEAR ENDED 31 DECEMBER 2023 I reported last year that Library Twslee$ now have a fixed temi of Offi of the years. and it 15 therefore necessary to appoint or r&appoint several trustees each year. At the 2023 AGM, Trevor Campbell Davis and Barbara Grigor-Taylor wer8 r8-appointed as Ac-nominated Trustees. The Library and its Keepers continue to make progress towards our goal of slreamlining and integrating online infom)alion about the collections in order to be able to provid8 a better and more easily accessible service to members. In particJJlar. there is now a regular feature in the AC Newsletter, The Bigger Picture, that highlights selected photographs, drawngs. liihographs and olher ariwoTks from the Club's ¢olleGtions. At the risk of reFetilion, I feel I need to reiterate that collections don't get srnaller but inevitably increase in size over lime. This not only puls continual pressure on spa, bul also on the work required lo organise and manage the holdings. We are therefore always looking for volunteers to help with CustclanShiP of the collections. If you are intested in helping out or would like more infommtion about volunteering opportunities. please contact me (chair.acl@alpineclub.org) or any of the Keeper5. Not only can the work itself be very rewarding, but it also opens the door lo a truly wondrous world of mountaineering heritage. Exhibitions Following the lead of 2022, we also had a full schedule of exhibitions in the Charfotte Road Lecture Room in 2023. John Colton= Over Ihe Hill The year started with John Cdlon's Over the Hill. which ran from Febnjary to April. This evocative exhibition paid hornage to John's long and rith career as a dimber and painter. Indeed, as a peintre-alpiniste in the best sense of the term, John Colton's pictures rnatched the (zlibre of his many climbs in technical tems. His caieful use of while gouache {or body¢xlourl. for example, in his A5 sketchbook-sized paintings, suggested he was a far more Competent practitioner than perhaps acknowledged by the light-hearted exhibition tie. Lots of the w0S on display were also accompanied by memorable anecdotes of mischief and of antagonrzing the authorities whilst climbing. This made for a rewarding insight inlo John's approath to both his climbing and his painting and, yet, despite an obvious attempl to look back and review a life in the mountains and the inevitable accompanying nostalgia. John's pictures always felt fresh and relevant. In conveying strong memories of various cols, summits and ridges, many of the pictures favoured a light, cheerful palette. Above all. Over the Hill revealed a great love of the suty'ect. AÈEUIIk byjohn ColrD the WalkerSFvff byjohn Colton Heather Dawe. No substan but Light A few of the pictures in this compelling exhibition by the poet and painter Heather Daw8, which ran from May to July, were a first of their kind to be shown at the Alpine Club. Using a synthesis of preparatory sketches and the application of Artificial Intelligence, the 'ridge' drawiros were unusual and thought provoking. As a specialist in implementing Al into industy, Heatherfs works were a deliberate attempt to see how the lines would blur beeen the human hand and technology. Other paintings represented the Canadian Alps, the Himalaya. the Alps and. closer to home, the Highlands and the Lake District. Together with the Al pictures, the other therne Heather was keen to explore through her work on display was the power of'going places in my nNnd' as she summarized it. The sense of memory and even dream came across in her mountain-scapes and, doublless, a reminisnCe from the lockdown peried. Heathels painting of Nanda Devi, a mountain she is looking forward to seeing in person. was a perfect Éxample of this blend of imagination and sense of longing.
ALPINE CLUB LIBRARY (LIMITED BY GUARANTEE) COUNCIL'S REPORT (CONTINUED) FOR THE YEAR ENDED 31 DECEMBER 2023 Current AC Photographers In 2023, the Alpine Club held a photographic competition among its membership to seek out the best mountain photography from the past five years wthin four competition calegories: Alpine Climbing. Mountain Landscape, AC Gatherings and The Unusual. A lotsl of 113 photographs were submitted by 31 members, and th8 four winners were selected by professional photographer and AC member John Cleare. The Viinners were., lan Welstead approaching the North-west Summit of Mount Waddington, Canadian Coastal Mountains by Simon Richaidson, sgU a'mhadaidh Ruaidh. Trottemish, Skyeby Andrew Moore, Regroup on the Windjoch, Saas Feeby Nathan M¢)ore. and Lac Noirsummit fishing by Tim MacLean, respectively. The four winning photographs, together with e1ve other highly commended images and a number of historic monochrome photographs from the Club's collection were exhibited in th8 Lecture Room at Chadotte Road as Current AC Photographers during the autumn, curated by Bernie Ingrams. elrtead iFprojehr_ thcNo cfblOTt
ALPINE CLUB LIBRARY (LIMITED BY GUARANTEE) COUNCIL'S REPORT (CONTINUED) FOR THE YEAR ENDED 31 DECEMBER 2023 James Hart-Dyke: Mont Blanc - The Summil Paintings In July 2022, the landscape painter James Hart-Dyke set out to dimb Mont Blanc via the ancien passage. better kn¢Jwn today as the Grands Mulets route. The aim of the exFedition was to emulate as closely as possible the conditions under whi¢h Gabriel Loppé made his now well-known 'sunseV summit pictures on August 6th 1873. as witnessed by Leslie Stephen and beautifully written up in The Playground of Europe. Since Loppé's time no artist had hilherto painted on the summit of Mont Blanc and, therefore, accompanied by William Mitchell (AC Keeper of Pictures) and a retinue of guide5 and Loppé enthusiasts, the dimb was mounted and expertty led by erstsvhile French dimbing legend, Christophe ProfiL 150 years on, James Hart Dyke managed to complete two oil sketches on the summit between 8.30 and 9.45pm on that dear but Cold summe¢s night. These tsvo pictures formed the ntrepieCe of Mont Blan¢ - The Summit Paintings. our final exhibition of the year, which featUd several olher oil studies painted on the spot during the climb made on foot there and back from Chamonix. A number of much larger fomiat canvases. subsequently painted in James's studio, further enhanced this wonderful exhibition. badow of Mont B]aDC psititedfro th< summit" by 'i¢$ Pdixs by ja¢5 Hart-DyLe ColleGtions Further iNJoks from the collection of J.H. Emlyn Jones (AC President 1979-1982) were donated to the Library by his widow Louise. These included a number of volumes inscribed to him from George Band. Bernard Pierre and John Hunt. Archives donated from his personal library included his diary from the 1950 Annapuma Himal exp8dition led by Bill Tilman, Jock Harrison's diary from the 1938 Masherbrum expedilion and Amold Lunn's diary of his clitnbs in 1902 and 1903. The entire Emlyn Jones collection now features under his name in the online Library catalogue.
ALPINE CLUB LIBRARY (LIMITED BY GUARANTEE) COUNCIL'S REPORT (CONTINUED) FOR THE YEAR ENDED 31 DECEMBER 2023 Over the year, conservator Cyril fitus undertook ten major restoration projects, all fvnded by proceeds from the sale of donated duplicate books. Amongst them were the three diaries from J.H. Emlyn Jones, library and a large volume of AC Minutes. The latter was simply too large and too awkward to handle and read. So. it has been re-bound into three more manageable volumes. This is part of an ongoing project to restore all historic AC Minut6 books for 8asier use and reference. The Honorary Arthivist, Glyn Hughes, has collected the remaining material from the Eileen Healey archive that relates to Cho Oyu. This is a substantial amount of matertal, and will require sunificant ediling to select Ihe ffH)st appropriate material for scanning. He has also received a tranthe of letters from John Porter relating to the 1953 Everest expedition. These were written by Shiplon, Odell, Tilman and Hunt to Glen Denny, an American joumalist researching an article on Eric Shipton for the journal Quest. Signtficanlly. we have also been offered the complete Wilfred Noyce archive. This includes his diaries from expeditions to Everest. Trivor and Machapu¢harè. The material is currently held by a r81atlV8 in Windsor, awaiting collection and delrvery to Chartotte Road. We reported last year that the mountaineering photos of the late Rick Allen had been bequeathed to AC Member Roy Lindsay who had loaned them to the AC for copying before Ihey are eventually deposited into the archives ofthe Scottish Mountaineering Club and the National Library of Scotland. However, during the process of sorting and scanning, it was discovered that many of the images of Nanga Parbal accredited to Rick Allen had actually been taken by Sandy Allen. As a result, Bemie Ingrams and Peter Payne are engaged in the pror2ss of trying to resolve this issue for accreditation and copyright purposes. Interest in the pictures from the AC collection displayed on ArtUK and The Watercolour World continues to increase. with our presence on ArtUK providing a small but steady income stream that hèlps to pay for conseNation of the picture collection. In that context, during May we consulted Apelles Fine Art Servic*s about deaning Robert Collierfs large painting of the Argentière Glacjer. It was duly removed from the wall next to Ihe bar and sent to the restorer Paola Bernardi in West London. Thanks to the Victorian fad for glazing paintings, Paola was able to confimi that the picture had never been touthed Sin it was painted over 150 years ago. Behind the glass a thick film of grime. mostty tobacco smoke and dust, had built up on the canvas overlaying an oxidised and yellowed vamish. Once this was removed the colours regained their original intensity and the Collier retumed in September wholly transformed. It now sits resplendently overlooking the bar once again. TO Bo.allIOn'S ic¢-axe
ALPINE CLUB LIBRARY ILIMITED BY GUARANTEE) COUNCIL'S REPORT (CONTINUED) FOR THE YEAR ENDED 31 DECEMBER 2023 Nigel Buckley, Keeper of Artefacts, was excited to be offered Tom Bourdillon's ice axe and alpine guidebooks by David and Kevin Fif2gerald. They are son5 of AC member Frank Fitzgerald who worked with Tom at the Rocket Propulsion Establishment in Westcott. The ice axe was manufactured by Alfred Bhend of Grindelwald and is believed to hav8 been used by Bourdillon on the 1953 Everest expedition. It is always good to end on a high note, and l am deligmed to port that the Mathews Monument has at last been moved from its old location OLrtside the old Couttet Hotel in Chamonix. craned over the moraine ridge. and now sits on a much more prominent site on the approach road to the raihvay station. This is the result of a prolonged three-year pro5$ of negotiation wlh the Chamonix authorities that has called upon all the diplomatic skills of Charlie 8urbridge, our lactful Keeper of Monuments. The move was treated as a major event by the Mayor of Chamonix, and enthusiastically driven by Claire Burnett ofthe Chamonix Inforrnation Office, to such an extent that the Mayorfs offi paid all the removal costs. For our part, the AC has paid for the deaning of the monument and restoration of the inscription. As a result, it now appears in the natural colour of the local granite from which it was hewed rather than being draped in its previous dingy black, probably coal-fired, coat. Originally. the monument was dedicated lo the memory of C.E. Mathews, a founding member of the AC. but has now been rededicated to also represent the shared history and comradeship belween Chamonix and the Alpine Club. The Mayor has organised an official rernonY for 5pm on Saturday the 6th of July. where he will unveil the monument in its reslored state. The Chamonix authorities are keen to assemb18 as many members of the AC and also the local British community, in addition to the great and good of Chamonix, for the event. The cleaned and I05.tea fvIatheTh-.s Monillnent on its lle.- site on the road froin the raiIiiy statiou ia Chajnonix.
ALPINE CLUB LIBRARY (LIMITED BY GUARANTEE) COUNCIL'S REPORT (CONTINUED) FOR THE YEAR ENDED 31 DECEMBER 2023 End Not As aaYs, l end this report by expressing my deep gratitude to everyone in the Library team. Librarian, Trustees, Keepers, Members and Volunleers, who again gave their lime so generously and ungrudgingly throughout the year. Thanks also to everyone who supplied me with the details of activities needed to compile this report" and especially to William Mttchell for his delailed 8xhibitii)n reports. Philip Meredith Chair ofthe Council of Trustees of the Alpine Club Library May 2024 Reference and administrative detalls Charity number: Company number: Registered Offi.. Company secretary.. 313051 01002955 55 Charlotte Road. London. EC2A 3QF Profess Philip Meredith Our advlsers Independent Examiners and Auditors TC Group Bankers Natwest Group Investmenl advisors Quiller Cheviot Limited Honorary solicitor P G C Sanders Members of Council The directors of the charitable company (the charity) are its trustees for the purpose of charity law. The trustees and officers serving during the year and since Ihe year end were as foll(Ys. Professor Philip Meredith (Chairman) Barbara Grigor-Taylor Kimball Morrison Robin Ashcroft Trevor Campbell Davis Alan Henderson Stephen Venables
ALPINE CLUB LIBRARY (LIMITED BY GUARANTEE) COUNCIL'S REPORT (CONTINUED) FOR THE YEAR ENDED 31 DECEMBER 2023 Structure, govemance and management Alpine Club Library is a company limited by guarantee govemed by its Memorandum and Articles of Assttiation dated 22 February 1971.11 is gIStered as a tharity with the Charity Commission. The Library is managed by a Council of Trustes, comprising five members nominated by the Alpine Club, one by the Royal Geographical Society and one by the British Mountaineering Council. Day to day book library operations are in the care of a salaried professional librarian who works dosely with the Honorary Librarian. Other collections are managed by our volunteer Honorary Ke8pers and Honorary Archivist. Nonè of th8 Members of Council has any benefictal interest in the (mpanY. All of the Members of Council are members of the company and guarantee lo contribute £5 in the event of a winding up. The Members of Counal ar8 fully aware of their responsibilities as Trustees of the charity. Risk The Board of Trustees holds overall reSpsibIlIty for Risk Management for the organisation and has conducted a review of the major risks to which the organisation is exposed. Consequently and wher8 appropriate, systems or procedures have been eslablished lo manage the risks that the Charity faces. Appreclation Finally, I cannot end this report without expressing gratitude to everyone in the Library Team and to all the Volunteers who gave their time so ungrudgingly throughout the year. Without your efforts the ACL could not function. Thankyou! We aro open to the public 46 weeks of the year The Library opens to the public on Tuesdays and Wednesdays (except during August and the Christmas- New Year weekl, but please email to check, particularly if travelling from afar. Appointments are possible on other days by prior arrangement with the Librarian. Some of our historic items are only available by appointment. The catalogues of Books and Archives, and the Himalayan Index (which lists all summits and climbs in the Himalayas) can also be accessed via the Alpine Club website. We always look forward to welcoming visitors. ststement of the Members of Council's responsibilities The directors, who constiiule the Exe¢uh've Committee. are responsible for preparing the Report and the finanaal statements in accordance with applicable law and United Kingdom Accounting Standards (United Kingdom Generally Accepted Accounting practi). Company law requires the Executive Committee to prepare accounts for each financial year which give a true and fair view of the state of the charitable company and of Ihe incoming reSoUrS and appli¢2tion of resources, induding the income and expendilure. of the charitable company for Ihat year. In preparing these accounts, Ihe EXUl1Ve Commitlee is required lo: select suitable accounting policies and then apply them consistently" obs8rve the methods and principles in the Charilies, SORP: make judgements and estimates that are reasonable and pnjdent., state whelher applicable UK accounting standards have been foll1ed, subject to any material d8partures disclosed and explained in the financial ststements- and ppare the financial statements the going ncern basis unless it is inappropriate to assume that the Gharitable company will continue in business. io
ALPINE CLUB LIBRARY {LIMifED BY GUARANTEE) COUNCIL'S REPORT (CONTINUED) FOR THE YEAR ENDED 31 DECEMBER 2023 The Executive Committee is responsible for keeping adequate accounting records that disclose with reasonable accuracy al any time the financial position of the charrty and enable them to ensure that the accounts comply with the Companies Act 2006. They are also responsible for safeguarding Ihe assets of the charity and hen for taking reasonable steps for the prevention and detection of fraud and other IegulatI11es. The report has been prepared in accordance with the provisions of Ihe Companies Act 2006 relaling to small companies. On behalf of the board of Member5 of Council Professor Phlllp Meredith (Chaimian) Counal 10.10.2024 Dated.. li
ALPINE CLUB LIBRARY (LIMITED BY GUARANTEE) INDEPENDENT EXAMINER'S REPORT TO THE MEMBERS OF COUNCIL OF ALPINE CLUB LIBRARY I report to the tharity tNstees on my examination of the accounts of the Charitable Company for the year ended 31 Dember 2023. Responsibilities and basis of report As the trustees of the Charttable 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 Compani8s Act 2006 ('the 2006 Act,). Having satisfied myself that the accounts of Ihe Charilable Company are not required to be audited under Part 16 of the 2006 Act and are eligible for irmlependent examination. I report in respect of rny examination of your charity's accounts as rried out under section 145 of the Charities Ad 2011 ('the 2011 Act.). In cArrying out my examination I have followed the Directions given by the Charity Commission under section 145(5) Ib) of the 2011 Ad. Independent examinerfs statement have completed my examination. I confirm that no matters have come to my attention in conn8Ction wth the examination giving me cause to believe: accounting rewrds were not kepl in respect of the Charitsble Company as required by section 386 cf the 2006Act', or 2. the accounts do not accord wtlh those records" or 3. the accounts do not comply wilh the accounting requirements of section 396 of the 2CK6 Act other than any requirement that the accounts give a 'true and fair view whith is not a matter considered as part of an independent examination- or 4. the accounts have not been prepared in accordance with the method5 and principles of the Statement of Recommended Practice for accounting and reporting by chariti8S. I have no concems and have come across no other matters in conTrectyon 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. ,.Gf4 Mr Mark Cummins FCCA FCIE for and on behaff of TCGroup The Courtyard Shoreham Road Upper Beeding Steyning West Sussex BN44 3TN Dated.. I I crlbla4( qcQ 12
ALPINE CLUB LIBRARY (LIMITED BY GUARANTEE) STATEMENT OF FINANCIAL ACTIVITIES (INCLUDING INCOME AND EXPENDITURE ACCOUNT) FOR THE YEAR ENDED 31 DECEMBER 2023 Unrestrlcted Designated Restricted funds Funds funds Total 2023 Totsl 2022 Income from: Donalions and legacies Other trading activities Investrnent income 8.213 17.730 41.082 509 10.275 8.722 28.137 41,082 7,121 21,217 38,382 132 Total Income 67.025 10.784 132 77,941 64,720 Expenditure on: Raising funds Charitable activities- "brary operation 8A95 8,495 8.872 50.574 6,885 64,908 32,092 Total expenditure 59.069 7,449 6,885 73,403 40.964 N8t gainslOos8) on investments 10 54.917 S4.917 (206.557) Transfers baeen funds (11,047) 11,047 Net movement in funds 51.826 14,382 16,753) 59.45S (182,801) Reconciliation of funds Total funds brought forward 1.247,315 150.599 1,397,914 1,580,715 Total funds carried forward 15 1,299,141 14,382 143,846 1,457,369 1,397.914 The statement offinancial activities also complies with the requirements for an income and expenditure awount under the Companies Act 2006. All income and gains for the pericrfj are recognised above. All of the activities are dassified as continuing. 13
ALPINE CLUB LIBRARY (LIMITED BY GUARANTEE) BALANCE SHEET AS A T 31 DECEMBER 2023 2023 2022 Notes Fixed assets Tangible assets Investments 100,743 1.222.862 101,149 1,119,247 10 1.323,605 1,220.396 Current assets Debtors Cash at bank and in hand 11 995 147.939 1.095 179.837 148.934 180,837 Creditors: amounts falllng due within one year 12 (1&170) (3,414) Net current assets 133,764 177,518 Total assets less current liabilitles 1,457,369 1,397,914 Funds of the charity Restricted funds 13 143.846 150,599 Unrestricted general funds 15 1,299,141 1,247.315 Unrestrictsd designated funds 14 14,382 1.457,369 1,397,914 The directors are r8sponsible for ensuring that the charitable company keeps aixounting records which comply wilh section 386 of the Companies Act 2006 and for preparing financial statements which give a true and fair view of the state of affaits of the charitable company as at the end of each financial year and of its result for each year in a(xordance with the requirements of section 396 of the Act and which oth8twise compty with its requirements. so far as applicable to the chariLqble company. The directors acknowledge their responsibility for complying with the requirements of the Act with respect to accounting records and for the preparats.on of amnts. These accounts have been prepared in accordance with the provisions applicable to companies subject to Ihe stnall companies, regime. The accounls were approved by the Board on 10.10.2024 Professor Phllip Meredith (Chalnnan) Council Company Raglgtration No. 01002955 14
ALPINE CLUB LIBRARY (LIMITED BY GUARANTEE} NOTES TO THE ACCOUNTS FOR THE YEAR ENDED 31 DECEMBER 2023 Legal status ol Charltable company Alpine Club Library is a charitable Company. limited by guarantee. registered in England and Wales. The charitable company's registered rwjmber and registered office can be found in the Council's reporL In the evenl of the charity being wound up, the liabilrty in respect of the guarantee is limited to £5 per mernbér of the charity. Accounllng policies Basls of preparation The aountS have been prepared in accordance with Acwunting and Reporting by Charities: Statement of Recommended Practi applitsble to charities preparing their accounts in accordan with the Financial Reporting Standard applicable in the UK and Republic of Ireland (FRS 102) (effective 1 January 20151 (Charities SORP (FRS 102)). the Financial Reporting Standard applicable in the UK and Republic of Ireland (FRS 102) and the Companies Act 2(K)6. Alpine Club Librdry meets the definitM)n of a public benefit entty under FRS 102. Assets and liabilities are initially recognis8d al historical CL)St or transaction value unless otherwise stated in the relevant accounling policy note(s). There are no material uncertainties aboui Alpine Club Library's ability to continue as a going concern. The functional ujrrency of the charity is pounds sterling. Items are rounded to the nearest pound. Income Income is derrved from the promotion. support and Maintenan of a rr•)untaineering library. Primary income generating activities being the sale of duplicate books. the sale of reproduction rights for photographs, commissions from painting sales alongside donations. Income from these activities is rewgnised when the proceeds are realised. All incoming resources are induded in the Ststement of Financial Activities when the charity is legally entitled to the income and the amount can be quanttfied wth reasonable accuracy. Investment income is accounted for when receivable. Expenditure Expendiiure is aCUnted for on an accruals basis with the irrecoverable element of VAT included with the item of expense to whth il relates. Charitsble adivity costs are those costs incurred directly in support of expenditure on the objert5 of the charity. Govemance cosls include those )$1$ associated with meeting the ¢onskn'tLrtional and statutory requirements of the charity and indude independent examination fees and costs linked to the slrategic management of the charity. These are shown within support costs. Fund accounting Funds held by the charity are either: Restrided funds - these are funds subject to specifiG conditions by donors as to how they may be used. The purposes and uses of the restricted funds are set out in the notes to the accounts. Unrestricted general funds - these are funds which can be used in acrdance with the charitable obieds at the discretion of the Members of Council. 15
ALPINE CLUB LIBRARY (LIMITED BY GUARANTEE) NOTES TO THE ACCOUNTS (CONTINUED) FOR THE YEAR ENDED 31 DECEMBER 2023 Accounting policles Icontinued) Fund accounting (continued) Unrestricted designated funds- Ihese are unrestrided funds that have been ring fenced by the Trustees for projects and causes. The puSeS and uses of the designated funds are set out in the notes to the accounts. Tangible fixed assets and depreciation DepreGiation is provided on tangible fLxed assets in use at rates to rnlculated to write off the cost of each asset over its expected useful lrfe, as follows: Fixlures, ffttings & equipment Over 4 years No depreciation has been provided on the paintings, as the directors consider that the nalure of Ihese assets can only appreaate in value. Investments Investments are included at fair valu8 at the balance sheet date. Any gain or loss on revaluation is taken lo the Statement of Financial Activitses. Debtors Trade and other debtors are recognised at the settlement amount due after any trade discounts offered. Prepayments are valued at the amount prepaid net of any Irade discounts due. Cash at bank and in hand Cash at bank and in hand indLKles cash and short term highly liquid investments. The Iruslees seek to use short term deposits where possible to maximise the return on monies held at the bank and to manage cash Creditors and provisions Creditors and provisions are recognised where the tharity has a present obligation resulting from a past event that VAII probably result in the transfer of funds to a third paty and the amount due to settle the obligation can be measured or eslimated reliably. 2.10 Cash Flow Statement In accordan with the Charities SORP (FRS 1 (f2) the charity is claiming exemption from th8 requirement to prepare a cash flow statement on accourrt of it being a small tharity. 2.11 Forelgn currency Assets and liabilihes in foreign currencies are translated inlo sterling at the rates of exchange ruling at the balance sheet dale. Day to day transactions in foreign currenaes are inrtially recorded at the rates of exchange prevailing on the dates of the transactions. Exchange differences are taken into account in arriving at the operating resuli. 2.12 Estlmates and judgements Eslimates and underlying assuml0nS are reviewed by trustees on an ongoing basis. Revisions to accounting estimates are recognised in the period in whith the estimate is revised. The trustees do not consider that there are any rJitical estimates or areas of judgement that need to be brought lo the attention of th8 readers of the financial ststements. 16
ALPINE CLUB LIBRARY (LIMITED BY GUARANTEE) NOTES TO THE ACCOUNTS {CONTINUED) FOR THE YEAR ENDED 31 DECEMBER 2023 Taxation The charitable company is registered as a charity and all of its incom8 falls within the exemptions under Part 11 of the Corporation Tax Act 2010. Comparativg funds- Ststement of Financial Activities for the year ended 31 December 2022 Unrestricted Funds Restricted Funds Total 2022 Income from.. Donations and legacies Other trading activities Investment incoffle 7,121 21,217 36.382 7,121 21,217 36,382 Total income 64,720 64,720 Expenditure on: Raising fund5 Charitable aclivilies Library operation 8.872 8.872 31.056 1,036 32.092 Total expenditure 39,928 1.036 40,964 Net gains on investments (199,728) (6.829) (206,557) Net movement in funds (174.936) 17,865 (182,801) Reconclliation of funds Total funds brought forward 1,422.251 158,464 1,580,715 Total funds carried forward 1,247.315 150,599 1,397,914 Investment Income 2023 2022 Income from listed investments 41.082 36,382 41,082 36,382 17
ALPINE CLUB LIBRARY (LIMITED BY GUARANTEE) NOTES TO THE ACCOUNTS (CONTINUED) FOR THE YEAR ENDED 31 DECEMBER 2023 Expenditure Staff Other Total Total co8ts costs 2023 2022 Ralslng funds Investment managernent fees 8.495 8,495 8,872 Charitsble activitles Library operation- Activities undertaken directly Support costs 33.760 27.308 61.068 30,052 2.040 Total charitable activities 33,760 31,148 64,908 32,092 Total expenditure 33,760 39,643 73.403 40,964 Support cosls indude governan costs which comptise payments to the Independent Examiner of £3,840 for Examination Fees (2022.. £2.040). Other costs indude depreciation of £406 (2022: £405). Members Of Councll No Trustees received any remuneration during the year. During the year four trustees were reimbursed expenditure totslling £2,416 (2022: four trustees were reimbursed expenditure totalling £2,278). Employees Number of employees The average monthly number of empk)yees during the year was: 2023 Number 2022 Nurnber Administration staff Employment costs 2023 2022 Wages and salaries 33,760 4,046 33.760 4,046 There were no employees whose annual remuneration was £60,000 or more in 2023 or 2022. The tmstees are the key management and were not remunerated during the period or previous year. 18
ALPINE CLUB LIBRARY (LIMITED BY GUARANTEE) NOTES TO THE ACCOUNTS (CONTINUED) FOR THE YEAR ENDED 31 DECEMBER 2023 Tangible fixed assets Palntlngs Flxtures, flttlngs & equlpment Total Cost At 1 January 2023 and 31 December 2023 100,000 4.626 104,626 Depreclation At 1 January 2023 Charge for the year 3,476 3,476 At 31 December 2023 3,883 3,883 Net book value At 31 December 2023 100,000 743 100,743 At 31 December 2022 100,000 1.150 101,150 10 Flxed asset inveslments Llsted Investmonlg Fair value at 1 January 2023 Disposals at opening book value Acquisitions at cost Change in value in the year 1.119,247 {147.064) 199,157 51,522 Fair value at 31 December 2023 1.222,862 The investment assets are held: IntheUK Outside the UK 847,421 375,441 1,222,862 Historical cost: At 31 December 2023 943,737 At 31 Dernber 2022 862,791 19
ALPINE CLUB LIBRARY (LIMITED BY GUARANTEE) NOTES TO THE ACCOUNTS (CONTINUED) FOR THE YEAR ENDED 31 DECEMBER 2023 10 Fixed asset investments (contlnued) Gain on investment assets tolalling £54,917 (2022: loss £206,55n are shown the Statement of Financial Activities comprising a gain on disposal of investments of £3,395 (2022: loss £47.562). unrealised gain on investments of £51.522 {2022: loss of £158,994). 11 Debtors 2023 2022 Trade debtors Other debtors 995 1.095 995 1,095 12 Creditors: amounts falllng due within one year 2023 2022 Trade creditors Accwals 11.330 3,840 174 3,240 15,170 3,414 13 Restricted funds The income funds of the charrty include restricted funds comprising the following unexpended balances of donalions and grants held on trust for speciFic purposes.. Balance at 1 January 2023 Balance at Gainsl 31 December Ilosses) 2023 Incoming resource5 Resources expended Himalayan Index Fund Acquisition Fund Librarian Fund Pictures & PreseNation Fund 4,278 10,335 35,986 100.000 4,278 10.335 29,233 100,000 132 (6,885) 150,599 132 {6,885) 143,846 20
ALPINE CLUB LIBRARY (LIMITED BY GUARANTEE) NOTES TO THE ACCOUNTS (CONTINUED) FOR THE YEAR ENDED 31 DECEMBER 2023 13 Restricted funds (continued) The Himalayan Index Fund is used to maintain the diaritys daiabase which stores data on aSnIS of, and attempts on. mountsins over 6,000 metres. The Acquisition Fund is used to facilitate the purchase, at short notice, ary special item which comes on the market. The Librarian Fund is used to fund one day a week of the staff costs of the pemianent librarian. The Pictures and Preservation Fund relates to 3 specific Ruskin paintings donated by Dr Charles Warr8n. 14 Designatsd funds Th8 income funds of the charity include designated funds comprising the following unexpended balan$ of donations and grants held on trust for speafiG purposes.. Balance at Balance at 1 January Incoming 2023 resources ReSoue5 expended Transfers 31 December 2023 Keeperfs Fund 10.784 (7,449) 11.047 14,382 10,784 (7,449) 11.047 14,382 The Keepels FurKI is used lo ring-fence funds to drectly support the activrties of our keepers. Incoming resources represent income generated by keepers throughout the year. 15 Analysis of net assets between fundg Unrestrict ad funds Deslgnated Restricted funds funds Total Fund balances at 31 Dember 2023 are represented by: Tangible fixed assets Investments Currenl assets Creditors: amounts falling due within one year 743 1,222.862 90.706 (15,170) 100,000 100.743 1,222,862 148,934 (15.170) 14.382 43.846 1,299.141 14,382 143.846 1,457,369 21
ALPINE CLUB LIBRARY (LIMITED BY GUARANTEE) NOTES TO THE ACCOUNTS (CONTINUED) FOR THE YEAR ENDED 31 DECEMBER 2023 15 Analysis of net assets between funds (continued) Deslgnated Rostricted funds funds Unr85trict ed funds Total Fund balances at 31 December 2022 are represented by: Tangible fixed assets Investments Current assets Creditors". arnounts falling due within one year 1.149 1.126,076 122,468 {2.378) 1CD.000 (6.829) 58.464 (1,036) 101,149 1,119,247 180,932 (3,414) 1.247,315 150,599 1,397,914 16 Related parties Th8 Alpine Club is a relaled party to the thanty as it has the pthver to appoint 5 members of the Council of the Alpine Club Library. During the year the charity paid rent & ser41S of £17,500 to the Alpine Club (2022.. £17.500). The Alpine Club made donations lo the charity during the year of £17.500 {2022 £17,500). At the balancé sheet date the Alpine Club Library owed £nil (2022.. £1.995) to the Alpine Club. 17 Control The charity is under the control of the b08rd of Irustees. No one member has overall control. 22