Midland Ancestors S Midland AnstOr5 is the public face of the Binningham and Midland Society for Genealogy & Heraldry REGisfERED CHARITY NUMBER: 505916 REPORT OF THE TRUSTEES AND UNAUDITED FINANCIAL STATEMENTS FOR THE YEAR ENDED 31ST DECEMBER 2024 FOR BIRMINGHAM AND MIDLAND SOCIETY FOR GENEALOGY AND HERALDRY The &rmin8ham & Midland Soaety lor Genealo6y & Heraldry Charlty Aeglstratlon No. $05916 An affi.liated socletyof the Blrmlngham & Mldland Insiitute and a member of the Famlly Hlstory Federntion
BIRMINGHAM AND MIDLAND SOCIEfY FOR GENEALOGY AND HERALDRY CONTENTS OF THE FINANCIAL STATEMENTS FOR THE YEAR ENDED 31ST OECEMBER 2024 Page Report of the Trustees Ito8 Statement of Tru5tee5 Responsibilities Independent Examiner's report io Statement of Flnanclal Actlvltles li Balan Sheet 12 Notes to the Financial Statements 13to15 Detailed Ststement of Financlal Activities 16to17
Midland Ancestors Trustees, Annual Report for the Period From 1st January 2024 to 31st December 2024 Charity name: Blrniingham and Midland Society for Genealogy and Heraldry Charfty reglstratlon number: 505916 Objectives and Activities Summary of the purposes of the charlty as set out In its governing document: The Society's objectives, as stated in the Constitution, are to promote the advanment of public education in the study of Genealobry and Heraldry. In furtherance of these objects. but not otherwise. the Society has power To promote, maintain and encourage the practice and dissemination of information To promote and maintain research into all aspects of Genealogy and Heraldry To preserrfe records, archives and any other material by transcription or otherwise To publish Ilterature, and To collaborate with similar organisations and with such bodies as churches, libraries and record offices During the year our activities have included: Summary of the maln activities in relation to those purposes for the public benefi( In particular. the activities, projects or services identified in the accounts: •A full programme of speakers and events for all groups •The production and distribution of the Society quarterly Journal Midland Ancestor. •The publication of material mainly in the form of digital downloads
•The continued work on transcribing and checking of parish registers and other items of genealogital interest for future publication •Photographin& storlng and indexing of cemetery registers •Responding to requests for search of indexes •The sale of publication5 •The maintaining of a Societyweb site on the Internet giving access to the Society Online Shopi members, interests, calendarof events and a comprehensive family history presence to the public .Society groups running their own websites providing for specific local interest •Responding to members enquiries •Representation at varlous country-wide family history fairs •Continulng with a programme for the care of reference library books •Maintaining and operating a Family History Centre with weekday atcess •Maintaining a voluntary exchange of research at record offices by linking members in different locations •Representing the interests of the Soclety as a member of the Federation of Family Hlstory Societies •Offering edutation courses •Supporting the work of the area County Record Office5 Statement: In planning and maintainlng activitles, the trustees have had regard for the Charity Commission guidance concerning public benefit. Additional Information Contribution made by volunteers The work of the Society is supported by the following unsalarled voluntary appointment5:
Publicatlon Sales Team, Computer Support Team, Journal Edltor, Lending Librarian, Reference Librarians, Research Olter, Record Office Liaison Officer Web-site Manager, Subscriptions Secretary, Social Media Officer5, Index Holders. To meet the needs of members living outslde the Birmingham area, the Society is supported by a network of groups. In 2024 these were based in Kenilworth, London, Stoke-on-Trent, Stourbridge and Wolverhampton. Groups arrange their own events under the organisation of elected officers. Achlevements and Performance The year ended with a membership of just under 14C(i a steady increase over the year. Summary ofthe maln a¢hl•vem•nt$ of Ihe ¢harlty, Id•ntlfylng the diff•ron¢• th• ¢harlty's work has made to the Circumstances of Its ben•fl¢larl•$ and any wld•r b•nefits to the soclety The Trustees are pleased to report that a full programme of Birmlngham Group physical meetings has taken place. Attendances remain relatively low compared with past years, but it is encouraging that numbers are steadily increasing. The other regional Society groups have made efforts to restore a programme of events to meet members needs in their local area. The Trustees express thelr satisfaction and thanks to those concerned who have enabled the Midland Ancestors Family History Centre to be open Monday to Friday. This facility is also a Familyseareh Affillate Library which means that in addition to the comprehensive holding of genealogical, heraldic and local history resources, visÈtors now have access to millions of records held by the Famlly Hlstory Department
of the LDS Church. The Trustees would express their thanks to the dedlcated and experienced team of librarlans who are available to help and advise researchers. Members can now access monthly news- letters providin8 education into research and Family History Exchange Journals from both the UK and Overseas. The Trustees are pleased to report that it wa5 possible for another Birmingham Local and Family History Fair to be held in June at the King Edward Vl Girls, School Edgbaston. Useful contacts and links were made with groups and individuals sharing the aims of Midland Ancestors A large tearn of volunteer51351, led by the Warwickshire Project manager continue to transcribe Warwickshire Parish Registers and to make indexes and images available for sale through the Society shop. This projert is almost complete, with just three lar8er parishes for Coventry remaining to be done. The Socievs online shop is very popular wlth both members and non-members. The shop Is managed daily by a team of three volunteers. A newsletter is emailed approximately monthly to 3324 shop newsletter subscriber5, The Midland Ancestors Shop generated around half of the yearfs income excluding legacies and donations. This vital source of income relies upon an expanding stock of available items in convenient and flexible formatto meet the needs of family historians. There are over 3,636 Items In the shop with new items added every week, these include familyllocal history books. maps. parish registers and monument inscription transcripts, most of our own data is now available as pdf download5 and some of our partners have a150 converted to pdf downloads ratherthan producing CDS or books. We also sell a large selection of used books which have been donated to the society for us to resell. We have approximately 15 partners and sell their items in our shop, our biggest partners bein8 Warwickshire County Record Office and Staffordshire Parish Regi5ter5 Society. The Warwickshire Parish Register projert is around 95% complete and will hopefully complete in 2025. This project has been runnlng for 7 years and could not have happened without the massive amount of work done bythe Project manager and herteam of volunteers based world-wide.
Resulting indexes and images are available for sale through the Society shop. Several other projects are also in progress to digitise and index data. Thanks to the Data Manager and two volunteers who processltest this data prior to adding to the shop for sale. All our digitised dats Is also avallable vla an app called Yhe Library Data Menu" which is available in our library in Birmingham and several of our remote Groups, again, many thanks to the Data Manager who developed this app and maintains it wlth updated data everyweek. As previously reported, the printing and distribution of the society quarterly journal The Midlarbd Ancestor is the primary benefit to the membership. The Editor continues to oversee the produttion of a high-quality publication which remains fresh, varied and relevant. The Editor has been keen to encourage reader participation resultin8 in a greater Confidence among our members to submit contributions for consideration. The Trustees recognise with thanks, the considerable time and effort Involved. The Trustees can report that the Memorabilia Archives for Midland Ancestors having been created is contlnulng to be developed. A Successful trial was carried out whereby members were invited to an all-day social event. A private guided tour of Warstone Lane and Key Hill Cemetery in Birmingham followed by a guest speaker. Additional information The Trustee5 wish to draw attention to the continuing success regarding running family history classes in both Birmingham the Wolverhampton area. This is a clear indicator that there is a demand to be met for the provision of courses. Achievements against objectives set The Trustees are pleased to be informed that the free Eventbrite webslte was being used to promote some major Society events. In particular, the site will be used to promote some upcomlng outreach events. Other Financial Review Review of the charity's financial position at the end of the eriod
Statement explaining the policy for holding reserves stating why they are held The Trustees have a reserves policy which is reviewed and updated annually to inform decision making. There continues to remain the expected significant increase in the Family History Centre room rent. In addition, reserves will be required to enlarge this facility to incorporate a training/seminar room and library extension, once the Midland Institute has decided, funded and completed work to modernise the building in which the library is situated. There have been during the year, and continue to be, general IT lrnprovements to enhance members, and other users, experience and knowledge in addition to maintaining and improving IT security itself. Our reserves are also held for the purpose of satisfying further potential appropriate grant applications from other likeminded charitable organisation5. Amount of reserves held £159,255 Addltlonal Informatlon The chaiity's principal sour$ of funds (including any fundraising) Regular income to support the Society aims and objectives has been generated in the main, from donations, subscriptions, publications sales, index searches and Gift Aid. Structure, Governance and Management Description of charity's trusts: Type of goveming document Constitution How the charity is constituted Unincorporated Association Truslee selection method Elected by Annual General Meeting attendees for period of three years. Addltlonal Informatlon Current charity law and advice is shared with the trustees to Inform their artivities and decisions. To support the trustees in fulfilling their role the Society joined the National Council for Voluntary Organisations Policies and procedures adopted for the induction and training of trustees The charity's organisational structure and any wider network with which the charity works The Society is a member of The Famlly History Federation. This gives access to legal, financlal and adminlstrative Buldance and expertise together with public liability insurance and the opportunity to engage with other like-minded natlonal and
international group5. The Tru5tee5 regret to report the disbanding of the West Midlands Group of Family History Societies. Relalionship wilh any related parties The Society seeks close link5 With the county record offices and local archive repositories through shared projects and sponsorship. The Trustees meet regularly to consider governance issues and review procedure5 and policie5 ne$sary to fvlfil their legal obligations. Olher A detailed questionnaire was delivered to all members, and the responses wlll inform how the Trustees manage the Society going forward. The Trustees have made themselves aware of GDPR requirements and arted accordingly to achieve regulation compliance. The Trustees can confirm that this charity did not experience any serious incident5 in 2024 that should have been brought to the attention of the Charity Commission but were not. Reference and Administrative details Charty name Birmingham and Midland Society for Genealogy and Hèrald Midland Ancestors Other name the charity uses Registered charty number 505916 Charity's principal address Birmingham and Midland Institute 9 Margaret Street Birmingham 83 3BS Names of the charity trustees who manage the charity No. Trustee Name Office (If anv) Dates acted if not for whole year Name of person (or body} entltled to appolnt trustee qlf anv) Members attendlng AGM Members attending AGM Mr Philip Lamb Mr Adrian de Chairperson Vice-chalr
Redman Mrs Penny Smith Heraldry Wite-chair Genealogy Members attending AGM Ms Linda Beilby Mr David Kerr Mr Peter Middleton Mr Michael Sharpe Mr Gareth Pemberton Members attending AGM Members attending AGM Members attending AGM Members attending AGM Members attending AGM Members attending AGM There are no corporate trustees involved with the charity. There is no property belonging to the charity. There are no funds held as custodian trustees on behalf of others. Additional information Names and addresses of advisers Type of adviser Name Address Independent Examiner Tom Williams TASK, Colwyn Bay, Conwy, Gwynedd. Names of senior staff members General Secretary (Mrs. K. Walker) Treasurer {Mr. P. Morrisl Sales Administrator (Mr. S. Freemanl Declarations The trustees declare that Ihey have approved the trustees, report above. Slgned on behalf of the charity's trustee>- Signature(s) Full name(s) Position (e.g. Secretary, Chair, etc) Dale
BIRMINGHAM AND MIDLAND SOCIETY FOR GENEALOGY AND HERALDRY 5TATEMENf OF TRUSTEES RESPONSIBILITIES FOR THE YEAR ENDED 31ST DECEMBER 2024 The trustees are responsible for preparing the Trustees, Report and the financial statements in accordance with applicable13w and United Kingdom Generally Accepted Accounting Practice {United Kingdom Accounting Standards). The law applicable to charities in England and Wales requires the trustees to prepare financial Statements for each financial year which give a true and fair view of the state of affairs of the charity and the incoming resources and application of re5ource5 Of the charity for that period. In preparin8 these financial statements, the trustees are required to: Select suitable accounting policies and then apply them conslstentlv,. Observe the method5 and principles in the Charities SORP; MakeJud8ements and estimates that are reasonable and prudent; and Prepare the financial statements on a going concern basis unles5 it is inapproprlate to presume that the charity will continue in business. The trustees are responsible for keepin8 adequate accounting records that are sufficient to show and explain the charity'5 transactions, disclose with reasonable accuracy at any time the financial position of the charity, and enable them to ensure that the financial statements comply with the Charities Act 2011, the Charities (Accounting and Reports) Regulations 2008 and the provisions of the charity's constitution. They are also responsible for safeguarding the assets of the charity and hence for taking reasonable steps for the prevention and detection of fraud and other irregularities. The trustees are responsible for the maintenance and Integrlty of the charity and the financial information included on the charity's website. Legislation in the United Kingdom governing the preparation and dissemination of Financial Statements may differ from legislation In other jurisdictions.
INDEPENDEiif EXAMINER'S REPORTTO THE TRUSTEES OF BIRMINGHAM AND MIDLAND SOCIEfY FOR GENEALOGY AND HERALDRY I report on the accounts for the year ended 31st Dernber 2024 set out on pages eleven and twetve. Re5pertlve re5ponsibilitles of trustees and examiner The charity's trustees ore responsible for the preparation of the accounts. The charity's trustees consider that an audit is not required for this year (under Section 144{21 of the Charltie5 Act 2011 (the 2011 Act)) and that and independent examination is required. It is my responsibility to: examine the accounts under Sertion 145 of the 2011 Art to follow the procedures laid down in the General Directions given by the Charity Commission (under Section 14515)Ibl of the 2011 Act); and to state whether particular matter5 have come to my attention. Basis of the independent examinerfs report My examination was Carried out in accordance with the General Direttions given by the Charity Commission. An examinatlon Includes a revlew of the a¢¢ountlng records kept by the ¢harlty and a comparison of the accounts presented with those records. It also includes consideration of any unusual items or distlosures In the accounts. and seeking explanations from you a5 trustees concerning any Such matters. The procedures undertsken do not provide all the evidence that would be required in an audit. and consequently no opinion is given as to whether the accounts present a 'true and fair view, and the report is limited to those matters set out in the statements below. Independent examlnels statement In connection with my examination. no matter has come to my attention- 111 which 8ives me reasonable cause to belleve that, In any material respert, the requirements to keep attounting record5 in accordance with Section 130 of the 2011 Act: and to prepare accounts which accord with the accounting record5 and to comply with the accounting requlrements of the 2011 Act have not been met; or 121 to which. in my opinion. attention should be drawn in order to enable a proper understsnding of the accounts to be reached. T Williams Task Accounting Limited Commodore House 51 Conway Road Colwyn Bay Conwy LL29 7AW Date: io
BIRMINGHAM AND MIDLAND SOCIEfY FOR GENEALOGY AND HERALDRY STATEMENT OF FINANCIAL ACTIVITIES FOR THE YEAR ENDED 31ST DECEMBER 20Z4 2024 2023 Unrestricted Restrlcted Total funds Total funds fund fund Notes INCOMING RESOURCES Incomlng resources from generated funds Voluntsry income Artivities for generating funds Investment income 48,146 5,595 5.121 48.146 5.595 5,121 47.409 6.493 2,791 Total Incomlng resources 58.863 58,863 56,694 RESOURCES EXPENDED Costs of generailng funits Fundralslng trading: cost of goods sold and other Costs Charltable activities Midland ancestor Grants to other organisations Wages Other expenses Governan costs 9.930 9,930 9,032 12,038 (123} 13.433 27.794 828 12.038 1123) 13,433 27.794 828 14.756 13,279 37.565 828 Total resources expended 63,899 63.899 75.461 NET INCOMING RESOURCES {5.0361 {5.036} {18.7671 RECONaLIATION OF FUNDS Total funds brou8ht fon¥ard 164.292 164,292 183,059 TOTAL FUNDS CARRIED FORWARD 159.255 159,255 164,292 li
BIRMINGHAM AND MIDLAND SOCIETY FOR GENEALOGY AND HERALDRY BALANCE SHEET AT 31ST DECEMBER 2024 2024 2023 Unrestricted Restricted Totsl fund5 Total funds tund fund Notes FIXED ASSETS Tangible assets 3,320 3,320 2,877 CURRENT ASSETS Stocks Cash at bank and in hand 17,122 138.813 17,122 138,813 17,147 144,269 155,935 155,935 161.415 CURRENT ASSErs 155,935 155,935 161.415 TOTAL ASSETS LESS CURRENT LIABIUTIES 159,255 159.255 164,292 NET ASSETS 159,255 159.255 164,292 FUNDS Unrestricted funds Restricted funds 159.255 164,292 TOTAL FUNDS 159.255 164.292 The financial statements were approved by the Board of Trustees on .. ..... on its be alf by= -12025 and were signed Michael Sha Chairper50n 12
BIRMINGHAM AND MIDLAND SOCIETY FOR GENEALOGY AND HERALDRY NOTES TO THE FINANCIAL STATEMEpirs FOR THE YEAR ENDED 31ST DECEMBER 2024 ACCOUNTING POUCIES Accountln8 Convenllon The financial statements have been prepared under the historical cost convention. and in accordance with the Financial Reporting Standard for Smaller Enttties leffective April 20081, the Charities Act 2011 and the requirements of the Statement of Recommended Practlce, Accountlng and Reporting by Charities. Incorning resources All incoming resources are included on the Statement of Financial Activities when the charity is legally entitled to the income and the amount can be quantified with reasonable accuracy. Resources expended Expenditure 15 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 b?515 consistent with the use of resources. Tan8lble fixed assets Depreclatlon Is provlded at the followin8 annual rates in order to write off each asset over it5 estimated useful life. Plant and machinery Offlce and PC - 25% on reducing balance 25% on reducing balance Stocks Stocks are valued at the lower of cost and net realisable value. after making due allowance for obsolete and slow movlng items. Taxatlon The charity is exempt from tax on its charitsble artivities. Fund accountlng Unrestricted funds can be used in accordance with the charitable objectives at the discretion of the trustees. Re5trirted funds can only be used for particular restricted purposes within the objects of the chartty. Restrictions arise when 5pectfied by the donor or when funds are ralsed for particular restricted purposes. Further explanatlon of the nature and purpose of each fund is included in the notes to the financial Statements. AcnviTIES FOR GENERATING FUNDS 2024 2023 Pay to view Sundry income 5,531 64 6,347 146 5,595 6,493 13
BIRMINGHAM AND MIDLAND SOCIETY FOR GENEALOGY AND HERALDRY NOTES TO THE FINANCIAL STATEMENTS- CONTINUED FOR THE YEAR ENDED 31ST DECEMBER 2024 INVESTMEI4T INCOME 2024 2023 Dep051t account interest 5,121 2,791 GOVERNANCE cosrs 2024 2023 Accountancy 828 828 TRUSTEES, REMUNERATION AND BENEFITS There were no trustees. remuneration or other benefts for the year ended 31 December 2024 nor for the year ended 31 December 2023. Trustees. expenses There were no trustees, expenses paid for the year ended 31 December 2024 nor for the year ended 31 December 2023. STAFF COSTS 2024 2023 Wages and salaries 13,433 13,279 The average monthly number of employees during the year was a5 follows.. 2024 2023 Governance No employees received emoluments in exce55 of £60,000. TANGIBLE FIXED ASSEtS Plant and Machlnery COST At 31 December 2024 28,685 DEPRECIATION At lJanuary 2024 Charge for year 24.257 1.107 At 31 December 2024 25,364 NET BOOK VALUE At 31 December 2024 3,321 At 31 December 2023 2,877 14
BIRMINGHAM AND MIDLAND SOCIETY FOR GENEALOGY AND HERALDRY NOTES TO THE FINANCIAL STATEMENfs- CONTINUED FOR THE YEAR ENDED 31ST DECEMBER 2024 STOCKS 2024 2023 Library books Stock of publications 11,300 5,822 11,300 5,847 MOVEMENT IN FUNDS Net movement in funds At 01101124 At 31112124 Unrestrirted tunds General fund 164.292 (5,0361 159.255 Restrirted funds Heraldry TOTAL FUNDS 164,292 15,0361 159.255 Net movement in funds, included in the above are as follows: Incoming resources Resources expended Movement in funds Unrestrirted funds General fund 58,863 {63.8991 15.0361 Restrlcted funds Heraldry TOTAL FUNDS 58,863 163,899) 15,0361 15
BIRMINGHAM AND MIDLAND SOCIETY FOR GENEALOGY AND HERALDRY DEfAILED STATEMENT OF FINANCIAL ACTivmES FOR THE YEAR ENDED 315T DECEMBER 2024 2024 2023 INCOMING RESOURCES Voluntary Income Donatlons and legacie5 Publication sales Meetings, fundraising artivities Ticket and fair sales income Subscriptions Gift aid 465 19,044 446 879 21.419 5.894 3.016- 21,940 630 21.823 48,146 47,409 Actlvliles for generatlng funds Pay to view Sundry income 5.531 6,347 146 5,595 6.493 Investment Income Deposit account interest 5,121 2,791 Total ineomlng resources 58,863 56,694 RESOURCES EXPENDED Fundralslng trading: cost of goods sold and other costs Publicatlon costs Ilnc. stock movement) Fair costs 8,821 1,108 8,799 240 9.930 9,039 Charltsble activities Honoraria Grants to other organisations Speakers Subscriptions Branch running costs Sundries Midland ancestor Publicity and advertising Repalrs and malntenance Room hire Postage, stationery and printing Rent 1,000 11231 2.224 1.240 2.061 185 12,038 65 25 1.947 974 3.343 191 14,756 97 24 1,164 1,503 1,403 4,506 1,107 6,225 9S9 Depreclation 27,233 33.525 Governance Accountancy 828 828 16
BIRMINGHAM AND MIDLAND socIErY FOR GENEALOGY AND HERALDRY DEfAIIED sfATEMÉKf OF FINANaAL AcfiviTIES FOR THE YEAR ENDED 31ST DECEMBER 2024 2024 2023 Support costs Management Office salaries Telephone Travel Bank processing IT support and web hostlng 13,433 509 488 120 11,359 13.279 1.136 336 120 17,197 25,909 32,069 Totsl resources expended 63,899 75,461 Net income I loss 15,036} 118,7671 17