Midland Ancestors S
Midland An￿stOr5 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 advan￿ment 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 O￿lter,
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 De￿rnber 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