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2024-03-31-accounts

REGISTERED COMPANY NUMBER: 02351482 (England and Wales) REGISTERED CHARITY NUMBER: 702573

Report of the Trustees and

Unaudited Financial Statements for the Year Ended 31 March 2024

for

NORTHERN VIADUCT TRUST LIMITED

John Andrew Chartered Accountants 17-19 Market Street KIRKBY STEPHEN Cumbria CA17 4QS

NORTHERN VIADUCT TRUST LIMITED

Contents of the Financial Statements for the Year Ended 31 March 2024

Page
Report of the Trustees 1 to 4
Independent Examiner's Report 5
Statement of Financial Activities 6
Balance Sheet 7 to 8
Notes to the Financial Statements 9 to 15

NORTHERN VIADUCT TRUST LIMITED (REGISTERED NUMBER: 02351482)

Report of the Trustees for the Year Ended 31 March 2024

The trustees who are also directors of the charity for the purposes of the Companies Act 2006, present their report with the financial statements of the charity for the year ended 31 March 2024. The trustees have adopted the provisions of Accounting and Reporting by Charities: Statement of Recommended Practice applicable to charities preparing their accounts in accordance with the Financial Reporting Standard applicable in the UK and Republic of Ireland (FRS 102) (effective 1 January 2019).

OBJECTIVES AND ACTIVITIES

Objectives and activities

The principal objective of the charity is to restore and preserve for the public benefit the fine disused railway viaducts at Smardale Gill, Podgill and Merrygill near Kirkby Stephen, Cumbria and other disused listed viaducts and structures of particular beauty or interest.

We aim to preserve and protect the Victorian viaducts of Cumbria's Upper Eden Valley, in so doing promote a wider understanding of the value and benefits of the area's built and cultural heritage and landscape locally and nationally.

ACHIEVEMENT AND PERFORMANCE TRUST PRIORITIES

Professionalism & Working Relationships

The Northern Viaduct Trust has a team of very experienced trustees with a wide variety of skills. The Trust has established, through the hard work of the trustees, its business partners and others with which it has worked, a deserved reputation in delivering successful projects. We have excellent relationships with numerous organisations both national and local (eg Railway Heritage Trust, Yorkshire Dales National Park, Cumbria Wildlife Trust, Walkers are Welcome and Encounter Eden) and operate a policy of prudent and sound financial management.

We continue to seek to widen the expertise available to us by identifying new trustees, by seeking professional guidance where appropriate and by partnering with specialist organisations in specific circumstances. We have developed a close and productive working relationship with Encounter Eden, a social enterprise established in early 2017 to bring new life to the economy of south east Cumbria.

Since the Financial Year End, Nanette Rigg has resigned to develop other personal interests and has our thanks for her excellent contribution to the Trust, particular in the development of our branding and social media presence.

Diversity & Engagement/Innovation & Heritage

It is integral to our partnering with Encounter Eden that we make our viaducts more than a historic structure and that they become a means to better identify and explain the heritage of the Trust's assets and to provide an understanding of their role in the broader heritage of the local environment. Our aim is to make our viaducts and permissive footpaths a model of accessibility and inclusion by engaging and working with local communities and wider audience. This will enable us to make a positive contribution to the economic and social life of the local community.

Environment

We are committed to sustainable policies and practices with environmental concerns being essential to our decision making. We will ensure that all work carried out by us and on our behalf minimises the impact on the environment

Fundraising

Our successful focus in recent years on generating sufficient income annually to cover our operating costs, through targeted publicity and an improved social media profile, has been complemented by the award of grants for capital works. This has resulted in a higher profile with a wider range of grant funders and we continue to actively develop these relationships.

Page 1

NORTHERN VIADUCT TRUST LIMITED (REGISTERED NUMBER: 02351482)

Report of the Trustees for the Year Ended 31 March 2024

Plans for the Future

We continue to frame our objectives within a 3-5 years plan but with specific shorter term objectives. We are pleased to report that, at the time of writing and following completion of the 2023 renovation, resurfacing and waterproofing of the Smardale Gill Viaduct deck plus clearance of vegetation from the stonework, the significantly more complex and costly work on repairing and replacing weather damaged stonework and repointing large areas in the piers and arches has been completed. These substantial works over the last 2 years are crucial to ensuring the longevity of this magnificent Grade II* Listed structure. We are now looking to focus on implementation of the Forestry Commission approved Woodland Management Plan and undertaking major footpath improvements for our Stenkrith - Hartley Trail, which includes Podgill and Merrygill Viaducts. The entirety of our estate continues to be professionally inspected on a regular basis.

FINANCIAL REVIEW

Financial position

The results for the year and financial position of the company are as shown in the annexed financial statements.

Activities and Performance

The trustees continue to meet regularly in person and maintain frequent and regular contact via telephone, email and online meetings.

The primary focus of the trustees during the financial year was the renovation, waterproofing and resurfacing of the Smardale Gill Viaduct deck and removal of vegetation in the piers and stonework. Thanks to extremely generous grant funders Benny Walker Charitable Trust, Railway Heritage Trust, Garfield Weston, Yorkshire Dales National Park Authority and Headley Trust and to main contractors Story Contracting, the work has been completed. We are also indebted to a significant number of donations resulting from our crowdfunding and social media campaigns.

We are also able to report that, following a process which started in September 2023 with another lengthy, complex and rigorous process of competitive tendering and analysis with our CDM Adviser/Principal Designer Ramboll, we were able in July 2024 to appoint Story Contracting as main contractors for the renovation work on the Smardale Gill Viaduct stonework and piers. A rigorous work programme by Story Contracting, their sub-contractors and our specialist advisers has resulted in the works being completed in good time. We are again indebted to grant funders Benny Walker Charitable Trust, Railway Heritage Trust and a significant number of donations resulting from our own campaigns.

The trustees continue to work closely with the Cumbria Wildlife Trust and Yorkshire Dales National Park in all areas of common interest.

The trustees are grateful to the local community, visitors to the area and all our supporters for the tremendous support by way of positive feedback and donations.

Investment policy and performance

The Trust operates within the Memorandum and Articles of Association and regularly reviews its investment policy.

Following our latest review, we switched our investments in May 2023 to an ESG fund (Environmental Social and Governance strategy) to accord with our convictions. We continue to monitor performance on a frequent and regular basis.

Reserves policy

The Trust has a duty to ensure that there are adequate reserves for the maintenance and minor repairs of the structures under its control. The trustees have a programme of frequent monitoring inspections together with a detailed inspection carried out by an independent engineer once every five years. This enables the trustees to ascertain the likelihood of a significant expense in the future. The reserves policy takes these matters into account.

Going concern

After making appropriate enquiries, the trustees have a reasonable expectation that the charity has adequate resources to continue in operational existence for the foreseeable future. For this reason they continue to adopt the going concern basis in preparing the financial statements.

Page 2

NORTHERN VIADUCT TRUST LIMITED (REGISTERED NUMBER: 02351482)

Report of the Trustees for the Year Ended 31 March 2024

FINANCIAL REVIEW Risk management

The trustees have examined the major strategic business and operational risks which the charity faces and confirm that systems are in place to enable regular reports, in particular reports relating to the structures, to be produced so that the necessary steps can be taken to reduce these risks.

The trustees are conscious of the need to balance carefully the risk/reward ratio of the Trust's investments and regular reviews are undertaken to ensure the suitability of that ratio.

FUTURE PLANS

No formal plans have been drawn up for the acquisition of any further viaducts. The Trust's immediate aim is to maintain and improve its current estate and continue to develop regular and reliable income streams.

STRUCTURE, GOVERNANCE AND MANAGEMENT

Governing document

The charity is controlled by its governing document, a deed of trust, and constitutes a limited company, limited by guarantee, as defined by the Companies Act 2006.

Charity constitution

The charity is constituted under a Memorandum of Association dated 23 February 1989 and is a registered charity, number 702573.

Recruitment and appointment of new trustees

The management of the charity is the responsibility of the trustees who are elected and co-opted under the terms of the Articles of Association.

Organisational structure and decision making

The Northern Viaduct Trust is an independent charity. The trustees hold regular meetings and receive reports regarding for example, current maintenance, finance and investment reviews etc.

Induction and training of new trustees

The charity, through the current trustees, has adequate expertise and resource to enable it to function effectively. However, apart from the situation where a trustee does not stand for re-election or resigns, the trustees are always alert to the possibility of inviting individuals who will bring other skills and experience onto the board of trustees. New trustees are given advice as to their role and and all trustees maintain their skills and knowledge through a variety of informal means.

REFERENCE AND ADMINISTRATIVE DETAILS Registered Company number

02351482 (England and Wales)

Registered Charity number

702573

Registered office

Intake Mallerstang Kirkby Stephen Cumbria CA17 4JX

Page 3

NORTHERN VIADUCT TRUST LIMITED (REGISTERED NUMBER: 02351482)

Report of the Trustees for the Year Ended 31 March 2024

Trustees

N J Cleeveley H R Eadon P M Thompson Ms G N Rigg (resigned 17/6/24) F J Setters (resigned 30/9/23) A H M Waite (appointed 14/8/23) M E Hall (appointed 14/8/23)

Company Secretary

H R Eadon

Independent Examiner

John Andrew John Andrew Chartered Accountants 17-19 Market Street KIRKBY STEPHEN Cumbria CA17 4QS

Approved by order of the board of trustees on 18 December 2024 and signed on its behalf by:

H R Eadon - Trustee

Page 4

Independent Examiner's Report to the Trustees of Northern Viaduct Trust Limited

Independent examiner's report to the trustees of Northern Viaduct Trust Limited ('the Company')

I report to the charity trustees on my examination of the accounts of the Company for the year ended 31 March 2024.

Responsibilities and basis of report

As the charity's trustees of the 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 Companies Act 2006 ('the 2006 Act').

Having satisfied myself that the accounts of the Company are not required to be audited under Part 16 of the 2006 Act and are eligible for independent examination, I report in respect of my examination of your charity's accounts as carried out under Section 145 of the Charities Act 2011 ('the 2011 Act'). In carrying out my examination I have followed the Directions given by the Charity Commission under Section 145(5) (b) of the 2011 Act.

Independent examiner's statement

Since your charity's gross income exceeded £250,000 your examiner must be a member of a listed body. I can confirm that I am qualified to undertake the examination because I am a member of the Institute of Chartered Accountants in England and Wales, which is one of the listed bodies.

I have completed my examination. I confirm that no matters have come to my attention in connection with the examination giving me cause to believe:

  1. accounting records were not kept in respect of the Company as required by Section 386 of the 2006 Act; or

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

  3. the accounts do not comply with the accounting requirements of Section 396 of the 2006 Act other than any requirement that the accounts give a true and fair view which is not a matter considered as part of an independent examination; or

  4. the accounts have not been prepared in accordance with the methods and principles of the Statement of Recommended Practice for accounting and reporting by charities (applicable to charities preparing their accounts in accordance with the Financial Reporting Standard applicable in the UK and Republic of Ireland (FRS 102)).

I have no concerns and have come across no other matters in connection with the examination to which attention should be drawn in this report in order to enable a proper understanding of the accounts to be reached.

John Andrew

The Institute of Chartered Accountants in England and Wales

John Andrew Chartered Accountants 17-19 Market Street KIRKBY STEPHEN Cumbria CA17 4QS

18 December 2024

Page 5

NORTHERN VIADUCT TRUST LIMITED

Statement of Financial Activities for the Year Ended 31 March 2024

Notes
INCOME AND ENDOWMENTS FROM
Donations and legacies
Charitable activities
Restoration and Preservation
Investment income
2
Total
EXPENDITURE ON
Charitable activities
Restoration and Preservation
Net gains on investments
NET INCOME/(EXPENDITURE)
RECONCILIATION OF FUNDS
Total funds brought forward
TOTAL FUNDS CARRIED FORWARD
Unrestricted
fund
£
2,489
-
874
3,363
5,362
-
(1,999)
14,102
12,103
Restricted
funds
£
969
388,680
2,744
392,393
353,757
8,280
46,916
1,009,990
1,056,906
31/3/24
Total
funds
£
3,458
388,680
3,618
395,756
359,119
8,280
44,917
1,024,092
1,069,009
31/3/23
Total
funds
£
7,918
-
3,325
11,243
6,993
426
4,676
1,019,416
1,024,092

The notes form part of these financial statements

Page 6

NORTHERN VIADUCT TRUST LIMITED (REGISTERED NUMBER: 02351482)

Balance Sheet 31 March 2024

Notes
FIXED ASSETS
Tangible assets
7
Investments
8
CURRENT ASSETS
Debtors
9
Cash at bank
10
CREDITORS
Amounts falling due within one year
11
NET CURRENT ASSETS
TOTAL ASSETS LESS CURRENT
LIABILITIES
NET ASSETS
FUNDS
13
Unrestricted funds
Restricted funds
TOTAL FUNDS
31/3/24
£
850,346
124,678
975,024
1,404
97,452
98,856
(4,871)
93,985
1,069,009
1,069,009
12,103
1,056,906
1,069,009
31/3/23
£
850,346
116,398
966,744
963
58,222
59,185
(1,837)
57,348
1,024,092
1,024,092
14,102
1,009,990
1,024,092

The charitable company is entitled to exemption from audit under Section 477 of the Companies Act 2006 for the year ended 31 March 2024.

The members have not required the company to obtain an audit of its financial statements for the year ended 31 March 2024 in accordance with Section 476 of the Companies Act 2006.

The trustees acknowledge their responsibilities for

The notes form part of these financial statements

continued...

Page 7

NORTHERN VIADUCT TRUST LIMITED (REGISTERED NUMBER: 02351482)

Balance Sheet - continued 31 March 2024

These financial statements have been prepared in accordance with the provisions applicable to charitable companies subject to the small companies regime.

The financial statements were approved by the Board of Trustees and authorised for issue on 18 December 2024 and were signed on its behalf by:

H R Eadon - Trustee

N J Cleeveley - Trustee

The notes form part of these financial statements

Page 8

NORTHERN VIADUCT TRUST LIMITED

Notes to the Financial Statements for the Year Ended 31 March 2024

1. ACCOUNTING POLICIES

Basis of preparing the financial statements

The financial statements of the charitable company, which is a public benefit entity under FRS 102, have been prepared in accordance with the Charities SORP (FRS 102) 'Accounting and Reporting by Charities: Statement of Recommended Practice applicable to charities preparing their accounts in accordance with the Financial Reporting Standard applicable in the UK and Republic of Ireland (FRS 102) (effective 1 January 2019)', Financial Reporting Standard 102 'The Financial Reporting Standard applicable in the UK and Republic of Ireland' and the Companies Act 2006. The financial statements have been prepared under the historical cost convention, with the exception of investments which are included at market value, as modified by the revaluation of certain assets.

Income

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

Expenditure

Liabilities are recognised as expenditure as soon as there is a legal or constructive obligation committing the charity to that expenditure, it is probable that a transfer of economic benefits will be required in settlement and the amount of the obligation can be measured reliably. Expenditure is accounted for on an accruals basis and has been classified under headings that aggregate all cost related to the category. Where costs cannot be directly attributed to particular headings they have been allocated to activities on a basis consistent with the use of resources.

Tangible fixed assets

The three historic viaducts and ancillary property are stated at their cost of acquisition of the freeholds, £2 in total plus the cost of initial restoration and of subsequent improvements. No provision is made for depreciation on the grounds that the properties comprise freehold land and structures which are subject to a policy and practice of regular maintenance and repair. They will therefore be kept to the previously assessed (restored) standard. Annual impairment reviews are carried out and a detailed structural survey undertaken every five years by a qualified engineer.

Taxation

The charity is exempt from corporation tax on its charitable activities.

Fund accounting

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

Restricted funds can only be used for particular restricted purposes within the objects of the charity. Restrictions arise when specified by the donor or when funds are raised for particular restricted purposes.

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

Fixed asset investments

Fixed asset investments are a form of financial instrument and are initially recognised at their transaction cost and subsequently measured at fair value at the Balance sheet date, unless fair value cannot be measured reliabily in which case it is measured at cost less impairment. Investment gains and losses, whether realised or unrealised, are combined and shown in the heading 'Net gains/(losses) on investments" in the Statement of financial activities incorporating income and expenditure account.

continued...

Page 9

NORTHERN VIADUCT TRUST LIMITED

Notes to the Financial Statements - continued for the Year Ended 31 March 2024

2. INVESTMENT INCOME

INVESTMENT INCOME
31/3/24 31/3/23
£ £
Other fixed asset invest - FII 2,744 3,079
Deposit account interest 874 246
3,618 3,325

3. SUPPORT COSTS

SUPPORT COSTS
Governance
Management Finance costs Totals
£ £ £ £
Restoration and Preservation 4,871 277 1,847 6,995
Activity Basis of allocation
Management 100% allocated to Restoration and Preservation
Finance 100% allocated to Restoration and Preservation
Governance costs 100% allocated to Restoration and Preservation

Support costs, included in the above, are as follows:

Management

Management
31/3/24 31/3/23
Restoration
and Total
Preservation activities
£ £
Telephone 40 -
Subscriptions 405 305
Legal and Professional 4,426 -
4,871 305
Finance
31/3/24 31/3/23
Restoration
and Total
Preservation activities
£ £
Bank charges 277 290

continued...

Page 10

NORTHERN VIADUCT TRUST LIMITED

Notes to the Financial Statements - continued for the Year Ended 31 March 2024

3. SUPPORT COSTS - continued Governance costs

SUPPORT COSTS - continued
Governance costs
31/3/24 31/3/23
Restoration
and Total
Preservation activities
£ £
Trustees' expenses 734 157
Accountancy and legal fees 1,113 589
1,847 746

4. TRUSTEES' REMUNERATION AND BENEFITS

There were no trustees' remuneration or other benefits for the year ended 31 March 2024 nor for the year ended 31 March 2023.

Trustees' expenses

Trustees' expenses
AVERAGE NUMBER OF EMPLOYEES
The average number of employees during the year was 0 (2023 - 0).
COMPARATIVES FOR THE STATEMENT OF FINANCIAL
INCOME AND ENDOWMENTS FROM
Donations and legacies
Investment income
Total
EXPENDITURE ON
Charitable activities
Restoration and Preservation
Net gains on investments
NET INCOME/(EXPENDITURE)
RECONCILIATION OF FUNDS
Total funds brought forward
ACTIVITIES
Unrestricted
fund
£
432
246
678
1,341
-
(663)
14,765
31/3/24
£
734
Restricted
funds
£
7,486
3,079
10,565
5,652
426
5,339
1,004,651
31/3/23
£
157
Total
funds
£
7,918
3,325
31/3/23
£
157
Total
funds
£
7,918
3,325
11,243
6,993
426
4,676
1,019,416

5. AVERAGE NUMBER OF EMPLOYEES

6. COMPARATIVES FOR THE STATEMENT OF FINANCIAL ACTIVITIES

continued...

Page 11

NORTHERN VIADUCT TRUST LIMITED

Notes to the Financial Statements - continued for the Year Ended 31 March 2024

6.
COMPARATIVES FOR THE STATEMENT OF FINANCIAL
TOTAL FUNDS CARRIED FORWARD
7.
TANGIBLE FIXED ASSETS
COST
At 1 April 2023 and 31 March 2024
NET BOOK VALUE
At 31 March 2024
At 31 March 2023
8.
FIXED ASSET INVESTMENTS
MARKET VALUE
At 1 April 2023
Revaluations
At 31 March 2024
NET BOOK VALUE
At 31 March 2024
At 31 March 2023
There were no investment assets outside the UK.
Cost or valuation at 31 March 2024 is represented by:
Valuation in 2021
Valuation in 2022
Valuation in 2023
Valuation in 2024
Cost
ACTIVITIES - continued
Unrestricted
Restricted
fund
funds
£
£
14,102
1,009,990
Improvements
Freehold
to
property
property
£
£
792,345
58,001
792,345
58,001
792,345
58,001
Total
funds
£
1,024,092
Totals
£
850,346
850,346
850,346
Listed
investments
£
116,398
8,280
124,678
124,678
116,398
Listed
investments
£
26,627
6,947
426
8,280
82,398
124,678

continued...

Page 12

NORTHERN VIADUCT TRUST LIMITED

Notes to the Financial Statements - continued for the Year Ended 31 March 2024

9.
DEBTORS: AMOUNTS FALLING DUE WITHIN ONE YEAR
VAT
10.
CASH AT BANK
General
Restricted
fund
Fund
£
£
Current Bank Account
15,570
47,478
Bank deposit account
-
34,404
Total
15,570
81,882
11.
CREDITORS: AMOUNTS FALLING DUE WITHIN ONE YEAR
Trade creditors
Accrued expenses
12.
ANALYSIS OF NET ASSETS BETWEEN FUNDS
Unrestricted
Restricted
fund
funds
£
£
Fixed assets
-
850,346
Investments
-
124,678
Current assets
16,974
81,882
Current liabilities
(4,871)
-
12,103
1,056,906
13.
MOVEMENT IN FUNDS
At 1/4/23
£
Unrestricted funds
General fund
14,102
Restricted funds
Restricted Fund
1,009,990
TOTAL FUNDS
1,024,092

continued...

Page 13

NORTHERN VIADUCT TRUST LIMITED

Notes to the Financial Statements - continued for the Year Ended 31 March 2024

13. MOVEMENT IN FUNDS - continued

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

Unrestricted funds
General fund
Restricted funds
Restricted Fund
TOTAL FUNDS
Incoming
resources
£
3,363
392,393
395,756
Resources
expended
£
(5,362)
(353,757)
(359,119)
Gains and
Movement
losses
in funds
£
£
-
(1,999)
8,280
46,916
8,280
44,917
Gains and
Movement
losses
in funds
£
£
-
(1,999)
8,280
46,916
8,280
44,917
44,917

Comparatives for movement in funds

Unrestricted funds
General fund
Restricted funds
Restricted Fund
TOTAL FUNDS
At 1/4/22
£
14,765
1,004,651
1,019,416
Net
movement
in funds
£
(663)
5,339
4,676
At
31/3/23
£
14,102
1,009,990
1,024,092

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

Incoming Resources Gains and Movement
resources expended losses in funds
£ £ £ £
Unrestricted funds
General fund 678 (1,341) - (663)
Restricted funds
Restricted Fund 10,565 (5,652) 426 5,339
TOTAL FUNDS 11,243 (6,993) 426 4,676

continued...

Page 14

NORTHERN VIADUCT TRUST LIMITED

Notes to the Financial Statements - continued for the Year Ended 31 March 2024

13. MOVEMENT IN FUNDS - continued

A current year 12 months and prior year 12 months combined position is as follows:

Unrestricted funds
General fund
Restricted funds
Restricted Fund
TOTAL FUNDS
At 1/4/22
£
14,765
1,004,651
1,019,416
Net
movement
in funds
£
(2,662)
52,255
49,593
At
31/3/24
£
12,103
1,056,906
1,069,009

A current year 12 months and prior year 12 months combined net movement in funds, included in the above are as follows:

Unrestricted funds
General fund
Restricted funds
Restricted Fund
TOTAL FUNDS
Incoming
resources
£
4,041
402,958
406,999
Resources
expended
£
(6,703)
(359,409)
(366,112)
Gains and
Movement
losses
in funds
£
£
-
(2,662)
8,706
52,255
8,706
49,593
Gains and
Movement
losses
in funds
£
£
-
(2,662)
8,706
52,255
8,706
49,593
49,593

14. RELATED PARTY DISCLOSURES

Blencathra Productions Limited

A company majority owned by Ms Gillian Nanette Rigg, who is a trustee of the charity.

The charity paid for website services. The total amount paid by the charity to Blencathra Productions Limited during the year was £853.12 excluding VAT.

No amounts were owing by or to the charity at the year end in respect of these services.

Page 15