Charity registration number NIC100683
Company registration number NI025802 (Northern Ireland)
BELFAST AND COUNTY DOWN MINIATURE RAILWAY SOCIETY LTD
ANNUAL REPORT AND UNAUDITED FINANCIAL STATEMENTS
FOR THE YEAR ENDED 30 SEPTEMBER 2023
BELFAST AND COUNTY DOWN MINIATURE RAILWAY SOCIETY LTD
LEGAL AND ADMINISTRATIVE INFORMATION
Trustees
Mr D Heatley Mr B Jones Mr J Thompson Mr K Vernon Mr A Kempston Mr J Mathews Mr C McDonald Mr K Wood Mr G Fleming
(Appointed 26 March 2024)
Secretary Mr D Heatley Charity number NIC100683 Company number NI025802 Principal address 60 Upper Gransha Road Donaghadee BT21 0LZ Registered office Century House 40 Crescent Business Park Lisburn BT28 2GN Independent examiner GMcG LISBURN Century House 40 Crescent Business Park Lisburn BT28 2GN
Bankers
Danske Bank 77 Main Street Bangor Co. Down BT20 5AP
BELFAST AND COUNTY DOWN MINIATURE RAILWAY SOCIETY LTD
CONTENTS
| Page | |
|---|---|
| Trustees' report | 1 - 2 |
| Independent examiner's report | 3 - 4 |
| Statement of financial activities | 5 |
| Statement of financial position | 6 |
| Notes to the financial statements | 7 - 12 |
BELFAST AND COUNTY DOWN MINIATURE RAILWAY SOCIETY LTD
TRUSTEES' REPORT
FOR THE YEAR ENDED 30 SEPTEMBER 2023
The trustees present their annual report and financial statements for the year ended 30 September 2023.
The financial statements have been prepared in accordance with the accounting policies set out in note 1 to the financial statements and comply with the company's Memorandum and Articles of Association, the Companies Act 2006 and "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
The society's objectives are to advance the education of the public in the history and development of railway locomotives and railway vehicles by providing, constructing and operating a seven and a quarter inch gauge passenger carrying miniature railway with ancillary buildings.
The trustees have paid due regard to guidance issued by the Charity Commission in deciding what activities the company should undertake.
Achievements and performance
The railway operated during the running season and was very busy on most running days, providing an enjoyable learning experience for visitors and members.
Work with the landlord regarding a new lease continued with the lease for a period of twenty-years from 1st August 24 agreed to provide stability and a firm position should grants be applied for.
The critical mass of workers active on the site is relatively constant but there is as always a huge amount of work to be done.
The raised track for three and a half and five inch locomotives has been extended and is now marginally longer than the original track brought from Cultra. The ground level track is undergoing a program of sleeper replacement which will take a few years to complete.
The charity continued to provide a miniature railway with steam, diesel and electric locomotives, railway vehicles, an infrastructure replicating the railway environment of a bygone era and preserved our industrial heritage by maintaining traditional engineering skills and passing these on to a new generation.
Families experienced together things from the past, learning how locomotives work, the importance of the railways in the expansion of the industrial revolution and our Industrial Heritage.
A continuing programme of in-house maintenance of the running stock has been undertaken and training provided to members interested in this project.
Parents, children, grandparents, grandchildren and other family and social groups have interacted together and with our "experts" as they discussed the past and the changes seen over the generations.
Our members demonstrated how things work and how things are done. These interactions helped build family bonds and create lifelong memories as well as teaching the engineering and science of the railways and engineering in Northern Ireland.
2023 saw much work achieved at Drumawhey by a dedicated team of members. Those attending less regularly see big changes at each visit.
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BELFAST AND COUNTY DOWN MINIATURE RAILWAY SOCIETY LTD
TRUSTEES' REPORT (CONTINUED)
FOR THE YEAR ENDED 30 SEPTEMBER 2023
Financial review
The results for the year are set out in detail on pages 5 to 12. The company returned net outgoing resources for the year of £5,778 (2022 - £55,531 net incoming resources), leaving unrestricted funds of £105,272 (2022£109,940) and restricted funds of £16,470 (2022- £17,580).
During the year ended 30 September 2022, donations of £42,500 were in relation to net assets transferred from the Model Engineers' Society (NI) Limited, (MESNI), to the charity.
Unrestricted funds are needed:
a) to provide funds which can be designated to specific projects to enable these projects to be undertaken at short notice; and,
b) to cover administration, fund-raising and support costs without which the charity could not function.
The directors consider it prudent that unrestricted reserves should be sufficient to ensure that, in the event of a significant drop in funding, they will be able to continue the charity's current activities while consideration is given to ways in which additional funds may be raised.
The trustees have assessed the major risks to which the company is exposed and are satisfied that systems are in place to mitigate exposure to the major risks.
Structure, governance and management
The company is governed by its Memorandum and Articles of Association. The company is not-for-profit and is limited by guarantee, the liability of its members being limited to £1.
The trustees, who are also the directors for the purpose of company law, and who served during the year were: Mr D Heatley
Mr B Jones Mr J Thompson Mr K Vernon Mr A Kempston Mr H Hamilton (Resigned 16 March 2024) Mr J Mathews Mr C McDonald Mr K Wood Mr G Fleming (Appointed 26 March 2024)
One third of the Directors must retire at each AGM, those longest in office retiring first and the choice between any of equal service being made by drawing lots.
This report has been prepared in accordance with the provision applicable to companies entitled to the small companies exemption.
The trustees' report was approved by the Board of Trustees.
Mr B Jones
Trustee
Dated: 13 May 2024
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BELFAST AND COUNTY DOWN MINIATURE RAILWAY SOCIETY LTD
INDEPENDENT EXAMINER'S REPORT
TO THE TRUSTEES OF BELFAST AND COUNTY DOWN MINIATURE RAILWAY SOCIETY LTD
We report on the financial statements of the company for the year ended 30 September 2023, which are set out on pages 5 to 12.
Respective responsibilities of trustees and examiner
As the charity directors you are responsible for the preparation of the accounts in accordance with the requirements of the Companies Act 2006. Having satisfied ourselves that the charity is not subject to audit under company law, and is eligible for independent examination, it is our responsibility to:
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examine the accounts under section 65 of the Charities Act (Northern Ireland) 2008;
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follow the procedures laid down in the general Directions given by the Charity Commission for Northern Ireland under section 65(9)(b) of the Charities Act; and
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state whether particular matters have come to our attention.
Basis of independent examiner's report
We have examined your charity accounts as required under section 65 of the Charities Act and our examination was carried out in accordance with the general Directions given by the Charity Commission for Northern Ireland under section 65(9)(b) of the Charities Act. The examination included a review of the accounting records kept by the charity and a comparison of the accounts presented with those records. It also includes consideration of any unusual items or disclosures in the accounts, and seeking explanations from you as charity trustees concerning any such matters.
Our role is to state whether any material matters have come to our attention giving us cause to believe:
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That accounting records were not kept in accordance with section 386 of the Companies Act 2006
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That the accounts do not accord with those accounting records
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That the accounts do not comply with the accounting requirements of section 396 of the Companies Act 2006 and with the methods and principles of the 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
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That there is further information needed for a proper understanding of the accounts to be reached.
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BELFAST AND COUNTY DOWN MINIATURE RAILWAY SOCIETY LTD
INDEPENDENT EXAMINER'S REPORT (CONTINUED)
TO THE TRUSTEES OF BELFAST AND COUNTY DOWN MINIATURE RAILWAY SOCIETY LTD
Independent examiner's statement
We have completed our examination and have no concerns in respect of the matters (1) to (4) listed above and, in connection with following the Directions of the Charity Commission for Northern Ireland, we have found no matters that require drawing to your attention.
GMcG LISBURN Century House 40 Crescent Business Park Lisburn BT28 2GN
Dated: 13 May 2024
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BELFAST AND COUNTY DOWN MINIATURE RAILWAY SOCIETY LTD
STATEMENT OF FINANCIAL ACTIVITIES INCLUDING INCOME AND EXPENDITURE ACCOUNT
FOR THE YEAR ENDED 30 SEPTEMBER 2023
| Unrestricted Restricted funds funds 2023 2023 Notes £ £ Income from: Donations and legacies 2 21,282 - Investments 3 10 - Total income 21,292 - Expenditure on: Charitable activities 4 25,960 1,110 Net (expenditure)/income for the year/ Net movement in funds (4,668) (1,110) Fund balances at 1 October 2022 109,940 17,580 Fund balances at 30 September 2023 105,272 16,470 |
Total Unrestricted Restricted funds funds 2023 2022 2022 £ £ £ 21,282 81,013 - 10 12 - 21,292 81,025 - 27,070 24,384 1,110 (5,778) 56,641 (1,110) 127,520 53,299 18,690 121,742 109,940 17,580 |
Total 2022 £ 81,013 12 |
|---|---|---|
| 81,025 | ||
| 25,494 | ||
| 55,531 71,989 |
||
| 127,520 |
The statement of financial activities includes all gains and losses recognised in the year.
All income and expenditure derive from continuing activities.
The statement of financial activities also complies with the requirements for an income and expenditure account under the Companies Act 2006.
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BELFAST AND COUNTY DOWN MINIATURE RAILWAY SOCIETY LTD
STATEMENT OF FINANCIAL POSITION
AS AT 30 SEPTEMBER 2023
| Notes Fixed assets Property, plant and equipment 9 Current assets Trade and other receivables 10 Cash at bank and in hand Current liabilities 11 Net current assets Total assets less current liabilities Income funds Restricted funds 12 Unrestricted funds |
2023 £ 3,569 11,583 15,152 (1,080) |
£ 107,670 14,072 121,742 16,470 105,272 121,742 |
2022 £ 3,402 10,140 13,542 (1,051) |
£ 115,029 12,491 |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| 127,520 | ||||
| 17,580 109,940 |
||||
| 127,520 |
The company is entitled to the exemption from the audit requirement contained in section 477 of the Companies Act 2006, for the year ended 30 September 2023.
The directors acknowledge their responsibilities for complying with the requirements of the Companies Act 2006 with respect to accounting records and the preparation of financial statements.
The members have not required the company to obtain an audit of its financial statements for the year in question in accordance with section 476.
These financial statements have been prepared in accordance with the provisions applicable to companies subject to the small companies regime.
The financial statements were approved by the Trustees on 13 May 2024 and signed on their behalf by:
Mr D Heatley Trustee
Mr B Jones Trustee
Company registration number NI025802
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BELFAST AND COUNTY DOWN MINIATURE RAILWAY SOCIETY LTD
NOTES TO THE FINANCIAL STATEMENTS FOR THE YEAR ENDED 30 SEPTEMBER 2023
1 Accounting policies
Charity information
Belfast and County Down Miniature Railway Society Ltd is a private company limited by guarantee incorporated in Northern Ireland. The registered office is Century House, 40 Crescent Business Park, Lisburn, BT28 2GN. The business address is 60 Upper Gransha Road, Donaghadee, BT21 0LZ.
1.1 Accounting convention
The financial statements have been prepared in accordance with the company's Memorandum and Articles of Association, the Companies Act 2006 and "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)". The company is a Public Benefit Entity as defined by FRS 102.
The company has taken advantage of the provisions in the SORP for charities applying FRS 102 Update Bulletin 1 not to prepare a Statement of Cash Flows.
The financial statements are prepared in sterling, which is the functional currency of the company. Monetary amounts in these financial statements are rounded to the nearest £.
The financial statements have been prepared under the historical cost convention. The principal accounting policies adopted are set out below.
1.2 Going concern
At the time of approving the financial statements, the trustees have a reasonable expectation that the company has adequate resources to continue in operational existence for the foreseeable future. Thus the trustees continue to adopt the going concern basis of accounting in preparing the financial statements.
1.3 Charitable funds
Unrestricted funds are available for use at the discretion of the trustees in furtherance of their charitable objectives.
Restricted funds are subject to specific 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 financial statements.
1.4 Incoming resources
Income is recognised when the company is legally entitled to it after any performance conditions have been met, the amounts can be measured reliably, and it is probable that income will be received.
Cash donations are recognised on receipt. Other donations are recognised once the company has been notified of the donation, unless performance conditions require deferral of the amount. Income tax recoverable in relation to donations received under Gift Aid or deeds of covenant is recognised at the time of the donation.
1.5 Resources expended
All expenditure is accounted for on an accruals basis and has been classified under headings that aggregate all costs related to the category. Expenditure is recognised where there is a legal or constructive obligation to make payments to third parties, it is probable that the settlement will be required and the amount of the obligation can be measured reliably.
Irrecoverable VAT is charged as an expense against the activity for which expenditure arose.
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BELFAST AND COUNTY DOWN MINIATURE RAILWAY SOCIETY LTD
NOTES TO THE FINANCIAL STATEMENTS (CONTINUED) FOR THE YEAR ENDED 30 SEPTEMBER 2023
1 Accounting policies (Continued)
1.6 Property, plant and equipment
Property, plant and equipment are initially measured at cost and subsequently measured at cost or valuation, net of depreciation and any impairment losses.
Depreciation is recognised so as to write off the cost or valuation of assets less their residual values over their useful lives on the following bases:
Freehold land and buildings 4% straight line Plant and equipment 4% straight line
The gain or loss arising on the disposal of an asset is determined as the difference between the sale proceeds and the carrying value of the asset, and is recognised in the statement of financial activities.
1.7 Cash and cash equivalents
Cash and cash equivalents include cash in hand, deposits held at call with banks, other short-term liquid investments with original maturities of three months or less, and bank overdrafts. Bank overdrafts are shown within borrowings in current liabilities.
1.8 Financial instruments
The company has elected to apply the provisions of Section 11 ‘Basic Financial Instruments’ and Section 12 ‘Other Financial Instruments Issues’ of FRS 102 to all of its financial instruments.
Financial instruments are recognised in the company's balance sheet when the company becomes party to the contractual provisions of the instrument.
Financial assets and liabilities are offset, with the net amounts presented in the financial statements, when there is a legally enforceable right to set off the recognised amounts and there is an intention to settle on a net basis or to realise the asset and settle the liability simultaneously.
Basic financial assets
Basic financial assets, which include trade and other receivables and cash and bank balances, are initially measured at transaction price including transaction costs and are subsequently carried at amortised cost using the effective interest method unless the arrangement constitutes a financing transaction, where the transaction is measured at the present value of the future receipts discounted at a market rate of interest. Financial assets classified as receivable within one year are not amortised.
Basic financial liabilities
Basic financial liabilities, including trade and other payables and bank loans are initially recognised at transaction price unless the arrangement constitutes a financing transaction, where the debt instrument is measured at the present value of the future payments discounted at a market rate of interest. Financial liabilities classified as payable within one year are not amortised.
Debt instruments are subsequently carried at amortised cost, using the effective interest rate method.
Trade payables are obligations to pay for goods or services that have been acquired in the ordinary course of operations from suppliers. Amounts payable are classified as current liabilities if payment is due within one year or less. If not, they are presented as non-current liabilities. Trade payables are recognised initially at transaction price and subsequently measured at amortised cost using the effective interest method.
Derecognition of financial liabilities
Financial liabilities are derecognised when the company’s contractual obligations expire or are discharged or cancelled.
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BELFAST AND COUNTY DOWN MINIATURE RAILWAY SOCIETY LTD
NOTES TO THE FINANCIAL STATEMENTS (CONTINUED) FOR THE YEAR ENDED 30 SEPTEMBER 2023
2 Donations and legacies
| Donations and gifts Donations and gifts Donations and gifts Sale of sew on badges, totems, calenders and steel Member subscriptions Other |
2023 £ 21,282 18,305 - 2,977 - 21,282 |
2022 £ 81,013 |
|---|---|---|
| 35,021 428 3,564 42,000 |
||
| 81,013 |
During the year ended 30 September 2022 the Model Engineers' Society (NI) Limited, (MESNI), gifted the charity its net assets at a value of £42,500.
3 Investments
| **Unrestricted ** | Unrestricted | |
|---|---|---|
| funds | funds | |
| 2023 | 2022 | |
| £ | £ | |
| Interest receivable | 10 | 12 |
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BELFAST AND COUNTY DOWN MINIATURE RAILWAY SOCIETY LTD
NOTES TO THE FINANCIAL STATEMENTS (CONTINUED) FOR THE YEAR ENDED 30 SEPTEMBER 2023
4 Charitable activities
| Miniature | Miniature | |
|---|---|---|
| railway | railway | |
| 2023 | 2022 | |
| £ | £ | |
| Depreciation and impairment | 7,358 | 6,625 |
| Rent | 1,749 | 2,094 |
| Insurance | 4,054 | 3,670 |
| Light and heat | 1,488 | 2,134 |
| Postage and stationery | 553 | 210 |
| Loco parts / fuel | 1,548 | 1,047 |
| Site and building expenses | 7,170 | 4,768 |
| Gardening and site maintenance | - | 1,000 |
| Advertising | 615 | 514 |
| Sundry expenses | 640 | 836 |
| Bank charges and interest | 199 | 214 |
| Accountancy | 1,110 | 1,200 |
| Shop stock | 586 | 1,182 |
| 27,070 | 25,494 | |
| 27,070 | 25,494 | |
| Analysis by fund | ||
| Unrestricted funds | 25,960 | 24,384 |
| Restricted funds | 1,110 | 1,110 |
| 27,070 | 25,494 |
5 Description of charitable activities
Miniature railway
The charity's only charitable activity is to advance the education of the public in the history and development of railway locomotion and railway vehicles by providing, constructing and operating a seven and a quarter inch guage passenger carrying miniature railway, along with raised track for three and a half and five inch locomotives with ancillary buildings.
6 Trustees
None of the trustees (or any persons connected with them) received any remuneration or benefits from the company during the year.
7 Employees
There were no employees during the period.
8 Taxation
The charity is exempt from corporation tax on it's charitable activities.
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BELFAST AND COUNTY DOWN MINIATURE RAILWAY SOCIETY LTD
NOTES TO THE FINANCIAL STATEMENTS (CONTINUED) FOR THE YEAR ENDED 30 SEPTEMBER 2023
| 9 | Property, plant and equipment | ||||||
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Freehold land | Plant and | Total | |||||
| and buildings | equipment | ||||||
| £ | £ | £ | |||||
| Cost | |||||||
| At 1 October 2022 | 108,283 | 98,421 | 206,704 | ||||
| At 30 September 2023 | 108,283 | 98,421 | 206,704 | ||||
| Depreciation and impairment | |||||||
| At 1 October 2022 | 49,643 | 42,033 | 91,676 | ||||
| Depreciation charged in the year | 4,013 | 3,345 | 7,358 | ||||
| At 30 September 2023 | 53,656 | 45,378 | 99,034 | ||||
| Carrying amount | |||||||
| At 30 September 2023 | 54,627 | 53,043 | 107,670 | ||||
| At 30 September 2022 | 58,641 | 56,388 | 115,029 | ||||
| 10 | Trade and other receivables | ||||||
| 2023 | 2022 | ||||||
| Amounts falling due within one year: | £ | £ | |||||
| Prepayments and accrued income | 3,569 | 3,402 | |||||
| 11 | Current liabilities | ||||||
| 2023 | 2022 | ||||||
| £ | £ | ||||||
| Accruals and deferred income | 1,080 | 1,051 | |||||
| 12 | Restricted funds | ||||||
| The income funds of the charity include | restricted funds | comprising the following | unexpended | balances of | |||
| donations and grants held on trust for specific purposes: | |||||||
| Balance at | Resources | Balance at | Resources | Balance at | |||
| 1 October 2021 | expended | 1 October 2022 | expended | 30 September | |||
| 2023 | |||||||
| £ | £ | £ | £ | £ | |||
| DRAP - NI Rural Development | |||||||
| Programme | 18,690 | (1,110) | 17,580 | (1,110) | 16,470 |
The income funds of the charity include restricted funds comprising the following unexpended balances of donations and grants held on trust for specific purposes:
DRAP - NI Rural Development Programme - To provide financial support for the improvement of the station building and for the provision of a toilet block on the premises.
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BELFAST AND COUNTY DOWN MINIATURE RAILWAY SOCIETY LTD
NOTES TO THE FINANCIAL STATEMENTS (CONTINUED)
FOR THE YEAR ENDED 30 SEPTEMBER 2023
| 13 Analysis of net assets between funds Unrestricted funds Restricted funds 2023 2023 £ £ Fund balances at 30 September 2023 are represented by: Property, plant and equipment 91,200 16,470 Current assets/(liabilities) 14,072 - 105,272 16,470 |
Total Unrestricted funds Restricted funds 2023 2022 2022 £ £ £ 107,670 97,449 17,580 14,072 12,491 - 121,742 109,940 17,580 |
Total 2022 £ 115,029 12,491 |
|---|---|---|
| 127,520 |
14 Related party transactions
There were no disclosable related party transactions during the year (2022 - none).
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