COMPANY REGISTRATION NUMBER: N1024103
CHARITY REGISTRATION NUMBER: NIC105286
The Somme Association
Company Limited by Guarantee
Financial Statements
31 March 2024
AUBREY CAMPBELL & COMPANY
Chartered accountants & statutory auditor
631 Lisburn Road
Belfast
BT9 7GT

The Somme Association
Company Limited by Guarantee
Financial Statements
Year ended 31 March 2024
Page
Trustees, annual report (incorporating the directorfs report)
Independent auditorfs report to the members
Statement of financial activities (including income and
expenditure account)
15
Statement of financial position
16
Statement of cash flows
17
Notes to the financial statements
18
The following pages do not form part of the financial ststements
Detailed statement of financial activities
35
Notes to the detailed statement of financial activities
37

The Somme Association
Company Limited by Guarantee
Tru5tees' Annual Report (Incorporating the Dlrector's Report)
Year ended 31 March 2024
The trustees, who are also the directors for the purposes of company law. present their report and the
financial statements of the charity for the year ended 31 March 2024.
Reference and admlnlstratlve detalls
Reglstered charlty name
The Somme Association
Charity registration number
NIC105286
Company reglstration number N1024103
Principal office and reglstered 233 Bangor Road
office
Ne￿Ownards
Co. Down
BT23 7PH
The trustees
Mr A McFarland
Mr E Holmes
Mr L Cree
Mr L Logan
Mr V Deshpande
Mrs E Hoy
Auditor
Aubrey Campbell & Company
Chartered accountants & statutory auditor
631 Lisburn Road
Belfast
BT9 7GT

The Somme Association
Company Llmlted by Guarantee
Trustees, Annual Report (Incorporating the Director's Report) (coniinutdj
Year ended 31 March 2024
Structure, governance and management
Goveming Document
The Somme Association is a charitable company limited by guarantee, incorporated on 26 January
1990. The company was established undera Memorandum ofAssociation which established the objects
and powers of the charitable company and is governed under its Articles of Association. In the event of
the company being wound up, members are required to contribute an amount not exceeding £10 to the
Charity's assets if it should be wound up while he or she is a member or within one year after he or she
ceases to be a member for payment of the charity's debts and liabilities contracted before he or she
ases to be a member and of the Costs, charges and expenses of winding up and for the adjustment
of the rights of the contributors among themselves.
Recruitment and Appointment of Trustees
The Directors of the Company are also charity Trustees for the purpose of charity law and under the
company's Articles are members ofthe Somme Association. Underthe requirement ofthe Memorandum
and Articles of Association, the Trustees of the Somme Association Board are elected to serve for
period of three years after which they must be reelected at the next Annual General Meeting. All
members of the Board give their time voluntarily and receive no benefit from the charity. Any expenses
reclaimed from the charty are set out in the accounts.
Organisational Structure
The Somme Association has a Board of Trustees of 6 members who, meet quarterly or more frequently.
rf required. The 8oard is responsible for the strategic direction and policy of the Charity.
The Director of the Somme Association. attends meetings of the Board. but has no voting rights.
Day lo day responsibility for the management of the charity is delegated to the Director, who is
responsible for ensuring that the charity delivers the services in accordance with its objectives set out
in the Memorandum of Understanding, and Ihat key performance indicators are met. The Director has
responsibilty for the day to day operational management of the staff at the Somme Museum and at the
Ulster Memorial Tower. and for ensuring staff members continue to develop their skills and working
practices in line with good practice.
Hlstory
The Somme Association was formed in 1990 with the aim of educating the public and commemorating.
on a cross-community basis, the role played by Irish men and women in the First World War. It
administers the Ulster Memorial Tower in France, and in 2004 purchased Thiepval Wood through
grant from the Department of Culture, Arts and Leisure. It has over the last few years carried out
archaeological excavations of the trenches in Thiepval Wood, from where the Ulster Division made its
historic charge on the 1st July 1916. The Wood was opened for guided tours in July 20C6 and work
continues on the original First World War trenches. The Association also owns Craigavon House in
East Belfast, fomer home of Sir James Craig, Northern Ireland's first Prime Minister and central figure
in the Home Rule Crisis.
The Somme Heritage Centre opened in 1994 and became a fully accredited museum in 2002 under
Museums, Libraries and Archives IMLAUK). The Trustees ofthe Somme Association decided to change
the Museum's name to Somme Museum in 2014 and this was approved by Museums, Libraries and
Archives in the same year. The Somme Museum (SM) operates as an educational facility, independent
museum and as a tourist attraction.
The Museum examines Ireland's role in the First Worfd War with special reference to local cross-
community involvement in the three volunteer Divisions raised in Ireland: the 1 Oth and 16th

The Somme Association
Company Limited by Guarantee
Trustees, Annual Report (Incorporating tha Directorfs Report) {contsnuod)
Year ended 31 March 2024
(Irish) Divisions, and the 36th (Ulster) Division. It provides public access to educational material that
references the significant local historical, political, cultural and heritage context of the years 1910-22
and specifically in relation to the Battle of the Somme.
The Museum conducts outreach work with schools; providing learning materials and links with the
school curriculum. The Museum has also established relationships with a number of community and
voluntary sector organisations which it aims to develop particularly within the women's sector. Since
2000, the Museum has expanded into the Second World War and other modem international conflicts.
The key aims of the Museum include strengthenin9 cross-community understsnding and knowledge of
shared heritage, improving cross-border relationships, promoting reconciliation and building on
educationl outreach facilities and programmes - particularly towards youth and women. This supports
the Executive's statement that events will be organised under the principles of-
educational focus.,
reflection.,
inclusivty.,
- tolerance;
respect.,
responsibility- and,
- interdependence.
The SM has an extenstve collection of material from the First World War period and in the last number
of years a growing collection from World War Two.
In 1998, a 'Management Committee, was formed for the SM, which incorporated members of the Somme
Association, Ards Borough Council, North Down Borough Council, and interested individuals with
educational, business and community relations backgrounds. Wrth the r&organisation of local
govemment, the stwcture of the Committee has changed and now includes three Councillors from Ards
and North Down Borough Council.

The Somme Association
Company Limited by Guarantee
Trustees, Annual Report (Incorporating the Directorfs Report) f¢ontlnuedJ
Year ended 31 March 2024
Objectlves and activitles
Vision
To assist in bringing the people of the island of Ireland to a mutual understanding through the
commemoration and interpretation of the experiences of the men and women who lived, served, fought
and died in modern international conflicts.
Mission
To improve community relations through commemoration and education on the important role played
by Irish Soldiers in defence of freedom in the modern era in a balan￿d, accurate and entertaining
manner - through the provision of museum displays and experiences at the Somme Museum, and
through the visitor experience at the Ulster Memorial Tower and Thiepval Wood in France.
Values
The Somme Association occupies a unique position, in which it has the respect and support of the full
range of organisations and political parties representing communities from across the island of Ireland.
As a result, it is able to make a significant contribution towards building a united and shared community
in line with Northern Ireland Executive aims and priorities. The Association achieves this through
promoting a factual and balanced analysis of the events surrounding the First World War, in order to
educate all sections of our community in our shared history - a history which cannot be claimed by any
one group to the exclusion of others.
The whole community of Northem Ireland will benefit through the development of a common
understanding of the commitment and sacrifices made by peoples from a Nationalist and Unionist
background as they stood and fought together on the Western Front during the First World War.
Although the story of the First World War is often told through the mililary and regimental museums in
Ireland, the Somme Museum provides a shared space where people from various backgrounds can
come to learn more about family members and the wider history of the war including the social and
political conditions that prevailed at home.
Through its professional approach in researching the history of the First World War, the Somme
Association is commrtted to addressing the need for a shared communty set out by the Northern Ireland
Executive and works closely wtth and supports the education sector in developing material to support
the schools, curriculum requirements.
Our Key Aims
Our key aims are as follows..
- To strengthen our cross-community standing, and knowledge of our shared heritage.,
To improve Cross-border relationships.,
To build on our educationloutreach facilities and programmes particularly towards youth;
To develop our exhibition areas to provide greater public access to material held by the Museum;
and,
- To improve our collections and collections management procedures.
Public Benefit Statement
The Somme Association is satisfied that it adheres to the public benefit test set out by the Charities
Commission for Northern Ireland due to the objectives and activities it provides.

The Somme Association
Company Limited by Guarantee
Trustees, Annual Report (Incorporating the Director's Report) (contlnued)
Year ended 31 March 2024
Strategic report
The following sections for achievements and performance and financial review fomi the strategic report
of the charity.

The Somme Association
Company Limited by Guarantee
Trustees, Annual Report (Incorporating the Directorfs Report) {¢ontlnued)
Year ended 31 March 2024
Achlevements and performance
Ister Memorial Tower: The Ulster Memorial Tower at Thiepval, France, has had a successful year.
Several new staff members, supported by Museum staff, have quickly developed excellent relationships
with visitors to the Tower and this has seen an increase in visitor numbers and new tour operators
deciding to include the site in their itinerary. It is of note that the Thiepval site received top marks on
Tripadvisor and was Travellers, Choice Winner for 2023124 season. The Association has been able to
recruit locally based staff members. which allows a surge capacity at busy periods and over the
annual Battle of Ihe Somme commemorations on 1st July.
The previous staff members, who unexpectedly departed from their posts at the Tower in January 2023,
submitted several pages of allegations against the Association and its staff. These were sent to the
Association and further complaints, relating to governance, sent the Department of Finance (DoF} and
the Charity Commission. An Association Trustee was tasked to investigate the allegations. It took some
time to extract from the couple written evidence lo back up the claims made and the veracity of the
accusations. Any outstanding issues were sorted out; a report is being compiled by the Chaimian and
will be considered by the Board of Trustees in due course.
Craigavon House featured by name in the polFiical agreement 'New Decade New
Approach.. The Association has continued to insure and look after the site and it is to be hoped that a
solution to its refurbishment and reuse may be found soon. The Chairman and Director have continued
to meet with parties interested in developing a settled future for the House, including the Somme Nursing
Home.
The Director has continued to offer bespoke tours of Craigavon House to interested established groups
and the House has been made available for filming and appeared in. BBC Restoralion Rescue,, 'The
Prime Ministers, with Professor Alvin Jackson, and The Long & the Short of It, with The Hole in the Wall
Gang & Dr David Hume.
omme Museum: With reductions in income and financial support, the Somme Museum has been
obliged to reassess its methods of operation. It is only open for walk-in vis¢tors each Wednesday and
o Saturdays a month. However, the Museum introduced a booking system for group visits and this
has proved very successful. We have also introduced an option to book evening group visits and this
has also proved popular. The system for school visits has returned to normal and this continues to be
our main business. The Museum operates with two full-time and one part-time staff members and is
fortunate to have seven experienced and knowledgeable volunteers, who allow the guiding system to
function and provide logistical support. Although adding additional pressure to her busy job, the Director
has continued to carry out successful evening out￿a¢h presentations to Community and Historical
Groups throughout Northern Ireland. Many of the groups follow up the presentation with a visit to the
Museum.
During the year, several events and exhibitions have been held at the Museum, including a successful
visit and presentation titled 'Footsteps in Flanders Fields - The Battle of Messines, by Heuvelland
Tourism and the Irish College Leuven in November 2023.
The Royal British Legion carried out its annual Poppy Appeal Launch in October 2023.
The Annual 'Christmas in the Trenches,, over three days prior to Christmas, quickly sold out and has
again proved very popular.
The Association has continued to work with the Heritage Lottery Fund over a grant application to fund
management consullancy study into fulure possibilrties for the Museum. The study will cover

The Somme Association
Company Limited by Guarantee
Trustees, Annual Report (Incorporating the Dlrectorfs Report) (contlnuedj
Year ended 31 March 2024
governance, sustainability and an assessment of site, location and key facilities and is expected to
commence in Autumn 2024.
t Whites
ots". The Chairman and Director have had a series of meetings with Ards & North
Down 8orough Council regarding the development of Whitespots Country Park and possible
development of a new gateway centre for the site.
Flnancial review
The Somme Association has continued to operate in very difficult financial circumstances. In April 2023,
the Association received a letter from the Department for Communities stating that funding for the
Somme Museum would not be granted for 2023124. The Department had been providing project related
funding during the 'Decade of Centenaries, 2012-2022. The Department of Finance has continued core
funding for the Ulster Memorial Tower. The Association has been successful in applications to support
OLrtreach activities.
Discussions with the French tax authorities on the AsS￿latIon,S liabilty to VAT, have progressed and
we are awaiting further clarification on a small number of issues. The Association has continued in its
efforts to transfer Craigavon House into suitable hands and there are encouraging signs that a solLrtion
may emerge - such a transfer would ease the Association's financial burdens.
Plans for future perlods
The Somme Association is encouraged to believe that funding for a study into the future of the Somme
Museum will be available and that the consultancy may begin in Autumn 2024. The Association has
continued to be in discussion with the Department of Finance regarding potential refurbishment and
enhancement of the Ulster Memorial Tower Visitor Centre at Thiepval. The Association is seeking to
ensure a secure future for the Somme Museum, which provides such a unique educational and cultural
experience. Discussions continue with Ards and North Down Borough Council, and other partners, to
construct a plan for the development of the Museum, in parallel with the development of Whitespots
Country Park.
Trustees. responsibilities statement
The trustees, who are also directors for the purposes of company law, are responsible for preparing the
trustees, report and the financial statements in accordance with applicable law and United Kingdom
Accounting Standards (United Kingdom Generally Accepted Accounting Practice).
Company law requires the charity trustees to prepare financial statements for each year which give
true and fair view of the state of affairs of the charitable company and the incoming resources and
application of resources, including the income and expenditure, for that period.

The Somme Association
Company Limited by Guarantee
Trustees. Annual Report (Incorporating the Directorfs Report) (contlnued)
Year ended 31 March 2024
In preparing these financial statements. the trustees are required to..
select suitable accounting policies and then appty them consistently;
observe the methods and principles in the applr2ble Charities SORP.,
make judgments and accounting estimates that are reasonable and prudent:
state whether applicable UK Accounting Standards have been followed, subject to any material
departures disclosed and explained in the financial statements:
prepare the financial ststements on the going concern basis unless it is inappropriate to presume
that the charity will continue in business.
The trustees are ￿sponsible for keeping adequate accounting records that are Suff￿lent to show and
explain the charty's transactions and disclose wrth reasonable accuracy at any time the financial
position of the charty and enable them to ensure that the financial statements comply with the
Companies Act 2006. 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.
Audttor
Each of the persons who is a trustee at the date of approval of this report confimis that..
so far as they are aware, there is no relevant audrt inf0m￿tK)n of which the charty's auditor is
unaware" and
they have taken all steps that they ought to have taken as a trustee to make themselves aware of
any relevant audit information and to establish that the charty's auditor is aware of that information.
The trustees, annual report and the strategic report were approved on 5 February 2025 and signed on
behalf of the board of trustees by:
Mr A McFarland
Trustee
Mr L Cree
Trustee

The Somme Association
Company Limited by Guarantee
Independent Auditorfs Report to the Members of The Somme Association
Year ended 31 March 2024
Quallfied oplnlon
We have audited the financial statements of The Somme Association (the 'charty') for the year ended
31 March 2024 which comprise the statement of financial activities (including income and expenditure
account). statement of financial position. statement of cash flows and the related notes, including
summary of significant accounting policies. The financial reporting framework that has been applied in
their preparation is applicable law and Unrted Kingdom Accounting Standards, including FRS 102 The
Financial Reporting Standard applicable in the UK and Republic of I￿land (United Kingdom Generally
Accepted Accounting Practice).
In our opinion. except for the effects of the matter described in the basis for qualified opinion section of
our report, the financial statements:
give a true and fair view of the state of the charity's affairs as at 31 March 2024 and of its incoming
resources and application of resources, including ts income and expenditure, for the year then
ended:
have been properly prepared in accordance wilh Unrted Kingdom Generalty Accepted Accounting
Practice.,
have been prepared in accordance with the reqUire[r￿nts of the Companies Act 2006.
Basls for quallfied oplnlon
The Association has historically regarded trade at the Ulster Tower visitorfs centre. srtuated at Thiepval
IF￿nCe), as exempt from 'Taxe sur la Valeur Aj'outée. or TVA (French VAT). Legal advice received on
this matter suggested that revenue generated on certain items is typically subject to French VAT, and -
unless exemption from filing is available - VAT must be accounted for on sales, and retums filed from
the month the threshold is breached. The advice did not confinn that an exemption was applicable, and
it suggests that as the French tax authorities are unaware of vatable activity at the Ulster Tower, the
Association is at risk of refusal to the French VAT exemption regime which would have applied up to
2018 (and subsequently through to 2024). The Association. rt states. must apply to the French tax
authorities for VAT registration. providing an explanation of the situation. draft VAT returns, and
applications for the necessary VAT exemptions vthere possible.
In response. the Association filed the necessary VAT retums for 2017 to 2019. by email, on 24th March
2020, but they are yet to receNe a response from the French govemment departments of their
submission. Accordingty, the Association remains unable to demonstrably confinn their level of
exemption from VAT {between 2016 and 2024 inclusive), and to accurately quantify the amount of VAT
which will become due (note that. to any liabilrty calculated, a penalty of 10°A will be applied plus late
interest).
We conducted our audit in accordance with Intemational Standards on Auditing (UK) {ISAs (UK)) and
applicable law. Our responsibilities under those standards are further described in the audito¢s
responsibilities for the audit of the financial statements section of our report. We are independent of the
charity in accordance wrth the ethical requirements that are re￿vant to our audi( of the financial
ststements in the UK. including the FRC'S Ethical Standard, and we have fulfilled our other ethical
responsibilities in accordance with these requirements. We believe that the audit evidence we have
obtained is sufficient and appropriate to provide a basis for our qualifEd opinion.

The Somme Association
Company Limited by Guarantee
Independent Auditorfs Report to the Members of The Somme Association
(contlnued)
Year ended 31 March 2024
Material uncertainty related to golng concern
In foming our qualified opinion, we have considered the adequacy of the disclosure made in note 3 of
the financial Statements conceming The Somme Association's abilty to continue as a going concem.
The statement of financial actNty (SOFA) shthvs that the Association suffered a financial loss in the
year ended 31 March 2024 of £58.242 (2023. £35,547)
We acknowledge the Board's attempt to perfom a financial review of the year ended 31 st March 2025,
given the limrted resources available, and in light of inherently uncertain times, both generally and for
the tourism and not for profrt sectors. Cash flow projections were not available, and the infomiation
presented was not substantively auditable. Historically, atthough income in the fonn of government
grants - the backbone of the Association's viabilty - has uttimately been received, the precise timing of
any substantial sums has been sporadic. It is also noteworthy that long standing issues which may affect
the viabilty ofthe Ass¢xiation in the short to medium temi, such as the sale of Craigavon House, sums
owed to HM Revenue and Customs in respect of PAYE and National Insurance Contributions arrears
and the VAT status of the Ulster Tower in France also linger.
Accordingly, we agree with the Board that an underlying material uncertainty exists which may cast
significant doubt with regard to the Asssxiation's abilty to continue as a going concern, given the
sporadic timing and quantum of government grants to cover core funding.. and. the indefinite nature of
voluntary donations, sizeable or otherwise. Our opinion is not modifEd in respect of this matter.
Other infomiatlon
The other infomiation comprises the infomiation included in the annual report, other than the financial
statements and our auditorfs report thereon. The trustees are responsible for the other information. Our
opinion on the financial statements does not cover the other information and, except to the extent
otherwise explicitly stated in our report. we do not express any fomi of assurance conclusion thereon.
In connection with our audrt of the financial statements, our responsibilty is to read the other infornation
and, in doing so, consider whether the other infornation is materially inconsistent with the financial
statements or our knowledge obtained in the audit or otherwise appears to be materially misstated. If
we identfy such material inconsistencies or apparent material misstatements, we are required to
determine whether there is a material misstatement in the financial statements or a material
misstatement of the other infomation. If. based on the work we have performed, we conclude that there
is a material misstatement of this other infonrjation, we are required to report that fact.
We have nothing to report in thts ￿ard.
Opinions on other matters prescribed by the Companies Act 2006
In our opinion. based on the work undertaken in the ￿urse of the audit:
the infomation given in the trustees. report for the financial year for which the financtal statements
are prepared is consistent with the financial statements: and
the trustees. report has been prepared in accordance with applicable legal requirements.
10

The Somme Association
Company Llmited by Guarantee
Independent Auditorfs Report to the Members ofThe Somme Assoclation
{¢ontirtued)
Year ended 31 March 2024
Matters on whlch we are requlred to report by exceptlon
In light of the knowledge and understsnding of the company and its environment obtained during the
course of the audit, we have not identified material misstatements in the trust*s' annual report
(incorporating the directors, report).
Except for the matter described in the basis for qualifEd opinion section of our report as described
above, solely of the limrtation on our work..
relating spectfically to the tax status of the Ulster Memorial Tower visitor centre in France, we have not
obtained all the infomBtion and explanations that we considered necessary for the purpose of our audit.,
and
relating specfficalty to the tax status of the Ulster Memorial T￿er visitor centre in Fran￿, we were
unable to determine whether adequate accounting records had been kept.
We have nothing to report in ￿SpeCt of the follTh¥ing matters where the Companies Act 2006 requires
us to report to you if, in our opinion..
retums adequate for our audrt have not been received from branches not visited by us.. or
the financial statements are not in agreement with the accounting records and the retums. or
certain disclosures of directors rernuneration specrfied by law are not made,. and
the directors were not entitled to prepare the financial statements in accordance with the small
companies regime and take advantage of the small companies exemption in preparing the directors
reports and take advantage of the small companies exemption from the requirement to prepare a
strategic report.
Responsibilities of trustees
As explained more fully in the trustees. responsibilities statement, the trustees (who are also the
directors for the purposes of company law) are responsible for the preparalion of the financial statements
and for being satisfied that they give a true and fair view. and for such intemal control as the trustees
detemiine is necessary to enab￿ the preparation of financial statements that are free from materlal
misstatement, whether due to fraud or error.
In preparing the financial statements, the trustees are responsible for assessing the charity's ability to
continue as a going concern, disclosing, as applicable. matters related to going concern and using the
going concern basis of accounting unless the trustees erther intend to liquidate the charity or to cease
operations. or have no realistic altemative but to do so.
11

The Somme Association
Company Limited by Guarantee
Independent Auditor's Report to the Members ofThe Somme Association
(contlnued)
Year ended 31 March 2024
Auditor's responsibilities for the audit of the financial statements
Our objectives are to obtain reasonable assuran￿ about whether the financial statements as a whole
are free from material misstatement. whether due to fraud or error, and to issue an auditor's report that
includes our opinion. Reasonable assurance is a high level of assurance, but is not a guarantee that an
audit conducted in accordance with ISAS (UK) will ahvays detect a material misstatement when it exists.
Misstatements can anse from fraud or error and are considered material rf. individually or in the
aggregate, they could reasonabty be expected to influence the economic decisions of users tsken on
the basis of these financial statements.
Irregularities, including fraud. are instances of non-compliance wrth laws and regulations. We deS￿n
procedures in line with our responsibilities. outlined above, to detect material misstatements in respect
of irregularities, including fraud. The extent to wh￿h our procedures are capable of detecting
irregularrties, including fraud is detailed below=
Our approach to identifying and assessing the risks of material misstatement in ￿SPect of irregularities,
including fraud and non<ompliance wrth laws and regulations, was as follows:
the engagement partner ensured that the engagement team collectively had the appropriate
competence, capabilities and skills to identfy or recognise non-compliance wrth applicable laws and
regulations.,
- we identified the laws and regulations applicab￿ to the charty through discussions with trustees and
other management., owe assessed the extent of compliance with the lay￿ and regulations identthed
above through making enquiries of management and inspecting legal correspondence: and
identified laws and regulations were communicated within the audit team regularty and the team
remained alert to instances of non<ompliance throughout the audit.
We assessed the susceptibilty of the charty's financial statements to material misstatement, including
obtaining an understanding of how fraud might occur, by:
making enquiries of managernent as to where they considered there was susceptibilty to fraud, their
knowledge of actual, suspected and alleged fraud: and
considering the intemal controls in place to mitigate risks of fraud and non<ompliance with laws and
regulations.
To address the risk of fraud through management bias and override of controls, we:
- perfonned anawical procedures to identfy any unusual or unexpected relationships;
- tested journal entries to identrfy unusual transactions,. and
assessed whether judgements and assumptions made in detennining the accounting estimates set
out in note 3 were indicative of potential bias.
In response to the risk of irregularities and non-ccynpliance with laws and regulatK)ns, we designed
procedures which included, but were not limited to..
- agreeing financial statement disclosures to underlying supporting documentation:
- reading the minutes of meetings of those charged with govemance; and
12

The Somme Association
Company Limited by Guarantee
Independent Auditovs Report to the Members of The Somme Assoclatlon
(￿ntInued)
Year ended 31 March 2024
enquiring of management as to actual and potential litigation and claims.
There are inherent limitations in our audrt procedures described above. The more removed that laws
and regulations are from financial transactions, the less likely it is that we would become aware of non-
compliance. Auditing standards also limrt the audrt procedures required to identify non-compliance with
laws and regulations to enquiry of the trustees and other management and the inspection of regulatory
and legal correspondence, if any.
Material misstatements that arise due to fraud can be harder to detect than those that arise from error
as they may involve deliberate concealment or collusion.
As part of an audit in accordance with ISAS (UK), we exercise professional judgment and maintain
professional scepticism throughout the audit. We also:
Identify and assess the risks of material misstatement of the financial ststements, whether due to
fraud or error, design and perform audit procedures responsive to those risks, and obtain audit
evidence that is sufficient and appropriate to provide a basis for our opinion. The risk of not
detecting a material misstatement resulting from fraud is higher than for one resulting from error,
as fraud may involve collusion, forgery, intentional omissions, misrepresentations, or the override
of internal control.
Obtain an understanding of intemal control relevant to the audit in order to design audit procedures
that are appropriate in the circumstances, but not for the purpose of expressing an opinion on the
effectiveness of the intemal control.
Evaluate the appropriateness of accounting policies used and the reasonableness of accounting
estimates and related disclosures made by the trustees.
Conclude on the appropriateness of the trustees, use of the going concern basis of accounting
and, based on the audrt evidence obtained. whether a material uncertainty exists related to events
or conditions that may cast significant doubt on the charity's ability to continue as a going concern.
If we conclude that a material uncertainty exists, we are required to draw attention in our auditor's
report to the related disclosures in the financial statements or, if such disclosures are inadequate,
to modify our opinion. Our conclusions are based on the audit evidence obtained up to the date of
our auditor's report. However, future events or conditions may cause the charity to cease to
continue as a going concern.
Evaluate the overall presentation, structure and content of the financial statements. including the
disclosures, and whether the financial statements represent the underlying transactions and events
in a manner that achieves fair presentation.
13

The Somme Association
Company Limited by Guarantee
Independent Auditor's Report to the Members of The Somme Association
(¢onllnued)
Year ended 31 March 2024
We communicate with those charged with govemance regarding, among other matters, the planned
scope and timing of the audit and significant audit findings, including any signsficant deficiencies in
internal control that we identify during our audit.
Use of our report
This report is made solely to the charity's members, as a body, in accordance with Chapter 3 of Part 16
of the Companies Act 2006. Our audit work has been undertaken so that we might state to the charty's
members Ihose matters we are required to state to them in an auditorfs report and for no other purpose.
To the fullest extent pemitted by law, we do not accept or assume responsibility to anyone other than
the charity and the charity's members as a body, for our audit work, for this report, or for the opinions
we have formed.
ee (Senior Statutory Auditor)
For and on behalf of
Aubrey Campbell & Company
Chartered accountants & statutory auditor
631 Lisburn Road
Belfast
BT9 7GT
5 February 2025
14

The Somme Association
Company Limited by Guarantee
Statement of Financial Activities
(including income and expenditure account)
Year ended 31 March 2024
2024
Restricted
funds Total funds Total funds
2023
Unrestricted
funds
Note
Income and endowments
Donations and legacies
Charitable activities
Other trading activities
Investment income
Other income
46,181
47,000
22,485
93.181
22.485
98,697
750
1,500
146,158
13.343
61,364
98,697
750
1,500
1,500
Totsl Income
145,628
70,985
216,613
222,365
Expenditure
Expenditure on raising funds:
Costs of other trading activities
Expenditure on charitable activities
Total expendlture
10
11,12
26,267
139,538
26,267
248,588
29,839
228,073
109,050
165,805
109,050
274.855
257,912
Net expenditure and net movement In
funds
(20,177)
(38,065)
{58,242)
(35,547}
Reconclllatlon of funds
Total funds brought forward
Total funds carried forward
(296,003)
(316,180)
846,500
550,497
586,044
808,435
492,255
550,497
The statement of financial actNities includes all gains and losses recognised in the year.
All income and expenditure derive from continuing activities.
The notes on pages 18 to 33 forni part of th080 flnanclal 8tatsments.
15

The Somme Association
Company Limited by Guarantee
ststement of Financial Position
31 March 2024
2024
2023
Note
Fixed assets
Tangible fixed assets
18
826,731
858,619
Current assets
Stocks
Debtors
Cash at bank and in hand
19
20
6,006
27,050
13,174
7,246
13,149
12,569
46,230
32,964
Creditors: amounts falling due wlthln one year
Net current Ilabllltles
22
380,706
341.086
334,476
308,122
Total assets less current Ilablllties
492.255
550,497
Net assets
492.255
550,497
Funds of the charlty
Restricted funds
Unrestricted funds
808,435
846,500
(316.180) (296,003)
492,255
550,497
Total charlty funds
These financial statements were appfoved by the board of trustees and authorised for issue on 5
February 2025, and are signed on behalf of the board by:,
Mr A McFarland
Trustee
Mr L Cree
Trustee
The notos on pages 18 to 33 fom) part of these flnanclal statements.
16

The Somme Association
Company Limited by Guarantee
Statement of Cash Flows
Year ended 31 March 2024
2024
2023
Note
Cash flows from operating activities
Net expenditure
(58,242)
(35,547)
Adjustments for."
Depreciation of tangible fixed assets
Other interest receivable and similar inccme
Accrued expensesl(income)
38,066
(750)
1,534
36.830
{1.4821
Changes in..
Stocks
Trade and other debtors
Trade and other creditors
1,240
(13,900)
15,113
723
22,749
1,876
Cash generated from operations
(16,939)
25,149
Interest received
750
Net cash (used in>lfrom operating activities
{16,189)
25,149
Cash flows from Investlng actlvltles
Purchase of tangible assets
Net cash used in investing actNlties
(6,179)
(6,179)
{475)
{475)
Net {decreaselllncrease in cash and cash equivalents
Cash and cash equivalents at beginning of year
Cash and cash equlvalents at end of year
(22,368)
12,569
24,674
(12,105)
12,569
21
(9,799)
The notss on pages 18 to 33 forni part of these flnan¢lal stslements.
17

The Somme Association
Company Limited by Guarantee
Notes to the Financial Statements
Year ended 31 March 2024
General infonnation
The Charity is a public benefit enlty and a private company limited by guarantee, registered in
Northern Ireland and a registered charity in Northern Ireland. The address of the registered office
is 233 Bangor Road, Newtownards, Co. Down, BT23 7PH.
Statement of compliance
These financial statements have been prepared in compliance with FRS 102, 'The Financial
Reporting Standard applicable in the UK and the Republic of Ireland,, the Statement of
Recommended Practice applicable to charities preparing their accounts in accordance with Ihe
Financial Reporting Standard applicable in the UK and Republic of Ireland {FRS 102) (Charities
SORP (FRS 102)) and the Companies Act 2006.
Accounting policies
Basls of preparation
The financial statements have been prepared on the historical cost basis, as modified by the
revaluation of certain financial assets and liabilities and investment properties measured at fair
value through income or expenditure.
The financial statements are prepared in sterling, which is the functional currency of the entty.
18

The Somme Association
Company Limited by Guarantee
Notes to the Financial Statements (¢ontlnu•dJ
Year ended 31 March 2024
Accounting pollcles (contlnued)
Going concem
In preparing the financial statements, the trustees have considered the continued support of
funding organisations, financiers and creditors.
During the yearended 31 March 2024, the Association returned a deficit of£58,242 (2023.. £35,547
deficit). We. the Trustees, are acutely aware of our obligation to monitor the going concern status,
via Management's continued focus on current and anticipated income and expenditure.
The UlsterTowerwas open to visitors for the full season in 2024, and the museum in Nevrtownards
opened on a part time basis and for prebooked group bookings. The profits generated in Thiepval
continue to be of great importance. And although the timing of grant income remains an issue in
terms of cash flow management, such income has been forthcoming, albeit to a lesser extent than
in previous years. The sale of a local propety remains a prospect. On the other hand, sums owed
to HM Revenue and Customs have increased, and despite further progress wf(h regard to
confimation of the Association's VAT status in France, we continue to await confirmation from the
French authorities. The Board and Management acknowledge their responsibility to manage the
situation, and to make sound and sensible decisions regarding the viabilty of the operation at
home and abroad.
We continue to rely on the support of the bank and other third parties to whom the Association
remains indebted. Although we acknowledge that the current economic trading condrtions and
resultant lack of certainty regarding cash inflows suggest that a material uncertainty exists which
casts significant doubt upon the Association's ability to continue as a going concern, as at the date
of approval of the financial statements, we are not aware of any conditions that exist which may
result in the withdrawal of support in the next 12 months by any known creditor. The Trustees
therefore have a reasonable expectation that the Somme Association has adequate resources to
continue in operational existence for the foreseeable future. For these reasons, they consider that
the preparation of the financial statements on a going concern basis is appropriate, and the
financial statements do not contain any adjustments that would result if bank or credit facilrties
were withdrawn or future funding or finance became unavailable.
19

The Somme Association
Company Limited by Guarantee
Notes to the Financial Statements (¢ontlnwdJ
Year ended 31 March 2024
Accounting policies (continued)
Judgements and key sources of estimation uncertainty
The preparation of the financial ststements requires management to make judgements, estimates
and assumptions that affect the amounts reported. These estimates and judgements are
continually reviewed and are based on experience and other factors, including expectations of
future events that are believed to be reasonable under the circumstances. Consequently, actual
results may drffer from these estimates.
The key judgements and estimates that management has made in the process of applying the
entity's accounting policies and that have the most significant effect on the amounts recognised in
the financial statements are as follows:
DepTrciation
The company's statement of financial position reflects a tangible fixed asset class which is subject
to depreciation. Depreciation rates are based upon the expected economic lives of the related
tangible fixed assets. Any variation in the useful economic lives of the asset class will have an
impact on the balance sheet and financial position of the company. The useful economic lives of
tsngible fixed assets are uncertain and, therefore, the actual economic lrfe of an asset may be
shorter or longer than expected. There have been no signifunt revisions to the estimated lives
during the current financial year.
Forelgn currencles
Foreign currency transactions are initially recorded in the functional currency, by applying the spot
exchange rate as at the date of the transa¢tJon. Monetary assets and liabilrties denominated in
foreign currencies are translated at the exchange rate ruling at the reporting date. with any gains
or losses being taken to the statement of financial actNities.
Fund accounting
Unrestricted funds are available for use at the discretion of the trustees to further any of the
charity's purposes.
Designated funds are unrestricted funds earmarked by the trustees for part￿ular future project or
commitment.
Restricted funds are subjected to restrictions on their expenditure declared by the donor or through
the terms of an appeal, and fall into one of hvo SUb￿lasSeS.. restricted income funds or endowment
funds.

The Somme Association
Company Limited by Guarantee
Notes to the Flnancial Statements (conllnu•d)
Year ended 31 March 2024
Accounting policles (¢ondnwd)
Incoming resources
All incoming resources are included in the statement of financial activities wher) entitlement has
passed to the charity. tt is probable that the economic beneffts associated with the transaction will
flow to the charity and the amount can be reliably measured. The following specrfic poI￿leS are
applied to particular categories of income:
income from donations or grants is reCOgn￿ed when there is evidence of entit￿Ment to the
gift, receipt is probable and its amount can be measured reliabty.
legacy income is recogntsed when receipt is probable and entitlement is estsblished.
income from donated goods is measured at the fair value of the goods unless this is
impractical to measure reliably. in which case the value is derived from the cost to the donor
or the estimated resale value. Donated facilities and services are recognised in the accounts
when received rf the value can be reliably measured. No amounts a￿ included for the
contribution of general volunteers.
income from contracts for the supply of services is recognised wrth the delivery of the
contracted service. This is classffied as unrestricted funds unless there is a conlractual
requirement for rt to be spent on a particular purpose and retumed rf unspent, In which case
it may be regarded as restricted.
Resources expended
Expenditure is recognised on an accruals basis as a liabilty is incurred. Expendrture includes any
VAT which cannot be fully recovered. and is classtfEd under headings of the statement of financial
activities to which rt relates-
expenditure on raising funds includes the costs of all fundraising actrvities, events, non-
charitsble trading activities, and the sale of donated goods.
expendrture on charitable activrtbes includes all costs incurred by a charity in undertaking
activities that further its charrtable aims for the benefft of its beneficiaries, including those
support costs and costs relating to the govemance of the charty apportioned to charitable
activities.
other expenditure includes all expenditure that is neither related to raising funds for the charty
nor part of its expenditure on charrtable activrties.
All costs are allocated to expenditure categories reflecting the use of the resource. Direct costs
attributable to a single activty are allocated directty to that activty. Shared costs are apportioned
betrween the activrties they contribute to on a ￿aSOnable, justifiable and consistent basis.
21

The Somme Association
Company Limited by Guarantee
Notes to the Financial Statements (continuedj
Year ended 31 March 2024
Accounting policies (¢ontlnuedJ
Intangible assets
Intangible assets are inrtially ￿Orded at cost, and are subsequentty stated at cost less any
accumulated amortisation and impaimient losses. Any intangible assets carried at revalued
amounts. are recorded at the fair value at the date of revaluation. as determined by reference to
an active market, less any subsequent accumulated amortisation and subsequent accumulated
impairment losses.
Intangible assets acquired as part of a business combination are onty recognised separately from
goodwill when they arise from contractual or other legal rights. are separable, the expected future
economic benefits are probable and the cost or value can be measured reliab￿.
Amortisation
Amortisation is calculated so as to write off the cost of an asset, less its estimated residual value,
over Ihe useful lrfe of that asset as follows..
Copyright
10% Stra￿ht line
If there is an indication that the￿ has been a significant change in amortisation rate, useful lrfe or
residual value of an intangible asset, the amortisation is revised prospectivety to reflect the new
estimates.
Tangible assets
Tangible assets are inrtialty recorded at cost. and subsequently stated at cost less any accumulated
depreciation and impaimient losses. Any tangibSe assets carried at revalued amounts are recorded
at the fair value at the date of revaluation bess any subsequent accumulated depreciation and
subsequent accumulated impairment losses.
An increase in the carrying amount of an asset as a resutt of a revaluation, is recognised in other
recognised gains and losses. un￿sS rt reverses a charge for impaimient that has previously been
recognised as expenditure within the ststement of financial actNities. A decrease in the carrying
amount of an asset as a resuft of revaluation, is ￿OgnISed in other recognised gains and losses,
except to which rt offsets any previous revaluation gain, in which case the loss is shown within
other recognised gains and losses on the statement of financial activrties.
Heritage assets measured under the cost model are recognised initially recorded at acquisition
cost, and subsequently stated at cost less any accumulated depreciation and impaimient losses.
Heritage assets measured under the revaluation model are recorded at fair value less any
accumulated impaimient losses.
+Vhere infomiation on the cost or value of an asset is not available and cannot be obtained at a
cost which is commensurate wtth the beneffts to users of the financial statements, the asset shall
not be recognised in the statement of financial posrtion.
22

The Somme Association
Company Limited by Guarantee
Notes to the Financlal Statements (conllnu8dl
Year ended 31 March 2024
Accounting pollcles (conJnued)
Depreciation
Depreciation is calculated so as to write off the cost or valuation of an asset. less its residual value,
over the useful economic lrfe of that asset as follows..
Land and buildings
Baxter Hut
Fixtures and fittings
Motor vehicles
Thiepval Wood
2°A straight line
30A straight line
200A straight line
20% straight line
2% strauht line
Impairnient of fixed assets
A review for indicators of impairment is carried out at each reporting date, with the recoverable
arnount being estimated where such indicators exist. Vthere the carrying value exceeds the
recoverable amount. the asset is impaired accordingly. Prior impairments are also reviewed for
possible reversal at each reporting date.
For the purposes of impairment testing. when rt is not possible to estimate the recoverable amount
of an individual asset, an estimate is made of the recoverable amount of the cash-generating unit
to which the asset belongs. The cash%enerating unli is the smallest identifiable group of assets
that includes the asset and generates cash inflows that largety independent of the cash inflows
from other assets or groups of assets.
For impairment testing of goodwill. the goodwill acquired in a business combination is, from the
acquisition date, allocated to each of the cash-generating unrts that are expected to benefrt from
the synergies of the combination. irrespective of whether other assets or liabilities of the charity
are assigned to those units.
Stocks
Stocks are measured at the lower of cost and estimated selling price less costs to complete and
sell. Cost includes all costs of purchase, costs of conversion and other costs incurred in bringing
the stock to its present location and condition.
Financial Instruments
A financial asset or a financial liability bs recognised only when the chanty becomes a party to the
contractual provisions of the instrument.
Basic financial instruments are initialty recognised at the amount receivable or payable including
any related transaction costs.
Current assets and current liabilities a￿ subsequently measured at the cash or other consideration
expected to be paid or received and not discounted.
Debt instruments are subsequently measured at arrnrtised cost.
23

The Somme Association
Company Llmited by Guarantee
Notes to the Financial Ststements {conb"ftu
Year ended 31 March 2024
Accountlng policles (conlinued)
Flnanclal Instruments (continuedj
IAlhere investments in shares are publicly traded or their fair value can otherwise be measured
reliably. the investment is subsequentty measured at fair value wrth changes in fair value
recognised in income and expenditure. All other such investments are subsequently measured at
cost less impaiment.
Other financial instruments. including derivatives, are initialty recognised at fair value, unless
payment for an asset is deferred beyond nornal business tenns or financed at a rate of interest
that is not a market rate, in which case the asset is measured at the present value of the future
payments discounted at a market rate of interest for a similar debt instrument.
Other financial instruments are subsequently measured at fair value, with any changes recognised
in the statement of financial activities, with the exception of hedging instruments in a designated
hedging relationship.
Financial assets that are measured at cost or amortised cost are reviewed for objective evidence
of impairment at the end of each reporting date. If the￿ is objective evidence of impaimient, an
impairment loss is recognised under the appropriate heading in the statement of financial activities
in which the initial gain was recognised.
For all equity instruments regardless of S￿n￿¢anCe. and other financial assets that are individually
significant. these are assessed indNidually for impaimient. Other financial assets are either
assessed indivKlualty or grouped on the basis of similar credit risk characteristics.
Any reversals of impaim*nt are recognised immediately. to the extent that the reversal does not
result in a carrying amount of the financial asset that exceeds what the carrying amount would
have been had the impairment not previousty been recognised.
Defined contrlbution plans
Contributions to defined contribution plans are recognised as an expense in the period in which
the related service is provided. Prepaid contributions are recognised as an asset to the extent that
the prepayment will lead to a reduction in future payments or a cash refund.
Vthen contributions are not expected to be settled wholly wtthin 12 months of the end of the
reporting date in which the employees render the related service. the liability is measured on a
discounted present value basis. The unwinding of the discount is recognised as an expense in the
period in which it arises.
Llmlted by guarantee
The charty is a company limited by guarantee. not having a share capital and is registered in
Northem Ireland. The liabilty of members is limited to £10.

The Somme Association
Company Llmited by Guarantee
Notes to the Financial Ststements (conlinuodj
Year ended 31 March 2024
Donations and legacies
Unrestricted
Funds
Restricted Total Funds
Funds
2024
Donations
Membership subscriptions
Donations
13.052
23.129
13,052
23,129
Grants
Dpt for Communities grants
DFP grants
Ards and NDBC grants
National Lottery Heritage Fund
47,000
47,000
10,000
10,000
46.181
47.000
93,181
Unrestricted
Funds
Restricted Total Funds
Funds
2023
Donatlons
Membership subscriptions
Donations
14,784
14,374
14,784
14,374
Grants
Dpt for Communities grants
DFP grants
Ards and NDBC grants
National Lottery Heritage Fund
29.000
47,000
29,000
47,000
10,000
31,000
10,000
31,000
39.158
107.000
146,158
Charltable actlvities
Restricted Total Funds
Funds
2024
Restricted Total Funds
Funds
2023
Sale of gocmlslservices as part of
direct charttable activities
22,485
22.485
13,343
13,343
25

The Somme Association
Company Limited by Guarantee
Notes to the Financial Statements (contlnued)
Year ended 31 March 2024
Other trading activities
Unrestricted Total Funds Unrestricted Total Funds
Funds
2024
Funds
2023
Shop sales
Cafe sales
Hunt income
Thiepval Wood sales
Event Income
12,975
58,170
3.289
24,183
80
12,975
58,170
3,289
24,183
80
20.402
30,613
3,081
7,018
250
20,402
30,613
3,081
7,018
250
98,697
98,697
61,364
61,364
Investment income
Unrestricted Total Funds Unrestricted Total Funds
Funds
2024
Funds
2023
Bank interest receivable
750
750
Other Income
Restricted Total Funds
Funds
2024
Restricted Total Funds
Funds
2023
GOLI income
1,500
1,500
1,500
1,500
10. Costs of other trading activitias
Unrestricted Total Funds Unrestricted Total Funds
Funds
2024
Funds
2023
Costs of other trading activities - Shop
and cafe costs
26,267
26,267
29,838
29.839
26

The Somme Association
Company Limited by Guarantee
Notes to the Financial Statements (cl￿tinued)
Year ended 31 March 2024
11. Expenditure on charltable actlvttles by fund type
Unrestricted
Funds
Restricted Total Funds
Funds
2024
Headquarters
Ulster Tower
Somme Museum
Support costs
11,784
33,366
79,493
14.895
11,786
76,628
109.478
50,696
43,262
29.987
35,801
139,538
109.050
248,588
Unrestricted
Funds
Restricted Total Funds
Funds
2023
Headquarters
Ulster Tower
Somme Museum
Support costs
10,278
13,333
46,517
(5,876)
64,252
275
55.748
71,998
35,801
10,552
69,081
118.515
29.925
163,822
228.073
12. Expenditure on charitable activities by actAvlty type
Activities
undertaken
directly
Support Totsl funds
costs
2024
Totsl fund
2023
Headquarters
Ulster Tower
Somme Museum
Governance costs
11.786
76.628
109.478
11,786
76,628
109,478
50,696
10,552
69.081
118.515
29,925
50,696
197,892
50,696
248.588
228,073
13. Net expendlture
Net expendrture is stated after chargingl(crediting).'
2024
2023
Depreciation of tangible fixed assets
Foreign exchange differences
38,066
2.731
36.830
27

The Somme Association
Company Limited by Guarantee
Notes to the Financial Statements (eonbnued)
Year ended 31 March 2024
14. Auditors remuneratlon
2024
2023
Fees payable for the audit of the financtal statements
8.122
6,623
Fees payable to the charty's auditor and its assocFates for other services:
Other non-audit sen4ices
2.708
2,208
15. Staff costs
The total staff costs and employee beneffts for the reporting period are analysed as follows:
2024
2023
Wages and salaries
Employer contributions to pension plans
110.203
2.469
119,068
2,454
112.672
121,522
The average head count of employees during the year was 4 (2023: 5). The average number of
full-time equNalent employees during the year is analysed as follows..
2024
2023
No.
Somme Museum
Ulster Tower
No employee receNed empbyee benefits of more than £60.000 during the year (2023: Nil).
16. Trustee remuneratlon and expenses
No remuneration or other benefits from employment with the charity or a related entty were
received by the trustees during the year.
17. Intangible assets
Copyright
Cost
At 1 Aprll 2023 and 31 March 2024
Amortlsatlon
At l April 2023 and 31 March 2024
Carrying amount
At 31 March 2024
10.394
10,394
At 31 March 2023
28

The Somme Association
Company Limited by Guarantee
Notes to the Financial Ststements (¢ontlnuedJ
Year ended 31 March 2024
18. Tangible fixed assets
Land and
buildings Baxter HLrt
Fixiures and
ffttings
Motor
vehicles
Thiepval
Total
Cost
At 1 Apr 2023
Additions
Disposals
At 31 Mar 2024
1,292.120
49,268
472,504
6,179
(3.451)
475,232
18.798
415.840 2,248,530
6,179
(3,451)
415.840 2,251,258
1,292.120
49,268
18,798
Depreciation
At 1 Apr 2023
Charge for the
year
Disposals
At 31 Mar 2024
734,569
14.779
470,260
18.798
151,505 1.389.911
25.842
1.642
2,265
(3,450)
469,075
8,317
38,066
(3,450)
159.822 1,424,527
760.411
16,421
18.798
Carrying amount
At 31 Mar 2024
531.709
32,847
6,157
256.018
826,731
At 31 Mar 2023
557,551
34,489
2.244
264,335
858.619
The Somme Museum is located near the training ground of the 36th (Ulster) DivisTron, near
Newtownards, the museum examines Ireland's role in the Great War. hosts schools. conferences,
educational seminars, and exhibitions on more recent conflicts. The museum has increasing
f(￿used upon the community relations potential of our shared history as a vehTrcle to developing
mutual understanding and reconciliation. The museum was opened in 1994.
The Ulster Tower vksitorfs ￿ntre is I￿ted at the srte of the Ulster Tower. Thiepval, France. The
centre comprises an exhibrtion area, AV room, cafelshop with adjoining seating area and customer
toilets and is a focus for thousands of visitors each year who come to visit the Ulster Tower and
Thiepval Wood.
Craigavon House and Thiepval Wood are regarded as being heritage assets. Further details can
be found in note 3 of the financial statements.
During the year ended March 2013 the charity was grfted two Baxter Huts by the Ministry of
Defence. The huts were used variously throughout the 20th century as soldier's billets and for
housing intemees. The huts are a unique part of l¢xal history and were without market value.
Due to the poor state of repair of the huts and the damage involved in the taking down of the huts,
one hut was constructed from the two. The trustees are, therefore. of the opinion that the costs
of obtaining a valuation for the original huts would be disproportionate in terms of the benefit
derived. The costs incurred in the construction of the hLrt have been capitalised and are being
depreciated.
The trustees thank the Heritage Lottery Fund for their financial support of this project.
In 2004 the Somme Association received a grant from the Department of Arts, Cufture and Leisure
towards the purchase of Thiepval Wood.
29

The Somme Association
Company Limited by Guarantee
Notes to the Financial Statements (c¢Jntlnued)
Year ended 31 March 2024
19. Stocks
2024
2023
Raw materials and consumables
6.006
7,246
20. Debtors
2024
2023
Trade debtors
Prepayments and accrued income
Other debtors
859
6.478
19,713
295
6,445
6.409
27.050
13,149
21. Cash and cash equlvalents
Cash and cash equivalents comprise the following:
2024
2023
Cash at bank and in hand
Bank overdrafts
13.174
(22,973)
{9,799)
12,569
12,569
22. Creditors: amounts falling due wlthln one year
2024
2023
Bank loans and overdrafts
Trade creditors
Accruals and deferred income
Social security and other taxes
Other credrtors
22,973
8,799
24,793
98,480
225,661
2,290
23,259
102.896
212,641
380,7C
341,086
Bank loans as detailed above includes bank loans and overdrafts.
The bank overdrafts of £22,973 (2023: £nil) disclosed under creditors falling due within one year
are secured by the company.
First Trust Bank holds a legal mortgagelcharge over Craigavon House as security against
borrowings.

The Somme Association
Company Limited by Guarantee
Notes to the Financlal Statements (¢ontlnu•¢
Year ended 31 March 2024
23. Pensions and other post retirement benefits
Defined contributlon plans
The amount recognised in income or expenditure as an expense in relation to defined contribution
plans was £2.469 (2023: £2.454).
24. Analysis of char5table funds
Unrestrlcted funds
At
31 March 20
24
At
1 April 2023
Income Expendrture
General funds
{296,003)
145,628
{165.805) (316,180)
Al
31 March 20
23
1 April 2022
Inconp Expenditu
General funds
(302,435)
100.522
{94,090)
(296,003)
Restricted funds
At
31 March 20
24
At
1 April 2023
Income Expenditure
Somme Association Restricted Fund
846.500
70,985
(109,050)
808,435
At
31 March 20
23
1 April 2022
Income Expendrture
Somme Ass(Kiation RestrKted Fund
888.479
121,843
(163,822)
846,500
31

The Somme Association
Company Limited by Guarantee
Notes to the Financial Ststements (¢onthued)
Year ended 31 March 2024
25. Anatysis of net assets between funds
Unrestricted
Funds
Restricted Total Funds
Funds
2024
Tangible fixed assets
Current assets
Creditors less than 1 year
Net assets
6,157
{91,631)
(230,706}
820,574
137.861
(150,000}
826,731
46.230
(380,706)
492,255
(316,180)
808,435
Unrestricted
Funds
Restricted Total Funds
Funds
2023
Tangible fixed assets
Current assets
Creditors less than 1 year
Net assets
2.244
856.375
858.619
{107.161)
140,125
32.964
{191,086) (150,000) (341,086)
{296,003)
846,500
550,497
26. Analysls of changes In net debt
At
At 1 Apr 2023 Cash flryws 31 Mar 2024
Cash at bank and in hand
Bank overdrafts
12,569
605
(22,973)
(22,368)
13,174
(22,973)
(9,799)
12.569
27. Contingencles
A contingent liabilty exists in respect of professional services provided to the charity by Alastair
Coey architects. To date, professional fees have not been delivered to the Association for
payment. although the trustees believe that the value of the engagement can be reasonab
estimated to be in the region of £85.000 (the exact quantum has not been agreed). The trustees
do not expect payment of any amount to be considered until agreement has been reached on the
validty of the work perfomied and the associated costs, in addition to receipt of funds from the
sale of Craigavon House.
28. Llmltatlon of auditors liability
The company has entered into a liabilty limitation agreement with its audrtor. Aubrey Campbell
and Company on the following basis..
la) the maximum aggregate amount of the auditofs liability to the company shall not exceed the
sum of seven times the fees payable (excluding expenses and value added lax) under the
engagement letter agreed for the financial pericrfj, or £30,000, whichever is the lesser amount.
(b) the agreement was passed by a resolution of the company's members on 27th January 2025.
32

The Somme Association
Company Limited by Guarantee
Notes to the Financial Statements (¢ontlnu
Year ended 31 March 2024
29. Related partles
The Association has a close relationship wrth Ards and North Down Borough Council, which
nominates 3 members of the Somme Museum Management Committee and provides funding to
enable the Museum to carry out its charitable objects. The Somme Museum received £10,000
(2023.. £10,000) in grant support and £1.671 (2023.. £1,625) membership subscriptions, Musuem
licket sales and event income from Ards and North Down Borough Council in the year. At the
balance sheet date £nil {2023'. £nil) remained due to the Sornme Museum.
33

The Somme Association
Company Limited by Guarantee
Management Infonnation
Year ended 31 March 2024
The followlng pages do not fomi part of the flnanclal ststements.

The Somme Association
Company Limited by Guarantee
Detsiled Statement of Financial Activities
Year ended 31 March 2024
2024
2023
Income and endowments
Donations and legacies
Membership subscriptions
Donations
Dpt for Communities grants
DFP grants
Ards and NDBC grants
National Lottery Heritage Fund
13,052
23,129
14,784
14.374
29,000
47,000
10,000
31,000
47.000
10,000
93,181
146,158
Charitable activftles
Sale of goodslservices as part of direct charitable acttvities
22,485
13,343
Othar trading activftles
Shop sales
Cafe sales
Hunt income
Thiepval Wood sales
Event Income
12,975
58,170
3.289
24,183
80
20,402
30.613
3,081
7,018
250
98.697
61,364
Investment Income
Bank interest receivable
750
Other Income
GOLI income
1.500
1.500
Total income '
216,613
222,365
35

The Somme Association
Company Limited by Guarantee
Detsiled Ststement of Financial Activities (conttnued)
Year ended 31 March 2024
2024
2023
Expenditure
Costs of other tradlng activities
Opening st￿k
Purchases
Closing stock
7,246
25,027
7,969
29,116
7,246
26,267
29,839
Expenditure on charitable actlvltles
Wages and salaries
Pension costs
Light and heat
Repairs and maintenance
Insurance
Other motorltravel costs
Legal and professional fees
Telephone
Other office costs
Depreciation
Foreign exchange gainlloss
Write off VAT account
Sundry expenses
Bank charges
Exhibition and event costs
110.203
2.469
13,444
11,139
21,656
21.339
12,630
5,078
4,011
38,066
2,731
119,068
2.454
8,373
6,603
22,121
25,995
9.724
4.639
3.299
36.830
946
(16,629)
568
2,952
1.130
945
3,536
1,341
248.588
228,073
Total expenditure
274,855
257.912
Net expendlture
(58.242)
(35,547)
36

The Somme Association
Company Limited by Guarantee
Notes to the Detailed Statement of Financial Activities
Year ended 31 March 2024
2024
2023
Costs of other tradlng activities
Costs of other trading activities - Shop and cafe costs
Shop and cafe costs - opening stock
Shop and cafe costs - purchases
Shop and cafe costs - closing stock
7.246
25,027
(6,006)
26,267
7.969
29.116
{7,246)
29,839
Costs of other tradlng actlvlties
26.267
29,839
37

The Somme Association
Company Limited by Guarantee
Notes to the Detailed Statement of Financial Activities (contlnued)
Year ended 31 March 2024
2024
2023
Expenditure on charitablo activities
Headquarters
Activities undertaken directly
Headquarters - pension costs
Headquarters - repairs & maintenance
Headquarters - other motorltravel costs
Headquarters - telephone
Headquarters - other office costs
Headquarters - sundry expenses
Headquarters - Bank charges
Headquarters - Exhibition and event costs
1,800
527
5,785
1,161
1,594
1,800
326
5,355
1,625
333
326
274
11,786
10,552
Ulster Tower
Actlvities undertaken directly
Ulster Tower - wageslsalaries
Ulster Tower
light & heat
Ulster Tower
repairs & maintenance
Ulster Tower
insurance
Ulster Tower - other motorltravel costs
Ulster Tower
telephone
Ulster Tower
other office costs
Ulster Tower - foreign exchange gainlloss
Ulster Tower
sundry expenses
Ulster Tower
bank charges
Ulster Tower - Exhibition and event costs
41,762
1,873
6,504
4,312
15,542
1,712
1,054
2.731
35,656
2,042
4,879
3,757
18,657
1,557
233
946
120
341
893
546
592
76,628
69,081
Somme Museum
Activities undertaken dlrectly
Somme Museum - wageslsalaries
Somme Museum - pension costs
Somme Museum - light & heat
Somme Museum - repairs & maintenance
Somme Museum - insurance
Somme Museum - other motorAravel costs
Somme Museum - telephone
Somme Museum - other office costs
Somme Museum - sundry expenses
Somme Museum - bank charges
Somme Museum - Exhibition and event costs
68,441
669
11,571
4,108
17.344
12
2,205
1,363
359
2,657
83,412
654
6,331
1,398
18,364
1,983
2,236
1,441
448
2,285
JI
749
(37)
118,515
109,478
Governance costs
38

The Somme Association
Company Llmited by Guarantee
Notes to the Detailed Statement of Financial Activities f¢ontlnuedJ
Year ended 31 March 2024
2024
2023
Governance costs - accountancy fees
Governance costs - audit fees
Governance costs - legal and other professional fees
Governance costs - depreciation
Governance costs - write off
2.708
8,122
1,800
38,066
2,208
6,623
893
36,830
(16,629)
29,925
50,696
Expenditure on charitsble actlvltles
248.588
228,073
39