Charity Registration No. 295911
Company Registration No. 02154580 (England and Wales)
THE BRITISH SOCIETY OF DOWSERS
ANNUAL REPORT AND UNAUDITED FINANCIAL STATEMENTS
FOR THE YEAR ENDED 31 MARCH 2024
THE BRITISH SOCIETY OF DOWSERS
LEGAL AND ADMINISTRATIVE INFORMATION
Trustees
Mr R Fry
(President)
Mrs J Webber
Mrs D Kirkham
Ms S Mann
Charity number
295911
Company number
02154580
Registered office
61 Bridge Street
Kington
Herefordshire
HR5 3DJ
Independent Examiner
Kendall Wadley LLP
Granta Lodge
71 Graham Road
Malvern
Worcestershire
WR14 2JS
Bankers
Barclays Bank Plc
54 High Street
Worcester
WR1 2QQ
THE BRITISH SOCIETY OF DOWSERS
CONTENTS
Page
President's address
1 - 2
Trustees report
3 - 5
Statement of Trustees responsibilities
6
Independent examiner's report
7
Statement of financial activities
8 - 9
Balance sheet
10
Notes to the financial statements
11 - 20
THE BRITISH SOCIETY OF DOWSERS
PRESIDENT'S ADDRESS
FOR THE YEAR ENDED 31 MARCH 2024
- 1 -

Trustees and Volunteers

Our Council of management started 2023-24 with four Trustees: Richard Fry as President together with Trustees; Jonquil Webber, Cornelius Cavendish and Dawn Kirkham, presently residing in Canada, who had been co-opted onto the Council on 5th January 2023 and subsequently elected at the Annual General Meeting on 26th February 2024. Cornelius Cavendish resigned on 1st July 2023 and Paul Syrett was co-opted onto the Council on 31st January 2024. We have continued to produce three editions of our magazine Dowsing Today and have been supported by an editorial team consisting of our office staff and other volunteers who collate and proof-read articles for which we are very grateful.

 

BSD Office

Our office continues to be staffed by two part-time members of staff who not only deal with the day to day running of the Society but also oversee the social media content and engage with members of our BSD Community Groups. However, the work involved in supporting the Society this way still exceeds our ability to pay for it and we are most grateful to the volunteers who assist us.

 

Our website has improved considerably and is much easier to use. Our office staff help to keep the news current and the content more interesting. Nick Haywood continues to make technical improvements and helps with the maintenance.

 

Spring Symposium

Our Symposium was held at the Malvern Cube for the first time this year. The venue proved to be very popular and we attracted over 60 delegates. This event was quite a milestone too as it was held on the weekend of 4th/5th May. The 4th May was the 90th anniversary of the formation of the BSD and the 5th May was International Dowsing Day and so we had much to celebrate on this occasion.

 

In addition, another milestone was the first live broadcast of the Speakers and Workshops via a zoom teleconference as well as an appearance via zoom from Veda Austin all the way from New Zealand. As well as being livestreamed, they were also recorded and are now available through our on-line shop for those who missed them initially.

 

Annual Conference

The Conference was held on 23rd/24th September at Shires Farm, the headquarters of the Worcestershire Federation of Young Farmers’ Clubs. This event almost didn’t happen as it was supposed to be held at Worcester County Hall but with only two weeks’ notice, the venue was cancelled due to the discovery of Reinforced Autoclaved Aerated Concrete (RAAC) in a poor condition in the Council Chamber roof where our speakers were actually going to present their talks. Hilary, our office manager had to pull out all of the stops to transfer everything over to the other venue but actually managed it in such a short time. Again, we attracted over 60 delegates, some travelling from overseas as well a host of eminent speakers, including Elizabeth Brown who had travelled all the way from Monaco.

 

Tutor Programme

The tutor programme continues to grow and is overseen by the Education Committee who’s role is to give advice to new and potential tutors as well as monitoring the feedback from students attending all the courses. The monitoring is to ensure the quality of teaching us up to standard and that everyone is treated fairly and with respect. Some tutors are now allowing potential tutors to attend their course to ‘sit in’ and observe how they are run in order to help and encourage them to commence their own courses.

 

BSD Zoom Talks

We have now established a series of monthly zoom talks which are very popular and attract a varied audience from around the UK and beyond. These are still being delivered free to all attendees but we shall be working to monetise these especially as their number grows and our YouTube Channel expands with more and more viewers subscribing each month. We also conduct a regular International Zoom Call which starts at 09.00am and concludes at midnight in order to reach out to as many people in as many time zones as possible. Again, this has proven very popular and even attracted new members from various regions around the world.

THE BRITISH SOCIETY OF DOWSERS
PRESIDENT'S ADDRESS (CONTINUED)
FOR THE YEAR ENDED 31 MARCH 2024
- 2 -

In summary

The 90th anniversary of the Society has really allowed us to both reflect on the past and look forward to the future. We are so fortunate that our magazine is still being produced in hard copy form and they proudly sit alongside all the other journals dating back to the first one ever produced in 1933 and so allowing the legacy of this great Society to continue. Social media and our on-line meetings have transformed the way we communicate and interact for the better but also makes the times when we can join together at our face-to-face meetings more enjoyable and satisfying occasions.

 

We are also encouraged by the success of our tutor programme whereby more courses are being planned and conducted with new tutors being supported by existing ones. We are also very grateful to all the tutors who we know always encourage their students to become members of the Society so to ensure our continued success. Once again, we must finally say how grateful we are to the members who have stayed with us through all the ups and downs and their loyalty makes the hard work we put into running the Society all the more rewarding.

..............................
Mr Richard Fry
President
Date: 17 June 2025
THE BRITISH SOCIETY OF DOWSERS
TRUSTEES REPORT (INCLUDING DIRECTOR'S REPORT)
FOR THE YEAR ENDED 31 MARCH 2024
- 3 -

The trustees who are also directors of the charity for the purposes of the Companies Act 2006, present their report with the financial statements of the charity for the year ended 31 March 2024.

 

The accounts have been prepared in accordance with the accounting policies set out in note 1 to the accounts and comply with the charitable 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 (FRS102) 1A (as amended for accounting periods commencing from 1st January 2019).

 

Introduction

British Dowsers is the working name of The British Society of Dowsers. Founded in 1933 it is a national charity offering education and training support to members and non-members through courses, meetings and events and through its annual national conference. In addition, British Dowsers acts as the voice for Dowsing in both the UK and beyond.

Objectives and activities

The objects of the charity are to encourage and support the study and practice of dowsing and its application in every field of human interest; to maintain a public dowsing information service, including a Register of Dowsing Practitioners and a Register of Dowsing Tutors; and to relieve communities, particularly those in less well developed countries, who are suffering hardship by reason of their economic and social circumstances, especially in relation to water supplies.

Public Benefit Statement

The charity's Trustees have complied with their duty to have due regard to the guidance on public benefit published by the Charity Commission in exercising their powers and duties.

Grantmaking

Previously, the charity had a small research fund available for grant making. As of April 2016 the Charity Commission gave consent to change the objects of the fund and the balance was transferred to the Unrestricted fund.

 

Achievements and performance

The objectives of the charity have been achieved through a number of activities which can be summarised as follows:

Communications

THE BRITISH SOCIETY OF DOWSERS
TRUSTEES REPORT (INCLUDING DIRECTOR'S REPORT) (CONTINUED)
FOR THE YEAR ENDED 31 MARCH 2024
- 4 -

Education and Training

Other activities

Financial review

For the year ended 31 March 2024 the total income amounted to £73,493 (2023 - £64,620) and expenditure amounted to £75,967 (2023 - £70,747), giving an overall deficit for the year of £1,396 (2023 - £8,120).

 

The total amount of reserves held at the year end amounted to £45,813 (2023 £47,209) of which £45,813 related to unrestricted reserves and £nil to restricted funds.

 

After making allowances for tangible fixed assets the free reserves of the charity amounted to £44,991 (2023 £46,011). This includes £53,422 (2023 £52,343) investment funds which are convertible at short notice if required.

 

The charity needs reserves invested at current levels, as represented by the unrestricted fund, and these need to be invested to generate income to supplement that from subscriptions, donations and activities in order to meet its objectives.

Principal funding sources

The charity is funded primarily through members' subscriptions, fees for meetings and conferences and the sale of educational books and equipment.

Investment policy and objectives

The Council of the charity invests in common investment funds with the aim of maintaining a balance between income and capital growth and to ensure secure management of the charity's assets. There are no restrictions on either the investment powers of the Council or the way in which the charity operates, except that they must be in furtherance of the charity's objectives and in accordance with the Memorandum and Articles of Association.

 

Risk assessment

The Trustees have a duty to identify and review the risks to which the charity is exposed. The risk assessment has been reviewed and updated where appropriate and is used as a guide for Council to manage these risks.

 

 

Structure, governance and management

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

THE BRITISH SOCIETY OF DOWSERS
TRUSTEES REPORT (INCLUDING DIRECTOR'S REPORT) (CONTINUED)
FOR THE YEAR ENDED 31 MARCH 2024
- 5 -

The Trustees, who are also the directors for the purpose of company law, who served during the period and at the date of approval were:

Mr R Fry
(President)
Mr C Cavendish
(Resigned 1/07/23)
Dr N Haywood
(Resigned 1/07/23)
Mrs J Webber
Mrs D Kirkham
Mr P Syrett
(Appointed 31/01/24 and Resigned 17/06/25)
Ms S Mann
(Appointed 17/06/25)

Recruitment and appointment of members of the Council of Management

The directors of the company are also charity Trustees for the purpose of charity law and under the company's Articles are known as the Council of Management. Under the terms of the Memorandum and Articles of Association, Council members are required to be members of BSD and elected by members. The President is elected by members. The membership is invited to nominate candidates for any vacancies on the Council of Management. A range of relevant skills is represented on the Council but in the event of any perceived gaps in skills the Articles provide for co-option by Council to fill vacancies. New Trustees take part in an induction programme, in line with guidance issued by the Charity Commission.

 

 

Organisational Structure

The Council meets regularly to review finances and investments and decide matters of policy. An Office Manager is appointed by the Council to run the day-to-day operations of the Society who is supported as required by additional members of staff. The remuneration of management is set by the Trustees.

Related parties
Related party transactions are detailed in note 22 of the accounts.

The Trustees report was approved by the Board of Trustees.

Mr Richard Fry
President
17 June 2025
THE BRITISH SOCIETY OF DOWSERS
TRUSTEES' RESPONSIBILITIES STATEMENT
FOR THE YEAR ENDED 31 MARCH 2024
- 6 -

The Trustees, who are also the directors of The British Society of Dowsers for the purpose 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 Trustees to prepare financial statements for each financial year which give a true and fair view of the state of affairs of the charity and of the incoming resources and application of resources, including the income and expenditure, of the charitable company for that year.

 

In preparing these financial statements, the Trustees are required to:

 

- select suitable accounting policies and then apply them consistently;

 

- observe the methods and principles in the Charities SORP;

 

- make judgements and 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; and

 

- prepare the financial statements on the going concern basis unless it is inappropriate to presume that the charity will continue in operation.

 

The Trustees are responsible for keeping adequate accounting records that disclose with reasonable accuracy at any time the financial position of the charity and enable them to ensure that the financial statements comply with the 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.

THE BRITISH SOCIETY OF DOWSERS
INDEPENDENT EXAMINER'S REPORT
TO THE TRUSTEES OF THE BRITISH SOCIETY OF DOWSERS
- 7 -

I report on the financial statements of the charity for the year ended 31 March 2024, which are set out on pages 8 to 20.

Respective responsibilities of Trustees and examiner

As the charity trustees of the company (and also its directors for the purposes of company law) you are responsible for the preparation of the accounts in accordance with the requirements of the Companies Act 2006 (‘the 2006 Act’).

 

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

 

Independent examiner's statement

I have completed my examination. A matter that has come to my attention is that, in the course of my examination of the accounting records of the charity, it has been noted that the records were not kept up to date in a timely manner during the course of the year. In particular the bank account, petty cash reconciliations, meeting minutes and the society has not always been able to produce three copies of Dowsing today for its members per annum due to a lack of resource. The charity trustees are aware of the importance of these matters and will rectify going forward.

 

I confirm that no other matters have come to my attention in connection with the examination giving me reasonable cause to believe that in any material respect:

 

  1. except for the matter of concern noted above the accounting records were not kept in respect of the company as required by section 386 of the 2006 Act; or

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

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

  4. the accounts have not been prepared in accordance with the methods and principles of the Statement of Recommended Practice for accounting and reporting by charities

 

I confirm that there are no other matters to which your attention should be drawn to enable a proper understanding of the accounts to be reached.

 

 

Sarah Morley ACA
Kendall Wadley LLP
Granta Lodge
71 Graham Road
Malvern
Worcestershire
WR14 2JS
Dated: 17 June 2025
THE BRITISH SOCIETY OF DOWSERS
STATEMENT OF FINANCIAL ACTIVITIES
INCLUDING INCOME AND EXPENDITURE ACCOUNT
FOR THE YEAR ENDED 31 MARCH 2024
- 8 -
Current financial year
Unrestricted
Unrestricted
funds
funds
2024
2023
Notes
£
£
Income from:

Voluntary Income

3
28,344
25,578

Charitable activities

4
43,251
37,192

Investments

6
1,898
1,850
Total income
73,493
64,620
Expenditure on:
Charitable activities
8
75,967
70,747
Net gains/(losses) on investments
12
1,078
(1,993)
Net movement in funds
(1,396)
(8,120)
Fund balances at 1 April 2023
47,209
55,329
Fund balances at 31 March 2024
45,813
47,209

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.
THE BRITISH SOCIETY OF DOWSERS
STATEMENT OF FINANCIAL ACTIVITIES (CONTINUED)
INCLUDING INCOME AND EXPENDITURE ACCOUNT
FOR THE YEAR ENDED 31 MARCH 2024
- 9 -
Prior financial year
Unrestricted
Total
funds
2023
2023
Notes
£
£
Income from:

Voluntary Income

3
25,578
25,578

Charitable activities

4
37,192
37,192

Investments

6
1,850
1,850
Total income
64,620
64,620
Expenditure on:
Charitable activities
8
70,747
70,747
Net gains/(losses) on investments
12
(1,993)
(1,993)
Net movement in funds
(8,120)
(8,120)
Fund balances at 1 April 2022
55,329
55,329
Fund balances at 31 March 2023
47,209
47,209

The statement of financial activities includes all gains and losses recognised in the year.

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.
THE BRITISH SOCIETY OF DOWSERS
BALANCE SHEET
AS AT 31 MARCH 2024
31 March 2024
- 10 -
2024
2023
Notes
£
£
£
£
Fixed assets
Tangible assets
13
822
1,198
Investments
14
53,422
52,343
54,244
53,541
Current assets
Stocks
15
1,702
2,021
Debtors
16
1,332
1,094
Cash at bank and in hand
9,237
4,426
12,271
7,541
Creditors: amounts falling due within one year
17
(20,702)
(13,873)
Net current liabilities
(8,431)
(6,332)
Total assets less current liabilities
45,813
47,209
Income funds
Unrestricted funds
45,813
47,209
45,813
47,209

The company is entitled to the exemption from the audit requirement contained in section 477 of the Companies Act 2006 relating to small companies, for the year ended 31 March 2024. The members have not required the company to obtain an audit in accordance with section 476 of the Companies Act 2006.

The director acknowledges his responsibilities for complying with the requirements of the Companies Act 2006 with respect to accounting records and the preparation of financial statements.

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 board of directors and authorised for issue on 17 June 2025 and are signed on its behalf by:
Mr R Fry
Trustee
Company Registration No. 02154580
THE BRITISH SOCIETY OF DOWSERS
NOTES TO THE  FINANCIAL STATEMENTS
FOR THE YEAR ENDED 31 MARCH 2024
- 11 -
1
Accounting policies
Company information

The British Society of Dowsers is a private company limited by guarantee and was registered in England and Wales. The registered office Wyche Innovation Centre, Walwyn Road, Malvern, Worcestershire, WR13 6PL.

1.1
Accounting convention

The financial statements have been prepared in accordance with the charity's trust deed, 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)” 1A (as amended for accounting periods commencing from 1 January 2019). The charity is a Public Benefit Entity as defined by FRS 102.

 

The charity 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 charity. Monetary amounts in these financial statements are rounded to the nearest £.

The accounts have been prepared on the historical cost convention, modified to include the revaluation of certain financial instruments at fair value. The principal accounting policies adopted are set out below.

1.2
Going concern

At the time of approving the accounts, the Trustees have a reasonable expectation that the charity 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 accounts.

1.3
Charitable funds

Unrestricted funds are available for use at the discretion of the Trustees in furtherance of their charitable objectives.

Restricted funds can only be used for particular restricted purposes within the objects of the charity. Restrictions arise when specified by the donor or when funds are raised for particular restricted purposes. The purposes are set out in the notes to the accounts.

1.4
Incoming resources

Membership fees are accrued over the period to which they relate.

Cash donations are recognised on receipt. Other donations are recognised once the charity 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.

Legacies are recognised on receipt or otherwise if the charity has been notified of an impending distribution, the amount is known, and receipt is expected. If the amount is not known, the legacy is treated as a contingent asset.

Turnover is measured at the fair value of the consideration received or receivable and represents amounts receivable for goods and services provided in the normal course of business.

THE BRITISH SOCIETY OF DOWSERS
NOTES TO THE  FINANCIAL STATEMENTS (CONTINUED)
FOR THE YEAR ENDED 31 MARCH 2024
1
Accounting policies
(Continued)
- 12 -
1.5
Resources expended

Expenditure is accounted for on a accruals basis and has been classified under headings that aggregate all cost related to the category. Where costs cannot be directly attributed to particular headings they have been allocated to activities on a basis consistent with the use of resources.

1.6
Tangible fixed assets

Tangible fixed assets are initially measured at cost and subsequently measured at cost or valuation, net of depreciation and any impairment losses.

Depreciation is provided at the following annual rates in order to write off each asset over its estimated useful life.

 

Computer equipment
33.33% on reducing balance
Office equipment
Straight line over 6 years

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
Impairment of fixed assets

At each reporting end date, the charity reviews the carrying amounts of its tangible and intangible assets to determine whether there is any indication that those assets have suffered an impairment loss. If any such indication exists, the recoverable amount of the asset is estimated in order to determine the extent of the impairment loss (if any).

Recoverable amount is the higher of fair value less costs to sell and value in use. In assessing value in use, the estimated future cash flows are discounted to their present value using a pre-tax discount rate that reflects current market assessments of the time value of money and the risks specific to the asset for which the estimates of future cash flows have not been adjusted.

 

If the recoverable amount of an asset is estimated to be less than its carrying amount, the carrying amount of the asset is reduced to its recoverable amount. An impairment loss is recognised immediately in income/(expenditure) for the year, unless the relevant asset is carried at a revalued amount, in which case the impairment loss is treated as a revaluation decrease.

1.8
Stocks

Stocks are stated at the lower of cost and estimated selling price less costs to complete and sell. Cost comprises direct materials and, where applicable, those overheads that have been incurred in bringing the stocks to their present location and condition. Items held for distribution at no or nominal consideration are measured at cost.

Net realisable value is the estimated selling price less all estimated costs of completion and costs to be incurred in marketing, selling and distribution.

1.9
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.

THE BRITISH SOCIETY OF DOWSERS
NOTES TO THE  FINANCIAL STATEMENTS (CONTINUED)
FOR THE YEAR ENDED 31 MARCH 2024
1
Accounting policies
(Continued)
- 13 -
1.10
Financial instruments

The charity 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 charity's balance sheet when the charity 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 debtors 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 creditors 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 creditors 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 creditors 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 charity’s contractual obligations expire or are discharged or cancelled.

1.11
Employee benefits

The cost of any unused holiday entitlement is recognised in the period in which the employee’s services are received.

 

Termination benefits are recognised immediately as an expense when the charity is demonstrably committed to terminate the employment of an employee or to provide termination benefits.

1.12
Retirement benefits

Payments to defined contribution retirement benefit schemes are charged as an expense as they fall due.

THE BRITISH SOCIETY OF DOWSERS
NOTES TO THE  FINANCIAL STATEMENTS (CONTINUED)
FOR THE YEAR ENDED 31 MARCH 2024
- 14 -
2
Critical accounting estimates and judgements

In the application of the charity’s accounting policies, the director is required to make judgements, estimates and assumptions about the carrying amount of assets and liabilities that are not readily apparent from other sources. The estimates and associated assumptions are based on historical experience and other factors that are considered to be relevant. Actual results may differ from these estimates.

 

The estimates and underlying assumptions are reviewed on an ongoing basis. Revisions to accounting estimates are recognised in the period in which the estimate is revised where the revision affects only that period, or in the period of the revision and future periods where the revision affects both current and future periods.

3

Voluntary Income

2024
2023
£
£
Donations and gifts
14,856
6,301
Membership fees
13,488
19,277
28,344
25,578
4

Charitable activities

2024
2023
£
£
Meetings and conferences
35,085
29,904
Educational books and equipment
8,166
7,288
43,251
37,192
5
Net movement in funds
2024
2023
£
£
The net movement in funds is stated after charging/(crediting):
Depreciation of owned tangible fixed assets
377
558
6

Investments

2024
2023
£
£
Income from listed investments
1,898
1,850
THE BRITISH SOCIETY OF DOWSERS
NOTES TO THE  FINANCIAL STATEMENTS (CONTINUED)
FOR THE YEAR ENDED 31 MARCH 2024
- 15 -
7
Trustees

Trustees were paid £nil in relation to council meeting expenses for the year ended 31 March 2024 (2023 - £nil).

There were no trustees' remuneration or other benefits for the year ended 31 March 2024 (2023 £nil).

 

One Trustee has advanced the charity £6,177, details provided in note 21.

8
Charitable activities
Charitable activities
Support costs
Total
2024
Total
2023
£
£
£
£
Staff costs
-
28,352
28,352
22,690
Depreciation & impairment
-
376
376
557

Meetings & conferences

18,510
-
18,510
19,340

Educational books & equipment

3,233
-
3,233
2,265
21,743
28,728
50,471
44,852
Share of support costs (see note 9)
-
20,558
20,558
19,157
Share of governance costs (see note 9)
-
4,938
4,938
6,738
21,743
54,224
75,967
70,747
Analysis by fund
Unrestricted funds
21,743
54,224
75,967
21,743
54,224
75,967
For the year ended 31 March 2023
Unrestricted funds
21,605
49,142
70,747
21,605
49,142
70,747
THE BRITISH SOCIETY OF DOWSERS
NOTES TO THE  FINANCIAL STATEMENTS (CONTINUED)
FOR THE YEAR ENDED 31 MARCH 2024
- 16 -
9
Support costs
Support costs
Governance costs
2024
2023
Basis of allocation
£
£
£
£

Rent and Rates

7,140
-
7,140
8,229

Office Expenses

289
-
289
652

Postage

1,377
-
1,377
2,018

Stationery and advertising

837
-
837
1,090

Sundries

84
-
84
-

Journal and publishing costs

3,918
-
3,918
6,363

Credit card charges

1,772
-
1,772
805
Computer costs
5,141
-
5,141
-

Professional fees and insurance

-
1,015
1,015
4,230
Governance

Accountancy

-
2,081
2,081
1,970
Governance
Bookkeeping and payroll
-
1,842
1,842
538
Governance
20,558
4,938
25,496
25,895
Analysed between
Charitable activities
20,558
4,938
25,496
25,895

The above stated accountancy fee of £2,081 (2023 - £1,970) is inclusive of both independent examination and preparation of statutory accounts.

10
Taxation

The charity is exempt from taxation on its activities because all its income is applied for charitable purposes.

11
Employees
Number of employees

The average monthly number employees during the year was:

2024
2023
Number
Number
Management and administration
2
2
Employment costs
2024
2023
£
£
Wages and salaries
27,510
22,259
Other pension costs
842
431
28,352
22,690
There were no employees whose annual remuneration was £60,000 or more.
THE BRITISH SOCIETY OF DOWSERS
NOTES TO THE  FINANCIAL STATEMENTS (CONTINUED)
FOR THE YEAR ENDED 31 MARCH 2024
- 17 -
12
Net gains/(losses) on investments
2024
2023
£
£
Revaluation of investments
1,078
(1,993)
13
Tangible fixed assets
Computer equipment
Office equipment
Total
£
£
£
Cost
At 1 April 2023
12,987
3,088
16,075
At 31 March 2024
12,987
3,088
16,075
Depreciation and impairment
At 1 April 2023
11,929
2,947
14,876
Depreciation charged in the year
353
24
377
At 31 March 2024
12,282
2,971
15,253
Carrying amount
At 31 March 2024
705
117
822
At 31 March 2023
1,058
140
1,198
THE BRITISH SOCIETY OF DOWSERS
NOTES TO THE  FINANCIAL STATEMENTS (CONTINUED)
FOR THE YEAR ENDED 31 MARCH 2024
- 18 -
14
Fixed asset investments
2024
2023
£
£
Market value at beginning of year
52,343
54,336
Change in value in the year
1,078
(1,993)
Market value at end of year
53,422
52,343
Historical cost
44,488
44,488
15
Stocks
2024
2023
£
£
Books and equipment
1,702
2,021
16
Debtors
2024
2023
Amounts falling due within one year:
£
£
Trade debtors
750
416
Prepayments and accrued income
582
678
1,332
1,094
17
Creditors: amounts falling due within one year
2024
2023
£
£
Other taxation and social security
91
1,090
Trade creditors
1,208
1,931
Other creditors
7,799
5,160
Accruals and deferred income
11,604
5,689
20,702
13,870
18
Retirement benefit schemes
2024
2023
Defined contribution schemes
£
£
Charge to profit or loss in respect of defined contribution schemes
842
431
THE BRITISH SOCIETY OF DOWSERS
NOTES TO THE  FINANCIAL STATEMENTS (CONTINUED)
FOR THE YEAR ENDED 31 MARCH 2024
18
Retirement benefit schemes
(Continued)
- 19 -

The charity operates a defined contribution pension scheme for all qualifying employees. The assets of the scheme are held separately from those of the charity in an independently administered fund.

19
Unrestricted funds

The unrestricted funds of the charity comprise the unexpended balances of donations and grants which are not subject to specific conditions by donors and grantors as to how they may be used. These include designated funds which have been set aside out of unrestricted funds by the trustees for specific purposes.

At 1 April 2023
Incoming resources
Resources expended
Gains and losses
At 31 March 2024
£
£
£
£
£
General funds
47,209
73,493
(75,967)
1,078
45,813
Previous year:
At 1 April 2022
Incoming resources
Resources expended
Gains and losses
At 31 March 2023
£
£
£
£
£
General funds
55,329
64,620
(70,747)
(1,993)
47,209
20
Analysis of net assets between funds
Unrestricted
Total
£
£
Fund balances at 31 March 2024 are represented by:
Tangible assets
822
822
Investments
53,422
53,422
Current assets/(liabilities)
(8,431)
(8,431)
45,813
45,813
Fund balances at 31 March 2023 are represented by:
Tangible assets
1,198
1,198
Investments
52,343
52,343
Current assets/(liabilities)
(6,332)
(6,332)
47,209
47,209
THE BRITISH SOCIETY OF DOWSERS
NOTES TO THE  FINANCIAL STATEMENTS (CONTINUED)
FOR THE YEAR ENDED 31 MARCH 2024
- 20 -
21
Operating lease commitments
Lessee

 

At the reporting end date the charity had outstanding commitments for future minimum lease payments under non-cancellable operating leases, which fall due as follows:

2024
2023
£
£
Within one year
2,549
2,367
Between two and five years
5,193
2,213
7,742
4,580
22
Related party transactions

During the year one Trustee, Mr R Fry donated £5,000 to the charity. He also advanced the charity £1,177, at the balance sheet date £6,177 was due to him.

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