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REGISTERED COMPANY NUMBER: 04959445 (England and Wales)

REGISTERED CHARITY NUMBER: 1102638












REPORT OF THE TRUSTEES AND

UNAUDITED FINANCIAL STATEMENTS

FOR THE YEAR ENDED 31ST MARCH 2025


FOR



BEXHILL MUSEUM

(A COMPANY LIMITED BY GUARANTEE)



BEXHILL MUSEUM


CONTENTS OF THE FINANCIAL STATEMENTS

FOR THE YEAR ENDED 31ST MARCH 2025












Page



Report of the Trustees  

1


to


5


Independent Examiner's Report  

6



Statement of Financial Activities  

7



Balance Sheet  

8


to


9


Notes to the Financial Statements  

10


to


22


BEXHILL MUSEUM (REGISTERED NUMBER: 04959445)


REPORT OF THE TRUSTEES

FOR THE YEAR ENDED 31ST MARCH 2025




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 31st March 2025. The trustees have adopted the provisions of Accounting and Reporting by Charities: Statement of Recommended Practice applicable to charities preparing their accounts in accordance with the Financial Reporting Standard applicable in the UK and Republic of Ireland (FRS 102) (effective 1 January 2019).


OBJECTIVES AND ACTIVITIES

Objectives and aims

The stated objectives of the charity are to provide a museum in order to promote, maintain, improve and advance the education of the public for their benefit, particularly by the presentation of exhibitions, lectures and other means of study relating to the display of local history, archaeology, history of costume, technology and engineering, the arts, ethnography, geology and social history.

Public benefit

The Trustees have confirmed that they have complied with the duty in Section 17 of the Charities Act 2011 to have due regard to the Charity Commission's general guidance on public benefit and in their opinion the foregoing report on the achievements and performance demonstrates that they have complied therewith.


BEXHILL MUSEUM (REGISTERED NUMBER: 04959445)


REPORT OF THE TRUSTEES

FOR THE YEAR ENDED 31ST MARCH 2025



ACHIEVEMENTS AND PERFORMANCE

Charitable activities

Bexhill Museum continued to deliver its core mission: preserving, interpreting, and sharing its collections with the public. In 2024-25, this included a broad programme of exhibitions, education, and collections care, while laying the groundwork for major capital works in 2025-26.

Key policy and documentation updates required for Arts Council England re-accreditation were completed, including a new emergency plan, revised conservation policies, and combined documentation procedures. A review of access, keyholding, and lone working led to improved security, and new digital sensors enhanced environmental monitoring in the Sargent Gallery.

More than 1,600 pupils from 23 local schools visited in 2024-25. The museum launched new sessions on Pirates, the Arctic and Law & Order and partnered with Bexhill College to explore opportunities for 16-18-year-olds. Holiday activities remained popular, especially dinosaur-themed sessions..

Engagement with community groups, wellbeing initiatives, and local arts and heritage organisations expanded. Volunteer training included Mental Health First Aid and a safeguarding review. Evening visits by local Scouts and Guides were especially successful, and the museum welcomed over 700 visitors in one evening during the January 2024 Bexhill After Dark festival.

A highlight of the year was the restoration of Bexhill's 1895 Merryweather horse-drawn fire engine. Funded by public donations and a local firefighter-led campaign, the restored engine was presented at a special event by East Sussex Fire & Rescue Service, complete with two shire horses and attendance from past and present firefighters.
A lively programme of temporary exhibitions complemented permanent displays, including Blazing Saddles, on pioneering women cyclists, Hats, Hats, Hats and a waistcoat-themed weekend with costume expert J. François-Campbell

New or refreshed displays focused on the Bexhill fire service, Victorian cycling, and the town's historic streetscape. The museum's painting of Hoad's Mill by L.S. Lowry will be loaned to the Towner Gallery in 2025.

The museum was again supported by a committed team of volunteers, who contributed to operations, outreach, fundraising, maintenance, and collections work. Volunteer-led fundraising activities raised £10,620. Highlights included a quiz night, open garden, fashion show, Tai Chi classes, summer lectures, talks at St Augustine's Church, guided walks, and stalls at local events. The volunteer-run museum shop increased its annual takings to £16,620.

Volunteer-earned income remains essential to financial sustainability, especially with the likely end of Rother District Council's service agreement in 2026-27 and uncertainty around future local government funding.

Volunteers also supported curatorial work, helping restore the Merryweather engine, relocate collections, and manage special events, including a naturist evening tour managed with professionalism and humour. Specialists assisted with the cleaning, accessioning, and pest-control of historic costumes and textiles, including donations from Pevensey Town Trust.


BEXHILL MUSEUM (REGISTERED NUMBER: 04959445)


REPORT OF THE TRUSTEES

FOR THE YEAR ENDED 31ST MARCH 2025



FINANCIAL REVIEW

Financial position

The museum made major strides in strategic fundraising during 2024-25. Core unrestricted income-admissions, shop takings-covered daily operations, while external grant funding became increasingly vital for capital and development work.


The major achievement was securing a £390,389 grant from DCMS via Arts Council England's MEND (Museum Estate & Development Fund), alongside £113,000 from East Sussex County Council. Together, these funds will support critical infrastructure work in 2025-26: flood-proofing, structural repairs, improved storage, and better environmental conditions for the collection. A total of £197,330 was received in the year.


Early progress was made preparing for the works. The lower ground floor store was cleared for these works, with objects moved to temporary storage in Bexhill and Pevensey. This also enabled valuable redocumentation work: reviewing artefacts long in storage, checking condition, and repacking. Trustees began establishing a framework for ethical disposal of items that are duplicated, un-accessioned, damaged, or outside the museum's collecting remit.


The MEND award also allowed the museum to plan for future developments, including a potential new archaeological store and education space by converting disused public toilets in Egerton Park. Beyond capital investment, the museum strengthened ties with local and regional funders. It deepened its partnership with the De La Warr Pavilion under its Transforming Heritage programme, co-leading a new initiative to locate the Pavilion's cultural and architectural archives across Sussex and around the world.


Looking forward, Bexhill Museum is shifting from reactive grant-seeking to a strategic, integrated fundraising approach. Future bids will align with board-approved objectives: operational sustainability, dynamic collections, and inclusive public engagement. The Development & Finance Sub-Committee will guide this transition, prioritising high-value national bids, strategic match funding, and coordination with local cultural investment strategies.


Reserves policy

The unrestricted General Fund, representing funds available for the day-to-day operation of the Museum, at the end of March 2025 stood at £28,266. The balance of restricted funds at the end of the year, monies restricted for specific donor funded activities, was £225,702.

We treat total unrestricted income over the year, which came to £112,898 in 2024-25, as our working turnover figure. We then ensure that no less that ten percent of this is held as a minimum reserve within the General Fund balance in the unlikely event of an enforced closure.

In that event the collection would have to be relocated or ethically disposed of, and liabilities such as legal fees or redundancies covered - though in almost every reasonable circumstance the museum would be able claim insurance to cover such expenses.

STRUCTURE, GOVERNANCE AND MANAGEMENT

Governing document

The Company's governing documents are its Memorandum and Articles of Association dated 9 October 2003 and amended by written resolution dated 10 February 2004 and special resolutions dated 3 October 2012 and 20 October 2021. Copies of these documents are available by request. The company is limited by guarantee.


Recruitment and appointment of new trustees

The power of appointing new or additional Trustees is vested in the Trustees. Prior to appointment, new Trustees would be introduced to the workings of the charity, given a role description and advised of their responsibilities.


BEXHILL MUSEUM (REGISTERED NUMBER: 04959445)


REPORT OF THE TRUSTEES

FOR THE YEAR ENDED 31ST MARCH 2025



STRUCTURE, GOVERNANCE AND MANAGEMENT

Organisational structure

The Management Team is appointed by the Trustees and meet weekly to review activities and manage the museum on a day-to-day basis. The group is made up of the volunteer coordinator, Gordon Smith, the Business Support Officer, Rohan Jayasekera, a representative of the Collections Care team, Stella Hales-Morris, and the Curator Julian Porter.

There is currently only one formal staff employee of the Museum, housekeeper Toni Neville, employed part-time for housekeeping duties. Rother District Curator Julian Porter MA is seconded by Rother District Council as Curator to Bexhill Museum. Rohan Jayasekera MSc MA is contracted by the Museum month-by-month on a part-time freelance basis as Business Support Officer.

Risk management

The Trustees have reviewed and identified the risks to which the charity is exposed and have ensured that appropriate controls are in place to provide reasonable assurance against fraud and error. The Trustees have updated the existing Child Protection Policy to take account of changes in practice regarding the Safeguarding of vulnerable adults.

REFERENCE AND ADMINISTRATIVE DETAILS

Registered Company number

04959445 (England and Wales)


Registered Charity number

1102638


Registered office

Bexhill Museum

Egerton Road

Bexhill-on-Sea

East Sussex

TN39 3HL


Trustees

Dr A G Stacey

Mrs G D Bradley

P A Goodberry

Mrs S A Hemmings

G R Smith

Dr M G Bell

D Scales

Ms C J Hirst

J B Trainor

Ms K J Byford


Patron

Suzy Izzard


Honorary President

Presently vacant: Mr D J Betts passed away in 2024.


Neither the Patron nor Honorary President is an officer of the charity.


Company Secretary

R A Jayasekera



BEXHILL MUSEUM (REGISTERED NUMBER: 04959445)


REPORT OF THE TRUSTEES

FOR THE YEAR ENDED 31ST MARCH 2025



REFERENCE AND ADMINISTRATIVE DETAILS

Independent Examiner

David Ashby FCCA ACA

Gibbons Mannington & Phipps LLP

Chartered Accountants

20 Eversley Road

Bexhill-on-Sea

East Sussex

TN40 1HE


Accountants

Gibbons Mannington & Phipps LLP

20 Eversley Road, Bexhill-on-Sea, East Sussex, TN40 1HE.


Bankers

Barclays Bank plc, Devonshire Road, Bexhill-on-Sea, East Sussex, TN40 1AG.


Approved by order of the board of trustees on 13th August 2025 and signed on its behalf by:






Mrs S A Hemmings - Trustee


INDEPENDENT EXAMINER'S REPORT TO THE TRUSTEES OF

BEXHILL MUSEUM



Independent examiner's report to the trustees of Bexhill Museum ('the Company')

I report to the charity trustees on my examination of the accounts of the Company for the year ended 31st March 2025.


Responsibilities and basis of report

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


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


Independent examiner's statement

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


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


1.

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

2.

the accounts do not accord with those records; or

3.

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

4.

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


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









David Ashby FCCA ACA


Gibbons Mannington & Phipps LLP

20 Eversley Road

Bexhill-on-Sea

East Sussex

TN40 1HE


17th August 2025


BEXHILL MUSEUM


STATEMENT OF FINANCIAL ACTIVITIES

FOR THE YEAR ENDED 31ST MARCH 2025



2025


2024


Unrestricted


Restricted


Total


Total


funds


funds


funds


funds


Notes

£   

£   

£   

£   


INCOME AND ENDOWMENTS FROM

Donations and legacies

2

30,866


207,852


238,718


35,720



Charitable activities

Admission fees

35,256


-


35,256


37,153


Education room hire and training

9,995


-


9,995


6,677


Royalties from publications

56


-


56


136



Other trading activities

3

27,773


1,002


28,775


28,464


Investment income

4

264


-


264


282


Other income

5

8,688


-


8,688


2,226


Total

112,898


208,854


321,752


110,658



EXPENDITURE ON

Raising funds

6

12,520


-


12,520


15,069



Charitable activities

7

Projects

11,194


23,441


34,635


20,872


Museum expenditure

86,841


6,108


92,949


62,926


Finance and administration services

23,841


3,375


27,216


20,652


Total

134,396


32,924


167,320


119,519



NET INCOME/(EXPENDITURE)

(21,498

)

175,930


154,432


(8,861

)

Transfers between funds

20

23,381


(23,381

)

-


-


Net movement in funds

1,883


152,549


154,432


(8,861

)


RECONCILIATION OF FUNDS

Total funds brought forward

140,588


73,154


213,742


222,603



TOTAL FUNDS CARRIED FORWARD

142,471


225,703


368,174


213,742



CONTINUING OPERATIONS

All income and expenditure has arisen from continuing activities.


BEXHILL MUSEUM (REGISTERED NUMBER: 04959445)


BALANCE SHEET

31ST MARCH 2025



2025


2024


Unrestricted


Restricted


Total


Total


funds


funds


funds


funds


Notes

£   

£   

£   

£   


FIXED ASSETS


Tangible assets

14

82,275


-


82,275


75,618


Heritage assets

15

27,539


43,569


71,108


68,943


Investments

16

2


-


2


2


109,816


43,569


153,385


144,563



CURRENT ASSETS


Stocks

17

6,023


-


6,023


4,110


Debtors

18

9,398


-


9,398


7,986


Cash at bank and in hand

24,473


182,133


206,606


60,026


39,894


182,133


222,027


72,122



CREDITORS


Amounts falling due within one year

19

(7,238

)

-


(7,238

)

(2,943

)


NET CURRENT ASSETS

32,656


182,133


214,789


69,179



TOTAL ASSETS LESS CURRENT

LIABILITIES

142,472


225,702


368,174


213,742



NET ASSETS

142,472


225,702


368,174


213,742


FUNDS

20

Unrestricted funds

142,472


140,588


Restricted funds

225,702


73,154


TOTAL FUNDS

368,174


213,742



The charitable company is entitled to exemption from audit under Section 477 of the Companies Act 2006 for the year ended 31st March 2025.


The members have not required the company to obtain an audit of its financial statements for the year ended 31st March 2025 in accordance with Section 476 of the Companies Act 2006.


The trustees acknowledge their responsibilities for
(a)ensuring that the charitable company keeps accounting records that comply with Sections 386 and 387 of the Companies Act 2006 and
(b)preparing financial statements which give a true and fair view of the state of affairs of the charitable company as at the end of each financial year and of its surplus or deficit for each financial year in accordance with the requirements of Sections 394 and 395 and which otherwise comply with the requirements of the Companies Act 2006 relating to financial statements, so far as applicable to the charitable company.


BEXHILL MUSEUM (REGISTERED NUMBER: 04959445)


BALANCE SHEET - continued

31ST MARCH 2025


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



The financial statements were approved by the Board of Trustees and authorised for issue on 13th August 2025 and were signed on its behalf by:






S A Hemmings - Trustee


BEXHILL MUSEUM


NOTES TO THE FINANCIAL STATEMENTS

FOR THE YEAR ENDED 31ST MARCH 2025



1.

ACCOUNTING POLICIES



Basis of preparing the financial statements


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



Financial reporting standard 102 - reduced disclosure exemptions


The charitable company has taken advantage of the following disclosure exemption in preparing these financial statements, as permitted by FRS 102 'The Financial Reporting Standard applicable in the UK and Republic of Ireland':




the requirements of Section 7 Statement of Cash Flows.



Income


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



Expenditure


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



Tangible fixed assets

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



Improvements to Museum building

-

2.5% on cost


Display cases and shelving

-

5% on cost


Fixtures and fittings

-

5% on cost


Interactive displays

-

20% on cost


Computer equipment

-

33% on cost



Heritage assets

Acquisitions for the collection since 1st April 2010, whether donated or purchased, are capitalised and recognised in the balance sheet at the cost or value of the acquisition, where such cost or valuation is reasonably obtainable and reliable. Items donated or bequeathed to the Museum's collection are valued by internal valuers if an external valuation for the items is not available. Such items are not depreciated or revalued.


Stocks

Stocks are valued at the lower of cost and net realisable value, after making due allowance for obsolete and slow moving items.


Taxation

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


Fund accounting

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


BEXHILL MUSEUM


NOTES TO THE FINANCIAL STATEMENTS - continued

FOR THE YEAR ENDED 31ST MARCH 2025



1.

ACCOUNTING POLICIES - continued



Fund accounting

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

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

2.

DONATIONS AND LEGACIES


2025


2024

£   

£   



Donations

5,124


5,428




Tax recoverable on gift aid

808


853




Legacy

-


500




Grants

224,991


18,980




Subscriptions

5,630


7,885




Donations to museum collection

2,165


2,074



238,718


35,720





Grants received, included in the above, are as follows:



2025


2024

£   

£   



Rother District Council - Development Project

3,375


-




Rother District Council - Service level agreement

8,500


8,500




Rother District Council - Net Zero

4,978


-




Rother District Council - MEND

2,135


-




Arts Council: Hastings and Bexhill Museums and Schools Project

(via Hastings Council)

7,480


7,480




Bexhill Town Council

-


3,000




Arts Council: MEND

195,195


-




Nineveh Trust

2,500


-




Bexhill 100

276


-




The Relais Cooden Beach

276


-




Hazell Industries Ltd

276


-



224,991


18,980




3.

OTHER TRADING ACTIVITIES


2025


2024

£   

£   



Shop and cafe income

16,715


15,225




Fund raising income

10,790


12,727




Sale of clothing

193


437




Other income

1,077


75



28,775


28,464





BEXHILL MUSEUM


NOTES TO THE FINANCIAL STATEMENTS - continued

FOR THE YEAR ENDED 31ST MARCH 2025



4.

INVESTMENT INCOME


2025


2024

£   

£   



Interest on cash investments

264


282




5.

OTHER INCOME


2025


2024

£   

£   



Expenditure recharges to Rother District Council

8,688


2,226




6.

RAISING FUNDS



Other trading activities


2025


2024

£   

£   



Opening stock

4,110


4,893




Purchases

11,798


10,909




Closing stock

(6,023

)

(4,110

)



Fund raising, publicity and other costs

2,635


3,377



12,520


15,069




7.

CHARITABLE ACTIVITIES COSTS


Direct

Support



Costs (see

costs (see



note 8)

note 9)

Totals

£   

£   

£   



Projects

34,635


-


34,635




Museum expenditure

89,961


2,988


92,949




Finance and administration services

-


27,216


27,216



124,596


30,204


154,800




8.

DIRECT COSTS OF CHARITABLE ACTIVITIES


2025


2024

£   

£   



Conservation

3,301


1,882




Collections, exhibitions and special projects

30,277


5,010




Computer & IT costs

5,038


3,172




Education & lecture costs

4,506


5,401




Subscriptions and conferences

2,163


1,738




Repairs and renewals

10,427


1,837




Advertising & promotion (inc newsletter and website)

6,205


8,226




General rates, water rates, gas, electricity & telephone

29,642


14,868




Cleaner's salary and cleaning consumables

6,837


7,754




Insurance

3,307


3,049




Printing, postage and stationery

1,365


1,596




Volunteer expenses

115


155




Payroll processing fees

396


384




Security and fire protection

4,168


4,356




Sundry expenses

43


203




Travel

40


507




Professional fees

1,741


3,373




Carried forward

109,571


63,511




BEXHILL MUSEUM


NOTES TO THE FINANCIAL STATEMENTS - continued

FOR THE YEAR ENDED 31ST MARCH 2025



8.

DIRECT COSTS OF CHARITABLE ACTIVITIES - continued


2025


2024

£   

£   



Brought forward

109,571


63,511




Displays, signage etc

102


13




Bank charges

510


480




Card fees

627


708




Depreciation

13,786


13,272



124,596


77,984





Conservation refers "to the activities and costs involved in preserving, stabilising, and protecting the museum's collections as a whole, whether they are on display or in storage". Collections (or more accurately Collection Management) refers to "activities involved in organising, documenting, storing, and accessing the collection as a whole and to ensure effective control, use, and accountability of the collection as a whole". Both are charitable activities and a revenue cost.



Exhibitions and special projects are discrete activities, and a mix of restricted, designated and undesignated expenditure. This year they include the Iguanodon project, railway projects, Merryweather, etc. As temporary fixtures, they may be eligible for  Museums & Galleries Exhibition Tax Relief (MGTR).


9.

SUPPORT COSTS


Governance



Management


costs


Totals

£   

£   

£   



Museum expenditure

-


2,988


2,988




Finance and administration services

27,216


-


27,216



27,216


2,988


30,204





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




Management



2025


2024


Finance



and



administration


Total


services


activities

£   

£   



Sub contract administrative services

27,216


20,652




Governance costs



2025


2024


Museum


Total


expenditure


activities

£   

£   



Accountancy fees

2,508


1,704




Independent examiner's fees

480


456




Legal fees

-


3,654



2,988


5,814





BEXHILL MUSEUM


NOTES TO THE FINANCIAL STATEMENTS - continued

FOR THE YEAR ENDED 31ST MARCH 2025



10.

NET INCOME/(EXPENDITURE)



Net income/(expenditure) is stated after charging/(crediting):




2025


2024

£   

£   



Depreciation - owned assets

13,786


13,272




11.

TRUSTEES' REMUNERATION AND BENEFITS


There were no trustees' remuneration or other benefits for the year ended 31st March 2025 nor for the year ended 31st March 2024.



Trustees' expenses


There were no trustees' expenses paid for the year ended 31st March 2025 nor for the year ended 31st March 2024.


12.

STAFF COSTS




2025



2024





£



£




Wages and salaries


5,460



5,460




Social security costs


0



0




Pensions


0



0





5,460



5,460






The average monthly number of employees during the year was as follows:





2025



2024




Cleaner


1



1





1



1





13.

COMPARATIVES FOR THE STATEMENT OF FINANCIAL ACTIVITIES


Unrestricted


Restricted


Total


funds


funds


funds

£   

£   

£   



INCOME AND ENDOWMENTS FROM


Donations and legacies

23,656


12,064


35,720




Charitable activities


Admission fees

37,153


-


37,153



Education room hire and training

6,677


-


6,677



Royalties from publications

136


-


136




Other trading activities

25,549


2,915


28,464



Investment income

282


-


282



Other income

2,226


-


2,226



Total

95,679


14,979


110,658




EXPENDITURE ON


BEXHILL MUSEUM


NOTES TO THE FINANCIAL STATEMENTS - continued

FOR THE YEAR ENDED 31ST MARCH 2025



13.

COMPARATIVES FOR THE STATEMENT OF FINANCIAL ACTIVITIES - continued


Unrestricted


Restricted


Total


funds


funds


funds

£   

£   

£   



Raising funds

15,069


-


15,069




Charitable activities


Projects

3,328


17,544


20,872



Museum expenditure

62,926


-


62,926



Finance and administration services

20,652


-


20,652



Total

101,975


17,544


119,519




NET INCOME/(EXPENDITURE)

(6,296

)

(2,565

)

(8,861

)




RECONCILIATION OF FUNDS


Total funds brought forward

146,884


75,719


222,603




TOTAL FUNDS CARRIED FORWARD

140,588


73,154


213,742



14.

TANGIBLE FIXED ASSETS


Improvements


Display


Fixtures


to Museum


cases and


and


building


shelving


fittings

£   

£   

£   



COST


At 1st April 2024

-


137,461


112,793




Additions

20,443


-


-




At 31st March 2025

20,443


137,461


112,793




DEPRECIATION


At 1st April 2024

-


106,721


69,279




Charge for year

514


6,872


5,636




At 31st March 2025

514


113,593


74,915




NET BOOK VALUE


At 31st March 2025

19,929


23,868


37,878




At 31st March 2024

-


30,740


43,514




BEXHILL MUSEUM


NOTES TO THE FINANCIAL STATEMENTS - continued

FOR THE YEAR ENDED 31ST MARCH 2025



14.

TANGIBLE FIXED ASSETS - continued


Interactive


Computer



displays


equipment


Totals

£   

£   

£   



COST


At 1st April 2024

67,717


46,229


364,200




Additions

-


-


20,443




At 31st March 2025

67,717


46,229


384,643




DEPRECIATION


At 1st April 2024

67,717


44,865


288,582




Charge for year

-


764


13,786




At 31st March 2025

67,717


45,629


302,368




NET BOOK VALUE


At 31st March 2025

-


600


82,275




At 31st March 2024

-


1,364


75,618




15.

HERITAGE ASSETS


Total

£   



MARKET VALUE


At 1st April 2024

68,943




Additions - donated

2,165




At 31st March 2025

71,108




NET BOOK VALUE


At 31st March 2025

71,108




At 31st March 2024

68,943




As set out in note 1, the balance shown here only reflects the acquisitions for the collection since 1 April 2010. The valuation of the donated items are carried out by the Museum's Curator.

Five year financial summary of heritage asset transactions

2024/252023/242022/232021/222020/21
Purchases0020000
Donations2,1652,0741,04825,662891
Total additions2,1652,0741,24825,662891
Disposal00000


BEXHILL MUSEUM


NOTES TO THE FINANCIAL STATEMENTS - continued

FOR THE YEAR ENDED 31ST MARCH 2025



16.

FIXED ASSET INVESTMENTS


Shares in


group


undertakings

£   



MARKET VALUE


At 1st April 2024 and 31st March 2025

2




NET BOOK VALUE


At 31st March 2025

2




At 31st March 2024

2





There were no investment assets outside the UK.



The company's investments at the balance sheet date in the share capital of companies include the following:



Bexhill Museum Trading Limited


Registered office: Bexhill Museum, Egerton Road, Bexhill-on-Sea, East Sussex, TN39 3HL


Nature of business: Dormant company


%


Class of share:

holding



Ordinary

100



31/3/25

31/3/24


£   

£   



Aggregate capital and reserves

2


2




The Society owns 100% of the issued share capital of Bexhill Museums Trading Limited. Its capital consists of 2 £1 shares both of which have been issued at par.

Bexhill Museum Trading Limited ceased trading on 31 March 2019 and is currently dormant.

17.

STOCKS

2025

2024


£   

£   



Stocks

6,023


4,110




18.

DEBTORS: AMOUNTS FALLING DUE WITHIN ONE YEAR

2025

2024


£   

£   



Grant receivable

2,135


-




Other debtors

7,263


7,986



9,398


7,986





BEXHILL MUSEUM


NOTES TO THE FINANCIAL STATEMENTS - continued

FOR THE YEAR ENDED 31ST MARCH 2025



19.

CREDITORS: AMOUNTS FALLING DUE WITHIN ONE YEAR

2025

2024


£   

£   



Amounts owed to group undertakings

2


2




Other creditors

7,236


2,941



7,238


2,943




20.

MOVEMENT IN FUNDS


Net


Transfers




movement


between


At



At 1/4/24


in funds


funds


31/3/25


£   

£   

£   

£   



Unrestricted funds


General fund

35,038


(4,409

)

(2,363

)

28,266




Tangible fixed assets designated fund

75,618


(13,787

)

20,444


82,275




Collection acquisitions designated

fund

25,374


2,165


-


27,539




Museums pledge towards

improvements

-


(5,065

)

5,300


235




Elva repairs designated fund

100


-


-


100




Bexhills lost world development

project designated fund

4,057


-


-


4,057




Costumes designated fund

401


(401

)

-


-



140,588


(21,497

)

23,381


142,472




Restricted funds


Collection acquisitions fund

43,569


-


-


43,569




Capital works project

12,089


(12,089

)

-


-




Izzard family train set

4,471


(636

)

-


3,835




Piano

654


(70

)

-


584




Museum and schools

5,072


-


(5,072

)

-




Merryweather fund

7,299


(7,299

)

-


-




Arts Council MEND grant fund

-


195,195


(18,309

)

176,886




Motor Heritage Trail signs

-


828


-


828



73,154


175,929


(23,381

)

225,702




TOTAL FUNDS

213,742


154,432


-


368,174




BEXHILL MUSEUM


NOTES TO THE FINANCIAL STATEMENTS - continued

FOR THE YEAR ENDED 31ST MARCH 2025



20.

MOVEMENT IN FUNDS - continued



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



Incoming


Resources


Movement



resources


expended


in funds


£   

£   

£   



Unrestricted funds


General fund

110,233


(114,642

)

(4,409

)



Tangible fixed assets designated fund

(1

)

(13,786

)

(13,787

)



Collection acquisitions designated

fund

2,165


-


2,165




Museums pledge towards

improvements

-


(5,065

)

(5,065

)



Costumes designated fund

501


(902

)

(401

)


112,898


(134,395

)

(21,497

)



Restricted funds


Capital works project

3,374


(15,463

)

(12,089

)



Izzard family train set

39


(675

)

(636

)



Piano

-


(70

)

(70

)



Merryweather fund

1,940


(9,239

)

(7,299

)



Arts Council MEND grant fund

195,195


-


195,195




Development in innovation

infrastructure for Net Zero

4,978


(4,978

)

-




Motor Heritage Trail signs

828


-


828




Iguanodon Project

2,500


(2,500

)

-



208,854


(32,925

)

175,929




TOTAL FUNDS

321,752


(167,320

)

154,432





BEXHILL MUSEUM


NOTES TO THE FINANCIAL STATEMENTS - continued

FOR THE YEAR ENDED 31ST MARCH 2025



20.

MOVEMENT IN FUNDS - continued



Comparatives for movement in funds



Net


Transfers




movement


between


At



At 1/4/23


in funds


funds


31/3/24


£   

£   

£   

£   



Unrestricted funds


General fund

31,625


5,213


(1,800

)

35,038




Tangible fixed assets designated fund

87,090


(13,272

)

1,800


75,618




Collection acquisitions designated

fund

23,500


1,874


-


25,374




Elva repairs designated fund

100


-


-


100




Bexhills lost world development

project designated fund

4,057


-


-


4,057




Costumes designated fund

512


(111

)

-


401



146,884


(6,296

)

-


140,588




Restricted funds


Collection acquisitions fund

43,369


200


-


43,569




Local research

281


(281

)

-


-




Capital works project

20,723


(8,634

)

-


12,089




Museum in a box

168


(168

)

-


-




Izzard family train set

6,966


(2,495

)

-


4,471




Piano

654


-


-


654




Museum and schools

2,783


2,289


-


5,072




InSight to Culture

775


(775

)

-


-




Merryweather fund

-


7,299


-


7,299



75,719


(2,565

)

-


73,154




TOTAL FUNDS

222,603


(8,861

)

-


213,742




BEXHILL MUSEUM


NOTES TO THE FINANCIAL STATEMENTS - continued

FOR THE YEAR ENDED 31ST MARCH 2025



20.

MOVEMENT IN FUNDS - continued



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



Incoming


Resources


Movement



resources


expended


in funds


£   

£   

£   



Unrestricted funds


General fund

93,786


(88,573

)

5,213




Tangible fixed assets designated fund

-


(13,272

)

(13,272

)



Collection acquisitions designated

fund

1,874


-


1,874




Costumes designated fund

19


(130

)

(111

)


95,679


(101,975

)

(6,296

)



Restricted funds


Collection acquisitions fund

200


-


200




Local research

-


(281

)

(281

)



Capital works project

-


(8,634

)

(8,634

)



Museum in a box

-


(168

)

(168

)



Izzard family train set

-


(2,495

)

(2,495

)



Museum and schools

7,480


(5,191

)

2,289




InSight to Culture

-


(775

)

(775

)



Merryweather fund

7,299


-


7,299



14,979


(17,544

)

(2,565

)



TOTAL FUNDS

110,658


(119,519

)

(8,861

)




Designated funds


The tangible fixed assets fund represents the value of the fixed assets held by the charity.



The Collection acquisitions designated fund represents the estimated cost of items donated to the museum and the actual cost of items purchased by the museum, since 2010, for items which the trustees have the power to dispose of at their discretion. During the year over 50 items were donated to the museum.



The Elva repairs fund is money designated for repairs to the Elva car.



Bexhill's lost world development project fund is monies designated from the receipt of a legacy in 2016 towards an extension to the museum.



The Costumes fund is made up of a donation of £2,000 which was designated towards the costs relating to the costumes held by the museum. This fund has now been fully expended.



The Museum pledged £5,300 towards the cost of the improvements to the museum.



Restricted funds


The Collection acquisitions restricted fund represents the estimated cost of items donated to the museum and the actual cost of items purchased by the museum, since 2010. During the year over 100 items were donated to the museum.



A major project for the stripping out and refitting of the semi-derelict basement stores and other urgent works was confirmed at the year's end. Funds received for this purpose in previous years were held in a Capital Project fund during the current year and will be transferred to a new dedicated fund with its own bank account in 2024-25.



The Izzard family train set fund is monies received towards the upkeep, improvement and changes to the layout of the model train set display.



BEXHILL MUSEUM


NOTES TO THE FINANCIAL STATEMENTS - continued

FOR THE YEAR ENDED 31ST MARCH 2025



20.

MOVEMENT IN FUNDS - continued



The piano fund is made up of donations for the ongoing costs of maintaining the piano.



The Merryweather fund is grants and donations received towards the restoration costs of Bexhill's 1895 Merryweather horse-drawn, steam powered fire engine which will be permanently displayed at the museum once restoration is complete. This fund was fully expended at by the year end.



The Museum and schools fund balance as been transferred to the general fund as the grants are treated as service agreement grants so are not restricted and the trustees have agreed it is acceptable to treat the balance of unspent monies brought forward as unrestricted funds.



A major project for the stripping out and refitting of the semi-derelict basement stores and other urgent works was confirmed on 8 March 2024 following the award of a £390,389 (£195,195 received in 2024/25) grant from the Arts Council & DCMS operated Museum Estate and Development Fund (MEND). Funds received for this project in previous years were held in a Capital Project fund. The remainder has been transferred to a new dedicated MEND Project fund, with its own bank account, in 2024-25.



Transfers between funds



Assets have been purchased using unrestricted funds and restricted funds so transfers have been made from the relevant fund to the Tangible fixed assets designated fund for the cost of these assets. Any restrictions cease once an asset is purchased.



The balance in the Museums and Schools fund at 1 April 2024 has been transferred to the general fund. The funding which is received is not restricted as it is a service contact between the Museum and Hastings Borough Council and is funded by the Department of Education and managed by the Arts Council England.



The museum has pledged £5,300 towards the costs of the improvements to the museum. Therefore a transfer has been made into a designated fund to show this pledge.


21.

RELATED PARTY DISCLOSURES



There were no related party transactions for the year ended 31st March 2025.


22.

LIMITED LIABILITY OF MEMBERS



The liability of the members is limited.



Every member of the charity undertakes to contribute to the assets of the charity in the event of the same being wound up while he/she is still a member or within one year after he/she ceases to be a member and of the costs, charges and expenses of winding up and for the adjustment of rights of the contributories amongst themselves such amount as may be required, not exceeding £1.