REGISTERED COMPANY NUMBER: 06615281 (England and Wales)

REGISTERED CHARITY NUMBER: 1127149

REPORT OF THE TRUSTEES AND

UNAUDITED FINANCIAL STATEMENTS FOR THE YEAR ENDED 31 MARCH 2026

FOR

THE BAILIFFGATE MUSEUM AND GALLERY

Page

Report of the Trustees

1

to

5

Independent Examiner's Report

6

Statement of Financial Activities

7

Balance Sheet

8

to

9

Cash Flow Statement

10

Notes to the Cash Flow Statement

11

Notes to the Financial Statements

12

to

20

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 2026. 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

Our vision: Bailiffgate Museum and Gallery - Heritage at the Heart of the Community.

Our Mission is to be a People's Museum, preserving and celebrating the heritage of Alnwick and district, and to provide an excellent community, educational and tourist resource.

The specific aims of the charity are as follows:

- to preserve the history of Alnwick and District,

- to interpret the history, culture and landscape of North Northumberland, and Alnwick and District in particular,

- to stage a varied and constantly changing programme of exhibitions, showcasing the work of local and national artists,

- to establish the Museum as a centre for history and research on the locality.

- to establish the Museum as an invaluable educational resource,

- to provide voluntary opportunities,

- to ensure that all activities of the Museum are focused on the benefit of the public.

- to diversify the audience of the Museum, catering for all markets,

- to maintain a high level of visitor satisfaction, and

- to be sustainable.

The trustees have referred to the guidance contained in the Charity Commission's general guidance on public benefit when reviewing the charity's objectives and aims and in planning future activities.

ACHIEVEMENTS AND PERFORMANCE

CHAIR'S REPORT

Exhibitions

Alnwick Through the Lens - Alnwick Photographic Club - 1 April - 11 May 2025

This exhibition celebrated the 50th anniversary of the Civic Society in 2024. Photographs captured the town as it is today for future generations to look back on including its historical buildings, many new developments, and repurposing of existing buildings.

Bailiffgate added to the exhibition by displaying photographs of the town landscape from different periods of history.

Changing Landscapes - David Wilson- from 13 May - 13 July 2025

This very well attended exhibition highlighted the beauty of two contrasting landscapes - The Northwest Highlands of Scotland and Northumberland.

David said: 'The Northwest Highlands landscape is quite different from Northumberland. No less wild in places but the light is different.' Northumberland for me is marked by its big skies, dramatic coastline, and strong colours.'

'Changing Landscapes' also reflects David's remarkable journey through ill health and adversity. In 2018 a mountain biking challenge from Canada to Mexico was cut short by the need for spinal surgery and a diagnosis of Myeloma, a blood cancer. David was unstoppable in continuing to take in landscape through adventures. In a further devastating blow, he was diagnosed with Leukaemia and suffered a stroke in January 2026. David was proud to include within the exhibition work he produced while still recovering from the effects of the stroke.

Creativity: Framed - Duchess Community High School - 15th July -14th September 2025

The high praise for the talent and exceptional work produced by students who exhibited in the show was well deserved. This vibrant and imaginative Duchess's Community High School Summer Show displayed the talent of Alnwick's youth to provide a captivating, joyful experience for all.

This exhibition attracted high visitor numbers who greatly admired their work, produced both inside and outside of the classroom.

The exhibit not only provided an opportunity for students to display their skills, but also their dedication and perspectives through moving poetry, evocative music, thought-provoking visual arts, remarkable photography, powerful drama and visually appealing textiles.

"Us - a retrospective"- Sarah and Geoffrey Bradford 16th September - 14th December 2025

A magnificent exhibition showcasing the work of artists Sarah and Geoffrey Bradford. Ultimately, "Us - a retrospective" harnessed the lifetime work of two highly skilled and accomplished artists, highlighting their distinctive creative paths which complement one another to provide a seamless experience. Their substantial body of work, built up over the years is much admired and revered by fellow artists. Sarah's paintings are autobiographical, illustrating "the formal qualities of painting such as structure, form, depth and surface, but also the emotional key upon which it depends." Geoffrey's work depicts the transformation of materials and recent collages, revisiting themes such as glasshouses and the coast. He sees himself as a maker laying out fragments of found and salvaged materials: tearing, folding, cutting and combining, adding colour and drawing, or scraping away to reveal hidden layers and textures to evoke another reality.

Intimately Connected 13th January to 28th February 2026

Claire Ward's exhibition which explored creative ways to use the everyday 'rubbish' we generate throughout our lives has engaged and intrigued our visitors.

The exhibition design was outstanding and made incredible use of space and managed to turn much of what we discard into an inspired installation. It was highly informative and the transformation of what goes into dustbins resonated very well with adults and children alike.

The feedback on the educational provision and children's activities- junk modelling, sculptures - was excellent. The exhibition sparked a number of debates with visitors about how they come make a difference in the way they used and managed household rubbish. This was another exhibition that brought in new audiences.

"May The Toys Be With You" - Matt Fox- 5th March - 30th May 2026

An Iconic Star Wars exhibition which took visitors on a journey with the Millenium Falcon offering an unmissable experience for Star Wars fans and pop culture enthusiasts. One of the UK's finest collections of original cinema posters and vintage Star Wars toys were featured in this exhibition.

Matt Fox is a collector of all things Star Wars, dating back to 1977 when the merchandising started to be produced. This retro exhibition is a celebration of both the iconic art and design work of the Star Wars films, and the vintage, highly collectible toy line. Little kids, 'big kids' and collectors enjoyed viewing many rarely seen Star Wars treasures.

People Make Alnwick

The focus this year has been on building stronger relationships between the museum, volunteers, partners, and the wider community. Volunteer pathways were strengthened, community engagement expanded, new opportunities for participation, skills development, and progression were created. Year 2 has also provided early evidence of positive outcomes for new volunteers, including increased confidence, skills development, progression into employment and greater community connection.

Monthly 'Drop in-Tuesday' sessions continued alongside the use of social media and occasions such as Alnwick Town Festival, National Lottery Open Day, Northumberland County Council (NCC) events, a Trade Fair and The Alnwick Garden Employment Fair. By the end of the financial year, there were 19 new volunteers, well ahead of the target of 15 set by Community Lottery Funders, reflecting the impact and sustainability of the volunteer programme.

Events

Our volunteers were involved in a significant number of events. We gave museum tours to schools and a range of groups, including one in French for representatives from Alnwick Town Council and Lagny Sur Marne; much to their delight. We held workshops such as free form weaving, evenings where local artists 'crit' their work, and a Teddy Bears' picnic.

Loans boxes

Our Loans boxes were used far and wide by schools, families, village halls and care homes. Over 700 people enjoyed using the boxes in 29 different venues across the county and beyond.

Storyfest

Bailiffgate hosted two talks for Storyfest on Saturday 7 March 2026:

Ad Gefrin: From Anglo-Saxon Kings to Whisky Dreams with Chris Ferguson, a Trustee and How to Paint a Landscape in Poetry with Ali Rowland and Luke McTaggart, also a Trustee. Both talks sold out and were very well received.

External Talks

There were talks to golf clubs, 'talking shops' in the community where people told their special stories, a pop up 'Museum of Ordinary Things' at the Puffin Festival, fashion shows to support celebrations in the community, talks across the County on Tudors, Glamour and Beauty and about Northumberland Hall.

Northumberland Hall and Grant Funding

Development work to refine plans for Northumberland Hall were completed. A successful application for delivering the project was submitted to the National Lottery Heritage Fund. Grants also came for the project from the Garfield Weston, Swire Charitable Trust, The Architectural Heritage Fund, and Sir James Knott Trust giving us a substantial contribution to our target. We signed a 125-year lease from NCC for Northumberland Hall in December 2025. In 2026 NCC supported additional surveys and plans were refined and revised. Further donations and grants were received, and expressions of interest from building contractors. We appointed an Interpretation and Design Team and were fortunate in being able to continue with several people from the delivery phase including our architect, project and programme managers.

Mrs J Styring (Chair)

FINANCIAL REVIEW

In the year ended 31st March 2026, the charity had unrestricted net expenditure of £1,191 and restricted funds had total net income of £428,138.

At 31st March 2026 the charity's unrestricted funds were £119,369 and its unrestricted net current assets were £114,349. Restricted funds totalled £610,018 of which £222,404 represented the net book value of tangible fixed assets.

STRUCTURE, GOVERNANCE AND MANAGEMENT

Governing document

The Bailiffgate Museum and Gallery is a registered charity and a company limited by guarantee as defined by the Companies Act 2006. Under the memorandum and articles of association with which the organisation is governed, the trustees have control of the charity and its property and funds.

Recruitment and appointment of new trustees

Trustees are elected at each annual general meeting of the charity, though the trustees have powers to co-opt appointees when they deem necessary. One-third of trustees must retire at each annual general meeting, though a retiring trustee may be reappointed. There must be no fewer than three and no more than twelve trustees at any time.

The detailed rules governing appointment of trustees are contained in the articles of association of the charity.

Risk management and reserves policy

The trustees have a duty to identify and review the risks to which the charity is exposed and to ensure appropriate controls are in place to provide reasonable assurance against fraud and error. The trustees aim to ensure the charity holds at least 75% of yearly general expenditure in unrestricted and non-designated funds, which they consider would give a sufficient buffer to ensure its continued functioning. The charity held such reserves at the end of the year.

REFERENCE AND ADMINISTRATIVE DETAILS

Registered Company number

06615281 (England and Wales)

Registered Charity number

1127149

Registered office

14 Bailiffgate

Alnwick

Northumberland

NE66 1LX

Trustees

W Grisdale

I Waggott

Mrs J Styring

Ms S E Bolam

Ms M L Dawson

Mrs L Wearn

L McTaggart

Dr C A Ferguson

Mrs C C S Wright

C D F Watson (resigned 15.7.26)

B H Dean (appointed 17.9.25) (resigned 15.7.26)

H W E Ferrand (appointed 17.9.25)

Independent Examiner

Greaves Grindle

Chartered Accountants

Victoria House

Bondgate Within

Alnwick

Northumberland

NE66 1TA

Approved by order of the board of trustees on 17 August 2026 and signed on its behalf by:

Mrs J Styring - Trustee

Independent examiner's report to the trustees of The Bailiffgate Museum and Gallery ('the Company')

I report to the charity trustees on my examination of the accounts of the Company for the year ended 31 March 2026.

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.

Jane Harvey F.C.A.

Greaves Grindle

Chartered Accountants

Victoria House

Bondgate Within

Alnwick

Northumberland

NE66 1TA

24 August 2026

2026

2025

Unrestricted

Restricted

Total

Total

fund

funds

funds

funds

Notes

£

£

£

£

INCOME AND ENDOWMENTS FROM

Donations and legacies

2

44,717

691,955

736,672

318,530

Charitable activities

5

Operation of museum

24,783

-

24,783

29,308

Other trading activities

3

13,158

-

13,158

14,427

Investment income

4

2,513

-

2,513

2,898

Total

85,171

691,955

777,126

365,163

EXPENDITURE ON

Raising funds

6

4,970

-

4,970

5,659

Charitable activities

7

Operation of museum

81,392

263,817

345,209

392,934

Total

86,362

263,817

350,179

398,593

NET INCOME/(EXPENDITURE)

(1,191

)

428,138

426,947

(33,430

)

RECONCILIATION OF FUNDS

Total funds brought forward

120,560

181,880

302,440

335,870

TOTAL FUNDS CARRIED FORWARD

119,369

610,018

729,387

302,440

2026

2025

Unrestricted

Restricted

Total

Total

fund

funds

funds

funds

Notes

£

£

£

£

FIXED ASSETS

Tangible assets

12

5,020

222,404

227,424

119,454

CURRENT ASSETS

Stocks

13

4,270

-

4,270

4,557

Debtors

14

6,123

133,314

139,437

57,271

Cash at bank and in hand

106,485

259,581

366,066

135,024

116,878

392,895

509,773

196,852

CREDITORS

Amounts falling due within one year

15

(2,529

)

(5,281

)

(7,810

)

(13,866

)

NET CURRENT ASSETS

114,349

387,614

501,963

182,986

TOTAL ASSETS LESS CURRENT LIABILITIES

119,369

610,018

729,387

302,440

NET ASSETS

119,369

610,018

729,387

302,440

FUNDS

16

Unrestricted funds

119,369

120,560

Restricted funds

610,018

181,880

TOTAL FUNDS

729,387

302,440

The charitable company is entitled to exemption from audit under Section 477 of the Companies Act 2006 for the year ended 31 March 2026.

The members have not required the company to obtain an audit of its financial statements for the year ended 31 March 2026 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.

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

The financial statements were approved by the Board of Trustees and authorised for issue on 17 August 2026 and were signed on its behalf by:

J Styring - Trustee

Cash flows from operating activities

Cash generated from operations

1

369,320

(54,791

)

Net cash provided by/(used in) operating activities

369,320

(54,791

)

Cash flows from investing activities

Purchase of tangible fixed assets

(140,791

)

(3,835

)

Interest received

2,513

2,898

Net cash used in investing activities

(138,278

)

(937

)

Change in cash and cash equivalents in the reporting period

231,042

(55,728

)

Cash and cash equivalents at the beginning of the reporting period

135,024

190,752

Cash and cash equivalents at the end of the reporting period

366,066

135,024

1.	RECONCILIATION OF NET INCOME/(EXPENDITURE) TO NET CASH FLOW FROM OPERATING ACTIVITIES

2026

2025

£

£

Net income/(expenditure) for the reporting period (as per the Statement of Financial Activities)

426,947

(33,430

)

Adjustments for:

Depreciation charges

32,821

34,033

Interest received

(2,513

)

(2,898

)

Decrease/(increase) in stocks

287

(1,323

)

Increase in debtors

(82,166

)

(57,066

)

(Decrease)/increase in creditors

(6,056

)

5,893

Net cash provided by/(used in) operations

369,320

(54,791

)

2.	ANALYSIS OF CHANGES IN NET FUNDS

At 1.4.25

Cash flow

At 31.3.26

£

£

£

Net cash

Cash at bank and in hand

135,024

231,042

366,066

135,024

231,042

366,066

Total

135,024

231,042

366,066

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.

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 property

-

4% on cost

Plant and machinery

-

25% on reducing balance

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.

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.

Pension costs and other post-retirement benefits

The charitable company operates a defined contribution pension scheme. Contributions payable to the charitable company's pension scheme are charged to the Statement of Financial Activities in the period to which they relate.

Basic financial instruments

The charity accounts for basic financial instruments on initial recognition as per paragraph 11.7 Charities SORP (FRS 102). Subsequent measurement is as per paragraphs 11.17 to 11.19, Charities SORP (FRS 102).

Debtors

Debtors (including trade debtors and loans receivable) are measured on initial recognition at settlement amount after any trade discounts or amount advanced by the charity. Subsequently, they are measured at the cash or other consideration expected to be received.

Creditors

The charity has creditors which are measured at settlement amounts less any trade discount.

2.	DONATIONS AND LEGACIES

2026

2025

£

£

Gift aid

3,241

945

Grants and donations

733,431

317,585

736,672

318,530

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

2026

2025

£

£

Grants and donations

733,431

317,585

3.	OTHER TRADING ACTIVITIES

2026

2025

£

£

Fundraising events

73

411

Shop income

10,060

10,842

Other sales income

50

214

Friends memberships

2,975

2,960

13,158

14,427

4.	INVESTMENT INCOME

2026

2025

£

£

Interest receivable

2,513

2,898

5.	INCOME FROM CHARITABLE ACTIVITIES

2026

2025

Activity

£

£

Admission income

Operation of museum

24,783

29,308

6.	RAISING FUNDS

Other trading activities

2026

2025

£

£

Purchases

4,970

5,659

7.	CHARITABLE ACTIVITIES COSTS

Direct

Costs

£

Operation of museum

345,209

8.	NET INCOME/(EXPENDITURE)

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

2026

2025

£

£

Depreciation - owned assets

32,821

34,033

Independent examiner's remuneration

2,628

2,200

Examiner's fees for non-examination work

1,315

734

Examiner's fees for non-examination work not included above but capitalised as improvements to property amounted to £1,950.

9.	TRUSTEES' REMUNERATION AND BENEFITS

There were no trustees' remuneration or other benefits for the year ended 31 March 2026 nor for the year ended 31 March 2025.

Trustees' expenses

In the year ended 31st March 2026, no trustees were reimbursed travel expenses (2025: 2 trustees £803).

10.	STAFF COSTS

2026

2025

£

£

Wages and salaries

41,905

37,827

Other pension costs

753

985

42,658

38,812

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

2026

2025

Employees

3

3

No employees received emoluments in excess of £60,000.

11.	COMPARATIVES FOR THE STATEMENT OF FINANCIAL ACTIVITIES

Unrestricted

Restricted

Total

fund

funds

funds

£

£

£

INCOME AND ENDOWMENTS FROM

Donations and legacies

20,504

298,026

318,530

Charitable activities

Operation of museum

29,308

-

29,308

Other trading activities

14,427

-

14,427

Investment income

2,898

-

2,898

Total

67,137

298,026

365,163

EXPENDITURE ON

Raising funds

5,659

-

5,659

Charitable activities

Operation of museum

102,651

290,283

392,934

Total

108,310

290,283

398,593

NET INCOME/(EXPENDITURE)

(41,173

)

7,743

(33,430

)

Transfers between funds

(20,600

)

20,600

-

Net movement in funds

(61,773

)

28,343

(33,430

)

RECONCILIATION OF FUNDS

Total funds brought forward

182,333

153,537

335,870

TOTAL FUNDS CARRIED FORWARD

120,560

181,880

302,440

12.	TANGIBLE FIXED ASSETS

Improvements

to

Plant and

property

machinery

Totals

£

£

£

COST

At 1 April 2025

558,329

99,379

657,708

Additions

140,079

712

140,791

At 31 March 2026

698,408

100,091

798,499

DEPRECIATION

At 1 April 2025

455,564

82,690

538,254

Charge for year

28,471

4,350

32,821

At 31 March 2026

484,035

87,040

571,075

NET BOOK VALUE

At 31 March 2026

214,373

13,051

227,424

At 31 March 2025

102,765

16,689

119,454

Northumberland Hall was still under development at the year end and consequently there is no depreciation charge in these accounts for the related improvements.

13.

STOCKS

2026

2025

£

£

Stocks

4,270

4,557

14.	DEBTORS: AMOUNTS FALLING DUE WITHIN ONE YEAR

2026

2025

£

£

Grants receivable

133,314

54,203

VAT

6,123

3,068

139,437

57,271