VALE MILL TRUST
Path Head Water Mill is a restored 1730 working waterwheel and museum, set in a beautiful tranquil environment in Summerhill, Blaydon. With free entry, and a volunteer-run cafe in the summer, visitors can enjoy the grounds. We are open and accessible to a wide range of volunteers. The Mill offers educational and family activities and provides experiences for all ages and abilities.
Objects
TO PROMOTE SOCIAL INCLUSION AMONG PEOPLE IN THE AREA OF BENEFIT WHO ARE BEING EXCLUDED FROM SOCIETY AS A RESULT OF MENTAL ILLNESS, SUBSTANCE MISUSE OR DEPENDENCY INCLUDING ALCOHOL AND DRUGS BY THE PROVISION OF A COMMUNITY RESOURCE TO INCLUDE SUPPORT, EDUCATION, INFORMATION, TRAINING AND RECREATIONAL FACILITIES AND OPPORTUNITIES.TO EDUCATE THE PUBLIC IN GEOGRAPHY, HISTORY, NATURAL HISTORY, ARCHITECTURE, RENEWABLE AND NATURAL ENERGY, CONSERVATION AND TRADITIONAL SKILLS AND CRAFTMANSHIP IN THE AREA OF BENEFIT.TO SECURE THE DEVELOPMENT AND MAINTENANCE OF PATH HEAD WATER MILL AND SURROUNDING SITE AND TO ENCOURAGE AND PROMOTE THE HERITAGE AND HISTORY.
Financial health, per its FY2024 accounts
The accounts state that the charity reported a net deficit of £9,553 for the year ended 31 December 2024, resulting in total funds carried forward of £16,553. The trustees maintain that the charity is a going concern with sufficient resources for the next 12 months. Unrestricted reserves stood at £10,393, which the trustees consider adequate against their policy of holding 12 months of fixed running costs plus close-down costs.
What the accounts disclose
“The established policy is for unrestricted funds held by the charity to be set at 12 months of fixed running costs plus estimated close down costs” — page 3
Trustees
Income and spending
| Financial year end | Income | Spending |
|---|---|---|
| 31/12/2024 | £29k | £28k |
| 31/12/2023 | £41k | £36k |
| 31/12/2022 | £52k | £39k |
| 31/12/2021 | £12k | £14k |
| 31/12/2020 | £12k | £14k |
Common questions
Is VALE MILL TRUST financially healthy?
Per its FY2024 accounts: The accounts state that the charity reported a net deficit of £9,553 for the year ended 31 December 2024, resulting in total funds carried forward of £16,553. The trustees maintain that the charity is a going concern with sufficient resources for the next 12 months. Unrestricted reserves stood at £10,393, which the trustees consider adequate against their policy of holding 12 months of fixed running costs plus close-down costs. Its FY2024 accounts were independently examined.
Government & lottery funding
| Funder | Date | Amount | Purpose |
|---|---|---|---|
| Community Foundation North East | 20/06/2024 | £25k | Grant to Vale Mill Trust |
| Community Foundation North East | 29/09/2022 | £4k | Grant to Vale Mill Trust |
| The National Lottery Heritage Fund | 22/02/2022 | £41k | "Wheels Keep Turning" |
| The National Lottery Community Fund | 11/02/2022 | £3k | Family Fun Days At The Mill |
| The National Lottery Community Fund | 06/09/2018 | £10k | Here Today, Here Tomorrow |
| The National Lottery Community Fund | 30/09/2015 | £10k | 'Go with the Flow - Training at the Mill' |
| Community Foundation North East | 23/04/2015 | £548 | Towards Refurbishment of mill |
| The National Lottery Community Fund | 24/07/2006 | £835 | Disabled Access |
| The National Lottery Community Fund | 07/07/2005 | £26k | Volunteering |
| The National Lottery Heritage Fund | 18/05/2005 | £2k | "This Group Is In The Process Of Restoring An Old Mill. The Restored Facility Will Be Used To Advance The Education Of Members Of The Public." |
| The National Lottery Community Fund | 13/05/2005 | £2k | Painting and re-decoration |
| The National Lottery Heritage Fund | 26/09/2001 | £4k | "This group's main activity is the restoration of a vintage mill and machinery with the help of volunteers, most of whom are undertaking reha" |
| The National Lottery Heritage Fund | 06/06/2000 | £10k | "PATH HEAD WATERMILL - ENHANCEMENT AND RESTORATION OF MILL & SITE" |
| The National Lottery Heritage Fund | 06/09/1995 | £42k | "Path Head Water Mill, Whitley Bay" |