THE SWANAGE RAILWAY TRUST
Financial health, per its FY2025 accounts
The accounts state that consolidated funds increased to £7,427,291, with free reserves calculated at £1,277,222 after deducting fixed assets and restricted balances. The trustees note a requirement for a high level of reserves due to substantial investment in fixed assets and the trading subsidiary. The independent auditors confirmed that the use of the going concern basis of accounting is appropriate with no material uncertainties identified.
What the accounts disclose
“The Group has a requirement for a high level of reserves due to its large investment in fixed assets and its trading subsidiary and for setting aside resources for future projects.” — page 9
“As stated in note 22, four trustees/directors have a shareholding in the parent of the Southern Locomotives Group, which is used by the Swanage Railway Group as a supplier. During the year, there was transactions totalling £115,000 (2024: £156,000) with £6,000 (2024: £12,000) outstanding at year end.” — page 31
“Trustees donated amounts totalling £281 (2024: £700) of which £0 (2024: £400) was donated towards the T3 appeal. The remaining donations were without conditions.” — page 31
“As stated in note 22, four trustees/directors have a shareholding in the parent of the Southern Locomotives Group, which is used by the Swanage Railway Group as a supplier. During the year, there was transactions totalling £115,000 (2024: £156,000) with £6,000 (2024: £12,000) outstanding at year end.” — page 31
“Trustees donated amounts totalling £281 (2024: £700) of which £0 (2024: £400) was donated towards the T3 appeal. The remaining donations were without conditions.” — page 31
“The Swanage Railway Trust holds a controlling interest in the Swanage Railway Company Limited, which assists the Trust in meeting its objectives by operating the Swanage Railway and undertaking the associated trading activities.” — page 8
Structured financials (annual return, FY ending 31/01/2025)
Register events
- Received assets from another charity (03/10/2011)
Trustees
- Frank Robertschair
- Alexander Atkins
- Benjamin Jack Ford
- Clare Collins
- Clive Austin Hardy
- Daniel John Bennett
- ELIZABETH MAUREEN SELLEN
- Gavin Johns
- Ian Kapur
- Jim Wheeler
- MICHAEL ALAN WHITWAM
Income and spending
| Financial year end | Income | Spending |
|---|---|---|
| 31/01/2025 | £4.1m | £3.3m |
| 31/01/2024 | £3.9m | £3.6m |
| 31/01/2023 | £3.4m | £3.6m |
| 31/01/2022 | £3.4m | £2.7m |
| 31/01/2021 | £2.1m | £3.3m |
Common questions
Is THE SWANAGE RAILWAY TRUST financially healthy?
The accounts state that consolidated funds increased to £7,427,291, with free reserves calculated at £1,277,222 after deducting fixed assets and restricted balances. The trustees note a requirement for a high level of reserves due to substantial investment in fixed assets and the trading subsidiary. The independent auditors confirmed that the use of the going concern basis of accounting is appropriate with no material uncertainties identified. Its FY2025 accounts were audited by MC Audit Limited.
Government & lottery funding
| Funder | Date | Amount | Purpose |
|---|---|---|---|
| The National Lottery Heritage Fund | 13/10/2021 | £24k | "Transforming Swanage Railway Corfe Museum for the 2020's - Phase 1" |