THE DAVID CLARKE RAILWAY TRUST
Financial health, per its FY2023 accounts
The accounts state that unrestricted funds decreased from £2,784,636 to £1,883,043 due to a net movement in funds of £(275,594), driven by charitable expenditure exceeding incoming resources. The trustees note that reserves have been built up in anticipation of large project expenditure in the future, and the audit report confirms the appropriateness of the going concern basis with no material uncertainties identified.
What the accounts disclose
“The Trustees policy is to manage its expenditure according to the funds available for distribution at the time. Incoming resources are variable being dependent upon donations, legacies received and investment returns. Special projects are funded by appeals when required. Reserves have been built up in the current year in anticipation of large project expenditure in the future.” — page 5
“Mr C I Baines, a trustee of the charity, was also a director of Great Central Railway plc. During the year the Trust paid grants amounting to £1,952,901 (2022: £841,946) to Great Central Railway plc. The charity also purchased shares in Great Central Railway plc during the year, costing £50,000 (2022: £100,000). To avoid any potential conflict of interest Mr C I Baines excluded himself from any meeting of the Trust where grants to Great Central Railway plc were being considered. During the year Great Central Railway plc also used rolling stock owned by the Trust free of charge. At 30 September 2023 the David Clarke Railway Trust were owed £17,334 (2022: £NIL) by Great Central Railway Plc. At 30 September 2023 the David Clarke Railway Trust owed £34,536 (2022: £42,605) to Great Central Railway plc.” — page 28
Structured financials (annual return, FY ending 30/09/2025)
Register events
- Received assets from another charity (22/01/2021)
Trustees
- CLIVE IAN BAINESchair
- KEITH MARTIN LLOYD
- MALCOLM FRECKELTON
- Robert STEPHENS
Income and spending
| Financial year end | Income | Spending |
|---|---|---|
| 30/09/2025 | £1.6m | £845k |
| 30/09/2024 | £1.6m | £895k |
| 30/09/2023 | £2.0m | £2.0m |
| 30/09/2022 | £1.0m | £909k |
| 30/09/2021 | £1.9m | £196k |
Common questions
Is THE DAVID CLARKE RAILWAY TRUST financially healthy?
The accounts state that unrestricted funds decreased from £2,784,636 to £1,883,043 due to a net movement in funds of £(275,594), driven by charitable expenditure exceeding incoming resources. The trustees note that reserves have been built up in anticipation of large project expenditure in the future, and the audit report confirms the appropriateness of the going concern basis with no material uncertainties identified. Its FY2023 accounts were audited by Duncan & Toplis Audit Limited.
Who funds THE DAVID CLARKE RAILWAY TRUST?
Funders whose own accounts filings name THE DAVID CLARKE RAILWAY TRUST as a grant recipient include THE HELEN JEAN COPE CHARITY.
Known funders
| Funder | Year | Amount |
|---|---|---|
| THE HELEN JEAN COPE CHARITY | FY2025 | £500 |
Funders of similar charities
| Funder | Similar charities funded | Amount to them |
|---|---|---|
| THE DERBYSHIRE ENVIRONMENTAL TRUST LIMITED | 1 | £21k |
| THE LILLYWHITE FAMILY TRUST | 1 | £1k |