THE FORESTERS HERITAGE TRUST
The Foresters Heritage Trust was been set up to formally open a museum and maintain the history of the Ancient Order of Foresters Friendly Society Limited which was founded in 1834. In addition it provides an archive service to academics and members of the public researching social history and/or investigating family backgrounds. This service responds to enquiries received from around the world.
Objects
THE TRUSTEES SHALL HOLD THE TRUST PROPERTY AND APPLY IT TO PROMOTE EDUCATION IN THE HISTORY AND BACKGROUND OF THE FRIENDLY SOCIETY MOVEMENT IN GREAT BRITAIN ( IN PARTICULAR THAT OF THE ANCIENT ORDER OF FORESTERS FRIENDLY SOCIETY) BY THE COLLECTION AND MAINTENANCE OF RELEVANT MATERIALS, ARTEFACTS AND PUBLICATIONS, AND TO MAKE SUCH MATERIALS, ARTEFACTS AND PUBLICATIONS FREELY AVAILABLE FOR PUBLIC INSPECTION.
Financial health, per its FY2024 accounts
The accounts state that the charity incurred a deficit of £44,966.73 for the year ended 31 December 2024, resulting in unrestricted reserves of £140,693.63. The trustees report that none of the funds are in deficit and that the charity continues its activities, although investment of reserves is currently on hold pending urgent repairs to the museum building.
What the accounts disclose
“The first was derived from delegates to the Foresters Friendly Society Annual National Conference in July 2023 passing a resolution authorising financial support from Branch funds as at the end of 2022. The amount paid into the Trust’s Bank Account in 2024 was £40,054.52.” — page 3
“The Trustees agreed that £30,000 should be invested in a suitable interest-bearing investment and that a maximum of £10,000 be invested in Units and £20,000 in deposits. However this is on hold pending urgent repairs to Station Chambers” — page 3
“The day-to day administration of the Truste for the period 1* January 2024 — 31* December 2024 was carried out by Janet Pooley, Trustee who also held the role of Treasurer.” — page 2
“One Trustee is appointed annually (ex-officio) by the Ancient Order of Foresters, however all applicants for a post are advised to familiarise themselves with the guidance issued by the Charity Commission for England and Wales as to fitness and suitability.” — page 2
“The day-to day administration of the Truste for the period 1* January 2024 — 31* December 2024 was carried out by Janet Pooley, Trustee who also held the role of Treasurer.” — page 2
“One Trustee is appointed annually (ex-officio) by the Ancient Order of Foresters, however all applicants for a post are advised to familiarise themselves with the guidance issued by the Charity Commission for England and Wales as to fitness and suitability.” — page 2
Policies the charity declares
- Financial reserves policy and procedures
- Investing charity funds policy and procedures
- Serious incident reporting policy and procedures
- Social media policy and procedures
Trustees
- Anthony Robert Edward Lewis
- KG CARPENTER
- MR AJ POOLEY
- MRS J POOLEY
- Michael Charlton-Hubble
- Mrs CP Eagleson
Income and spending
| Financial year end | Income | Spending |
|---|---|---|
| 31/12/2024 | £54k | £99k |
| 31/12/2023 | £100k | £44k |
| 31/12/2022 | £47k | £35k |
| 31/12/2021 | £58k | £32k |
| 31/12/2020 | £41k | £33k |
Common questions
Is THE FORESTERS HERITAGE TRUST financially healthy?
Per its FY2024 accounts: The accounts state that the charity incurred a deficit of £44,966.73 for the year ended 31 December 2024, resulting in unrestricted reserves of £140,693.63. The trustees report that none of the funds are in deficit and that the charity continues its activities, although investment of reserves is currently on hold pending urgent repairs to the museum building. Its FY2024 accounts were independently examined.