BALA LAKE RAILWAY TRUST
To advance enjoyment, education and learning and to promote regional public benefit through the restoration, maintenance and exhibition by operation steam locomotives, rolling stock and other railway artefacts directly associated with the slate industry of north Wales and in particular those regions of Dinorwic and Penrhyn.
Financial health, per its FY2025 accounts
The accounts state that free reserves stood at £40,180, which is significantly above the stated policy minimum of £500. The charity reported a net income increase for the year, with total income rising to £71,609.84 and total expenditure decreasing to £34,727.41 compared to the previous year.
What the accounts disclose
“The Trustees have a policy to hold reserves for general use of a minimum of £500, being sufficient to cover general expenditure in the event of an emergency.” — page 7
“The commitment of £50,000 (see page 5) is noted as a related party transaction because Julian Birley was also a director of the Bala Lake Railway Limited until 27 June 2025.” — page 7
“Donations received from Capital Returns Trustees Limited are noted as related party transactions because Christina Kennedy is the ultimate beneficial owner of the company.” — page 7
“The commitment of £50,000 (see page 5) is noted as a related party transaction because Julian Birley was also a director of the Bala Lake Railway Limited until 27 June 2025.” — page 7
“Donations received from Capital Returns Trustees Limited are noted as related party transactions because Christina Kennedy is the ultimate beneficial owner of the company.” — page 7
“The commitment of £50,000 (see page 5) is noted as a related party transaction because Julian Birley was also a director of the Bala Lake Railway Limited until 27 June 2025.” — page 7
Property (HM Land Registry)
Register events
- Received assets from another charity (23/06/2020)
Trustees
- JULIAN PETER CHARLES BIRLEYchair
- CHRISTINA KENNEDY
- ROGER HINE
- SQUADRON LEADER TOBY KENNETH WATKINS
Income and spending
| Financial year end | Income | Spending |
|---|---|---|
| 30/04/2025 | £72k | £35k |
| 30/04/2024 | £75k | £85k |
| 30/04/2023 | £111k | £235k |
| 30/04/2022 | £84k | £112k |
| 30/04/2021 | £151k | £103k |
Common questions
Is BALA LAKE RAILWAY TRUST financially healthy?
Per its FY2025 accounts: The accounts state that free reserves stood at £40,180, which is significantly above the stated policy minimum of £500. The charity reported a net income increase for the year, with total income rising to £71,609.84 and total expenditure decreasing to £34,727.41 compared to the previous year. Its FY2025 accounts were independently examined.
Government & lottery funding
| Funder | Date | Amount | Purpose |
|---|---|---|---|
| The National Lottery Heritage Fund | 01/06/2020 | £48k | "COVID19: Bala Lake Railway / Rheilffordd Llyn Tegid" |
| The National Lottery Heritage Fund | 24/03/2017 | £36k | "Red Dragon - Covered Accommodation for Rolling Stock Restoration and Storage" |