BODMIN RAILWAY HERITAGE TRUST
The Charity assists operators of preserved railways to allow students, visitors and the local population to understand the workings and importance of those railways, and to re-create the historical scene for the benefit of educational and recreational needs.
Financial health, per its FY2025 accounts
The accounts state that the charity reported a net expenditure deficit of £154,319 for the period ended 31 January 2025, resulting in a decrease in total funds to £1,275,342. The trustees note that the charity has no employed staff and holds a strong asset base, but the going concern basis is maintained despite the inability of booking office takings to fully cover operational costs.
What the accounts disclose
“Booking Office takings represent the significant single source of income, which is significantly enhanced with income from BR Trading (Cornwall) Ltd's operating surpluses.” — page 6
“It is no longer possible to rely on Booking Office takings to cover the costs of operation. There is a need for innovation and more expansive product offerings to increase attendance and improve revenue stream.”
“As from the start of this current trading year the Trust is the effective owner of BR Trading (Cornwall) Ltd, holding over 74% of the shares and 100% of the voting shares.” — page 7
Trustees
- STEPHEN RICHARD LIGHTFOOTchair
- DAVID IAN NELSON
- DENZIL STUART SEARLE
- NICHOLAS RICHARD WOOD
- PETER GEORGE FITZGERALD OBE
Income and spending
| Financial year end | Income | Spending |
|---|---|---|
| 31/01/2025 | £105k | £254k |
| 30/09/2023 | £79k | £289k |
| 30/09/2022 | £177k | £475k |
| 30/09/2021 | £69k | £371k |
| 30/09/2020 | £48k | £201k |
Common questions
Is BODMIN RAILWAY HERITAGE TRUST financially healthy?
Per its FY2025 accounts: The accounts state that the charity reported a net expenditure deficit of £154,319 for the period ended 31 January 2025, resulting in a decrease in total funds to £1,275,342. The trustees note that the charity has no employed staff and holds a strong asset base, but the going concern basis is maintained despite the inability of booking office takings to fully cover operational costs. Its FY2025 accounts were audited by Sumer Auditco Limited.
Funders of similar charities
| Funder | Similar charities funded | Amount to them |
|---|---|---|
| THE ROGER & DOUGLAS TURNER CHARITABLE TRUST | 1 | £68k |
| WILLIAM ADLINGTON CADBURY CHARITABLE TRUST | 1 | £20k |
| THE HILARY AWDRY CHARITABLE TRUST | 1 | £11k |
| THE GEORGE CADBURY TRUST (GEORGE HENRY T AND LAURENCE J CADBURY SECTIONS) | 1 | £9k |
| DR RADCLIFFE'S TRUST | 1 | £8k |
| THE EDWARD AND DOROTHY CADBURY TRUST | 1 | £3k |
| THE SAINTBURY TRUST | 1 | £2k |
Charities like this
- WEST SOMERSET RAILWAY HERITAGE TRUST LTD
- CHINNOR AND PRINCES RISBOROUGH RAILWAY ASSOCIATION LIMITED
- THE PONTYPOOL AND BLAENAVON RAILWAY COMPANY (1983) LIMITED
- CYMDEITHAS RHEILFFORDD ERYRI
- SOMERSET AND DORSET RAILWAY HERITAGE TRUST
- SEVERN VALLEY RAILWAY CHARITABLE TRUST LIMITED
Side by side with its peers
| Charity | Income | Top pay band | Staff >£60k | Reserves vs policy | Fundraising cost | Going concern |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| BODMIN RAILWAY HERITAGE TRUST | £105k | — | 0 | unclear | — | noted |
| WEST SOMERSET RAILWAY HERITAGE TRUST LTD | £3.0m | — | 0 | unclear | — | no doubt |
| CHINNOR AND PRINCES RISBOROUGH RAILWAY ASSOCIATION LIMITED | £200k | — | 0 | above | — | no doubt |
| THE PONTYPOOL AND BLAENAVON RAILWAY COMPANY (1983) LIMITED | £234k | — | 0 | unclear | — | no doubt |
| CYMDEITHAS RHEILFFORDD ERYRI | £147k | — | 0 | above | — | no doubt |
| SOMERSET AND DORSET RAILWAY HERITAGE TRUST | £666k | — | 0 | unclear | — | noted |