CONGLETON MUSEUM TRUST
Presenting and interpreting the heritage of Congleton and surrounding area through its collections to residents and visitors by permanent and temporary exhibitions; delivering effective educational and research opportunities for all ages and abilities; collecting and conserving objects associated primarily with the history of the area to support the Museum's educational and learning activities.
Financial health, per its FY2025 accounts
The accounts state that the charity ended the year with an unrestricted deficit of £8,388, a reduction from the previous year's shortfall, though this was largely driven by reduced staffing costs. The trustees report holding £45,720 in cash reserves, which they consider sufficient to maintain operations for six months of expenditure. However, the financial review highlights a structural deficit and reliance on stagnant public funding as primary long-term risks.
What the accounts disclose
“Unrestricted Grants (34%): grants remain the single largest source of operational funding, totalling £8,693” — page 8
“It is the policy of the Trust that unrestricted funds which have not been designated for a specific use should be maintained at a level equivalent to six months’ expenditure.”
“Continuing to act without board authority, he reported the museum to the Charity Commission and the Fundraising Regulator, without telling us what we were accused of.” — page 4
Trustees
- Peter James Lanechair
- Anne Gubbins
- Brenda Proudlove
- Della Ann Bordley
- Felicity Anne Whitelock
- Geoffrey Pettengell
- John Whitelock
- Michael Keith Laurence
- Penelope Kay Wesley
- Sian Hampson
- Suzanne Jane Firkin
Income and spending
| Financial year end | Income | Spending |
|---|---|---|
| 31/03/2025 | £30k | £34k |
| 31/03/2024 | £51k | £69k |
| 31/03/2023 | £28k | £30k |
| 31/03/2022 | £36k | £35k |
| 31/03/2021 | £98k | £61k |
Common questions
Is CONGLETON MUSEUM TRUST financially healthy?
Per its FY2025 accounts: The accounts state that the charity ended the year with an unrestricted deficit of £8,388, a reduction from the previous year's shortfall, though this was largely driven by reduced staffing costs. The trustees report holding £45,720 in cash reserves, which they consider sufficient to maintain operations for six months of expenditure. However, the financial review highlights a structural deficit and reliance on stagnant public funding as primary long-term risks. Its FY2025 accounts were independently examined.
Who funds CONGLETON MUSEUM TRUST?
Funders whose own accounts filings name CONGLETON MUSEUM TRUST as a grant recipient include CONGLETON INCLOSURE TRUST.
Known funders
| Funder | Year | Amount | Purpose (as stated by the funder) |
|---|---|---|---|
| CONGLETON INCLOSURE TRUST | FY2022 | £10k | Advancement of arts, culture, heritage, or science |
| CONGLETON INCLOSURE TRUST | FY2023 | £2k | The advancement of arts, culture, heritage or science |
| CONGLETON INCLOSURE TRUST | FY2025 | £1k |
Government & lottery funding
| Funder | Date | Amount | Purpose |
|---|---|---|---|
| The National Lottery Heritage Fund | 03/07/2006 | £8k | "The Group Plan To Upgrade Its Kitchen Facilities To Enable Them To Offer Refreshments And Attract More Room Hire. They Also Wish To Improve" |
| The National Lottery Community Fund | 23/06/2006 | £5k | Operation Clean Up |
| The National Lottery Heritage Fund | 14/09/2004 | £126k | "Congleton Museum Trust" |
| The National Lottery Heritage Fund | 26/03/2001 | £202k | "Congleton Museum" |