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ANNUAL REPORT 2014/15

Preserving and promoting Britain’s private heritage since 1973

Bournemouth Liz Brierley T: +44 (0)1202 204744

Bristol Richard Cartwright T: +44 (0)117 915 1617

Edinburgh Max Floydd T: +44 (0)131 221 2777

Harrogate Alison Robinson T: +44 (0)1423 568012

High Wycombe Karen Bartlett T: +44 (0)1494 464666

Inverness Susie Swift T: +44 (0)1463 246300

London Tim Adams or Mick Downs T: +44 (0)20 7841 4000

Manchester Mike Harrison T: +44 (0)161 200 8383

Peterborough Stephen Collins T: +44 (0)1733 353300

Helping HHA Members with their business and tax affairs

www.saffery.com

Saffery Champness is the leading adviser to owners of historic houses and an enthusiastic supporter of the Historic Houses Association.

HHA Members can find our Tax Notes (pictured above) in the Members’ section of the HHA website, together with our monthly updates on business and tax issues that potentially affect them, including advice in relation to personal, capital and heritage taxation and renewable energy schemes.

For an informal discussion on how we could help you, please do not hesitate to contact one of our experts:

J5944 - HHA annual report 2015-v1.indd 1 07/05/2015 15:23:00

H I S T O R I C H O U S E S A S S O C I A T I O N

HHA

Images

Cover, main:Palace House at Beaulieu, Hampshire, home of the HHA’s founding President, Lord Montagu, who died this year. See page 3.

Cover, top left: Paul Hollywood and Mary Berry, judges on The Great British Bake Off which is filmed at Welford Park, Berkshire.

Cover, bottom left: Flowers at Renishaw Hall, Derbyshire, winner of the 2015 HHA/Christie’s Garden of the Year Award.

Cover, bottom middle: A wedding at Lochnell Castle, Argyll, Scotland © Mark Pacura www.markpacura.co.uk

Cover, bottom right: Aidan Turner in action filming the BBC’s popular Poldark series at Chavenage House, Gloucestershire.

Opposite page, from top:

Lord Leicester, HHA President from 1998 to 2003, who died in April. See page 3. Photo © Steve Adams EDP/Archant

Large animal lanterns from the Festival of Light at Longleat, Wiltshire.

Scottish dancing in full swing at Hopetoun House, Edinburgh, Scotland.

HHA President, Richard Compton, welcomes the 40,000th Friend of the HHA, Kate Dewhirst and her husband Jon, for a private tour of his home, Newby Hall in Yorkshire, followed by afternoon tea. See page 26.

Company Limited by GuaranteeRegistered in England and WalesRegistered Number 2001057Registered Office: 2 Chester Street, London SW1X 7BB

Designby levelpartnership.co.ukSpecialists in graphic design for historic houses

Patron The Earl of Leicester, CBE, DL (until April 2015) Sir William Proby, Bt, CBE, DL (from October 2015)

President Richard Compton, DL

Deputy President James Birch

Honorary Treasurer William Parente

Director General Nicholas Way

Director of Operations Peter Sinclair

Director of Policy & Campaigns Frances Garnham (until February 2015) Emma Robinson (from June 2015)

Head of Marketing & Communications Laura Bogard (Lucinda MacPherson covered from April to August 2015)

Technical Adviser Robert Parker, DL

Public Affairs Richard Jukes Samantha Wiltshire

Development Manager Neil Matthews

Finance Officer Jane Seymour

Policy Manager John Brazier

Communications Officer Charlotte Bossick

Operations Officer Sigrid Gaimster

Executive Assistant to the Director General Susanna Wolfe

HHA Scotland Co-ordinator Lois Bayne-Jardine

Consultants Norman Hudson, OBE Fiona Attenborough

SUPPORTING THE HHAThe following have generously sponsored various important elements of the Association’s work and activities over the past year. The HHA is most grateful for their support.

Hall-McCartney Ltd

WELCOME TO THE 2015

HHA ANNUAL REPORT

Introduction 2

President’s Foreword 3

Policy and Action 4

Visitor Survey 2014 8

HHA Awards 10

Scotland, Wales and Northern Ireland 12

Taxation 14

Learning and Outreach 16

Tourism and Marketing 18

HHA Membership and Services 22

New Members 24

HHA Friends 26

The Accounts 27

HHA Committees 30

Regional Committees 30

Charitable Activities 32

Supporting the HHA 33

Historic Houses Association2 Chester StreetLondon SW1X 7BBTelephone: 020 7259 5688Email: info@hha.org.uk Website: www.hha.org.uk

@Historic_Houses

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At this year’s AGM I bid farewell to the HHA after ten years as Director General. It has been a privilege to get to know and work with so many dedicated owners and supportive Friends. It has also been a hugely enjoyable challenge to ensure that the crucial importance of Britain’s privately owned heritage is recognised at all levels of Government – and acted upon!

The strength of the HHA lies in its Members, its Friends and its staff team. Frances Garnham, our late Director of Policy and Campaigns, was a one-off, held in esteem and affection across the heritage world. We are fortunate that in Emma Robinson we have a new and very able policy Director who will pick up the baton. Laura Bogard is now back from maternity leave as Head of Marketing and Communications, and John Brazier, Charlotte Bossick and Lucinda MacPherson ensured that the HHA’s policy and marketing output was maintained throughout the year.

Our other staff members and advisers play an equally important role: Peter Sinclair and Sigrid Gaimster in Operations, Jane Seymour in Finance, Neil Matthews (Development Manager), Robert Parker (Technical Adviser), Fiona FitzHerbert (Seminar Organiser), Lois Bayne-Jardine (HHA Scotland Co-ordinator) and Susanna Wolfe, who quickly settled into her role as Executive Assistant to the DG. The HHA is well placed to support Members as they face the challenges of the coming years.

During a year of change, the HHA has also improved its advisory and support service to Members: Robert Parker has produced a new Guidance Note on filming and photography in historic houses and gardens and we have continued to develop our relationships with Film Location Managers and help those owners who seek to raise their profile through filming. Wolf Hall and Poldark, to name but two TV dramas, used HHA properties as locations and cinema goers will see more HHA houses when the latest Bond film, Spectre, is released this autumn!

The HHA’s national seminar on commercial opportunities and hurdles attracted 150 delegates to Doddington Hall in the spring and this year’s autumn seminar, on long term estate planning, at Berkeley Castle on 24 September, had sold out by the end of August, demonstrating the continuing demand for this service.

The HHA’s Learning Advisory Service is also in demand. Since the service was reviewed last year there have been requests for advice from another 30+ properties, indicating that more Members are looking at educational initiatives as part of their overall offer. Our thanks go in particular to Peter Burke

(HHA Education Adviser), for guiding the service in the first half of 2015 and to Gareth Fitzpatrick, of Boughton House, for contributing so much of his time and expertise over the last nine years. We are delighted to welcome Gail Bromley as a new adviser, with a particular expertise in gardens.

Early this year we were asked by a Member to quantify the totality of the technical, seminar and visitor promotion advice the HHA offers. We found that for a Member to obtain the level of promotional support that is now available from the HHA it would cost in the region of £10,000 per year, if the property were to source all that support from the open market.

The following is a summary of promotional support now available:

• Indirect promotion via the HHA’s video, available in the US and VisitEngland, as well as on the HHA website• Opportunities to participate in VisitEngland and VisitBritain promotions• Opportunities to participate in the 2016 Capability Brown Festival• Promotion of events through the HHA magazine to 42,000 Friends and 2,000 owners, Next Generation and Corporate Members• Promotion of Member properties and events on the HHA website (visits to the website are up over 20,000 individual visitors per month over 2014 – the website received over 89,000 individual visitors in August 2015). • Promotion through the HHA apps, now available in Europe, US, Canada, China, Australia, New Zealand, South Africa, Singapore, Hong Kong, India and the UAE• Promotion through social media: The HHA now has a presence on Facebook, Twitter, Pinterest, LinkedIn and Buzzfeed• Opportunities via UKInbound for promotion to tour operators, such as Just Go! Holidays • The increased profile for historic houses gained from the Garden of the Year and Restoration Awards• The HHA’s National Map/Leaflet, sent to all Friends and available to HHA Properties and online

As well as increasing total Friends’ Recompense we are investing increased Friends’ income in marketing support. There is no doubt that we have to embrace new techniques to keep up in an increasingly sophisticated marketing world. Our seminar for spring 2016 is likely to focus on digital marketing, and after further trialling of online and telephone booking of Friends’ tours this year, a decision on a national roll out of this service will be made later this autumn.

I hope you enjoy reading the following pages reporting on our progress this year. It has been inspiring for me to see how owners have used their imagination and ingenuity to secure the future of their historic houses. That future is what we all fight for, and I wish every owner the best in that challenge.

Nicholas WayDirector General

INTRODUCTION PRESIDENT’S FOREWORD

This has been a year for reflection, but also one from which we can take heart.

Very sadly, we lost Lord Leicester, HHA President from 1998–2003, who died in April. Eddy Leicester was a colossus of the heritage world – a man of huge influence for good, but who retained a light touch. The sight of 1,000 people packing Norwich Cathedral for his Memorial Service was itself a stunning tribute. We shall miss his guidance and wise counsel.

We also lost Lord Montagu who was a pioneer in the preservation of England’s historic houses, castles and gardens. He was devoted to his family’s Beaulieu Estate in Hampshire and had the foresight to found the hugely popular National Motor Museum. Edward was the HHA’s founding President from 1973 to 1978. It was his passion and energy that brought the Association into being.

Frances Garnham, the HHA’s Director of Policy and campaigns from 2002, sadly succumbed to cancer in February. Frances commanded respect and great affection inside and outside the HHA, as is shown by the decision of the Heritage Education Trust to create a Heritage Education Award in her honour.

This year Nick has decided, after careful thought, to stand down after ten years of outstanding service to the HHA as Director General. There will be opportunities to thank Nick at the AGM. Meanwhile, we have been actively recruiting his successor.

Full and Friends Membership continue to rise. We now have 1,620 properties in membership, compared to 1,500 in 2011, and 42,000 Friends, compared to 34,000 four years ago. Increased Friends membership has enabled us both to expand our support for Members and to increase the total recompense under the Friends’ scheme. Whilst income from the Friends has increased by 13% in the last year, the amount distributed through the recompense scheme increased by 14%. Higher Friends numbers also demonstrate the public’s support for privately owned heritage, as does the total of more than 300,000 season ticket holders at HHA properties.

A priority objective for the HHA is raising our profile, so it was also good to see coverage in the broadsheets for the HHA/Christie’s Garden of the Year Award winner, Renishaw Hall, and for the winner of the 2014 HHA/Sotheby’s Restoration Award winner, Norton Conyers, when the ceremony took place in May. The 2015 winner, St Giles’ House, broke previous records with coverage in August in the Daily Telegraph, Daily Mail and the Independent.

This time last year the prospective Mansion Tax was the pressing policy issue. The election outcome has removed that particular concern, but the pre-election agreements we reached with the Labour and Liberal Democrat Parties on exemptions for historic houses welcoming the public as day visitors or as guests to concerts, weddings or other events are significant. Such work is never wasted and it opened politicians’ eyes to the breadth of owners’ engagement with the public.

The biggest policy challenge now is the Spending Review. Reforms to Heritage Maintenance Funds (HMFs) would be a cost-effective way to enable historic houses to survive and prosper and would support Government objectives for growth, tourism, skills development and well-being, especially in rural areas. Our HMF proposal also forms part of a credible and coherent Spending Review submission from the Heritage Alliance, representing 100 heritage organisations, and we are backing that up with lobbying of MPs at local level.

We shall also publish, later this autumn, the results of an independent study we have commissioned into the economic and social contribution of privately owned historic houses and gardens in the UK. This will provide quantitative, impartial and compelling evidence of the strength of our case.

The Government have supported English Heritage, churches and cathedrals; the Spending Review will be a litmus test of their commitment to the contribution made by private owners.

In the last twelve months we have achieved some valuable lobbying successes. The ban on civil ceremonies and marriages in rooms with religious symbolism has been removed – this was a serious financial penalty on some HHA properties. The regime for Brown Signs has also been improved.

In July, the Government’s Five Point Plan for Tourism included measures called for by the HHA, such as the creation of a cross-government Ministerial Tourism Group, encouragement for tourism in the regions and a commitment to further deregulation.

2016 will bring fresh challenges. The HHA in Scotland is preparing a ‘Manifesto’ for the Scottish Parliamentary elections and is working actively to mitigate the effects of Land Reform proposals. In England and Wales the revaluation of Business Rates carries new threats.

We are extremely grateful for the support of our major sponsors, Savills incorporating Smiths Gore, Farrer & Co, Saffery Champness, Sarasin & Partners and, from this year, Ecclesiastical. A full list of the HHA’s sponsors is on the inside back cover of this report.

With a growing economy and with your support we have much to look forward to in 2016. It should also be a great year to celebrate the 300th Anniversary of the birth of that greatest of gardeners, ‘Capability’ Brown!

Richard Compton, DLPresident

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Independent Study into the Economic and Social Contribution of UK Historic Houses and GardensEarlier this year, the HHA invited selected research consultancies to submit tenders to conduct an independent study into the economic and social contribution of independently owned historic houses and gardens in the UK. The contract was awarded to DC Research, who have a strong track record in delivering influential economic impact studies, including work for the Association of Independent Museums, Creative Scotland and the National Forest Company.

The purpose of this study is to provide independent, credible evidence of the economic and social contribution made by independently owned historic houses and gardens. It will focus on their value to local economies and the national economy, to domestic and inbound tourism and on their cultural and community value. The study will also highlight the difficulties facing private owners in maintaining historic houses.

It is intended that the study will be a valuable lobbying tool, particularly with Government ministers and officials of HM Treasury.

A steering group to manage the overall project, chaired by The Heritage Alliance Chairman Loyd Grossman, met in March and the scope of the study and the timetable were agreed.

For the first stage of their work, DC Research sent survey questionnaires to HHA Members. They are also carrying out in-depth case studies with around 20 HHA Member houses across the country, including both those that are open to day visitors and those that normally are not.

Additional research, such as more detailed analysis of the financial effects that historic houses have on local economies, is being completed in order to make the case for the contribution of historic houses and gardens in the report.

POLICY AND ACTION

Above Great Dixter, East Sussex. Half of all holiday visits to the UK involve a visit to a park or garden Top Ice skating at Longleat, Wiltshire. Historic houses are good for local economies and communities

The draft report was submitted at the end of August and the final report should be complete in November.

English Heritage and Historic EnglandThe creation, in April, of an English Heritage charitable body to manage the National Collection of 420 historic properties, resulted in the formation of a separate organisation, Historic England, with a separate business plan. Historic England is now the Government agency which carries out the regulatory and technical support functions previously carried out by English Heritage. Historic England published a Corporate Plan which outlined its purpose, role and values. In response to the consultation on this, the HHA stressed that the plan must properly recognise the importance of privately-owned historic properties in the UK, which greatly outnumber those in public ownership.

The services to be provided by Historic England have normally been provided free of charge and it is important that they remain so, irrespective of the fortunes of the new English Heritage charity. While the Historic England Corporate Plan’s aim to ‘run efficiently, reducing costs where possible...’ is a positive aspiration, the HHA has made it clear that this must not depend on the fortunes of English Heritage and the quality of services to private owners should remain the same.

Historic England’s Enhanced Advisory ServicesHistoric England consulted the HHA and other heritage organisations on their enhanced advisory services, which they believe will offer greater speed, clarity and engagement. Alongside their existing free planning and designation services, Historic England is proposing four enhanced paid services that could give greater certainty to complex or time-sensitive development projects. Firstly, fast-track listing, offering a guaranteed timeframe, which for straightforward applications should be within 12 weeks, though the existing free service with a 23 week time frame will still be available. Second, listing enhancement, updating listings and making them more relevant for contemporary purposes. Third, extended pre-application advice, including regular involvement from a named lead specialist, helping to resolve potential conflict, though free initial pre-application advice will still be available. Fourth, a screening service involving an initial report to identify assets, thereby reducing risk and uncertainty.

Historic England will recover the cost of these services from its customers, who are likely to be major developers, thereby ensuring its core work is unaffected. While welcoming the new services the HHA has made it clear that they must not have any negative effect on the existing free services, now or in the future.

Planning GuidanceHistoric England, supported by the Historic Environment Forum, has continued its planning guidance review. Various Good Practice Advice notes and additional Historic Environment Advice notes will supersede both the PPS 5 Planning and the Historic Environment: Historic Environment Planning Practice Guide (2010) and related elements of English Heritage guidance. The HHA responded positively to the Good Practice Advice consultations on decision-taking in the historic environment, the setting of heritage assets and the historic environment in local plans. These can be found at http://historicengland.org.uk/images-books/publications/gpa1-historic-environment-local-plans/ The HHA also supported the general approach in Historic England’s draft advice on making changes to heritage assets. However, the HHA’s response to Historic England’s advice on Conservation Area designation made the point that if it is to be effective, it is essential to consult owners fully, so that they feel part of the process. It is also important that Historic England’s guidance recognises that conservation involves managing and encouraging sympathetic change, the key principle remaining that the best way to conserve historic properties is to ensure that they have an economically viable use.

Listed Building ConsentProposed changes to Listed Building Consent (LBC) have been drawn up by the Historic Environment Forum sub-group on Historic Environment Protection Reform.

Its three principal proposals are: 1. The introduction of streamlined methods of handling categories of standard works, such as repointing or replacing kitchens, for which the need for consent is often unclear.2. Compulsory, but proportionate, Heritage Statements requiring applicants to analyse heritage significance and impacts properly, instead of the current compulsory Design & Access Statements, which are considered to have failed.3. Allowing applicants to use independent accredited experts to devise proposals.

Right Scampston Hall, North Yorkshire. The settings of heritage assets are covered by Good Practice Advice4

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The third proposal means the final decision on consent would remain with the local authority, but the accreditation of the independent agents’ expertise is likely to give them a more influential role in the decision-making process. A benchmarking exercise has taken place with professional bodies from the historic environment sector to attempt to draw up requirements for accreditation as an expert.

The HHA is represented on the HEF sub-group and has expressed the view that, if such a move is ultimately approved, it should not result in a ‘two speed’ LBC process.

TourismHistoric house owners face numerous challenges in putting together successful tourism businesses, so the HHA has published its first tourism policy, which looks at lobbying objectives, advice and support for HHA Members and marketing initiatives.

The lobbying objectives are: stimulating inbound and domestic heritage tourism in the regions; fair and effective funding for tourism products and promotion through funding for VisitEngland; achieving UK Government recognition of the importance of tourism; and creating a level playing-field so heritage can play its full role in tourism.

The provision of tourism advice for HHA Members includes funding opportunities and sources such as the National Lottery, Government Departments like DEFRA and the various Challenge Funds, as well as enabling Members to optimise their tourism offer through commercial audits, seminars and other events.

The HHA will provide support for Members on marketing and promotional activities by: developing corporate initiatives such as those with the Daily and Sunday Telegraph; researching and participating in major initiatives like the Capability Brown celebrations; providing quarterly HHA Marketing Information; digital promotion services, including social media; maintaining effective databases centrally to provide information which will enable the expansion of markets; and providing tailored support and guidance for Members.

VisitEngland invited the HHA jointly to apply to the GREAT Challenge Fund for £100,000, in partnership with the National Trust, the National Gardens Scheme, the Royal Horticultural Society, the Royal Botanic Gardens, Kew, English Heritage, the Capability Brown Festival, the British Educational Travel Association and destination management organisations across England.

Gardens are one of the most popular activities for international visitors to England, with more than half of all holiday visits to the UK involving a visit to a park or garden. The project aims to showcase England’s gardens and related events, to generate economic benefits across England and specifically to deliver additional and extended international tourist visits and spend during 2016 and beyond.

Recognition of English tourism product outside London is low internationally, and this is reflected in inbound statistics, with more than 50% of all inbound visits going to London. This project will help ensure that English destinations outside London have greater access to international markets and are able to build awareness of their products.

DeregulationThe HHA has been concerned about the regulations concerning civil wedding ceremonies, which remained ambiguous on the subject of religious iconography. We have been lobbying, via the Tourism Alliance, for clarification on this issue for some time. Recent amendments to the regulations covering civil ceremonies now ensure Members can host weddings in rooms that contain religious iconography, as long as that iconography is not used as part of the ceremony or registration.

Another deregulation issue of concern to HHA Members has been the ability to have brown tourist signs sited to direct visitors to their houses. The Department for Transport published a further draft of Traffic Signs Regulations and General Directions on their website earlier in 2015 and invited responses. The outcome of the consultation is expected later this year. The Department for Transport defined tourist destinations eligible for brown signs, as a permanently established attraction or facility which: attracts or is used by visitors to an area; is open to the public without prior booking during its normal opening hours; and is recognised by VisitEngland, VisitScotland or VisitWales. Where the right to have brown signs is unclear, the situation will be resolved by the relevant national tourist board. The HHA continues to work closely with government agencies and VisitEngland on this issue, and with Members on individual cases.

Champions’ LunchesThe HHA published guidance on organising Champions’ Lunches in 2014, based on the experience of the East Anglia region, which has successfully organised Champions’ Lunches for some time.

Since then, three more HHA regions have now organised these events for the first time. Champions’ Lunches provide an opportunity for historic house owners to take part in informal networking with Historic England, local authority planners and others involved in decision-making about the historic environment. A Champions’ Lunch was held in Yorkshire earlier this year and this was followed by a Wessex lunch on 16 April at Minterne in Dorset. Scheduled immediately after the South West Historic Environment Forum, it was attended by representatives of local authorities, Historic England, the National Trust and the Institute of Historic Building Conservation, and proved very successful.

The Heart of England was the next region to host a successful Champions’ Lunch on 11 June at Whitmore Hall and it is hoped that the experience of these regions, together with the HHA guidance, will encourage more HHA regions to follow suit.

Community RightsThe HHA responded to the Government consultation on Community Rights and particularly the Community Right to Bid.

The HHA originally questioned the Government’s proposals, during the consultation on the Localism Bill, for a Community Asset Register. This Register was intended to facilitate the purchase of community assets by local communities, it was questioned partly on principle, but also because of the likely difficulty of implementation. The moratorium of up to six months to provide a window of opportunity for a community bid to purchase a community asset would have had serious consequences had the right to bid extended to privately owned historic houses.

At present there is little evidence among Members of the Historic Houses Association that communities are making use of the rights that now exist, although there is some evidence of their awareness of them. One of the reasons communities are not using these rights is an awareness of the considerable challenges such an undertaking would pose. From amassing sufficient capital funds to purchase an asset, to operating on a commercially sound basis, particularly if previous commercial management had been unsuccessful.

National LotteryThe HHA responded to a call for evidence exploring the current balance between society lotteries, The National Lottery and competing gambling products, in raising funds for good causes. The HHA believes it is essential that the maximum amount is available for good causes and particularly the historic environment. The best way of guaranteeing this is by means of the National Lottery and anything which undermines this goal, whether in the form of society lotteries or even commercial gambling, should be regulated to minimise damage to the National Lottery.

A structured approach to the distribution of funds to good causes in the UK is needed and the arrival of other lottery products in the market place must inevitably undermine the ability of the National Lottery to play this role. There is a real risk that society lotteries, such as the Health Lottery, may have an adverse impact on the National Lottery and such lotteries need to be regulated to prevent them promoting a product which directly competes with the National Lottery.

Heritage Lottery FundThe Heritage Lottery Fund (HLF) is an important source of support for the historic environment, the majority of which is privately-owned. Broadening eligibility and raising the ceiling on grants awarded within the ‘Our Heritage’ programme (available to privately-owned heritage) would help fulfil the HLF’s potential to support all forms of heritage and to deliver greater benefits to the public. The HHA continues to work closely with the HLF, and will ensure Members’ views on improving the programme are represented in next year’s consultation on the HLF’s new strategic plan.

A number of Members were awarded funding from the HLF this year, and the HHA has continued to work closely with Members to encourage a larger number of applications to the HLF from private owners. Following on from the successful HHA/HLF Members’ seminars in Yorkshire & the Humber and the South-East, which took place in 2014, a further series of HHA/HLF seminars will be taking place in autumn/winter 2015/16. Comprehensive guidance on submitting a bid to the HLF is available for download from the Members’ section of the HHA website.

Above The Champions Lunch at Minterne, Dorset Above The greenhouse at Millichope Park, Shropshire, awarded HLF funding for its restoration, © Millichope Park Archives

Our survey shows a 5% increase in total visitor numbers to HHA properties in 2014, following a similar increase the previous year. Within the total there were some marked variations, with some historic houses and gardens recording much larger percentage increases, such as Blenheim Palace, Boughton House, Haughey Park, Hoghton Tower, Knebworth House, Longleat and Painshill Park.

For HHA properties, a figure for total visitor numbers is not an adequate measure of the contribution which visiting makes to funding for maintenance and enhancement of a given property and its ‘offer’. Day visiting will remain a very substantial contributor to the viability of many houses and gardens and brings enjoyment and understanding of heritage to a great many members of the public, of all ages. However, ‘bespoke’ visits, such as weddings, festivals, concerts or special interest tours are of particular importance to privately owned heritage, as was explained in last year’s

Annual Report, and they also provide a particular and highly valued experience for visitors – or guests as they are more likely to feel.

For owners the risk of hosting such special events may be high, as are the average costs, but the returns are higher too and once an event attracts firm bookings the risk may fall below that for hosting day visits. Special events form an increasingly important part of the revenue for historic houses and make a key contribution to their viability, as well as giving the public a memorable experience.

The series of figures, opposite, entitled ‘Trends in Visitor Numbers’, records returns from a set of 80 unchanging properties over a ten year period.

This series shows a smaller, 2.5% increase in day visits per property in 2014 compared to 2013. This is because this series does not pick up more significant increases in visitor numbers among

V IS ITOR SURVEY 2014

Above, top and opposite right Visitors enjoying the interior of Castle Howard, North Yorkshire Opposite top left A girl enjoying the Giant Pumpkin Trail at Longleat, Wiltshire Opposite top right Children building a den at Riverhill Himalayan Gardens, Kent

National summary

Visitors to Additional Members & House and Events and Friends /or Garden (a) Attractions (b) Visits

Total of properties responding to the survey 5,460,935 4,323,479 160,791

Visitors at wedding, corporate, conferences, holiday accommodation 560,839

HHA properties that did not respond (2013 results) 1,372,689 720,451 3,829

TOTAL VISITORS (a + b) 12,438,393

Trend in total visitors (continuous sample of 82 properties)

2005 Total 2006 Total 2007 Total 2008 Total 2009 Total 2010 Total 2011 Total 2012 Total 2013 Total 2014 Total Visitors Visitors Visitors Visitors Visitors Visitors Visitors Visitors Visitors Visitors Total visits

Total Visitors 4,931,930 4730163 5054997 4796154 5194544 5047220 5269647 5009299 5307840 5442937 50,784,731

Average Visitors per House 60,145 57,684 61,646 58,489 63,348 61,551 64,263 61,089 64,729 66,377 61,9328

other properties (not included in the cohort), especially those which have ‘raised their game’ by enhancing the visitor experience. We are also seeing the competition to attract visitors becoming tougher each year; historic houses and gardens that can continually offer a new attraction, event or experience, or which can attract visitors from further afield, find it easier to increase their numbers than smaller ‘gems’ which must focus on the particular story they have to tell.

Visits made by Friends of the HHA and by house-owning Members rose by 13% in 2014. Our evidence increasingly shows that visiting by Friends is a separate and complementary segment of the market from full price entry visiting. Such visiting can provide a useful and additional source of visitor income and make HHA properties more accessible to a wider audience.

As in 2014, we have conducted snapshot surveys of the accuracy of broadcast weather forecasts in summer 2015, as these can significantly affect people’s decisions to visit. The HHA collaborated with VisitEngland on its survey during the August Bank Holiday and the results will be published later in the autumn.

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CommendationsCommendations were made to Combermere Abbey, Shropshire (Sarah Callander Beckett), the Palladian Bridge at Hagley Hall (The Viscount Cobham) and Nether Winchendon House, Buckinghamshire (Robert Spencer Barnard) from a short list of applications which also included The Orangery at Blithfield Hall, Staffordshire (Charlie and Cosy Bagot Jewitt), the Hydro-Electric scheme at Blair Castle (Blair Castle Estate Ltd), The West Gate Lodges at Heveningham Hall, Suffolk, The London Lodge at Highclere Castle, Berkshire (The Earl of Carnarvon), The Orangery at Houghton Lodge, Hampshire (Captain Martin Busk), Knebworth House, Hertfordshire (The Hon Henry Lytton Cobbold), The Great Barn at Micklefield Hall, Hertfordshire (Annie and Jamie Rankin), No Mans Fort, The Solent and Stanbrook Abbey, Worcestershire (Clarenco Ltd) and Laundry Cottage at Weston Hall, West Yorkshire (Christopher Dawson).

This page, from top left Flowers at Renishaw Hall; a restored Drawing Room at St Giles House, Dorset; scaffolding around St Giles House; the Palladian Bridge, Hagley Hall, Worcestershire; Combermere Abbey, Shropshire; the Library after restoration at Nether Winchendon House, Buckinghamshire

HHA/Christie’s Garden of the Year AwardThe gardens at Renishaw Hall in Derbyshire won the 2015 HHA/Christie’s Garden of the Year Award and attracted considerable publicity locally and nationally. The award was presented in May to Alexandra Hayward by Richard Compton and Charles Cator, Deputy Chairman of Christie’s International.

Renishaw Hall has been home to the Sitwell family for nearly 400 years. The gardens are predominantly Italianate, set in traditional English countryside. The house and formal grounds date from the 1620s but it was the passion and commitment of Sir George Sitwell, 4th Bt., and his admiration for classical Italian gardens, that forms the landscape that visitors enjoy today. Created between 1886 and 1936, Sir George’s legacy has since been preserved by his grandson, the late Sir Reresby and his wife, Penelope, Lady Sitwell and their daughter and the current owner, Alexandra Hayward.

HHA/Sotheby’s Restoration AwardThe 2015 Restoration Award has been given to St Giles House, Wimborne St Giles, Dorset, home of the Earl and Countess of Shaftesbury. Since inheriting the house in 2005, Lord Shaftesbury has carried out two phases of work to restore this important Grade I house which since the 1960s had been in an increasingly poor state of repair and by 2002 was in a critical condition with severe water penetration and sections of the building in danger of collapse. The works have included the restoration of the Great Dining Room, Library and South Drawing Room and other important rooms. A new North Tower, to replace the one demolished in the 1960s, has been built to balance the remains of the South Tower.

The south western part of the house has been re-occupied and St Giles seems set for the next stage in its long history.

HHA AWARDS

Above and top Renishaw Hall, Derbyshire

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ScotlandLand Reform remains an important issue. Following on from the Community Empowerment Bill, the Land Reform (Scotland) Bill was introduced to the Scottish Parliament on 22 June and is due to become law by Spring 2016. The Bill is the central piece of legislation in the Scottish Government’s wide-ranging Land Reform programme and seeks to place further restrictions on private land ownership.

However, some of the more controversial earlier proposals, such as maximum land holdings or limits on the legal entities that can own land in Scotland, have not actually been included.

The Bill contains an extension of the existing right to buy, into a right to buy land to ‘further sustainable development’. The significance of the new right to buy is that the right can be exercised even where the landowner does

not want to sell – that is, an owner could be deprived of land if the statutory procedure is followed. While the Bill attempts to describe what sustainable development actually means, much more clarity is required.

HHA Scotland’s (HHAS’s) concern remains that the provisions of the Bill will make it possible to ‘cherry-pick’ land for community purchase, which may be vital to the economic viability of a historic house.

The HHA responded to a consultation about Local Tax Reform in Scotland, making it clear that it is vital that any changes to local taxation must not undermine the benefits which Scotland derives from its historic houses.Any increase in Council Tax bands at the upper end could have the effect of draining historic houses of the funds desperately needed for their maintenance. If any such increase in bands takes place there must be exemptions for historic houses providing public benefits.

Above Cawdor Castle, Nairn, Scotland Top Abbotsford, Melrose, Scotland, the home of Sir Walter Scott

SCOTLAND, WALES AND NORTHERN IRELAND

Should historic house businesses fail or be sold and then close, the effects on local employment and incomes would be multiplied in fragile rural economies. The closure of Torosay Castle, on Mull, quickly led to the closure of the nearby tourist railway and ancillary shops, for example.

A Scottish Government Bill to reform Succession Laws, including the effects of divorce, dissolution or annulment of a will, has been introduced into the Scottish Parliament. It will implement a number of technical recommendations from the Scottish Law Commission Report on Succession published in 2009. A consultation paper has been launched on much more fundamental changes to the law of succession. The most significant element is that rights in succession should no longer depend on the type of property in the estate but will be able to be claimed from the whole estate, including houses and land. This proposal, were it to become law, could have a profound impact on the ability to maintain a viable historic property across the generations.

HHAS and Scottish Land and Estates responded to the Scottish Government’s technical proposals in September and will be responding to the consultation paper.

WalesIt has been a busy year for the HHA in Wales, with a suite of important legislation making its way through the Welsh Assembly. The Historic Environment (Wales) Bill, known as the Heritage Bill, is the most important to the HHA, but its implementation will be greatly influenced by a range of other Bills covering planning, local government and wellbeing.

The HHA’s response to consultation on the Historic Environment (Wales) Bill welcomed the provisions on listing and scheduling, though there were concerns about the capacity of local authorities to deal with various aspects of the Bill. The HHA also supported the use of Heritage Partnership Agreements and Temporary Stop Notices to enable local authorities to act quickly if a listed building is under threat from unauthorised works. The HHA’s response to the consultation highlighted considerable concern about the proposals on ‘urgent works’, in particular the definition of what constitutes urgent works, and recommended the entire issue of urgent works required further consideration. Overall, the HHA stated it would be essential that the provisions of the Bill would be underpinned by strong, clear guidance to prevent unintended consequences. This is particularly important around issues such as enforcement and preventing unauthorised works.

The HHA also welcomed proposals for the establishment of a new Advisory Panel on historic environment policy and strategy at a national level in Wales, provided the private sector is properly represented to reflect the large proportion of the Welsh historic environment in private ownership. Going forward, the HHA will be considering how best to ensure Members in Wales are able to realise the opportunities presented by emerging policy areas, including the Culture and Poverty agenda, rural affairs, tourism and climate change.

A very successful AGM was held at Garthewin courtesy of Michael Murray Grime, and excellent organisation by Wales Secretary Tim Lee. Members particularly welcomed the new Friends Representative for Wales, Carole Startin. The evening before, a fine dinner was held at Hartsheath courtesy of Mr and Mrs Olivier Dechazal.

Northern IrelandThere has been a reform of local councils in Northern Ireland, reducing the 26 councils into 11 ‘super councils’. The majority of planning applications will now be approved by local super councils with only regionally significant applications being determined by the Department of the Environment. Tourism is growing, with double the number of cruise ships visiting compared to three years ago. Overnight trips are up 11% on the previous year and Belfast is investing heavily to become a top conference location, which bodes well for the future of the Northern Irish tourism and hospitality sector.

European Heritage Open Days saw a record 75,610 visitors at 415 properties – an 11% increase on the previous year.

Above Lissan House, Co Tyrone, Northern Ireland

Top A wedding at Fonmon Castle, Vale of Glamorgan, Wales. 12

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Mansion TaxLabour and Liberal Democrat plans for a Mansion Tax presented the biggest challenge for the HHA’s tax lobbying. Discussions with the heritage spokesmen in Parliament in autumn 2014 led to high level meetings in January with the Shadow Financial Secretary, Shabana Mahmood MP (Labour) and with Chris Saunders, senior adviser to the Rt Hon Nick Clegg MP (Liberal Democrat).

Agreements were reached with both Parties that historic houses opening either for day visitors or available to the public for weddings, concerts or other events, would be exempt from any Mansion Tax, in line with the exemptions in place from the Annual Tax on Enveloped Dwellings (ATED – which applies to houses owned in companies). In the event, the outcome of the General Election removed the prospect of a Mansion Tax for the foreseeable future, but the work was not wasted. First, the idea might reappear in the future; second, we developed a useful dialogue with senior Labour MPs on the Shadow Treasury Bench – we were still talking when the Election campaign opened – and, lastly, the discussions opened the eyes of several politicians to the breadth and depth of the engagement of many historic houses with the public in many different ways.

Tax Regime for Unincorporated Historic House BusinessesLast year the HHA was invited to produce case study evidence, going back six years, to demonstrate the adverse impact of the cap on Sideways Loss Relief (SLR) on unincorporated historic house businesses. Alongside this evidence, which was submitted to DCMS in August 2014, the HHA also proposed a change in the tax treatment of historic house businesses to enable them to treat the whole historic house estate, including farming and let property, as one integrated business.

In December the Secretary of State for Culture, Rt Hon Sajid Javid MP, invited the Heritage Alliance and the HHA to discuss the scale of maintenance problems in privately owned historic houses open to the public and some charitably owned historic buildings. It was clear that the Government would not consider any exceptions to the cap on SLR, but he recognised the particular pressures on historic houses and invited the HHA to work up a time-limited grants scheme for urgent repairs.

The HHA submitted a draft grant scheme in January of this year and the Heritage Alliance offered proposals for

a loan scheme to assist owners of other historic buildings at the same time. Neither proposal was taken up by the Government in the Budget. This was not a huge surprise, as the timetable was short and the Treasury was not thought to be sympathetic to agreeing a new grant scheme at the end of a Parliament. However, the exercise reminded DCMS and Treasury Ministers of the seriousness of the backlog of repairs – £764m in HHA houses alone – at the same time as MPs were being told that delays in addressing the need for maintenance in the Palace of Westminster had pushed the cost of that work into the billions of pounds.

In the light of this experience the HHA has looked again at the scope for reforming Heritage Maintenance Funds (HMFs). HMFs are politically less contentious, in that they were introduced by Labour in 1977 and improved by a Conservative Government five years later and the income can be used only for maintenance of the designated nationally important heritage asset, usually with a substantial public access obligation.

We submitted new HMF proposals to DCMS and Treasury Ministers in July this year and these were also included in the Heritage Alliance’s Spending Review’s submission to DCMS in August. For a tiny Exchequer cost of £8m the reforms would generate an additional £13m of work at up to 265 historic houses open to the public, enabling tax efficient use of HMF income on maintenance at an average level of £50,000 per year per house. This could make the difference for many historic house businesses between eventual decline and long term viability. The Government has already warned of major cuts in public spending, including on heritage. However, we have drawn Ministers’ attention to the Prime Minister’s own explicit recognition of the role of heritage in Britain’s tourism and the wider economy. Heritage is a very cost-effective way to further several Government objectives, on health and well-being, as well as economic rebalancing away from London and in rural areas. The Spending Review results will be announced on 25 November.

Interpretation of ‘Commerciality’ and Apportionment of Costs The HHA has also been in dialogue with HMRC to find out why it has challenged the commerciality status of some historic houses which are acting in a very business-like manner. There appears to be no single reason (all cases are treated individually), but HMRC has, in some cases, also been seeking to apply a very restrictive apportionment of the costs of maintaining historic houses to the historic house business. This is despite the fact that keeping a historic house or garden fit throughout the year for commercial use, be it house opening or for special events, requires a level of stewardship and maintenance that is often well above the standard that private use would require. Also, trees, flowers, shrubs, lawns and weeds don’t stop growing when the house is closed. At the time of writing further discussions were planned for September.

Conditional Exemption We were pleased that the July Budget included a provision the HHA had called for, to allow applications for conditional exemption for assets held in discretionary trusts, within two years after the imposition of a decennial charge.

Business RatesThe HHA has advised Members on responding to requests from the Valuations Office Agency (VOA) for information about their businesses in advance of the 2017 revaluation of Business Rates. We are also in dialogue with the VOA to explain how simple estimates of turnover are an unreliable guide to the profitability of a historic house business, for the purposes of setting a rateable value. Moreover, for some businesses the overhang of maintenance obligations should be taken into account in setting this value.

Other MattersFollowing the ‘Castle Howard case’ on the acceptance of a painting as plant or machinery in a house run as a business, the Government legislated to restrict the CGT exemption to cases where the person claiming the exemption was the same as the one previously owning the object in question.

The Government plans to replace ‘Capital Taxation and the National Heritage’ on the HMRC website, but has said it will consult the HHA on the text of replacement advice.

The HHA responded to Government tax consultations on:

• The Annual Tax on Enveloped Dwellings – reducing the administrative burden• Local Tax in Scotland (Scottish Government) • Deeds of Variation and • Benefits to donors under the Gift Aid rules

Amongst its many discussions with politicians and officials, the HHA met the All Party Parliamentary Arts and Heritage Group in November 2014.

TAXATION

Opposite, top Her Majesty’s Treasury, © Getty Images

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Learning Advisory ServiceThe HHA’s Education Adviser, Peter Burke, and members of the Learning Advisory Panel – Honor Gay, Don Henson, Gareth Fitzpatrick, Gail Bromley and Gillian Wolfe – have between them visited more than 30 Member houses this year, spanning the length and breadth of the UK.

The highly-experienced members of the Panel offer HHA Members individual visits and bespoke advice for developing their education offer. Every house is different, but some common concerns frequently raised by Members include how to match their offer to changes in the National Curriculum, and how to develop multi-functional spaces that can generate income through hosting education initiatives alongside, for example, weddings, corporate functions and other events.

Panel members have come across some exciting new educational initiatives during their visits this year. For example, Mapperton House is planning to develop a short film-making module for schools as part of a new educational offering. Opportunities for apprentices to develop heritage skills such as carpentry, lime plastering and stone masonry are at the planning stage at Revesby Abbey in Lincolnshire, whilst several students are already working flat out at Woodchester Mansion near Stroud. It is interesting to note too that more attention is being devoted to the wider estate rather than just the house as a focus for educational visits. At Lochinch Castle for example, Emily and Jamie Stair will be developing a school visits programme based around the gardens at Castle Kennedy, and we have also advised Viscount Devonport about the educational opportunities that exist at Peasemarsh Place in the arboretum that he has nurtured since the great storm of 1987.

LEARNING AND OUTREACH

Above Students training at Woodchester Mansion, Gloucestershire Top Capability Brown’s landscape at Bowood, Wiltshire

Peter Burke has also been able to assist two Member houses to prepare successful requests for funding from the Heritage Conservation Trust, and Panel members have supported several Member houses in preparing bids to the Heritage Lottery Fund.

Member houses have been quick to engage with profile-raising educational opportunities this year, including those offered through Heritage Open Days and Kids in Museums ‘Takeover Day’. The Capability Brown Festival in 2016 (of which more below) is providing an excellent opportunity to develop special educational events, as has the continuing anniversary of World War I. The calendar for the next few years brings many other such historical events of significant educational interest. For example, this year Traquair House is celebrating its role in the Jacobite cause with the tercentenary of the 1715 rising; Powderham Castle is preparing to remember the Courtenay family links with the battle of Agincourt 600 years ago with an exciting programme for school children and adults alike; and at Hoghton Tower in Lancashire, 2017 will enable visitors to recall the knighting of ‘Sir Loin’ by James I.

Many houses are also showing an interest in developing links with higher and further education institutions and we are suggesting that they should make contact with their local HEIs to discuss the possibilities of following in the footsteps of the highly successful Thames Valley and Yorkshire Country House Partnerships (more of which below).

The HHA is very grateful for the dedication and passion of Peter Burke and the Panel and for their advice, guidance and site visits, which are available to Members free-of-charge. The team at Chester Street and the Panel would like to thank Gareth Fitzpatrick – who stands down this year – for all his dedication and creativity as a member of the Learning Advisory Panel over the last six years.

Capability Brown Festival 2016The 2016 Capability Brown Festival – timed to celebrate the tercentenary of Lancelot ‘Capability’ Brown’s birth – will promote understanding of Brown as the father of English landscape gardening, through a variety of public events, research and activities. The HHA is a lead partner in the Festival, alongside organisations such as the National Trust, English Heritage, the Landscape Institute and VisitBritain. This year the Festival secured a grant of £911,000 from the Heritage Lottery Fund and appointed a staff team to deliver the Festival.

HHA Members with Brown landscapes are invited to take part in the Festival, which will provide significant profile-raising and marketing opportunities for owners of Brown landscapes wishing to be part of the celebrations, such as publicity and promotion, site guides, schools packs and the development of apps and trails.

The HHA will continue to promote the Festival to Members, Friends and the public throughout 2016, and will provide support and advice to Members who wish to be involved.

Heritage Open DaysApproximately forty HHA Members opened free-of-charge in September during Heritage Open Days in England, Doors Open Days in Scotland, Open Doors in Wales and European Heritage Days in Northern Ireland. These special days celebrate the UK’s fantastic architecture and culture by offering free access to properties that are usually closed to the public or normally charge for admission.

Thames Valley Country House PartnershipThe Thames Valley Country House Partnership (TVCHP) is a collaborative project between researchers and staff at the University of Oxford and country houses in the Oxfordshire, Buckinghamshire, Berkshire and Warwickshire regions. TVCHP was established in 2013 to promote a deeper understanding of the economic, social, political and cultural histories of the country house through research, whilst delivering significant public benefits.

Drawing inspiration from the highly successful Yorkshire Country House Partnership, TVCHP continues to engage with 18 country houses in the Thames Valley region, eight of which are HHA Members. We look forward to continuing to work with TVCHP, which continues to develop an exciting programme of research projects and engagement events.

Top Broughton Castle, Oxfordshire is part of the Thames Valley Country House Partnership16

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Above The Just Go! Holidays 2015 brochure Top Bowood in Wiltshire, was part of the Just Go! Holidays 2015 Great Glories of Gloucestershire and Wiltshire tours

TOURISM AND MARKETING

The HHA has continued to work this year raising the profile of Member properties and the HHA and promoting tourism.

Inbound MarketingThe HHA has been a member of UKinbound, the tourism trade association that focuses on the interests of the UK’s inbound tourism sector, since 2014. This membership means that all Member properties can benefit from discounted rates to attend UKinbound events, which take place all around the UK, giving opportunities to meet and network with tour operators and other attractions.

The HHA regularly attends UKinbound events with the aim of making valuable contacts with tour operators for the future benefit of Member properties.

Nick Way and Laura Bogard met Luis Arteaga, the Chairman & CEO of Just Go! Holidays, at a UKinbound event. Just Go! Holidays are a

company that provide coach tours on behalf of the National Trust, the National Trust for Scotland and the Royal Oak Foundation in the USA. Following this meeting four types of coach tour holidays were set up in 2015 solely visiting HHA properties. They proved popular with 348 holidays sold and will be expanded to seven different types of tours involving 37 HHA Member properties for 2016, with a view to further expansion in 2017.

2016 Just Go! Holidays HHA Tours:

• Glorious Gardens of Derbyshire• Land of the Prince Bishops and Mighty Northumbrian Castles• Fine Arts and Architecture of Yorkshire• Stately Splendour in the South• Undiscovered Treasures of Northern Ireland• Romantic Houses of Oxfordshire and

the Cotswolds• Castles, Manors and Gardens of Kent

Raising Our ProfileThe HHA provides HHA Members with opportunities for free publicity in the national media. Journalists regularly contact the HHA as their first port of call when writing, filming or recording pieces and any opportunities that are thought to be worthwhile are passed on to Members for consideration via HHA E-advisory emails, via the Members’ password-protected section of the HHA website and via HHA electronic newsletters for Members.

For example, Anna Tyzack, a features writer on the Daily Telegraph, contacted the HHA about a cover story piece for the Living section of the Sunday Telegraph to be published on Easter Sunday 2015 in print and online, to feature families that open their homes to the public around Easter time and what it’s like to do so.

An HHA E-advisory was sent out advising HHA Member properties open to the public about this fast turnaround, high profile, editorial opportunity. Consequently, nine HHA Member families put themselves forward and were featured and all came across very well, generating valuable free publicity for their properties in a national paper. There were also mentions for the HHA and the HHA’s website address was included at the end of the article in both the print and online version following a request to Anna. The article can be viewed via the below URL:www.telegraph.co.uk/goodlife/11513292/You-tell-them-what-you-think-on-TripAdvisor.-But-what-do-stately-home-owners-think-about-you.html

Anna also wrote a second article on historic houses open at Easter on the Telegraph website, which can be viewed via this URL:www.telegraph.co.uk/goodlife/11514269/10-stately-homes-open-this-Easter.html

The HHA invested in an online media database this year which means that we can more easily target relevant journalists according to their remit in order to promote HHA Member properties.

For example, all gardening journalists throughout the UK, at both a regional and national level, were sent the HHA/Christie’s Garden of the Year Award 2015 press release and photos. It was also used to promote the HHA/Sotheby’s Restoration Award 2015, which received a record amount of coverage this year, with national articles appearing in the Daily Telegraph, Daily Mail and Independent newspapers, in print and online.

The HHA partnered with Corazon Books in 2014 to launch a creative writing competition based on the launch of an E-book version of the Catherine Gaskin novel ‘The Property of a Gentleman’. In 2015 Corazon Books published a short anthology of the best stories from this competition in association with the HHA, with information on Levens Hall in Cumbria and the HHA included in the book. The winner was invited for a tour of Levens Hall with the owners.

HHA WebsiteOver 89,000 people visited the HHA’s website in the month of August 2015. This is up from 55,155 individual visitors in August 2014 and 41,350 in August 2013. The website is averaging 63,000 individual visitors a month this year.

Promotion of Member properties on the HHA website and via the HHA’s other communications channels is included as part of HHA Membership. Member properties are urged to ensure that their property pages on the HHA’s website are up-to-date and that any events press releases are sent through to Sigrid Gaimster for inclusion on the website and in Historic House Magazine. Please also send the HHA any good, recent photos of your property, events, weddings, accommodation, visitors at your property or filming taking place, so that we are best placed to help promote your property, should that be desired.

This year we’ve added a ‘What’s Open When’ search function to the website to allow people to find places to visit more easily. The website has also been mobile enabled. A full review of the HHA’s website and other digital communications channels is scheduled to take place in 2016 to ensure that they are delivering the maximum benefit to Members.

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HHA AppsThe HHA’s iPhone, iPad and Android apps continue to be a popular way for visitors to obtain information on HHA Member properties whilst on the move. The apps have recently been updated to keep pace with changes in Apple’s operating system. Information displayed on the HHA website feeds directly through to the apps. On average, the app receives 4,000 user sessions each month on iPad, 3,100 on iPhone and 2,600 on Android.

Social MediaThe numbers of followers that the HHA has on Facebook and Twitter continues to grow healthily and has more than doubled in the last year. We also now have a Pinterest account with themed image boards of Member properties (shown below) to provide inspiration for potential visitors, wedding planners and film location scouts, as well as a LinkedIn account.

A social media campaign using the hashtag #insideourhouses and #outsideourhouses was run this year, using interior and exterior images, and providing interesting background information on our Member properties open to day visitors, as well as opening times. The HHA’s YouTube account is also growing in popularity, with Members submitting their videos for the channel and we have also begun creating Buzzfeed posts in order to widen our reach to a younger audience.

HHA Members and Friends are invited to follow the HHA on social media for the latest news, events and photos from HHA Members, the HHA and the world of heritage.

E-newsletters15,000 people now receive the Friends’ monthly electronic newsletter and 2,000 people receive the Members’ monthly electronic newsletter. These provide a useful way of letting our Friends know about events, news and special offers, and of informing our Members about filming opportunities, policy and campaign updates and other news relevant to owners of historic houses, castles and gardens.

Anyone can sign up to receive the Friends’ E-newsletter via the top right hand corner of the HHA website. Members wishing to receive the Members’ E-newsletter should contact the HHA at Chester Street and ask to be added to the list.

Online TrailsFollowing on from the success of the Historic Houses Wartime Trail and the Historic Houses Art Trail last year, a ‘Ghostly and Gruesome’ Trail was launched in May 2015 on the HHA website. The trail features 31 HHA Member properties which are said to be haunted, or which have a gruesome past. The trail attracted a large amount of media coverage in local and national newspapers, on radio and in paranormal publications.

Extracts from the Historic Houses Ghostly and Gruesome Trail:Muncaster Castle, Cumbria: A ghost with the name Tom Skelton was once the resident Jester at Muncaster. Not all fun and games however, Tom is said to have murdered a carpenter who misbehaved with his master’s daughter. Visitors to the Castle still report hearing sounds of ghostly footsteps and the thud of a body being dragged up stairs!

Salmesbury Hall, Lancashire: In the 1500s, a catholic priest was discovered by a soldier hiding in one of the Hall’s priest holes. He was dragged out and beheaded on the spot leaving a blood stain on the floorboards. No matter how many times that the floor was scrubbed, the stain remained. In the 1900s the servants were so disturbed by this that they refused to enter the room until the floorboards were replaced. Much to their dismay, even when the boards were replaced the stain continued to appear.

Inveraray Castle, Scotland: In 1644 the Duke of Argyll fled from Inveraray to avoid capture from the Marquess of Montrose. Amongst the staff left was a young Irish boy employed to play the harp; Montrose’s men were Irish and were so outraged that one of their own would work for the enemy that they slaughtered the boy and left his quartered body on the Duke’s bed. Legend states that the boy’s ghost became deeply attached to the bed and when the bed was moved from the old castle to the modern castle the boy’s spirit came with it. When TV’s Most Haunted were at the castle filming in the MacArthur room, the bed moved and a chair was flung across the floor by unseen hands. Members of staff and visitors to the room often complain of headaches, others report being overcome by a feeling of sadness when entering the room, cold spots and a sense of dread. When a member of the family is about to die in the castle, harp music can be heard coming from this room, with the last report of this ghostly phenomenon being when the 10th Duke died in 1949.

Filming & PhotoshootsThe HHA regularly liaises with scouts and film and tv producers looking for locations for films, television programmes and photoshoots (both editorial and commercial). Opportunities are posted on the HHA Members section of the website, and sent out via HHA E-advisories and Member E-Newsletters. There is also advice on the HHA Members section of the website on filming and photography at a historic property including draft contracts.

Map LeafletA new version of the HHA map leaflet was sent out to all Friends in March and was also made available to download on the HHA website promoting HHA Member properties. As per last year, the map shows properties open for day visits and free to Friends, and properties open for day visits. New for this year, the map also shows properties also offering accommodation, properties also offering wedding ceremonies, properties also offering accommodation & wedding ceremonies, properties not open for day visits but offering accommodation, properties not open for day visits but offering wedding ceremonies, and properties not open for day visits but offering wedding ceremonies and accommodation.

HHA Christmas Card 2015Proceeds from the sale of the Christmas Card will again go to the Heritage Conservation Trust, which supports the conservation of works of art at historic houses open to the public, as well as education, access and research initiatives. The image on this year’s card is a wintry scene at Kiplin Hall in North Yorkshire. A pack of 10 cards including envelopes and delivery costs £4.80 from Dash on 01934 522920.

Any Member property wishing to be added to the distribution list to receive HHA E-newsletters, E-advisories, or for help with logging in to the password protected Members’ section of the HHA website, please contact the HHA at Chester Street on 020 7259 5688 or email info@hha.org.uk

Please also send details of events, and any good, recent photographs of your property, weddings, accommodation, events, visitors at your property or filming taking place, as well as videos of your property if they exist, so that we are best placed to help promote your property, should that be desired.

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Membership 2014 2015

Full Members 1573 1576

Next Generation Members 211 219

Corporate Members 373 398

Friends 37,983 42,731

Next Generation Lord Raynham, Chairman of the Next Generation Group and Edward Sanguinetti, Vice Chairman and their Committee have continued to develop a programme of events. Together with the Committee, refreshed with recent changes, they will continue to develop the programme of events as well as a recruitment drive to attract new Members.

Many Full Member properties are still not represented by a member of the family on the Next Generation list. Please do encourage younger members of your family to join this lively and enjoyable group. For more information, visit hha.org.uk/join-the-hha/next-generation-membership.html

Historic House MagazineFour issues of the magazine were published this year and distributed to all Members and Friends as well as more widely to other heritage organisations and official bodies. The magazine covers a wide range of topics from heritage and policy articles to news items and articles about individual Member properties. Peter Sinclair contributes as Editor with Andrew Sidford as designer.

SeminarsThe HHA’s technical seminars continue to be popular and to attract large attendance by Members. They are organised by Robert Parker, the HHA’sTechnical Adviser, and Fiona Attenborough.

Above HHA President, Richard Compton, addresses the AGM Top The Courtyard at Mapperton House, Dorset, transformed into a grubby 19th-century farmyard for the filming of Far from the Madding Crowd

AGM 2014The 41st National Annual General Meeting was held on 18 November at The Queen Elizabeth II Conference Centre in Westminster. At the AGM, Richard Compton, James Birch and William Parente were re-elected as President, Deputy President and Honorary Treasurer respectively.

The meeting was opened and Members welcomed by our late Patron, The Earl of Leicester.The Guest Speaker at the AGM was Sir Simon Jenkins, recently retired Chairman of the National Trust. The Smiths Gore Lecture was given by Jean-Charles and Alexandre de Vogüé of the Château de Vaux le Vicomte, one of the treasures of France, with its magnificent landscape all created in the mid 17th century for Nicolas Fouquet, Superintendent of Finances in France.

The AGM was once again generously sponsored by Smiths Gore and Farrer & Co, and the Historic Buildings, Parks and Gardens Exhibition, organised by Hall-McCartney Limited, was well supported by both exhibitors and visitors.

Member RecruitmentThe Association is delighted to have welcomed a significant number of new owners to Full Membership in the past year. Still the most effective method of recruiting is personal recommendation by an existing Member or Friend. Regional Chairmen and their Committees also play an important role in identifying prospective Members in their regions and instigating an initial approach and follow up. Progress of recruitment is charted by a national database maintained at Chester Street. Again regional initiatives, developed by Regional Committees and Regional Friends Representatives, have been effective.

HHA MEMBERSHIP AND SERVICESHISTORIC HOUSE

T H E H I S T O R I C H O U S E S A S S O C I A T I O N M A G A Z I N E | S P R I N G 2 0 1 5

AGM REPORT

HISTORIC HOUSET H E H I S T O R I C H O U S E S A S S O C I A T I O N M A G A Z I N E | A U T U M N 2 0 1 5

HHA/SOTHEBY’S RESTORATION AWARDST GILES HOUSE

HISTORIC HOUSET H E H I S T O R I C H O U S E S A S S O C I A T I O N M A G A Z I N E | S U M M E R 2 0 1 5

RENISHAW HALL & GARDENSGARDEN OF THE YEAR

Technical AdviceSince the very early years of the Association the provision of free technical advice has been a core service for HHA Members. It has guided Members through their first tentative steps of opening to visitors, been a source of information on repairs and restoration, provided advice on insurance, and assisted with planning and guidance on filming and photography. All these subjects are as relevant today as forty years ago, but in the last decade emphasis has moved towards, for example, advice on alternative enterprises, renewable energy, regulatory control and protection against adverse development. However, these broad headings disguise the truly staggering breadth of discrete topics raised each year on every possible aspect of historic house ownership. During this year over 281 members received advice, from the small private manor house to the most high profile stately home.

Advisory visits also have been made to Member’s houses often in preparation for succession, or immediately following a change of generation. This period of transition can be dynamic and a force for change either in the restoration and improvement of the home for modern living or, by necessity, a review of the opportunities for commercial enterprises. Change is not always welcome across the generations, but impartial advice from the HHA can help vital communication within a family to manage inevitable change.

Planning

Energy Efficiency

Rating

Insurance

Risk Assessment

VAT

Other

Interior Repairs

Exterior Repairs

Chattel Repairs

Filming

Alternative Uses

Weddings

Opening House

Range of Technical Advice Given To Members (based on number of enquiries)

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32%

7%

6%

2%

14%

8%

4%

5%6%4%

5%1%

3%

3%

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Ackergill TowerAmaZing Venues

Apethorpe PalaceBaron von Pfetten

Ash Manor Mr & Mrs Jake Scott

Azerley Chase John C T Dalton Esq

Benington Park Dr Deborah Taverner

Bonnington HouseMr & Mrs Robert Wilson

Brympton D’EvercyMr & Mrs George Glossop

The Bury Mr & Mrs William Russell

Carberry Tower AmaZing Venues

The CharterhouseSutton’s Hospital in Charterhouse

Château Rhianfa AmaZing Venues

Cheeseburn Grange Hall S F Riddell Esq

Cluny Castle C Linzee-Gordon Esq

Cunswick HallSir James Cropper KVCO

Dewlish House Mrs Caroline Boyden

Dinton Hall Richard Vanbergen Esq

Dodington ParkSir James & Lady Dyson

Downhill Lodge William Bortrick Esq

Eachwick Hall C F S May Esq

Egton Manor Oliver Foster Esq

Exbury HouseThe Executors of EDR 81 Trust

Farm Hall Prof Marcial Echenique

Faulkbourne Hall Mrs Claire Fisher

Ffynone The Hon Robert Lloyd George

Gabriel’s ManorToby Norfolk-Thompson Esq

Glenridding HouseUllswater Hotel Ltd

The Hall, Bradford-on-AvonAlex Moulton Charitable Trust

Halsham House C Marcus Burrows Esq

Heywood HouseMr & Mrs Christopher da Costa

Holt Lodge Farmhouse Oliver A Burge Esq

Holywell Hall Dr & Mrs T W I Lovell

Howick HallHowick Trustees Ltd

Kinnettles CastleAmaZing Venues

Langford CourtSir David & Lady Wills

Lemmington Hall Mr & Mrs Aidan Ruff

Lissanoure Castle Mr & Mrs Peter Mackie

Long Crendon Manor Mr & Mrs Tim Soar

Marchmont House Oliver A Burge Esq & Hugo A Burge Esq

Matfield House Mr & Mrs John Garthwaite

Maybole CastleLord David Kennedy

Mells Park The Hon Michael & Mrs Samuel

Monkton HouseMr & Mrs Matthew Kirk

Netherby HallGerald Smith Esq

Norton Curlieu Adrian Hopkinson Esq

Okeover Hall Sir Andrew Walker-Okeover Bt

Old Fonthill Abbey Mr & Mrs Stephen Morant

The Old Hall Dr V E Hartley Booth OBE

Oriel HouseMJ One Ltd

Parbold Hall Martin Ainscough Esq

Pitscandly House Mr & Mrs Jeremy Gow

Plas Cadnant Anthony J Tavernor Esq

Plasglasgwm Mr & Mrs Peter Gallimore

Revesby Abbey Malcolm Hollis Esq

Royal Hospital ChelseaThe Board of Commissioners

Sandycombe LodgeTurner’s House Trust

Sewerby Hall and Gardens East Riding of Yorkshire Council

Sheldon Manor Antony Gibbs Esq

Solent Forts AmaZing Venues

Stanbrook AbbeyAmaZing Venues

Stanhoe Hall Nicholas Lyons Esq

Stanlake Park Daniel J Goss-Custard Esq

Stockleigh Court Mr & Mrs Martin Lamb

Stoneleigh AbbeyStoneleigh Abbey Ltd

Stowell Park The Lord Vestey KCVO

Sugnall Hall & Gardens Dr & Mrs D Jacques

Upper Slaughter ManorMr & Mrs M Feller

Ven HouseJasper Conran Esq

Warmwell House Sam Ross-Skinner Esq

Wincombe ParkJohn Fortescue Esq

Wytham Abbey Mr & Mrs Michael Stewart

Opposite The Great Hall, Royal Hospital, Chelsea, London Below, clockwise from top left Apethorpe Palace, Peterborough; Howick Hall, Northumberland; Sandycombe Lodge, best known as Turner’s House, Twickenham; Lissanoure Castle, County Antrim

NEW MEMBERS SINCE SEPTEMBER 2014

27

Friends membership has continued to increase, passing 40,000 in June, with the help of a range of promotional initiatives. To celebrate this milestone, Richard Compton, President of the HHA, invited the 40,000th Friend and her husband to enjoy a private tour of Newby Hall in Yorkshire with him, followed by afternoon tea. More Member properties joined the recruitment drive by signing up new Friends onsite. Thanks to all Member properties who promoted Friends membership in this and other ways, and to Friends who introduced new Friends to membership.

The HHA enhanced the value of Friends membership significantly during 2014–5. We added over 30 Member properties to the Friends free access scheme, froze subscription levels for Direct Debit payers for 2015, implemented new features for the website and introduced a selection of affinity benefits and special offers. Our volunteer Regional Friends Representatives (RFRs) continued to organise a wide range of Tours. Friends can now receive monthly e-newsletters by email.

Judith Heelis (Cumbria), Peter Atkinson (Northumbria), Sheila Ralph (Wessex) and Vivian Giles (Wales) have either stood down as RFRs during 2015 or will do so shortly. They do so with our gratitude for their combined efforts over many years. We were pleased to welcome Christina Sharp (Heart of England), Kevin Cummings and Philippa Raper (Northumbria), Sally Alexander and Richard Harris (South East), Celia Hawe (Wessex) and Carole Startin (Wales) as new RFRs. We hope to announce further new appointments soon.

We extended our pilot of an online/phone booking system for selected Tours in more Regions during 2015. Overall feedback from Friends using the system has been positive and

a decision on full implementation for 2016 onwards will be made towards the end of 2015.

The Hugh Shirreff Lecture, organised by Alice Tetlow and David Brown, was held at Downing College Cambridge on 7 July. The guest speaker Tim Rawle, a Fellow Commoner of Downing, spoke on the College itself and particularly its architectural history.

Finally, thanks are due to NFU Mutual and to Hudson’s Historic Houses & Gardens for their support and sponsorship of Friends publications during 2014–5.

Regional Friends RepresentativesCumbria – Judith Heelis (until October 2015)East Anglia – Alice TetlowEast Midlands – Alison Collier, Paul WestHeart of England – David Brown, Christina SharpLondon – Gillian BennettNorthumbria – Peter Atkinson (until May 2015),

Kevin Cummings, Philippa RaperNorth West – Angela OliverSouth East – Sally Alexander, Richard HarrisThames & Chilterns – Margaret JowettWessex – Celia Hawe, Sheila Ralph (until December 2015)Yorkshire – Gaby RobertshawScotland – Mark Richards, assisted by Lois Bayne-JardineWales – Vivian Giles (until July 2015), Carole Startin

National Representative to CouncilDavid Brown

Above Cake cutting at a tea party held at Hill Place, Swanmore to mark the 40th anniversary of the Friends of the HHA

HHA FRIENDS

DIRECTORS’ REPORT FOR THE YEAR ENDED 31 MARCH 2015The directors present their report and financial statements for the year ended 31 March 2015.

Principal activitiesThe principal activity of the company continued to be that of an association of owners and guardians of historic houses, parks and gardens and places of historic interest in the United Kingdom.

DirectorsThe following directors have held office since 1 April 2014:Mr Richard Compton – President Mr James Birch – Deputy PresidentMr William Parente – Hon. Treasurer Penelope, Viscountess Cobham The Honourable Simon Howard Mr David Fursdon (Resigned 03/06/2015)Mr Nicholas Way – Director General of the HHA The Lord Inglewood Sir James Scott, Bt Sir Richard FitzHerbert, Bt Mr Alexander Hay (Resigned 04/06/2015)Mrs Martha Lytton Cobbold Mr Michael More-Molyneux Mr James Saunders WatsonEarl of Hopetoun (Appointed 04/06/2015)

Charitable donations 2015 2014 £ £During the year the company made the following payments:

Charitable donations 3,500 4,500

AuditorsIn accordance with the company’s articles, a resolution proposing that Welbeck Associates be reappointed as auditors of the company will be put at a General Meeting.

Statement of directors’ responsibilitiesThe directors are responsible for preparing the Directors’ Report and the financial statements in accordance with applicable law and regulations.

Company law requires the directors to prepare financial statements for each financial year. Under that law the directors have elected to prepare the financial statements in accordance with United Kingdom Generally Accepted Accounting Practice (United Kingdom Accounting Standards and applicable law). Under company law the directors must not approve the financial statements unless they are satisfied that they give a true and fair view of the state of affairs of the company and of the profit or loss of the company for that period. In preparing these financial statements, the directors are required to:

– select suitable accounting policies and then apply them consistently;– make judgements and accounting estimates that are reasonable and prudent;– prepare the financial statements on the going concern basis unless it is inappropriate to presume that the company will continue in business.

The directors are responsible for keeping adequate accounting records that are sufficient to show and explain the company’s transactions and disclose with reasonable accuracy at any time the financial position of the company and enable them to ensure that the financial statements comply with the Companies Act 2006. They are also responsible for safeguarding the assets of the company and hence for taking reasonable steps for the prevention and detection of fraud and other irregularities.

Statement of disclosure to auditorsSo far as the directors are aware, there is no relevant audit information of which the company’s auditors are unaware. Additionally, the directors have taken all the necessary steps that they ought to have taken as directors in order to make themselves aware of all relevant audit information and to establish that the company’s auditors are aware of that information.

Liabilities of MembersUnder the Companies Act 2006, the liabilities of the members are limited to the amounts that they have guaranteed to contribute to the Association in the event of its winding up, namely £1 per member.

This report has been prepared in accordance with the special provisions relating to small companies within Part 15 of the Companies Act 2006.

By order of the board

Mr Nicholas Way - Director General of the HHASecretary 9 September 2015

INDEPENDENT AUDITORS’ REPORT TO THE MEMBERS OF HISTORIC HOUSES ASSOCIATIONWe have audited the financial statements of Historic Houses Association for the year ended 31 March 2015 set out on pages 4 to 10. The financial reporting framework that has been applied in their preparation is applicable law and United Kingdom Accounting Standards (United Kingdom Generally Accepted Accounting Practice).

This report is made solely to the company’s members, as a body, in accordance with Chapter 3 of Part 16 of the Companies Act 2006. Our audit work has been undertaken so that we might state to the company’s members those matters we are required to state to them in an auditors’ report and for no other purpose. To the fullest extent permitted by law, we do not accept or assume responsibility to anyone other than the company and the company’s members as a body, for our audit work, for this report, or for the opinions we have formed.

Respective responsibilities of the directors and auditorsAs explained more fully in the Directors’ Responsibilities Statement set out on pages 1–2, the directors are responsible for the preparation of the financial statements and for being satisfied that they give a true and fair view. Our responsibility is to audit the financial statements in accordance with applicable law and International Standards on Auditing (UK and Ireland). Those standards require us to comply with the Auditing Practices Board’s Ethical Standards for Auditors.

Basis of audit opinionAn audit involves obtaining evidence about the amounts and disclosures in the financial statements sufficient to give reasonable assurance that the financial statements are free from material misstatement, whether caused by fraud or error. This includes an assessment of: whether the accounting policies are appropriate to the company’s circumstances and have been consistently applied and adequately disclosed; the reasonableness of significant accounting estimates made by the directors; and the overall presentation of the financial statements.

OpinionIn our opinion the financial statements:

– have been properly prepared in accordance with United Kingdom Generally Accepted Accounting Practice; and– have been prepared in accordance with the requirements of the Companies Act 2006.– give a true and fair view of the state of the company’s affairs as at 31 March 2015 and of its profit for the year then ended;– In our opinion the information given in the Directors’ Report for the financial year for which the financial statements are prepared is consistent with the financial statements.

Jonathan Bradley-Hoare (Senior Statutory Auditor)for and on behalf of Welbeck Associates

Chartered AccountantsStatutory Auditor 30 Percy StreetLondonW1T 2DB

16 September 2015

THE ACCOUNTS

26

2928

PROFIT AND LOSS ACCOUNT

FOR THE YEAR ENDED 31 MARCH 2015

2015 2014 Notes £ £Turnover 1,389,048 1,268,713

Administrative expenses (1,480,294) (1,395,448)Other operating income 125,744 126,899

Operating profit 2 34,498 164

Exceptional items 12 – (7,430)Legacies and donations 11 886 280

Profit/(loss) on ordinary activities before interest 35,384 (6,986)

Other interest receivable and similar income 3 6,783 2,855

Profit/(loss) on ordinary activities before taxation 42,167 (4,131)

Tax on profit/(loss) on ordinary activities 4 (1,357) (571)

Profit/(loss) for the year 8 40,810 (4,702)

The profit and loss account has been prepared on the basis that all operations are continuing operations.

BALANCE SHEET AS AT 31 MARCH 2015

2015 2014 Notes £ £ £ £

Fixed assetsTangible assets 5 23,659 24,787

Current assetsStocks 3,176 3,481Debtors 6 145,556 167,782Cash at bank and in hand 1,217,272 1,184,186

1,366,004 1,355,449

Creditors: amounts falling due within one year 7 (292,873) (324,256)

Net current assets 1,073,131 1,031,193

Total assets less current liabilities 1,096,790 1,055,980

Capital and reservesOther reserves 8 133,713 133,713Profit and loss account 8 963,077 922,267

Total funds 9 1,096,790 1,055,980

These financial statements have been prepared in accordance with the provisions applicable to companies subject to the small companies regime within Part 15 of the Companies Act 2006.

Approved by the Board and authorised for issue on 9 September 2015.

Mr Nicholas Way Mr William Parente - Hon. Treasurer Director General of the HHA DirectorSecretary Company Registration No. 02001057

NOTES TO THE FINANCIAL STATEMENTS

FOR THE YEAR ENDED 31 MARCH 2015

1 Accounting policies

1.1 Accounting convention The financial statements are prepared under the historical cost convention and include the results of the company’s operations as indicated in the directors’ report, all of which are continuing. They do not include the net assets and transactions of the regions, nor do they include the results of the activities of the Friends of the Association.

The company has taken advantage of the exemption in Financial Reporting Standard No 1 from the requirement to produce a cash flow statement on the grounds that it is a small company.

1.2 Compliance with accounting standards The financial statements are prepared in accordance with applicable United Kingdom Accounting Standards (United Kingdom Generally Accepted Accounting Practice), which have been applied consistently (except as otherwise stated).

1.3 Turnover Full and corporate member subscriptions are due on 1 April for the following 12 months. Subscription arrears at the balance sheet date have not been included. Friends’ subscriptions cover the year from the date of receipt by the Association and are included in the accounts on a receipts basis.

1.4 Tangible fixed assets and depreciation Tangible fixed assets are stated at cost less depreciation. Depreciation is provided at rates calculated to write off the cost less estimated residual value of each asset over its expected useful life, as follows: Fixtures, fittings & equipment 33% on cost and 20% on cost

1.5 Leasing Rentals payable under operating leases are charged against income on a straight line basis over the lease term.

1.6 Stock Stock is valued at the lower of cost and net realisable value.

1.7 Deferred taxation Deferred taxation is provided in full in respect of taxation deferred by timing differences between the treatment of certain items for taxation and accounting purposes. The deferred tax balance has not been discounted.

2 Operating profit 2015 2014 £ £ Operating profit is stated after charging: Depreciation of tangible assets 12,266 10,688 Operating lease rentals 25,925 25,000 Auditors’ remuneration (including expenses and benefits in kind) 1,800 1,800 Directors’ remuneration* 136,941 126,449

* All the directors except the Director General are unpaid.

3 Investment income 2015 2014 £ £

Bank interest 6,783 2,855

6,783 2,855

4 Taxation 2015 2014 £ £ Domestic current year tax U.K. corporation tax 1,357 571

Total current tax 1,357 571

Factors affecting the tax charge for the year Profit/(loss) on ordinary activities before taxation 42,167 (4,131)

Profit/(loss) on ordinary activities before taxation multiplied by standard rate of UK corporation tax of 20.00% (2014 - 20.00%) 8,433 (826)

Effects of: Other tax adjustments (7,076) 1,397

(7,076) 1,397

Current tax charge for the year 1,357 571

Corporation tax is charged only on bank interest received.

5 Tangible fixed assets Plant and machinery etc Cost £ At 1 April 2014 106,519 Additions 11,138

At 31 March 2015 117,657

Depreciation At 1 April 2014 81,732 Charge for the year 12,266

At 31 March 2015 93,998

Net book value At 31 March 2015 23,659 At 31 March 2014 24,787

6 Debtors 2015 2014 £ £ Other debtors 145,556 167,782

7 Creditors: amounts falling due within one year 2015 2014 £ £ Taxation and social security 1,357 1,730 Other creditors 291,516 322,526

292,873 324,256

8 Statement of movements on reserves

Other reserves Profit and (see below) loss account £ £ Balance at 1 April 2014 133,713 922,267 Profit for the year - 40,810

Balance at 31 March 2015 133,713 963,077

Other reserves Reserves provided for by the Articles of Association

Balance at 1 April 2014 133,713 Other reserve movement -

Balance at 31 March 2015 133,713

Other reserves comprise 2015 2014 £ £ Flavell Legacy 128,213 128,213 Disability Fund 500 500 Scargill Legacy 5,000 5,000

Total 133,713 133,713

9 Reconciliation of movements in funds 2015 2014 £ £ Profit/(Loss) for the financial year 40,810 (4,702) Opening funds 1,055,980 1,060,682

Closing funds 1,096,790 1,055,980

10 Financial commitments At 31 March 2015 the company was committed to making the following payments under non-cancellable operating leases in the year to 31 March 2016:

Land and buildings 2015 2014 £ £

Operating leases which expire: Between two and five years 25,925 25,000

11 Legacies and donations received 2015 2014 £ £

Donations £1,000 and under 886 280

886 280

12 Exceptional items 2015 2014 £ £ Profit/ (Loss) for the year 40,810 (4,702) Exceptional Items: Flavell Legacy Expenditure - (7,430) Legacies and donations 886 280

Total Exceptional Items 886 (7,150)

Profit less exceptional items 39,924 2,448

THE ACCOUNTS SCHEDULE OF ADMINISTRATIVE EXPENSES

FOR THE YEAR ENDED 31 MARCH 2015

2015 2014 £ £ £ £TurnoverSubscriptions - Full Members 205,350 196,870Subscriptions - Corp Members 61,056 55,776Subscriptions - Friends 1,122,642 1,016,067

1,389,048 1,268,713

Administrative expenses (1,480,294) (1,395,448)

(91,246) (126,735)

Other operating incomeConferences and seminars 75,820 65,435Publications - 129Commission Fees 8,100 -Sale of ties 683 1,683Sponsorship 41,141 59,652

125,744 126,899

Operating profit 34,398 164

Exceptional itemsExceptional items - (7,430)Legacies and donations 886 280 886 (7,150)

Other interest receivable and similar incomeBank interest received 6,783 2,855

Profit/(loss) before taxation 42,167 (4,131)

Administrative expensesStaff costs including wages 423,941 403,127Property 38,286 35,216Membership 164,851 167,415Friends 663,864 592,107Marketing and Research 51,478 46,044Special Projects 9,780 10,694Administration 128,094 140,845

1,480,294 1,395,448

This page does not form part of the statutory financial statements

HHA COMMITTEESThe BoardChairman: Richard ComptonJames BirchPenelope, Viscountess CobhamSir Richard FitzHerbert BtDavid Fursdon (until June 2015)Alexander Hay of Duns (until June 2015)Earl of Hopetoun (from June 2015)The Hon Simon HowardThe Lord InglewoodThe Hon Mrs Martha Lytton CobboldMichael More-MolyneuxWilliam ParenteJames Saunders WatsonSir James Scott Bt Nick Way

Regional Chairmen’s ForumAll Regional ChairmenPresidentDeputy PresidentDirector GeneralPeter SinclairFrances Garnham (until February 2015)Neil MatthewsEmma Robinson (from June 2015)

Taxation and Political CommitteeChairman: Sir James Scott Bt Tim AdamsJames BirchRichard ComptonRuth CornettThe Earl of DerbyEdward HarleyJames Hervey-Bathurst The Lord InglewoodMeriel LaverackWilliam MasseyGiles Mounsey-HeyshamWendy PhilipsJames Saunders WatsonMichael SayerLouise Speke Rhoddy VorembergNick Way

Tourism and Commercial Development CommitteeChairman: The Hon Mrs Martha Lytton CobboldThe Duchess of ArgyllSusie Bagot (until November 2014)Charlotte Bossick (from November 2014)Laura Bogard Sir Brooke Boothby BtJohn Brazier (Secretary)Richard ComptonBernard DonoghueSimon FosterFrances Garnham (until February 2015)James Hervey-Bathurst John HoyNorman HudsonSir Thomas Ingilby BtJason LindsayCaroline Lowsley-WilliamsAndrew NormanRobert ParkerEmma Robinson (from June 2015)

The Countess of SandwichPeter SinclairEleni Stephenson ClarkeSarah TroughtonNick Way

Next Generation CommitteeChairman: Viscount RaynhamDeputy Chairman: Edward Sanguinetti Magnus BirchPaul FairbairnClare FortescueEwan Frost-PenningtonLucy HawkesBilly More-NisbettLouise RatcliffGrace Vane-Percy

REGIONAL COMMITTEESCumbria Chairman Iona Frost-Pennington, Muncaster Castle Deputy Chairman Hal Bagot, Levens Hall Hon Treasurer and Secretary Charles Blackett-Ord Peter Frost-Pennington, Muncaster Castle Henry Bowring, Whelprigg HouseHenry Howard, Johnby Hall

East Anglia Chairman William Bevan, Longstowe Hall Deputy Chairman Jason Lindsay, Hedingham Castle Hon Treasurer Peter Milne, Catton Hall (until October 2014) Hon Treasurer Elizabeth Meath Baker, Walsingham Abbey (from October 2014)Viscount Coke, Holkham Hall The Earl of Iveagh, Elveden The Hon Dominic Petre, Ingatestone Hall Louise Ratcliff, Saling Grove (Next Generation) Lord Somerleyton, Somerleyton Hall (from October 2014) Christopher Vane-Percy, Island Hall

East Midlands Chairman Robert Brackenbury, Holme Pierrepont Hall (until June 2015) Chairman Teri-Lee Wagstaff, Langley Priory (from June 2015) Deputy Chairman Teri-Lee Wagstaff, Langley Priory (until June 2015) Deputy Chairman George Buchanan, Hodsock Priory (from June 2015) Hon Treasurer Robert Brudenell, Deene Park Secretary Rodney Callow Claire Birch, Doddington Hall (until June 2015) Robert Brackenbury, Holme Pierrepont Hall Lady Cholmeley, Easton Walled Gardens Robert Elwes, Elsham Hall (until June 2014) Sir Richard and Lady FitzHerbert, Tissington Hall Lord Edward Manners, Haddon Hall Christopher Nevile, Aubourn Hall (until June 2014) Andrew Norman, Rockingham Castle The Duke of Rutland, Belvoir Castle Elizabeth Saunders Watson, Rockingham Castle Alexandra Sitwell, Renishaw Hall Rebecca Speight (until June 2014) Simon Chesters Thompson Nicola Wright, Eyam Hall

Heart of England Chairman Michael Fetherston-Dilke, Maxstoke Castle Deputy Chairman Caroline Magnus, Stokesay Court Hon Treasurer Cosy Bagot Jewitt, Blithfield Hall Secretary Caroline Lowsley-Williams, Chavenage Charles Berkeley, Berkeley Castle (Next Generation) 3130

David Brown, Pelham Grove The Earl Fortescue, Ebrington Manor Crescent Giffard, Chillington Hall Gilbert Greenall, Bromesberrow Park The Marquess of Hertford, Ragley Hall Jan Lucas-Scudamore, Kentchurch Court Robin Neilson, Catton Hall Gareth Williams, Weston Park

North West Chairman Sarah Callander Beckett, Combermere Abbey Deputy Chairman and Hon Treasurer Mark Blundell, Crosby Hall Secretary Brendan Flanagan, Tatton Park Lucy Arthurs, Leighton Hall (Next Generation) The Viscount Ashbrook, Arley Hall Amanda Baker Wilbraham, Rode Hall (Next Generation) Nicholas Bromley-Davenport, Capesthorne Hall Thomas Codling, Martholme Sir Bernard de Hoghton Bt, Hoghton Tower The Earl of Derby, Knowsley Hall Harold Elletson, Parrox Hall Robert Parker, Browsholme Hall Richard Roundell, Dorfold Hall

Northumbria Chairman Lady Nicholson, Quarry Hill (until September 2015) Chairman Penny Norton, Whalton Manor (from September 2015) Deputy Chairman Lt Col J M Craster, Craster Tower (until September 2015) Deputy Chairman William Browne-Swimburne, Capheaton Hall (from September 2015) Hon Treasurer and Secretary Tom Warde-Aldam William Charlton, Hesleyside Hall Norman Hudson David Ronn Terry Stephens, Angerton Hall Gerard Salvin, Croxdale Hall The Hon Harry Vane, Raby Castle

South East Chairman Michael More-Molyneux, Losely Park (until September 2015)Chairman Duncan Leslie, Hever Castle (from September 2015) Deputy Chairman Duncan Leslie, Hever Castle (until September 2015)Deputy Chairman James Cooper, Stansted Park (from September 2015) Hon Treasurer Richard Pailthorpe, Parham Park Secretary Marylyn Rankin Tim Bacon, Ramsden Farm Edward Barham, Hole Park Rupert Clark The Viscount Hampden, Glynde Place Marice Kendrick, Boughton Monchelsea Place James Peill, Goodwood Jane Rick, Spencer House James Sellick, Pashley Manor Eleni Stephenson Clarke, Borde Hill Andrew Wells, Mere House

Thames & Chilterns Chairman The Earl of Carnarvon, Highclere Castle Deputy Chairman and Hon. Secretary Sarah Taylor, Rycote Park Hon Treasurer The Hon Henry Holland-Hibbert, Munden Martin Fiennes, Broughton Castle Fiona Heyward, Haseley Court The Hon Martha Lytton Cobbold, Knebworth House Timothy Oliver, Hampden House Adrian Scrope, Chilton Lodge

Wessex Chairman Charles Eden, Culver Deputy Chairman The Hon Henry Digby, Minterne (Next Generation) Hon Treasurer Alice Kennard, Forde Abbey Secretary Sheila Ralph (until June 2014) William Cartwright-Hignett, Iford Manor Sir John Cave Bt, Sidbury Manor Rebecca Dobson, Hill Place Anthony Fortescue, Boconnoc Lady Gass, Fairfield Bridget Mackwood, Gatcombe Court Danielle Rolfe, Penton Park Mark Roper, Forde Abbey Paul SmalleySir Hugh Stucley Bt, Hartland Abbey

Yorkshire Chairman The Hon William Hotham, Dalton Hall Vice Chairman The Hon Simon Cunliff-Lister, Burton Agnes Hall (from October 2014) Hon Treasurer Ian Curteis, Markenfield Hall (until October 2014) Hon Treasurer Julie Evison, Womersley Park (from October 2014) Secretary Gaby Robertshaw, Farfield Hall The Hon Jake Duncombe, Duncombe Park Christopher Legard, Scampston Hall

Scotland Chairman Alexander Hay of Duns, Duns Castle (until June 2015)Chairman Earl of Hopetoun, Hopetoun House (from June 2015) Deputy Chairman Earl of Hopetoun, Hopetoun House (until June 2015) Hon Treasurer The Duke of Fife, Kinnaird Castle (until June 2015) Deputy Chairman and Hon Treasurer The Duke of Fife, Kinnaird Castle (from June 15) Secretary Clare Sorensen Co-ordinator Lois Bayne-Jardine The Duchess of Argyll, Inverary Castle Caroline Borwick, The Carriage House Lady Campbell, Kilbryde Castle Douglas Connell (until June 2015)Ian Clark (from June 2015) The Countess of Haddington, Mellerstain House (until June 14) Alexander Hay of Duns, Duns Castle Finlay Lockie, Northfield House Catherine Maxwell Stuart, Traquair House Mark Richards Sarah Troughton, Blair Castle

Wales Chairman Michael Tree, Hendre House Deputy Chairman Sir Brooke Boothby Bt, Fonmon Castle Hon Treasurer and Secretary Tim Lee Dr Miranda Dechazal, Hartsheath House Graham Holland, Plas Draw Richard Knight, Nottage Court Thomas Lloyd, Court Henry Thomas Methuen-Campbell, Penrice Castle David Pryse-Lloyd, Panteg Jeremy Rye, Brithdir Hall

Northern Ireland Chairman Gavin Mackie, Larchfield House Deputy Chairman Danny Kinahan, Castle Upton (from July 14) Secretary and Council Representative Sarah Mackie, Larchfield House (from July 14)

N.B. Regional Friends Representatives (listed on page 26) are ex officio members of their Regional Committees.

The HHA continues its strong support for key heritage charities that provide much-needed help and recognition for historic houses.

The Heritage Conservation Trust (HCT)The HHA supports the work of the Heritage Conservation Trust which assists historic houses and gardens open to the public. The HCT gives grants for three purposes:

• The conservation, maintenance and restoration of works of art and objects of outstanding artistic, scientific and historic interest

• Educational, access and training initiatives in and about historic houses and gardens

• Research projects linked closely to the conservation of the historic or artistic contents of houses

The HCT is dependent on generous donations from individuals, organisations, regional groups of the Friends of the HHA and HHA Regions themselves. To encourage longer term funding, through legacies, an HCT leaflet has been promoted in the Law Society Gazette’s Charity and Appeals Directory and is available to professional Corporate Members of the HHA. The charity is also exploring new fundraising opportunities.

The HCT financial year runs from April to March. In the year to the end of March 2015, grants and donations to the Trust amounted to £30,264. During the financial year the HCT made grants totalling £15,500 towards the restoration of ‘Tulips, Carnations and Other Flowers’ and the Hysing portrait of Peter Tillemans at Dorney Court in Berkshire, the ‘Coronation of Louis XIV’ at Rokeby Park in County Durham, the portrait of the 1st Viscount Saye and Sele at Broughton Castle in Oxfordshire and an educational project to involve schoolchildren in growing plants in a historic setting, at Great Dixter in East Sussex.

As at the end of March outstanding work, for which grants of £29,210 had also been approved, included restoration of paintings at Elton Hall in Peterborough, Broughton Castle in Oxfordshire, Renishaw Hall in Derbyshire and Auckland Castle in County Durham. This sum also included support for the completion of the project at Great Dixter and the creation of a Learning Loft at Cambo House in Fife.

Since the beginning of the current financial year in April 2015 the HCT has approved further grants of £16,780 for restoration of (a) three paintings at Capesthorne Estate in Cheshire,(b) the ‘View of Combermere Hall’ by Peter Tillemans at Combermere Abbey in Cheshire, (c) four paintings at Picton Castle in Pembrokeshire and (d) ‘Hagar and Ishmael’ at Doddington Hall in Lincolnshire.

The Trust continues to research the need for restoration grant support at a number of historic houses; meanwhile applications from individual houses and donations to the Trust are warmly encouraged.

Heritage Education Trust (HET)As a founding Member, the HHA continues to work closely with the Heritage Education Trust, which promotes excellence in heritage education. The HET manages the Sandford Awards – the prestigious kite-mark for quality in heritage education. Many congratulations go to this year’s HHA Member winners: Burghley House, Chatsworth House, Hall Place and Gardens, Harvington Hall, Holdenby House, Hopetoun House and Tatton Park.

The HHA was particularly pleased to congratulate the winner of the inaugural Frances Garnham Heritage Education Award, Holdenby House, in recognition of its learning team’s innovative approach to historic house education. This award was inspired by the HHA’s much-loved and highly respected former Director of Policy & Campaigns.

CHARITABLE ACTIVITIES

Left Heritage education via historical re-enactment at Burghley House, Lincolnshire, © burghley.co.uk Middle Holdenby House, Northamptonshire, winner of the inaugural Frances Garnham Heritage Education Award Right Frances Garnham, © Shelagh Collingwood

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