## Annual Report 


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YMDDIRIEDOLAETH GERDDI HANESYDDOL CYMRU WELSH HISTORIC GARDENS TRUST 

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## Ymddiriedolaeth Gerddi Hanesyddol Cymru Welsh Historic Gardens Trust 

**Report of the Trustees and Financial Statements for the year ended 31 December 2023** 

**Patron: HM King Charles III** 

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## **Chairman’s Report** Joanna Davidson 

2023 saw our first big conference of the decade in Llandudno, where a very distinguished cast of lecturers discussed the future of trees in the Historic landscape. This event was well attended and, as we had hoped, included a number of local authority tree officers and National Trust gardeners. This type of engagement is vital in keeping the awareness of the historic landscape in the minds of those in a position to influence its future. We intend to continue holding these events. 

Trustees were pleased to meet with Patrick Swan, Gardens Consultant at the  National Trust, at Powys Castle. We spent an afternoon going through plans and policy for each Welsh property. Patrick suggested that we make this a regular occurrence which is very encouraging. At the same time we have instigated a series of regular meetings with Lisa Fiddes, the Cadw Inspector responsible for Parks and Gardens which are proving useful. 

The 2023 AGM was held at The National Botanic Garden which was very well organised by a team headed by Merilyn Anderson. I understand that it was an interesting and enjoyable weekend, begining with a drinks reception at Court Henry hosted by Tom and Willa Lloyd. Unfortunately I was suffering from Covid and missed it all! I would like to thank Elaine Davey for doing a wonderful job in running the AGM in my absence. 

Many branches are active and vibrant with a full programme of visits, lectures and planning matters. However, we have branch difficulties in West Glamorgan and Carmarthenshire and would welcome anyone who wants to take a more active role. 

The Trust has been involved with campaigns to save the landscapes of Ruperra, Penrhos and the John Summers Garden at Shotton and to urge the Welsh Government to do more to protect parks and gardens in Wales. 

In September Glynis and I were very pleased to help with a Garden Trust visit to North Wales led by Sandra Pullen with visits to Happy Valley, Bodnant, Bodysgallen, Gwydir, Plas Cadnant and Treborth Botanic Garden. Huge thanks to all the hosts who ensured the trip was a great success. 

I would like to thank our very hard working Trustees for all the grass roots work done throughout the year as well as that on a national level. We owe a great debt to Glynis for the excellent Bulletins she has produced, something that definitely raises the profile of the Trust. Leigh O Connor continues to administer our finances efficiently and cheerfully, Vicki Jordan has settled into the role of Secretary and Jennie Macve continues to run the membership. Elaine Davey has kindly agreed to take over the responsibilities formerly managed by Aberglasney. Stephen Lacey has agreed to continue as President, something we are very grateful for. 

Finally, I would like to thank the membership for their continuing support and loyalty throughout this year and hopefully for many years to come. 

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## **National Planning** Sarah Green 

As can be seen in the branch reports it has once again been a busy year for members on the planning front emphasising the vital role the Trust plays in its ability to respond swiftly to planning applications with the benefit of in-depth knowledge and research carried out by members. 

It is worth noting that the guidance available to applicants who propose developments which may affect a Registered Park or Garden, varies across the local planning authorities (LPAs) in Wales. Some LPAs provide good guidance in the form of detailed policies or in supplementary planning guidance (SPG) on best practice to avoid compromising the significance of registered parks and gardens. Enforcement of planning approvals and conditions also remains variable with inconsistencies in policy between LPAs. 

It should also be noted that progress in adopting and reviewing Local Development Plans (LDPs) across the LPAs varies enormously and that in some cases it is still worthwhile becoming involved with the process in your area to help ensure that policies within the LPD aimed at protecting sites on the Register are as clear and as robust as possible. 

In terms of overarching legislation on 14 June 2023, the Historic Environment (Wales) Bill became an Act and the Welsh Government’s first exercise in consolidation in an ambitious programme to improve the accessibility of Welsh law. The legislation is now an Act of Senedd Cymru and will be brought into force in the latter part of 2024, supported by secondary legislation. 

Part 6 of the Act requires the Welsh Ministers to maintain and publish the register of historic parks and gardens. It also requires the Welsh Ministers to maintain a historic environment record for each of the 22 local authorities in Wales. 

Since there is no change in policy, it is important to stress that once the 2023 Act is commenced there will be no action or activity required for most users of the legislation. Further information will be found on the Cadw website but the list below indicates some of the important policy documents and guidance which will need to be updated: 

Planning Policy Wales, Technical Advice Note 24: The Historic Environment, Heritage Impact Assessment in Wales, Setting of Historic Assets in Wales, Understanding Listing in Wales, Heritage Partnership Agreements in Wales, as well as the series giving advice on Managing change in the historic environment including Registered Historic Parks and Gardens in Wales. 

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## **Report of the Trustees and Financial Statements** 

**For the year ended 31 December 2023** WHGT trustees, also directors of the charity for the purposes of the Companies Act, present the Annual Report and Financial Statements for the year ended 31 December 2022. The trustees have adopted the provisions of the Statement of Recommended Practice (SORP) _Accounting and Reporting by Charities_ March 2005 

## **Reference and Administrative details** 

Registered Company number: 02829630 (England and Wales) Registered Charity number: 1023293 

## **Registered Office 2023** 

Aberglasney Gardens, Llangathen, Carmarthenshire, SA32 8QH 01558 668 485 / admin@whgt.org.uk www.whgt.wales 

## **Trustees** 

|**Trustees**||
|---|---|
|Joanna Davidson|Chairman|
|Elaine Davey|Vice-Chairman|
|Leigh O’Connor|Treasurer|
|Jennie Macve|Membership Secretary|



Angela Adams Rice, Merilyn Anderson, John Edmondson, Sarah Green, Judith Holland, Vicki Jordan, Caroline Palmer, Karen Peers-Smith, Maldwyn Rees, Jonathan Reeves, Sue Reeves, Glynis Shaw, and Anthony Tavernor. 

## **President** 

Stephen Lacey 

## **Council** 

Elizabeth Banks CBE, John Borron, Bettina Harden MBE, Gwyneth Hayward, John Dixon Hunt, David Lambert, William Wilkins CBE, Elisabeth Whittle, Lady Auriol Linlithgow. 

## **Bankers** 

Barclays Bank PLC, Llandeilo 

## **Independent Examiner** 

Appointed by Trustees at AGM 12 September 2023. 

Daphne Jeffreys. 

Rochelle, Four Crosses, Llanymynech, Powys SY22 6RB 

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## **Structure Governance and Management** 

## **Governing document** 

The charity is controlled by its governing document, a deed of trust, and constitutes a limited company, limited by guarantee, as defined by the Companies Act 2006. The annual report is prepared according to the small companies regime (Section 419(2)) Companies Act and the Statement of Recommended Practice _Accounting and Reporting by Charities_ issued March 2005. 

Ymddiriedolaeth Gerddi Hanesyddol Cymru - Welsh Historic Gardens Trust was incorporated as a company limited by guarantee (company registration number 02829630) on 23 June 1993 and registered with the Charity Commission (registration number 1023293) on 1 July 1993. 

The company and charitable trust are governed by its Articles and Memorandum of Association and is a membership organisation with branches throughout Wales. The Trust’s governing documents provide for the day-to-day administration to be undertaken by the Trust Committee, whose members are thus trustees of the charity and directors of the company which is limited by guarantee. Ultimate authority rests with the Trust’s members at either the Annual General Meeting or at an Extraordinary General Meeting; such meetings to be conducted as provided for in the foundation documents. 

## **Recruitment and Appointment of new Trustees** 

The directors of the company are also charity trustees for the purposes of charity law and under the company’s Articles are known as members of the Trust Committee. The trustees are either elected at the Annual General Meeting or nominated by the branches as their representative. 

## **Organisational structure** 

The Trust Committee meets four times throughout the year and the Trust is also managed through the branch committees. 

## **Risk Management** 

The major risks, to which the charity is exposed, as identified by the trustees, are constantly being monitored and systems have been and are being established to mitigate those risks. It is recognised that systems can only provide reasonable but not absolute assurance that major risks have been properly managed. 

## **Membership** 

In 2023 we had  ? Members, 

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## **Annual General Meeting 2023** 

**The 34th Annual General Meeting held at National Botanic Garden  of Wales on Saturday September 2023** 

## **MINUTES** 

The Deputy Chairman, Elaine Davey, welcomed members to the AGM as the Chairman, Jo Davidson, was indisposed with Covid. 

## **Attendance:** 

## 61 Members attended and the meeting was therefore quorate. 

## **Apologies:** 

Jo Davidson, Stephen Lacey, Auriol Linlithgow, Bettina Harden, Elizabeth Whittle, Maldwyn Rees, Mrs Jan Harris, Mrs Gilly Keown-Boyd, Mrs Jane Moyle, Mrs Marilyn Burns, John Dixon-Hunt, David Lambert, Edward and Nicky Gilbertson, Michael Norman, Carolyn Faulder, John Borron, Gwyneth Hayward, Elizabeth Evans, John Edmondson, Rhiannon Môn-Jones, Sarah Green. 

## **Agenda:** 

## **1. Approve the Minutes of the Annual General meeting held at Hay Castle September, 2023.** 

There were no amendments and no matters arising. 

Merilyn Anderson proposed, and Helena Gerrish seconded the motion. 

## **2. Vice-Chairman’s Report** 

In the absence of Jo Davidson Elaine Davey summarised the achievements of the Trust in the past year and  then read an address by the President. 

## **3. President’s Report: (read by Elaine Davey)** 

Firstly many apologies for not being at the AGM weekend - which was due to a prior commitment. I would very much have liked to have been with you. And now Jo is absent too, with Covid….. Oh dear. Can’t believe Covid is stalking us again. … Huge thanks to Merilyn and Elaine for taking charge of the AGM - you are in great hands - and huge thanks to everyone else who is contributing to the weekend. 

2023 seems to be the Year of the Tree. I was delighted to introduce the speakers at the WHGT tree day in Llandudno - Glynis assembled a galaxy of big names, headed by Tony Kirkham of Kew, and it was a fascinating day, themed around community tree planting and the choice of trees for a changing climate. Even in historic parks and gardens we can no longer be wedded to native species and heritage exotics but 

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must be open-minded to other trees - even unfamiliar genera like hickories - which have a similar outline and character and are better suited to heat and more resistant to diseases. 

And while the current enthusiasm for planting ever more trees is welcome, the preoccupation - Tony Kirkham stresses - should be not the planting but the ESTABLISHING of trees. Huge numbers of young trees die from neglect in their first few seasons. Better to plant fewer and look after them. This is what the WHGT and its branches have been involved with in our Platinum Jubilee tree planting and gifts of specimen trees - including trees for heritage orchards. It has been a great project. Trees and historic landscapes go hand in hand - indeed, how integral trees are to historic landscapes was one of the themes of the Garden Trust’s recent Welsh study weekend. 

On my way to the Pembrokeshire coast in June I stopped off for an hour at Aberglasney where the highlight was a fabulous flowering Magnolia macrophylla. I had never encountered this, sporting its enormous white scented flowers in the UK before. These giant-leaved American magnolias are certainly going to be an upside of global warming! 

I had my first visit to lovely St Fagan’s this year, where the WHGT has been supporting the project to restore the glasshouses, and to Hafod where Caroline Palmer and other WHGT members have been doing such magnificent work with the Hafod Trust restoring and replanting the walled garden and nurturing the wider landscape, which have now passed into the safekeeping of the National Trust. 

All strength now to the continuing campaigns at Ruperra, at Penrhos in Anglesey, and elsewhere. And heartfelt thanks to all WHGT members, and those who run the branches, for their time, expertise, passion and fighting spirit. See you soon! 

## **4.To adopt the Financial Report:** 

There were no questions arising. 

Jonathan Reeves proposed, and Glynis Shaw seconded the motion 

## **5. To appoint an Independent Examiner: Helen Lilley of Total Accounts Ltd. Being recommended.** 

Joanna Robertson proposed and Merilyn Anderson seconded the motion. 

## **6. To elect Officers and Trustees, for a term of one year each as listed below:** 

## **Officers:** 

Chairman Jo Davidson (nominated by Anthony Tavernor, seconded by Rosa Andrew) Vice-Chair Elaine Davey (nominated by Val Caple, seconded by Merilyn Anderson) Treasurer & Company Secretry Leigh O’Connor (nominated by Maldwyn Rees, seconded by Jennie Macve) 

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## **Elected Trustees:** 

Merilyn Anderson (nominated by Rosie Humphreys, seconded by Lucy Prichard) John Edmondson (nominated by Glynis Shaw, seconded by Caroline Palmer) G. Stephan Green (nominated by Glynis Shaw, seconded by Jennie Macve Sarah Green (nominated by Stephen Watkins, seconded by Mary Smith) Vicki Jordan (nominated by Jo Davidson, seconded by Margot Greer) Jennie Macve (nominated by Caroline Palmer, seconded by Philip Ellis) Maldwyn Rees (nominated by Jennie Macve, seconded by Jonathan Reeves) Sue Reeves (Leigh O’Connor, seconded by Maldwyn Rees) 

Glynis Shaw (nominated by Beth Brunning, seconded by Caroline Palmer) 

Anthony Tavernor (nominated by Jo Davidson, seconded by Glynis Shaw) 

## **[A further five representatives, appointed by branches, complete the composition of the Board of Trustees.]** 

## **Other appointments, made by the Committee:** 

Glynis Shaw - Publications Officer Sarah Green - Conservation and Planning Officer Jennie Macve - Membership Secretary 

## **7. Date of the 2024 Annual General meeting** 

The 35th Anniversary AGM will be hosted by Ceredigion on 7 September 2024. 

## **AOB** 

Angela Yardley, Chair of the Thomas Jones Pencerrig Trust (TJPT) made a case for the restoration of Pencerrig, home of Thomas Jones (1742-1803) the notable 18th century Welsh landscape painter and early student of the Picturesque Landscape movement. Pencerrig has an interesting landscape. It would be good to know what has survived of the landscaping and plantations undertaken by Thomas Jones. The house is gravely neglected, and the current owner is not stemming the decay. The TJPT with the help of the Architectural Heritage Trust commissioned a Project Viability Report in 2020. 

William Wilkins suggested that all owners of Thomas Jones paintings were financially secure, including the Mellon family and that the TJPT should locate the owners of Thomas Jones paintings to help raise match funding for an HLF application. 

"The meeting was followed by a talk given by Dr Lucy Sutherland, Director of the National Botanic Garden of Wales." 

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## **Small Grants Scheme 2023** 

WHGT gave a grant of £1000 to the Hay Castle Trust for reinstating the terraced bank at Hay Castle facing the High Street. 

This match funded a grant awarded by the Brecon, Radnor & Montgomery branch. 

WHGT also gave a grant of £1000 towards a Jean Reader memorial bench for the Cowbridge Physic Garden. 

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## **Branch reports 2023** 

_T_ he Clwyd and Gwynedd branches held a successful seminar on Trees in 2023. It was followed by a guided tour of Bodnant the following day - particularly to see their fine collection of Magnolias. 

**Venue Cymru Llandudno 29 March 10.30** Welsh Historic Gardens Trust 

## **Trees** 

A full day Seminar on trees, coffee served from !0.00 am 

Tony Kirkham MBE VMH former Head of Arboretum, Royal Botanic Gardens, Kew **‘Future Trees** ’ 

Simon Toomer Curator of Living Collections Kew ‘ **Balancing heritage and resilience - treescapes in a changing climate’** John Parker Chief Executive Arboricultural Association ‘ **The Stonehouse Community Arboretum’** Barry Grain Head Gardener Cholmondley Castle ‘ **Magnificent Magnolias’ £35 including refreshments and lunch.  Booking www.whgt.wales** 



## **Brecon, Radnor & Montgomery** _Chair Jonathan Reeves_ 

In February we enjoyed an interesting start to the year at Stokesay Castle near Craven Arms in Shropshire. The weather was superb and there were snowdrops everywhere. We found that one of our members had lived in the castle for a time!  After lunch at the Clive Arms near Ludlow we walked around Millichope Park and saw more wonderful snowdrops in a spectacular parkland setting. Tea in the house followed and was a fitting end to a special day. 

In early May we held our AGM at The Rodd near Presteigne, built between 1580 and 1629 by the Rodd family. The family continued to own it over the centuries, with various interludes, until 1950 when it was bought by Sir Sydney Nolan, the Australian Artist. It now belongs to a Trust that is slowly restoring and repairing it. The garden was interesting but there is much still to do inside the main house, Rodd Court, after some bad damage to the roof. 

King Charles had very kindly asked a limited number of members to visit Highgrove House in Tetbury. This visit took place in May and the garden was superb. We all much enjoyed our visit and were most grateful to His Majesty. 

On our week away in Northern Ireland in June we found all the nine gardens superb and the owners and their supporters were utterly helpful and friendly. The hotel was excellent but they didn’t know what a kipper was!! 

We were fortunate to be invited to Battle House near Brecon by Sir Roger and Lady Jones for our summer Garden Party. The weather both before and after was appalling but we had a wonderful afternoon exploring a comparatively new garden with superb 



views of the Beacons and a delicious tea with strawberries. 

At the end of July we enjoyed a fascinating visit to Rhodds Farm Garden where Richard and Cary Goode showed us around their delightful garden near Kington. Again we had a wonderful tea in the garden with superb surroundings which varied enormously from our Brecon visit. We are indeed fortunate to have such variety in our part of the Welsh Borders which was emphasised later by an evening visit to another very new garden, Lower Gaer, in the hills above Huntington. Susan Maiden, the inspiration behind this garden, had taken in an area of open, north facing, field only ten years ago and the result was staggering. Wonderful borders, lawns and hedges. We enjoyed it all and a glass or two of Tanners wine. 

In September we went to Montgomeryshire and spent the morning in Glansevern Hall gardens. These are currently in a sad state although the buildings are being well looked after. However we felt that there was huge potential there with a large semi walled garden, a fascinating grotto and some wonderful vistas and a large and rather beautiful lake. There were signs of recent activity too and we do wish the new owners the best of good fortune. The afternoon was spent at Powis Castle when we went inside as well as round the gardens. As expected all was fascinating and beautifully maintained. A wonderful contrast! 

WHGT has been very concerned with the restoration of Hay Castle with the Trust’s AGM held in the castle in 2022. After a meeting at the Castle we decided to contribute to the landscaping of the bank overlooking the town square. The branch initially paid £2020 of which £1000 was then given by the Trustees. A suitable stone plaque will be erected in due course. 

Our winter lecture, Colour in the Garden was given by Edward Bulmer at the Judges Lodgings in Presteigne, an inspired lecture by a real expert. 

I must thank our very hard working committee for all the effort that goes into planning a years programme; it involves a lot of thought and sometimes courage and certainly a good deal of telephoning and emailing. I must also thank  all our members for all their loyalty and enthusiasm. Without this encouragement things just would not happen 

## **Conservation and Planning** 

I cannot honestly say that much has happened. We do hear of various planning applications that we investigate and occasionally make a comment. 

We opposed Bute Power in the Radnor Forest and the Wye Valley and we never cease to wonder at the Hendy Wind Farm, which, after building one wind turbine in 2019 and then another six in 2021, have so far never been able to  turn them on and generate any power whatsoever. This however appears to be our Labour Government’s policy and has nothing to do with Historic Gardens. It merely desecrates Radnor Forest. 



## **Ceredigion** Chair Caroline Palmer 

The Branch AGM was able to return to its usual venue the Waun Fawr Community Hall for the AGM on 18[th] March 2023. This was followed by an excellent lecture by Helen Harrison on the Monkey Puzzles of Ceredigion. This ornamental tree is remarkable abundant in the county, popular both with Victorian gardeners and in the present day. 

Trees have been donated by the branch and planted in connection with the Queen’s Green Canopy.  A tulip tree was planted adjoining the gardener’s cottage at Hafod, and two monkey puzzles to replace losses at Trawcoed.  Philip Ellis and Caroline Palmer organised the Hafod planting, and Helen Harrison and Ros Laidlaw arranged it at Trawscoed. Photographs of the plantings were uploaded to the QGC interactive map. Disappointingly this seems no longer to be on line. 

There were three branch visits during the summer; Morben Hall, Derwenlas on 10 May, Plas Llansteffan and Coomb Mansion in Carmarthenshire on 5 July, and a revisit and tea at Nanteos on 29 August. 

Caroline Palmer represented WHGT at a series of workshops organised by ISWE (The Institute for the Study of Welsh Estates) which were held at Gregynog. This examined different solutions to the management of historic estates in Wales and was an excellent opportunity for conservationists and owners/managers to exchange ideas. An article has been published in The Bulletin No 82 ( Spring 2023). 

The Committee met twice to organise the programme, and has also undertaken to host the national WHGT AGM in September 2024. 

## Conservation and Planning 

Caroline Palmer and Philip Ellis continue to serve on the Hafod Advisory Committee and have been involved in scrutinising Deborah Evans’s excellent Gazetteer of Hafod and Statement of Significance which will inform the development of a ten year plan for Hafod under the National Trust. 

The Aberystwyth University Grounds Advisory Group, which includes Ros Laidlaw, Caroline Palmer and Branch member Peter Wootton Beard has not been convened since before covid, although Peter has been asked for advice during this period. The new plantings below the Hugh Owen building were eventually weeded in the autumn.  Staffing in regard to grounds maintenance remains perilously sparse. It is hoped that the forthcoming WHGT AGM to be held on the campus on 7 September may serve as a stimulus to the University. 

Ros Laidlaw continues to monitor planning applications in the county. 



## **Clwyd** Chair _Glynis Shaw_ 

The Clwyd branch began a busy in 2023 with planting for the Queen’s Platinum Jubilee. This involved Steve Emery sourcing a variety of heritage orchard trees for Plas Newydd in Llangollen, two Amelanchier lamarckii for Lower Park Denbigh in support of Denbigh in Bloom which had tremendous success this year by being awarded Gold first place in the Town category. Many thanks to WHGT members who supported Den-bigh in Bloom! We also provided a Holm Oak for a park on the coast road at Rhos-on-Sea. Plans to plant at John Summers were cancelled as the Brenda Colvin site was being destroyed. We also deferred planting at the Bodlondeb designed by Kemp as the status of the site is unclear while Conwy Council is thinking of selling it. 

In March we ran a very successful Tree Seminar with the Gwynedd branch at Venu Cymru in Llandudno on maintaining tree canopy in the face of climate change. Simon Toomer described the actions taken at Kew to maintain the planting of a historic landscape; John Parker, CEO of the Arboricultural Association described the Community Arboretum at Stonehouse; Tony Kirkham MBE VMH provided a comprehensive catalogue of trees which showed the importance of choosing trees with a suitable provenance to survive climate change with various species from North America, the Mediterranean, Caucasus and even China. Finally, we had a talk on the wonderful Magnolia collection at Cholmondeley Castle given by Head Gardener Barry Grain. A visit to Bodnant was arranged the next day to look at the Magnolias - and help with identification in a few cases. This event was well supported by the local authorities and arborists in the region as well as our members. 

All speakers spoke of the need for diversity to help reduce spread of disease which has been exacerbated by climate chaange. Thanks to Stephen Lacey for chairing this event. 

This year we visited Tony Burrows early spring garden in Llandyrnog, the parkland and plantations at Llewesog outside Llanrhaeadr, the gardens at Plas Nant y Glyn near Nercwys, Rhaggatt Hall at Carrog and Trevor Hall outside Llangollen. We held an AGM at Hartsheath where we enjoyed a talk on Hartsheath by Miranda Dechazal and saw some treasures in the library as well as the garden. Next year we will bring the AGM forward so that accounts can be presented earlier in the year. Huge thanks to all our hosts for their generous hospitality and to the committee for arranging these events. 

We finished the year with mulled wine and a talk on Trees on Welsh estates by Shaun Evans of Bangor University at Theatr Twym o’r Nant in Denbigh. 

It has been great to welcome Jane Parry-Evans and Aaron Marubi to our committee. 



## **Conservation and Planning** 

The branch remains concerned with the Talacre grotto with carved reliefs and the nearby Folly Tower with the shell house. Both are in urgent need of conservation. 

2023 saw the destruction of the John Summers Garden designed by Brenda Colvin at the Shotton Steel Headquarters building. This is a rare example of a 20th century garden on a heavy industrial site in this part of the world. The need for compulsory Conservation Management Plans in relation to John Summers was discussed at the Senedd to help save such sites as its listed status has failed to protect it. It now needs a complete restoration. 

At Wynnstay, Ruabon, houses have been built in the walled garden on a rare Welsh Capability Brown landscape despite our objections. The Bodelwyddan garden has been sold to Bourne Leisure together with the Williams Hall; only the parkland now remains in LA control. The pods at Kinmel Hall still have to be removed. The protection of listed landscapes seems precarious in this region as local government lack resources for enforcement and litigation. 

We have been asked to help with the landscape at Nantclwyd y Dre in Ruthin where some of the garden has been destroyed as a result of repairing a collapsed retaining wall. We also hope to help with the restoration of an interesting garden at Plas Uchaf at Llaneffydd. 

At Plas Newydd we have sourced some of the roses which once formed the collection of the Ladies of Llangollen as listed in their diaries. Anthony Tavernor also kindly donated plants from Plas Cadnant to enhance the dell, an early Picturesque landscape. 



**Gwynedd** Chair _Christine Newsham_ 

The year started with a visit in February to Henblas to see the snowdrops, which were wonderful, our host Claire Hollingsworth greeted us with hot chocolate to warm us on a particularly chilly day. 

Our AGM was held at the Telford Centre, Menai Bridge, and was very well attended. Our speaker, Bill Warrell, Head Gardener at National Trust Plas Newydd. gave an interesting talk on the history of the gardens at Plas Newydd, and plans for their future development . 

A garden party towards the end of June was held at Plas Bodfa, Llanfaes, courtesy of Jonathan Evans and Julie Upmeyer, was a resounding success with more than 50 people enjoying a finger buffet provided by committee members. We enjoyed a tour of the garden, which members of the committee and volunteers had helped to restore, and the wonderful panoramic views across the Menai Straits towards the Snowdon range. Some of us were able to view the extensive collection of succulents in the large greenhouses. 

This year we added an extra day to our annual trip, which we shared with the Friends of Treborth Botanical Gardens, allowing us to visit more gardens in the East of England. On the first day we visited Belvoir Castle, home of the Duke and Duchess of Rutland, which dates from Norman times, where we were given a guided tour of the gardens by the head gardener Tom Webster. 

Day two was spent entirely at Burghley House, where there was much to see. The gardens, originally laid out in Elizabethan style were completely redesigned by Capability Brown.in the second half of the eighteenth century, We were given an excellent guided tour by head gardener Joe Whitehead. 

We visited three garden ~~s~~ on the third day, fitting in, Little Poynton Hall near Grantham, a magical garden rarely open to the public; Easton Hall, a garden that  has been undergoing extensive restoration since 2001. and The Moat, an inspiring two and a half acre garden developed over the last 21 years. 

Finally as we made our way back to North Wales we stopped at Trentham Gardens, where we enjoyed lunch and some retail therapy, followed by a tour of the gardens, which have matured into some of the finest contemporary gardens in Britain. 

In October members enjoyed an extensive tour of the Gardens at Plas Newydd with the Head Gardener, Bill Warrell, when he explained the future plans for the gardens. Our President, Stephen Lacey, gave us a wonderful talk in December on the History of Garden Borders, which was thoroughly enjoyed by all. This was followed by a special seasonal buffett. 

The branch has commissioned and paid for a plaque to commemorate the late Queen’s Platinum Jubilee, which will be placed by an Oak seedling in a grove at Gwydir Castle. A dedication ceremony will be arranged next year. 



## **Conservation and Planning** 

The situation at Penrhos Nature Reserve is still ongoing. There is now a fighting fund to protect the area from overdevelopment. Planning permission was given eight years ago for a £100m holiday village on the site once owned by Anglesey Aluminium. There is a resurgence of local opposition to the project and we have been giving our support both on the ground and liaising with Cadw. We have been informed that Cadw representatives have visited the site and the possibility of putting the park on the Garden Register is being explored. An article on the Penrhos Park will be in the Spring Bulletin 2024. 

Jo Davidson and Glynis Shaw visited Cestyll ,where they met the new gardener, Georgie Robinson, who seems to be keen for it to be cared for sensitively. It is hoped to arrange for the committee to visit the garden sometime soon, and we hope to support her in the future where possible. 

Changes at Glynllifon are continuing and we have been in discussion with the local authority, Coleg Meirion Dwyfor and Gwynedd Archaeological Trust over the possible impact on the Park of the new buildings. 




## **Monmouthshire and Gwent** _Chair Helena Gerrish._ 

We held our AGM at the sessions house in Usk on Thursday 23 March, together with a thought provoking lecture by Stephen Anderton: _Why Wales? The Appeal of Gardening in Wales to Gardeners Past and Present_ , followed by tea. 

On Wednesday 10 May we visited Hestercombe near Taunton to meet the Head Gardener for talk and tour of the Jekyll/Lutyens garden, and after lunch we walked to the 18[th] century landscape garden. 

Following on from our Autumn lecture we visited the superb rose filled gardens of Mounton House on Wednesday 7 June  for a tour with Helena Gerrish and Louis Moffat, the Head Gardener. We visited the croquet garden, the pergola, the terrace and bowling green lawn, the rock garden and saw the progress on the new frameyard with glasshouse, cart shed, and potting shed. We were served prosecco in the restored tea house by the owners. 

On Monday 26 June we visited Lorna Vaughan’s captivating garden near Goodrich, set high above the River Wye and were given an excellent tour by her gardeners through a series of magical garden rooms  followed by a wonderful tea on the lawn. 

Our branch organised  the national AGM on Saturday 30 September held at the National Botanic Gardens of Wales near Carmarthen where the new director gave a lecture, followed by lunch and various guided tours within the gardens. On Sunday October 1  we visited Aberglasney. 

We held our autumn supper at longhouse farm on Thursday November 9 with a lecture  on Castell Coch by Matthew Williams, an expert in the work of the designer William Burges. This was very well attended with a jolly social supper afterwards. 



## **Pembrokeshire** _Chair Robbie Watson_ 

The year’s visits began in April, at the National Trust property Colby Lodge near Amroth. We have visited there fairly frequently but the azaleas, rhododendrons and mature trees make this a must in the Spring. The café too is very good. This is usually our only morning meet, so we have the rest of the day free. 

The May visit was to Cold Comfort Farm (that really is its name) which is mid-Coun-ty near Wolfscastle. This is a very pretty, formal garden, very well maintained with stunning views East towards the Preseli Hills. We were blessed with a lovely afternoon to enjoy them. Below the garden is a wonderful wildflower meadow. Judy Rumbelow gave us an extraordinarily good tea. There is also a Nursery of small hardy perrenials. 

Our June visit took us to the home of Mr. & Mrs. Jeff Stickler, Cefnydre, above Fishguard. Again this was a very pretty garden of mature trees, shrubs and well kept lawns, though the main point of interest was the astonishing and hidden kitchen garden with a wealth of ingenious innovations to encourage growth and defy pests. We were once again blessed with good weather. 

We had two visits in July. The first was to Stone Hall where Francis and Jessie Fry, despite leading very busy lives, are restoring a 4 acre garden that had been left for dead. Stone Hall goes back to the Middle Ages and the garden has trees of great height and antiquity. The house is of particular note, containing architectural elements from Norman onwards. This was a visit of much interest as Stone Hall is not open to the public. The second visit we made at the end of the month was to the 12th century Augustinian Priory at Haverfordwest. Now a ruin the Priory is still impressive, tucked in by the river and a busy road. We were guided by Dr. Sian Rees and shown the Physick Garden, the only surviving monastic garden in the country, which has been restored. 

The October visit was to Blackpool Mill high up on the Eastern Cleddau where the Georgian mill and gardens have been restored. The mill is now a restaurant of some repute, which was not the least of our reasons for visiting; we were rewarded by being placed in a very graceful room and well fed. Our annual Christmas lunch was post-poned until January – which is another story. 



**South and Mid Glamorganshire** _Chair Elaine Davey_ 

We began the year with a thank you event for our members after the disruptions of covid etc. We met at Insole Court for a free event in February. Several of us from the committee talked about the history of WHGT, the small grants scheme, this year’s events, planning issues and Cowbridge Physic Garden. Thereafter we had refreshments and time to chat with many old friends and a couple of new ones. Even though we signed up two new members overall our numbers have reduced as we compete with a very large number of societies in the area for members. 

In March we had a joint event with the Friends of Dyffryn at the Cory Education Centre. Alex Summers, curator of the National Botanic Garden (NBG)of Wales, talked about the development of a National Arboretum for Wales in the form of a Temperate Rainforest Tree Collection. 

An arboretum, Ceodfa, was an original design feature on the masterplan for the NBG. Only the shelter belts have been planted so far, with some native woodland, to offer protection for the national collection. The definition of temperate tree flora has changed, meaning that only 1% of the global land surface is suitable for these trees. Therefore the Celtic Rainforest in the west of Britain needs protecting and promoting, especially as Wales is one of the least wooded countries in Europe at 15% cover. The 70 acres will account for sight lines and be not only a Place of Trees but a space for fun, performance, learning, research, wildlife and accessible for all. 

We visited Picton Castle, Pembrokeshire in May and managed to fill a coach with members of other local groups (thanks to Rebecca Exley, our treasurer’s efforts). We were able to enjoy the glorious Spring colours in the gardens. We split into two groups at this stage, one half being guided around the Castle interiors while the other half enjoyed the rhododendrons and then swopped over before an excellent lunch in Maria’s. Some of the group were lucky enough to catch the flying displays in the Welsh Owl garden and zoo. This aspect of the site was not well advertised. Our next event was a very successful and happy visit on 21st August to Gileston Manor near St. Athan. Jack, the head gardener, was our guide and we enjoyed tea and many cakes in the Manor. The 9 acre estates boasts woodland, lawns, a lake, terraced and walled gardens pretty enough for the many photographs of couples taken at this wedding venue. It also has lovely views across the Severn Estuary. In September we met in Penllyn Hall near Cowbridge for our AGM. We had an excellent tea provided by the committee after a talk given by Val Caple about the development of the Cowbridge Physic Garden. A few of us walked to the three restored Grade II Salmon Wells in Penllyn, that served the community until the 1930’s, having been donated to the village in the 1880s by Dr. William Salmon. 

We joined the Friends of Dyffryn for a visit to RHS Wisley in September. Although a very long day it was a hugely rewarding visit. After lunch we were treated to a behind the scenes tour of ‘Hilltop’, the home of gardening science. It was all fascinating including the design of this important research centre. 

We ended the year by partnering with the Welsh branch of the Twentieth Century Society for a talk Ralph Hancock: Wales Undiscovered Garden Genius given by Bob Priddle at Insole Court. Bob was head of Horticulture for Neath Port Talbot College and based at Twyn yr Hydd at one stage. 



The committee has been able to meet together five times in the cafe at Dyffryn. We also met together at the beginning of December for a Christmas lunch in the Red Lion, Bonvilston. We would like members to join us this Christmas. Thanks of course, as ever, to the committee for all their hard work. 

## **Conservation and Planning** 

The gardens and grounds (Grade II) around Whitchurch Hospital continue to be of concern (as do the hospital buildings). 

We were notified of proposed cycle routes through Penllergare Valley Woods (Grade II) Swansea, thankfully Michael Norman is still involved with this special site and we objected, with experts on the national committee to help with comments. 

A notification was received for 6 lit padel courts to be installed on the old bowling ground at Llandaff Fields, for all year round use. These would probably prove a popular amenity but will constitute more intrusion into the Grade II* park due to their scale and lighting, and therefore not appropriate on this sensitive site. 

The petition organised by the Ruperra Castle Preservation Trust asking that Welsh Government make Conservation Management Plans compulsory for Scheduled Monuments was debated in the Senedd in October. A month later the Trust was told that Welsh Government, through Cadw, would be part funding a structural survey and level four historic building report of the Castle. 

. 



## **Financial Review 2023** 

Report of the Trustees for the Year ended 31st December 2023 

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

**Approved by order of the board of trustees on 11 March 2024 and signed on its behalf by** 

**Leigh O’ Connor Director** 



## **Independent Examiner’s Report to the Trustees** 

## **I report on the accounts for the year ended 31st December 2023** 

## **Respective responsibilities of trustees and examiner** 

The charity’s trustees (who are also the directors for the purposes of company law) are responsible for the preparation of the accounts. The charity’s trustees consider that an audit is not required for this year (under Section 144(2) of the Charities Act 2011 (the 2011 Act)) and that an independent examination is required. 

Having satisfied myself that the charity is not subject to audit under company law and is eligible for independent examination, it is my responsibility to: 

- Examine the accounts under Section 145 of the 2011 Act; 

- To follow the procedures laid down in the General Directions given by the Charity Commission (under Section 145(5)(b) of the 2011 Act); 

- To state whether particular matters have come to my attention. 

## **Basis of the independent examiner’s report** 

My examination was carried out in accordance with the General Directions given by the Charity Commission. An examination includes a review of the accounting records kept by the charity and a comparison of the accounts presented with those records. It also includes consideration of any unusual items or disclosures in the accounts, and seeking explanations from you as trustees concerning any such matters. The procedures undertaken do not provide all the evidence that would be required in an audit, and consequently no opinion is given as to whether the accounts present a “true and fair view” and the report is limited to those matters set out in the statements below. 



## **Independent examiner’s statement** 

In connection with my examination, no matter has come to my attention: 

• Which gives me reasonable cause to believe that, in any material respect, the requirements to keep accounting records in accordance with Section 386 and 387 of the Companies Act 2006; and to prepare accounts which accord with the accounting records, comply with the accounting requirements of Sections 394 and 395 of the Companies Act 2006 and with the methods and principles of the Statement of Recommended Practice: Accounting and Reporting by Charities have not been met; 

## or 

• To which, in my opinion, attention should be drawn in order to enable a proper understanding of the accounts to be reached. 

## **Signature** 

**Date  29th April 2024** 

**Daphne Jeffreys. Rochelle, Four Crosses. Llanymynech, Powys SY22 6RB** 



## **Statement of Financial Activities (Incorporating an Income and Expenditure Account) for the Year Ended 31 December 2023** 

|**Notes**|**Notes**|||**31.12 23**|31.12 22|
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
|**Incoming resources**||Unrestricted|Restricted|**total Funds**|Total funds|
|**from gernerated funds**||funds|funds|||
|Voluntary income|2|2,798||**2,798**|2,676|
|Activities for<br>generating funds|_3_|69,583||**69,583**|39,494|
|Investment income|_4_|734||**734**|236|
|**Incoming resources from**<br>**charitable activities**|_5_|15,647||**15,647**|14,623|
|**Total incoming resources**||_-----------------_|_-------------_|_-----------------_|_-------------_|
|||88,762||**88,762**|57,029|
|**Resources Expended**||||||
|**Charitable expenses**|_6_|||||
|Branch||70,322||**70,322**|40,879|
|Head Offce||10,138|1,445|**11,583**|7,484|
|**Governance costs**|_7_|9,912|_-_|**9,912**|8,985|
|**Total resources expended**||_____________|__________|_____________|____________|
|||90,372|1,445|**91,817**|57,347|
|||___________|__________|**__________**|____________|
|**Net income the year**||||||
|**before transfers**||(1,610)|(1,445)|**(3,055)**|(318)|
|Gros transfers between||||||
|funds||-|-|**-**|-|
|**Net income/(expenditure)**||||||
|**for the year**||(1,610)|(1,445)|**(3,055)**|(318)|
|RECONCILIATION OF||||||
|FUNDS||||||
|Total funds b/f||112,447|24,655|**137,102**|137,420|
|||___________|__________|**___________**|___________|
|**TOTAL FUNDS C/F**||110,837|23,210|**134,047**|137,102|
|||========|=======|**=========**|========|



_The notes on pages 32 -  41    form part of these financial statements_ 



## **Balance Sheet at 31st December 2023** 

|||**31.12.23**|31.12.22|
|---|---|---|---|
||Notes|**£**|£|
|**FIXED ASSETS**||||
|Tangible assets|<br>9|**-**|-|
|**CURRENT ASSETS**||||
|Stocks|10|**-**|1,986|
|Debtors|11|**15,884**|5,184|
|Cash at bank|12|**134,921**|134,922|
|||**----------**|----------|
|||**150,805**|142,092|
|**CREDITORS**||||
|Amounts falling due within||||
|one year|13|**(16,758)**|(4,990)|
|||**----------**|----------|
|**NET CURRENT ASSETS**||**134,047**|137,102|
|||**----------**|----------|
|**TOTAL ASSETS LESS**||||
|**CURRENT LIABILITIES**||**134,047**|137,102|
|||**----------**|----------|
|**NET ASSETS**||**134,047**|137.102|
|||**======**|======|
|**FUNDS**|14|||
|Unrestricted funds||**110,837**|112,447|
|Restricted funds||**23,210**|24,655|
|||**----------**|----------|
|**TOTAL FUNDS**||**134,047**|137,102|
|||**======**|======|
|*** restated**||||
|_The notes on pages 32 -  41_|_form part of these fnancial statements_|||





## **Balance Sheet at 31st December 2023 (continued)** 

The charitable company is entitled to exemption from audit under Section 477 of the Companies Act 2006 for the year ended 31st December 2023. 

The members have not required the charitable company to obtain an audit of its financial statements for the year ended 31st December 2023 in accordance with Section 476 of the Companies Act 2006. 

The trustees acknowledge their responsibilities for: 

- a Ensuring that the charitable company keeps accounting records that comply with Sections 386 and 387 of the Companies Act 2006 

## and 

- b Preparing financial statements which give a true and fair view of the state of affairs of the charitable company as at the end of each financial year and of its surplus or deficit for each financial year in accordance with the require ments of Sections 394 and 395 and which otherwise comply with the require ments of the Companies Act 2006 relating to financial statements so far as is applicable to the charitable company. 

These financial statements have been prepared in accordance with the special provisions of part 15 of the Companies Act 2006 relating to small charitable companies and with the Financial Reporting Standard for Smaller Entities (effective January 2015). 

The financial statements were approved by the Board of Trustees and were signed on its behalf by Leigh O’Connor on 11th March 2024. 

**Leigh O’Connor Director,** 



## **Notes to the Financial Statements for the Year Ended 31st December 2023** 

## **1. ACCOUNTING POLICIES** 

## **Accounting convention** 

The financial statements have been prepared under the historical cost convention, and in accordance with the Financial Reporting Standard for Smaller Entities (effective April 2008), the Companies Act 2006 and the requirements of the Statement of Recommended Practice, Accounting and Reporting by Charities. 

## **Incoming resources** 

All incoming resources are included on the Statement of Financial Activities when the charity is legally entitled to the income and the amount can be quantified with reasonable accuracy. 

## **Resources expended** 

Expenditure is accounted for on an accruals basis and has been classified under headings that aggregate all cost related to the category. Where costs cannot be directly attributed to particular headings they have been allocated to activities on a basis consistent with the use of resources. 

Grants offered subject to conditions which have not been met at the year-end date are noted as a commitment but not accrued as expenditure. 

## **Tangible fixed assets** 

Depreciation is provided at the following annual rates in order to write off each asset over its estimated useful life. 

Plant & machinery etc – 25% on cost and 20% on cost. 

## **Stocks** 

Stocks and work in progress are valued at the lower of cost and net realisable value, after making due allowance for obsolete and slow-moving items. 

Cost includes all direct expenditure and an appropriate proportion of fixed and variable overheads. 

## **Taxation** 

The charity is exempt from corporation tax on its charitable activities. 

## **Fund accounting** 

Unrestricted funds can be used in accordance with the charitable objectives at the discretion of the trustees. 

Restricted funds can only be used for particular restricted purposes within the objects of the charity. Restrictions arise when specified by the donor or when funds are raised for particular restricted purposes. 

Further explanation of the nature and purpose of each fund in included in the notes to the financial statements. 



## **For the year ended 31 December 2023** 

||**31.12.23**|31.12.22|
|---|---|---|
||**£**|£|
|**2. Voluntary Income**|||
|Grants – branches|**-**|-|
|Donations – branches<br>Donations – Head Offce<br>Grants – Head Offce|**700**<br>**115**<br>**-**|500<br>-<br>-|
|Gift aid|**1,983**|2,176|
||**----------**|---------|
||**2,798**|2,676|
||**======**|=====|
|**3. Activities for generating funds**|||
|Fundraising events – branches|**69,288**|39,002|
|Sundry income – branches|**-**|44|
|Sales of books- branches<br>Sundry income – Head Offce|**295**<br>**-**|448<br>-|
||**---------**|----------|
||**69,583**|39,494|
||**=====**|=====|
|**4. Investment income**|||
|Deposit account interest – branches<br>Deposit account interest – Head Offce|**389**<br>**345**|75<br>161|
||**----------**|----------|
||**734**|236|
|**5. Incoming resources from**|||
|**charitable activities**|||
|Membership fees|**10,788**|11,931|
|Lectures, visits, meetings|**2,556**|-|
|AGM|**2,303**|2,692|
||**----------**|----------|
||**15,647**|14,623|
||**----------**|----------|





## **For the year ended 31 December 2023** 

||**31.12.23**|31.12.22|
|---|---|---|
||**£**|£|
|**6. Direct Costs of Charitable activities**|||
|Insurance|**278**|278|
|Postage and stationery|**834**|996|
|Sundries|**-**|167|
|Lectures, meetings and visits|**65,932**|35,316|
|Administration expenses and publicity|**3,253**|6,401|
|Bulletins and literature|**2,966**|2,870|
|Website|**94**|-|
|Grants payable|**2,975**|500|
|Small equiipment|**-**|135|
|Donations|**3,587**|1,700-|
|Write Off Stock of Books|**1,986**|-|
||**-----------**|------------|
||**81,905**|48,363|
||**======**|=====|
|**7. Governance costs**|||
|Accountancy|**400**|400|
|Administration expenses and AGM|**4,002**|3,170|
|Honorarium|**2,500**|2,500|
|Annual Report|**3,010**|2,915|
||**-----------**|----------|
||**9,912**|8,985|
||**======**|=====|



## **8.Trustees’ Remuneration and Benefits** 

Honorarium totalling £2,500 were made to trustees for additional services undertaken during the year (2023 - £2,500). These payments were agreed by the remaining trustees in line with section 6 of the Memorandum of Associ ation. 

## **Trustees’ Expenses** 

Expenses totalling £0 (zero) (2023 £0- zero) were paid to none (2023 none) of the trustees during the year. 



## **For the year ended 31 December 2023** 

||**31.12.23**||
|---|---|---|
|**9 Tangible fxed Assets**|**Plant and machinery etc**||
|**Cost**|||
|At 1st January 2022|**12,934**||
|Additions|**-**||
|Disposals|**-**||
||**-----------**||
|At 31st December 2022|**12,934**||
||**=======**||
|**Depreciation**|||
|At 1st January 2022|**12,934**||
|Charge for year|**-**||
|Eliminated on disposal|**-**||
||**-------------**||
|At 31st December 2022|**12,934**||
||**=======**||
|**Net Book Value**|||
|At 31st December 2022|**-**||
|At 31st December 2021|**-**||
||**------------**||
||**-**||
||**========**||
||**31. 12. 23**|31. 12. 22|
|**10. Stocks**|||
|Books - Ceredigion|**-**|-|
|Books - Carmarthenshire|**-**|1,986|
|* Restated|**-----------**|------------|
||**-**|1,986|
||**=======**|======|
|**11. Debtors: amounts falling**|||
|**due within one year**|||
|Prepayments|**13,912**|2,625|
|Other debtors|**1,972**|2,559|
|||------------|
||**---------**||
||**15,884**|5,184|
||**========**|=======|





## _1_ **2. Cash at Bank** 

||**General**|**General**|**Contingency**|**Develoment**|**Conservation/**|
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
||**Fund**|**Fund**|**Fund**|**Fund**|**Fghting**|
||**Head**|**Branches**|||**Fund**|
||**Offce**|||||
|Barclays Cur-|9,826|-|_-_|||
|rent Account||||||
|Virgin Money|6,615|-|7,000|_5,500_|_15,062_|
|Deposit||||||
|Brecon,|-|11,049|_-_|||
|Radnor & Mont-||||||
|gomery||||||
|Ceredigion|-|5,675|_-_|||
|Clwyd|-|14,173|_-_|||
|Pembrokeshire|-|506|_-_|||
|South & Mid|-|3,951|_-_|||
|Glamganshire||||||
|West|-|-|_-_|||
|Glamorganshire||||||
|Gwynedd|-|12,892|_-_|||
|Monmouthshire|-|10,134|-|||
|& Gwent||||||
|Carmarthen-|-|5,402|_-_|||
|shire||||||
|Bonus Saver /|96|-|-|||
|Paypal||||||
||-----------|-------------|-----------------|------------|-----------|
|Total|16,537|63,782|7,000|5,500|15,062|
||=====|======|_========_|_=======_|_======_|





## _1_ **2. Cash at Bank continued** 

||**Restricted**|**Small**|**Research**|**31.12.23**|31.12 .22|
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
||**Fighting**|**Grants**|**&**|**Total**|Total|
||**Fund**|**Fund**|**Education**|**Funds**|Funds|
||||**Fund**|||
|Barclays Current|-|||**9,825**|10,492|
|Account||||||
|Virgin Money De-|16,979|6,231|3,830|**61,218**|61,218|
|posit||||||
|Brecon, Radnorshire||||**11,049**|10,825|
|& Montgomeryshire||||||
|Ceredigion||||**5,675**|5,492|
|Clwyd||||**14,173**|15,155|
|Pembrokeshire||||**506**|555|
|South & Mid||||**3,951**|3,847|
|Glamganshire||||||
|West Glamorgan-||||**-**|-|
|shire||||||
|Gwynedd||||**12,892**|12,350|
|Monmouthshire &||||**10,134**|9,046|
|Gwent||||||
|Carmarthenshire||||**5,402**|5,434|
|Bonus Saver /||||**96**|508|
|Paypal||||||
||_------------_|_----------_|_-------------_|**-------------**|-------------|
|Total|16,979|6,231|3,830|**134,921**|134,922|
||_======_|_=====_|_======_|**======**|_======_|





## **13. CREDITORS: Amounts falling due within one year** 

||||**31.12.23**|31.12.22|
|---|---|---|---|---|
|Bank loans and overdrafts|||**-**|_-_|
|Other creditors|||**16,758**|4,990|
||||**-----------**|------------|
||||**16,758**|4,990|
||||**========**|_======_|
|**4. Analysis of Net Assets between**||**funds**|||
||Unrestricted|Restricted|**Total**<br>|Total|
||Funds|Funds|**Funds**<br>|Funds|
|Fixed assets||_-_|**-**<br>|_-_|
|Current assets|**127,595**|**23,210**|**150,805**<br>|142,092|
|Current liabilities|**(16,758)**|**-**|**(16,758)**<br>|(4,990)|
||**--------------**|**------------**|**-----------**<br>|----------|
||**110,837**|**23,210**|**134,047**<br>|137,102|
||**=======**|**======**|**======**<br>|======|



## **14. Analysis of Net Assets between funds** 

## **15. Movement in Funds** 

|**5. Movement in Funds**||||
|---|---|---|---|
|**Unrestricted Funds**|**At 01.01.23**|**Net Movement**|**At 31.12.23**|
|||**in funds**||
|General fund Head Offce|**17,130**|**(380)**|**16,750**|
|General fund Branches|**63,425**|**(730)**|**62,695**|
|Contingency fund|**7,000**|**-**|**7,000**|
|Development fund|**5,500**|**-**|**5,500**|
|Research and Education|**4,330**|**(500)**|**3,830**|
|Conservation Fighting fund|**15,062**|**-**|**15,062**|
||**-------------**|**-------------**|**-----------**|
||**112,447**|**1,610**|**110,837**|
|**Restricted Funds**||||
|Restricted fghting fund|**16,979**|**-**|**16,979**|
|Small Grants fund|**7,676**|**1,445**|**6,231**|
||**-------------**|**------------**|**------------**|
||**24,655**|**1,445**|**23,210**|
||**--------------**|**------------**|**-----------**|
|**Total Funds**|**137,102**|**3,055**|**134,047**|





Net movement in funds, included in the above are as follows: 

||Incoming|Resources|Fund|Movement|
|---|---|---|---|---|
||Resources|Expended|Transfer|in Funds|
|**Unrestricted funds**|||||
|General Fund-Head Offce|17,240|(17,620)|-|(380)|
|General fund -Branches|71,522,|(72,252)|-|(730)|
|Contingency fund|-|-|-|-|
|Development fund|-|-|-|-|
|Research & Education|-|(500)|-|(500)|
|fund|||||
|Conservation Fighting fund|-|-|-|-|
||-----------|-----------|----------|----------|
||88,762|(90,372)|-|1,610|
|**Restricted funds**|||||
|Restricted fghting fund|_-_|_-_|_-_|-|
|Small Grants fund||(1,445)|_-_|(1,445)|
||**-----------**|**-----------**|**-----------**|_-_**-----------**|
||-|(1,445)|_-_|(1,445)|
||**-----------**|_-_**-----------**|**-----------**|**-----------**|
|**Total Funds**|**88,762**|**(91,817)**|**-**|**(3,055)**|
||**========**|**========**|**========**|**========**|



The general funds reserve represents the free funds of the charity which are not designated by the trustees for particular purposes. 

General fund – Branches is broken down as follows: Ceredigion £5,676 Carmarthenshire £5,402 Brecon, Radnor & Montgomery £9,886 Gwynedd £12,966 South & Mid Glamorgan £3,951 Clwyd £14,173 Pembrokeshire £506 Monmouthshire £10,134 



## This page does not form part of the statutory financial statements **Detailed Statement of Financial Activities, for the Year Ended 31st December 2023** 

|**1st December 2023**|||
|---|---|---|
|**Incoming Resources**|**31.12.23**|31.12.22|
||**£**|_£_|
|**Voluntary Income**|||
|Grants branches|**-**|_-_|
|Donations - Branches|**700**|500|
|Donations - Head Offce|**115**|-|
|Grants Head Offce|**-**|-|
|Gift Aid|**1,983**|2,176|
||**---------------**|---------------|
||**2,798**|2,676|
|**Activities for generating funds**|||
|Fundraising events - branches|**69,288**|39,002|
|Sales of books - branches|**295**|448|
|Sundry income - branches||44|
|Sundry income - Head Offce|**-**|-|
||**---------------**|---------------|
||**69,583**|39,494|
|**Investment income**|||
|Deposit account interest – branches|**389**|75|
|Deposit account interest – Head Offce|**345**|161|
||**--------------**|---------------|
||**734**|236|
|**Incoming resources from charitable activities**|||
|Membership fees|**10,788**|11,931|
|Lectures, visits meetings|**2,556**|-|
|AGM|**2,303**|2,692|
||**--------------**|--------------|
||**15,647**|14,623|
||**--------------**|---------------|
|**Total incoming resources**|**88,762**|57,029|
||**========**|=======|





## This page does not form part of the statutory financial statements **Detailed Statement of Financial Activities For the Year Ended 31st December 2023** 

|**Resources Expended**|**31.12.23**|31.12.22|
|---|---|---|
||**£**|£|
|**Charitable activities**|||
|Insurance|**278**|278|
|Postage and stationary|**834**|996|
|Sundries|**-**|167|
|Lectures  Meetings and Visits|**65,932**|35,315|
|Administration and Publicity|**3,253**|6,401|
|Bulletins and Literature|**2,966**|2,870|
|Website|**94**|-|
|Small equipment||135|
|Donations|**3,587**|1,700|
|Write off stock|**1,986**|-|
|Grants to institutions|**2,975**|500|
||**---------------**|---------------|
||**81,905**|48,362|
|**Governance costs**|||
|Accountancy|**400**|400|
|Administration expenses and AGM|**4,002**|3,170|
|Annual Report|**3,010**|2,915|
|Honorarium|**2,500**|2,500|
||**---------------**|---------------|
||**9,912**|8.985|
||**----------------**|---------------|
||**91,817**|57,347|
||**---------------**|----------------|
|**Net income**|**(3,055)**|318|
||**===========**|=========|





## **WHGT CONTACT DETAILS** 

**President** Stephen Lacey 

mail@stephenlacey.com 

**Chair** Joanna Davidson 07786 214100    jo.davidson57@gmail.com **Vice Chair** Elaine Davey 029 2038 7384   elainemdavey@gmail.com **Treasurer** Leigh O’Connor 01691 830079    leigh@netaccountancy.co.uk **Membership Secretary** Jennie Macve           01686 639460    jennie.macve@btinternet.com **Publications** Glynis Shaw 01745 710261    glynisshaw@icloud.com **Planning** Sarah Green 07717 522761    lsg.caerfarchell@gmail.com 

## **Branch contacts:** 

**Brecon, Radnor & Montgomerysshire** Jonathan Reeves 01982 560205    jhwreeves@outlook.com **Ceredigion** Caroline Palmer 01970 615403   carolinepalmer.wales@ gmail.com **Clwyd** Dee Jones 01745710495    dee@valeside.co.uk **Gwynedd** Joanna Davidson 01407 720431   jo.davidson57@gmail.com> **Monmouthshire & Gwent** Merilyn Anderson   01600 780389    m.anderson666@btinternet.com **Pembrokeshire** Stephen Watkins 01239 820711   welshcountrymilk@aol.com **South and Mid Glamorgan** Val Caple            01446 775794   Val.t.caple@care4free.net 

**General Enquiries** 

admin@whgt.wales