Trustees. Annual Report for the period
Period start date
Period end date
From
March
2024
To
29
February
Reference and administration details
2025
Section A
Charity name
Littje Aston Recreation Ground Association
Other names charity is known by
LARGA
Registered charity number (if any)
1051243
Charity's principal address
7 Roman Grange, Roman Road
Little Aston Park
Staffordshire
Postcode
B74 3GA
Names of the charlty trustees who manage the charlty
Trustee name
Name of person (or body)
entitled to appoint trustee {if
an
Office {if any)
Dates acted rf not for whole
year
Mr David Salter
Mrs Jean Wilson
Chair
Shenstone Parish Council
Mrs Ruth Pegler
Mrs Lisa Breeze
Mr Charles Fordham
Mrs Lisa Jane Deeming
Mr Anthony Power
Mrs Sheila Shaw
Treasurer
Secretsry
Shenstone Parish Council
Resigned 24.9.24
Mrs Nicky Hemming
Vice-chair
Appointed to v]￿-chaIr on
14.10.24
10
Mr Paramjit Basi
Mrs Lynn Tomlinson
Mr Bill Byrne
Mr Mark Watkins
Vice-chair
Resigned 24.9.24
12
Resigned 10.2.25
Appointed 10.3.25
13
14
15
16
17
18
Names of the trustees for the charity, if any, (for example, any custodian trustees)
Name
Dates acted if not for whole
ear

Names and addresses of advisers (Optional infomiation)
e of adviser
Name
Address
Bank
9 Birrningham Road, Sutton Coldfield, B72 1QA
Lloyds Bank PIC
Name of chief executive or names of senior staff members (Optional information)
Section B
Structure,
overnance and mana
ement
Description of the charity's trusts
Constitution adopted 5 June 1995 as amended 9 October 1995 and 1 April
2017.
Type of governing document
How the charity is constituted
Association consisting of not less than 10 members not more than 18
members.
Trustee selection methods
Trustees are appointed or re-appointed annually at the Annual General
Meeting held in March in each year or as soon as practicable thereafter.
Additional governance issues (Optional information)
You may choose to include
The following policies and procedures have been adopted".
additional information, where
relevant, about:
Health and Safety advi￿ and Risk Assessment Procedures for
volunteer gardeners working at the Recreation Ground.
Policy and procedures in accordance with the Data Protection
Directive as they apply to our small Charity
Trustee information pack containing good practice guidance notes
from the Charity Commission issued to all committee
membersltrustees
Guidan￿ for Reclaiming Gift Aid on donations
Intemal Financial Control in line with Charity Commission guidelines
Code of Conduct
Equality, diversity and inclusion policy
policies and procedures
adopted for the induction and
training of trustees;
the charity's organisational
structure and any wider
network with which the charity
relationship with any related
parties.,
trustees, consideration of
major risks and the system
and procedures to manage
them.
Management Agreement between LARGA and Shenstone Parish Council
agreed in March 2018 for 25-year term.
Section C
Ob"ectives and activities
The provision and Maintenan￿ of a recreation ground for the benefit of
the inhabitants of Little Aston and surrounding area.
Summary of the objects of the
charity set out in its
governing document

The focus of our Committee's activities remains the ongoing maintenan
and development of the Recreation Ground for the benefit of all age
groups who visit and enjoy the various facilities at the site. In order to
meet these objectives, we organise one main fund-raising event during
Ihe year which serves to promote and foster a local community identity
whilst helping us to raise funds to purchase new equipment and maintain
the landscape.
The trustees of the charity have had regard to the guidan￿ issued by the
Charity Commission on public benefit and other key aspects of charitable
law including their role as trustees.
Summary of the main
activities undertaken for the
public benefit in relation to
these objects (include within
this section the statutory
declaration that trustees have
had regard to the guidance
issued by the Charity
Commission on public
benefit)
Additional details of objectives and activities (Optional information)
Our charity is very dependent upon the efforts of our volunteers. We have
a well-established team of volunteer gardeners who work closely with the
Management Committee and meet twi￿ weekly to carry out various
horticultural tssks at the recreation ground. Other members of the group
work on different occasions when time permits. The volunteer gardeners
are very keen to attract young people and in past years a number of
students have completed the volunteering activity for their Duke of
Edinburgh awards in a horticultural programme at the recreation ground.
You may choose to include
further statements, where
relevant. about:
There is also the 'Party in the Park, sub-committee which comprises
several trustees together with other volunteers. This team works steadily
throughout the year planning and organising our main fund-raising
summer event.
policy on grantmaking.
policy programme related
investment.
During the Covid Pandemic the 'Paty in the Park, could not be held and
it highlighted our reliance on the funds raised in this way. One of the
trustees who recently joined the Management Committee has a lot of
experience in fund raising and this is a focus of the Committee going
forward.
contribution made by
volunteers.
There is also a group of local residents to the recreation ground, which
includes a few trustees, who assist in opening and dosing the vehicular
barrier every morning and evening.

Section D
Achievements and performance
Summary of the main
achievements of the Gharlty
during the year
Party in the Park
In recent years the Committee have organised a large event during the
summer known as 'Party in the Park., This was originally organised to
celebrate the Queen's Diamond Jubilee in 2012 but was so popular and
successful that it was repeated every year.
Over 2750 people attend 'Paty in the Park. which is a spectacular event
helping to raise funds. The local community including several businesses
within the locality were involved in making this event another success.
The funds raised have enabled a variety of important maintenance and
horticultural tasks to be carried out at the recreation ground. and put
money aside for the much needed repairlrenewal of the pathways.
Gift a Tree Scheme
Some years ago, the Committee established the above scheme whereby
members of the local community can donate a tree to either celebrate an
event or remember a loved one. This service was established to improve
the amenity and appearance of the landscape at the Recreation Ground
and has been an ongoing activity. It has proved to be very successful and
to date over 200 specimen trees have been planted under the scheme.
In order to monitor the development of the landscape, the 'Gift a Tree,
scheme was suspended in the year ended 28 February 2019. During the
past few financial periods, certain established trees have become
available for 'adoption' under this scheme now that the landscape has
matured.
Grounds Maintenance
Our ongoing programme of work has continued successfully this year to
ensure that the site remains an attractive facility for local children and
families to enjoy.
Now that the site is well established, work is concentrated on
Maintenan￿ rather than development.
Website
The Charity's website provides comprehensive information about the
history of the recreation ground's development and the range of current
facilities. It also provides information about how the Trustees manage the
charity- The address of the website is www.larga.co.uk
Volunteer Gardener Scheme
The above scheme initially involved volunteers from the Committee but
has extended to include other members of the local community. The work
undertaken by volunteer gardeners has enabled the appearance of the
recreation ground to be maintained to a high standard for the enjoyment
of visitors to the site. The volunteers meet regulady to plan new projects
that have included planting thousands of native wildflowers and bulbs,
extending the wild bird friendly hedgerow, planting new borders with
lants and shrubs donated b local nurseries and addin
conifers and

Section D
Achievements and performance
heathers to the pinetum.
A group of volunteer gardeners meet twice weekly to work at the
recreation ground and others cary out work in smaller groups either at
weekends or evenings during the summer months. The Trustees are
keen to encourage young people to come forward as volunteers and in
previous years students have completed Duke of Edinburgh volunteering
activity in a horticultural programme at the recreation ground.
Wlldlife Educational Area
The Committee established a Wildlife Educational Area at the recreation
ground some time ago. This involved liaison with The Wildlife Trust and
research into other ventures of a similar nature. A range of fumiture and
interactive equipment was installed to encourage children to learn about
and gain an understanding of local wildlife and native flora. The funding
for this first stage of the development was provided by the 'Party in the
Park, cOn￿rt held in July 2014. Grant funding was subsequently secured
to install further interactive equipment including a specially designed
sensory board and five large bespoke information lectems to inform
visitors about local wildlife. trees and flora at the recreation ground and in
the local area.
Fields in Trust Award
As one of over 2.300 'Fields in Trust, registered in the UK the recreation
ground was previously (2015) voted its 'Most Improved Fields in Trust
Site, in the country. In October of 2016 the recreation ground was also
nominated by visitors for the award of Fields in Trust 'Best Park'2016.
This was a tremendous acknowledgement of the hard work and
dedication of both the trustees of the Executive Committee and
volunteers from the local community who have worked to improve the
facilities and appearance at the site. The trustees are dedicated to
continuing to further improve facilities for the thousands of people of all
ages who visit us every year.
The committee have strived during the period to maintain the high
standards that led to the above achievements.
Horticultural Developments.
The landscape of the recreation ground continues to mature and improve
each year. A wonderful collection of trees and some of these specimens
have been donated by local garden centres and community members
who are regular visitors. The trees are maintained by our local volunteers
involving some work with pruning in each season. Through using our best
horticultural practice to deliver impact in the community at the recreation
ground it has been an important year to further enhance the landscape
for the benefit of our visitors.
Defibrillator
In 2018 the Charity installed a community defibrillator. together with an
electricity supply, at the recreation ground. This is an important resource
in the event of an emergency, serving both our immediate neighbourhood
and the thousands of visitors who come to the recreation ground every
year. During this financial year, Shenstone Parish Council funded a
re
la￿rnent defibrillator after it was used b
a member of the
ublic in an

Section D
Achievements and performance
emergency.
Management Agreement
In 2019, the Charity negotiated and exchanged a 25-year Management
Agreement with the local council. This clarifies our respective roles and
responsibilities and provides a degree of security of tenure for both
parties.

Section E
Financial review
LARGA holds cash ￿serveS of at least £5.000. all of which is unrestricted
funds. These funds are held in order to meet any unforeseen
expenditure that may occur.
Brlef statement of the
charity's policy on reserves
A cash reserve. currently standing at £32,000, is also being held to fund
the repairlreplacement of the pathways. This reserve is also unrestricted
funds.
Details of any funds materlally
in deflcit
Not Applicable
Further financial review détsils (Optional infomlation)
During the year, the Charity re￿iVed a small amount of grant funding but
the principal source of funds came from the annual 'Paty in the Park,
event. Also, donations were received from the 'Just Giving, campaign,
the Lichfield Lottery and from the three donation boxes sited on the
recreation ground. We also receive a small annual donation from the ice
cream van that visits the recreation ground.
You may choose to include
additional infomation, where
relevant about:
the charity's principal
sources of funds (including
any fundraising).
how expenditure has
supported the key objectives
of the charity.
investment policy and
objectives including any
ethical investment policy
adopted.
Section F
Other optional information
Section G
Declaration
The trustees declare that they have approved the trustees, report above.
Signed on behalf of the charity's trustees
Signature(s)

Full name(s)
Position (eg Secretary. Chair,
etc)
David Salter
Ruth Pegler
Treasurer
Chair
Date
22111125

**Independent examiner's report on the accounts** 

## **Section A                        Independent Examiner’s Report** 

**Report to the trustees/** Charity Name Little Aston Recreation Ground Association **members of** 

**On accounts for the year Charity no ended** 28 February 2025 **(if any)** 1051243 **Set out on pages** Ten and eleven 

I report to the trustees on my examination of the accounts of the above charity (“the Trust”) for the year ended 29/02/2025. 

- **Responsibilities and** As the charity trustees of the Trust, you are responsible for the preparation **basis of report** of the accounts in accordance with the requirements of the Charities Act 2011 (“the Act”). 

I report in respect of my examination of the Trust’s accounts carried out under section 145 of the 2011 Act and in carrying out my examination, I have followed the applicable Directions given by the Charity Commission under section 145(5)(b) of the Act. 

**Independent** I have completed my examination.  I confirm that no material matters have **examiner's statement** come to my attention in connection with the examination which gives me cause to believe that in, any material respect: 

- accounting records were not kept in accordance with section 130 of the Act or 

- the accounts do not accord with the accounting records 

I have no concerns and have come across no other matters in connection with the examination to which attention should be drawn in order to enable a proper understanding of the accounts to be reached. 

**Signed:** 

**Date:** 

**Name:** Paul Bulzacchelli ~~Pt~~ **Relevant professional** Association of Chartered Certified Accountants **qualification(s) or body (if any):** 

**Address:** 4 Parkside Court Greenhough Road Lichfield WS13 7FE 

Only complete if the examiner needs to highlight matters of concern (see CC32, Independent examination of charity accounts: directions and guidance for examiners). 

**Section B                           Disclosure** ~~ee~~ 

8 



**Give here brief details of any items that the examiner wishes to disclose** . 

9 



Little Aston Recreation Ground Assoclallon
1051243
Receipts and payments accounts
CC16a
Forth• period
from
0110312024
To
2810212025
Section A Receipts and payments
Un￿striCted
funds
to tl* rnarest
Endowment
funds
to the nearest £
Reslrlcted funds
Total funds
Last year
tr• thtr r*arest £
to th? n￿reSt £
to the ￿areSt £
A1 Recei
ts
Grants an(5 Lknnations
Part
In the Park
Gift Aid
Gift a Tree
Ic& Cr8am Van
S818 Qf E
nEnt
Bank Interest
8,472
33,474
283
8,472
33.474
283
4,663
23.591
303
600
soo
379
379
228
Sub total(Gmss income forAR)
43.208
43.208
29.285
A2 Asset and investment sales.
see table
Sub total
Totalreceipts
43.208
43,208
29,285
A3Pa
ments
EquiprrEnt
Trees and Shrubs
Gardener Expenditure
Maintenance
Administration and Insurance
Miscellaneous
tkjnations Paid
6.821
140
13,013
6.821
140
13,013
23,997
673
2,970
414
934
414
934
1,2$4
799
406
Sub total
31.119
31.119
34,857
A4 Asset and investment
purchases, (see table)
Sub total
Totalpaymonts
31.119
31.119
34.857
Net of receipts/(paymentsJ
A5 Transfers betwoon funds
A6 Cash funds last year end
Cash funds this year end
12,089
12,089
15.572)
38.815
38,815
50.904
44.387
50.904
38,815

Section B Statement of assets and liabilities at the end of the period
un￿strICted
fvnds
to rnare¥t £
Restricted funds
Endowment
funds
to n•ar¢st £
Categotl•s
D•tal
to nMrest £
B1 Cash funds
Bank Current Account
Bank O
it Account
Cash
183
Total cash funds
50,904
unreStr￿1•d
funds
to neafvst £
Endowmènt
funds
to n•ar8st £
Restricted funds
to nearest £
Dètalls
B2 Other mongtary assets
Fund to whlch
a55et bolon
Current valu•
tlonal
D•tall$
Cost
tlonal
Fund to whlch
ass•t bolon
Currgnt valuè
tlonal
Detall$
Cost
tional
B4 Assets retained for the
¢harlty's own use
Fund to which
Ilabilit
relates
Amount due
tlonal
When du•
tional
D•tails
B5 Liabilities
Signed by one or twt> trustees on
behaff of all the tnjstees
Sunalure
Pmt Name
Date of a
roval
2211112025
Dav#J Satter
2211112025
11