Company registration nurnber: 03285642 Charity registration number: 1074448 Helmsley Walled Garden Llmited (A company limited by guarantee) Annual Report and Financial Statements For the year ended 30 November 2023 l Helmsley Walled Garden A beautiful garden changing lives
Helmsley Walled Garden Limited Yearended 30 November 2023 Table of Contents Reference and Administrative Details Trustees, Report Independent Examiner's Report Statement of Financial Activities 12 14 Balance Sheet 15 Notes to the Financial Statements 16-28
Helmsley Walled Garden Limited Year ended 30 November 2023 Trustee< Report The trustees, who are directors for the puryoses ofcompanylaw. present the annual report together with the financial statements of the charitable company for the year ended 30 November 2023. Reference and administrative details Trustees N Holroyd (Chair) C Lawton (Vice Chair) l A Batty (Treasurer) V Aston S Barstow D Brewster E Hook (Appointed 13 July 2023) E I Parker (Resigned 13 July 2023) A Roberts (Appointed 13 luly 2023) N Saunders {Appointed 13 July 2023) Dr J R Strang {Resigned 13 luly 2023) Company reglstratlon number.. 03285642 Charlty reglstratlon number: 1074448 Reglstered offlce Helmsley W211ed Garden Cleveland Way Helmsley York Y062 SAH Oblectlves and Actlvltles Our Charitable objects are contained within the Articles of Association as approved by the Charlty Commission and filed at Companies House and theyare as follows; "To advance the education of the public in 211 matters relating to horticulture, gardening skills and therapeutic horticulture through the development and maintenance of an historic walled garden, providing a supportive therapeutic space for volunteers and enhancing the physical and emotional health and wellbeing ofeveryone who uses and visits the garden." The Trustees can confirm that the charity's activities are condurted in accordance with the requirements of Section 4 of the Charitie5 Act 2011 and the fuifilment of the Public Benefit provision and guidance published by the Charity CDmtnission for England and Wales. During the 2022 financial year we conducted a review ofour business plan which was completed and approved at a Board Meeting in May 2022. The current business plan, which was approved in 2022 covers the period 2022 to 2025. The Business Plan 15 kept under regular review and updated as appropriate.
Helmsley Walled Garden Llmlted Year ended 30 November 2023 Oblectlves and activitles (continued) We now include a regular item on the Board meeting agenda to allow for consideration of the business plan and to ensure that, as a charity, we are conducting our business In accordance with our charitable objectives. vision and values. We conducted regular Board meetings throughout the year with a mixture of face to face meetings and use of Zoom and the Board meet once each year for an Away Day when the Board are able to focus on strategic planning and finance. Structure, Governance and Management The year Saw some further changes to the Board of Trustees with the resignations on rotation of the Vice Chair, Edwina Parker and leffrey Strang. In anticipation of these resignatlons the Board Cotnmenced the recruitment of trustees in accordance with our trustee recruitment policy and we were pleased to welcome three new Trustees, namely Andy Roberts, Ellie Hook and Nicola Saunders, further enhancing the sliill set and diversity of the Board. Claire Lawton was appointed Vice Chair on the 13th july 2023. with unanimou5 trustee supporL We have continued to operate through four working groups relating to Governance, Commercial/ Marketing Property and Finance whilst maintaining the Boards ability to appoint specific groups where a need is identified. Going lonvard we have agreed to create a Fundraising Group consisting of trustees and the Executive Director 50 as to oversee our fure fundraising activity, particularly having regard to the need to develop and maintain our buildings. Thi5 followed upon the successful use of subgroups to develop our website and branding and to produce our Volunteering Policy In previous years. Durlng the prevlous year the Governance Working Group produced a new set of draft policies Including those covering Safeguardin& Health and Safety and EqLtality and Diversity. The Working Group also produced a set of Handbooks relating to stslf, Volunteers and Trustees together with new Code of Conduct for Trustees in accordance with the provisions of the Charity Governance Code for Smaller Charities. These policies were formally adopted and approved by the Board in january 2023. We are a Charitable Company, limlted byguarantee with a votlng membership. Our currentgroup of members have voting rights at the Annual General Meeting and are responsible for receiving and adopting the Annual Report and Financial Statement as well as confirming the appointment of new Trustees. During this financial year the Chair and Executive Director have met on a regular basi5 Wlth our member5 for the purpose of providing progress reports on our activities and financial performance and to keep the membership engaged and informed ofdevelopments at the Garden. Our constitution also provides For the appointment of Garden Ambassadors. This is an honorary role for those people who are judged to have tnade a notable contribution to the Garden. The role allows to attend garden events by invitation and to help promote the garden as a therapeutic space. We have now appointed 13 Ambassadors including two newadditions this year.
Helnjsley Walled Garden Llmited Yearended 30 November 2023 Recruitment and Appointment of TSteeS We have undertaken a targeted recruitment and appointment process for Trustees to help ensure an appropriate mix of skills. knowledge and experience amongst the Board resulting in the appointment of three new trustees in the financial year. During that time the recruitment process has helped secure greater diversity Wlthin the Board, including two Trustees who are also garden volunteer5. Succession planning is an ongoing activity, and the recruitment processes we use will continue to be reviewed and updated so that we attract potential Trustees from as diverse a range of backgrounds and experience as possible. In particular, we shall continue to work towards ensuring the best possible balance of gender. ethnicity, disability and age. All Trustees have a role description and participate in a regular review oftheir contribution to the Garden and the effectiveness of the Board. Trustees, who are also Board members, were appointed for an initial period ofthree years, with a further opportunity to serve for three more years, thereby ensuring rotation and succession. The skill mix of Board members reflects the main priorities of the Garden as identified in the Busine55 Plan. The Board have recently conducted a review of the succession policy and are looking to amend this to a 9 year rotation period as it is considered that the current period of six years is too restrictive and places an unnecessary strain on the charity in term5 of the need for constant recruitment and the loss of trustee skills and contributlon. A profile ofthe current Board members can be found on our websire We are blessed with a Board which has a wealth of senlor level experience from the priwate, voluntary and public sectors. Vacancies for the role of Trustee are advertised widely, specifying the preferred skill set and experience required and reflecting the future need and strategy of the Garden as set out in the business plan. Candidates are invited to meet the Chair, Vice Chair and Executive Director to learn about the work of the Board and the exciting opportunities ahead. Appointments are initially confirmed by the Board and ratified at the AGM. All Trustees are now provided with an induction pack and the opportunity for an induction meeting. Trustee Revlews Thecharitycommission Governance Code recommends thatthe Boardreviews itsown performance and that of individual Trustees and the Chair. Accordingly, we have completed a review of each Trustee. and this continues to be repeated on a regular basis with further reviews, including of newly appointed trustee5 in 2024. Such revSews form part of the continuing and future review of the Board's effectivenes5. The Garden in 2023 We were able to continue with significant progress in 2023, in completing the repair/ renovation of an important part of our building stock and maintaining progress in managing our finances and reserves, whilst conkn'nuing to increase the number of volunteers working in the garden who, together with our staff, have created a magnificent display throughout the year.
Helmsley Walled Garden Limited Year ended 30 November 2023 The Garden in 2023 (continuedj Our visitors have been extremely complimentary about the garden throughout the season and HWG is currently in excellent condition with very few perennial weeds and a range of spaces that give our visitors interesting and varied experiences. We were fortunate to have been included in an episode of Gardener's World in March 2024, filmed in May 2023, and this has greatly enhanced the profile of the garden and highlighted the work ofthe charity. New areas planned for 2024 include our alpine garden the recreation of our successful award- winning garden created by our volunteers at Harrogate Spring Fair in April 2024. The alpine garden will be an interesting addition for our visitors and will be sited adjacent to our annual raised beds. We are also planning a renovation of our Physic Garden,'twinning' the garden with the Royal College of Physicians Garden in Edinburgh. This will bring new life into this interesting and educational part of the garden which is very popular with visitors. Our kitchen garden continues to develop and this year our maintenance volunteers have created a new bay where we can store horse manure from the neighbouring stables to use in in the kitchen garden and elsewhere. Enhanclng Our Vlsitor Experlences We are a significant tourist attraction in the North York Moors and Ryedale area and, together with our partners at the Vine House Café, we attract visitors from far afield aided by welcome publicity at national and local level in the media. Our new website continiies to perform well with visitors able to access all our courses. workshops and of course tickets for the garden. With a focus on better educating our visitors about the work we do as a charity. we are looking this year to encourage increasing donations from our visltors and a higher spend per head on visiting. We have introduced a new Annual Pass at just £16 per year, £15 if booked online, and this is already proving to be popular. The pass enables oiir visitor5 to see the garden all year round at a very reasonable cost and all passes can be gift.aided if appropriate. Our free RHS partnergarden day remains as a Wednesday, one ofourbusiestdays of the week, both in revenue and visitors. We have now revised our Gardener's World Two for One Pass, to be restricted. valid only on a Frlday rather than any time the garden is open. Signage remains a focus and we are planning new interpretation signage In 2024 in line with further emphasizing our charitable work to our visitors. We have retained the set of sculptures by Bill Harling for a further year and these will be more actively advertised as being for sale to our visitors. Our Bulldlngs As previously reported, we have already completed the re5tordtion of the Orchid House, together with the refurbishment of our cold frames which help to enhance our volunteer experience by supporting the propagation of our own plants for planting in the Garden and for sale to our visitors.
Helmsley Walled Garden Llmited Yearended 30 November 2023 Our Buildings (continued) In December 2023 we were successful in being awarded a grant from the National Lottery Community Fund for a three-year project thatwill extend and develop our own range of perennials available for visitors to purchase. The project. 'Learning to Grow, has enabled us to employ two additional part time volunteer coordinators and a garden trainee. We are already seeing excellent result5 in the increasing range of garden plants we have available and the extremely positive impact the project is making on some of our more vulnerable volunteers. Our favourable financial position has enabled us to set aside funds In a Designated Reserve as security against future commitments and the need to regularly tnaintain and repaint ourglasshouses and other buildings. It is important to recognlse that we still have a repair backlog forthe Vine House and Orchard House in future years. We are at an advanced stage in planning the development of the entrance, shop and offices for staff, together with the redesign ol the Orchard House. This development will provide a fitting space for our visitors, staff and for our many volunteers, incliiding for educational purposes, and will maintain our focus on the charity'5 objectives and our vision. We are waiting to submit plans to the planning authority in the hope that permission for this ambitious and excitlng project will be granted in the 2024 financial year. Our Volunteers Our volunteers are crucial to the work we do and benefit from the support of our charlty. Initially our "Over the Garden Gate" programme saw our number of volunteers has increased substantially and we now have a walting list. Our volunteers inLlude several who need additional support, including those experiencing autism, deafness, depression and anxiety, learning difficulties and dementia. We continue to see enquirles from people keen to volunteer at the garden, however we are currently at capacity forvolun¢eers with an average of 8-10 volunteers attending each Session. Priorlty is given to those who need us the most and who are more vulnerable. in tandem with this, we also are always open to more volunteer mentors. We also encourage applications for those interested in being in the kiosk as this is one area where we could accommodate more volunteers. We were fortunate enough to, once again, receive funding from the Nation21 Gardens Scheme to accommodate an additional trainee from the Working for Garden Society (WFGA). This trainee rinished her bursary at the garden in March 2024 and is now employed by the garden in one ofour two day per week p05ts, funded wlthin our Learning to Grow projecL One very popular new project for 2024 was the construction, attendance and deconstruction ofour show garden at the Harrogate Spring Fair. Over 20 of our volunteers became involved in the project over a period of two and a half weeks and enjoyed talking to visitors to the spring show about Helmsley. We have cornmissioned a promotional film IT] 2024, following on from the success of our Gardener's World filming last year, which looks to represent our volunteers more fully to our visitors and funders. The film is being shot over three separate occasions and the first segment was completed in March 2024.
Helmsley Walled Garden Limited Year ended 30 November 2023 A Sustainable Garden The garden continues to recognise the issues caused by climate change and to do as much as possible to minimize its carbon footprint and enhance biodiversity. We CDntinue to update and improve the steps we are taking towards this end and some of the activities we can highlight are as listed below. Extending our comp05ting our maintenance team have bullt a new hot composter to ensure the surplus garden waste is recycled and used to mulch our borders. Promoting the use of natural fertilisers In the Garden at all times using manure from nearby stsbles and from our own chickens. Replacing our old gas boilers with electric heaters. Growing our own produce and sourcing new plants for sale from a more local grower - Myers Beck which is also a registered charity with a similar ethos to Helmsley Walled Garden and which provides work experience and social therapeutic hort5culture for adults with disabilities. Promoting shared car joiirneys for staff and voliinteers who cannot walk or cycle to the garden or don't have convenient access to public tra115port. Visitors using public transport can receive a discounted entry ticket. Promoting wildlife and biodiversity in the garden through the selection of plants, eradicating the use of chemical fertilisers. and erecting insect hotels and bird boxes. We make our own leafmould as mulch forthe gardon and make comfrey plant food as well as using peat free compost for peat propagation. We do not use any chemical herbicides or pesticides in the garden. Following a comprehensive audit wlth students from the Stockholm Institute at York Universlty. we have defined some key areas that can bc further developed in terms of sustainability. Promoting day to day activities, such as waste recycling, water harvesting and using peat-free compost have been incorporated into our own marketing campaigns. Sustainability and minimal environmental impact will be part of the criteria for future developments, such a5 new buildings and building restoration work. New projects in the garden will have a focus on biodiversity, sustainable maintenance requirements and low carbon impact. Water harvesting and use continues to be a key area for focus, following the severe drought of 2022, The garden now has new water butts on all downpipes and is creating a water harvest facility from the existing polytunnel roof. Water use in the garden is being carefully considered and new systems that enable more effective watering will be a development project for the garden in 2023. The BDard has agreed to the investigation of the potential for a bore hole on site. Initial surveys have been undertaken and subject to finance being available it is hoped that work can commence on the excavation of a bore hole in the latter part of 2024. This will make a substantial contribution to the managetnent and sustainable use of water in the garden in future years and longer term, Worklng wlth our Local Communlty In addition to supporting our volunteers (many of whom live locally), we also provide 20 low cost potager plots made available to Helmsley residents to grow their own vegetables. One of our volunteers has also starred a new Helmsley Gardening Club. The garden has continued to host a number of short courses, including painting, fruit tree pruning, photography and outdoor theatre in conjunction with Helmsley Arts Centre has become a regular spring and summei- event.
Helrnsley Walled Garden Limited Year ended 30 November 2023 Working with our Local Community (continued) Countryside Learning, in collaboration with English Heritage, continue to use the garden for outdoor learning days with a further four days booked for local primary schools in 2024. These events will be supported also this year by an English Heritage educats'on officer. Thegarden continues to be supported by the North Yorkshire Moors National Park (NYMNP) and by Helmsley Town Council through small grant funding and volunteering days. Local charities such as Ryedale Special Families also use the garden for free on occasion to provide respite days lor both beneficiaries and carers. Marketlng and Communicatlons We continue to update oui- website with helpFul information to assist ourvi5itors and to demonstrate the work of the garden and the emphasis on the work ofour volunteers. We also promote the VIDe House Café and guidance on how to get to the Garden. Marketing became a strong focus during 2023 with the appointment oFa new dedicated Marketing Manager at the garden. HWG appeared on two television programs at the start of 2023, 'Love Your Garden, and Robson Green's 'Escape to the Country,. Building on this good publicity, a new campaign is planned for 2024, 'Not just a pretty garden,. to further develop the theme of Helmsley as an attractive ornamental garden that is tnost effectively also benefiting its community. ThSs theme will run through all social media accounts ID 2024 and help to increase donations from visitors. The garden has invested in a new tScketing system with Vennersys. This system 15 enabling us to provide our vlsitors with bar coded entry cards that are scanned on each visit. Not only is the system giving us detailed information about when pass holder5 come to the garden, it is also allowing us to collect valuable data about our visitors that will better enable us to communicate with our visitors in a more targeted way. We plan to add our retail shop to the system also In the autumn of 2024. Flnancial Revlew Helmsley Walled Garden's Income derives from a range of sources. Grants do form a proportion of our income. but primarily, this is derived froTn the Entrance fees Irjto the Garden as well as the sales of the plants, many of which we have home- propagated and our Garden shop which stocks an attractive range of quality products. With appeal to the full spectrum of Our visitor demographic. The results for this financial year show our total income from all sources increased to £302,447 compared to £300,574 in 2022 with an overdll surplus of £8,964 compared to the deficit in 2022 of (£19,653). Numbers vislting the garden remained robust during the period, bo15tered by the affiliation to the RHS as a Partner Garden on Wedtiesdays each weekas well as the wideningawareness ofthe Garden as a visitor destination through collaborative marketing through multiple media channe15 and the enhanced marketing reach and expenditure in the year to develop actively develop this. The accessibility of the Shop, with its widening range of stock and plants without the reqiiirement to enter the garden ha5 continued to increase its sales year on year too, with income increasing to £68,147 from £59,705 in 2022.
Helmsley Walled Garden Lfimited Year ended 30 November 2023 Financial Review (continued) We benefited this financial year from the generosity of individual donations to the Garden too for the furtherance of our core activities. without restriction, with these £28,913 this year compared to £12,968 in 2022. The financial support from these benefactors supplernents the overall Garden income and aides the expansion of the reach of our activities, for which we are supremely gratsful. The level of admission fees continues to be constrained by competition from other attractions in the vicinity,. they are reviewed keenly on an annual basis in line with gardens of a similar size and quality to ensure we continue to remain attractive to VlSltors, feeling that they are still getting value for money from every visit that they make to the garden with a constant watching brief by the Trustees of the impact that the cost of living crisis in the economy is having on household dlsposable income and the risk5 associated with this for the overall income of the garden. Our close symbiotic relationship with the Vine House Café and its proximity to the garden, undoubtedly continues to enhance the overall visitor experience. During the year, the Trustees have Designated a further £20,000 [2022.. £60,000) from the Unrestricted Reserves which has been set aside to support the on-going maintenance, upkeep and rolling repairs associated with the historical buildings and glasshouse assets. The balance in thls Designated Fund at the end of the financial year wa5 £95,095 cumpared to £84,260 in 2022. Note 18 on pages 25 provides additional information of this designated purpose and the utilisation of funds Sn rhls reserve during the financial year on its designated purpose. At the Balance sheet date, the Total Funds of the Charity were £322,896 compared to £313,932 in the previoiis financial year Charity,. of these, the Unrestricted Funds were £229,3 14 compared to £211,250 at the end of the prior year. These are funds which are expendable at the Trustees, discretion in furtherance of the objects or administration of the Charity. Almost all of OLir operating costs are covered by income from our Friends and visitors to the Garden, corresponding Gift Aid to thi5 revenue, sales from the shop and plants and rental income from the café and the Garden with the remainder of any income from gifts, bequests, and grant funding. Our financial model continues to be rigorously evaluated to ensure that the financial well-being of the Charity and the solidity of its current level of resources are sustained and operationally maintainable for the future. Reserves Pollcy The aim of our Reserves Policy is to,. to provide a level of working capital that protects the continuity of our core work to provide a level of funding for unexpected opportunities to provide cover for risk5 such as unforeseen expetiditure or unanticipated loss of Income resulting from adverse period of weather or other unforeseen circumstances To achieve these aims. the charity loolts to hold reserves of a minimum of five months running costs at the end of our accounting year in November. Seeking to build additional income streams through the winter months, we would also look to achieve a financial safety net at the start of the season in March ofa further three months running costs into the summer.
Helmsley Walled Garden Llmited Year ended 30 November 2023 Reserves Policy (Continued) Helmsley Walled Garden, in addition to being a popular tourist destination during the summer months. is an essential resource for its nearby community. It is imperative that we retain enough reserves from our summer visitors through these months to support the ongoing work of our volunteers in the winter months. Not only do we need to cover the costs of our staff to support volunteers through the winter, we also have expenses, garden too15 and materials that continue to be ongoing costs for us from November through to March with limited visitor income. Our position, financially. hlghlights the fact that Helmsley Walled Garden exists through our volunteers the garden itself providing solace and therapeutic activity for those individuals 11 months of the year. In addition to the picture we see in November, we also look to hold a balance in the Spring that enables us to ensure the purchase of stock for our shop and plant sales, the replanting and restordtion of some areas of the garden on an annual basis and the supply of new tools and equipment for our volunteers if required. The revenue from our visitor sales fluctuates greatly due to weather conditions throughout the summer months and. although our visitor numbers (and consequently revenue) tnay be greatly reduced by poor weather, our volunteers continue to enjoy their activities in the garden IT) even the inclement weather of an English Spring. To enable the charlty to achieve its objectives. we continue in our endeavour to maintain at least £134,000 of Unrestricted reserves. Our performance in this financial year has once again been reassuringly positive and these currently stand at £229,314, being the combined sum of General and Designated funds. Total funds at the year-end amount to £322,896 (2022.. £313,932) of which £93,582 (2022: £102,682) is Restricted and can only be used for particular restricted purposes as stipulated by the donors. The assets and liabilities attributable to the various funds are shown in note 18 and 19 which also describe the various funds of the Charity. The Trustees are mindful that to meet our existing and ongoing obligations for the next financial year, new income streams projects and funding will continue to be vital to ensure our sustainability and our ability to service Dur community, members and the wider public with what the garden offers. Our primary focus continues to be an unwavering endeavour to sustain the reserves in excess of the minimum operational level set. The Board of Trustees continually review the above criterla wlth reference to the charlty's Annual Plan and evaluate their strategy and target level of free reserve5 to meet these requirements. Plans for Future Perlods The Garden is now in a much stronger financial position than has been the case in recent times as a result of the hard work and commitment of our staff, volunteers and trustees. The comments we receive from our visitors about the Garden continue to be complimentary but we still have a significant building repair backlog and as Tnentioned, we have plans for the development of the entrance, shop and offices and now to redevelop the Orchard House to create a space to enhance the experience and wellbeing of our volunteers. We have recognised the need to ensure that we have sufficient Staff resources in place to support our volunteers and ensure the smooth running of the Garden. Accordingly, we will aim to continue to grow and diversify our income as well as to support the development of the Garden in a way which is increasingly attractive to farnilies and by creating exciting new attractions.
Helmsley Walled Garden Limited Year ended 30 November 2023 We thank all who have been part of this successful financial year and look forward to the next. The financial statements have been delivered in accordance with the special provlslons relating to companies subject to the small companies regime. The annual report was approved by the trustees of the charity on behalf by.. and signed on its Nick Holroyd Chalr Helmsley Walled Garden Trustees io
Helmsley Walled Garden Limited Year ended 30 November 2023 Statement of trustees. Tesponslbfilities The trustees (who are also directors OF Helmsley Walled Garden Limited for the purposes of cornpany law) are responsible for preparing the Trustees, Report and the financial statements in accordance with applicable law and United Kingdom Accounting Standards {United Kingdom Generally Accepted Accounting Practice). Company law requires the trustees to prepare financial statements for each financial year which give a true and fair view of the state of affairs of the charitable company and of the incoming resources and application of resources, including the incorne and expenditure. of the charitable cornpany for that period. In preparing these financial statements, the trustees are required to.. select suitable accounting policies and then apply them consistently; observe the methods and principles in the Charities SORP (FRS 102).. make judgements and estimates that are reasonable and prudent: state whether applicable accounting standards have been followed, subject to any material departures disclosed and explained in the financial statements., and prepare the financial statements on the going concern basis unless it is inappropriate to presume that the charity will continue in business. The trustees are responsible for keeping proper accounting records that disclose with reasonable accuracy at any time the financial position of the charitable company and enable them to ensure that the financial statements comply with the Companies Act 2006 and the Charities Act 2011. They are also responsible for safeguarding the asset5 of the charitsble company and hence for taking reasonable steps for the prevention and detection of fraud and other irregularities. li
Helmsley Walled Garden Limited Year ended 30 November 2023 Independent examine5 report to the trustees of Helmsley Walled Garden Limited ('the Company.) I report to the charity trustees on my examination ofthe accounts ofthe CornpaT]y forthe year ended 30 November 2023. Respertlve responslbllltles of trustees and examlner As the charity's trustees of the Company (and also it5 dirertors for the purposes ofcompany law) you are responsible for the preparation of the accounts in accordance with the requirements of the Companies Art 2006 {'the 2006 Act,). Having satisfied myself that the accounts of the Company are not required to be audited under Part 16 of the 2006 Act and are eligible for independent examination, I report in respect of my examinati(>n of your charity's account5 as carried out under section 145 of the Charlties Act 2011 ('the 2011 Act,). In carrying out my examination I have followed the Directions given by the Charlty Commission under section 145(5) (b) of the 2011 Act. Bas15 of Independent examlner's report My examination was carried out in accordance wlth the general Dlrections given by the Charlty Commission. An examination includes a review of the accounting records kept by the charity and a compari50n 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 tru5tee5 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 thuse matters set out in the statement below. Independent examlnerfs statement Sinee the CoMpanS gross Income exceeded £250,000 your examiner must be a member ofa body listed in section 145 of the 2011 Act. I confirrn that l am qualified to undertake the examination because l am a member of The Institute of Chartered Accountants in England and Wales, which Is one of the listed bodies, I have completed myexamination. I confirm that no mattershave cometo myattention in connection with the examination giving me cause to believe: accounting records were not kept in respect of the Company as required by section 386 of the 2006 Act,. or the accounts do not accord with those records,. or the accounts do not comply with the accounting requirements of section 396 of the 2006 Act other than any requirement that the accounts give a 'true and fair view, which is not a matter considered as part ofan independentexamination: or the accounts have not been prepared in accordance with the method5 and principles of the Statement of Recommended Practice for accounting and reporting by charities applicable to charities preparing their accounts in accordance with the Financial Reporting Standard applicable in the UK and Republic of Ireland (FRS 102). 12
Helmsley Walled Garden Llmited Year ended 30 November 2023 I have no concerns and have come across no other matters in connection with the examination to which attention should be drawn in this report in order to enable a proper understanding of the accounts to be reached. Signed: UJY Sally Appleton ICAEW Saffery LLP Mitre House North Park Road Harrogate HGI 5RX 13
Helmsley Walled Garden Limlted Year ended 30 November 2023 statement of Financial Activities for the Year Ended 30 November 2023 {Includlng Income and Expendlture Account and Statement of Total Recognised Gains and Losses) Note Unrestricted Restrlcted Funds Funds Total 2023 Total 2022 Income and Endowments from: Donations and legacies 29,113 29,113 12,968 Charitable activities 228,426 6,900 235,326 247,374 Investment income 494 494 20 nther income 37,514 37,514 40,212 Other trading activities Total Income 295,547 6,900 302,447 300,574 Expendlture on: Raising funds (3,872) (3,872) (600) Charitable activities (262,643) (16,000) (278,643] (307.826} Governance costs io {10,968) [10,968) (11,801) Total expendlture (277,483) (16,000) (293.483) (320,227) Net income/[expenditure) 18,064 (9,100) 8,964 (19,653) Transfer between funds Net rnovement in funds 18,064 (9,100) 8,964 (19.653) Reconciliation of funds Total funds brought forward 211.250 102,682 313,932 333,585 Total funds earried forward 18 229,314 93,582 322,896 313,932 All of the charity's activities derive from continuing operations during the above two periods. The funds breakdown for 2023 is shown in note 18. 14
Helmsley Walled Garden Limited Year ended 30 November 2023 (Reglstration number: 03285642) Balance Sheet as at 30 November 2023 Note 2023 2022 Flxed assets Tangible assets 13 101,752 101,752 106,167 106.167 Current assets Stocks Debtors Cash at bank and in hand 14 15 35,259 7,500 232.740 18,197 861 258,219 275,499 277,277 Creditors: Arnounts falling due within one year 16 (20,236) 255.263 [30,108) 247,169 Net current assets Total assets less current Ilabllltles 357,015 353,336 Creditors: Amounts falling due after more than one year 17 (34,119) (39,404) Net assets 322.896 313,932 Funds ofthe Charlty: Restricted funds Unrestricted funds General 18 93,582 102,682 18 134,219 126,990 Designated Total funds 95,095 322.896 84,260 313,932 For the year ended 30 November 2023 the company was entitled to exemption from audit under section 477 of the Companies Act 2006 relating to small companies.. The member5 have not required the company to Obtain an audit of its financial statements for the year in question in accordance with section 476 of the Companie5 Act 2006. The trustee5 acknowledge their responsibilities for complyingwith the requirements of the Actwith respect to accountlng records and the preparation of financial statements. These financial statements have been prepared in accordance with the provisions applicable to companie5 subject to the small companies regitne. The fi ements on pages 14 to 28 were approved bythe Trustees, authorised forissue on . and signed on their behalf by.. N Holroyd Trustee J Batty Trustee 15
Helmsley Walled Garden Limited Year ended 30 November 2023 Notes to the Financlal Statements (or the Year Ended 30 November 2023 Charity status The charity is a charity limited by guarantee, registered in England and Wales, aT]d consequently does nothave share capital. Each of the trustees is liable to contribute an amount not exceeding £1 towards the assets of the charity in the event of liquidation. Accountlng pollcles Summary of slgnlflcant accountlng pollcies and key accounting estimates The principal accounting policies applied in the preparation ofthese financial statements are set out below. These policies have been consistently applied to all the years presented, unless otherwise stated. Statement of compllance The financlal statements have been prepared In accordance with Accounting and Reporting by Charities.. Statement of Recommended Practice applicable to charities preparing their accounts in accordance with the Financial Reporting Standard applicable in the UK and Republic of Ireland (FRS 102] (effective I lanuary 20 15) and the Companies Act 2006. Basls of preparatlon Helmsley Walled Garden Limited meets the definition of a public benefit entity under FRS 102. Assets and liabilities are initially recognised at historical cost or transaction value unless otheiSe stated in the relevant accounting policy notes. The financial statements are prepared In sterling, which is the functional currency of the company. Monetary amounts in these financial statements are rounded to the nearest £. Golng concern The financial statements are drawn up on the going concern basls whlch assumes the Charity will ontinue in operational existence for the foreseeable future. In assessing the lasting impact of financial pressures brought about by rising inflation and the national economic cost of living crisis, the trustees have considered all the matters described in the Trustees, Report when making this evaluation. The charity substantially relies on Income from its members. Friends for Life. visitors to the Garden and associated income from its plant and shop sales along with rental income from the café on site as well as the hire of the garden now for outdoor events. The Trustees continue to maintain a constant watching brief on the Charitys cash flow and budget predictions with financial projections updated quarterly and reforecast5 fine-tuned on alternative assumptions to evaluate the predicted outcomes, and these are reviewed at Trustee meetings, New income streams are continually being evaluated and pursued to balance against any future disruptions to the normality of the usual trading pattern and cycle to strengthen the Unrestricted Reserves and boost the Charity's resilience. The Trustees, forecasts indicate that the Charity will be able to maintain liquidity lor a period of at least one year following the date of signing these financial statements and sustain its operational existence during the next 12 months and accordingly, the Charity accounts are appropriately prepared under the going concern basis. 16
Helmsley Walled Garden Llmited Year ended 30 November 2023 Notes to the Flnancial Statements Cor the Year Ended 30 November 2023 (continued) Income and endowments All income is recognised once the charity has entitlement to the income, it 15 probable that the income will be received and the amount of the income receivable can be Tneasured reliably. Donatlons and legacles Donations are recognised when the charity has been notified in writing of both the amount and settleTnent date. In the event that a donation is subject to conditions that require a level of performance by the charity before the charity is entitled to the funds, the income is deferred and not recognised until either those conditions are fully met, or the fulfilrnent of those conditions is wholly within the control of the charity and it is probable that these conditions will be fulfilled in the reporting period. Investment Income Dividends are recognised once the dividend ha5 been declared and notification has been received of the dividend due. Interest income is recognised as it is received. Expendlture All expenditure is recognised once there Is a legal or constructive obligation to that expenditure, it Is probable settlement is required and the amount can be rneasured reliably. All costs are allocated to the applicable expenditure heading thar aggregate similar costs to that category. Where costs cannot be directly attributed to particular headings they have been allocated on a basis consistent with the use of resources, with central staff costs allocated on the basis of time spent, and depreciation charges alloLated on the portion of the asset's use. Other support costs are allocated based on the spread of staff costs. Ra151ng funds These are costs incurred in attracting voluntary income, the management of investments and those incurred in trading activities that raise funds. Charitable actfivltles Charltable expendIre comprises those costs incurred by the charity in the delivery of its activities and services for its beneficiaries. It includes both costs that can be allocated directly to such activities and those costs of an indirect nature necessary to support them. Support costs Support costs are those functions that a55iSt the work of the chariry but do not directly undertake charitable activities. Support costs include back office cost5, finance, personnel and payroll costs which support the Trusts activities. The breakdown of these support costs is set out in note 9. Governance costs These include the costs attributable to the charity's compliance with constitutional and statutory requirements. including audit or independent exam, strategic management and trustees, meetings and reimbursed expense5. 17
Helmsley Walled Garden Limited Year ended 30 November 2023 Notes to the Flnancial Statements for the Year Ended 30 November 2023 (Continued) Taxatlon The charity is considered to pass the test5 set out in Paragraph I Schedule 6 of the Finance Act 2010 and therefore it meets the definition of a charitable company for UK corporation tax purposes. Accordingly, the charity is potentially exempt from taxation in respect of income or capital gai received within categories covered by Chapter 3 Part I l of the Corporation Tax Art 2010 or Section 256 of the T&xation of Chargeable Gains Act 1992, to the extent that5uch income orgains are applied exclusively to charitable purposes. Tanglble fixed assets Indlvldual fixed assets costing £100 or more are initially recorded at cosL less any subsequeT]t accumulated depreciation and subsequent accumulated impairment losses. Deprecfiatlon and amortlsatlon Depreciation is provided on tangible fixed assets so as to write off the cost or valuation, less any estimated residual value, over their expected useful economic life as follows.. Buildings and Glasshouses Plant & equipment Fixtures & fittings Computer equipment straight line over the remaining useful life of the lease 15 % reducing balance 15% reducing balance 3 years straight line stock Stock is valued at the lower of cost and eslimated selling price less costs to complete and sell, after due regard for obsolete and slow moving stocks. Cost is determined using the first-in, first-out (FIFO). Cash and cash equlvalents Cash and cash equivalents comprSse cash on hand and call deposits, and other short-term highly liquid investments that are readily convertible to a known amount of cash and are subject to an insignificant risk of ehange in value. Trade credltors Tr3de creditors are obligations to pay for goods or service5 that have been acquired in the ordinary course of business from suppliers. Accounts payable are classified as current liabilities if the charity does not have an unconditional righ( at the end of the reporting period, to defer settlement ol the creditor for at least twelve months after the reporting date. If there is an unconditional right to defer settlement for at least twelve months after the reporting date, they are presented as non-current liabilities. Trdde creditors are recognised initially at the transaction price and subsequently measured at amortised cost using the effective interest method. Fund Structure Unrestrieted income funds are general funds that are available for use at the trustees, discretion in furtherance of the objectives of the charity. Restricted income funds are those donated for use in a particular area or for specific purposes, the use of which is restricted to that area or purpose. 18
Helmsley Walled Garden Limited Year ended 30 November 2023 Notes to the Financial Statements for the Year Ended 30 November 2023 (contlnued) Income from donatlons and legacies Unrestrficted funds General Restrlrted funds Total 2023 Total 2022 Donations and legacies Donations from individuals 200 28,913 29,113 200 28,913 29,113 12,968 12,968 Income from charltable actlvltles Unrestrlcted fund5 General Restrlcted Total 2023 funds Entrance fee Garden and shop sales Grant Other 127,714 68,147 127,714 68,147 6,900 32,565 6,900 32,565 228,426 6,900 235,326 Included within restricted fund grant income is £4,000 from The D'oyly Carte Charitable Trust for the 'Plant5, People and Possibilities, project, £2,500 from Ryedale District Council for the 'Beyond the Secret Garden, projectand £400 from HelmsleyTown Council for'willow Weaving,. Income from charitable artlvltles - prevlous year Unrestrlcted funds General Restrlcted funds Total 2022 Entrance fee Garden and shop sales Grant Other 108.119 59,705 2,000 22,112 191,936 108,119 59,705 57,438 22,112 247,374 55,438 55,438 Included withln restricted fund grant Income is £2,667 from Ryedale District Council for COVID support and £2,500 for Beyond the Garden Gate. £7.771 from North York County Council for the apprenticeship scheme, £31,000 in contribution5 for the Orchid House Renovation, £500 from Helmsley Town Council for the Auricular Theatre, £1,000 from North York Moor5 for picnic table5. £5,000 from Brarnall Foundation and £5,000 from the Brelms Trust forsalary costs. 19
Helmsley Walled Garden Lfimited Year ended 30 November 2023 Notes to the Flnanclal Statements for the Year Ended 30 November Z023 (continued) Investment Income Unrestrirted funds 2023 2022 Interest receivable on bank deposits 494 20 494 20 Other Income Unrestrlcted funds General Restricted funds Total 2023 Total 2022 Rental income 22.343 15,171 37,514 22,343 15.171 37,514 22,343 17,869 40,212 Gift Aid tax reclaimed Other tradlng actfivltles 2023 2022 Fundralsing Expendlture on ¢harltable actlvlties Unrestrlcted Restrlcted funds funds General Total 2023 Garden and shop cost of sales Wages and salaries Staff pensions Repairs 2nd renewals Support costs (see note 9) Depreciation and impairment 44,332 136,973 2,930 24,040 52,768 1,600 262,643 44,332 145,973 2,930 26,940 52.768 5,700 278,643 9,000 2,900 4.100 16,000 20
Helmsley Walled Garden Limited Year ended 30 November 2023 Notes to the Flnancial Statements for the Year Ended 30 November Z023 (eontfinued) Expendlture on charitable activides- previous year Unrestrlcted Restrlrted funds funds General Total 2022 Garden and shop cost of sales Wages and salaries Staff pensions Repair5 and renewals Support costs (see note 9) Depreciation and impairment 35,816 106,971 2,412 26,374 51,606 1,497 224.676 35,816 118,852 2,499 92,653 52,409 5,597 307,826 11,881 87 66,279 803 4,100 The average numberofstaffduringthe yearwas 8 (2022.. 5). No memberofstaff received employee benefits ofmore than £60,000 in the current or prioryear. Support costs Unrestrlcted Restrlrted funds funds General Total 2023 Cleaning Rent Rates & Water Light, heat and power Insurance Telephone and fax Website and computer Printing, postage and stationery Subscriptions and memberships Sundry expenses Advertising Bank charges Bank loan interest Travel, fuel and accommodation Trustee mileage claims Trustee meetings and other expenses 3,418 14,362 1,997 4,626 4,977 1,702 408 1,681 2,129 I,soi 8,319 4,451 1,055 742 576 824 52,768 3,418 14,362 1,997 4,626 4,977 1,702 408 1,681 2,129 1,501 B.319 4,451 I,OS5 742 576 824 52,768 21
Helmsley Walled Garden Limited Year ended 30 November 2023 Note5 to the Financlal Statements for the Year Ended 30 November 2023 (contlnued) Support costs- previou5 year Unrestrlcted Restricted funds funds General Total 2022 Cleaning Rent Rates & Water Light, heat and power Insurance Telephone and fax Website and computer Printin& postage and stationery Subscriptions and memberships Sundry expenses Advertising Bank charges Bank loan interest Travel, fuel and accommodation Trustee mileage claims Trustee meetings and other expenses 4,136 16,563 2,335 4,915 4,743 1.341 128 1,953 1,991 3,370 4,936 3,054 1,182 581 107 271 51,606 4,136 16,563 2,33S 4,915 4,743 1,341 128 1,953 1,991 3,370 4,936 3,054 1,182 1,384 107 271 52,409 803 803 io. Governance Costs of the Charlty Unrestrlcted funds General Restrlcted funds Total 2023 Accountanry fees Legal and professional fees 5,800 5,168 10.968 5.800 5,168 10,968 Governance Costs of the Charlty- previous year Unrestrfrted funds General Restrtcted tunds Total 2022 Accountancy fees Legal and professional fees 4,800 7,001 11,801 4,800 7,001 11,801 Accountancy fees include £5.200 (2022.. £4,800] payable to the Independent examiner. 22
Helrnsley Walled Garden Limited Year ended 30 November 2023 Notes to the Flnanclal Statement5 for the Year Ended 30 November 2023 (continued) ii. Trustees remuneration and expenses Three trustees [2022.. three) had expenses reimbursed in the year totalling £576 (2022.. £107) for mileage claims. No trustees, nor any persons connected with them, have received any other remuneration from the charity during the year. 12. Taxation The Charity is a registered charity and is therefore exempt from taxatlon. 13. Tanglble fixed assets Flxtures & flttlngs Bulldlngs and Glasshouses Total Cost At l December 2022 Additions At30 November2023 Depreclatlon As at l December 2022 Charge for the year At30 November2023 Net book value At 30 November 2023 At 30 November 2022 25,228 1.285 26,513 804,408 829,636 1,285 830,921 804,408 16,743 1.600 18,343 706,726 4,100 710,826 723,469 5.700 729,169 8.170 8,485 93,582 97,682 101,752 106,167 Impalrment Other tanglble flxed assets In the year ended 30 November 2018 the Trustees considered the glasshouse5 to be iTnpaired. The impairment charge was based on a report on the conditlDn of the glasshouses prepared by W R Dunn & Co Limited in 2018. In the currentyear the Trustees didn't consider any further impairnient to be necessary. 14. Stock 2023 2022 Stocks 35,259 18,197 23
Helmsley Walled Garden Limited Yearended 30 November 2023 Notes to the Financlal Statements for the Year Ended 30 Noven)ber 2023 (condnued) 15. Debtors 2023 2022 Trade debtors Other debtors 1,099 6,401 7,500 373 488 861 16. Credltors: amounts falllng due wlthin one year 2023 2022 Trade creditors 3,167 6,199 5,285 5,585 20,236 2,235 6,394 5,155 16,324 30,IQ8 Other taxation and soeial security Bank loans Accruals 17. Credltors: amounts falllng due after one year 2023 2022 Bank loan5 34,119 34.119 39,404 39,404 The 10-year bank loan entered into in 2020 is guaranteed by the UK Government under the BBLS [Bounce Back Loanscheme). There was an initial 13 month5 where no repayments wereto be made and interest at 2.25Wo is covered by UK Government for the 13 month period under BIP (Business Interruption Payment). Repayments and interestcommenced in November 2021. 24
Helmsley Walled Garden Limited Year ended 30 November 2023 Notes to the Financial Statements for the Year Ended 30 November 2023 (contSnued} 18. Funds Balance as at IDcomlng Resources Funds Balance as at l December resources expended Transferred 30 November 2022 2023 Unrestrlcted fvnds General Designated Total unrestrlcted funds Restricted funds BIG Lottery Glasshouses Fund Other restricted grant funding Total restrlcted fund5 126,990 84,260 211,250 295.547 (268,318) (9,165 295,547 (277,483) (20,000) 20,000 134,219 95,095 229,314 30,147 67,535 5,000 30,147 63,435 [4,100) (11.900) 6,900 102,682 313,932 6,900 (16,000) 302,447 (293,483) 93,582 322,896 Total funds Balance as at I Incomlng Resources Funds Balance as at December resources expended Transferred 30 November 2021 2022 Unrestricted funds General Designated Total unre5trlcted funds Restricted funds BIG Lottery Glasshouses Fund Orchld House Appeal (including grants] Restricted grant funding Total restrficted funds 173,191 30,000 203,191 245,136 [23 1,337) 5,740 245,136 [237,077) (6n,000) 60,000 126,990 84,260 211,250 30,147 71,635 26,212 30,147 67,535 (4,100] (57,212) 31,000 2,400 130,394 333,585 24,438 (21,838) 55,438 (83,150] 300,574 (320.227} 5,000 102,682 313,932 Total funds Deslgnated funds During the year. the Trustees have Designated a further £20,000 [2022.. £60,000] from the Unrestricted Reserves which has been set aside to support some of the charity's predicted investment in infrastructure planned for 2024. It includes some on-going maintenance. upkeep of the glasshouse assets and funds to support the renovation of the historical buildings. The sum held in the Designated Funds is now£95,095 [2022.. £84,260) 25
Helmsley Walled Garden Limited Year ended 30 November 2023 Notes to the Financial Statements for the Year Ended 30 November 2023 (continued) Restrlcted (unds BIG Lottery: Donations to refurbish the glasshouses which are held in fixed assets. Glasshouses Fund.. Established to refurbish the gla55houses which are held in fixed assets. The expendlture in the year is depreciation. Restricted Grant Funding.. This represents funding given for specific purposes. The balance at the year end was £nil with the restricted funds being used for salaries in the year. 19. Analysls of net assets between funds Unrestrlcted Restrlcted Total funds funds funds General Intangible fixed assets Tangible fixed assets Current assets 8,170 275,499 (54,355) 229.314 93,582 101,752 275,499 (54,355) 322,896 Current and non-current Ilabllities Total net assets 93,582 Analysls of net assets between funds- prevlous year Unrestrlrted Restrlcted Total funds funds funds General Intangible fixed assets Tangible fixed assets Currentassets 8,485 272,277 [69,512) 211,250 97,682 s,000 106,167 277,277 (69,512) 313,932 Current and non-current liabilities Total net assets 102.682 20. Analysls of net funds Asat l December 2022 Cash flow Asat 30 November 2023 Cash atbankand In hand Net funds 258.219 258.219 25,479 25.479 232.740 232,740 26
Helmsley Walled Garden Limited Yearended 30 November 2023 Notes to the Flnanclal Statements for the Year Ended 30 November 2023 (continued) 21. Operating lease commltments Helmsleywalled Garden Limited leases the site from which the companyoperates. Under theterms of the lease, there are two elements to the rent due,. a fixed basic rent and a variable rent linked to admlsslon5 income. The total future minimum lease payments under non-cancellable operating leases are as follows: 2023 2022 Not later than l year- Axed and varlable elements 16,680 14,230 Later than l year and not later than 5 years Fixed element Estimated variable element. 2,612 40,000 2,612 40,000 Later than 5 years Fixed element Estimated variable element 11,763 180,000 12,416 190,000 246,272 259,258 The lease contains a provision for rent reviews linked to RPI every three years. These increases have notbeen factored into the figures above after 2019, as It Is not possible to accurately determine future values for the Retail Prices Index. *The variable rent Is linked to admissions Sncome. It is not possible to accurately predict future amounts of variable rent due, however, based on admissions tncome over the last five year5, the Trustees expect this charge to equate to approximately £10,000 per 3nnum. 22. Related party transactlons There were no related party transactions in the current or prior year that require disclosure. 27
Helmsley Walled Garden Limited Year ended 30 November 2023 Note5 to the Financlal Statements for the Year Ended 30 November 2023 (continued) 23. Comparative Statement of Financial Activities Unrestrlcted Restrlrted Funds Funds Total 2022 Income and Endowments from: Donations and legacies Charitable activities Investment income 12.968 191,936 20 40,212 12,968 247,374 20 55,438 Other income 40,212 Other tradlng activlties Total income 245.136 55,438 300,574 Expendlture on: Raising funds Charitable actlvltles (600) (600) {224,676) (83,150) {307.826) (11,801) (11,801) (237,077) [83,150) (320,227) Governance costs Total expendlture Net income/(expenditure) Transfers between funds Net movement in funds 8,059 (27,712) [19,653) 8,059 {27,712) (19,653) Reconclllatlon of funds Total fund5 brought forward Total funds carried forward 203,191 211,250 130,394 102,682 333,585 313,932 28