Company registration number.. 03285642 Charity registration nurnber: 1074448 Helmsley Walled Garden Limited (A company limited by guarantee) Annual Report and Financlal Statements For the year ended 30 November 2024 l Helmsley Walled Garden A beautiful garden changing lives
Helmsley Walled Garden Limlted Year ended 30 November 2024 Table of Contents Reference and Administrative Details Trustees, Report Independent Examlnerfs Report Statement of Financial Artiv£ties 10 12 Balance Sheet 13 Notes to the Finandal Statements 14-26
Helmsley Walled Garden Limited Year ended 30 November 2024 Trustees. Report The trustees, who are directors for the purposes of company law. present the annual reporttogether with the financial statements of the charitable company lor the year ended 30 November 2024. Reference and administratlve details Trustees C L Lawton &J A Batty Uoint Chairs) I A Batty (Treasurer) V Aston S Barstow D Brewster E Hook N Saunders N Holroyd (resigned 25th July 2024) A Roberts (resigned 27th August 2024] Company re8iStratlon number: 0328S642 Charlty reglstratlon number: 1074448 Reglstered office Helmsley Walled Garden Cleveland Way Helmsley York Y062 SAH Objecilves and Activities Our Charltable objects are cuntained within the Articles of Assoclation as approved by the Charltles Commission and filed at Companies House and they are as follows; 'To advance the education of the public In all matters relating to horticulture, gardening skills and therapeutic horticulture through the development and maintenance ofan historic walled garden, providing a supportive therapeutic space for volunteers and enhancing the physical and emotional health and wellbeing of everyone who uses and visits the garden." To this end, Helmsley Walled Garden continues to realise the vision of its founder, Alisotl Ticehurst, supporting its community through horticulture. The Trustees can confirn] that the charity's activities are conducted in accordance with the requirements of Section 4 of the Charities Act 2011 and the fulfilment ofthe Public Benefit provision and guidance published bythe Charity Commission for England and Wales. Regular Board Meetings are conducted throughout the year, combining face to face meetings with the use of Zoom and/orTeams. The Board meet once each year for an Away Day to focus on strategic plannin& finance and the sustainable growth of the organisatlon. Structure. governance and management Changes to the Board of Trustees were the resignations of the Chair, Nick Holroyd and of Trustee, Andy Roberts. Claire Lawton and John Batty were appointed Joint Chairs on the 25th July 2024, with unanimous trustee and Members, supporL
Helmsley Walled Garden Limited Year ended 30 November 2024 Structure, governance and management (continued) The Board continues to maintain the ability to appoint specific groups where a need is identified. Going forward, a new Fundraising Group, consisting of Trustees and the Executive Director will be overseeing our future fundraising actlvity regarding the need to develop and maintain our buildings and garden. The Board works closely with the Executive Director to agree strategic planning, discuss any issues that may arise. consider new projects and any operational developments for the garden. It is the role of the Executive Director to ensure that the Board remains fully informed of all activities in the garden, We are a Charitable Company, limited by guarantee with a voting membership. Our current group 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, Our constlttition also provides for the appointment of Garden Ambassadors. This is an honorary role for those people who are judged to have made a notable contribution to the Garden. The role allows them to attend garden events by invitation and to help promote the garden as a therapeutlc space..W.e currently_have 12 Larden Ambassadors. Recrultment and appointment of Trustees Succession planning is an ongoing actlvlty, and the recrultment 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 descriptlon and participate in a regular review of their contribution to the Garden and the effectiveness of the Board. Trustees (who are also Board members), are appointed for a period of nine years, thereby ensuring rotation and succession. The slull mix of Board members reflects the main priorities of the Garden as identifLed ill the Business Plan. A profile of our staff and Board members can be found on our website. Staff Further to a new staffing structure, proposed by the Executfve Director In October 2024, the garden now employs 9 members of staff, equating to 5 full time posts, the most recent appointment being a new Garden Manager in March 2025. This new structure will enable the Executive Director to have a more focused role and work more effectively with the Trustees to run the charity. Our four volunteer coordinators support a team of over 100 volunteers and now report directly to the Garden Manager. In addition, we appointed two new part-time temporary kiosk posts to alleviate the pressure on the shop and kiosk staff during the increasinglybusy summer months. A new stsff-room has been provided through the addition of a garden room adjacent to the polytunnel where staff are able to take breaks in private. Thi5 space also gives the opportunity to have staff meetings and more infornial social interaction, both ol which are becoming increaslngly important with a growing team.
Helmsley Walled Garden Llmlted Year ended 30 November 2024 Staff (contlnued) One part time and one full time post are currently fully funded and the plan, going Forward, is to establish continuation funding for our volunteer coordinator and volunteer developmentworker roles. The Garden in 20Z4 The Garden continues to be developed to a very high standard whilst maintaining delivery of benefit to our local communlty. We continue to recognise the issues caused by climate change and to do as much as possible to minimise its carbon footyrint and enhance biodiversity. We regularly update and improve our activities to ensure we conform to the most recent recornmendations in achieving this goal. New areas for 2024 included the recreation of our Silver Giltaward winning alpine garden from Harrogate Spring Flower Show and ever-changing annual planting in our cutting garden. Our plant propagation area is developing well with around 60 different types of perennials for sale to our visitors. A new informative labelling system is now in place to ensure that our own plants are presented as professionally as possible, and this has been quickly mastered and employed by our garden stsff. The Garden is now home to I0 National Plant Collectlons, namely Rosebud Pelargoniums and the North Yorkshire Apple Collectlon. Both collections will continue to be maintained and developed by our volunteers, working with our staff, and are of great interest to our vlsltors. In the Spring of 2024, we offered free tours of the garden, run by some of ourvolunteers. These have proved extremely popular with Sitors, and we have extended this to two tours per month, on a Wednesday and a Saturday. The Garden remains a very popular RHS partner garden, with RHS members visiting for free on a Wednesday and for the whole of the month of October. Tour operators are continuing to return following the pandemic in 202012021 and our group bookings are steadily increasing as the popularity of the Garden grows. The Garden was visited in May 2024 by Dan Walker and Helen Skelton and was featured in their 'Yorkshlre Walks, program later in the year. We work closely with other local gardens and attractir)ns, and have a positlve reciprocal arrangeTnent with the Yorkshire Arboretum, whereby our staff and volunteers are able to vislt free when the arboretum is open, Our Volunteers Our volunteers are crucial to the work we do and benefit from the support of our charity. This continues to be the mission of the garden and we have supported over 100 volunteers with 12 new volunteers joining us during 2024. We currently have a waiting list of 13 additional volunteers who are keen to join the gardcn which is frequently re-visited and volunteers recruited from the list whenever possible. We run six 3-hour volunteerlng sesslons every week, with an average of 12 volunteers attending every session. Our newly introduced propagation session, on a Wednesday afternoon, is now running extremelywell and we are seeing an extremely positive impart of the project on some of our more vulnerable volunteers. The project.'Learningto Grow.. is linked to our National Cotnmunity Lottery Award and we are continuing to recrult new volunteers on to the programme.
Helmsley Walled Garden Limited Year ended 30 November 2024 Our Volunteers (continued) Two of our existing volunteers have been given the opportunity to be involved in our garden traineeship, employed by the garden 6 hours per weeK to gafin further experience and build confidence. This initiative will run until 2027. giving one more volunteer the chance to work at the garden in our Learning to Grow project. A new, recently added, Friday afternoon session has allowed us to bring in volunteers frorn ourwaiting list and we are in the process of developing a new Therapeutic Horticulture course on a Tuesday afternoon. We run regular social events for volunteers, particularly in the Winter months, and all volunteer5 have been given the opportunityto purchase our new uniform at cost price. There is a real sense of camaraderfie and community within our volunteering groups with volunteers arranging social events amongst themselves and working together as teams. This was clearly evident with the execution of the Harrogate Show Garden. Volunteers were able to work together on a demanding and time sensitive project, achieving a very high standard of'presentation at the show. Funding and awards In December 2023 we were successful in being awarded Community Lottery funding for our 'project, 'Learning'to Grow. The fundlngitself-is-for.three yearsi paying for-one four_days per_week post, our garden traineeshlp. a percentage of overheads and a range of equipmenL The fundlng supports our Wednesday afternoon session. working with our more vulnerable volunteers on a series of educational and challenging propagation techniques. The plants propagated from these sessions are consequently sold to our visitors with a label that emphaslzes the work we do in our community. Ultimately the revenue from these activities will sustain one member of staff beyond the three years of the funded programrne. Other funding throughoutthe year includes The D'oyly Carte Charitable Trust for a pilot projert that preceded 'Learning to Grow, and funding from Ryedale District Council for the 'Beyond the Secret Garden. project- the development of our soft fruit area in the garden. Helmsley Town Councll and North York Moors Parks Authority continue to supportthe Garden with funding towards workshops and, more recently, towards the deslgn and manufacture of new interpretation boards. The Garden was delighted to have been successful in achieving a Kin¢s Award for Voluntary Service in 2024 and recently welcomed the Lord Lieutenant for North Yorkshire, lo Ropner. to the garden for an awards ceremony with ourvolunteers. This award is a significant milestone forthe garden and an important recognition for our nderS and stakeholders of the extremely high standards we meet in ternis of volunteer support and developmenL The Garden continues to attain an excellent standard in our'vlsit England, assessment made annually at the start of the season. Upholding a score of 85% overall, many of the areas rnentioned. for example the welcome visitors receive and the presentation of our shop, are seeing scores of 900/0 or more. Klosk, shop & vlsltors We are a significant tourist attrdction in the North York Moor5 and Ryedale area and, together with our partners at the Vine House Cafe, we attract visitors from far afield aided by welcome publicity at national and local level in the media. 2024 proved to be an extremely busy year, with around 23,000 visitors during the season.
Helmsley Walled Garden Limited Year ended 30 November 2024 Kiosk. shop & visitors (contlnued) Instslled in lanuary, our new Vennersys ticketing system is proving to be extremely useftil in processÈng both day tickets and passes forvisitors. Our new annual pass, which can also be purchased online, has proved to be very popular, although a good number of visitors do continue to buy day tickets. We have had a number of events throughout the year. including our Easter Trail and Willow Weaving workshop5 that continue to be very popular with our visitors. Although not a high revenue generator in themselves, the workshops, events and exhibitions we facilitate, encourage new visitors to the Garden and increased spending in our shop and plant centre. The garden shop continues to be busy throughout the season, selling a large number of plants and attractive local gifts and produLe. There are indications at the start of 2025 that our sales, ticket entry and membershlps continue to grow steadily, keeping pace with rising overhead costs for the organisation. Our Bulldlngs Some remedial repairs and decorative work have been carrled out on both the garden bothy building and cafe toilets. The garden is now linked to the mains sewage system which has solved many of the problems caused by the orlglnal old septlc tank. We contlnue to develop our plans for the entrance, shop and Orchard House areas of the garden, with a view to seeking planning permission in 2025. This will be for an extension of the shop and offices and complete refurbishment ofthe glass housc, providing better facilities for both staff and volunteers. Our favourable financial position has enabled us to set aslde funds In a Designated Reserve as security against future commitments and the need to regularly maintain and repaint our glasshouses and other buildings. Worklng wlth our Local Communlty In additlon 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. The Garden continues to work closely with Helmsley Arts Centre, Countryside Learnin& Ryedale Special Families and a number of other local charities. Welburn School continue to bring a small group of students to the Garden weekly during term time. Countryside Learning regularly bring local primaryschools to the Garden to enjoy outdoor activities duringterm time- a further four outdoor lessons are planned for 2025. We hold two free event days annually and a number ofreduced entry community days which have proved to be extremely popular, Flnancial Review Helmsley Walled Garden's Income derives from a range of sources. Grants do form a prnportion of our income, but primarily, this is derived from the Entrdnce fees into the Garden as well as the sales ofthe plants. tnany 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.
Helmsley Walled Garden Limited Year ended 30 November 2024 Financlal Review (continued) The results for this financial year show our total income from all sources increased to £372,808 compared to £302,447 in 2023 with an overall surplus of £2,058 {2023,. £8,964). Despite the poor weather overthe Summer months, the numbers visiting the garden remained robust during the period, bolstered by the introduction of the Annual Pass for enty into the Garden as well as the widening scope and appeal of the Garden as a visitor destination through the continued collaborative marketing through rnultiple media channels. The accessibility of the Shop, with its widening range of attractive stock and plants without the requirement to enter the garden has continued to increase its sales year on year too. with income increasing to £77,839 from £68,147 in 2023. The hosting of one-off events in the Garden in the year, including a Winter pre-christmas opening have contributed to the additional sales income In this financial period. The level of admission fees contlnues to be constrained by competition from other attractions in the vicinlty; they are reviewed keenly on an annual basls in line with gardens of a slmilar slze and quality to ensure we continue to remain attractive to visitors, feeling that they are still getting value for money From every visit that they make to the garden with a constant watching brief by thc Trustccs of the Impactthat the cost of living crisis in the economy is having on hoii8p.hnld disposable income an-d- the risEassociated with this forthe overall income of the garden. Our contlnued close symbiotic relationship with the Vine House Café and its proxlmltyto the garden, undoubtedly continues to enhance the overall visitor experience. During the year, the Trustees have Designated a further £10,000 (2023.. £20,000) 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 this Designated Fund at the end of the financial yearwas £82,218 compared to £95.095 in 2023. Note 18 on page 24 provides additional information of this designated purpose and the utilisation of funds in this reserve during the financial year on its designated purpose. At the Balance sheet date, the Total Funds of the Charitywere £324,954 compared to £322,896 in the previous financial year Charlty.. of these, the Unrestricted Funds were £223,079 compared to £229,314 at the end ofthe prioryear. Thcse are funds which are expendable at the Trustee's discretion in furtherance of the objects or administration of the Charity. Almost all of our operating costs are covered by income from our Friends and visitors to the Garden, correspondlng Gift Ald to this revenue, sales from the shop and plants and rental Income frDm the café and the Garden with the remalnder of any income from gifts, bequests, and grant funding. Our financial model continues to be rlgorously 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 risks such as unforeseen expenditure or unanticipated loss of income resulting from adverse period of weather or other unforeseen circumstances
Helmsley Walled Garden Limfited Year ended 30 November 2024 Reserves Pollcy (Continued) To achieve these aims, the charity looks 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 of a further three months running costs into the summer. Helmsley Walled Garden, in addition to being a popular tourist destination during the summer months. is an essential resource for its nearby community. Lt 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. but we also have expenses, garden tools and materials that continue to be ongoing costs for us from November through to March with limited visitor income. Our position, financially, highlights the factthat Helmsley Walled Garden exists through ourvolunteers- 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 restoratlon 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) may be greatly reduced by poor weather, our volunteers cuntinue to enjoy their activities in the garden in even the inclement weather of an English Spring. To enable the charity to achieve its objectives, we continue in our endeavour to maintain at least £141,000 of Unrestricted reserves. Our performance in this finas)cial year has once again been reassuringly positive and these currently stand at £223,079, being the combined sum of General and Designated funds. 'I'otal funds at the year-end amount to £324,954 (2023.. £322,896) of which £101,875 [2023: £93,582) 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 mlndftLI that to meet our existing and ongoing obligations for the next financial year. new income streams projects and funding will continue to be vital tu ensure our sustainability and our ability toservice ourcommunity, members and the wider publicwith whatthe 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 criteria with reference to the charlS Annual Plan and evaluate their strategy and target level of free reserves to meet these requirements. Plans for Future Periods The Garden is in a strong financial position as a result of tbe hard work and comrnitsnent of our staff, volunteers and trustees. The comments we receive from our visitors about the Garden continue to be complimentary. We have slgnificant building repairs to consider and have ambitious plans for the development of the garden entrance, and the Orchard House to create a space to enhance our visitor experience and the 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.
Helmsley Walled Garden Llmited Year ended 30 November 2024 The financial statements have been delfivered in accordance with the special provisions relating to companies subject to the small companies regime. i.C•1. 15 The annual report was approved by the trustees of the charlty on ............................. and signed on its behalf by.. C Lawton & J Batty Chairs - HelmsIey Walled Garden Trustees
Helmsley Walled Garden Limited Year ended 30 November 2024 Statement of trustees, responslbllities The trustees (who are also directors of Helmsley Walled Garden Limited for the purposes of company lawj are responsible for preparing the Trustees. Annual 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 yearwhich give a true and lair view of the state of affairs of the charitable cornpany and of the incon]ing resources and application of resources, including the income and expenditure, of the charitable Lompany lor that period. In preparing these financial statements, the trustees are required to: select suitable accounting policies and then apply thern consistently,. observe the methods and principles in the Charities SORP [FRS 102J,' 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 keeplng proper accounting records that dlsclose with reasonable accuracyatanytime the financial position of the charitable company and enable them to ensure that the financial statements cornply with the Companies Act 2006. They are also responsible for safeguarding the assets of the charitable company and hence for taking reasonable steps for the prevention and detecdon of fraud and other irregularities.
Helmsley Walled Garden Lirnited Yearended 30 November 2024 Independent examlnerfs report to the trustees of Helmsley Walled Garden Llmlted ('the Company,) I reportto the charitytrustees on my examinatfion ofthe accounts of the Company forthe yearended 30 November 2024. Respectfve responslbtlities of trustees and examiner As the charitys trustees of the Company (and also its directors for the purposes of company law) you are responsible for the preparation of the accounts in accordance with the requirements of the Companies Act 2006 c'the 2006 Actr). Having satisfied myself that the accounts of the Cornpany are not required to be audited under Part 16 of the 2006 Art and are eligible for independent examination, I report in respect of my examination of your charity's accounts as carried out under sectlon 145 of the Charities Act 2011 ('the 2011 ACV). In carrying out my examinatlon I have followed the Directions given by the Charity Commission under sectlon 145(5) (b) of the 2011 Act. Basls of Independent examlner's report My examination was carrled out in accordance with the general Dlrection5 given by the Charity Commission. An examination includes a review of the accounting records kept by the charity and a cornparison of the accounts presented with those records. It also includes consideration of any unusual iteTns or disclosure5 in the accounts, and seeking explanations from you as trustee5 concerning any such matters. The procedures undertaken do notprovide all the evidence thatwould be required in an audit and consequently no upinion 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 statement below. Independent examlner's statement Since the Company's gross Income exceeded £250.000 your examiner must be a member of a body Ilsted in section 145 of the 2011 Act. I confirm that l am qualified to undertake the exarnlnation because I am a member of The Institute of Chartered Accountants in England and Wales, which is one of the listed bodies, I have completed my examinadon. I confirm that no matters have come to my attention in connection with the examination givlng rne cause to believe: accountlng records were not kept in respect of the Company as required by section 386 of the 2006 Act; or the accounts do not accord wlth 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 matterconsldered as part of an independentexamination: or the accounts have not been prepared in accordance with the methods 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). io
Helmsley Walled Garden Llmlted Year ended 30 November 2024 J have no concerns and have come across no other matters in cannection 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: [.(WI LLe Sally Appleton ICAEW Saffery LLP 10 Wellington Place Leeds LSI 4AP 14 August 2025 li
Helmsley Walled Garden Llmited Year ended 30 November Z024 Statement of FinaThciaI Activities for the Year Ended 30 November 2024 (Including Income and Expenditure Account and Statement of Total Recognised Gains and Losses) Note Unrestrlcted Restricted Funds Funds Total 2024 Total 2023 Income and Endowments from: Donations and legacies 30,331 30,331 29,113 Charitable activities 264,659 39,000 303,659 235,326 Investment income 2,480 2,480 494 Other Income 36,338 36,338 37,514 Other trading activities . Total income 333-,808 -39,000- -37-2-808- _302,447 - Expendlture on: Raislng funds (1,020] (1,020) (3,872) Charitable activities (328,771) (29,851) (358,622) (278,643] Governance costs 10 (11,108] (11,108) (10,968) Total expendlture (340,899) (29,851J (370,750) {293,483) Net Incotne/(expenditureJ (7,091) 9,149 2,058 8,964 Transfer between funds 856 (856) Net movement in funds (6,235) 8,293 2,058 8.964 Reconclllatlon of funds Total funds brought forward 229,314 93.582 322,896 313,932 Total ndS carried forward 18 223.079 101,875 324.954 322.896 All of the charity's activities derive from continuing operations during the above two period5. The funds breakdown for 2024 is shown in note 18. 12
Helmsley Walled Garden Limited Year ended 30 November 2024 (Registratlon number: 03285642) Balance Sheet as at 30 November 2024 Note 2024 2023 Flxed assets Tangible assets 13 103,527 103,527 101.752 101,752 Current assets Stocks Debtors Cash atbankand in hand 14 15 25,629 13,286 241,644 35,259 7,500 232,740 280,559 275,499 Creditors: Amounts falling due within one year Net current assets 16 (30,432) 250,127 (20,236] 255,263 Total assets less current Ilabllltles Creditors: Amounts falling due after more than one year 353,654 (28,700) 357,015 17 [34,119) Net assets 324,954 322,896 Fund5 of the Charity: Restricted fijnds Unrestricted funds General 18 101,875 93,582 18 140,861 134.219 Deslgnated Total funds 82,218 324,954 95,095 322,896 For the year ended 30 November 2024 the company was entided to exemption from audit under section 477 of the Companies Act 2006 relating to srnall companies: The members 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 Companies Act 2006. The trustees acknowledge their responsibilities for complyingwith the requirements of the Art with respect to accounting records and the preparation of financial statements. These financial statements have been prepared in accordance with the provisions applicable to companies subject to the small companies regime. The financial statements on pages 14 to 26 were approved by the Trustees, authorised for issue on (Ji. a..y1 ..A.Q.?..&.. and signed on their behalf b C lawton Trustee l Batty Trustee 13
Helmsley Walled Garden Lfmlted Year ended 30 November 2024 Notes to the Flnancial Statements for the Year Ended 30 November 2024 Charity status The charity is a charity limited by guarantee, registered in England and Wales, and 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. Accounting pollcies Summary of slgnificant accounting policies and key accounting estlmates The prlncipal accounting policies applied in the preparation of these financial statements are set out below. These policies have been consistently applied to all the years presented, unless otherwise stated. Statement of compliance The financial statements have been prepared in accordance with Accounting and Reporting by Charities: Statement of Recommended Practice applicable to charitles preparing their accounts in Ic£orJ_ancewith the Financlal Reportlng Standard <ippIiLdble ILI LILe UKai)d Republic of Ireland (fRS 102) (effective I lanuary 2019) 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 costor transaction value unless otherwise 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 financlal statements are rounded to the nearest £. Going concern The financial statements are drawn up on the going concern basls which assumes the Charity wlll continue in operational existence for the foreseeable future. In assessing the lasting impact of financial pressures brought about by rising inflation and consequent prlce increases as well as the scheduled increase in Employers National Insurance alongside the National economic Cost of Living Crisis, the trustees have considered all the matters described in the Trustees, Reportwhen making this evaluatlon. The charitysubst2ntially relles 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 a5 the hire of the garden for outdoor events. The Trustees contlnue to matntain a constant watching brief on the C.harlty's cash flow and budget predictions with financial projections updated quarterly and reforecasts fine-tuned on alternative assumptions to evaluate the predicted outcomes, and these reviewed at Trustee meetings. New income streams are continually being evaluated and pursued to balance agalnst any future disruption5 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 for a period of at least one year following the date of signing these financial statements and sustain its operational 14
Helmsley Walled Garden Limited Year ended 30 November 2024 Notes to the Flnanclal Statements for the Year Ended 30 November 2024 (continued) existence during the next 12 months and accordingly, the Charity accounts are appropriately prepared under the going concern basis.. Income and endowments All income is recognised once the charity has entitlement to the income, it is probable that the income will be received and the amount of the income receivable can be measured reliably. Donations and legacles Donations are recognised when the charity has been notified in writing of both the amount and settlement date. In the event that a donation is subject to conditions that require a level of perforniance 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 fulfilment of those conditions is wholly within the control of the charity and it is probable that these Londitions will be fulfilled in the reporting period. Investment income Divldends are recognised once the dividend has 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 measured reliably. All costs are allocated to the applicable expenditure heading that 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 stsff costs allocated on the basis of time spent, and depreciation charges allocated on the portion of the asset's use. Other support costs are allocated based on the spread of staff costs. Ralslng ndS These are costs incurred in attracting voluntary income, the managementof investments and those incurred in trading activities that raise nds. Charltable activitles Charitable expenditure comprises those costs incurred by the charlty 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 dSSlSt the work of the charity but do not directly undertake charitable activities. Support costs include back office costs, finance, personnel and payroll costs which support the Trusts activities. The breakdown of these support costs is set out in note 8. Governance costs These include the costs attributable to the charity'5 compliance with constitutional and statutory requirements, including audit or independent exam. strategic rnanagement and trustees, meetings and reirnbursed expenses. 15
Helmsley Walled Garden Limited Yearended 30 November 2024 Notes to the Flnanclal Statements for the Year Ended 30 November 2024 [contlnued} Taxatlon The charity is considered to pass the tests set out in Pardgraph 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 gains received within categories covered by Chapter 3 Part I l of the Corporation Tax Act 2010 or Section 256 of the Taxation of Chargeable Gains Art 1992, to the extentthat such income or gains are applied exclusively to charitable purposes. Tanglble fixed assets Individual fixed assets costing EIOO or more are initially recorded at cost, less any subsequent accumulated depreciation and subsequent accumulated impalrment losses, Within the other debtor balance in the accounts there is amounts held in relation to development costs that are yetto be capitalised. These are to be included within the tangible tixed asset balan once development has started, Depreclatlon.and-arnortlsatlon Depreclation is provided on tangible fixed assets so a5 to wrlte off the cost or valuatlon, less any estlmated residual value, over their expected useful economic life as follows: Buildings and Glasshuuses 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 Plant & equipment, fixtures and fittings and computer equipment are all included within Fixtures and Fittings in note 12. Stock Stock Is valued atthe lower of cost and estimated selling price less costs to complete and sell, after due regard for obsolete and slow moving stocks. Cost is detennined uslng the first-ln, first-out (FIFO). Cash and cash equlvalents Cash and cash equivalents comprise cash on hand and call deposits, and other short-term highly liquid investrnents that are readily convertible to a known amount of cash and are subject to an insignificant risk of change in value, Trade credltors Trade creditors are obligations to pay for goods or services 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 right, at the end of the reporting period, to defer settlement of the creditor for atleasttwelve months afterthe reportingdate. If there is an unconditional rightto defer settlement for at least twelve months after the reporting date. they are presented as non-current liabilities. Trade creditors are recognised initially at the transaction price and subsequently measured at amortised cost using the effective interest method. 16
Helnisley Walled Garden Ltmited Year ended 30 November 2024 Notes to the Financial Statements for the Year Ended 30 November 2 024 (continued) Fund strucknre Unrestricted income funds are general funds that are available for use at the trustees, discretion in furtherance af the objectives of the charity. Restricted income funds are those donated for use in a particular area or for specific purposes, the use of whlch is restricted to that area Dr purpose. Income from donatlons and legacles Unrestrlcted funds General Restrlcted funds Total 20Z4 Total 2023 Donations and legacies Donations from individuals 10,000 20,331 30,331 10,000 20,331 30,331 200 28,913 29,113 Income from charltable actlvltles Unrestrlcted funds General Restrlcted Total 2024 funds Entrance fee Garden and shop sales Grant Other 142,929 77,839 142,929 77,839 39,000 43,891 39,000 43,891 264,659 39,000 303,659 Included withln restrlcted nd grant income is £39,000 from the National Lottery Community Fund. Income from charltable activitle5 - prevlou5 year Unrestrlcted funds General Restrlcted funds Total 2023 Entrance fee Garden and shop sales Grant Other 127,714 68,147 127,714 68,147 6,900 32.565 235,326 6,900 32.565 228,426 6,900 Included within restricted fund grant income is £4,000 frorn The D'oyly Carte Charitable Trust for the 'Plants, People and Po.%5ibilities' project, £2,500 from Ryedale District Council for the 'Beyond the Secret Garden, project and £400 frorn Helmsley Town Council for 'Willow Weavin¥. 17
Helmsley Walled Garden Limited Year ended 30 November 2024 Notes to the Financial Statements for the Year Ended 30 November 2024 (contlnued) Investment Income Unrestrlrted funds 2024 2023 Interest receivable on bank deposits 2,480 2,480 494 494 Other income Unrestrlrted funds General Restrirted Total 2024 Total 2023 funds Rentsl income GiftAid tax retlaime 22,643 13-695 22,643 -1.3-695 36,338 22,343 ..1-5-,1-7-1. 37,514 36,338 Expendlture on charltable actlvltles Unrestricted Restrlcted funds funds General Total 2024 Garden and shop cost of sales Wages and salaries Staff pensions Repairs and renewals Support costs (see note 8) Depreciation and impairment Loss on disposal of tsngible fixed assets 48,742 160,887 3,361 46,387 64,018 3,608 1,768 328,771 48,742 179,444 3,555 46,387 71,018 7,708 1.768 358,622 18,557 194 7,000 4,100 29,851 18
Helmsley WalIed Garden Ltmlted Year ended 30 November 2024 Notes to the Flnancial Statements for the Year Ended 30 November 2024 (contlnued) Expenditure on charitable activities - previous year Unrestricted Restricted funds funds General Total 2023 Garden and shop cost of sales Wages and salaries Staff pensions Repairs and renewals Support costs (see note 8) Depreciadon 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 The average number of staff during the year was B (2023: 8). No member of staff received employee benefits of more than £60,000 in the current or prior year. Support costs Unrestricted Restrlcted funds funds General Total 2024 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 accommodatfion Trustee mileage claims Trustee meetings and other expenses 3,368 12,695 1,975 9,652 3,536 2,478 1,032 896 4,727 3,157 11,105 5.856 925 1,755 317 544 64,018 3,368 16,695 1,975 10,152 5,036 2,478 1,032 896 4,727 3,157 12,105 5,856 925 1,755 317 544 71,018 4,000 500 1,500 1,000 7,000 19
Helmsley Walled Garden Limlted Year ended 30 November 2024 Notes to the Finandal Statements for the Year Ended 30 November 2024 (continued) Support costs - prevlous year Unrestrirted Restricted fund5 funds General Total 2023 Cleaning Rent Rates & Water Ligh¢ heat and power Insurance Telephone and fax Website and computer Printin& postsge and stattonery Subscriptlons and membershlps Sundry expenses Advertislng Bank charges Bank loan interest Trdvel, 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 1,501 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 8,319 4,451 1,055 742 576 824 52,768 Governance Costs of the Charlty Unrestrlrted Restrictsd funds funds General Total 2024 Accountancy fees Legal and professional fees 5,356 5,752 11,108 5,356 5,752 11,108 20
Helmsley Walled Garden Limited Year ended 30 November 2024 Notes to the Financlal Statements for the Year Ended 30 November 2024 (contlnued) Governance Costs of the Charity- prevlous year Unrestricted Restrlcted funds funds General Total 2023 Accountancy fees Legal and professional fees 5,800 5,168 10,968 5,800 5,168 10,968 Accountsncy fees include £5,300 (2023: £5,200) payable to the Independent examiner. io. Trustees remuneratlon and expenses Two trustees (2023: three) had expenses reimbursed in the year totalling £316 (2023: £576) for mileage claims. No trustees, nor any persons connected with them, have received any other remuneration from the chiirity during the year. ii. Taxatlon 'rhe Charity is a registered charity and fis therefore exempt from taxation. 12. Tangible fixed assets Flxtures & fittings Building5 and Glasshouses Total Cost At l December 2023 Additions Disposals At 30 November 2024 Depreciatlon As at l December 2023 Charge for the year Disposals At 30 November 2024 Net book value At 30 November 2024 At 30 November 2023 26,513 11.252 7,035) 30,730 804,408 830,921 11,252 7,035 835,138 804,408 18,343 3,609 5.267 L6,685 710,826 4,100 729,169 7.709 5,267 731,611 714,926 14,045 8,170 89,482 93,582 103.527 101,752 Impairment Other t8nglble fixed assets In the year ended 30 November 2018 the Trustees considered the glasshouses to be irnpaired. The impairment charge was based on a report on the condition of the glasshouses prepared by W R Dunn & Co Llmited in 2018. In the currentyearthe Trustees didn'tconsider any furtherimpairment to be necessary. 21
Helmsley Walled Garden Llmlted Year ended 30 November 2024 Notes to the Financial Statements for the Year Ended 30 November 2024 (continued) 13. Stock 2024 2023 Stocks 25,629 35,259 14. Debtors 2024 2023 Trade debtors Other debtors 3,206 10,080 13,286 1,099 6,401 7,500 Included wlthln other debtors is prepaid developmentcosts of £9,798 (2023: £5,900). Is. Credltors: amount5 falllng due withln one year 2024 2023 Trade creditors Other taxation and social securlty Bank loans Accruals 7,125 7,184 5,419 10,704 30,432 3,167 6,199 5,285 5,585 20,236 16. Creditors: amounts falllng due after one year 2024 2023 Bank loans 28,700 28.700 34,119 34,119 The 10-year bank loan entered into in 2020 is guaranteed by the UK Government under the BBLS (Bounce Back Loan Scheme). There was an initial 13 months where no repayments were to be made and interest at 2.250kn is covered by UK Government for the 13 month period under BIP (Business Interruption Payment). Repayments and interest commenced in November 2021. 22
Helmsley Walled Garden Limited Year ended 30 November 2024 Notes to the Financfial Statements for the Year Ended 30 November 2024 (continued) 17. Funds Balance as at Incomlng Resources Funds Balance as at l December resources expended Transferred 30 November 2023 2024 Unrestricted funds General Designated Total unrestricted nds Restrlcted funds BIG Lottery Glasshouses Fund Other restricted grant funding Total restrlcted funds 134,219 95,095 229.314 333,808 (318,022) 22,877 333,808 (340,899) (9,144) 10,000 856 140,861 8Z.218 223,079 30.147 63,435 30,147 59,335 12,393 (4,100] (25,751] 39,000 (856) 93,582 322.896 39,000 (29,851] 372,808 (370,750) (856) 101,875 324,954 Total funds Balance as at I Incoming Resources Funds Balance as at December resources expended Transferred 30 November 2022 2023 Unrestrlcted funds General Designated Total unrestrlrted fvnds Restrlcted funds BIG Lottery Glasshouses Fund Other restricted grant funding Total restrlcted funds 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 Totaj funds Desfignated funds During the year, the Trustees have Designated a further £10,000 {2023.. £20,000) from the Unrestricted Reserves which has been set aside to support some of the Charis ongoing structural repairs and maintenance. It includes some on-going maintenance. upkeep of the glasshouse assets and funds to support the renovation of the hi5torlcal buildings. The sum held in the Designated Funds is now £82,218 (2023: £95,095). 23
Helmsley Walled Garden Limited Year ended 30 November 2024 Notes to the Financlal Statements for the Year Ended 30 November 2024 {continued) Restrlrted funds BIG IA)ttery: Donations to refurbish the glasshouses which are held in fixed assets. Glasshouses Fund,. Established to refurbish the glasshouses which are held in fixed assets. The expenditure in the year is depreciation. Restricted Grant Funding.. This represents funding given for specific purposes. The balance at the year end was £12,393, wlth the majority of the restricted funds being used for salaries and other expenditure in the year. 18. Analysls of net assets between funds Unrestrlcted Restrlcted Total funds funds funds General Intangible fixed assets Tangible fixed assets Current assets 14,045 268.166 (59,132) 223,079 89,482 12,393 103,527 280,559 (59,132) 324,954 Current and non-current liabilities Total net assets 101.875 Analysis of net assets between funds - prevlous year Unrestrlrted Restrlcted Total funds funds funds General Intangible fjxed 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 liabS1ities Total net assets 93,582 19. Analysls of net funds A5at l December 2023 Cash flow Asat 30 November 2024 Cash at bank and in hand Net funds 232.740 232,740 8,904 8.904 241,644 241.644 24
Helmsley Walled Garden Llmited Year ended 30 November 2024 Notes to the Financlal Statements for the Year Ended 30 November 2024 (continued) zo. Operatlng lease commitments Helmsley Walled Garden Limited renewed its lease with its Landlord on 6th December 2016, for a term of 30 years, expiring on 5th December 2046.. Therefore. at the year-end on 30th November 2024, there were 22 unexpkred years remainin& Under the terms of the lease, there are two elements to the rent due; a fixed basic rent and a variable rent linked to admissions income. The totsl future minimum lease payrnents under non-cancellable operating leases are as follows: 2024 2023 Not later than l year - fixed and variable elements Later than l year and not later than 5 years Fixed element Estimated variable element 18,851 16,680 2,859 63,127 2,612 40,000 Later than 5 years Fixed element Estimated variable element* 12,151 268,290 11,763 180,000 365,278 251,055 In respect of the fixed element of rent, the lease contains a provlsion for rent reviews linked to RPI every three years, These increases have not been factored into the figures above after 2019, as it is not possible to accurately determine future values for the Retail Price Index. 'The varlable rent is linked to admlssions income. It is not possible to accurately predict future amounts of variable rent due. However, based upon admissions income over the last three years, the Trustees expect this charge to equate to approximately £15,781 per annum. 21. Related party transactions There were no related party transactions In the current or prior year that require disclosure. 25
Helmsley Walled Garden Limited Year ended 30 November 2024 Notes to the Financial Statements for the Year Ended 30 November 2024 (continued) 22. Comparative Statement of Flnancial Activities Unrestricted Restrlrted Funds Funds Total 2023 Income and Endowments from: Donations and legacies Charitable activlties Investment income Other income 29,113 228,426 494 37,514 29,113 235,326 494 37,514 6,900 Other trading acdvltles Total Income 295,547 6,900 302,447 Expendlture on: Raising funds Charitable activities (3,8723 (3,872) (-262 643J (-16-000) (-2-78,-643) (10,968) (10,968} (277,483) (16,000) (293,483) 18,064 (9,100) Governance costs Total expendlture Net income/(expenditure) Transfers between funds Net movement in funds 8,964 18,064 [9,IOLI) 8,964 Reconclliatlon of funds Total funds brought forward Total funds carried forward 211,250 229,314 102,682 93,582 313,932 322,896 26