2023-12-31-accounts - The National Vegetable Society

This text was generated using OCR and may contain errors. Check the original PDF to see the document submitted to the regulator.

The Natonal Vegetable Society

Annual Report of the Trustees Sep 2023

Natonal championships

In 2022, the National Championships were held at Malvern and we were happy to see the entries increasing following our initial post covid year. We would also like to thank all those who supported last year’s show, from Stewards to Sponsors, Judges to Table shifters and exhibitors to organisers.

Governance

Since the previous AGM in 2022 at Malvern, The Trustees and Branch representatives of the Society have held all meetings via Zoom.

Changes since the 2022 AGM 2022/23

In September 2022, our membership Registrar ( & Southern Branch Chair), Norman Dickinson suffered a heart attack and we are so thankfull that Norman has since recoverd well and he is getting back into the way of things one year on. ( I am esepcially thankfull, after stepping in to assist with the membership role whilst Norman recuperated).

In October 2022, we were delighted to co-opt Chris Spree as our new Sponsorship Manager and Michelle Nixon as our new Assistant Secretary and we would like to thank them for having volunteered and taken on their roles like a duck to water.

In November 2022, The Welsh Branch fullfilled their quota of Trustee Reps with Owain Roberts joining the Trustee Team.

In March ‘23, The Midlands Branch saw numerous changes in their Office bearers (which incuded Bernard Brown and Sam Forrrester standing down as Trustee Reps). Thankyou to both gents for their time and input to the Trustees team.

June Davies, the new Midlands Branch Chair has since joined the Trustee Team in April 2023 and we currently still require one further Midlands Branch Trustee Rep.

Management

As you know, a major change in how we manage our memberships has been in place since go live in Nov 2020. During this time, we have improved certain processes and highlighted others that require further work and development both internally and with our Service Provider, White Fuse.

There were a spate of duplicate payments earlier this year, mainly due to members errors/forgetfulness plus a misunderstanding of the credit card payment by members which is a “recurring card payment “ , not a one off payment.

An expenses policy has been created to provide a guide for DA’s, Branches and at National level regarding expenses. This is now available via the Web Site resources section.

Communicaton

With the technology available through our membership sofware system , we continue utilise more email broadcasts and have further used the ability to manage events with bookings , for example, talks and garden visits. (This helps when managing and planning numbers). If any Branch or DA would like me to provide them with a demonstration on the various tools within the system that could benefit them, then please let me know.

It is vital that we maintain up to date data for each and every member and I would like to re-iterate the importance of advising us when you change your email adress, phone numbers and/or home address. Or alternatively , you can update this information yourself via your user acccout if you have set one up.

Thankyou to everyone who provided feedback via the on line mini survey on the free seeds ;

Winter Density Lettuce from DT Brown in 2021,
Red Onion Seed from Medwyn’s of Anglesey ( now named “red Rover”) in Autumn ‘22,
Onion de Paris Spring Onion seed from DT Brown – Spring ’22.

Your feedback was both positive and interesting and the results were published in the Summer edition of your SVMagazine.

Our quarterly Simply Vegetables magazine has continued to be one of our key communication and information sources for all our members and we have been working hard to improve the content and range of articles for our members, using feedback from the on-line members survey. We would still like to encourage more members to submit articles for the magazine.

In addition to the SV magazine and NVS web site, the activity on our Facebook members site has increased by a further 30% with currently 327 members. This is providing an additional avenue for sharing progress, asking questions and sharing information quickly whilst our main NVS facebook page has over two and a half thousand followers.

We continue to use Zoom for Trustee meetings and also to deliver our Winter Zoom talks to benefit our members.

The “Winter Zoom talks” continued to be a success and we plan to continue with these after the clocks go back. We do now record the talks and these can be found within the NVS web site’s Library. Many thanks to all who volunteer to give talks and share their knowledge, and to Raymond for getting them added to the web site, it is most appreciated.

External Partners

As reported earlier, Chris Spree joined the team in Ocober 2022 and has been working hard with our extenal partners , old and new. Chris is working well with our partners and introduced two new ones this year, namely The Garden Superstore and Franchi -Seeds of Italy. Thanks go to all our partners who support us in many ways, from discount codes, giving talks, providing generous raffle prizes, supporting championship Prize money at Branch and National Level as well as providng free seed and sharing information through our SV Magazine.

This year we received “Falco Turnip” seed from DT Brown and we have seen a wide arrray of exhibits here today, as well as in Ireland at their inaugural show.

Finance

Our Gift Aid Claim for 2022 was submitted at the beginning of September resulting in an overall claim of £16,856 with £4306.71 now received . This is an increase from last year’s, so thank you to all who have ticked the Gift Aid box. Gift Aid money is divided out to each branch based on their branch members who supported Gift Aid.

Society Awards 2023

In 2023, we awarded 8 Fellowship awards, 11 Silver medals and 2 Gold medals, I’m delighted to say that some recipients are here today and these awards will be presented later.

NVS Fellowships –

Branch	Name	Presentaton locaton
Northern	Cath Holmes	local
Northern	James Park	AGM hopefully
Northern	Judith Park	AGM hopefully
Midlands	Robert Heigham	local
Midlands	David Lownds	local
Scotsh	Ian Archibald	AGM
Scotsh	Jim Veitch	local
Welsh	Cecil Townsend	local

NVS Silver Medallists -

NVS Silver Medallists-
Branch	Name	Presentaton
Northern	Jim Robinson	AGM
Northern	John Goodall	AGM
Northern	Mick Shipley	AGM
Midlands	Martyn Strange	local
Scotsh	Neil Muirhead	local
Scotsh	Ian Simpson	AGM
Scotsh	Jean Thomson	AGM
Welsh	Andrew Jones	local
Welsh	Sue McCall	local
Welsh	Raymond Higgins	AGM
Welsh	Harold Lawlor	local

NVS Gold Medallist –

NVS Gold Medallist –
Branch	Name	Presentaton
Scotsh	Frank Taylor	AGM
Welsh	Gwenda Williams	AGM

NVS Judges 2022

In 2022, the Welsh Branch and our Irish District Associaton both held Judges exams in October 2022. This is the first time we have held a judges exam in Ireland which is another great step forward. This resulted in the following 8 members becoming newly qualified NVS judges. Congratulations to;

Gareth Davies , Gerry Lewis , John Edwards from Wales

Sean Egan, John Harford, Margaret Prendergast, Martin Lawlor & Reggie Mitchel from Ireland

During 2022, a review of the judges exam process was conducted and we have since introduced some key

changes to assist in the exams being held which include;

The practical judges exam, may now be held annually, but at a date to suit each individual branch. This provides a greater flexibility based on availbilty of vegetables and volunteers.
Secondly, we now hold the theory exam twice per year. 1[st] Sat in October and also the 1[st] Sat in March.

Publicatons & Documentaton

This year we completed the planned x20 general growing leaflets which can be found in the NVS Web site library for all members to access, read and/or print out.

A further 400 Judges & Exhibitor guides have been printed and we see a steday flow of orders for this excellent document.

We have further updated the membership application form to keep it current and have created A6 fiers to further advertise the NVS at events.

Going forward we have started to review the needs of DA’s and branches with regards to additional advertising requirements, from Banners, to posters, NVS tablecloths, fliers and giveaways. DA’s and Branches will hear from us soon to glean what would be beneficial.

In closing, I would like to thank all our ofcers, commitee members, Judges speakers and helpers at D.A., Branch and Natonal level who are all volunteers doing their best with the NVS at heart……… and a reminder that we stll have two very important positons to fll in NVS WebMaster and NVS Social Media Ofcer and we ideally need to commence with succession planning for the role of Natonal Treasurer. If more people can volunteer to do their bit to help, it helps make a big diference to your Society.

This concludes the Trustee report.

Fiona Shenfield FNVS, National Secretary, Sept. 2023.

THE NATIONAL VEGETABLE SOCIFrY Registered Charity No. 1088979 Annual Report and Accounts For the year ended 31st December 2023 The Notional Vegetable Society wosfounded in 1960 ond became a registered charity on 22nd October 2(Wl Its choritable objects include to t7dvance the culture, study and improvement of vegetobles, to advance knowledge and tofurther public interest in vegetables

THE NATIONAL VEGEfABLE SOCIETY Contents Page Independent examiner's report Balance sheet Notes to the accounts

THE NATIONAL VEGETABLE SOCIETY Independent Examinerfs Report to the Trustees of the National Vegetable Society 31" December 2023 Respertive responsibilittes The charity's trustees are responsible for the preparation of the accounts. The of trustees and exarniner charity's trustees consider that an audit is not required for this year under sertion 144 of the Charities Act 2011 Ithe Charities Act) and that an independent examination is needed. It is my responsibility to". examine the accounts under section 145 of the Charities Att. to follow the procedures laid down in the general Directions given by the Charity Commission lunder Section 145151{bl of the Charities Act. and to state whether particular matters have come to my attention. Basis of independent My examination was carried out in accordance with general Directions given by the examinerfs statement Charity Commission. An examination includes a review of the accounting records kept by the charity and a comparison of the accounts presented with those records. It also includes consideration of any unusual items or disclosures in the accounts, and seeking explanations from the trustees concerning any such matters. The procedures undertaken do not provide all the evidence that would be required in an audit. and consequently no opinion is grwen as to whether the accounts present a 'true and fairf view and the report is limited to those matters set out in the statement below. Independent examiner's In connertion with my examination, no matter has come to my attention statement l. which gives me reasonable cause to believe that in, any material respect, the requirements: to keep accounting records in accordance with settion 130 of the Charities Act: and to prepare accounts which accord with the accounting records and complv with the accounting requirements of the Charities Act have not been met: or 2. to which, in my opinion, attention should be drawn in orderto enable a proper understanding of the accounts to be reached. Signed: A Cutler FCCA Date: Cutler & Co Chartered Certified Accountants Brook House Church Lane Garforth Leeds LS25 IHB Page I

THE NATIONAL VEGEfABLE SOCIETY Balance Sheet as at 31st December 2023 2023 2022 Fixed a55ets Sound equipment Trophies 211 211 212 212 Current Assets Stocks of books and merchandise etc. Bank balances board of trustees and branches= Current accounts Deposit accounts Cash in hand Bank balances in district associations 12,212 16,298 91,657 56.221 180 92.807 95,264 40.485 95.750 253.077 247.467 Current liabilities Subscriptions and fundraising in advance Creditors falling due within one year {398} {1,5001 {1.5CK)} 11,898) 12,7301 Net Current A$5ets 251,179 244,737 Net assets 251,391 244,949 Reserves General Designated - National Championships Restricted District Associations 153,584 145,759 5,000 92.807 95,750 Total reserves 251,391 246,509 These accounts were approved by the Trustees on and signed on their behalf by". Sandra Hall - Chairperson D3te: Jean FortEster- Hon Treasurer Date: Page 2

THE NATIONAL VEGETABLE SOCIETY Notes to the account5 for the year ended 31st December 2023 l. Accounting Policies The principal accounting policies adopted. judgements and key sources of estimation uncertainty in the preparation of the financial statements are as follows: al Basis of preparation: The financial statements have been prepared in accordance with Accounting and Reportin8 by Charities: Statement of Recommended Practice applicable to charities preparing their accounts in accordance wtth the Financial Reporting Standard applicable in the UK and Republic of Ireland IFRS 1021 (effective l January 20191 and the Companies Act 2006. Assets and liabilities are initially recognised at historical cost or transaction value unless otherwise state14 in the relevant accounting policy notelsl. b) Income and expenditure: Income is brought into the financial statements when received. Expenditure is accounted for on an accruals basis. Unrestritted funds are available to spend on activities that further any of the purposes of charity. Designated funds are unrestricted funds of the charity which the trustees have decided at their discretion to set aside to use for a specific purpose. Restricted funds are donations which the donor has specified are to be solely used for particular areas of the society's work or for specific projects being undertaken by the society. cl Subscriptions- Subscriptions are recognized when received. dl Fixed assets.. This comprises only an item of sound equipment and trophies. el Stock: Stock is included at the lower of cost or net realisable value. Donated items of stock are recognised on receipt at fair value which is the amount the charity would have been willin8 to pay for the items on the open market. 2. Transactions with Members of the National Executive No trustee or person defined by accounting standards as"related to them" received any remuneration for seNices as a trustee or in a management capacity during the year, or for any reimbursement of expenses other than for expenditure incurred as an agent of the society. Travel to the National Executive meetings was reimbursed to those trustees who claimed it. 3. Shows and Events These comprise the National Championships of the NVS, the Regional Branch Championships, local championships by District Association. and other events with lectures, member5, information and social evenings and exhibitions. Incidental fundraising activities at these events le8. Raffles) are treated as events revenues. 4. Members Magazines etc Each member receives a quarterly ma8azine with information and advice on the cultivation of vegetables. together with news of the events involving vegetable cultivation and exhibition in their Regional Branch and District Association. Page 3

THE NATIONAL VEGETABLE SOCIETY Notes to the accounts for the year ended 31st December 2023 (continued) 5. Governance 2023 2022 Postage 347 Printing. stationery and publicity 204 271 National & AGM 915 1,180 Insurance 969 901 Examiners fee 1.500 1,500 Bank charges 81 3,588 4,280 Page 4

THE NATIONAL VEGEfABLE SOCIETY Statement of Financial Activities for the year ended 31st December 2023 General Restrirted Total 2023 Funds Funds 2022 Incomin8 Resource5 from generated funds Voluntary income 86,477 885 87,362 57,372 Activities for generating funds 9.298 17.910 27.208 27,337 Bank Interest 1.299 1.743 301 Total incoming resources 97,074 19,239 116,313 85,010 Cost of generating funds Fundraising trading: cost of goods sold and other costs 12.636 1.135 13.771 5,502 Charltable Artivitles 73.025 21.046 94.071 73,668 Governance 3,588 3,588 4,280 Total resources expended 89,249 22.181 111.430 83,450 Net incoming resouices 7,825 {2,942) 4.883 1,560 Total funds brought forward Nat Exec and Branches Holderness 145,217 542 145,217 542 95.749 5.000 246,508 146,261 542 93, 146 5,000 244.949 District Associations Championship Reserve Totals 95.749 150,759 95,749 Total funds carried forward 158,584 92,807 251,391 246,509 Page S

THE NATIONAL VEGEfABLE SOCIETY Contents Page Independent examiner's report Balance sheet Notes to the accounts