## **Trustees Annual Report for the period 1[st] January 2021 to 31[st] December 2021**
The Somerset Branch of The Campaign to Protect Rural England
## **Objects and Activities**
The Somerset Branch of The Campaign to Protect Rural England (The Charity) is established for the promotion and encouragement for the benefit of the public the improvement and protection of the English countryside and in particular that of the Administrative County of Somerset and its towns and villages and for the better development of the rural environment.
The trustees confirm that they have had regard to the guidance issued by the Charity Commission on public benefit
## **Achievement and Performance**
The charity has 10 Trustees through the year, one of which is paid as the charities planning consultant and a freelance administrator
Our planner advises the Trustees, reviews planning applications which may affect the Somerset countryside, liaises with members of CPRE South West and members of the public. Our planner submits comments and objections to the local authorities and attends and speaks at local enquiries. There has been some notable success in the past year.
The charity supports sustainable initiatives to reduce global warming including solar but is concerned with the growing number of commercial solar farms which are being introduced and which impair the enjoyment of the countryside and reduces the land available for food production. It however supports the installation of solar on brownfield sites such as the roofs of commercial buildings.
The introduction of biomass digesters has been of particular concern in Somerset causing traffic problems due to material being imported from long distances and problems with enforcement.
The charity seeks avenues of funding from public bodies and from donations from members.
In 2021 the charity continued with its successful Litter Pick Project which has now supplied Litter Pick kits to over 100 volunteers and, the Finger Post project carried out in conjunction with the Hinckley Point and the annual photo competition which this year included an Under 18 category.
## **Financial Review**
The approved accounts for 2021 are shown above and have been verified by an independent examiner.
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2021.
Income has decreased slightly but due mainly to the completion of the first phase of the Litter Pick project but we have been fortunate to have received some considerable donations from members.
Overheads are in line with 2020 and the reserves have increased marginally. The finances of the charity are in good order going into 2022 and will enable us to continue supporting our efforts to protect Somersets countryside.
## **Structure, Governance and Management**
The Charity is governed by a Memorandum of Association and is a company limited by guarantee.
Trustees are selected by invite after having discussions with the chair and having attended a committee meeting(s)
## **Reference and Administrative Details**
The Somerset Branch of The Campaign to Protect Rural England
Charity Registration No: 1100860
Sanctuary Cottage West Pennard Glastonbury BA6 8NL Trustees
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Dates acted if Name of person (or body)
Office (if
Trustee name not for whole entitled to appoint trustee (if
any)
year any)
Hugh Williams Chair CPRE Southwest
Janette Ward CPRE Southwest
John Roberts Treasurer 24/2/2021 CPRE Southwest
Vernon Phillip Hughes 16/02/2021 CPRE Southwest
David Julian CPRE Southwest
Fletcher Freeland Robinson CPRE Southwest
Don Parkinson CPRE Southwest
Professor Christopher Lewis CPRE Southwest
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## **Declarations**
The trustees declare that they have approved the trustees’ report above.
Signed on behalf of the charity’s trustees
Signature(s) Full name(s) Position (eg Secretary, Chair, etc) Date