FOTP Trustees Report for AGM 12[th] October 2024
It has been a busy year for the FOTP, at our last AGM we elected Judith as our Chair. One year on and I would like to thank Judith for the tremendous amount of hard work and enthusiasm she has dedicated to Towneley Park.
The Acorns group has been running for a year, thanks to all the helpers who support Judith with this activity that runs every Saturday morning bringing children and their families into the park to take part in nature-based activities. Alongside Acorns, the Towneley Dragon Trail has been conceived. Many of you have been involved with getting this project off the ground, Judith will have more details about this later in the meeting, but on behalf of the Trustees thank you to everyone who has been involved.
During the year, Trustees have approved expenditure to improve footpaths in the park, continue funding the Ribble Rivers Trust programme of Trout in the Classroom, printing of leaflets – Tree Trail, Walks, History, Towneley News and the first Dragon Story. Although on this subject Trustees feel that some of our literature can move away from paper copies to on-line versions which will save costs in the future. However, the Trails and Walks leaflets will continue in their paper format to encourage people to take their noses out of their phones whilst enjoying the park.
We have had lengthy discussions around repairs to the bridge at Monks Well, thanks to Maureen for keeping this on the agenda with BBC. Quotes for the improvement works were, we felt, too expensive to consider and we therefore made the recommendation to remove the bridge on safety grounds and therefore removing any ongoing repair and maintenance costs.
Thank you to all our Thursday volunteers, many of whom turn up whatever the weather. We have seen new volunteers this year who have brought fresh enthusiasm and ideas to this maintenance and improvement group. It has also been a pleasure to welcome Henry Nazareth Kay (Green Spaces Co-ordinator) to our Thursday mornings – although Henry looks after many volunteers across Burnley’s green spaces, I’m sure we are his favourites! And a big thank you to our members who support us with Events throughout the year.
Thanks to Corinne, our Treasurer, for keeping our books balanced. Now, to our Trustees, many thanks to Maureen, Bryan and Pete for their hard work throughout the year. Pete has taken the decision to retire from the Trustees and so we would like to present him with this gift, thanks Pete.
Judith has agreed to become a trustee but we would still like another volunteer to join us, if you are interested, please let us know.
Finally, thanks to Simon, Sean, Damien, Gareth and all the parks team for continuing to support the group. We know that Team Work makes the Dream Work, and we think that we are a pretty good team.
FRIENDS OF TOWNELEY PARK INCOME AND EXPENDITURE ACCOUNT
FROM SEPTEMBER 1[ST] 2023 TO AUGUST 31[ST] 2024
RECEIPTS
People’s Fundraising Benches including refurbs. £11574.62 Donations. 170.00 Less PF fees. 293.25. £11451.37 Gift Aid. 2933.87 14385.24 General donations. 1304.02 Scooter donations. 169.60 Trails and events Santa trail. £618.22 Half term trail. 23.00 Easter trail. 320.94 Summer trail. 55.00. 1017.16 Plant and bulb sales 376.80 Sundries. 54.00 Urban near neighbours award 3910.00 Dragon book sales 195.00 Donation towards the dragon trail. 5000.00 Total Income 26411.82
EXPENDITURE
Benches. £11074.62 Shed 1506.97 MIG. 255.04 Printing 1215.50 Ribble rivers trust. 3910.00 Fish in the classroom 660.00 Path from the café to the pond. 1548.00 Sundries 380.80 Trail costs. 127.46 Total expenditure 20678.39 BANK ACCOUNT Balance carried forward £9451.61 Add receipts 26411.82 Less expenses. 20678.39. Balance as at 31[st] August 2024. 15185.04 Bank balance as at 31[st] August 2024. £15147.02 add credit 38.02 presented. 15185.04 After date.
Friends of Towneley Park
Independent examiners report for financial year ending 31[st] January 2024
Name: Gareth Morgan
Address: 93 Peel Street, Clitheroe, Lancashire BB7 1NF
I have undertaken an examination of the year end accounts for The Friends of Towneley Park under section 145 of the 2011 Act and that the examination has been conducted in accordance with the directions given by the Charity Commission. The accounts and all relevant paperwork including receipts have been provided to me by the Treasurer, Corinne Concah, and I am happy that everything is in order.
I have noted no matters of concern in connection with this examination.
Signed: G Morgan
Date: 6 Nov 2024