Due to the popularity of the allotments during lockdown we started the year with a waiting list of people wanting a plot. In order to meet the demand an unused grassed area of the site was rotavated to make new plots. This work was carried out by a friend of one of our members who donated the payment to the local scout group. Also, a large plot was divided into 3 smaller plots for people who could not manage a full plot. This enabled people on the waiting list to make a start on their plots at the beginning of the main growing season. It was good to start the year with all plots being cultivated. However, this meant our membership exceeded the 40 members for which we were insured, and we had to increase our insurance cover.
Unfortunately, we had a complaint from residents of a neighbouring property about a small group pf plot holders who were taking advantage of the hot summer evenings to remain on the site. They were causing problems with noise and car headlights. The relevant members were told that their behaviour was not acceptable and there were no further problems. To ensure this did not happen again we limit the use of the site to the hours between “dawn and dusk”.
We eventually received a payment of £645 to replace the 365 hedging plants eaten or damaged by horses grazing on adjacent land. The horses have been moved off the land and the hedge will be replaced.
When the site manager was mowing the grass, a stone hit the cutting blade causing considerable damage to the mower. Two quotes from local companies were prohibitive. However, a local engineer was able to weld a new plate to the underside of the mower restoring it to full working order at minimal cost. It is good to have the support from members of the local community.
Following a number of break-ins and thefts from local allotments the police provided us with Smart Water to mark our equipment and for members to mark tools and other items of value. Notices were put on the gates stating that all items on the site are marked and could be traced. Unfortunately, we still had a theft later in the year when the battery from the lawn mower was stolen. (The mower itself was well secured). The composting toilets were also broken into causing damage to the doors. We appreciate the support and good relationship we have with the local Community Police Officers who have suggested that the battery would likely be sold to power an electric fence and could not be traced.
The polytunnel holding the mower was also damaged by a gale and has been replaced.
In April, following advice from the National Allotment Society we held a committee meeting on the plot. Members took their own chairs to enable social distancing.
We have been unable to hold our usual social and fundraising events during the year. However, on 31[st] July we did hold an afternoon tea on the site. This was an outdoor event and family groups sat together for social distancing. We also included a book sale which raised £21.00. The event was a great success and well attended. Members enjoyed meeting again on the site, the sun was shining and excellent cakes and scones eaten. A good time was had by all.
In order to meet the requirements of our insurance policy to have a “secure and obvious boundary around the site” we had to replace part of the fence between adjacent farmland and the site. When we originally obtained the land for allotments, we spent a lot of time trying to find out who was responsible for the boundaries without success. We therefore had to pay the full cost of £461.10 ourselves to have the work done.
It was another unusual year on the allotment site, however it has been a successful and enjoyable one for the committee and members and we have maintained contact with our Trustees electronically. We are in a good financial position going forward to the new year.
Some excellent crops have been grown and the produce has been greatly appreciated at home when shopping for food was difficult.
We are grateful for the support we have had from members of the community and the National Allotment Society. It has also been good to welcome new members to the society and increase the number of allotments on site.
CHARITY COMMISSION FOR ENGLAND AND WALES Independent examiner's report on the accounts Sectlon A Independent Examlner's Report Report to the trusteeslmembers of Wolverley Allotment Society On accounts for the year 31N M8rch 2022 ended Chafity 110 Ilf anyl 115471 Set out on pages 38n44 I report to the trustees on my examination of the accounts ol the above charity I'lhe Trust'l for the year ended 3110312022. Respot¥slbllltles and As the charity trustees of th8 Trust, you are responsible for the preparatio basls of report of the accounts In accordance wth the requ1MentS of the Charitie5 Act 2011 1.the Act"). I report In respect of my examination of the Trust's accounts carried out und8r section 145 of Ihe 2011 Act and in rryIng ovt my examination, I have followed the applicAble Directions given by the Charity Commission nder section 14515llbl of the A¢t. I have completed my exarninalion. I confirm that no material matter5 have come to My attention In connection with the ex8minalion which gives me cau8e to believe that In. any material respect accounting records were not kept in accordance with section 130 of the Act or the accounts do not accord with the accounting record5 Independent èxaminer's statement I have no concerns and have corne acioss no other matter$ In conn?ction with the examsnalion lo which attention should be drawn in order lo en8ble proper understsnding of the accounts to be reached. Signed-. Date.. 18th April 2022 Name.. Charles A. Sherr Relevant profgssional Chartered Accountant qualificationlsl or body Address.. Falcons Rest, Fairfield Lane, Wolverley. Kidderminster, Worcestershire DY11 SQJ IER Octobèr 2018
Section B Disclosure Onw complete if the examiner needs to highlight matters of concern (see CC32, Independent examination ol charity accounts. directions and guidanGe loi examiners). Give here brief details of any items that the examiner wishes to disclos8. NONE IER October 2018
CHARITY COMMISSION FOR ENGiAND ANO WALES Wol¥0rf6y Allobii•rtSorhty 11549n Receipts and payments accounts CC16a For perlod 01104120Z1 3110312022 Section A Receipts and payments Unrgstricted fvnds Rostri¢ted funts Endowmgnt lunds Total fund8 LaBtypar th•neamt£ n•Jr•rt£ A1 Re¢01 t8 Fund rnisi Gran Oon&lions bsc Resetye accourtinterest saofan Dwetoh8dy8 by 12>3 1,233 Sub lol•llGft)ss income for ARI A2 and invo¥lmont 8810$. Sub total rolalrecelpts FundlS1COts Woth Dn 5rte pment 143 153 Ingxanco Athrinistrats Sub to A4A&sot and in¥tsOrrt uYcha86ts, see tab Sub lotal 1,72 Net 0fr8ce1pts/{Yetsj A5 Trafel¥ balween funds A6 Ca8h last yBar8nd Cash funds thlsy¢ar¢nd *,078 6,920 52D 5.842 6,92 460
Section B Statement of assets and liabilities at the end of the period Uthr8¥trirted fundg tonqarq4t£ Restricted Efidowment fundB lonMr•yt£ Catogon Details to n•Jroai£ 81 Cash fvrrfl$ 8,200 Ca&h Total cash Unm8tri¢tod Re6triGtsd fundts to nèare•t£ Endowment DetailB ton•Jrwt£ tovear05t£ Pt0h1¢ Dgtslls Curr9ntvthg B3 Invo8lrnent a88ets FUndtOwhh DOtsi1s 84As8ets retsir1 fortho ¢haTW8 own us• Yhendu• Dètails B6 Liabllltlas Signed tyonèorMrtru¥tee8 on bthAWolall the trustee5 Prim Narne Dats of roval 11-Il.2