## **Grapes Hill Community Garden Group Annual Report 2024** _5th Norwich Scouts Celebrated the Big Lunch at Grapes Hill Community Garden in May 2024_ The Trustees & Committee team are pleased to have seen another wonderful year for Grapes Hill Community Garden Group and report here on key happenings over 2024. ## **What we’ve achieved in 2024** The Grapes Hill Community Garden Group had a successful year in delivering its regular core events, workshops and volunteering days with many extras too! There were 1360 separate visits to the garden. We’ve seen at least 235 people come to the garden for the first time this year, whether this was just coming to an event, taking part in a workshop or volunteering. We have recorded 563 returning visits. ## **Volunteer Sessions** Throughout 2024 our volunteers, on Wednesdays and Sundays, were brilliant as ever. We had an amazing 47 sessions with at least 6 volunteers at all these sessions. As well as ongoing support from our regular volunteers we have been joined by two new regular volunteers. They have helped us keep on top of various tasks including weeding, watering and pruning. They have also reported how important the regular sessions are to them. “ _I have a wealth of knowledge about gardening and tree and shrub care and plant and weed identification that I did not have before._ ” _Regular garden volunteer._ Our volunteers have been a great support at events, serving refreshments and welcoming new visitors to the garden. Many have also joined us at external events to help us promote the garden and share their experiences of volunteering at the garden and how this has had an impact on their lives. We are also very grateful to those on gate duty, who take turns making sure the gates are unlocked each day and closed at night. Three cheers to all our volunteers, we cannot thank you enough for all you do! ## **Key Roles in the Garden** In 2024 we were happy to welcome in Clare Nubel as a trustee, Sarah Davis as admin volunteer and Matthew Salmon as a committee member. ## **Paid Officer Roles** - Jo Rice – Principal Gardener - Caroline Fernandez - Outreach and Integration Officer (From Feb 2023) - Charity Lamb - Assistant Gardener (from Feb 2023) ## **Trustees** - Richard Bearman - Chair - Fran Ellington - Founder - Patrick Goodall - Garden maintenance, sculptor and bench creator - Wyn Hurst - Funding and administrative support - Peter Ellington -Treasurer - Clare Nubel- fundraising from March 24 ## **Other Key Roles** - Ben St Ruth - Hon. Bookkeeper - Jeremy Bartlett - Web Master - Sarah Davis- Admin. and Membership Volunteer (from Sept 2024) - Matthew Salmon- Committee Member ## **New for 2024** - Celebrating Nature Through Poetry around the fire. 22 people came and took turns reading out poems around the fire. The spiced chai and snacks went down well. - Wine and Cheese tasting for members and subscribers was a ticketed event with our friends Substrata Wines. It was an amazing taste adventure. The guests huddled under our event shelter while the rain poured down. - The Big Lunch - 44 people came including 22 scouts. Feedback – “Our visit to you has literally changed the dynamics of our group they are more interconnected friendlier and since we have been to Grapes Hill Community Garden they have helped in the maintenance of the campsite we use.” - A group of eight students from City College come regularly on Wednesdays with their tutors. They have been a big help in the gardens and we have really seen their confidence and skills grow. - Douro Place garden. A large amount of litter, scrap metal and couch grass has been removed. Daffodil bulbs and primroses have been planted and flower seeds have been sown. Much of the work was achieved with a team from Aviva and our City College group. This is an ongoing project. - We are grateful to LanPro who donated a big box of daffodil bulbs. These have been planted at Douro Place around the garden and in pots. - We are also grateful to Norwich City Council, Louise Curtis through the Open Projects Network for donations of seeds, plants and wildflower seeds during the year. _Bulbs and primroses planted at Douro Place with students and tutors from City College. Photo credit Jo Rice._ - In October, we held a review workshop for all the GHCGG members facilitated by our trustee Clare Nubel. All trustees and paid officers attended and it was an opportunity to celebrate our achievements to date, review ways of working and agree strategies for improving communication and coordination. - At requests from our regular volunteers, we have introduced some extra Winter sessions this year. As well as keeping the garden tidy, it is beneficial for reducing isolation and keeping mentally and physically healthy. _A team from Aviva helped at both Grapes Hill Community Garden and Douro Place on a corporate volunteering day in September. Photo credit Jo Rice_ ## **The Seasons Speak Exhibition** The Seasons Speak Exhibition in October, was very beautiful and inspiring. Thank you to Rita Kearton and Friends of Waterloo Park for allowing us to exhibit these beautiful textiles of the poetry of Dorothy Amery. We hope to be able to exhibit again in May 2025. Photos below from Jo Rice. **----- Start of picture text -----**
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## **Events** The garden hosted three big community event days seeing over 400 people attend across the three days: ## _**Nature in the Garden; Sunday 19[th] May 2024**_ Our first big event of 2024 took place in May. We had new guests Revolutionary Roots, who experimented with sound from plants—a unique and engaging experience for us. The Norfolk Ukulele Society opened the event. We also welcomed back Substrata Wines, and Tom Conway, The Coffee Pedlar. Musicians Peter Turrell and Adam Clark performed and were well received. We are grateful to Norfolk Wildlife Trust, Norfolk Organic Group, and Norfolk Master Composters for all providing activities and stalls. We had a plant and book stall as well as offering tea and cakes for donations. There were many new visitors to the garden. We recorded 185 attendees. We Wear the Trousers offered a space where people could join in mending or embroidering nature-inspired designs. Hallswood Animal Sanctuary kindly brought animals including a hedgehog named Hercules, a pig, a pony, and a lamb. Sustainable Living Initiative, Marlpit showed attendees how they keep bees, with an opportunity to dress up in beekeepers' outfits. A cressheads workshop was available for children. Overall, it was a productive day focused on celebrating the natural world. _Norfolk Ukulele Society_ _Nature in the Garden ‘24 was very popular._ _The Coffee Pedlar- Tom Conway_ _Master Composters_ ## _**Celebration of International Cultures; 30th June 2024**_ A successful event was co-hosted in the garden with New Routes Integration. Despite the sweltering heat, we welcomed over 150 attendees to celebrate international culture, many of whom were new visitors to the garden. Anna Mudeka and The African Choir of Norfolk were our headline performers. The event included a singing workshop by Samia Malik, delicious vegetarian curries provided by Namaste Village, a seed sowing stall, and a plant stall offering rhubarb and fresh herbs. Additional highlights were "I Will Heal," a performance by refugees and asylum seekers, in collaboration with Common Lot members Simon and Charlie, Indian drumming by Harsh and Josh, an ice cream van, Gareth's Big Games, language taster sessions, a tea and cake stall, Nordic braiding, and a Red Cross vintage stall. Coffee was supplied by The Coffee Pedlar- Tom Conway. Thank you to all who made it so enjoyable! We extend our gratitude to the National Lottery, The Co-op, our neighbours for providing electricity, and The Eagle Café (now called Cloud Café) for hot water. The event was marked by a lovely atmosphere, and we eagerly anticipate collaborating with New Routes Integration again in 2025. _Anna Mudeka and The African Choir of Norfolk. Photo credit Jo Rice_ ## _**Arts and Culture in the Garden Sunday 21 July 2024**_ The Garden's third event of the year connected people through visual and musical arts. Artists showcased their crafts, and musicians Adam Clark, Joe Durant, Tony Park, and Punch House band entertained the visitors. We regularly have positive feedback about the live music we have in the garden. Workshops included a haiku session by Patrick Widdess and a "collage corner" with Charity. The event offered wine tasting, jewellery, plants, and refreshments for all senses. Thanks to everyone who visited; we had over 70 attendees. _“There was a very relaxed and sociable atmosphere, which really added to the fun. I'll definitely look out for any other events at Grapes Hill Community Garden.” Workshop participant._ _The programme was full. Samia Malik led a lively singing workshop. Craft stall_ _Photo credits Jo Rice_ ## **Workshops** Throughout the year, we hosted a total of 18 free workshops, many of which were oversubscribed. 152 people attended altogether. These workshops enhanced the opportunities available in the garden by providing participants with the chance to acquire new skills and knowledge while connecting with each other and nature. - Collage: Crafting unique artworks from various materials. (Charity) - Willow Bird Feeders: Creating functional and decorative bird feeders. (Caroline) - Yoga Workshops: Led by Sue Tideswell, offering Hatha yoga and slow movement sessions. - Herbal Tea: Finding out about garden herbs and sampling herbal teas. (Jo) - Nettle Cordage creating nettle string in the garden. (Caroline) - Nature Inspired Art: Facilitated by Charity, encouraging spontaneous creativity in a small, quality group. - Herbal Remedies: led by Jo, with participants infusing lavender oil to take home. - Eco-Dyeing: Hands-on solar dyeing using common plants. (Rita and Caroline) - Fermentation: Allowing participants to make their own sauerkraut to take home. (Caroline) - Poetry: Exploring the art of poetry in a natural setting. (Patrick Widdess) - Winter Pruning: Techniques for pruning plants during the winter season. (Jo) - Seasonal Wreath Workshops: Crafting seasonal wreaths using natural materials. (Caroline) The feedback from these workshops was overwhelmingly positive, 91 % of people were very likely to recommend them to others. Other feedback: _“It’s made me cherish the importance of a cohesive community.” Workshop participant._ _During the herbal remedies workshop participants looked_ _Decorative bird feeders were created on the willow workshop_ _at the various herbs we have in the garden_ _Looking at samples and books during the eco dyeing workshop._ _“There was nothing missing for me…it was pretty much perfect!” Fermentation workshop participant._ _“I've been to three events at Grapes Hill. Each was very different, but each amazing. It's a very inspiring place with such a welcoming atmosphere.”_ - Board games and seasonal quizzes became a regular monthly activity. We held nine board game sessions over the year and four quizzes. _Come Play with Us Games in the garden._ _Nettle cordage Photo credit Jo Rice_ ## _Photo credit Jo Rice_ - We offered eight family garden group sessions over the season. _Family Garden Group. Photos credit Jo Rice_ _Planting snow drops. Photo credit Jo Rice_ _Removing scrap metal from Douro Place garden_ ## **Achievements** We are very proud to note that in June, at the Biodiversity Awards Ceremony, we won the Nature for Health and Wellbeing award. _Pictured L to R Caroline Fernandez, Charity Lamb, Richard Bearman, Jo Rice_ _Bee on verbena Bonariensis. Photo credit Jo Rice_ ## **Outreach / group visits** We reached out from the garden at several other events, sharing information about the garden - Science Festival 2024, The Forum. On our stall with herbal tea tastings and potting up seeds we interacted with over 160 people. - Question the Gardener (QTG) in Mile Cross. Jo was on the panel. - Talk on growing produce on windowsills for the Carers Network (Caroline) - Planting workshop at Under one Roof with Together for Mental Wellbeing (Caroline) - Bugs and Beasts at Waterloo Park 1[st] Aug (Charity and Jo) - At Harlequin Fayre we ran workshops with Norfolk Organic Group (NOG) and Permaculture Association. (Caroline, Clare, Charity) City College students and tutors. Photo credit Jo Rice. ## **Accounts** ## **Grapes Hill Community Garden Accounts 31.12.2024** Grapes Hill Community Garden Summary Accounts Income statement 2024 2023 income Expenditure Depreciation Sur lus 29137 3933 -15463 -14129 -611J) -6078 7574 -16274 Balance sheet 31.12.2024 31.12.2023 Fixed assets Depreciation Net bookvalue 106773 ICE073 -70551 -64450 36222 41623 Bank and cash Total 18155 5180 54377 46803 Funds TNLCF 605 Get up and Grow NCC Love Norfolk Green in the community General Total 11270 2116 40243 46198 54377 46803 Cash flow summary 2024 2023 Bank at start Grants in Capitsl additions Other income 5180 15377 27905 -7(K) 1232 3933 Expenditure -15462 -14129 Bank at end 18155 5180 ## **Funding report 2024** The nature of grant funding is ‘feast or famine’: sometimes very lean and sometimes very bountiful. As you can see below. |**Year**|**Total Income**| |---|---| |2022|£14,977| |2023|£3,933| |2024|£29,137| ## **2025** To date in 2025 we have already received £16,670 |**Source**|**Amount**|**Notes**| |---|---|---| |Talent Fund|£5000|| |Coop|£5670|| |Alistair Amery|£6000|Unrestricted funds| However, we don’t stop looking for opportunities to expand our funded income and to deliver more events and activities free of charge to those in the community who can benefit from the space and people that is Grapes Hill Community Garden. - Our regular gardening sessions have resumed on Wednesday afternoons and once a month on Sundays. - The Family Garden Club will meet on the last Sunday of each month, beginning on March 30th. ## **Plus New for 2025** - We are pleased to announce four Seasonal Connections workshops, funded by the Norfolk Community Foundation, through the Love Norfolk Fund. - The Norwich Community Gardens Festival will take place on April 26th and 27th. ## **EVENTS 2025** Please mark these dates in your calendars. All events are free and will run from 11am to 3pm ## _**Sunday, May 11th: Nature in the Garden**_ ## _**Sunday, June 15th: Celebration of International Cultures**_ ## _**Sunday, July 27th: Arts in the Garden**_ We extend our heartfelt thanks for your support and encouragement this year. We look forward to another successful year with the Grapes Hill Community Garden Group. This annual report is dedicated to Alistair Amery, a generous supporter and friend of the garden, who kindly donated money and sculptures to GHCGG prior to his passing in February 2025. _**Supported by Norfolk Community Foundation through Love Norfolk**_ Grapes Hill Community Garden Accounts 31.12.2024 GwEenrn GEtupaThJ Tr*XGrarrt Po*Coth Genernl the Lo¥e places Lottery ¢o•t of>1 Project Coordirbator OLrtr•Ach offlc•r nta and outreach work ¢￿￿MI￿lty Roots Eypenxes IKC Grant . Love NO￿￿k FWKI -Garth 598 3034 1218 3034 1218 70 tr•X Grnnt . Lf￿ NOrf￿k F￿￿-TAleTrt 78 78 Get and Grcrtv- Volunteer Session Get Up and Grthv- PLthiic ebwrts Get and Grow. Wovk&KV ewenw E638 5519 1119 155 155 Total 14254 4252 EQ5 1544 1119 70 Overhea Ath*rtising and FYorTr)tior Tod4 ￿an18 arwj rnatorialB gjbsstence 229 229 154 116 154 116 W•b Hojlir Cornwter Soft¥Rre ndriv 78 19 78 19 463 In￿rance 120 30 1209 61(X) 73(V3 120 30 1209 61(K) 7309 Trairbin9 tot81 Deweciation C4wrge T￿81 Tr•rthr -192 192 Op•rAtlng l- d•fflclt kn >*ar 7574 11270 .605 2116 -5955 Balance blfwd 4W3 605 46198 6alano Clfwd $4377 11270 2116 40243 Grapes Hlll Communlty Garden s￿iMary Accounts I￿(￿ne ststement 2024 2023 income Expenditure t￿precIatIon Su lus 29137 3933 -15463 -611￿) -14129 -6078 7574 -16274 Balance sheet 31.12.2024 31.12.2023 Fixed assets Depreciation Net book value 106773 -70551 106073 -64450 36222 41623 Bank and cash Total 18155 54377 5180 46803 Funds TN LCF Get up and Grow NCC Love Norfolk Green in the community General Total 605 11270 2116 40243 54377 46198 46803 Cash flow summary 2024 2023 Bank at start Grants in Capital additions Other income 5180 15377 27905 -7(X) 1232 3933 Expenditure -15462 -14129 Bank at end 18155 5180 **Independent examiner's report on the accounts** **Section A Independent Examiner’s Report** **Report to the trustees/** Charity Name **members of** Grapes Hill Community Garden **On accounts for the year** 31[st] December 2024 **Charity no** 1156616 **ended (if any) Set out on pages** 1-2 I report to the trustees on my examination of the accounts of the above charity (“the Trust”) for the year ended 31/12/2025. **Responsibilities and** As the charity trustees of the Trust, you are responsible for the preparation **basis of report** of the accounts in accordance with the requirements of the Charities Act 2011 (“the Act”). I report in respect of my examination of the Trust’s accounts carried out under section 145 of the 2011 Act and in carrying out my examination, I have followed the applicable Directions given by the Charity Commission under section 145(5)(b) of the Act. **Independent** I have completed my examination. I confirm that no material matters have **examiner's statement** come to my attention (other than that disclosed below *) in connection with the examination which gives me cause 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 records I have no concerns and have come across no other matters in connection with the examination to which attention should be drawn in order to enable a proper understanding of the accounts to be reached. * _Please delete the words in the brackets if they do not apply._ **Date:** 29/10/2025 **Signed:** ~~Cee~~ **Name:** Claire Atkinson ~~Ps~~ **Relevant professional** Chartered Institute of Management Accountants **qualification(s) or body (if any): Address:** Triple Bottom Line Accounting Limited, The Enterprise Centre, University of East Anglia, Norwich NR4 7TJ 1 **IER** **Section B Disclosure** Only complete if the examiner needs to highlight matters of concern (see CC32, Independent examination of charity accounts: directions and guidance for examiners). **Give here brief details of** The books and records for Grapes Hill Community Garden are maintained to a **any items that the** high standard, and all supporting documentation was easily accessible. **examiner wishes to disclose** . There are no other significant matters to report. 2 **IER**