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2025-08-31-accounts

Trustees’ Annual Report for the period

From 1 September 2024 Period start date To 31 August 2025 Period end date Charity name: OLDEN COMMUNITY GARDEN

Charity registration number:

Objectives and Activities

SORP reference
Summary of the purposes of
the charity as set out in its
governing document		 Para 1.17 The objects of the CIO are to promote for
the benefit of those people living or working
in the London Borough of Islington a
community garden and associated facilities
to advance education and for the purposes
of recreation or other leisure time
occupation of individuals who have need of
such facilities by reason of their youth, age,
infirmity or disability, financial hardship or
social and economic circumstances or for
the public at large in the interests of social
welfare and with the object of improving
their condition of life.
Summary of the main
activities in relation to those
purposes for the public
benefit, in particular, the
activities, projects or
services identified in the
accounts.		 Para 1.17 and
1.19		 Olden Community Garden was created in
1986 when a group of Islington residents
successfully campaigned to rescue a
derelict railway embankment and turn it
into a community garden. Over the years,
the site has become a significant asset for
the local community. Islington has less
green space than any other London
borough, and our garden and woodland
form an important wildlife habitat. Olden
Community Garden contains the largest
area of woodland in the Borough and is
one of the largest community managed
open spaces in north London. The
Borough recognises the importance of
Olden Community Garden to the area and
has designated it Grade 1 SINC (Site of
Importance for Nature Conservation).
Olden Community Garden was open to
the general public on 60 days during the
year. We were also open to partner
community groups, members and their
families and guests during daylight hours
every day during the year.
Olden Community Garden is maintained by
volunteers, members and non-members,
under the leadership of part-time
professional gardeners. On our weekly
Open Days, a part-time professional
gardener leads volunteers. In addition, our
monthly Saturday Open Days attract
volunteers and families. All are welcome to
come along to make new friends and learn
more about the garden or to walk in the
woodland or sit around the lawn.
It is clear that many families, individuals
and local community groups are
benefitting from the recreational aspects
provided by Olden Community Garden.
Walking, sitting, reading in the garden,
exploring the woodland, enjoying the
peace and quiet, looking at our flowers,
are all much appreciated and contribute to
the wellbeing of local people, many of
whom do not have their own garden.
We completed our major project to repair
the raised vegetable beds, part-funded with
our grant from National Garden Scheme
Community Garden Grant fund. We also
completed a project funded with a grant
from Islington Giving’s Make It Happen
Fund, for new planting in a refurbished
border in the shade.
Our successful application to Islington
Council’s Community Chest provided funds
to help pay our part-time gardeners and to
support volunteers with mental health
issues.
Remedying the effects of landslip on the
terracing on our steep railway siding site is
an ongoing challenge and is costly.
Volunteers continued replacing the rotten
wooden sleepers with reclaimed wooden
railway sleepers that we bought.
Statement confirming
whether the trustees have
had regard to the guidance
issued by the Charity
Commission on public
benefit		 Para 1.18 The Trustees were satisfied that the
activities of Olden Community Garden met
the objectives as set out in the constitution,
and the requirement of public benefit. We
continue to be guided by the requirement of
public benefit as we plan our future
programme of work and activities in Olden
Community Garden.

Additional information (optional)

You may choose to include further statements where relevant about:

SORP reference N/A Para 1.38 Policy on grant making

Policy on social investment
including program related
investment		 Para 1.38 N/A
Contribution made by
volunteers		 Para 1.38
Other Olden Community Garden encourages
volunteers to be involved in gardening to
help reduce isolation and improve
wellbeing. During the year about 150
volunteers supported the charity in many
ways, including volunteer gardening in
Olden Community Garden. Others helped
with our public events and with
administration of the Charity. Though our
partnerships with The BIG Alliance and a
small local company, groups of corporate
volunteers also helped in the garden.

Achievements and Performance

SORP reference
Summary of the main
achievements of the charity,
identifying the difference the
charity’s work has made to
the circumstances of its
beneficiaries and any wider
benefits to society as a
whole.		 Para 1.20 This was another successful year for Olden
Community Garden. We are one of the largest
community-managed open spaces in north
London. Our engagement with members,
community groups and volunteers, our
fundraising activity, our relationship with
neighbours and the usage of the garden shows
that our work is much appreciated throughout
our local community and has reinforced
trustees’ resolve to continue to deliver for
Islington.
Our part-time gardeners (Maria until March
2026, and Ruby from April 2026 onwards) led
our volunteer gardening and advised the
trustees, while Caroline led our Saturday
volunteers.
Our maintenance of Olden Community Garden
as a Borough Grade 1 Site of Importance to
Nature Conservation ensures its contribution to
Islington Council’s Biodiversity Action Plan and
the ‘Islington Together 2030’ Mission of a
Greener, Healthier Islington.

Additional information (optional)

You may choose to include further statements where relevant about:

Achievements against
objectives set		 Para 1.41
Performance of fundraising
activities against objectives
set		 Para 1.41
Investment performance
against objectives		 Para 1.41
Other

Financial Review

Review of the charity’s
financial position at the end
of the period		 Para 1.21 At the year end, the charity’s financial
position was good. With our planned
reserves, we ensured funds would be
available for paying our part-time gardeners
and to deliver our grant funded projects.
Statement explaining the
policy for holding reserves
stating why they are held		 Para 1.22 The Trustees’ policy is to hold in reserve a
minimum of three months core running
costs. These are defined as: gardening
services; gardening supplies and
equipment, garden house and toilet
facilities, and general administration.
Amount of reservesheld Para 1.22 £8,279
Reasons for holding zero
reserves		 Para 1.22
Details of fund materially in
deficit		 Para 1.24
Explanation of any
uncertainties about the
charity continuing as a going
concern		 Para 1.23

Additional information (optional) You may choose to include further statements where relevant about:

The charity’s principal
sources of funds (including
any fundraising)		 Para 1.47 Our primary sources of income included
subscriptions and donations from
members, donations for bookings for the
Garden House and events, and the surplus
from our music festival, together with
grants.
We received £5,000 from Islington
Council’s Community Chest.
Investment policy and
objectives including any
social investment policy
adopted		 Para 1.46
A description of the principal
risks facing the charity		 Para 1.46 We are supported in risk management by
the London Borough of Islington which
owns the land and retains responsibility for
aspects of the structural integrity of the site
and maintenance of the trees and boundary
fences and walls, and has an advisory role.
We have undertaken a full risk assessment
of our operation which is reviewed
regularly, together with the actions to
mitigate the risks. We have public liability
insurance and regularly review our policies
including safeguarding children and
vulnerable adults. Copies of these
documents are on public display in the
Garden House. Principal risks are:
- Loss of income from bookings
- Loss of experienced and/or active
Trustees
- Unsuccessful grant applications
Other

Structure, Governance and Management

Description of charity’s
trusts:
Type of governing document
(trust deed, royal charter)
Para 1.25		 The Constitution was agreed on 6 April
2014. Olden Community Garden gained
charitable status in August 2014.
How is the charity
constituted?
(e.g unincorporated
association, CIO)		 Para 1.25 Charitable Incorporated Organisation
Trustee selection methods
including details of any
constitutional provisions e.g.
election to post or name of
any person or body entitled
to appoint one or more
trustees		 Para 1.25 Trustees are elected by the membership at
the Annual General Meeting for a period of
three years and may be appointed by the
committee to vacant positions. During the
year there were eight Trustees, including
the Chair, Secretary and Treasurer. Under
the Constitution, the maximum permissible
number is nine.

Additional information (optional)

You may choose to include further statements where relevant about:

Policies and procedures
adopted for the induction
and training of trustees		 Para 1.51 Information provided by the Charity
Commission is made available. Trustees
receive our Risk Assessment and copies of
our constitutional documents, policies and
procedures.
The charity’s organisational
structure and any wider
network with which the
charity works		 Para 1.51 Olden Community Garden is managed by
its Trustees elected by the membership
and meeting as the management
committee. Elected Positions include the
Chair, Secretary and Treasurer.
Approximately seven management
committee meetings are held each year.
The charity has a simple organisational
structure, though individual Trustees may
take lead responsibility for different aspects
of running it.
Olden Community Garden works closely
with Islington Council which owns the land.
Islington Council is responsible for aspects
of the structural integrity of the site and for
maintaining the boundary walls and fences,
and has an advisory role.
The fencing along the boundary with the
railway line is the responsibility of Network
Rail.
Olden Community Garden has partnerships
with local community groups, to some of
which we give free membership, including
local children’s groups and community
support organisations.
Relationship with any
related parties		 Para 1.51 We are supported in risk management by
the London Borough of Islington which
owns the land and retains responsibility for
aspects of the structural integrity of the site
and maintenance of the boundary fences
and walls and has an advisory role.
Other

Reference and Administrative details

Charity name Olden Community Garden
Other name the charity uses
Registered charity number 1158105
Charity’s principal address 15 Sotheby Road, London N5 2UP

Names of the charity trustees who manage the charity

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20		 Trustee name Office (if any) Dates acted if not for whole
year		 Name of person (or
body) entitled to
appoint trustee (if
any)
Charles Waddell Chair
Evelyn Thomas Secretary
DannyOlive Treasurer
Jill McKeown
Wendyde Silva
TerryStacyMBE
Catherine Willmore
John Croxen

– Corporate trustees names of the directors at the date the report was approved Director name

Name of trustees holding title to property belonging to the charity

Trustee name Dates acted if not for whole year

Funds held as custodian trustees on behalf of others

Description of the assets held in this capacity

Name and objects of the charity on whose behalf the assets are held and how this falls within the custodian charity’s objects Details of arrangements for safe custody and segregation of such assets from the charity’s own assets

Additional information (optional)

Names and addresses of advisers (Optional information)

Type of Name Address adviser

Name of chief executive or names of senior staff members (Optional information)

Exemptions from disclosure

Reason for non-disclosure of key personnel details

Other optional information

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		 Charles Waddell (by email) Evelyn Thomas (by email)
Hamish Charles Keith Waddell Evelyn Kaye Thomas


Chair		 Secretary
15 June 2026
15 June 2026

Olden Community Garden

1158105

Receipts and payments accounts

CC16a

For the period
from		 01-Sep-24
Period start date		 To 31-Aug-25
Period end date

Section A Receipts and payments

Unrestricted Restricted Endowment Total funds Last year funds funds funds to the nearest £ to the nearest £ to the nearest £ to the nearest £ to the nearest £

A1 Receipts

A1 Receipts
Islington Council CommunityChest Grant - 5,000 - 5,000 5,000
National Garden Scheme Community
Gardengrant		 - - - - 4,695
Islington Giving Make it Happen Fund
grant		 - - - - 500
Corporate donations 4,561 - - 4,561 1,780
Individual donations 4,549 - - 4,549 1,002
Donations via Local Giving 337 - - 337 169
Members subscriptions 5,574 - - 5,574 4,750
Garden House bookings 3,028 - - 3,028 4,041
Fundraisingactivity 6,112 - - 6,112 4,933
Gift Aid 1,485 - - 1,485 999
Miscellaneous includingRefunds 761 - - 761 292
Interest on Savings 149 - - 149 -
- - - - -
Sub total(Gross income for
AR) 26,556 5,000 - 31,556 28,161
A2 Asset and investment sales,
(see table).
- - - -
- - - - -
Sub total - - - - -
**Total receipts ** 26,556 5,000 - 31,556 28,161
A3 Payments
Gardeners fees for services 7,158 5,000 - 12,158 10,222
Plants, materials, equipment 3,637 - - 3,637 2,593
Repairs, Improvements, & maintenance 3,468 - - 3,468 2,301
Events and fundraising 4,193 - - 4,193 2,576
Administration including website hosting
and Local Givingfee 680 - - 680 340
Insurance 532 - - 532 445
Electricity 451 - - 451 840
Accessible tools - - - - 303
National Garden Scheme Community
Gardengrant for VegBed repairsproject - 4,695 - 4,695 -
Contribution to VegBed repairsproject 1,688 - - 1,688 -
Islington Giving Make it Happen Fund
grant for Plants in Shadeproject - 500 - 500 -
Contribution to Plants in Shadeproject 15 - - 15 -
Meadow Project Our Space Award 941
Meadow Project 212
Magic Little Grants wildlifepond 357
Publicityandposters 693 - - 693 636
Miscellaneous includingrefunds 109 - - 109 244
**Sub total ** 22,624 10,195 - 32,819 22,010
A4 Asset and investment
purchases, (see table)
- - - -
- - - -
**Sub total ** - - - - -
Total payments
CCXX R1 accounts (SS)		 22,624
1		 10,195 - 32,819 22,010
12/06/2026
Net of receipts/(payments)
A5 Transfers between funds
A6 Cash funds last year end
Cash funds this year end		 3,932


- 5,195


-
- 1,263 6,151
- - - - -
12,858 5,195 - 18,053 11,902
16,790 - - 16,790 18,053

CCXX R2 accounts (SS)

12/06/2026

2

Section B Statement of assets and liabilities at the end of the period

Categories
Signed by one or two trustees on
behalf of all the trustees
B5 Liabilities
B3 Investment assets
B2 Other monetary assets
B4 Assets retained for the
charity’s own use
B1 Cash funds
 Details
Details
Details
Total cash funds
(agree balances with receipts and payments
account(s))
Details
Details
Signature
 Unrestricted
funds
Restricted
funds
to nearest £
to nearest £
16,790
-
-
-
-
-
16,790
-
OK
OK
Unrestricted
funds
Restricted
funds
to nearest £
to nearest £
-
-
-
-
-
-
-
-
-
-
-
-
Fund to which
asset belongs
Cost (optional)
-
-
-
-
-
Fund to which
asset belongs
Cost (optional)
-
-
-
-
-
-
-
-
-
Fund to which
liability relates
Amount due
(optional)
-
-
-
-
-
Print Name		 Endowment
funds
to nearest £
-
-
-
-
OK
Endowment
funds
to nearest £
-
-
-
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-
Current value
(optional)
-
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-
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Current value
(optional)
-
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When due
(optional)
Date of
approval

CCXX R3 accounts (SS)

~~12/06/2026~~

~~3~~

CHARITY COMMISSION FOR ENGLAND AND WALES Independent examinerfs report on the accounts Section A Independent Examiner's Report Report to the trusteesl members of Olden Communty Garden Charity On accounts for the year ended Charity no lif any) 1158105 Set out on pagès I report to the trustees on my examination of the acwunts of the above Charity (Ihe Trust") for the year ended 3110812025. Responsibilities and As the dlarity trustees of the Trust. you are responsible for the preparatron basis of report of the accounts in accordance with the requirements of the Charities Ad 2011 ('the Act.). I report in respect of my examination of the Trust's accounts carried out under section 145 of the 2011 Ad 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. I have completed My eXaminat￿n. I confim that no material matters have corne to my attention {other than that disclosed t￿loW ') in connection with the examination %*thich 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 wtih the accounts'ng records Independent examiner's slatement I have rbo concems and have come across no olher matters in connection with the examination to which attents.on should I￿ drawn in order to enable a proper understanding of the accounts to be reached. . Please delete Ébe words in the brackets rfthey do not appty. Signed: Date: 1910612026 Nam•: Philip David Middleton Relevant professlonal qualificationlsl or body (If any): NIA Address: 77 Hyhbury Hill London N5 1SX IER October 2018