Friends of Childs Hill Park 2023/2024 Annual Report
Childs Hill Park has continued to be a much used and loved feature of the neighbourhood. The Picnic Grove is proving popular, particularly when the weather is warm and dry.
The sports facilities are much appreciated. The grassy area is used by local schools for running, football and athletics. Football is ever popular, with The Eagles training a growing number of girls and boys to a high standard, supplemented by informal games taking advantage of the goal posts. The tennis courts have been completely upgraded by LB Barnet. A new booking and charging scheme has been introduced. So far this has been well accepted as the annual membership fee is quite reasonable and there are regular free sessions.
After a long wait, the paths round the park have been widened and re-surfaced. This has been a massive improvement for everyone, but particularly those using wheelchairs, buggies, bikes and scooters.
The Diggers
We are grateful to Sally Wasser for her continued leadership of The Diggers who plant and maintain our flower beds. Sally has also begun to introduce low woven willow fences around some beds to protect plants from dogs. She has also made a willow tunnel in the Picnic Grove which children enjoy exploring.
- Trees and Bio diversity.
Barnet has planted 16 trees in and around the children’s playground which provide much needed shade on hot days. There are some unusual species, like a Pawlonia tree which has striking large purple flowers in the summer. They will add to the beauty of the park and provide a home for many bugs and birds.
In a further attempt to increase bio-diversity, bird and bat boxes have been installed in some of the trees around the perimeter of the park.
Leadership
Following 10 years as Chair of the Friends of Childs Hill Park, I stepped down and formally resigned as Chair at the 2023/24 AGM. The committee unanimously elected Anne Fine as the new Chair. Ann is looking forward to exploring further ways in which the park can play a positive role in the local community and enhance bio-diversity. Ingrid Posen
Former Chair, Friends of Childs Hill Park.
| Friends of Childs Hill Park | ||
|---|---|---|
| Registered Charity No 1162364 | ||
| Accounts to 31 March 2024 | ||
| 31 March 2023 | 31 March 2024 | |
| Income and Expenditure Account | ||
| Income | ||
| Grants | ||
| 0 | LB Barnet Green Our Neighbourhood | 15,000 |
| 116.0 | Donation | 0 |
| ______ | ______ | |
| 116.0 | Total Income | 15,000 |
| Expenditure | ||
| 184.99 | Plants for CHP | 247.99 |
| 586.37 | Tree purchase and planting | 0 |
| 0 | Green Our Neighbourhood | 2,045.61 |
| _ | _ | |
| 771.36 | Total Expenditure | 2,293.60 |
| (655.36) | Surplus/Deficit for year | 12,706.40 |
| 7,506.61 | B/Fwd as at 1 April 2023 | 6,851.25 |
| 6,851.25 | C/Fwd as at 1 April 202 | 19,557.65 |
| ======= | ====== |
Balance Sheet at 31 March 2024
6,851.25 Cash at bank and in hand ========
19,557.65
=========
Accountants Report
I have inspected the above Balance Sheet and Income and Expenditure Account for the year ending 31 March 2024. The books, records and information were presented to me and confirm they are in accordance therewith.