BOTANIC GARDENS COMMUNI￿ ASSOCIATION TRUSTEES. REPORT AND FINANCIAL STATEMENTS FOR THE YEAR ENDING 31 DECEMBER 2023 Registered Charity Number 1164497 BOTANIC GARDENS COMMUNITY ASSOCIATION TRUSTEES REPORT AND FINANCIAL STATEMENTS FOR THE YEAR ENDING 31 DECEMBER 2023 CONTENTS PAGE Legal and Administrative Information Trustees, Report Independent Examiner's Report Receipts and Payments Account Balance Sheet Movement in Funds 9-10 BOTANIC GARDENS COMMUNITY ASSOCIATION TRUSTEES REPORT AND FINANCIAL STATEMENTS FOR THE YEAR ENDING 31 DECEMBER 2023 LEGAL AND ADMINISTRATIVE INFORMATION CHARITY COMMISSION NUMBER 1164497 CHAIRMAN AND TRusfEE David Cobham TRUSTEES Margaret Brown Ann Cobham Sally Crowther John Dodd Alan Foxall Joan Huyton aive Pickup Gail Settle Susan Regan Maria Morris (Treasurer) ADDRESS Botanic Gardens Botsnic Road Churchtown Southport PR97NB INDEPENDENT EXAMINER Oliver Grills FCA JAFell&Co 40 Hoghton Street Southport PR9 OPQ ## **BOTANIC GARDENS COMMUNITY ASSOCIATION** ## **Reg Charity No 1164497.** ## **TRUSTEES ANNUAL REPORT FOR THE YEAR ENDED 31 DEC 2023** The Botanic Gardens Community Association Trust (incorporated) is registered with the Charity Commission (No 1164497) and constituted by Deed of Trust. ## **- The Trustees who served during the year are as follows:** David Cobham. (d.cobham@sky.com) * John Dodd. (mail@johndodd.co.uk) * Margaret Brown. (Margaret.brown@rocketmail.com) * Ann Cobham. (anncobham@hotmail.com) * Sally Crowther. (sally@cleverwebseo.com) Clive Pickup. (clive.pickup2@btinternet.com) Gail Settle. (botanic@madasafish.com) Alan Foxall. (simplyflowersandfoliage@gmail.com) Joan Huyton Uoanhuyton2@gmail.com) Maria Morris. Uohnandmaria2013@outlook.com) Susan Regan. (susanmregan55@gmail.com) Trustees serve on a 3 year rotation basis and may stand for re-election. * ## **Constitutional Objectives** 1. To further or benefit the residents of Churchtown, Southport and surrounding areas, without distinction of age, sex, sexual orientation, race, or of political, religious or other opinions. 2. To provide facilities in the interests of social welfare for recreation and leisure time occupation, with the objective of improving the conditions of life for the residents and visitors. To have power to establish a Community Centre and to Co-operate with any statutory authority in the management of such a centre for activities promoted by the Charity in furtherance of the above objectives. This we have achieved. 3. To promote for the benefit of the public at large the protection, preservation, care and maintenance of the Botanic Gardens, Churchtown Southport in co-operation with the local authority for recreational purposes to improve the health and well-being of mind and body. ## **Review of Activities and Achievements** The Botanic Gardens Community Association of volunteers was formed in 2012 to help the gardens to continue providing beautiful floral displays and other internal Park attractions which were in the process of being reduced, ended or closed by severe funding cuts. This has been achieved via donations and a sponsorship scheme. Funding is obtained from local associations, business and individuals which enable us to grow or source quality local plants which are designed, planted and maintained by our volunteers for dedicated Spring and Summer displays in the 5 large beds, and over 40 hanging baskets and ornamental containers at the formal part of the park. The Botanic plant Nursery has been closed for 12 years despite our great efforts to retain it, but the Volunteers have been allocated some greenhouse facilities to enable plants to be saved or nurtured out of season and, we also have an onsite plant shop involvement to bring in funds to be spent on the gardens. We carry out general tidying jobs and minor infrastructure work such as painting and bench restoration and have a team of litter pickers with a zero litter and dog fouling policy. We hold meetings with the Bat Society and Lancashire Trust Squirrel officer. Because of our previous success in carrying out all the above projects the Council has decided we can take over on Lease the running of the parks nationally important 1875 Victorian Fernery voted number two in the UK about 8 years ago but suffering due to finance and labour cuts and was seldom open. We are now connected with the British Pteridological Society who provide Ferns advice and work with us on a regular basis.(cont.) Non desirable plants etc are being removed and we are expertly planting many new Fern species which have been gifted to us by the Royal Botanic Garden Edinburgh. A large van was hired and our project manager and Alison from the Fern Society did the 400 mile round trip to pick up the Ferns in a day, the aim is to be No1 Fernery attraction in the UK. The Fernery is now managed by BGCA volunteers on a rolling Lease. We have renovated and taken over the running of the formally dank public toilet block, this has encouraged the return of many visitors and coach parties, especially school and special needs groups, a small entry charge funds these improvements and management. We hold many fund raising events, and offer an historical and educational walk and talk to visiting parties. Over **5000** volunteer hours are recorded each year. We work **52** weeks of the year and stage free events for the community throughout. The waste, and recycling depot is in the old Nursery area, and greenhouse run off water is saved in wells and tanks for watering use, we have a new composting area adjacent, we also look after the lake tidiness and keep an eye on its wildlife inhabitant's welfare. The former Nursery area is jointly occupied by an adult needs group for the recreation, and vocational needs of groups with Special health and education needs. We get on with them well. As our name suggests we are an inclusive volunteer charitable organisation within the community for the community. The BGCA are proud to say we worked safely throughout the Pandemic years to keep all the floral and Aviary and public toilets open to the public as usual. There are so many facets to the wonderful Botanic Gardens that suit all sections of the community, and we are always looking for ways to improve the free visitor experience year on year, we continue to maintain a small Rose Garden in a former neglected area in the popular Aviary. A Victorian style Stumpery with Hostas, Ferns, Hellebores and wildflowers has been constructed. We continue restoring Heather rockery areas on the "Mulberry" island and we asked 120 of our neighbouring Churchtown Year 2 Primary School pupils to help us plant 200 Lavenders as part of their Bee attracting project, they planted one each these are now spent to be renewed. The Botanic Gardens acts as a huge Nature classroom for all our local schools. Our aim is to do our utmost to keep the Botanic Gardens deserving of its "Jewel in the Crown" reputation and most importantly maintain its Gardens, Environmental, and Community spirited elements, so nearly lost for ever due to council funding cuts. **We have had a shared Management agreement with the council to ensure the future of the rescue Aviary. We have obtained donations to fund extensive modernisation. And we plant and maintain an Aviary Garden area to enhance the facility.** The BGCA were awarded a coveted **RHS National Certificate of Distinction** in 2016/19. RHS North West in Bloom awarded us a 9 years of **Outstanding** Certificate in 2023. We also entered in the RHS Parks category and gained a **Gold Medal** award. The BGCA were featured in the **BBC 2 Britain in Bloom show March 28th 2019,** this full half hour show was repeated five times. **In 2023 the BGCA were awarded by the RHS a special trophy for planting the finest Bedding Displays in the North West** **In 2019 the BGCA were awarded Silver Trophies by the RHS for Best in Category and Best Overall entry.( Cont)** As there was no Britain in Bloom competition in 2020 we prepared a protracted document and entered as a Volunteer group into the 2020 Green Flag Community Awards and were successful with the highest ranked marks in 2020121, and 22123. For the health and en ment of the ublic we worked as usual safel throu Covid. Sefton Council are currentl fomiin abidtoa I for £5m Herita e Lotte Fundin to restore the 150 ear ark infrastructure the BGCA Chari is heavil involved in this. hout BOTANIC GARDENS COMMUNITY ASSOCIATION ANNUAL REPORT 2023. 1. Our neighbour Churchtown Primary School carries out many projects with B.G.C.A 2. Presffield Secondary school and College Duke of Edinburgh students carry out projects on a regular basis_ 3. Duke of Edinburgh Bronze award students from Meols Cop School Youth Club worked in the Fernery on a regular basis. 4. We enter the RHS North West in Bloom and Communrty Green Flag awards and have attained the top outstanding rating for nine years running. And have won many other special awards. 5. We work closely wrth the British Pteridological Society in our Leased Nationally acclaimed Grade 2 listed Fernery. Edge Hill University students study in the Fernery on a regular basis. 6. We work with the Community Workshop. Props made by people with S.E.N.D.S. {Special Educational Needs and Disability). 7. We have had discussions wth Public Health to put Parks as a Prescription for Health and Supporting North West Parks.. 8. Princes Trust young people work on projects from time to time in conjunction with B.G.C.A. We work closely with the Adult special needs working group Natural Alternatives. 9. The Association is registered with Dementia Friends. 10. We continue to maintain a Defibrillator on site_ 11. We are approved by and work closely wtth Sefton Councils officers and staff. 12. To further our original stated objectives the BGCA has obtained a Li￿nCe to assign the former Botanic Gardens Sports and Social Club premises & Lease over to the BGCA. This is an amicable ariangement with our associates which will benefit both the dissolved Charity whose remaining members have joined the BGCA, and will provide a centre to widen and enhan￿ publicise our BGCA volunteering activities. Financial review and reserves olic The financial results for 2023 are included. The trustees aim to ensure that the level of reserves held at any time would be sufficient to enable the charity to continue for the short term in the event of any significant fall in income. Risk mana ement. The trustees review the major risks which the charity fa￿S on a regular basis, and are also bound by local authority dictate. BGCA is fully covered by Public and Employee Liability Insuran￿.{£10mj Public benefit. The charity trustees confim that they have complied wrth their duty to have due regard to the guidance on public benefrt published by the Charity Commission in exercising their powers. We obtain funding via sponsorship, plant sales, donations and events to improve the park. A review of the Associations objectives. activities and achievements since formation is included, also the Finance Statements and independent examiners report. David Cobham. (Chairman) For and on behalf of the Trustees. (March 2024) BOTANIC GARDENS COMMUNtrY ASSOCIATION INDEPENDENT EXAMINER'S REPORT TO THE TRUSTEES OF BOTANIC GARDENS COMMUNITY ASSOCIATIOM I report to the trustees on my examination of the financial statements of Botanic Gardens Community Association (The Charity) for the year ended 31 December 2023 as set out on pages 8 to 10. Responsibilities and basis of report As the charity trustees of the Trust. you are responsible for the preparation of the accounts in accordance with the requirements of the Charities Act 20111.the Arfl. 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 gtven by the Charity Commission under section 145{5llbl of the Act. Independent examiner's ststement I have completed my examination. I confirm that no material matters have come to my attentK>n 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 shoLbld be drawn in order to enable a proper understanding of the accounts to be reached. Oliver Grills FCA JAFell&Co 40 Hoghton Street Southport PR9 OPQ BOTANIC GARDENS COMMUNifY ASSOCIATION FINANCIAL STATEMENT FOR THE YEAR ENDING 31 DECEMBER 2023 GENERAL & RESTRICTED FUNDS & PAYMENTS ACCOUNT 2023 ToLg1 2022 Total Unrostrl¢tod R•strlct RECEIPTS Regular dona￿n$ and subscriptions Donations for Publ￿ toilet Lake Fund Events Social Club Aviary Fernery Flowers & Gardens Other Income 340 380 3.894 8.339 1.379 3.827 3,827 3.110 539 3,110 539 6,188 10.380 11,465 6,188 10.380 3,237 2.198 14.761 6.000 11.465 136 Total Receipts 15.453 26,375 41,829 40.188 PAYMENTS Toiletries and cleaning Toilet Maintenanee Fernery & Aviary Lake Fund Social Club Gardening expenses Prinlkng Insurance Repairs & Maintenance Events 2,864 70 1,169 5,818 1,109 7,632 19 3.186 209 13.126 870 70 1,169 5.818 1,109 7,632 19 280 347 1.288 7,814 196 220 283 1.104 8.9 9,337 1,288 Total Payments 10.745 18.841 29.585 27.008 Excess of Receipts over payments 4.709 7.535 12.243 12,058 Total Funds at 1 January 2023 49.922 96,427 84.370 Total Funds at 31 December 2023 54.830 $4.041 108.671 96.427 ## **BOTANIC GARDENS COMMUNITY ASSOCIATION FINANCIAL STATEMENT FOR THE YEAR ENDING 31 DECEMBER 2023 STATEMENT OF ASSETS & LIABILITIES** |CASH FUNDS
Bank Account: Main
Bank Account: Toilet
Total bank current and deposit accounts
This figure is made up by
Unrestricted fund
Restricted fund
ASSETS RETAINED FOR THE USE OF THE CHARITY
Laptop- 2017
Gala Tents- 2017|**2023**
£
96,938
11,733
**108,671**
54,700
53,971
**108,671**
520
624
**1,14**|**2022**
£
85,331
11,096| |---|---|---| |||**96,427**
49,922
46,506| |||**96,427**
520
624| |||**1,144**| ## NOTES 1. The financial statements have been prepared using the Receipts and Payments basis. Approved by the Trustees on ...29/8/2024.... and signed on their behalf **David C Cobham** Chairman **Margaret V Brown** Treasurer 8 Tthl T(*41 P*OME 345 220 4.1 14.044 8.746 17.431 pa¥¢r5(ty 11.915 8.158 TO￿lItt￿P 118 *KCIIEANALYWSBYFUIID tl.4fy5 3.110 19.520 2*370 EXPENSES 1.104 &617 Inwranc* 16 1718 15 317 104 19 21( 11A98 IA81 3TJ 158 3.t85 P4ywEm 18 B47 EXPÈNSEAP￿may FUND I￿[0￿1*￿F￿ 1.11)7 647 10.739 479 5.878 14911 1• M7 T*C7ED FUN[ SBIB 479 25912 Y.163 45 10. 31 UNRESTPKTED FUNDS 11.+55 1.Ir EWL% 110 PAI TOTALFVNDSAT31 DKIOIJ 4t FINA14CtAL STATEMENT Fcrfl THE YEAR EN(MIIG 31 tECEIA8ER 2023 MOVEMEIIT IP4 FUNDS Y•4rEnd4d 31 Dac 2022 Tgtsl INWME 2.337 1.7SI 71 418£ 14.044 Grdnts PayEntyl IrKJyr 1,279 380 8.168 Toi•1 RK•ipts 14,761 3237 119 ICOIIE BY FUPID Unl￿nde0 FuTrJ FuThl 14.761 4,759 19,520 3.237 2.198 761 339 EXPENSES Events Fith¥er& & GardenrwJ E￿WrOn￿¢ L￿h1 & Heat 1,104 1,104 7.814 220 220 615 615 K4IÈCèllanthi E￿nÈ•S 150 91 207 196 Repairs& main*￿Ge Tixktnex & 870 3.11$ 3.188 Totsl Pa￿ents 28,130 EXPENSE APi4LYSL8 BY FUND Fund Resinried FUTh# 2.070 10,ng 17,391 3.395 12.204 870 870 28.130 A11thn At31 C*¢ REs￿TED FIJNDS ToNhts Lkke FL4id Aviwy 11.404 18.416 12.421 1395 870 3.237 2.198 3.454 o Mur 43229 20.661 17J$1 UNRESTAteTÈD FUNDS Firthe￿ & Gaid Club House Genertl 14.761 4.759 1070 49322 TOTAL FUIIDS AT 31 DEC 2022 130