NORTHFLEET COMMUNITY FARM
REPORT AND FINANCIAL STATEMENTS PERIOD ENDED 31 MAY 2024 CHARITY NUMBER 1166914
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NORTHFLEET COMMUNITY FARM CONTENTS
For the period ended 31 May 2024
| Reference and administraton informaton | Page 3 |
|---|---|
| Report of the Trustees | Page 4 |
| Responsibilites of Trustees | Page 10 |
| Statement of Financial Actvites | Page 11 |
| Balance Sheet | Page 12 |
| Notes to the Financial Statements | Page 13 |
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NORTHFLEET COMMUNITY FARM REFERENCE AND ADMINISTRATION INFORMATION
For the period ended 31 May 2024
| Charity Number: | 1166914 |
|---|---|
| Principal Ofce: | Hall Road |
| Northfeet | |
| Kent | |
| DA11 8AQ | |
| Trustees: | Mr C Norwood |
| Mr A Jarret | |
| Bankers: | Lloyds Bank PLC |
| Gravesend Branch | |
| PO Box 1000 | |
| BX1 1LT | |
| Solicitors: | Invicta Law Limited |
| Priory Gate | |
| 29 Union Street | |
| Maidstone | |
| ME14 1PT | |
| Accountants: | Clayton Strling and Co |
| 123 Cross Lane East | |
| Gravesend | |
| Kent | |
| DA12 5HA |
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NORTHFLEET COMMUNITY FARM TRUSTEES REPORT
For the period ended 31 May 2024
Report of the trustees for the period ended 31 May 2024
The trustees present their annual report and financial statements for the charity for the period ended 31 May 2024. The financial statements have been prepared in accordance with the accounting policies set out in note 1 to the accounts and comply with the charity’s trust deed, the Charities Act 2011 and Accounting and Reporting by Charities: Statement of Recommended Practice 2015 applicable to the charities preparing their accounts in accordance with the Financial Reporting Standard for Smaller Entities published on 16 July 2014.
Objectives and activities for the public benefit.
The main purpose of the trust is the promotion of education and to provide a fully operational community-based farm including chickens, sheep, goats, pigs, reptiles and other small petting animals as well as a farm area that promotes growing vegetables, herbs and flowers. To promote the Eco Pond area and to use the produce that has been harvested within farm.
The objectives of the charity are:
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To establish the farm as a community hub working in partnership with stakeholders to deliver food growing, education and other services that secure the long-term viability and sustainability of this site.
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To create new opportunities for the above through proactive partnership working with the public, private and voluntary sectors and the local community.
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To provide opportunities for local community groups schools and businesses to volunteer and contribute to the project though areas of refurbishment and construction of services/facilities and with on-going support of farm activities.
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To ensure children, young people and adults of all ages including those with disabilities have an opportunity to gain new skills, knowledge and understanding of environmental issues, in particular emphasis on food growing and healthy eating and lifestyles by development programmes that can be integrated within the curriculum.
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To make a major contribution to local people quality of life by creating opportunities for food growing, education, eco awareness, health-promoting activities, wellbeing and local community involvement.
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NORTHFLEET COMMUNITY FARM TRUSTEES REPORT (continued)
For the period ended 31 May 2024
A review of our achievements and performance
The Northfleet Community Farm is an area of approximately two acres of horticultural and meadow land which is situated next to Northfleet School for Girls.
Vision
The charity aims to establish a community farm and education centre based in Northfleet. By doing this the charity hopes to;
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Increase the quality of life for local people.
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Establish the farm as a local community hub.
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Create new opportunities for local people.
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Ensure all local people gain an understanding of environmental issues including food growing, healthy eating and lifestyles.
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Ensure regular and return visits to the farm.
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Provide exciting and enjoyable educational events for the whole family and local community.
Main Aim
As well as an understanding of “where our food comes from” educational and promoting healthy lifestyle initiatives, the farm will be key in developing independence and resilience skills in those participating. Key skills such as communication, self-motivation, self-esteem, teamwork, problem solving, and organisation will help those flourish and can be to all areas of their lives. The development of these skills is even more pertinent following the pandemic.
Review
Construction and refurbishment
Northfleet Community Farm were successful in being awarded a £10,000 grant from Kent Community Foundation during the year ending May 2024. The grant was used to build an outdoor covered animal enclosure, allowing further expansion of the Farm and enhanced animal husbandry and welfare.
A self-contained visitor centre continues to allow a safe and comfortable space for visitors irrespective of the time of year. This centre will allow the Farm to increase the outreach to
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the local community, particularly in term time when the main classroom located on the Farm is in use.
It is hoped this visitor centre will also help promote wellbeing and act as a calm place where mindfulness can be practiced.
Wildlife, Eco Development and livestock
Additional fencing has been completed in order to meet the schools’ safeguarding criteria whilst allowing access to the community.
Currently the animals we have on site are, rabbits, guinea pigs, degus, a bearded dragon, a gecko, toads, rats, snake, tortoise and terrapins. The chickens and ducks have also been on site for a number of years, providing the school with fresh eggs.
We have 3 goats on site which are being housed in a large wooden structure at night and in the extreme cold.
The farm has also introduced pigs and lambs.
Personnel and full educational provision
The Farm is well used by a variety of schools, including those that are part of Northfleet Schools Cooperative Trust and North West Kent Alternative Provision. Local community groups are engaged with the Northfleet Community Farm and provide regular volunteers to help support its running and development. In addition, a popular community farm club is run at the weekend, with children and young people in attendance.
Financial Review
The charities work is entirely reliant on income from donations and grants, as well as a contribution from Northfleet School for Girls.
The financial statement for the year gives a true and fair view of the state of the affairs of the charity.
The unrestricted fund can be used by the Trustees to further the developments and objectives of the Charity. This fund had a balance carried forward as at the 31 May 2024 of £4,065 (2023: £3,681).
There are no restricted funds as at the 31 May 2024 (2023: £0)
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NORTHFLEET COMMUNITY FARM TRUSTEES REPORT (continued)
For the period ended 31 May 2024
Plans for the Future
It is hoped that the work of the Northfleet Community Farm will continue to provide a safe place for the local community as well as the students of Northfleet School for Girls.
Northfleet Community Farm is committed to the development of the area and hopes to:
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Further expansion of the horticultural project.
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Establish recycling strategies.
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Develop Bee keeping.
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Continue showcasing the work of the farm at the annual farm day.
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Continue to support the local community and further expand outreach projects.
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Look to introduce new animal species such as alpacas.
The charity is actively looking for additional grants to further the development and objectives of the Charity.
Structure, governance and management
The Northfleet Community Farm is a registered charity, number 1166914. The Charity was registered with the Charities Commission on 4[th] May 2016.
There should be no less than 4 appointed trustees and a maximum of 8 nominated trustees giving a total of 12 trustees. There may be one ex-officio trustee.
There must be at least 6 charity trustees. The maximum number of charity trustees that can be appointed over all 3 categories is 13. No trustee appointment may be made in excess of these provisions.
A list of the charity trustees can be found on page 3.
The appointed trustees are appointed for a term of 3 years by a resolution passed at a properly convened meeting of the charity trustees. In selecting individuals for appointment, the charity trustees must have regard to the skills, knowledge and experience needed for the effective administration of the charity.
Nominated Trustees - The following appointing bodies may appoint up to 2 charity trustees.
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Northfleet School for Girls
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Ifield School
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KASBAH
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Painters Ash Primary
The treasurer of the Charity Miss Kacey Leigh is automatically appointed as an ex-officio charity trustee for as long as she holds the position.
The day-to-day administration has been delegated to the treasurer, and appointed trustee Northfleet School for Girls.
The trustees seek to follow the good Practice “Charity Trustees Guide” issued by ICSA. The trustees recruit new trustees for their experience, empathy and knowledge of the charity. The trustees have also developed a code of conduct for the trustees including formal statements of the role and responsibilities and provision of trustee training.
New trustee may be sought by open advertisement or through dialog with other community organisations.
On appointment, new trustees will receive a copy of the current version of the constitution, a copy of the charity’s latest annual report and financial statements, a copy of the Charity Commission’s guidance “The Essential Trustee: What You Need To Know” and “Public Benefit: Running A Charity”. New trustees must sign a declaration statements committing them the giving of their time and expertise.
The trustees consider the board of trustees as comprising the key management personnel of the charity in charge of directing and controlling the charity and running and operating the charity on a day to day basis. All trustees give of their time freely and no trusts remuneration was paid. Details of the trustees related part transactions can be found in note 2 of the accounts.
Trustees are required to disclose all relevant interest and register then with the treasurer and in accordance with the Charity’s policy withdraw from and decisions where there might be a conflict of interest.
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NORTHFLEET COMMUNITY FARM STATEMENT OF TRUSTEES RESPONSILITIES
For the period ended 31 May 2024
The trustees are responsible for the preparing the Trustees Annual Report and the financial statements in accordance with applicable law and the UK GAAP currently known as FRS 102.
The law applicable to charities in England and Wales requires the charity trustees to prepare financial statements for each year which give a true and fair view of the state of affairs of the charity and of the incoming resources and application of resources, of the charity for that period. In preparing the financial statements, the trustees are required to:
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Select suitable accounting policies and apply them consistently
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Observe the methods and principals in applicable Charities SORP
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Make judgements and estimates that are reasonable and prudent
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State whether applicable UK Accounting Standards have been followed, subject to any material departures disclosed and explained in the financial statements and
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Prepare the financial statements on an ongoing basis unless it is appropriate to presume that the company will continue in operation.
The trustees are responsible for keeping proper records which disclose with reasonable accuracy at any time the financial position of the charity and to enable them to ensure the financial statements comply with the Charities ACT 2011, the applicable Charities (Accounts and Reports) regulations and the provisions of the Trust deed. They are also responsible for safeguarding the assets of the Trust and hence for taking reasonable steps for the prevention and detection of fraud and other irregularities.
The trustees are responsible for the maintenance and integrity of the charity and financial information included on the charity’s website. Legislation in the United Kingdom governing the preparation and dissemination of financial statements may differ from legislation in other jurisdictions.
Approved on behalf of the Board of Trustees
C Norwood Chairman of Trustees
Date: 27/03/2025
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NORTHFLEET COMMUNITY FARM STATEMENT OF FINANCIAL ACTIVITIES
For the period ended 31 May 2024
| Notes Income Resources Donatons Grants Other Total Incoming Resources Resources Expanded Constructon Equipment and cleaning Health and safety Hortculture Professional Fees Wages and salaries Food and Livestock Open day Total Resources Expanded Net Movement in Funds Total Funds b/f Total funds c/f |
Unrestrictv e Funds Restrictv e Funds Year ended May 2024 Year ended May 2023 £ £ £ £ 1,450 1,450 3,909 10,000 10,000 10,789 10,789 8,000 |
|---|---|
| 12,239 10,000 22,239 11,909 |
|
| 1,064 10,000 11,064 5,009 3,436 3,436 1,191 37 37 931 931 224 219 219 218 0 6,115 6,115 4,245 53 53 109 |
|
| 11,855 10,000 21,855 10,996 |
|
| 384 0 384 913 |
|
| 3,681 3,681 2,768 |
|
| 4,065 - 4,065 3,681 |
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NORTHFLEET COMMUNITY FARM BALANCE SHEET
For the period ended 31 May 2024
| Year ended May | Year ended May | Year ended | ||||
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| 2024 | May 2023 | |||||
| Notes | ||||||
| Current Assets | ||||||
| Cash at bank and in hand | 19,965 | 9,465 | ||||
| Other debtors | ||||||
| 19,965 | 9,465 | |||||
| Current Liabilities | ||||||
| Other creditors | 4 | - 15,900 | - 15,900 | - 5,784 | - 5,784 | |
| - 15 | - 15,900 | - 5 | - 5,784 | |||
| Net Current Assets | 4 | 4,065 | 3 | 3,681 | ||
| Funds | ||||||
| Restrictive | - | - | - | - | ||
| Unrestrictive | 4,065 | 4,065 | 3,681 | 3,681 | ||
| Total Funds | 4,065 | 3,681 |
These financial statements were approved on 27/03/2025 and signed on their behalf by:
Mr C Norwood Chair of Trustees
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NORTHFLEET COMMUNITY FARM NOTES TO THE FINANCIAL STATEMENTS
For the period ended 31 May 2024
1. The Basis of Accounting
Basis of preparation and assessment of going concern
The accounts have been prepared in accordance with the Statement of Recommended Practice: Accounting and Reporting by Charities preparing their accounts in accordance with the Financial Reporting Standard applicable in the UK and Republic of Ireland (FRS 102) issued on 16 July 2014 and the Charities Act 2011.
The accounts have been prepared under the historical cost convention with items recognised at cost or transaction value unless otherwise stated in the relevant notes to the accounts.
The Trustees considers that there are no material uncertainties about the charity’s ability to continue as a going concern,
Fund structure
Restricted funds are funds which are to be used in accordance with specific restrictions imposed by the donor.
Unrestricted income funds comprise of those funds which trustees are free to use for any purpose in furtherance of the charitable objects. Unrestricted funds include designated funds where the trustees at their discretion, have created a fund for a specific purpose.
Further details of each fund are disclosed on page 15.
2. Accounting Policies
Income recognition
All income is recognised once the charity has entitlement to the income, there is sufficient certainly or receipt and so it is possible that the income will be received, and the amount of the income receivable can be measured reliably.
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NORTHFLEET COMMUNITY FARM NOTES TO THE FINANCIAL STATEMENTS (continued)
For the period ended 31 May 2024
Donations are recognised when they have been communicated is received in writing with notification of both the amount and the settlement date. In the event that the donation is subject to conditions that require a level of performance before the charity is entitled to the funds, the income is deferred and not recognised until either these conditions have been fully met or the fulfilment of those conditions is wholly within the control of the charity and it is probable that those conditions will be fulfilled in the reporting period.
Interest on funds held on deposit is included upon notification of the interest paid or payable by the bank.
Expenditure recognition
Liabilities are recognised as expenditure as soon as there is a legal or constructive obligation committing the charity to that expenditure, it is probable that settlement will be required, and the amount of the obligation can be measured reliably.
All expenditure is accounted for on an accruals basis. All expenses including support costs and governance costs, are allocated or apportioned to the applicable expenditure headings in the statements of financial activities.
Irrecoverable VAT
Irrecoverable VAT is charged against the expenditure heading for which it was incurred.
Allocation of support and governance costs
Support and Governance costs for the charity are minimal and have been covered in full by Northfleet School for Girls. These includes the preparation of the accounts, the annual return and other administrative costs of running the charity.
Employees and Pensions
The charity does not employ any staff. A member of staff from Northfleet School for Girls (NSfG) is seconded to the charity. At present NSfG does not charge the charity for associated employee costs, however they reserve the right to do so.
Land and Buildings
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Northfleet School for Girls does not charge Northfleet Community Farm for the cost of any land or buildings, however they reserve the right to do so.
Related party transactions and trustee’s expenses and remuneration
The trustees all give freely of their time and expertise without any form of remuneration or other benefit in cash or kind. No expenses were paid to the trustees in the period.
Mr C Norwood is the Head teacher and a member of the Governing Body of Northfleet School for Girls which administered the finances of the charity. Mr C Norwood is also a Director of the Northfleet Schools Co-Operative Trust.
Mr A Jarrett is the Facilities Manager at Northfleet School for Girls which administer the finances of the charity.
Miss K Leigh is the treasurer of the Charity and is automatically appointed as an ex-officio charity trustee for as long as she holds the position.
3. Analysis of Other Creditors
| Amount due to NSfG |
2024 2023 £ £ 15,900 5,784 |
|---|---|
| 15,900 5,784 |
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