2022-09-30-accounts - Stephen Cox Garden Trust

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	Trustees' Annual Report	Trustees' Annual Report	Trustees' Annual Report	Trustees' Annual Report	Trustees' Annual Report	Trustees' Annual Report	for theperiod	for theperiod	for theperiod
	From	Period start date				To	Period end date
		01st.	October		2021		30th.	September	2022

Section A		Reference and administration details
	Charity name			Stephen Cox Garden Trust

Charity name Stephen Cox Garden Trust Other names charity is known by Mid-Wessex Garden Trust; Stephen Cox Trust Registered charity number (if any) 1174239

Charity's principal address 84, Studley Lane, Studley, nr.Calne, Wiltshire Postcode SN11 9NH

Names of the charity trustees who manage the charity

1 2 3 4 5 6 7 8 9 10 11 12 13 14 15 16 17 18 19 20	Trustee name	Office (if any)	Dates acted if not for whole year	Name of person (or body) entitled to appoint trustee (ifany)
	Stephen Ben Cox	C.E.O./chair
	Colette Som
	Nicholas Self
	Iain Jessup
	Simon Kerstan
	Ryan Miller
	David Meier

Names of the trustees for the charity, if any, (for example, any custodian trustees)

Name Dates acted if not for whole year

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Names and addresses of advisers (Optional information)

Names and addresses of advisers (Optional information)	Names and addresses of advisers (Optional information)	Names and addresses of advisers (Optional information)	Names and addresses of advisers (Optional information)
Type of adviser Name Address




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

Section B Structure, governance and management
Description of the charity’s trusts Type of governing document (eg. trust deed, constitution) Constitution How the charity is constituted (eg. trust, association, company) Charitable Incorporated Organisation Trustee selection methods (eg. appointed by, elected by) By majority approval of all Trustees via e-mail proposal from C.E.O./Founder.
		Constitution
		Charitable Incorporated Organisation
		By majority approval of all Trustees via e-mail proposal from C.E.O./Founder.

Additional governance issues (Optional information)

The Trust has a wide range of policies with regards to such matters as:

You may choose to include Risk Assessment; Student Welfare; Health & Safety; Accidents; etc (14

additional information, where documents in all). The student receives a written copy of all of these as

relevant, about: part of our detailed Induction Programme prior to commencing any

policies and procedures studies, training or volunteering with the Trust. adopted for the induction and training of trustees; 2. Four times a year (31Dec/31 Mar/30 June/30 Sept) the Trustees

the charity’s organisational receive from the Founder Trustee/CEO a detailed Report on the activities of the Trust and also detailed Accounts (additional to Annual Accounts and

structure and any wider lengthy detailed Annual Report).

the charity’s organisational structure and any wider network with which the charity works;
Covid19: The Trustees and CEO kept in mind Government guidelines

relationship with any related regarding teaching and visitors in all its activities.

parties;

trustees’ consideration of 4. Whilst the overall quantity and range of provision of charitable services major risks and the system has gradually increased, the Trust keeps in mind the relative balance and procedures to manage between online/remote provision and on-site provision. Where appropriate them. it increases the former according to the resources available in terms of finances/donations etc and manpower. (It is also cognisant of the necessity to not undermine the CEO’s state of health)

Section C Objectives and activities (i) To advance education in the subjects of horticulture and conservation in particular but not exclusively by providing study courses, training placements and workshops. Summary of the objects of the charity set out in its (ii) Such charitable purposes for the public benefit as are exclusively governing document charitable according to the laws of England and Wales as the trustees may from time to time determine.

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Trustees kept in mind the Charity Commission’s guidance on public benefit when planning our activities for the year. As a matter of course, reference was made to our agreed objectives to aid decision-making. The main activities undertaken for the public benefit were as follows:

Public information & guidance via its own three websites, its own YouTube channel, & Google website, and Google notices & news + FaceBook/LinkedIn/Xing/Instagram, & other professional networking media.

Summary of the main 2. Provision of residential educational placements all year round for activities undertaken for the foreign students especially from the E.U. public benefit in relation to these objects (include within 3. Making available information sheets, guides etc on conservation, this section the statutory wildlife to the general public. declaration that trustees have had regard to the guidance 4. Offering access to the library for local students; and to post-graduate issued by the Charity scholars. Commission on public benefit) 5. University Student Manager conservation roles. 6. Offering the garden for relaxation visits by residents of nursing homes and retirement homes (under carer supervision).

Similarly group bookings by gardening clubs/women’s' institutes etc.
Offering training/study opportunities for young unemployed. 9. Offering the garden for supervised visits by pupils of local schools for projects/study.

Additional details of objectives and activities (Optional information)

Residential Student Volunteers programme (mainly from the E.E.A) who contribute to the improvement of the garden thus increase its enjoyment for other students, visitors, as well as the disadvantaged, the elderly etc. They also interact with the local community. gain skills; improve their employability
Students on this programme come to the Trust for tuition/study holiday/language improvement/life and skills enhancement/work
You may choose to include experience and were given free board and lodge. Each student stays for
further statements, where between 2 and 6 weeks.
relevant, about:  policy on grantmaking; 11. Association with Wiltshire County Council Unit for young adults with learning difficulties: providing a resource for building skills & confidence
policy programme related under carer supervision.
investment;
contribution made by 12. Mentoring: the Trust provides aspects of mentoring to 16 of its past volunteers. students to support their ongoing (e.g. university or vocational) education and/or career development.

Covid19 : The Trustees and CEO kept in mind Government guidelines regarding teaching and visitors all its activities.

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Section D

Achievements and performance

Summary of the main achievements of the charity during the year

	1. CONSERVATION VIDEOS The Trust has developed its own YouTube video channel and is now actively producing videos for public education in the arenas of: conservation, climate change, habitat protection & restoration, pollution, wildlife, endangered species. This also involves the active participation of students at various universities in the UK and abroad. Five videos were produced this year. Several more are in production. 2.E.U. STUDENT SUPPORT : Ongoing mentoring/guidance given to 16 of our past residential student volunteers for their university studies/career etc in their home countries. Re-visits to to the Trust by some of them. 2. U.K. UNIVERSITIES Links continued and were expanded (to now also include Oxford University) established and profile published with U.K. universities for student volunteering. These included: University of Bath; Bristol University; Bath Spa University; and University of the West of England; Oxford University. And this year Southampton University was added. 3.HOT WEATHER DEVASTATION Despite valiant efforts of safeguarding, the extreme hot weather caused losses of over £1800 of specimen and specialist plants. An active 12 month programme of restoration is now under way thanks to generous sponsorship from Germany. 4.EXOTICS GARDEN This area has suffered losses to its plant collection (and decking etc created from old recycled wood has rotted and collapsed). A total refurbishment programme is under way which will make the hard landscaping (via walls and paving) long lasting also extend the range of exotic and semi-tropical plants. It will also provide seating/table for meetings and studies. 5.PUBLIC INFORMATION & GUIDANCE (i) Conservation research articles by student managers (ii) On social media. And Websites. (iii) Provision/offer of guide sheets and reference on wildlife; animal habitats; conservation; organic gardening, pollinating planting. 6.GARDEN REFURBISHMENT PROGRAMMES Having been created from a field starting 12 years ago, the entire area needed redesign, definition, and refurbishment. A one to two year programme of works has been activated which will include: (i) Removing old turf and laying new lawns. (ii) Replanning/replanting of the Alpine Garden & rockery (iii) Removing dead plants, reorganisation and replanting of the Herb Garden (‘Culpepper’s Delights’) (iv) Reorganisation of the small Woodland and development of rest areas, and wild-flower area. (v) Redesign and planting of the Cottage Garden (‘Jekyll’s View’) (vi) Repairs and repainting to all garden buildings, arches, pergolas, benches,

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Section D

Achievements and performance

(vii) Taking up 6 patios, levelling ground, and re-laying. (viii) Restocking pond fish and extending number of species (ix) Improvement & extension of wildlife habitats Overall, this will enable a transformation of the garden and enhancing its unique sculptural and compositional character and vistas. Thereby also enhancing our ability to provide public benefit and educational opportunities/advancement of education and enhancing the experience of visitors and students. 7. GERMAN STUDENTS CONSERVATION MANAGERS Consideration is being given to expand the student manager roles and opportunities to other countries (in the E.U.). Initially discussions are taking place with German students. 8. PROMOTION (i) Improvement of our 3 web-sites (ii) Launch of a new and better main Trust website (stephencoxgarden.webador.co.uk) (iii) ‘Workaway’ website profile. (iv) Various local directories. (v) Google listing & Google website (vi) YouTube Channel . (vii) LinkedIn (vii) Xing. (ix) FaceBook (x) Instagram (xi) https://philomathes5.webnode.page/ (education website) 9. UNIVERSITY MANAGERS- HABITATS AND WILDLIFE There are several categories each with various subjects. Each manager chooses a category and the m,proceed to write articles in that category. The appointments lasts for one academic year and is renewable.: (A) Species (12 subjects); (B) How to Make Animal Houses (5 subjects) (C) Soil (7 subjects). (D) Planting (5 subjects). (E) Water (5 subjects) (F) Feeding/Foraging Routes/Wildlife Corridors (6 subjects). (G) Conservation For Children (4 subjects) (H) Recycling/Renewables (8 subjects) (I) Wild Spaces & Habitats (5 subjects) (J) Wildlife & Organic Gardening (9 subjects) Neither the categories nor the range of subjects are exhaustive and are always being expanded. Students retain copyright of their work but the Trust has full rights of archiving/publishing etc. Students managers are given accreditation for their work and testimonials/reports/feedback is provided 10. WILTSHIRE COUNCIL EDUCATION & SOCIAL SERVICES Working with the Wiltshire Council Unit for young adults with learning difficulties (with their carers) providing placements to enable them to gain work experience and improve skills and confidence and offer parent respite. Currently two mornings a week.

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Section D

Achievements and performance

FOREIGN STUDENTS RESIDENTIAL PLACEMENTS Residential placements were continued for foreign students to come to stay with us for study/language improvement/work and skills enhancement/life adventure etc. They came from: Finland. Italy. Spain There was the return of two past students (from Germany). It has been of value to the local community, to international friendship and understanding. They also improved their English; completed their designated abroad placements required by their respective universities. They also often made their university applications whilst here. The Trust is now fully booked for foreign residential student placements until the end of 2022 (German students). Places are being offered as from March 2023. 12. UNIVERSITY MANAGERS CONSERVATION There are several categories each with various subjects. Each manager chooses a category and the m,proceed to write articles in that category. The appointments lasts for one academic year and is renewable.: (A) Mitigation measures.(15 subjects) (B) Renewable energy advantages/impacts. (13 subjects) (C) Re-wilding. (10 subjects) (D) Landscape restoring/protection/wildlife enhancement. (17 subjects) (E) Threats to species. Extinction. Climate Change(13 subjects). (F) Individual species/threats/decline(15 subjects). (G) Damage to migration routes/breeding. (11 subjects) (H) Well being & nature. Housing etc (15 subjects). (I) Loss/damage of Habitats/special landscapes. (10 subjects) (J) Pollution (12 subjects). (K)Circular Economy. (7 subjects) (L) Landscape/Environment (15 subjects) (M) Landscape re-wilding (17 subjects) (N) Pollution Costs (11 subjects) (O) Oceans & Waterways (20 subjects) (P) Landscape & Economy Impacts (12 subjects) Neither the categories nor the range of subjects are exhaustive and are always being expanded. Students retain copyright of their work but the Trust has full rights of archiving/publishing etc. Students managers are given accreditation for their work and testimonials/reports/feedback is provided
LIBRARY : Modest expansion of the Library. Ongoing offer to local students for their studies, and to university and to post-graduate scholars for research. 14. UNIVERSITY MEDIA MANAGERS: Another student managers post (this being the 3[rd] such managerial role) has been advertised with 5 UK universities. This is for managers to help with social media platforms, promotion, and internet. Each manager will take responsibility for one of the following:

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Section D

Achievements and performance

(i) Website design. (ii) YouTube channel. (iii) Social media profile & promotion : Instagram business account. (iv) Social media profile & promotion : LinkedIn business account. (v) Photography. (vi) Video about the garden. (vi). Video about the Trust. (vii) Video about our conservation projects. (viii) Podcasts. (ix) Webinars. (x) Foreign universities promo re volunteering/study holidays/college internships etc

15. SPONSORS

Major sponsorship from a landscape engineering company in Germany. This has enabled to recommencement of German and E.U. student residential study placements, occasional student excursions and also some major garden refurbishment projects. 16. PEDAGOGY The Trust has continued to develop its unique educational philosophy based on the ethos and teachings of its Founder. This might be termed a version of humanist education: though not constrained by the theories, and delimitation or prejudice of what can sometimes be inherent in the term ‘humanism’. The philosophy combines the best of teaching traditions and developments of the past with the experience, innovations and unique approach of the Founder over many years to yield this unique practical form of education to arm young people to: (i) fulfil their individual potential and a full and meaningful life (ii) improve and serve their community (iii) seek and practice innovation, improvement and high ideals and standards in life (iv) cherish the planet, wildlife and the environment and (v) to become model citizens. (ii) This is explained in our humanist education website Philomathes. (https://philomathes5.webnode.page/) 17. REFURBISHMENT OF SUMMERHOUSE Following the grant by Calne Without Parish Council repairs and refurbishments have begun on this building to make it a more effective teaching area and also protect the book collection. 18. PAST STUDENTS : Residential volunteers from around Europe are staying in regular contact with the Founder and also write a quarterly report for the Trustees and Friends of the Trust about the progress of their University courses and life in general. 19. EXPANSION OF OPPORTUNITIES The Trust is considering has added a provision: opportunities/studies for school years 12-13 (16-18 years). The opportunities will also be made available to students from the European Union. This depends on: (i) Trust finances (ii). liaison with schools and families. Half-day placements only. No residency.

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Section D

Achievements and performance

20. BOOK PUBLISHING

The Trust has initiated a project to engage in additional public education and welfare : book publishing. This is made possible by the support of a company in Germany who will undertake e-publishing for the Trust. A series of books is planned to assist public understanding of such matters as:

conservation, gardening, well-being, ecological landscaping, design. The first book “Water Gardening For You” (written by the founder, Stephen Ben Cox) is due for public release early in 2023. Section D ends.

Section E

Brief statement of the charity’s policy on reserves

Financial review

The reserve fund (Savings Account) which was created for emergencies continues and has not been used. This now stands at: £500.92 (an increase of £100 over last financial year)

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Details of any funds materially NONE in deficit

Further financial review details (Optional information)

The Trust currently seeks support/income from the following sources:

You may choose to include additional information, where relevant about:

additional information, where Grants. relevant about: Occasional plant sales.  the charity’s principal Small donations from individuals. Occasional workshops/seminars. sources of funds (including Stock donations from businesses. any fundraising);

Donations via private group visits to the gardens. Financial donations and/or sponsorship from businesses.

how expenditure has supported the key objectives of the charity;
investment policy and objectives including any ethical investment policy adopted.

Section F

Other optional information

(i) The Trust does not allow itself to run an overdraft or have loans or leases.

(ii) To enhance a strict financial discipline regular accounts are generated for Trustees and Advisers.

(iii) The Trust is registered with HMRC for Gift Aid, and has its own customised donation forms/receipts which are issued to donors.

(iii) The Trust does not permit itself to have a credit card.

(iv) The Trust does not enter into financial association or partnerships with other organisations.

Section G Declaration

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	Stephen Ben Cox
	Stephen Ben Cox
	Chair/Founder/C.E.O.
	01 October 2022

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Stephen Cox Garden Trust

(registered Charity #1174239)

ANNUAL ACCOUNTS

01[st] October 2021 to 30[th] September 2022

EXPENDITURE

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||||| |---|---|---|---| |SUBJECT|2020/2021|AMOUNT| |Tools/equipment|£172. 28|£82. 35| |Residential students Food|£100. 46|£413. 22| |Residential students Electricity|}--↓|£ 30| |Residential students Water|}£14. 86|£8| |Garden paint & sealants etc|£228. 43|£183| |Books|£6. 84|£---| |Compost/Fertilisers/Plant aids|£28. 31|£120. 90| |Postage|£--|£---| |Printing|£--|£---| |Telephone %|£---|£---| |Internet %|£---|£20| |Protective|& promo clothing|£9. 99|£---| |Visits/research|£|£---| |Insurance|£253. 79|£259. 71| |Landscaping/Building/Restoring|£1905. 94|£353. 36| |Travel/Student excursions|£75|£64. 65| |Repairs|£169. 30|£99. 03| |Subscriptions|£---|£---| |Plants/Trees/Shrubs/Fruit|£|£623. 88| |Seeds|£---|£17| |Stationery/Office|£46. 31|£---| |Furniture/statues/clocks/fountain|£147. 89|£ 63| |Replacements|£276. 97|£150| |Mobile phone %|£---|£---| |Residential students heating oil|£40. 56|£---| |Transfer to reserve account|£100| |Students pocket money|£100| |TOTAL EXPENDITURE|:|£3968. 43|£2686. 49|

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INCOME

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|||||| |---|---|---|---|---| |SUBJECT|2019/2020|AMOUNT| |Business sponsor donation|£---|£6171. 41| |Plant sales|£---|£180| |Group visits|£200|£----| |Grants|£1570. 87|£----| |Monthly Pledges|£---|£234.36| |Bequests|£---|£ 850| |Loans|£---|£ ----| |Refunds|£----|£----| |Private Viewing|£ ----|£---| |Copyright fees|£46. 27|£102. 84| |Just Giving|platform|£----|£----| |Gift Aid|£---|£---| |Other donations|£536. 10|£1418. 999| |Paypal Giving|£---|£---| |Amazon Smile|£5|£5| |Students|accommodation|£5|£559. 11| |TOTA|L INCOME|:|£2361. 09|£9521. 71|

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NOTES :

OTHER PURCHASES : Some Repairs (pond pumps etc); Seeds; ~~Many p~~ lants; Stationery; Internet; Postage; Mobile phone; Business travel; Some paint; Cement & sand; Telephone; personally financed by Stephen Cox for the Trust (not shown here).

2023 SAFE PROJECTION to 01 July

INSURANCE: This year monthly cost increased from £21.41 to £21. 70 incl. ‘Mutual Benefit’ discount

Minimal anticipated expenditure/maintenance for ¾ year 2022/2023

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||||| |---|---|---|---| |.| |ESSENTIAL NEEDS|(funds ring-fenced):| |1. Insurance (12 months) =|£260. 40| |2. Residential volunteers (8 months) food=|£1248| |3. Volunteer electricity/water/heat =|£200| |4. Potting shed roof repair|£230| |5. Portion of Internet @ £5 pcm|£45| |6. Plug plants|£180| |7. Paint|£130| |8. Repaving exotics area|£507. 49| |9. Replace exotics|£180| |10. Accompany students on excursions/research|£270| |11. Replace other plant losses|£430| |12. Travel to sponsor’s meetings|£160| |13. Replacement gate/arch|£329| |14. Re-turfing lawns|£373. 86| |TOTAL|£4543. 75p| |Balance on 30|[th]|.September 2022|£7464. 61p| |Projected Credit 1|[st]|.July 2023 =|+£2920. 86p|

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FOREIGN RESIDENTIAL STUDENTS

Residential student placements resumed as from June 2022 Places are now fully booked until Spring 2023.

RESEREVE FUND

Was increased by £100 via transfer from current account

STUDENT FAMILIES CONTRIBUTION

This year some some families contributed to their off-spring accommodation

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LIABILITIES & CREDITORS ASSETS & INVESTMENTS
None in current year 1. Reserve fund: £500. 92p
2. Assets (less depreciation)
Chain saw/hedge trimmer:£99. 99; Statue £99;
Short hedge trimmer: £28. 99
CLOSING STATEMENT
2020/21 2021/22
Opening balance: £2236. 75 £629. 39p
Income from all sources = £2361. 09 £9521. 71p
£4597. 84 £ 10151.10
------------------
Expenditure = £3968. 45 £2686. 49p
Sub-total/balance (A) = + £629. 39 +£ 7464. 61 (=current account closing balance)
_____
Reserve/Savings Account= opening balance £500. 71p
interest for year= £ 0. 21p
Monies owing = £----
-
Sub total balance (B) £500. 92p
_____
Liabilities/loans= £ ----
Creditors = £----
Sub-Total (C) = £ ----
______
CREDIT (+) or DEFICIT (-) for the year
Total D (A+B - C) = +£7965. 53 (incl.emergency reserve of £500. 92)
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NOTES :

(i) The Trust does not/will not run a Bank Overdraft. (ii) The Trust does not/will not have any Loans. (iii) The Trust does not/will not take on any Leases. (iv) The Trust does not/will not engage in any Share Dealing . (iv) The Trust does not/will not engage in any joint Financial Ventures with other parties.

Stephen Cox Garden Trust

Registered Address

84,Studley Lane, Studley, nr.Calne, Wiltshire, SN11 9NH. UK.

Registered Trustees

Stephen B. Cox; Iain Jessup; Simon Kerstan; David Meier; Ryan Miller; Nicholas Self; Colette Som;