||**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
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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 (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** March **2012** **TAR** 1 ## **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)** 1. 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; 3. 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. March **2012** **TAR** 2 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: 1. 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). 7. Similarly group bookings by gardening clubs/women’s' institutes etc. 8. 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)** 10. 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. March **2012** **TAR** 3 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,|| |---|---|---| March **2012** **TAR** 4 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. March **2012** **TAR** 5 Section D ## Achievements and performance 11. **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 13. **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: March **2012** **TAR** 6 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. March **2012** **TAR** 7 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) March **2012** **TAR** 8 **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|| March **2012** **TAR** 9 ## Stephen Cox Garden Trust (registered Charity #1174239) ## **ANNUAL ACCOUNTS** ## **01[st] October 2021 to 30[th] September 2022** ## **EXPENDITURE** **----- Start of picture text -----**
||||| |---|---|---|---| |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| **----- End of picture text -----**
## **INCOME** **----- Start of picture text -----**
|||||| |---|---|---|---|---| |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| **----- End of picture text -----**
## **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 **----- Start of picture text -----**
||||| |---|---|---|---| |.| |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| **----- End of picture text -----**
## **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 **----- Start of picture text -----**
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
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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)
**----- End of picture text -----**
## **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;