VENTNOR FRIENDS OF WIGHT HORTICULTURE
REGISTERED CIO No. 1174571
President: Mike Fitt OBE
Report and financial statements for the Year Ended 31st September 2025.
Trustees 2024/2025
Mrs Anne Hornett Mrs Jennifer Parker Mrs Sally Peake
Mrs Valerie Pitts Mrs Bridgette Sibbick
Executive Committee
Val Pitts Chairman Bridgette Sibbick Hon Treasurer Jenny Parker Hon Secretary John Bagshawe Anne Hornett Membership and Events Sally Peake Events Bridgette Sibbick Events Ros Whistance Ventnorensis Jessica Lewis Webmaster and IT adviser Katalin Zongar Publicity (co-opted in 2025)
Objects
Our charity’s purposes as set out in our governing document are for the public benefit to promote education in botany, horticulture, ecology and environmental science across the Isle of Wight, and in furtherance of the objects in particular but not exclusively by:
(a) stimulating interest and advancing knowledge through a variety of events and activities including walks, talks, outings and workshops
(b) supporting students in pursuing a career in horticulture in particular but not exclusively by awarding grants
(c) supporting appropriate projects or initiatives as the trustees see fit for the advancement of public mental and physical health and well-being in parks and gardens in Ventnor and elsewhere on the Isle of Wight
Achievements and Performance
October 2024 to end September 2025 was a year of change and consolidation for our charity.
We completed the required procedures to change the official name and the objects of the charity, which were ratified at the EGM in December with the prior approval of the Charity Commission.
We then set about implementing all the bureaucratic changes necessary to change the name on the bank accounts and in countless other places and to prepare new literature reflecting the changes and to promote our new image.
We were particularly proud to launch our Simon Goodenough Bursary Scheme to encourage Islanders pursuing a career in horticulture.
Fun and fund-raising activities continued to the benefit of members and to fulfill charitable aims, including visits and talks, among others. These events are also open to members of the public. We are very grateful for the large input of time by all those Members that makes these events possible.
A small volunteer task force of members continued to assist Ventnor Town Council with the ongoing maintenance of flower beds at the entrance to their Council office building. This enhances the public’s enjoyment of the area and also serves to raise awareness of the Charity.
In addition we funded an achievement award for a horticultural student at the Isle of Wight College.
Two issues of Ventnorensis, our highly-valued colourful and informative magazine for members, were produced. The new website continued to be a promotional tool for the Society, along with regular e-mails for members and other supporters.
Consideration of the requirements of the General Data Protection Regulations (GDPR) have been reviewed to ensure compliance and a review of Governance continued.
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