Life in the gardens has almost returned to normal at the end of the first year free from Covid restrictions. Well almost normal ! Thankfully the majority of our volunteers survived without any lasting ill-effects and continue to work with undiminished enthusiasm planting, pruning, harvesting, and keeping the relentless weeds at bay. Beside the work of maintaining the gardens themselves, refurbishment of the glasshouse is on-going, benches have been repaired, paths relayed, the auricular theatre has been overhauled, and a new equipment store has been constructed in the lower garden.
The pandemic necessarily reduced many of our activities, however in June, along with three other gardens in Burton, we took part in the National Open Garden Scheme and welcomed many visitors through the gate. A special oak tree was planted to mark the Queen’s Platinum Jubilee, and we hope to mark the Coronation in a similar way. Our series of regular evening lectures was put on hold, but a return to a full programme will hopefully happen in the not too distant future.
Our finances are in good shape and reserve funds have been set aside for equipment and various refurbishment projects including upgrading the kitchen area. Hire of the glasshouse has provided a steady income from weekly visits by a local yoga group, and meetings of various local history and U3A groups. We experienced an increase in visitor numbers during the lockdown, which appears to have continued, reflected in the on-going sale of plants and books. We are most grateful for the donation of books to add to the stock, but have to regularly remind people that we don’t accept brick-a-brack, jigsaws, or hard-backed books which experience shows just don’t sell – despite how good a condition they are !
Construction of the new houses has continued throughout the period and several are now occupied. Maintaining access to the gardens has at times proved challenging, but we are grateful for the support and co-operation of the site-owner, developer, and particularly Robin, the site-agent, and his team. The condition of the Waterloo Beech continues to be a matter of concern, particularly for the safety of people accessing the site, and a decision on its future is awaited.
Finally, once again our thanks go to all the volunteers for their work: To the Trustees for all their time and effort, to the Friends for their support, to our secretary, Janet, to our treasurer, Tony, to Connie who faithfully opens and shuts the gardens every day,…………………… and to all the other individuals who help to make Burton Manor Gardens a success ! Thank You.
Gavin Hunter. Acting Chairman. March 2023
Frlends of Burton Manor Gardens Accounts for the Y¢ar EDd¢d 30th November 2022 M0Vennts whhin the Totsl Fubd$ durlng the year Funds as at 31Xh November 2021 Barclays Deposit Account Barclays Cwrent Acwunt Petty Cash Float 60974 4547 65680 Less Accountancy fee pTrvision Mov¢m¢nt FAthln Y 65530 sUlUs ft)r the Year Totsl FuDds 4s at 311th Novemb¢r 2022 58657 Fund8 represent by: Barclays Current Account Barclays Dwsit Account Pety Cash Float 2745 55997 58807 Less 81 provisiott for accountancy fees Totsl Funds M It 30th November 2022
Frlends of Burton Manor Gardens Accounts for the Year Ended 30th November 2022 Recelpts and Payments A¢eount yle 30.11.21 Subscription CWAC Grant Donations Rent HMRC Gift Aid BaDk Interest Teas and Books Plants and G8rdetiing 987 8335 251 301J) 810 li 67 22 l157 2556 879 1090 2835 175 1744 Courses and Events Total Income 1849 Payments urance Gl&8thouse Repairs Repairs and Renewls Cleanitig Stationery and Computer Consumables A¢wuntancy Fees Catering and Genernl Course and Events Gardening Supplies Fire Extinguisher Maintenance Building Materials Equipment Sundry lfrms/OfficelPhone 515 14166 200 491 426 4250 188 474 236 150 150 226 1622 1488 54 559 2990 1532 50 348 3252 Totsl Expendlture 21826 1326 Surplus of IneoDX for the year 523