## **CULPEPER COMMUNITY GARDEN ASSOCIATION**
## **REPORT AND ACCOUNTS FOR THE YEAR ENDED**
## **31 MARCH 2025**
1
## **CULPEPER COMMUNITY GARDEN ASSOCIATION**
## **REPORT OF THE MANAGEMENT COMMITTEE FOR THE YEAR ENDED 31 MARCH 2025**
## **__________________________________________________________________________**
## **STRUCTURE AND OBJECTS**
The Association is a Charitable Incorporated Organisation (CIO). The registration of the CIO is charity number 1176277. The registered address of the association is 2 Dignum Street London N1 0FJ.
The objects of the Association are to maintain and manage an open space in the borough of Islington for the benefits of its members and local residents.
The site is held on a 50-year lease at a peppercorn rent from the London Borough of Islington and registered as a Field in Trust.
In planning our activities for the year we kept in mind the Charity Commission’s guidance on public benefit at our Management Committee meetings.
## **ACHIEVEMENTS AND PERFORMANCE**
Seen as a model of good practice for many years, Culpeper Community Garden, established in 1982, continues to be a source of inspiration, pleasure and relaxation for members, volunteers and visitors alike. Our relatively small open space in inner London is run by members and volunteers on sustainable, organic principles.
## **Funding**
City Bridge Trust- This has been the final year of a 5-year funding package we received from CoL. We have benefitted not only financially over the past 5 years; but also from the strong commitment shown by the Grant officers to Culpeper Garden.
The Cripplegate Foundation- We were awarded another 3-year Grant for Core Funding from the Foundation, and extend heartfelt thanks for their continuing support. Community Chest Project funding has paid for staff time and tools & materials for our new Young Gardeners Club- meeting every Saturday for 40 weeks a year.
Islington Council- We were awarded a small amount of funding from the Greener Together Programme. Local developers pay into a fund administered by Islington Council (formerly known as Section 106) this grant is for infrastructure improvements, play scheme staffing and governance and training.
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Donations- Our most local of businesses, CTO Lighting, have continued to support us with an annual donation of £1200.
Other Income came from Booking out the Garden as a venue for Private Events. This included several photoshoots for a famous fashion house; a fabulous bespoke Wedding, outdoor folk performances with the NEST Collective, Parties, Meeting and exhibition space for local Community organisations, and an accessible location for children’s’ parties.
New Partnerships- Working with Age UK Islington we set up a new Group for Carers and their loved ones in the Spring; giving them their own Plot to look after.
We welcomed the Church on the Corner Monday Social to Culpeper this year. The Group have their own Plot to take care of in the Garden. They have also made good use of the Lawn for picnics, and enjoy contributing and participating in Culpeper social Events; Solstice parties and Workdays.
Culpeper Choir is independent from the Garden, and is now in receipt of a large grant used to pay for Outings, Trips Musicians and Support Staff. Fully accessible and inclusive, and thanks to the use of the Community Store at the Angel Shopping Centre, they have a free indoor venue for the Choir. They continue to perform in the Garden when weather permits.
Everyone’s Music Jamm- This friendly supportive Percussion Group continues to meet, led by our lovely volunteer; a young Musician from Goldsmiths.
Open Volunteering- Our unique Volunteer Programme attracts Gardeners from all over London, and even from abroad! We welcome people with any level of skill, for one single session or as a regular commitment. Our long list of accessible meaningful tasks enables everyone to contribute to the upkeep of the Garden. Regulars support new volunteers and practical work experience has led to employment for some.
Kids Summer Arts & Halloween- Our Free Summer Arts programme attracted children young people and families from all over the Borough. We provided a Book Corner, co-operative games, Mud Kitchen, clay and stone painting, invertebrate studies (snail racing!) water rockets and the restoration of a Very Hungry Caterpillar.
Environmental education- We have continued to provide free class-sized activities for key Stage 1 Pupils from 8 local primary schools at Culpeper Garden. Children learn why aren’t we buried in leaves? They meet, handle and identify the tiny creatures that turn fallen leaves into soil in a year! Habitat diversity, life cycles, pollination and native plants activities augment classroom pedagogy. Our Pond and Tadpole-raising Project supports year 3 classes to observe life cycles first-hand.
## **Garden Improvements**
The Royal Horticultural Society awarded us ‘Outstanding’ for the 12[th] year in a row in the ‘It’s Your Neighbourhood@ category, citing our solar panels, water harvesting and compost Bins as We have repaired the Pergola and the long bench by the Lawn, and kept other furniture in good repair around the Garden.
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In December, we removed 2 large overgrown and unsuitable trees, opening up and increasing light to the Plots below. We pruned and pollarded the large willow and sorbus trees for safety reasons.
## **Community Events**
our Annual and very popular Strawberry Tea for Pensioners was held in July; supported by volunteers from CTO Lighting and our in-house Culpeper A-team.
Our volunteers organised a Pickling Day for members, and a Lunch on the Lawn for International Womens’ Day. We enjoyed a mini bus trip to Dungeness, and 2 trips to Kew Gardens for our members.
We held 2 Solstice parties to celebrate the Longest & shortest days with a Barbeque and songs around the Fire Pit.
Garden Visitors-
We were honoured to welcome 24 Gardeners from South Korea who were visiting the UK especially to visit famous Gardens, including our own!
We welcomed over 30 organised groups over the Year; delivering impromptu Tours whenever requested.
## **Management & Staffing**
Stephen Mullin retired from the position of Treasurer this year, and was awarded the Pat Haynes memorial trustee of the Year at the VAI Volunteer of the Year event.
We welcomed 1 new Trustee to the position of Treasurer November 2024, 6 experienced trustees graciously agreed to stand again; including 3 Plot-holders and 2 Members with disabilities.
Anna Jones was appointed in August 2023. Her focus and responsibility is for the upkeep of the Garden, horticultural support for Plot-Holders & planning seasonal volunteer and community group sessions. She has a strong horticultural background, and experience managing staff and customer service.
After 12 years, Amanda Graham continues to provide continuity and stability for the organisation. She has a wholehearted belief in the power of Community Gardening to change lives. Amanda is committed to supporting our members, Plot Holders, volunteers and the local community.
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BANKERS
The Association holds a Current Account and a deposit Account with the CAF Bank.
INDEPENDENT FINACIAL EXAMINER
Martin Niemann was appointed as Independent Financial Examiner at the 2024 Annual
General Meeting.
This report wos approvedby the Mant7gement Committee on."
164eL N)oY-omL)eQ
..2025
as o tme record of the Associt7tion's t7ctivitiesfor the year ended 31Morch 2025. ond signed
on its beholf by.-
..Shokir Razak (Choir)
..Jeff Potti (Secretory)
-.Jorku Ronchetti (freosurer)
INDEPENDENT EXAMINER'S REPORT TO THE TRUSTEES OF CULPEPER
COMMUNITY GARDEN ASSOCIATION
I report to the tnjstees on my examination of the accounts of Culpeper Community
Garden Association for the year ended 31 March 2025, which are set out on pages 7 to
10.
Responsibilities and basis of report
As the charity's tru5tee5 you are responsible for the preparation of the accounts in
accordance with the requirements of the Charities Act 2011 ('the Act'}.
I report in respect of my examination of Trust's accounts carried out under section 145 of
the 201 l Act and in carrying out my examination, I have followed th¢ Directions given
by the Charity Commission under section 145(5) (b) of the Act.
Independent exalniner's statement
I have completed my exainination. I confinn that no material matters have come to my
attention in connection with the examination which give me cause to believe that in, any
material respect-.
accounting records were not kept in a¢¢ordance with section 130 of the Act. or
the accounts do not accord with the accounting records. or
the accounts do not comply with the applicable requirements ¢onceming the forni
and content of accounts set out in the Charities (Accounts and Reports}
Regulations 2008 other than any requireinent that the accounts give a true and fair
view which is not a matter considered as part of an independent examination.
I have no concern5 and have come across no other matters in connection with the
examinatio
to whic
'attention should be drawn in order to enable a proper
understandi
gofth
ccounts to be reached.
Signed:
Date:
11 | L.I. Lu)L
Name:
Martin Niemann FCA
Relevant profes$lonal qualification or body:
Chartered Accountant ICAEW
Addre58:
13 Bro2dland8, Syder5tone
King's Lynn, Norfolk PE318ST
CULPEPER CO11IIU GARDEN ASSOCIATION
BALANCE SHEET AS AT 31 IWiCH 2025.
Nole
2024r2025
202312024
Fixed assets
Buildings
158,932
164J69
Current assets
Cash at bank and in hand
Cycle Scheme Loan
HMRC Employment Allowance
Other Debtors
42,050
819
1,722
562
40,542
1.911
42,453
Current liabilities
Creditors and accrued expenses
2.471
2,471
"4,(M12
Net curent assets
42,682
38,451
Totsl assets less currellt liabilities
201,614
202,820
Represented by:
Unrestricted fund
Designated fund
RcstTiCtcd fund
Total Funds
42.477
158.9J2
205
201.614
164.J69
2.?22
202,820
These Accounis were approvedby ihe Managemeni commi1e on ........... .
..N..ou. ay).(>ef.....202i a¥ u Inle recordojihe (lvociolion s Balae.bee1
und.SiulemeN ofFin(mciulAclivitie.sfor ¢he}ear cnded 31 March 202), 4V
signed on TÉS be
Slllthir Razak (Chairj
JeffPatti (Secrery)
Jarkn Ronchetti (Treasurer)
The notes on pages 9 and 10 forn] part of these accounts
**CULPEPER COMMUNITY GARDEN ASSOCIATION**
## **STATEMENT OF FINANCIAL ACTIVITIES FOR THE YEAR ENDED 31 MARCH 2025**
|**Notes**
**INCOME**
Grants received
5
Membership subs
Interest received
Fundraising events and donations
**TOTAL INCOME**
**EXPENDITURE**
Salaries
6
Electricity
Water rates and leakage
Insurance
Equipment
Materials
Postage, copying, stationery
Telephone
Fundraising & events costs
Repairs & improvements
Volunteers' expenses
Anniversary Celebration
Workshops/Summer Arts
Outgarden
Ever Greener
Solar Project
Pickle Workshop
Community Chest
Elfrida
Environmental Education
Payroll processing/police checks
Staff training
Depreciation
Miscellaneous
**TOTAL EXPENDITURE**
**NET INCOME for the year**
**FUND BALANCES**
**BROUGHT FORWARD**
**FUND BALANCES CARRIED**
**FORWARD**|**Unrestricted**
**Funds**
**Designated**
**Funds**
**Restricted**
**Funds**
**2024/2025 2023/2024**
**£**
**£**
**£**
**£**
34,838
-
6,698
41,536
58,433
3,644
-
-
3,644
2,459
983
-
-
983
1,000
24,218
-
-
24,218
10,635
63,684
-
6,698
70,382
72,527
44,102
-
6,377
50,479
41,884
1,122
-
-
1,122
2,580
300
-
-
-
300
-
1,200
1,403
-
-
1,403
1,384
336
-
-
336
378
918
-
-
918
384
435
-
-
435
704
1,135
-
-
1,135
1,341
1,669
-
-
1,669
1,377
3,230
-
-
3,230
519
1,030
-
-
1,030
799
-
-
-
8,287
-
-
128
-
-
-
327
848
848
-
-
-
1,022
1,022
10,873
-
-
295
295
-
-
-
173
173
-
-
-
-
4,140
140
-
-
140
107
55
-
-
55
248
122
-
-
122
141
-
5,437
-
5,437
5,615
2,038
-
-
2,038
1,774
57,435
5,437
8,716
71,588
84,190
6,249
(5,437)
(2,018)
(1,207)
(11,663)
36,229 164,369 2,222
202,820
196,922
42,477
158,932
205
201,614
185,259|
|---|---|
The notes on pages 9 and 10 form part of these accounts
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**CULPEPER COMMUNITY GARDEN ASSOCIATION**
## **NOTES TO THE ACCOUNTS FOR THE YEAR ENDED 31 MARCH 2025**
## **NOTE 1: Accounting Policies**
These Accounts have been prepared under the historic cost convention and in accordance with applicable accounting standards and the Accounting and Reporting by Charities - Statement of Recommended Practice.
## **NOTE 2: Fixed Assets**
During 2007/2008 Culpeper commenced a major building and paving project. In accordance with the Charities SORP this expenditure has been capitalised and included in a Designated Fund. The Trustees have decided to depreciate this expenditure evenly over 50 years.
During 2023/24 grant funded solar panels were installed and this expenditure is also included in a Designated Fund. The Trustees have decided to depreciate the expenditure on the panels evenly over 25 years and on the batteries evenly over 10 years.
**----- Start of picture text -----**
||||||
|---|---|---|---|---|
|Buildings|Paving|Solar Panels|Total|
|Cost|
|At 1 April 2024|205,496 15,500 17,560 238,556|
|Additions|- - - -|
|At 31 March 2025|205,496 15,500 17,560 238,556|
|Depreciation|
|At 1 April 2024|68,158 5,012 1,017 74,187|
|Charge for the year|4,110 310 1,017 5,437|
|At 31 March 2025|72,268 5,322 2,034 79,624|
|Net Book Values|
|At 31 March 2025|133,228 10,178 15,526 158,932|
|At 31 March 2024|137,338 10,488 16,543 164,369|
|NOTE 3|:|Cash at Bank and in hand:|2024/2025|2023/2024|
|£|£|
|CAF Cash Account|5,875 2,820|
|CAF Gold Account|36,174 37,713|
|Petty cash|1 9|
|42,050 40,542|
|NOTE 4: Creditors and accrued|
|Booking deposit|370 -|
|HMRC|1,749 3,518|
|Pensions|352 484|
|2,471 4,002|
**----- End of picture text -----**
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**CULPEPER COMMUNITY GARDEN ASSOCIATION**
## **NOTES TO THE ACCOUNTS (CONTINUED) FOR THE YEAR ENDED 31 MARCH 2025**
|**NOTE 5: Grants received:**
Cripplegate Foundation
Awards for All Restricted
Pickle Workshop Restricted
Community Chest Restricted
Islington Council VCS
Islington Council Ever Greener Restricted
Islington Council Out Garden Restricted
City Bridge Trust
**NOTE 6: Wages and salaries:**
Gross salaries
Employer's National Insurance contributions
Employment allowance
Employers pension fund contribution|**2024/2025**
**2023/2024**
**£**
**£**
12,983 12,050
-8,700
500 -
4,950 4,900
-9,500
1,248 -
-2,068
21,855 21,215
41,536 58,433
48,081 39,152
2,500 1,772
(2,500)
(1,772)
2,398 2,732
50,479 41,884|
|---|---|
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