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2021-03-31-accounts

FRIENDS OF FIRS FARM

Charity Incorporated Organisation (C.I.O)

Financial Statements

For the period ended

31[st] March 2021

Registered Charity No: 1177069

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FRIENDS OF FIRS FARM (1177069)

Period Ended 31[st] March 2021

Principal address:

253 Firs Lane Winchmore Hill London N21 2PH

Trustees and Committee Members:

Toni Guiver Gail Nielen Helen Osman Soulla Thomas Lisa Chapman Geraldine Cosh Chris Ferrary Simon Jarosch

Governing document

The organisation is operated under the rules of its constitution.

Bankers:

HSBC Bank PLC 1 The Town Enfield, EN2 6LD

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FRIENDS OF FIRS FARM (1177069)

Period Ended 31[st] March 2021

Contents Trustees’ Report ................................................................................................................... 4 Statement of Financial Activities .................................................... Error! Bookmark not defined. Notes to the accounts ........................................................................................................... 9 AGM Report .......................................................................................................................11 Independent Examiner’s Report.............................................................................................16 Trustees’ Annual Report for the period ...................................................................................18

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FRIENDS OF FIRS FARM (1177069)

Period Ended 31[st] March 2021

Trustees’ Report

Annual Report

The trustees are pleased to present their annual report for the period ending 31[st] March 2021, which are prepared to meet the requirements for a trustees’ report and accounts for Charities Act purposes.

The financial statements comply with the Charities Act 2011, the constitution, and Accounting and Reporting by Charities: Statement of Recommended Practice applicable to charities preparing their accounts in accordance with the Financial Reporting Standard applicable in the UK and Republic of Ireland (FRS 102) (effective 1 January 2015).

Financial Review

It was a tough year with lockdowns and restrictions reducing donations. Less than a fifth was donated in the year ended 2021 compared to the prior year. However, many planned activities had to be cancelled, which reduced the expenditure even further. As a result, even against lower donations the charity was able to increase its assets by £787.

Structure, Governance and Management

Friends of Firs Farm is a Charitable Incorporated Organisation (CIO), registered with the Charity Commission and governed by its constitution, dated 31[st] March 2019.

Membership of the CIO is open to anyone who is interested in furthering its purposes and, who by applying for membership, has indicated agreement to become a member and accept the duties of membership. If the CIO is wound up, the members of the CIO have no liability to contribute to its assets and no personal responsibility for settling its debts and liabilities.

The affairs of the charity are managed on a day to day basis by the trustees, who may exercise all the powers of the CIO.

The trustees who served during the period are shown on page 2 of this report.

Appointment of Trustees

In accordance with the terms of the constitution, there must be at least three charity trustees. If the number falls below the minimum, the remaining trustees can act only to call a meeting of the trustees or appoint a new trustee.

The maximum number of charity trustees is 12. The charity trustees may not appoint any charity trustee if as a result the number of charity trustees would exceed the maximum. Trustees are appointed at the Annual General Meeting by a decision of the members. Each new trustee is given a copy of the constitution and the latest trustees’ annual report and accounts, on or before appointment.

Our volunteers

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Friends of Firs Farm is very involved in the community and relies on voluntary help. Around 20 volunteers assist with our on-going activities. We wish to thank our volunteers for their loyal support and contribution.

Risk management

The trustees have a risk management strategy which comprises:

The Trustees constantly review risks relevant to the charity. Any risks identified are reported to the Trustees and decisions made on how to minimise risk.

Reserves policy and going concern

The Trustees have assessed the charity’s requirements for reserves in the light of the main risks to the organisation. As a result, the Trustees have approved a policy whereby the unrestricted funds not committed, should be held in reserve and maintained at a level which ensures that Friends of Firs Farm core activity could continue during a period of unforeseen difficulty. The target reserve amount represents at least 3 months’ (12 weeks) expenditure and will be reviewed annually.

Organisational Charitable Objects

To provide or assist in the provision of facilities for recreation and other leisure time occupation in the interests of social welfare with the object of improving the conditions of life of the public in North London / Enfield by supporting the preservation, promotion and improvement of Firs Farm Wetlands Park & Playing Fields .

Trustees and Their Responsibilities

Charity trustees are the people who serve on the governing body of a charity. They may be known as trustees, directors, board members, governors or committee members. The principles and main duties are the same in all cases.

Trustees have, and must accept, ultimate responsibility for directing the affairs of a charity, and ensuring that it is solvent, well-run, and meeting the needs for which it has been set up.

Achievements

Please refer to the AGM report.

Future Plan

The organisation will continue to generate income and fundraise to support its increasing demand for its services for public benefit.

Planning application for the community hub has been approved and plans are underway to build the hub. Everyone is very excited to see the long awaited plans come to fruition.

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Period Ended 31[st] March 2021

FRIENDS OF FIRS FARM (1177069)

We thank all volunteers and members for their valuable support in achieving our goals and objectives for the year. Signed on behalf of all Trustees

Toni Guiver

Chair 30[th] January 2022

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Period Ended 31[st] March 2021

FRIENDS OF FIRS FARM (1177069)

Statement of Financial Activities

FRIENDS OF FIRS FARM FRIENDS OF FIRS FARM FRIENDS OF FIRS FARM
Statement of Financial Activities for the period ended 31st March 2021
INCOMING RESOURCES(3)
Donation
Enfield In Bloom
Groundworks
Winter Wonderland
Forest school
Other fundraising
TOTAL INCOMING RESOURCES
RESOURCES EXPENDED(4)
Expenses in raising funds
Charitable Expenditure
Project Activities
Festivals & Events
Equipment (5)
General Administration costs
Professional fees
TOTAL RESOUCES EXPENDED
Net Incomings and (outgoings)
BALANCE BROUGHT FORWARD
BALANCE CARRIED FORWARD		 Unrestricted
Funds
£		 Restricted
Funds
£
200
-
-
-
1,314
-
1,514
-
-
-
-
-
-
-
1,514
18,480
19,994		 Total
Funds
2021
£
226
-
-
5
1,314
193
1,738
-
27
-
806
118
-
951
787
22,817
23,604		 Total
Funds
2020
£
6,735
100
5,000
-
-
3,307
26
-
-
5
-
193
224 15,142
490
8,322
2,538
-
266
500
-

27
-
806
118
-
951 12,116
(727) 3,026
4,337 19,791
3,610
22,817

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Period Ended 31[st] March 2021

FRIENDS OF FIRS FARM (1177069)

Balance Sheet

FRIENDS OF FIRS FARM Balance Sheet as at 31[st] MARCH 2021

Notes 2021 2020 £ £ Current Assets (6) Debtor 108 - Cash at Bank and in Hand 23,550 22,817 Deposit and Cash - - Current Liabilities Creditors: Falling due within one year (54) - Accruals and Creditors - - Net Assets 23,604 22,817 As Represented By: Restricted Fund (7) 19,994 18,480 Unrestricted fund (8) 3,610 4,337 Total Funds 23,604 22,817

The accounts were approved by the Trustees on 24[th] June 2021 and signed on their behalf by:

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………………………......... …………………….............
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Chair Treasurer Toni Guiver Simon Jarosch

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FRIENDS OF FIRS FARM (1177069)

Period Ended 31[st] March 2021

Notes to the accounts

1. Accounting Basis

The principal accounting policies adopted, judgements and key sources of estimation uncertainty in the preparation of the financial statements are as follows:

The financial statements have been prepared in accordance with Accounting and Reporting by Charities: Statement of Recommended Practice applicable to charities preparing their accounts in accordance with the Financial Reporting Standard applicable in the UK and Republic of Ireland (FRS 102) (effective 1 January 2015) - (Charities SORP (FRS 102)), the Financial Reporting Standard applicable in the UK and Republic of Ireland (FRS 102). Friends of Firs Farm meets the definition of a public benefit entity under FRS 102. Assets and liabilities are initially recognised at historical cost or transaction value unless otherwise stated in the relevant accounting policy note(s).

Preparation of the accounts on a going concern basis:

The Charity trustees are of the view that measures taken in reviewing organisational costs regularly and successful in applying for continuation funding have secured the immediate future of the Charity for the next 12 months and that on this basis the charity is a going concern.

2. Cash Flow Statement

The trustees have taken advantage of the exemption in Financial Reporting Standard No 1 (revised) from including a cash flow statement in the financial statements on the grounds that the charity is small.

3. Incoming resources

Income is recognised in the period to which it relates, unless specified otherwise by the funder. Project funding is, in general, repayable if not expended within the relevant project. Such income is only recognised to the extent that it ceases to be repayable. The income is accounted for on a receivable basis.

4. Resource Expendable

Resources expended are included in the Statement of Financial Activities inclusive of VAT which cannot be recovered.

5. Equipment

Equipment was purchased to support litter picking activities (£274), materials for the mud kitchen (£230) and materials for the music wall (£223).

6. Fixed assets

The organisation has no fixed assets.

7 . Unrestricted Fund

Unrestricted funds were generated from Donation & fundraising. The current balance of £3,610 is carried forward into the next financial year.

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FRIENDS OF FIRS FARM (1177069)

Period Ended 31[st] March 2021

These are accumulated to enable the organisation to continue its activities in case of loss of funding and to cover cost which is not funded by funders but to meet our organisational objectives in line with our reserve policy.

8. Restricted Fund

Restricted funds of £1,514 were received, mainly in relation to the Eco Club through facebook fundraising.

No expenditure of restricted funds took place for the year ended 2021. Preparations are underway to utilise these funds once the lockdown eases. The restricted fund balance carried forward into 2022 is £19,994.

There were no transactions of any nature with any of the Trustees

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AGM Report

Community working together to help shape how our park works, is maintained, & protected

Friends of Firs Farm

Wetlands Park & Playing Fields

AGM

24[th] June 2021

This report is to highlight the achievements and the aims of the group ‘Friends of Firs Farm (FOFF)’ for the twelve-month period to 31[st] March 2021.

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Message from the Trustees – we need more people and support – call for skills!

Over the last year, Firs Farm wetlands has proven to be a ‘life saver’ for families and many of the community who need to experience and engage with wildlife and fresh air. The park has had an increase in footfall as some of the community realise the benefits of the park especially the newly reinvigorated children’s area for families with young people.

Over the years, footfall has seen to be increasing based on a one entrance survey, and saw an uplift from Autumn 2019 to Autumn 2020 of 200%. As a result, this shows that even in a difficult and challenging year the Friends of Firs farm has been successful in creating interesting initiatives in the park such as children’s trails, Themed seasonal areas and hidden green rooms where users can find some alone time off the normal mile circuit. This has attracted the community in using the park extensively for leisure activities even in socially distanced times. The FOFF have been working with the council to ensure that picnic tables are covered, notices on social distancing are visible around the park.

Despite visitor numbers to the park, wildlife has thrived and we are seeing a wealth of species within the boundaries. Protected species such as water voles, slow worms, and stag beetles plus many other species: newts, fogs, swans, Egyptian geese, cormorants, hedge sparrows, swallows, song thrush, gold finch, herons, woodpeckers to name a few.

The wetlands and park has been a valuable asset for many, however, this success comes at a cost. We have experienced high levels of litter, fly tipping on a regular basis and ant-social behaviour. In November 2020, sadly we did see a serious police incident and as a result, concerns were raised both by community and police that we consider gating and fencing the park. The council have signposted additional funding for the Friends to access and to ultimately improve the security of the park. In addition, the park’s paths and banks have become eroded. The friends continue to work on this during the next year including increasing the number of bins in populated areas to reduce litter.

Unfortunately, working with the council has been frustrating and challenging this year with outstanding actions from both community hub and multi-sport pitch not fulfilled and the potential loss of solid funding, generated by FOFF. In addition, we have missed out on potential funding pots and grants. We are highly optimistic that progress will be made once COVID-19 becomes less of an issue.

As always we must end by saying a big ‘THANK YOU’ to all the volunteers and supporters for their hard work and dedication over the last 12 challenging months.

Thank you

The FOFF Trustees

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What has been accomplished during the past twelve months?

In addition to the usual business of the Friends to ensure we further our purposes and encourage all to participate in the park (refer to the 2018 AGM report), we have the following to share with you:

1. Celebration of past year Trustees achievements including new members

As a charity we are only as good as our Trustees and so we thank the new members who got involved in the last year’s sessions. These members have ‘brought to the table’ skills and expertise in local business and marketing, financial and planning. However, we would encourage others who feel that protecting a green space is important for the community to come forward whatever skills they believe will support the charity aims, particularly if you have fundraising, events or legal skills that will support the charity.

2. Dedicated programme of tree planting in Firs Farm (Autumn and early Spring)

This has not only spanned local trees but also special Japanese trees that we managed to successful bid for .

Native trees: FOFF planted over 300 native parkland trees with the help of a raft of energetic volunteers.

This was done within strict COVID-19 guidance. We also planted more than 100 native hedgerow shrubs.

Japanese trees: The Friends of Firs Farm, Carey Hall Preschool & Winchmore School children planted 30 of these special trees in Firs Farm Wetlands as part of the Japanese Sakura cherry tree project –6,500 will be planted across the country in parks, gardens and schools.

The Sakura Cherry Trees have been distributed to over 400 schools and 160 sites in all four countries of the UK from St Ives to Aberdeen to Londonderry, Cardiff and several of London’s biggest parks. The project was formally launched with a planting ceremony at The Regent’s Park attended by HRH The Duke of Gloucester, the Japanese Ambassador Yasumasa Nagamine, Joint Chairman of the Sakura Cherry Tree Project Keisaku Sandy Sano and local schoolchildren.

All of the varieties of cherry trees to be planted as part of this project are of Japanese origin. The vast majority will be of three varieties, ‘Beni-yutaka’, ‘Taihaku’, and ‘Somei-yoshino’, which have been chosen for their variation in colour, timing, and historical significance. For example, ‘Taihaku’ is a large, single white blossom variety, which became extinct in Japan but was reintroduced to its homeland by Britain’s Collingwood 'Cherry' Ingram in 1932.

3. Firs Farm (FF) Transformation Project / improvements/ maintenance…

Key improvements that have been implemented throughout the year

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Accolades

Working with third parties/stakeholders/business.

4. Membership / Volunteers

Despite COVID-19, our current membership continues to grow. For FOFF, there are still no fees charged for membership although donations are always welcome.

5. Social Media / Google maps

We currently have 1428 facebook followers, 668 on Twitter and 1,152 on Instagram. Our rating on Googles maps remains at a healthy 4.5

We have received 429 good reviews

6. Funding/donations

Funding was down this year but we did have Enfield in bloom plus an anonymous donor generous give us some funds. In addition, donations have been given to us via social media to support family initiatives.

The Friends applied for a number of funds so kindly refer to the Treasurers report for the complete list of all donations received during the past year.

What does the Future hold for Firs Farm and our much loved green space?

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Summary- In summary, FOFF, a registered Charity, dedicated to maintaining and protecting the park and wildlife for public benefit. The friends are an active group which is evidenced by volunteer hours since inception in excess of 15,000. There is no membership fee in order to keep the group ‘open to all’.

Come and join us and show that you L ♥ ve your Green Space.

Thank you

The Trustees of Friends of Firs Farm Registered Charity 1177069

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Independent Examiner’s Report

Independent examiner's report on the accounts

Section A Independent Examiner’s Report Report to the Friends of Firs Farm trustees/directors/ members of On accounts for the year 31[st] March 2021 ended Charity no.: 1177069 Company no.: - Set out on pages 1-16 (remember to include the page numbers of additional sheets)

I report to the charity trustees on my examination of the accounts of the Company for the year ended 31 / 03 / 2021.

As the charity’s trustees of the Company (who are also the directors of the Responsibilities and basis of company for the purposes of company law), you are responsible for the report preparation of the accounts in accordance with the requirements of the Companies Act 2006 (“the 2006 Act”).

Having satisfied myself that the accounts of the Company are not required to be audited for this year under Part 16 of the 2006 Act and are eligible for independent examination, I report in respect of my examination of your charity’s accounts as carried out under section 145 of the Charities Act 2011 (“the 2011 Act”). In carrying out my examination, I have followed the Directions given by the Charity Commission (under section 145(5)(b) of the 2011 Act.

I have completed my examination. I confirm that no material matters have come to my attention (other than that disclosed below *) which gives me cause to believe that:

• accounting records were not kept in accordance with section 386 of the Companies Act 2006; or

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Independent examiner's statement

• the accounts do not comply with relevant accounting requirements under section 396 of the Companies Act 2006 other than any requirement that the accounts give a ‘true and fair’ view which is not a matter considered as part of an independent examination; or

I have no concerns and have come across no other matters in connection with the examination to which attention should be drawn in this report in order to enable a proper understanding of the accounts to be reached.

* Please delete the words in the brackets if they do not apply.

----- Start of picture text -----
Date: 24/01/2022
Signed:
Name: Nicholas Hayes
Relevant professional Institute of Chartered Accountants England and Wales
qualification(s) or body (if
any):
Address: 58 Brooklands Park
London
SE3 9AJ
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Trustees’ Annual Report for the period

From 1[st] April 2020 Period start date To 31[st] March 2021 Period end date

Charity name: Friends of Firs Farm

Charity registration number: 1177069

Objectives and Activities

SORP reference
Summary of the purposes of
the charity as set out in its
governing document		 Para 1.17 The charity brings the community together for
events, interests, and sporting / other in/outdoor
activities, as well as providing volunteer
opportunities, reduce loneliness and encourage
healthier lifestyles.
Summary of the main
activities in relation to those
purposes for the public
benefit, in particular, the
activities, projects or services
identified in the accounts.		 Para 1.17 and
1.19		 Tree planting: Native trees:FOFF planted over
300 native parkland trees with the help of a raft of
energetic volunteers. We also planted more than
100 native hedgerow shrubs.Japanese trees:
The Friends of Firs Farm, Carey Hall Preschool &
Winchmore School children planted 30 of these
special trees in Firs Farm Wetlands as part of the
Japanese Sakura cherry tree project. Since
20214, over a 1000 new trees have now been
planted. We plan to further develop the orchard
in the coming year and pledge to plant another
100 trees in 2021/2022.
Children’s play area:during lockdown, we
realised that families needed to have a space
that helps with engaging children and keeping
them amused. Hence, we expedited the natural
children’s play area (‘Get out and Get active’)
and inserted mud kitchens, music wall, stepping
posts, and wishing well. We plan further
developments in the next year e.g. chess table,
seating and wildlife pond.
Welcome board with map at the entrance to
the A10 with additional new gate– this has
improved the A10 entrance area and safety for all
users including youngsters on two wheels.
British beavers return to Firs Farm:Water voles
(termed British beavers by some) have been
identified as taking up residence in the park. They
are crucial to help with diversifying the eco system
in which they live. The presence of water voles is
a testament to the community conservation which
has
been
seen
in
this
green
space.
The Enfield council are aware and monitoring the
numbers. Voles are legally protected as they have
rapidly declined in the UK countryside. Hence,
they are a priority conservation species. Their
decline is due to lack of habitat and pollution in the
waterways.

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Reinstating the FOFF Eco club proposed:The
last year has seen the friends raise funds to
support new eco club e.g. litter helper club
(publicised Neo the hero) plus trainer training
Wildlife: increased spotting of wider variety of
birds and water fowl. Including red data species
House Sparrows, sparrow hawk, grebe, and
egret. Surveys to monitor this wildlife, delivered
to date, will be published onto the website. Over
the last year, we have seen new additions such
as swans, woodpeckers and Herons.
Statement confirming
whether the trustees have
had regard to the guidance
issued by the Charity
Commission on public
benefit		 Para 1.18 The charity makes available to all Trustees
the requirements and guidance issued by
the Charity Commission.

Achievements and Performance

SORP reference
Summary of the main
achievements of the charity,
identifying the difference the
charity’s work has made to
the circumstances of its
beneficiaries and any wider
benefits to society as a
whole.		 Para 1.20 While there has been a hiatus to the normal
events calendar because of the lockdowns and
pandemic induced restrictions, Enfield in Bloom
took place, decorations were put up for
Halloween and Christmas and tree planting
continued to take place in the year.

Financial Review

Financial Review
Review of the charity’s
financial position at the end
ofthe period		 Para 1.21 There were total funds of £23,604 at the end of
the reporting period and £787 of net income
achieved over the year.
Statement explaining the
policy for holding reserves
statingwhy they areheld		 Para 1.22 The target level of reserves, from unrestricted
funds, is 3 months’ worth of expenditure.
Amount of reservesheld Para 1.22 £3,610
Reasons for holding zero
reserves		 Para 1.22 Not applicable
Details of fund materially in
deficit		 Para 1.24 Not applicable
Explanation of any
uncertainties about the
charity continuing as a going
concern		 Para 1.23 Not applicable

Structure, Governance and Management

Description of charity’s
trusts:		 None
Type of governing document
(trust deed,royalcharter)		 Para 1.25 Constitution
How is the charity
constituted?		 Para 1.25 The charity is set up as a Charitable Incorporated
Organisation.

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(e.g unincorporated
association, CIO)
Trustee selection methods
including details of any
constitutional provisions e.g.
election to post or name of
any person or body entitled
to appoint one or more
trustees		 Para 1.25 Applicant fills out a fit & proper persons
declaration form and is interviewed by the Chair.
There are a maximum number of 12 trustees, as
per the constitution.

Reference and Administrative details

Charityname Friends of FirsFarm
Other name the charity uses None
Registered charity number 1177069
Charity’s principal address 253 Firs Lane,
Winchmore Hill,
London,N21 2PH

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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(if any)
Toni Guiver Chair
Gail Nielen Secretary
Helen Osman Trustee
Soulla Thomas Trustee
Lisa Chapman Trustee
Geraldine Cosh Trustee
Chris Ferrary Trustee
Simon Jarosch Treasurer

Corporate trustees – names of the directors at the date the report was approved

Director name - - - - - -

Name of trustees holding title to property belonging to the charity

Trustee name Dates acted if not for wholeyear
-
-
-
-
-
-

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Funds held as custodian trustees on behalf of others

Description of the assets
held in this capacity		 None
Name and objects of the
charity on whose behalf the
assets are held and how this
falls within the custodian
charity’s objects		 Not applicable
Details of arrangements for
safe custody and
segregation of such assets
from the charity’s own assets		 Not applicable

Exemptions from disclosure

Reason for non-disclosure of key personnel details

N/a

Other optional information

Declarations

The trustees declare that they have approved the trustees’ report above.

Signed on behalf of the charity’s trustees

e charity’s trustees e charity’s trustees
Signature(s)
Full name(s)
Position (eg Secretary,
Chair, etc)
Date
Toni Guiver Simon Jarosch

Chair		 Trustee
30thJanuary 2022
30thJanuary 2022

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