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2023-03-31-accounts

FRIENDS OF FIRS FARM

Charity Incorporated Organisation (C.I.O)

Financial Statements

For the period ended

31[st] March 2023

Registered Charity No: 1177069

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FRIENDS OF FIRS FARM (1177069)

Period Ended 31[st] March 2023

Principal address:

253 Firs Lane Winchmore Hill London N21 2PH

Trustees and Committee Members:

Toni Guiver 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 2023

Contents

Trustees’ Report .................................................................................................................................................. 4 Notes to the accounts ........................................................................................................................................ 9 AGM Report ........................................................................................................................................................ 11 Independent Examiner’s Report .................................................................................................................... 15 Trustees’ Annual Report for the period ...................................................................................................... 17

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FRIENDS OF FIRS FARM (1177069)

Period Ended 31[st] March 2023

Trustees’ Report

Annual Report

The trustees are pleased to present their annual report for the period ending 31[st] March 2023, 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

Substantial sums were received in the year ended 31[st] March 2023 for the construction of the community hub. Most of the funds received were spent in the year with the largest share going on building costs (£239,511) and the foundation for the building (£76,343). More events took place during the year as well, including an eco club and Halloween and winter trails, which attracted donations from the public. Currents Assets increased by £13,794.

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.

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Our volunteers

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, particularly with the new community hub that will enable many more activities and events to take place. Everyone is eagerly awaiting the opening of the hub, which is now expected to be Q1 2024 following the final safety checks.

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FRIENDS OF FIRS FARM (1177069)

Period Ended 31[st] March 2023

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 2024

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Period Ended 31[st] March 2023

FRIENDS OF FIRS FARM (1177069)

Financial Accounts

FRIENDS OF FIRS FARM
Receipt and Payment Account for the year ended 31st March 2023		 FRIENDS OF FIRS FARM
Receipt and Payment Account for the year ended 31st March 2023
Unrestricted Restricted
Funds
Funds
INCOMING RESOURCES
£
£
Donation
2,219
845
Eco club
197
Sport England
114,620
Thames Water
25,000
Groundworks
122,977
Garfield
10,000
Bernard Sunley
10,000
National Lottery Fund
10,000
Crowdfunding
26,894
TG Lynes
7,500
Interest on account
313
Chapman Charitable Trust
1,000
Halloween
159
Winter trail
502
Calendar
197
Tree planting
415
804
Other fundraising
TOTAL INCOMING RESOURCES
3,608
330,033
RESOUCES EXPENDED
Charitable Expenditure
Project Activities
454
Festivals & Events
Equipment
4
General Administration Cost
257
Consumables & Maintenance
534
32
Other expenses
67
Professional fees
1,130
Prizes & giveaways
193
Hub expenses
77,885
TOTAL RESOUCES EXPENDED
538
80,019
Net Incomings and (outgoings)
3,070
250,014
BALANCE BROUGHT FORWARD
5,981
88,003
TOTAL FUNDS AT 31 MAR
9,052
338,017		 Total
Total
Funds
Funds
2023
2022
£
£
3,064
71,504
197
218
114,620
25,000
122,977
10,000
10,000
10,000
26,894
7,500
313
1,000
159
502
197
1,219
403
333,641
72,126
454
128
164
4
636
257
39
566
67
165
1,130
559
193
77,885
80,557
1,691
253,084
70,435
93,984
23,550
347,068
93,984

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FRIENDS OF FIRS FARM (1177069)

Period Ended 31[st] March 2023

FRIENDS OF FIRS FARM FRIENDS OF FIRS FARM FRIENDS OF FIRS FARM
Statement of Assets and Liabilities as at 31st March 2023
Notes
Current Assets
Debtor
Cash at Bank and in Hand
Deposit and Cash
Non-current Assets
Asset Under Construction
Current Liabilities
Creditors: Falling due within one year
Accruals and Creditors
Net Assets
As Represented By:
Restricted Fund
Unrestricted fund
Total Funds		 2023
£
-
107,556
-
239,511
-
-
347,068
338,017
9,052
347,068		 2022
£
-
93,984
-
-
-
-
93,984
88,686
5,298
**93,984 **

The accounts were approved by the Trustees on 13[th] June 2023 and signed on their behalf by:

………………………......... …………………….............

Chair Treasurer

Toni Guiver Simon Jarosch

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Period Ended 31[st] March 2023

FRIENDS OF FIRS FARM (1177069)

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 the clearing of the ponds, maintenance equipment for the play area and eco club.

6. Fixed assets

The organisation is in the process of constructing the community hub. It is expected that the hub will be fully operational by Q1 2024. Until that time the building is classified as an Asset Under Construction (AUC). The AUC is £239,511, which is the capitalised expenditure on the construction of the hub. There has been no depreciation or write-offs in the reporting period.

Following the completion of the building on receipt of the completion certificate, the asset will be reclassified as a tangible fixed asset.

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FRIENDS OF FIRS FARM (1177069)

Period Ended 31[st] March 2023

7 . Restricted Fund

Restricted funds of £330,254 were received, mainly in relation to the Community Hub. The restricted fund balance carried forward into 2024 is £338,017 relating primarily to the community hub that is recorded as an Asset Under Construction at £239,511.

8. Unrestricted Fund

Unrestricted funds were generated from Donation & fundraising. The current balance of £9,052 is carried forward into the next financial year.

These are accumulated to enable the organisation to continue its activities in case of loss of funding and to meet organisational objectives in line with the reserve policy.

9. Staff Cost

The organisation has no paid staff on payroll.

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

13[th] June 2023

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 2023.

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Message from the Trustees – Thank you for your continued support with this special blue-green space!

Community hub

We may have gone through Covid, but the repercussions were still with us during this past year. The result of which was a huge increase in the build costs in addition to the difficulties in accessing materials and labour. Thankfully work progressed throughout 2022 due mostly to the fact that we managed to raise a further £200k to cover the additional build costs.

The first spade went into the ground to begin the work on the foundations after which on 31[st] January 2023 we welcomed the craning in of the six modular building that have since been joined, sealed and now wait for the utilities connections to be completed before the internal fitout later in 2023.

We thank our many sponsors for their patience who include Sport England, Enfield council, and Thames Water. There will be more of an update on the Hub at the AGM meeting.

Crematorium

It was confirmed by the council in 2022, that this will not be progressing in Firs Farm.

Events

This past year included the NEW and well attended Winter walk with a popular Santas Grotto, organised by local elves supported by the Boys Brigade

Thank you to the Firs Farm Volunteers

This much valued team of dedicated people have for the 9[th] year running given up their own time for free to help make a difference to this much-loved blue & green community space. Firs Farm would not be what it is today without them.

Duke of Edinburgh – We continue to see more and more young people joining us each year and for them to get to know and understand more about volunteering in their local wetlands and how they can contribute.

Thank you The FOFF Trustees

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Firs Farm Wetlands and Playing Fields and its unique position in the borough of Enfield brings a diverse community of people together. One of the borough’s earliest and largest flood alleviation schemes has in under ten years, evolved into an important blue/green space, a diverse habitat for hundreds more species; enriching the lives of residents. It is also an award-winning wetland, visited by scientific institutions, ecological groups and local authorities from across the country to study both the environmental and amenity benefits in creating an amazing sustainable urban drainage system (SUDs). Recent visitors include ZSL (Zoological Society of London), Imperial College and Brunel University, even though currently Firs Farm has no facilities.

Once the hub is open many environmental & scientific groups are keen to hold workshops to demonstrate their value in reducing water borne pollution and other climate change challenges.

In March 2023 Firs Farm was visited by a party of experts from the EU funded HYDROUSA project, seeking innovative ways of creative circular water systems, who were very complementary about the level of community engagement at Firs Farm. We host both community & company volunteering opportunities.

Information and projects from the twelve months to end of March 2023

Our Trustees and members

We currently have 258 members of which 7 are trustees, with around approximately 20 active volunteers. As a charity we are only as good as our Trustees and members and so we thank all members who got involved in the last year’s work for the Friends of Firs Farm and we encourage others who feel that protecting a green space is important for the community to come forward. Whatever skills you believe will support the charity aims, particularly if you have secretary, admin, sport, events, contract or legal skills that will support the charity. We are keen to involve more people with an interest in the history, wildlife, education and environment. If any of these are of interest do please get in touch.

Volunteers & Tree Planting

The Firs Farm volunteers have been busy catching up on many of the gardening tasks in Firs Farm Wetlands. A favourite of ours, is in supporting local young people in achieving their Duke of Edinburgh - Volunteering section. Enfield Society joined forces with us in February 2023 to help tackle much of the invasive vegetation on the Tree bund to the west end of the picnic field. What an amazing team they were – Thank you

Tree planting

As always, the tree planting events were a huge success. It was lovely to see so many from the community who came to get involved with these activities. Fun was had by all including local councillors, families and local school children who came to help plant more than 88 large trees all over 2m tall including white birch, rowan, hazel, Cornus mas (cornelian cherry) and several large fruiting trees. On top of this we planted 500 whips including 50 cherry plums, over the past 12 months. Both the Cornus mass (planted December 2022) and the Japanese Sakura project Cherry Trees (planted 2021) were a wonderful sight in full bloom early 2023. Tasks to water, weed and mulch these continue to be carried out by regular volunteers and residents. This important planting and care of our trees, supports mitigating some of the climate change, attracts and supports further wildlife.

Get out & Get Active in Firs Farm

It is important for us to continue encouraging families to ‘Get out and Get Active’ in Firs Farm. We have held a number of events throughout the year which have proved to be popular even though these have been lowkey due to only coming out of the Covid pandemic in 2022. The long-term project of the multi-sport pitch is unfortunately still in limbo with the council. Sadly, this project would have made a difference to the local hockey and football teams this year and we continue to encourage the council to now progress this project to no avail. The councils Enfield Sports strategy (adopted April 2018) has yet to be progressed by the council. Our intention of the Hub is to regenerate interest in sport at Firs Farm in addition to the popular tennis courts that we were instrumental in bringing back to Firs Farm in 2018.

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Wildlife

The terrapins appear to have moved on where we do not at this point know Have you seen them?. Egyptian geese have had several reasonably successful broods in the past year. Incredibly the last batch for 2022 hatched in October. It is good to see protected species are still thriving e.g.: water voles, slow worms, and stag beetles to name but a few.

Annual Council Walkabout – Gates and bins!

The annual ‘Walkabout’ with the council parks officers, councillors and the FOFF last took place in 2022.

This meeting is an opportunity to discuss concerns and aspirations for the park. We are still in discussions with the council in terms of the paths, vegetation, benches all-round the 1 mile circuit, and entrance to the car park including DDA parking. Some progress early Spring 2023 with working group from the council helping to reduce brambles as these have spread quite significantly over the Covid period.

Gating and fencing for better site security is still something that we have to carry forward due to the time spent on the Hub Building. We will share updates of future maintenance / improvements / changes as and when we are in a position to do so.

Social Media / Google maps / website

We currently reviewing our website to giving with a view to launching a new look site in the coming year 2023/24. Look out for a bright new website before the year end. We will continue using Facebook, Twitter and Instagram.

Our rating on Googles maps remains at a healthy 4.5. (532 good reviews).

Google reports that the average time spent there by visitors is 45 minutes we expect this figure to change once the community hub is built.

Funding/donations

Funds/pledges have again increased this last year particularly around the community hub. Please refer to the Finance report for further information.

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 of more than 23,000.

There is no membership fee in order to keep the group ‘open to all’, although donations are always welcome. ☺ 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 2023 ended Charity no.: 1177069 Company no.: - Set out on pages 1-14 (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 / 2023.

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:

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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.

----- Start of picture text -----
Date: 26/01/2024
----- End of picture text -----

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 2022 Period start date To 31[st] March 2023 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		 The main activity was the development and
installation of thecommunity hub.It has been
many years in the making and getting the shell
on site in January 2023 was an enormous
achievement. Many areas remain to be
completed, including the connection of the
utilities, but the hub has gone from its conceptual
stage to a reality. It is a massive undertaking with
the FoFF coordinating all the workstreams and
ensuring that the hub is delivered to the required
specification.
In 2022/23 a further 2,000+ trees were planted.
The extreme heat in July and August caused
stress to the young trees, so watering facilities
were installed and volunteers helped to water
them.
It is important for us to encourage families to ‘Get
out and Get active’. The ‘children’s area’ remains
a favourite for local families to spend time in a
space, that helps to engage and keep them
amused. New additions include a chess table
and new seating. Unfortunately, vandalism
resulted in the loss of the musical toys.
While the development of the hub didn’t allow
more time for bigger events or activities, there is
ongoing development of the wetlands with an
interpretation of both history and the orchard to
provide an audio guide to the wetlands. Also,
new benches were ordered to assist particularly
those less able to access the 1-mile circuit
around Firs Farm.
Statement confirming
whether the trustees have
had regard to the guidance
issued by the Charity		 Para 1.18 The charity makes available to all Trustees the
requirements and guidance issued by the Charity
Commission.

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Commission on public benefit

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 hub
development, decorations were put up for
Halloween and Christmas, tree planting
continued to take place in the year and corporate
activity days continued following the end of lock-
down.

Financial Review

Financial Review
Review of the charity’s
financial position at the end
of the period		 Para 1.21 There were total funds of £107,778 at the end of
the reporting period and £13,794 of net income
achieved over the year.
Statement explaining the
policy for holding reserves
stating why they are held		 Para 1.22 The target level of reserves, from unrestricted
funds, is 3 months’ worth of expenditure.
Amount of reserves held Para 1.22 £9,052
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, royal charter)		 Para 1.25 Constitution
How is the charity
constituted?
(e.g unincorporated
association, CIO)		 Para 1.25 The charity is set up as a Charitable Incorporated
Organisation.
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

Charity name Friends of Firs Farm
Other name the charity uses None
Registered charity number 1177069

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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 (ifany)
Toni Guiver Chair
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 whole year **
-
-
-
-
-
-

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Funds held as custodian trustees on behalf of others

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

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

Signature(s) Full name(s) Toni Guiver Simon Jarosch Position (eg Secretary, Chair, etc)[Chair ] Trustee Date 30th January 2024

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