## **FRIENDS OF FIRS FARM** **Charity Incorporated Organisation (C.I.O)** ## **Financial Statements** ## **For the period ended** ## **31[st] March 2024** ## **Registered Charity No: 1177069** 1 Period Ended 31[st] March 2024 ## **FRIENDS OF FIRS FARM** (1177069) ## **Principal address:** Firs Farm Community Hub Firs Lane Winchmore Hill London N21 2PJ ## **Trustees and Committee Members:** Toni Guiver Paul Guiver 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 2 ## **FRIENDS OF FIRS FARM** (1177069) ## Period Ended 31[st] March 2024 ## Contents **Trustees’ Report** ................................................................................................................................................ 4 **Notes to the accounts** ...................................................................................................................................... 9 **AGM Report** ..................................................................................................................................................... 11 **Independent Examiner’s Report** .................................................................................................................. 14 **Trustees’ Annual Report for the period** .................................................................................................... 16 3 ## **FRIENDS OF FIRS FARM** (1177069) Period Ended 31[st] March 2024 ## **Trustees’ Report** ## **Annual Report** The trustees are pleased to present their annual report for the period ending 31[st] March 2024, 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** Further funds were received in the year ended 31[st] March 2024 for the finalisation of the community hub. Most of the funds received were spent in the year. More events took place during the year as well, including Halloween and Santa’s grotto, which attracted donations from the public. ## **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. 4 ## **Our volunteers** Friends of Firs Farm is very involved in the community and relies on voluntary help. Around 25 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: - an annual review of the principal risks and uncertainties that the charity undertake. - the establishment of policies, systems and procedures to mitigate those risks identified in the annual review; and - the implementation of procedures designed to minimise or manage any potential impact on the charity should those risks materialise. 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. 5 ## **FRIENDS OF FIRS FARM** (1177069) ## Period Ended 31[st] March 2024 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 2025 6 Period Ended 31[st] March 2024 ## **FRIENDS OF FIRS FARM** (1177069) ## **Financial Accounts** |**FRIENDS OF FIRS FARM**
**Receipt and Payment Account for the year ended 31st March 2024**|**FRIENDS OF FIRS FARM**
**Receipt and Payment Account for the year ended 31st March 2024**| |---|---| |**Unrestricted Restricted**
**Funds**
**Funds**
**INCOMING RESOURCES**
**£**
**£**
Donation
4,312
540
Eco club
Sport England
Thames Water
London Marathon Fund
20,000
Groundworks
46,064
Garfield
Bernard Sunley
National Lottery Fund
6,033
Crowdfunding
TG Lynes
Tudor Trust
2,000
Interest on account
1,363
Chapman Charitable Trust
Halloween
921
Winter trail
561
Calendar
Tree planting
Other fundraising
**TOTAL INCOMING RESOURCES**
**7,156**
**74,637**
**RESOUCES EXPENDED**
**Charitable Expenditure**
Project Activities
118
Festivals & Events
Equipment
275
General Administration Cost
368
Consumables & Maintenance
292
Other expenses
307
Professional fees
450
Prizes & giveaways
Hub expenses
96,956
Hub depreciation
7,848
**TOTAL RESOUCES EXPENDED**
1,810
104,804
**Net Incomings and (outgoings)**
5,347
(30,167)
**BALANCE BROUGHT FORWARD**
9,052
338,017
**TOTAL FUNDS AT 31 MAR**
14,398
307,850|**Total**
**Total**
**Funds**
**Funds**
**2024**
**2023**
**£**
**£**
4,852
3,064
197
114,620
25,000
20,000
46,064
122,977
10,000
10,000
6,033
10,000
26,894
7,500
2,000
1,363
313
1,000
921
159
561
502
197
1,219
**81,794**
**333,641**
118
454
275
4
368
257
292
566
307
67
450
1,130
193
96,956
77,885
7,848
106,613
80,557
(24,820)
253,084
347,068
93,984
322,249
347,068| 7 Period Ended 31[st] March 2024 ## **FRIENDS OF FIRS FARM** (1177069) |**FRIENDS OF FIRS FARM**|**FRIENDS OF FIRS FARM**|**FRIENDS OF FIRS FARM**| |---|---|---| |**Statement of Assets and Liabilities as at 31st March 2024**||| |Notes
**Current Assets**
Debtor
Cash at Bank and in Hand
Deposit and Cash
**Non-current Assets**
Asset Under Construction
PPE
**Current Liabilities**
Creditors: Falling due within one year
Accruals and Creditors
Net Assets
**As Represented By:**
Restricted Fund
Unrestricted fund
**Total Funds**|**2024**
**£**
-
50,826
-
-
271,423
-
-
**322,249**
307,850
14,398
**322,249**|**2023**
**£**
-
107,556
-
239,511
-
-
-| |||**347,068**| |||338,017
9,052| |||**347,068**| The accounts were approved by the Trustees on 28[th] June 2024 and signed on their behalf by: ………………………......... ……………………............. Chair Treasurer Toni Guiver Simon Jarosch 8 Period Ended 31[st] March 2024 ## **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** With the completion of the community hub build, the organisation has acquired a fixed asset. 9 ## **FRIENDS OF FIRS FARM** (1177069) Period Ended 31[st] March 2024 ## **7** . **Restricted Fund** Restricted funds of £74,637 were received, mainly in relation to the Community Hub with the biggest donation from the London Marathon Fund. Many other donations from individuals, organisations and charitable funds were gratefully received. Expenditure of restricted funds took place for the year ended 2024 relating primarily to the construction of the community hub. The restricted fund balance carried forward into 2025 is £307,850. ## **8. Unrestricted Fund** Unrestricted funds were generated from generous donations & fundraising activities, such as the Halloween trail and Santa’s Grotto. The current balance of £14,398 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 10 ## **AGM Report** ## Community hub Finally, we did it! Despite the huge increase in the build costs and challenges we faced in bringing in the services and utilities. Locating the sewer drainage pipework and fresh water source was a humongous challenge 23rd February saw the doors open for the first time to the warm welcome from the general public. Water sadly is still an ongoing issue with pressure on the low side, so we will hold off the ‘official opening’ until this is completed Sewer problems resolved with thanks to LBE. Work still to be done on the sensory room, internal fit out of some of the interior areas and to bring in a Bike / buggy shelter with a bit of landscaping. Volunteering is a must for 2024 and beyond to help achieve this and to maintain the areas to keep welcoming the community. We thank our many sponsors who include Sport England, Enfield council, Thames Water and London Marathon Foundation and more besides for their patience and generous contributions to this amazing, much needed facility. ## Events This past year included the 2[nd] well attended Winter Walk with a popular Santas Grotto, organised by local elves supported again by the Boys Brigade – Thank you. ## Thank you to the Firs Farm Volunteers This much valued team of dedicated people have for the 10[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 Chris Ferrary, Simon Jarosch, Geraldine Cosh, Paul Guiver, Lisa Chapman & Toni Guiver 11 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). The new facilities we hope will only encourage more of these special visitors. We host both community & company volunteering opportunities. ## **Our Trustees and members** We currently have over 250 members of which 6 are trustees, with around approximately 25 part time active volunteers who work on various projects in-between work, family and other commitments. As a charity we are only as good as our Trustees, volunteers and members without whom our work would not be possible. We thank all the volunteers who were 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 and join us. ## **Volunteers – Thank you** We are very proud of the volunteers that turn up each and every week (Mondays and Saturdays) to carry out numerous gardening tasks that support maintaining Firs Farm Wetlands as a very special Go To green space. Thanks also to those who supported local young people in achieving their Duke of Edinburgh - Volunteering section. Corporate volunteering is on the increase now that the new hub with facilities are in place. It has been encouraging seeing the increase in the number of community groups including schools, scout and local families who supported our tree planting and care over the last 12 months. Tthe heavy watering throughout the dryer season was made more difficult due to the further vandalism in the old compound where once stood the football changing rooms. 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** We have held a number of events throughout the year which have proved to be popular and encouraged activities with other groups and can already see an improved uptake of activities including the regular joggers, walkers and cyclists over the last year. Edmonton running group are regular users of Firs Farm as are a number of cycling groups. With the opening of the new hub facilities, 2024 is going to make such a difference, to so many in visiting Firs Farm. Our intention of the Hub is to bring the community together, to regenerate interest in sport at Firs Farm in addition to the ever-increasing popularity of Firs Farm tennis courts that we were instrumental in bringing back to Firs Farm in 2018. 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 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. ## **Wildlife** The terrapins are still around, and numbers are on the increase. The swans come and go every years but have never felt comfortable enough to remain and net yet in Firs Farm. With the latest planting in the wetlands cell by the ‘windows’ we hope that the increase in vegetation will encourage more wildlife to this special habitat. The Egyptian geese are a favourite with locals. Numbers have increased year on year in the UK to the point that - in some circles these are considered to be an invasive species. https://www.waterfowl.org.uk/wildfowl/true - ducks/egyptian goose/#:~:text=The%20Order%20makes%20it%20an,and%20Ruddy%20Ducks%20Oxyura%20jamaicensis. 12 It is good to see some of our more protected species continuing to thrive at Firs Farm e.g.: water voles, slow worms, and stag beetles to name but a few. We are keen for volunteers to get involved in the team to help with wildlife surveys Please contact the charity if you are interested. ## **Social Media / Google maps / website** Our bright new website was launched in the first quarter of 2024 thanks to the many hours of work by Helen Osman. Chris Ferrary and Ruth Smith. We are still reviewing content for completeness and accuracy so if you spot anything please raise it with us We continue to use Facebook, Twitter and Instagram Googles maps remains at a healthy 4.5 with 559 good reviews. Google reports that the average time spent there by visitors is 60 minutes we expect this figure to change with the fantastic new Firs Farm Community Hub. ## **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 27,000.** 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** 13 ## **Independent Examiner’s Report** Independent examiner's report on the accounts ||||||||| |---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---| |||||Independent examiner's report on
the accounts|||| |Section A Independent Examiner’s Report|||||||| |**Report to the**
**trustees/directors/**
**members of**
**On accounts for the year**
**ended**
**Set out on pages**
**Responsibilities and basis of**
**report**|||||||| |||Friends of Firs Farm|||||| ||||||||| |||31stMarch 2024|||||| ||||||||| |||**Charity no.:**|1177069||Company no.:||-| ||||||||| |||1-14|(remember to include the page numbers of additional sheets)||||| ||||||||| 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: 14 - accounting records were not kept in accordance with section 386 of the Companies Act 2006; or ## **Independent examiner's statement** - the accounts do not accord with such records; or • 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 - •the accounts have not been prepared in accordance with the Charities SORP (FRS102). 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: 27/01/2025
Signed:
Name: Nicholas Hayes
**----- End of picture text -----**
**Relevant professional** Institute of Chartered Accountants England and Wales **qualification(s) or body (if any):** **Address:** 58 Brooklands Park London SE3 9AJ 15 ## **Trustees’ Annual Report for the period** **From 1[st] April 2023 Period start date To 31[st] March 2024 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 the**community hub.**It has been
many years in the making and the final elements
were completed in Q1 to prepare for the opening.
It was a massive undertaking with the FoFF
coordinating all the workstreams and ensuring
that the hub is delivered to the required
specification.
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.
While the development of the hub didn’t allow
more time for bigger events or activities, there is
ongoing development of the wetlands.| |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 16 ||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 £50,826 at the end of
the reporting period and -£24,820 of net income
achieved over the year.
The charity now owns PPE of £271,423 as at 31st
March 2024.| |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 reserves held|Para 1.22|£14,398| |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| |Charity’s principal address|Firs Farm Community Hub,
Firs Lane,
Winchmore Hill,
London, N21 2PJ| 17 ## **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||| ||Paul Guiver|Trustee||| ||Chris Ferrary|Trustee||| ||Geraldine Cosh|Trustee||| ||Lisa Chapman|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**|| |---|---|---| |**-**||| |**-**||| |**-**||| |**-**||| |**-**||| |**-**||| 19 ## **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)**
**Position (eg Secretary,**
**Chair, etc) **
**Date**||| |---|---|---| |||| ||Toni Guiver|Simon Jarosch| ||
Chair|Trustee| ||30thJanuary 2025|| ||30thJanuary 2025|| 20