## **Trustees’ Annual Report for the period** **From: 01/10/23 Period start date To: 30/09/24 Period end date** **Charity name: FRIENDS OF RIDLEY PARK (FORP)** **Charity registration number: 1177588** ## **Objectives and Activities** ||SORP reference|| |---|---|---| |Summary of the purposes of
the charity as set out in its
governing document|Para 1.17|**FORP was set up to:**
•
help the inhabitants of Blyth and
its surrounding area by providing or
assisting in the provision of
facilities for recreation and other
leisure time occupation.
•
improve the conditions of life for
the inhabitants in the area of
benefit by the preservation,
promotion, support, assistance and
improvement of Ridley Park.| |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|**Park entrance project to improve the**
**main entrance to make it more**
**attractive to the local community.**
Funding was received from:
•
One Lottery
•
Pavilion hire donations
•
Bank interest
•
Easyfundraising
**Nature projects to improve and promote**
**biodiversity in the park.**
Funding was received from:
•
Co-op Community Fund
**Picnic bench to provide additional**
**seating and disabled access around the**
**play areas.**This was completed in August
2024 but full funding was received during
2022/23
•
Northumberland County Council
Community grant
•
Private donation| |||No funding was required for the following
activities.
**Heritage activities to promote and**
**record the past of the park characters.**
•
Bill & Ben mascots
•
FORP CONNECT newsletters
**Public Engagement to promote Ridley**
**Park and the activities of Friends of**
**Ridley Park to the wider community.**
•
Thriving Together Network Event
•
Northumberland Wildlife Trust &
Natural England Green Social
prescribing event
•
Blyth Library Green Living Day
•
Blyth Town Carnival parade
•
Northumberland County Council
“Love your Park’ promotion
•
Visit from Friends of Astley Park
•
Blyth Library Skills Share Day
•
Blythfest “stained glass” window
display
**Training/awards:**
FORP contribute to the award by their
community involvement in Ridley Park.
•
Green Flag award 2024 - 2025| |---|---|---| |Statement confirming
whether the trustees have
had regard to the guidance
issued by the Charity
Commission on public
benefit|Para 1.18|The trustees have observed the
Commission’s statutory guidance on public
benefit to improve facilities and activities
within Ridley Park.| ## **Additional information (optional)** You may choose to include further statements where relevant about: ||SORP reference|| |---|---|---| |Policy on grant making|Para 1.38|| |Policy on social investment
including program related
investment|Para 1.38|| |Contribution made by
volunteers|Para 1.38|Treasurer: 2.5 hours weekly (130 hours)
Secretary: 2.5 hours weekly (130 hours)
Trustee: 1 hour weekly (70 hours)
Accounts auditor: 8 hours
Weekly Jobs in the Park: 306 hours per
year
Community event attendance: 70 hours
**Total for year: 784 hours**| Other ## **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|**Park entrance**
During this financial year FORP has
continued to liaise with Northumberland
County Council who will project manage
the works. FORP transferred the sum of
£24,000 as its contribution towards the
new park entrance to Northumberland
County Council in August 2024. By 30
September 2024, the commission award
letter was prepared and waiting for
finance panel final approval. All approvals
for the project are now in place.
FORP fundraising efforts for the park
entrance continued through One Lottery
ticket sales, bank interest and pavilion
hire donations. This is to build up and ring
fence a maintenance fund for this project
which will substantially enhance and
promote the park to the community. The
park entrance has been driven forward by
community involvement. It was designed
by students from The Blyth Academy with
the aim of giving young people pride in a
local feature.
**Nature projects**
This financial year saw the continuation of
nature projects started during 2022 – 2023
(Asda funding of £400 received in the
previous year) and the new projects
undertaken upon receipt of Co-op funding
(£1874.11) received in November 2023.
Completed projects: bug hotel planting;
purchase of two monkey puzzle trees and
perennials, support for bird screen and
nest boxes project, purchase of bat
detector and garden tools, pollinator
posters for the pavilion and bird screen
poster of birds in the park were designed
by members, one large bed of perennial
plants purchased for an area near the rose
garden.
These have contributed to raising
awareness of biodiversity to members and
the general public by explaining the
planting strategies in the park. The
purchase of equipment has allowed| members to participate more easily in nature activities within Ridley Park. With the remaining balance from the nature funding project, members have agreed to contribute £700 to a new wooden pergola in the rose garden and £160 for climbing roses. This is due to be completed late 2024. **Picnic bench** A grant of £500 was received in 2022 – 2023 financial year from the Northumberland County Council to buy a picnic bench made of recycled materials with wheelchair access. A private donation was received to make up the balance of funding. This bench was installed in August 2024 and provides a wheelchair accessible picnic table for the general public. It is situated close to the toilets and entrance to the park. This bench replaces a wooden bench previously vandalised and makes good use of existing hardstanding. **Other achievements** These relied on volunteer time and minimal or no financial input from FORP. Members bring a positive presence to the park to improve the park for all the community. Some members work together on creative projects, while others are active on engagement with groups in the wider community: • **JOBS IN THE PARK** (weekly session) Activities include litter picking, deadheading roses, bird-screen and pavilion maintenance, light gardening, window displays, nest box audit and report, RSPB bird survey, Blyth Rotary crocus planting for World Polio Day. Members provide a welcoming and positive presence in the park. Visitors frequently comment how beautiful and well-kept Ridley Park is and appreciate the activities carried out by the volunteers. • **FORP CONNECT** – 4 digital editions of the newsletter were produced. This helps charity trustees stay in touch with Ridley Park, especially those with an underlying health condition, living alone or socially isolated. The newsletter ||started during COVID-19 and has| |---|---| ||continued to be well-received. It is| ||also considered a valuable archive| ||resource for FORP.| |•|**BILL & BEN FORP MASCOTS**:| ||volunteers took them to the official| ||opening of the new Co-op store in| ||Blyth, the Easter event in Ridley| ||Park and Blyth Town Pirate| ||Carnival Parade.| ||Bill & Ben mascots are beautifully| ||decorated throughout the year and| ||provide a delightful link with the| ||park’s past. A member has| ||produced a history book and| ||timeline of Bill & Ben for the| ||general public to enjoy.| |•|**CREATIVE PROJECTS**- Christmas| ||tree decorations were handmade| ||by members for the annual tree| ||festival; Stained glass images of| ||flora and fauna of the park were| ||made for the pavilion windows as| ||part of Blythfest.| ||This has allowed the creative| ||talent of members to come| ||together and produce something| ||for all the community to enjoy.| |•|**PAVILION USE**– different groups| ||and individuals from the wider| ||community have used the space| ||throughout the year. In addition,| ||Blyth Town Council used the| ||pavilion as a base during park| ||events and Northumberland County| ||Council used the pavilion for their| ||Green Spaces team and first aid| ||training sessions.| ||The pavilion benefits from its| ||location in a park and is suitable| ||for a variety of community uses.| Additional information (optional) You may choose to include further statements where relevant about: **----- Start of picture text -----**
Achievements against Para 1.41
objectives set
Performance of fundraising
activities against objectives Para 1.41
set
Investment performance Para 1.41
against objectives
Other
**----- End of picture text -----**
## Financial Review |Review of the charity’s
financial position at the end
of the period|Para 1.21|Expenditure continues to be carefully
monitored. The bank balance has
decreased substantially this year due to
the payment of FORP’s contribution of
£24,000 to the new park entrance.
Funding received for other specific
projects has now been used and the
projects either completed or remaining
funds allocated.
The insurance premium has increased year
on year which can put pressure on
cashflow for smaller projects and
overheads.
New income has been generated this year
by an interest paying account linked to the
current account.| |---|---|---| |Statement explaining the
policy for holding reserves
stating why they are held|Para 1.22|Friends of Ridley Park aim to hold £1000 in
reserves as this will ensure we can cover
our Public Liability insurance costs which
continue to increase each year.| |Amountof reservesheld|Para 1.22|£1000.00| |Reasons for holding zero
reserves|Para 1.22|| |Details of fund materially in
deficit|Para 1.24|| |Explanation of any
uncertainties about the
charity continuing as a going
concern|Para 1.23|| ## **Additional information (optional)** You may choose to include further statements where relevant about: |The charity’s principal
sources of funds (including
any fundraising)|Para 1.47|| |---|---|---| |Investment policy and
objectives including any
social investment policy
adopted|Para 1.46|| |A description of the principal
risks facing the charity|Para 1.46|| |Other||| ## **Structure, Governance and Management** |Description of charity’s
trusts:||| |---|---|---| |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|Charitable Incorporated Organisation (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|Appointed by Charity Trustees of Friends
of Ridley Park| Additional information (optional) You may choose to include further statements where relevant about: |Policies and procedures
adopted for the induction
and training of trustees|Para 1.51|Safeguarding Policy
Data Protection Policy
Health & Safety Policy
Equality and Diversity Policy
Volunteer Policy
Social Media Policy| |---|---|---| |The charity’s organisational
structure and any wider
network with which the
charity works|Para 1.51|| |Relationship with any
related parties|Para 1.51|| |Other||| ## **Reference and Administrative details** |Charity name|Friends of Ridley Park| |---|---| |Other name the charity uses|| |Registered charitynumber|1177588| |Charity’s principal address|4 Park View
Blyth
NE24 3AY| ||| ## **Names of the charity trustees who manage the charity** |1
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20|**Trustee name**|**Office (if any)**|**Dates acted if not for whole**
**year **|**Name of person (or body) entitled**
**to appoint trustee (ifany)**| |---|---|---|---|---| ||Fiona Gibson|||Trustees of Friends of Ridley
Park| ||John Young|Treasurer|November 2023 -
present|Trustees of Friends of Ridley
Park| |||||| |||||| |||||| |||||| |||||| |||||| |||||| |||||| |||||| |||||| |||||| |||||| |||||| |||||| |||||| |||||| |||||| |||||| ## – 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** ## **Funds held as custodian trustees on behalf of others** Description of the assets held in this capacity Name and objects of the charity on whose behalf the assets are held and how this falls within the custodian charity’s objects Details of arrangements for safe custody and segregation of such assets from the charity’s own assets ## **Additional information (optional)** ## **Names and addresses of advisers (Optional information)** |**Names and addresses of advisers (Optional information)**|**Names and addresses of advisers (Optional information)**|**Names and addresses of advisers (Optional information)**| |---|---|---| |**Type of**
**adviser**
**Name**
**Address**||| |||| |||| |||| |||| |**Name of chief executive or names of senior staff members (Optional information)**||| |||| ## **Exemptions from disclosure** Reason for non-disclosure of key personnel details ## **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**||| |---|---|---| ||Fiona Mary Gibson|| ||

Trustee|| ||27 November 2024|| ||27 November 2024|| FRIENDS OF RIDLEY PARK Wensleydale Terrace. Blyth. NE24 3HF Chari Commission Number: 1177588 Statement of Accounts For the Year Ended 30 September 2024 FRIENDS OF RIDLEY PARK ComtsNssy)nllurnbÈr.. 1177588 RECEIPTS & PAYMENTS ACCOUNT- YEAR ENDED 30TH SÉPTEMBER 2 24 Total F￿nd&aL tstoctober 2D23 29.7L9.68 RECEIFf5 Donations Donatknns- Pa￿50n Usè Donath>ns- One iottÈry Prizes 384.72 L049.72 Gtshts&A Ctrop Lotal Communtyscheme 74.77 1.874.77 Other ft Easv Fundiaisin8 Rec•ms One Loiteryricket Sa￿5 Refunds L￿Y￿S 5avin8SAcc0u￿t Interest 101.S6 1.012.L¥J 301.39 1.424.95 TAL RECEIVED OURINGTHE YEAR 4,349.44 34,rA9.12 PAYMÉNTS Miscellaneou5 Pro InsUr￿ce- Combined PofKv NCC- Gwning LKence foi ODe Lottery Fbwer5for Member G¥dehing Eqviprntrt 1st Aid Refill Grft vouche¥foT1let¥ingTr￿SIee 8111 & 8en Maintenance pos￿#t5 Craft Materi￿5 388.50 41.50 14.75 19.74 16.50 1.95 20X 572 94 EDrrance Pro Conlribution Towards NCC Paw* EntrJTrce Costs 24.(IXI.C id Screen & Nest eoxes Pro Bird F(￿Ort Bwd Scieen Poster rée5t Boxe5 Maintenance 42. latu￿ Pro ect TrEe5 eat Detertor Gar(feh Tools P¢sttTS Plants 78.99 35.¢M) 928.85 1.124.84 NCC- Pi¢tsK Table 831. PAIO DURING TH AR 26.6N.69 tember 2024 7,464.43 34,069.12 FRIENDS OF RIDLEY PARK ari Comrnis&￿ Number.. 1177588 STATEMENTOF MEMBER'S FUNDS ASAT 30TH SEPTEMBER 2024 Asseis & Lialx"liiies Cash at Bank & In Hand.. Balance * Uoyds BHnk C3sh in Hand 7.450.36 14.07 Total Assets 7,464.43 Total tiabliies 0.00 7,464.43 Represented By:_ Miscellaneous Projert Park Entrance Project Bird Screen & Nest Boxes Projeci Nature Project Seatirg Project 939.30 5,174.22 413.66 875.16 62.09 nature (Trusreel N4rne ric•Jh kl C16Sc hl Date nature eel Name OH Date 2J // FRIENDS OF RIDLEY PARK Accounts for the Year Ended 30 Se tember 2024 Inde endent Examinerfs Re ort Having examined the accounts of "Friends of Ridley Park" the receipts and payments are, to the best of my knowledge, a true and accurate record. Signed- Name: Joan Dearden Date: Address: Qfi, Phone: 07926 522553 Charity Commission Number: 1177588