2025-03-31-accounts - Cross Green - Growing Together

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Cross Green - Growing Together

Charity number 1178267

Annual Report and Financial Statements

for the year ended 31 March 2025

Cross Green - Growing Together

Annual Report and Financial Statements for the year ended 31 March 2025

Contents	Page
Trustees' report	2 to 5
Examiner's report	6
Receipts and payments account	7
Statement of assets and liabilities	8
Notes to the accounts	9 to 11

Prepared by West Yorkshire Community Accountancy Service CIO

Cross Green - Growing Together

Trustees' report for the year ended 31 March 2025

Reference and administrative details of the charity, its trustees and advisors

The trustees during the financial year and up to and including the date the report was approved were: Name Position Dates Father Jonathan Fleury Appointed as Chair 1 July 2025 Appointed 25 March 2025 Cn. Darren Percival Chair Resigned 25 March 2025 Jean Copley Mary Brennan Paul Boyce Pamela Boyce Charity number 1178267 Registered in England and Wales Registered and principal address Bankers 9 Cross Green Crescent Cooperative Bank Leeds PO Box 250 LS9 0DD Skelmerdale WN8 6WT

Independent examiner

Sarah Coates MAAT West Yorkshire Community Accountancy Service CIO Stringer House 34 Lupton Street Leeds LS10 2QW

Structure, governance and management

The charity is a Charitable Incorporated Organisation (CIO) association formed on 8th May 2018 and is governed by a constitution.

Method of recruitment and appointment of trustees

The trustees of the charity are appointed by the members at the AGM.

Cross Green - Growing Together Trustees' report (continued) for the year ended 31 March 2025

Objectives and activities

The charity's objects

To further or benefit the residents of Cross Green and neighbouring wards in the metropolitan district of Leeds, without distinction of sex, sexual orientation, race or of political, religious or other opinions by associating together the said residents and the local authorities, voluntary and other organisations in a common effort to advance education and to provide facilities in the interests of social welfare for recreation and leisure time occupation with the objective of improving the conditions of life for the residents.

In furtherance of these objects but not otherwise, the trustees shall have power:

To establish or secure the establishment of a community centre and to maintain or manage or co-operate with any statutory authority in the maintenance and management of such a centre for activities promoted by the charity in furtherance of the above objects.

Public benefit statement

In setting our objectives and planning our activities our Trustees have given serious consideration to the Charity Commission’s general guidance on public benefit and in particular both ‘Advancement of Education’ and ‘Other Purposes Beneficial To Society’, specifically improvement and engagement with the local environment.

Achievements and performance

We completed our work using the National Lottery Platinum Jubilee Grant and were delighted to be able to continue to build on this thanks to a £19,715 grant from National Lottery Community Fund to enable us to trial the secondment of a part-time Community Development Worker. We have an agreement in place with Hyde Park Source for this and Kelly Ramsden has been seconded to take on this role during the year.

This meant we were able to further develop the ‘cook and eat’ afterschool sessions into a more traditional Afterschool Club to increase the numbers able to attend (to meet demand) and also to broaden the activities (in line with feedback from children). This launched in May 2024 and runs weekly during term time, providing a hot meal and a safe, engaging environment for primary-aged children. Over the course of the year 24 children participated, with attendance between 12 and 15 each week. The group represents a diverse mix of ethnic backgrounds and includes children from asylum-seeking families, those in emergency housing, and families experiencing complex challenges.

Our priorities changed somewhat during this year as we were faced with the challenge of Hyde Park Source having their funding bid rejected for Healthy Holidays provision at Cross Green Community Hub. We worked closely together to secure enough funding from a variety of sources, including in the end 50% from Healthy Holidays themselves – to enable this key provision to run.

A core purpose of the seconded development worker is to work to improve the sustainability of the Cross Green Growing Together Community Garden and Hub by identifying and supporting volunteers to be involved in the delivery of services and activities and to identify other services and activities to meet community needs. Below are just some of their achievements towards this this year:

Cross Green - Growing Together

Trustees' report (continued) for the year ended 31 March 2025

Achievements and performance continued

l Successfully achieved funding to establish Digital Skill Group - 13 weekly sessions were delivered called ‘Ctrl Alt & Eat’, each lasting two hours and including a hot lunch. Initial sessions focused on understanding digital needs and priorities. Early topics included setting up mobile phones for ease of use, using YouTube, voice searches via the Google mic, and initial conversations about online banking and grocery shopping. There was strong resistance to online transactions due to distrust of the internet. Midway through the programme, we focused on supporting families to sign up for the Healthy Holidays database, which had previously caused confusion and resulted in families missing sessions at the garden. This practical support helped improve digital confidence and community engagement. The final sessions included a digital cooking activity where we accessed recipes online, followed video tutorials, made food to take home and with support, placed an online food order. Notably, this included participants who were initially hesitant about online shopping, marking a positive shift in trust and skills. The sessions fostered digital confidence, built trust, and addressed practical needs. This funding enabled us to purchase 10 tablets for community use.
l Successfully recruited new volunteers for both the Gardening Group and Afterschool Club using Be Collective, an online volunteer management platform – the afterschool club now has 2 dedicated volunteers.
l Developed relationships with local parents, one of whom now supports Digital Inclusion sessions and has expressed interest in leading an adult cooking group with a digital element.
l Worked closely with Hyde Park Source to recruit volunteers, including one who now provides SENDrelated peer support.
l Actively refined our volunteer registration process, and supported several lead volunteers to complete Safeguarding and First Aid training.
l Participation in the Leeds Piano Competition Planter Trail – growing medicinal herbs and taking a trip into Leeds City Centre to plant them in a decorated piano planter, which is now displayed in our community garden.
l Creating stop motion animations using tablets provided through our Digital Inclusion Grant. Although we assumed most children would already be confident using tablets, we found several required support. This presented a valuable opportunity to build new digital skills in a fun and creative way.
l A Bonfire Night event– families were invited to enjoy jacket potatoes around the fire, sing songs, and watch a puppet show performed by the children.
l We also delivered willow lantern-making sessions, inviting parents to join in the creative process. This intergenerational activity encouraged family engagement and fostered a strong sense of community.
l Collaborated with Multiply Leeds to deliver cooking sessions (participants received slow cookers) and Junkyard Garden family activities. One Multiply Leeds project worker is now interested in becoming a Cross Green Growing Together trustee.
l Partnered with Space2 to host a successful six-week Homemade Herbals course at the hub.
l Provided support to the local community through welcome spaces sessions and Household Support Funding.

We have hosted several Open Days and events throughout the year to strengthen local engagement, celebrate our shared achievements, and invite feedback on future plans.

l In June, we held a vibrant Open Day to showcase our on-going work and future plans, while gathering input from the local community. Together with the Gardening Group and using fresh produce from our community garden, we prepared and shared - Homemade elderflower cordial, Rhubarb and custard bars and a selection of hot food to nourish and welcome attendees. Families enjoyed a variety of handson activities, including den building and leather jewellery-making, led by a volunteer who helped build the garden we now use as a central community space. The day was full of energy, creativity, and conversation.

Cross Green - Growing Together

Trustees' report (continued) for the year ended 31 March 2025

Achievements and performance continued

l Our Harvest Festival included an apple pressing machine and we created plenty of delicious fresh apple juice using fruit from our local orchard. We were also joined by Space 2, who offered a taster session and a chance to sign-up for their Homemade Herbals course, which we later co-delivered at the hub. Harvested produce from the garden was transformed into a communal meal, including - Veggie sausage stew, Honey-roasted cherry tomato soup and Homemade bread. Local councillors attended the event, giving them an opportunity to learn more about our work and connect with residents in a relaxed and welcoming environment.
l We held a Winter Lantern Parade through the local area. Families, staff, and volunteers took part in this celebratory event, which ended back at the hub with hot food and a display of the beautiful handmade lanterns. A selection of the lanterns was then loaned to Meanwood Farm to feature in their Wassail – Winter Apple Celebration Event, extending the impact and visibility of the children's creative work within the wider community.

Our gardening volunteers enjoyed a trip to Harlow Carr; 37 individuals have been involved in volunteering to look after the garden this year, with a weekly average of 13 attendees.

In total 214 individuals took part in activities at Cross Green Growing Together during this year.

Financial review

The net receipts for the year were £7,370, including net receipts of £1,044 on unrestricted funds and net receipts of £6,326 on restricted funds.

Reserves policy

The charity's free reserves, at the year end were £4,234.

A minimum of 6 months running costs and a budget to remove building on site if lease/licence ends. A target of £3,000 in unrestricted funds will be kept in reserves. Any other unrestricted funds above the £3,000 amount will be allocated into an annual budget.

A target of between £1,500 - £3,000 in unrestricted funds will be kept in reserves.

Any other unrestricted funds above the £3,000 amount will be allocated in to an annual budget.

Approved by the board of trustees on 09/10/2025

Father Jonathan Fleury (Trustee)

Cross Green - Growing Together

Independent examiner's report to the trustees of Cross Green - Growing Together

I report to the charity trustees on my examination of the accounts of the CIO for the year ended 31 March 2025, which are set out on pages 7 to 11.

Responsibilities and basis of report

As the charity trustees of the CIO you are responsible for the preparation of the accounts in accordance with the requirements of the Charities Act 2011 ('the Act').

I report in respect of my examination of the CIO's accounts as carried out under section 145 of the 2011 Act. In carrying out my examination I have followed all the applicable Directions given by the Charity Commission under section 145(5)(b) of the Act.

Independent examiner's statement

I have completed my examination. I confirm that no material matters have come to my attention in connection with the examination giving me cause to believe that in any material respect:

1 accounting records were not kept in respect of the charity as required by section 130 of the Charities Act; 2 the accounts do not accord with those records.

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.

Sarah Coates MAAT

13/10/2025

West Yorkshire Community Accountancy Service CIO

Stringer House 34 Lupton Street Leeds LS10 2QW

Cross Green - Growing Together Receipts and payments account for the year ended 31 March 2025

Notes 2025 Unrestricted funds £ Receipts Grants and donations (2) 300 Facilities hire 2,365 Total receipts 2,665 Payments Garden landscaping and redevelopment - Garden plants and shrubs - Garden repairs and maintenance - Food purchased - Hub repairs and maintenance 329 Volunteers costs 86 Insurance 144 Administration and minor equipment 48 Equipment - Utilities - Events and activities - Marketing and website - Project management costs - Programme resources costs 11 Programme delivery costs 541 Independent examination 462 Total payments 1,621 Net receipts / (payments) 1,044 Fund balances brought forward 3,190 Fund balances carried forward (3) 4,234	2025 Restricted funds £ 38,353 - 38,353 853 267 - - 83 494 - 127 2,456 465 13,962 - - 2,249 11,071 - 32,027 6,326 6,273 12,599	2025 Total funds £ 38,653 2,365 41,018 853 267 - - 412 580 144 175 2,456 465 13,962 - - 2,260 11,612 462 33,648 7,370 9,463 16,833	2024 Total funds £ 29,846 435 30,281 3,700 365 566 213 1,120 161 144 205 - 500 97 139 275 1,975 15,731 368 25,559 4,722 4,741 9,463

Cross Green - Growing Together Statement of assets and liabilities

as at 31 March 2025 2025 2025 Unrestricted Restricted £ £ Cash funds Cash at bank 4,229 12,599 Cash in hand 5 - Total cash funds 4,234 12,599 Debtors and prepayments Prepayments Assets retained for the charity's own use Zanussi electric cooker x2 Under counter fridge Gala Gazebo Tent Fridge Freezer Ramp Mud Kitchen TV and stand 10 x tablets Liabilities Creditors Accruals The financial statements were approved by the board of trustees on 09/10/2025 Father Jonathan Fleury (Trustee)	2025 Total £ 16,828 5 16,833 2025 £ 72 72 2025 £ 99 792 891	2024 Total £ 9,458 5 9,463

Cross Green - Growing Together

Notes to the accounts

for the year ended 31 March 2025

1 Accounting policies

Basis of accounting

The trustees have taken advantage of section 133 of the Charities Act 2011 and have prepared the accounts on a receipts and payments basis.

There has been no change to the accounting policies since last year.

No changes have been made to the accounts for previous years.

Taxation

As a charity the organisation benefits from rates relief and is generally exempt from income tax and capital gains tax but not from VAT. Irrecoverable VAT is included in the cost of those items to which it relates.

Fund accounting

Unrestricted funds are available for use at the discretion of the trustees in furtherance of the general objectives of the charity.

Restricted funds are subjected to restrictions on their expenditure imposed by the donor or through the terms of an appeal.

Further explanation of the nature and purpose of each fund is included in the notes to the accounts.

Cross Green - Growing Together

Notes to the accounts continued

for the year ended 31 March 2025

2 Grants and donations National Lottery Community Fund Leeds Community Foundation Leeds City Council (LCC) Enfinium Skelton Grange LCC Welcome Space Society of St Francis Windmill Community Transport Trust The Royal Horticultural Society Platinum Jubilee Grant LCC Wellbeing Grant Veolia HATCH Windmill Community Transport Together for Peace Other donations 3 Restricted funds Balance b/f £ Platinum Jubilee Grant 6,624 Enfinium Fund - Windmill Community Transport F - (351) LCC Household Support Fund - Youth Activities Fund - Tithe Fund - Leeds Digital Inclusion Fund - Awards for All - The Royal Horticultural Society - Healthy Holidays 2025 - 6,273 LCC Welcome Space	2025 Unrestricted funds £ - - - - - - - - - - - - - - 300 300 Incoming £ - 1,250 600 1,140 750 4,500 1,000 5,050 19,715 272 4,076 38,353	2025 Restricted funds £ 19,715 9,126 5,250 1,250 1,140 1,000 600 272 - - - - - - - 38,353 Outgoing £ 6,624 1,250 410 685 143 4,500 - 4,226 13,917 272 - 32,027	2025 Total funds £ 19,715 9,126 5,250 1,250 1,140 1,000 600 272 - - - - - - 300 38,653 Transfers £ - - - - - - - - - - - -	2024 Total funds £ - - - - 500 - - - 19,750 5,000 1,166 2,500 650 250 30 29,846 Balance c/f £ - - 190 104 607 - 1,000 824 5,798 - 4,076 12,599

Cross Green - Growing Together Notes to the accounts continued for the year ended 31 March 2025

Fund name

Platinum Jubilee Grant

Enfinium Fund

Windmill Community Transport Fund LCC Welcome Space

LCC Household Support Fund Youth Activities Fund

Tithe Fund Leeds Digital Inclusion Fund Awards for All

The Royal Horticultural Society Healthy Holidays 2025

Purpose of restriction

Towards a development programme for garden facilities and a part-time project officer.

Gardening volunteer expenses; garden plants, shrubs, seeds and materials and sundry items for maintaining the community garden at Cross Green. Transport costs for trips.

Towards the additional costs related to providing an inclusive Welcome Space. To provide support to those affected by the cost of living crisis. To fund Hyde Park Source to run Holiday provision for local children at Cross Green Growing Together Community Garden and Hub.

Donation to support activities for local children. IT equipment and digital skills support.

To fund the secondment of a Community Development Worker and expand an After School Club for local primary aged children.

To pay for travel for group to visit RHS Harlow Carr. To fund holiday provision for young people in the 2025 Easter and Summer Holidays period.

4 Related party transactions

Trustee expenses

No trustee received any expenses during this year or the previous year.

Trustee remuneration and benefits

No trustee received any remuneration or benefit during this or the previous year.