Leominster In Bloom- Chairnian's Report AGM- 11 March 2026 I think I can safely say that this has been another excellent year for Leominster in Bloom, with our Gold Award once again being the well-deserved result. Achievements like this are only possible because of the wonderful volunteers who make everything happen. Et truly is a team effort. Since becoming your Chaiman, I feel we have grown into a very efficient and supportive group. However, that strength has developed over time thanks to the commitment of so many people - commtttee members, volUntrS and supporters - who all contribute in their own way. The success of Leominster in Bloom rtainlY isn't dovm to any one individual. It is the combined effort of everyone involved that makes us such a strong and effective group. There are. of course, a number of indNiduals whose work deserves particular mention. l am very grateful to Viv, who keeps our accounts in such an efficienl and reliable manner, and we are fortunate to have Diana Emms, who helps ensure we remain on the right track. Viv also works closely with Romey in securing the sponsorship that is so essential to our work. Their efforts help ensure we can continue working with the wonderful Philpotvs girls, whose planting aayS Ii)oks absolutety fantsstic. We are also very grateful for the planning Romey does beforehand - her choice of plants consistently prodUS beautiful displays and many posrtive comments from around the town. Cynthia is not only a tireless worker but also an exlIent organiser. The planning she puts into our Flower Fairs ensures they are aayS well supported, and it is wonderful that so many stallholders retum year after year. Helena must also be mentioned for the fantastic SucsS of our competitions. She works closely with local schools and young people, results'ng in incredible numbers of entries and so many imaginative and creative ideas. Since introducing the WhatsApp group, communication has improved grealy and we are kept well infonred about activities, work parties and events. There are many names that appear regulady and. at the risk of leaving someone out, I will mention just a few: Sheila, Jan. Midge, Romey. Dennis, Viv. Cynthia. Eve, John, Julia, Jill. Kathy. Marcus, Virginia and Gill Ding. These are only a few names. and there are many others who tum up time after time and contribute so much to the success of the group. We have also had great support from the wotkers at S & A, along wrth other groups, nursing homes and the incredible Pom Ladies, all of whom play their part in helping us achieve what we do.
Judging Day is afways a focal point of the year. The route is carefully planned so that we can showcase the many projects and partnerships that demonstrate how widely the community is involved in Leorninster in Bloom. An important part of the judging process is our Portfolio, which highlights everything we have worked on throughout the year. This year we were de1hted to welcome Kathy to the team. and l am very gratefijl for the hard work she put into presenting our year so effectively. With the help of the many photographs tsken by members throughout the year, Kathy produced an exlIent portfolio. Once again we worked with The Prlory. where we were also able to hold our Judging Day lebratIon. The Town Council supported us again through planter sponsorship, and Stuart and his team did a fantastic Job keeping the planters watered during what was an incredibly hot and dry summer. Their help was very much appreciated. Communication is vrtal in keeping everyone infomEd about what is happening. The WhatsApp group has rtainlY helped with this, but I would also like to mention two people who do an exlIent job in this area. Julia k&ps everyone up to date with regular emails and messages, and Gill, as our Secretary, does a fantastic job keeping us organised. On a personal note. I would like to thank Gill for keeping me on the straight and naThowl Finally, I would simply like to say a huge thank you to everyone who gives their time, energy and enthusiasm to Leominster in Bloom. Whether you help with planting, organising events, supporting competitions. fvndraising, or simply turning up when help is needed, every contribution matters. What we achieve together really does make a difference to our town and to the sense of community we share. l am very proud to be part of such a dedicated group and I look fOard to working with you all again as we move into another excth'ng year.
Independent examinerfs report to the trustees of Leominster in Bloom I report to the trustees on my examination of the accounts of Leominster in Bloom for the year ended 31 st December 2024 Responsibllities and basis of report As the charity trustees of the Trust, 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 Trust's accounts carried out under section 145 of the 2011 Act and in carying 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 confinn 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 Trust as required by section 130 of the Act. or 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. Signed: Name: Diana Emes Address. 37 Pinsley Rd, Leominster, HR6 8NN Date..
Treasurer's Report l am pleased to presenl the TreaSurfs Report for the financial year ending 31 December 2025. Income Total inccffne for the year amounted to £16,514.99. Our largest source of income continues to be 8ponsorshlp, which generated £12,775.00, demonstrating the fantasttc support we continue to receive from Ioc81 businesses and organisations. Other important sources of income induded.. Market Stalls: £1,583.77 Plant Fair: £1,315.00 Donations: £270.75 Bucket collectlons: £161.10 Bank Interest: £149.57 Subscrlptlons: £110.00 Sundries: £90.00 EasyfundDnglAmazon: £59.80 Compared with £16,431.07 In 2024. overall income remained very similar. reflecting stable level of communty support. Expenditure Total expenditure for the year was £12.181.49. The main area of spending was on planting, which totslled £9,692.01. This represents the core Work of Leominster in Bloom in enhancing and maintaining the town's fior81 displays. other expenditure included: Sponsor signs: £502.20 Tombola and market costs: £334.00 Advertlslng: £274.32 Stationery: £261.65 Competition prlzes and gifts: £357.37 Printing: £180.00 Equipment: £144.94 Sundries: £110.00 RHS entry: £200.00 Grant expenditure: £100.00 Plant Falr refunds: £25.00
Total expenditure in 2024 was £12.453.71. so spending in 2025 was slightly lower. Surplus The year ended wtth a surplus of £4.333.50. which is slightty higher than the £3,977.36 surplus recorded in 2024. This healthy surplus helps ensure the group remains financially stable and able to plan future planting and community projects. Funds Held As of 31 December 2025, total fvnds held by Leominster in Bloom were £20,619.01, made up of.. Savings Accountr £19,761.60 Current AccounL. £813.39 Petty Cash: £44.02 These funds indude: Bertie funds: £277.95 Leominster in Bloom general funds: £20,341.06 Conclusion Overall, the financial posttion of Leominster in Bloom remains strong. The continued support of our sponsors, stall holders, and the wider community enables us to maintain and develop the floral displays and projects that benefit the town. I would like to thank everyone who supports our fundraising actNities and especial Diana Emms. who has examined the accounts for us again this year and has confirmed that she has no concerns and has come across no other matters in connection with the examination to which attention shoukl be drawn in the report. Also, thanks must go to our volunteers and sponsors, whose contributions make such a significant differen to what we are able to achieve each year. Prepared by the Treasurer, Leominster in Bloom. Vivien Melia
LEOMINSTER IN BLOOM BREAKDOWN OF 2025 INCOME & EXPENDITURE at 31.12.25 INCOME EXPENDITURE SURPLUS £iio.Tr) £270.75 Full Year 2024 £85.00 700.00 SUBSCRIPTIONS DONATION5 GIFT AID RECLAIM MARKET STALLS PLANT FAIR BUCKET COLLECTIONS EASY FUNDING/AMAZON SPONSORSHIP FUNDRAISING EVENTS JUST GIVING SUNDRIES BERTIE BARGATES GRANT FUNDING BANK INTEREST £0.00 £1.583.77 £1,315.00 £161.10 £59.80 £12,775.IXI £o.¢J) £0.00 £90.00 £0.00 £0.00 £149.57 £16,514.99 650.92 2.066.40 56.74 11,430.00 £0.00 £0.00 £34.20 £0.00 1,230.00 177.81 EXPENDITURE 200.IJJ 259.00 16,431.07 RHS EXP ADVERTISING PLANT FAIR REFUNDS EQUIPMENT PRINTING STATIONARY WEBSITE PLANTING SPONSOR SIGNS TOMBOLA & MARKET PRIZES SUNDRIES BERTIE BARGATES Expendlture from grants Competition Prizes & Glfts GAINILOSS £21XJ.CK) £274.32 £25.00 £144.94 £180.IX) £261.65 £O.(M) £9.692.01 £502.20 50.00 1,053.17 234.99 145.24 151.20 8.669.99 266.73 £334.Tr) 136.01 175.64 £iio.fy) £O.(M) £100. 985.99 125.75 £357.37 £12,18L49 12,453.71 3,977.36 £4.333.50 Petty Cash CASH IN HAND CURRENT ACCOUNT SAVING5 ACCOUNT TOTAL FUNDS £44.02 £0.00 £813.39 £19.761.60 £20,619.01 15.00 658.48 15,612.03 16.285.51 Bertie funds LIB funds Shed Deposit Website to Jun 26 TOTAL FUNDS £277.95 £20,341.06 £0.00 £0.00 £20.619.01 £277.95 £16.007.56 £0.00 £ICM).80 £16,386.31
LEOMINSTER IN BLOOM EST rowing our community 2003 BLOO The Trustees declare t th y have approved the Trustees, report 2025 Signed: Full Name: Position: Date: Signed: FULL Name: Position: ..[..ooC.rce Date: Signed: Full Name: Position: Date: ..13....f... ZDI.&.............. Signed: Full Name: Positlon: Date: 12 Js Ioz)Q6.............