FRIENDS OF COTTERIDGE PARK
ANNUAL REPORT & ACCOUNTS 2024
Friends of Cotteridge Park is a registered charity in England and Wales - 1181644
TABLE OF CONTENTS
| Introduction, Objectives & Activities | PAGE 3 |
|---|---|
| Chair’s Report | PAGE 4 |
| Achievements & Performance | PAGE 5 |
| Volunteering in Cotteridge Park | |
| Young People in Cotteridge Park | |
| Partnerships | |
| Impact | |
| Financial Review | PAGE 11 |
| Future Plans | PAGE 12 |
| Structure and Governance | PAGE 13 |
| Reference & Administrative Details | PAGE 13 |
| Independent Examiners’ Report | PAGE 15 |
| Statement of Financial Activities | PAGE 16 |
| Balance Sheet | PAGE 17 |
| Principal Accounting Policies | PAGE 18 |
| Notes to the Financial Statements | PAGE 21 |
Friends of Cotteridge Park Report 2024
3
INTRODUCTION
The trustees are pleased to present their Annual Report and Accounts for the year ending 31 December 2024
2024 saw the Cotteridge Park community go from strength to strength.
New partnerships and projects have engaged more people and organisations for the benefit of the whole community.
Long term plans to improve the park’s infrastructure have been completed.
OBJECTIVES & ACTIVITIES
The charity’s public benefit objectives, following guidance from the Charity Commission, are contained in its Constitution and are:
For the benefit of the inhabitants of the surrounding area of Cotteridge Park and visitors to the area (“the beneficiaries”)
The promotion of the provision of facilities for the education, recreation and other leisure time occupation in the interests of social welfare with the object of improving the conditions of life for the beneficiaries without the distinction of sex or of political, religious or other opinions in particular but not exclusively by:
a.The promotion, support and improvement of Cotteridge Park
b.Organising programmes of physical, educational, creative and other activities in the interests of social welfare, primarily in and around the park.
In 2024 these activites have included oppportunities for physical activity, art and craft, social, musical, science and performances; so that our community can thrive.
Friends of Cotteridge Park Report 2024
4
CHAIR’S REPORT
Connecting in 2024
Creating a community must be organic. It does not come because someone decides that it should, nor because people happen to be in the same place, at the same time. Community comes from a shared connection. We are delighted that Friends of Cotteridge Park have continued to provide an arena for shared connection in our neighbourhood during 2024.
Each week we see park users connecting over sport, connecting over art, connecting over play, connecting over coffee, connecting over nature.
Enhancing the space we hold dear for connection, and subsequently creating our community, is something we thank our funders, our volunteers, and our park users for supporting.
Laura Brooks, Chair, Friends of Cotteridge Park
Stepping stones in Dinosaur Pond
Friends of Cotteridge Park Report 2024
ACHIEVEMENTS & PERFORMANCE
Volunteering in Cotteridge Park
£99,370
Value of Volunteer Time January - December 2024*
7,886
Number of Volunteer Hours Recorded January - December 2024
What do our volunteers do?
-
Gardening, conservation and grounds maintenance
-
Running The Shed - from making and serving drinks to marketing and pricing
-
Supporting school visits
-
Fundraising - volunteers are instrumental in gathering donations, writing funding bids and recruiting sponsors
-
Managing the charity - governance, strategy, policies and finances
-
Events - from planning CoCoMAD to being in the band for the Wassail
“I get more from volunteering in Cotteridge Park than I give” Bob
*Calculateed using RealLiving Wage 2024
Friends of Cotteridge Park Report 2024
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YOUNG PEOPLE IN
COTTERIDGE PARK
Creating opportunities for young people and engaging them in the management of Cotteridge Park is a core mission for the charity.
Working with children, families, carers and schools means we can engage with them from birth.
From the weekly Baby Buggy Stroll group, via the Pre-Schoolers Forest School to opportunities for young volunteers we want to ensure the future of the park by making sure there are activities and opportunities for all ages and interests.
Youth Club
Volunteering
School Visits
Our youth club for children 10-13yrs old has been thriving.
Weekly sessions are run by our partner Inunity with a mix of arts and environmental activities
Responding to demand we are planning to start a 13+ group in 2025 with funding from the National Lottery.
Opportunities for young volunteers (particularly for under 18s) are not easy to find.
We are able to offer volunteering opportunities to young people over the age 14.
They can join the gardening & conservation activities or volunteer in The Shed.
Our aim is to boost young people’s confidence, and add to their technical and social skills.
Our volunteers support school visits to the park from local primary and secondary schools.
Cotteridge and Stirchley Schools come for organised forest school sessions, as well using the park for other aspects of the curriculum.
In 2024 we started hosting visits from Uffculme School which educates students with additional needs
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Friends of Cotteridge Park Report 2024
7
PARTNERSHIPS
In 2024 we have continued to widen the organisations we support & work with
PORRIDGE IN THE PARK
We were delighted to be approached by the winners of the 2023 Golden Spurtle Award - international porridge making competition held in Scotland.
It turns out they grew up next to Cotteridge Park and wanted to launch their new project - Porridge in the Park in the park they knew best. Supported by Mornflake the project aims to bring the benefits of healthy eating to a wider audience.
We hosted 2 events in 2024 with plans for more in 2025.
BIRMINGHAM BIKE POLO
Birmingham Hard Court Bike Polo have been looking for a new home for many years. They first got in touch with FoCP in 2020 and started to arrange events, training and matches as the covid restrictions began to ease.
The club members have been instrumental in planning the refurbishment of our hard courts - they kindly donated landscape architect time so that the courts met the needs of the wide variety of users.
Friends of Cotteridge Park Report 2024
NEW PARTNERSHIPS UNIVERSITY OF BIRMINGHAM
2024 saw Friends of Cotteridge Park develop new relationships with our local university. The School of Geography, Earth and Environmental Sciences at UOB has introduced a programme for their final year students to undertake research projects in the community. In 2023-24 we have worked with 3 students on projects - all of which have made a real impact on the environmental and social life of the park. The partnership is continuing in 2025 looking at the impact of the park on young people.
Environment
Mapping
Impact
Stream Management
The main waterway in the park has been suffering from erosion in recent years - exacerbated by heavier rainfall.
Penelope researched the issues, consulted the local community, and produced a management plan. The recommendations of the plan have been implemented and we have started to see improvements.
Sharing Information Over 28 years of activity we have gathered a wealth of information about the park - past, present and future. Making that information available to the public was made easier thanks to Elizabeth’s creation of an online map of the park.
It includes layers for infrastructure, oral history and natural features.
https://tinyurl.com/focp map
Measuring Impact Lauren undertook an impact study of how the work of FoCP enhanced community wellbeing.
Using an online survey and interviews with park users a comprehensive report was produced. This report is of great value to the charity when looking to decide where scarce resources should be focussed.
“The shed and park is like a second home, now I have a network of friends who I can rely on I feel much more positively about my life” Terry
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Friends of Cotteridge Park Report 2024
IMPACT
The Cotteridge Park volunteers work as hard as they do because they enjoy it and because they can see how it makes their neighbours happier
Volunteering
“As someone who has lost their wife and got minimal garden space, the park provides me with another hobby. The gardening on Tuesday is amazing for me and gives me a new purpose.”
The gardening volunteers maintaining the woodland
Activities & Events
“The park is like a community hub, it brings the community together through lots of events and activities for everyone and all ages. It provides a sense of belonging.”
Support
“The Shed is a good place to feel safe and there are toilet facilities so I can go down all day if I like. The shed volunteers are always so lovely and always get people involved, it allows me to meet people and create a social supportive bubble with residents in the local community.”
SwingFit dancers on a frosty Saturday morning
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Friends of Cotteridge Park Report 2024
HOW COTTERIDGE PARK MAKES A DIFFERENCE
Lynette - from a rut to a teacher
Before I started going to tai chi I wasn’t physically active but I felt like I needed to change. I was in a rut and my health was suffering.
After being diagnosed with endometriosis at 14, and going through 10 operations, I was on numerous pain killers. In addition to the endometriosis I often suffered with high levels of anxiety, which got worse as my physical symptoms progressed.
My GP recommended I try Tai Chi for pain management and relaxation. I heard about the Tai Chi in Cotteridge Park so I decided to go along and try it. Even after my first session I felt an improvement, and more relaxed.
After a while my pain levels dropped significantly, enough for me to eventually stop taking painkillers. I’ve also found it’s really helped with my anxiety, it’s still there but much more manageable now.
I enjoyed the Tai Chi in Cotteridge Park so much I looked for other local classes to fit into my schedule. I’ve made friends with lots of wonderful people I probably wouldn’t have otherwise met. It’s led to holidays, trips to the theatre, concerts and festivals.
From participant to teacher
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I didn’t really think about training to teach but Mark, who runs the Cotteridge Park sessions suggested I give it a go. Initially I said “no” because I wasn’t convinced I was good enough, or confident enough to present a class. But after encouragement from Mark I decided to go for it. I started the Tai Chi for Rehabilitation course. I now teach 6 classes a week.
Becoming a Tai Chi teacher has improved my mental wellbeing, and shown I can rise to a challenge. It’s definitely improved my confidence. Five years ago I wouldn’t have dreamed of standing in front of a group of people. Now I do it without stressing out and worrying I’m not good enough.
Before discovering Tai Chi I was working in retail and my job was stressful, with 2am starts. Teaching gives me an income which meant I could leave the stress of retail behind and do something I love doing.
My anxiety levels are much lower nowadays, though I do still have moments of doubt. But they go when I see the same people coming to my classes week after week, and I hear their stories about how Tai Chi has improved their lives.
Tai Chi has helped me. I want to help other people too.
10
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FINANCIAL REVIEW
Income and expenditure for 2024 was in line with budgets.
We were successful in obtaining grants which enabled FoCP to continue to provide activities for free for the benefit of the local community.
The accounting software introduced in previous years has continued to help make budgetary management more efficient.
Due to the financial position of the charity, the trustees have appointed Matt Perry from GiraffeHR as an external advisor to ensure our accounts are managed effectively and provide support on an ac-hoc basis.
Reserves and reserves policy
Trustees consider that in the current uncertain climate, and in particular the continued reductions in funding for parks and ‘softer’ social activities, that, excluding costs associated with the annual CoCoMAD festival, the charity should aim to hold an unrestricted reserve equivalent to a
minimum of 3 months running costs for park activities and general running costs (£15,360) plus 6 months of the Shed Manager costs (£12,442). The charity will hold an additional £20,000 in reserves specifically for the CoCoMAD festival.
Unrestricted cash funds at the end of 2024 stand at £81K which trustees consider to be in line with the above intent. A further £33.4k is held in restricted funds for projects to continue in 2025.
There is always a continued need to focus on grants and donations to fund activities that will benefit the local community.
We expect The Shed will continue to generate income to help support activities in the park but some of the income will need to be set aside for repairs and maintenance for the building.
This year’s budget has been drawn up to enable trustees to monitor spend against our plans. This takes into account additional financial responsibilities in running a building.
Friends of Cotteridge Park Report 2024
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FUTURE PLANS
The last couple of years have been really busy ones for Friends of Cotteridge Park. At the end of 2024 we saw some long planned changes nearly ready. 2025 will see a lot of hard work coming to fruition.
1
Re-wilding the stream
Following on from the new management plan and thanks to funding from several trusts -work is due to begin in early 2025.
2
Updating of the games courts
By early 2025 the old tennis and basketball courts will have had the refurb. The re-design will create space for more of what the local community want to do.
3
Developing the provision of activities for all
As funding allows we will continue to plan more activities that will keep our community happier, fitter and more connected.
4
Plan sustainablility for the charity
We are delighted that more people are volunteering to join the trustees. Our aim is to ensure continuity and sustainability as the charity nears its 30th birthday
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Friends of Cotteridge Park Report 2024
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STRUCTURE AND GOVERNANCE
The Friends of Cotteridge Park CIO is a membership organisation; for those who enjoy and use Cotteridge Park and was registered as a charity on 21 January 2019. It began its activities on 1 June 2019 following the transfer of funds from the old charity.
The Trustees were appointed on registration, represent the members, and manage the business of the charity on their behalf. The charity has 1 employee and is run entirely by volunteers.
The charity holds quarterly Trustee meetings, open for observers to attend. The charity has multiple platforms for members and the community to be informed about the work of the charity and for the public and members to request information and have queries answered.
REFERENCE & ADMINISTRATIVE DETAILS
Friends of Cotteridge Park c/o 44 Franklin Road, Birmingham B30 2HG Registered Charity Number 1181644
Bankers
Unity Trust Bank, PO Box 7193, Planetary Road, Willenhall, WV1 9DG
I ndependent Examiner - Karen Hanlan
Karen Hanlan Independent Examiner Limited, 1 Saracen Close, Ettington, CV37 7SZ
Trustees
Laura Brooks, Chair Jason Willets Max Woolf, Vice Chair Stephanie Little Ian Billups – Treasurer Ian Mather (re-elected November 2024) Carola Lange - Secretary Cathal Lynch (re-elected November 2024) Deborah Wallis Emma Woolf MBE (re-elected November 2024) Harriet Lloyd Claire Richardson (elected November 2024)
Signed, by the Chair, on behalf of the Board of Trustees
Signature:
Print name: Laura Brooks Date: 30.5.25
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Friends of Cotteridge Park Report 2024
THANK YOU
Friends of Cotteridge Park is a team endeavour - nothing happens without the volunteers, and they can’t do what they do without lots of support.
A huge thank you to the trusts and organisations who provide funding to enable many of our activities to take place:
-
Garfield Weston Foundation
-
Edgar E Lawley Foundation The Grimmit Trust BUPA Foundation
-
Green Hall Foundation
-
Wiliam A Cadbury Charitable Trust The Saintbury Trust Selly Oak NNS Rowlands Trust
Sport England
-
CB & HH Taylor 1984 Trust
-
George Fentham Trust
-
The National Lottery Community Fund Inclusive Communities
-
Arts Council
-
Sir John Middlemore Charitable Trust 29 May 1961 CharitableTrust
-
IM Properties Community Fund
-
Eveson Charitable Trust
Thank you to the organisations that provide FoCP with the support that enables the volunteers to do their best
Birmingham City Council Parks and Ranger Service, Birmingham Open Spaces Forum, Birmingham Community Matters and Giraffe HR
And a special “thank you” to Todd Jennings; our wonderful Community Co-ordinator who enables everyone to contribute.
"We thank you for your continued support in our efforts to contribute to the heart of Cotteridge”.
Friends of Cotteridge Park Report 2024
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Independent Examiner’s Report to the Trustees of Friends of Cotteridge Park CIO.
I report to the trustees on my examination of the accounts of Friends of Cotteridge Park CIO (‘the Charity’) for the year ended 31 December 2024 which are set out on pages 16 to 29.
Responsibilities and basis of report
As the charity trustees you are responsible for the preparation of the accounts in accordance with the requirements of the Charities Act 2011 (‘the 2011 Act’).
I report in respect of my examination of the Charity’s accounts carried out under section 145 of the 2011 Act and in carrying out my examination I have followed all the applicable Directions given by the Charity Commission under section 145(5)(b) of the 2011 Act.
Independent examiner’s statement
I have completed my examination. I can 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 2011 Act; or
2) the accounts do not accord with those records; or
3) the accounts do not comply with the applicable requirements concerning the form and content of accounts set out in the Charities (Accounts and Reports) Regulations 2008 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.
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.
Karen Hanlan, Institute of Chartered Accountants, England & Wales
Date: 30.5.25 Karen Hanlan Independent Examiner Limited 1 Saracen Close, Ettington, CV37 7SZ
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Friends of Cotteridge Park Report 2024
Report and Financial Statements for the year ended 31 December 2024
Statement of Financial Activities
| atement of Financial Activities | atement of Financial Activities |
|---|---|
| Un-restricted Restricted Total Total |
|
| funds funds funds funds |
|
| 2024 2024 2024 2023 |
|
| Income from: Note |
£ £ £ £ |
| Donations & legacies 1 |
22,821 80,375 103,196 61,851 |
| Charitable activities 2 |
23,074 - 23,074 29,296 |
| Other trading activities 3 |
50,841 - 50,841 45,492 |
| Investments – bank interest |
1,733 - 1,733 1,486 |
| Total income | 98,469 80,375 178,844 138,125 |
| Expenditure on: | |
| Raising funds | 33,607 3,047 36,654 36,962 |
| Charitable activities | 66,337 60,911 127,248 101,119 |
| Total expenditure 4 |
99,944 63,958 163,902 138,081 |
| Net (expenditure)/income and net movement in funds for year |
|
| (1,475) 16,417 14,942 44 |
|
| Reconciliation of funds: |
|
| Total funds brought forward |
257,211 16,809 274,020 273,976 |
| Total funds carried forward |
255,736 33,226 288,962 274,020 |
The statement of financial activities includes all gains and losses recongised in the year. All income and expenditure derive from continuing activities.
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Report and Financial Statements for the year ended 31 December 2024
Balance Sheet
| Note | 2024 | 2023 £ 183,163 1,579 90,584 92,163 (1,306) |
|
|---|---|---|---|
| £ | |||
| FIXED ASSETS | |||
| Tangible assets 5 |
174,441 | ||
| CURRENT ASSETS | |||
| Debtors 6 |
1,268 | ||
| Cash at Bank and in hand | 116,347 | ||
| 117,615 | |||
| CREDITORS | |||
| Amounts falling due within one year 7 |
(3,094) | ||
| 90,857 | |||
| NET CURRENT ASSETS | 114,521 | ||
| NET ASSETS | 288,962 | 274,020 16,809 74,048 183,163 274,020 |
|
| FUNDS 9 |
|||
| Restricted Funds | 33,226 | ||
| Unrestricted Funds | |||
| - General | 81,295 | ||
| - Designated Fixed Asset Fund | 174,441 | ||
| TOTAL FUNDS | 288,962 |
The accompanying accounting policies and notes form part of these financial statements.
Approved by the Trustees and signed on their behalf by:
Date: 30.5.25
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Laura Brooks, Chair of trustees
Report and Financial Statements for the year ended 31 December 2024
Principal accounting policies
Basis of preparation
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 Financial Reporting Standard applicable in the UK and Republic of Ireland (FRS102) (updated 1 January 2019) – (Charities SORP (FRS102)) and the Financial Reporting Standard applicable in the UK and Republic of Ireland (FRS102).
Friends of Cotteridge Park meets the definition of a public benefit entity under FRS102. Assets and liabilities are initially recognised at historical cost or transaction value unless otherwise stated in the relevant accounting policy note.
In previous years Friends of Cotteridge Park has prepared accounts on a Receipts & Payments basis as allowed by the Charities Act regulations. The Trustees have now decided to prepare accounts on an accruals basis as they consider that these better represent the financial position of the charity. Opening balances and comparative figures have been prepared on the same basis so that they represent a like for like comparison. This involved recognising the costs of building the Shed as a Fixed Assets and depreciation over 25 years along with recognising prepayments and accruals for items relating to the financial year.
Going Concern statement
The financial statements have been prepared on a going concern basis which assumes that the Charity will continue to operate. The validity of this assumption is dependent upon the continuance of support from the Charity’s key funders and stakeholders and in response to the progress made by the Charity in pursuing a viable budget including the obtaining of further grants and donations.
The Charity’s business plan shows that the Charity will be able to operate in the foreseeable future. Based on this understanding the Trustees believe that it remains appropriate to prepare the financial statements on a going concern basis. The financial statements do not include any adjustments, which would result from the basis of preparation being inappropriate.
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Report and Financial Statements for the year ended 31 December 2024
Principal accounting policies (continued)
Funds
General accumulated funds are unrestricted funds available for general purposes and include funds designated for a particular purpose; the use of such funds remains at the discretion of the Trustees.
Restricted funds are funds subject to conditions imposed by the donor or by specific terms of the appeal under which the funds are raised. The restrictive conditions are binding upon the Charity.
Income
All income is recognised in the Statement of Financial Activities when the Charity is legally entitled, ultimate receipt is probable and the amount can be quantified with reasonable accuracy.
Income relating to future periods, as a result of donor imposed conditions specifying the time period, has been treated as deferred income.
Income dependent on certain conditions, amounting to more than mere administrative requirements, is recognised when the conditions have been fulfilled.
Expenditure
Liabilities are recognised as expenditure as soon as there is a legal or constructive obligation committing the Charity to the expenditure. All expenditure is accounted for on an accruals basis. Expenditure is classified under the following activity headings:
Costs of raising funds comprises the costs of fundraising activity and activities to generate funds for the charity, including the costs of running The Shed café.
Expenditure on charitable expenditure includes the costs of project delivery to further the purposes of the Charity and their associated support and governance costs.
Irrecoverable VAT is charged as a cost against the activity for which the expenditure was incurred.
Interest receivable
Bank interest is shown on the basis of amounts received in the year.
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Report and Financial Statements for the year ended 31 December 2024
Principal accounting policies (continued)
Tangible fixed assets
Depreciation is provided at a rate calculated to write off the cost on a straight line basis over a period of less than the estimated useful life of the assets, which is estimated at 25 years for The Shed.
Fixed assets are capitalised when their value exceeds £500.
Cash and cash equivalents
Cash and cash equivalents include cash at bank and in hand and short term deposits repayable on or within a three month notice period.
Debtors
Trade and other debtors are recognised at the settlement amount due after any trade discount offered. Prepayments are valued at the amount prepaid net of any trade discounts due.
Creditors
Creditors are recognised where the Charity has a present obligation resulting from a past event that will probably result in the transfer of funds to a third party and the amount due to settle the obligation can be measured or estimated reliably.
Pensions
The Charity contributes to employee’s individual personal pension plans. The employer contributions to the scheme in 2024 were £642 (2023 £105) and are charged to the statement of financial activities as incurred.
Taxation
As a registered Charity no provision is considered necessary for taxation.
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Report and Financial Statements for the year ended 31 December 2024
Notes to the financial statements
| 1.Donations & Legacies | 2024 | 2023 | |
|---|---|---|---|
| £ | £ | ||
| Un-restricted: | |||
| Donations | 17,821 | 6,582 | |
| Grants – trusts & foundations | 5,000 | 20,200 | |
| 22,821 | 26,782 | ||
| Restricted: | |||
| Grants | |||
| - National Lottery Project Grant - CoCoMAD | 25,100 | - | |
| - National Lottery Community Fund | 19,950 | 14,940 | |
| - Heart of England Community Foundation | 10,600 | - | |
| - The Eveson Trust | 10,000 | - | |
| - The Rowlands Trust | 10,000 | - | |
| - Other trusts & foundations | 4,725 | 20,129 | |
| 80,375 | 35,069 | ||
| Total | 103,196 | 61,851 |
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Report and Financial Statements for the year ended 31 December 2024
Notes to the financial statements (continued)
| 2. Income from Charitable Activities Un-restricted: CoCoMAD fees Restricted: CoCoMAD Total |
2024 | 2023 | |
|---|---|---|---|
| £ | £ | ||
| 23,074 | 25,301 | ||
| - | 3,995 | ||
| 23,074 | |||
| 29,296 | |||
| 2023 £ 43,629 1,019 724 120 45,492 |
|||
| 3. Trading Activities | 2024 | ||
| Un-restricted: | £ | ||
| Shed sales | 48,906 | ||
| Shed merchandise | 802 | ||
| Shed room bookings | 915 | ||
| Other | 218 | ||
| Total | 50,841 | ||
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Report and Financial Statements for the year ended 31 December 2024
Notes to the financial statements (continued)
4. Analysis of Expenditure
| 4. Analysis of Expenditure | 4. Analysis of Expenditure |
|---|---|
| Unrestricted Restricted 2024 2023 |
|
| £ £ £ £ |
|
| Fundraising Costs | 7,223 - 7,223 5,864 |
| Catering supplies | 19,494 1,631 21,125 19,223 |
| Costs of running ‘The Shed’ |
6,890 1,416 8,306 11,875 |
| Total cost of fundraising | 33,607 3,047 36,654 36,962 |
| CoCoMAD event costs | 17,775 35,770 53,546 31,862 |
| Cinema project | - 1,670 1,670 8,036 |
| Forest School | 3,165 - 3,165 2,850 |
| Activity Sessions | 4,620 15,647 20,267 20,387 |
| Staff costs | 22,216 6,073 28,289 20,203 |
| Gardening/conservation costs |
1,635 1,751 3,386 818 |
| Volunteer costs | 418 - 418 400 |
| Total direct costs | 49,829 60,911 110,740 84,556 |
| Insurance | 2,159 - 2,159 1,866 |
| Independent Examiners’ Fee |
1,150 - 1,150 950 |
| Administrative expenses | 4,477 - 4,477 5,025 |
| Depreciation | 8,722 - 8,722 8,722 |
| Total support & governance costs |
16,508 - 16,508 16,563 |
| Total expenditure | 99,944 63,958 163,902 138,081 |
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Report and Financial Statements for the year ended 31 December 2024 Notes to the financial statements (continued)
4. Analysis of expenditure (continued)
Staff costs, trustee remuneration and expenses
| 2024 2023 |
|
|---|---|
| £ £ |
|
| Salaries | 27,644 4,550 |
| National Insurance | - - |
| Pensions | 642 105 |
| Freelance pay | - 15,150 |
| Other staff costs | 3 398 |
| Total | 28,289 20,203 |
No employee has employee benefits in excess of £60,000 (2023: nil).
The equivalent of one full-time members of staff was employed during the year (2023: one from November 2023)
Key management personnel comprise the Trustees who are not paid for their services as Trustees and received no remuneration for any services carried out for the Charity.
The charity does not operate its own pension scheme but contributes towards the NEST Pension scheme.
No trustee expenses were reimbursed in the year (2023: None).
There were no related party transactions that require disclosure in the accounts.
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Cost of building The Shed £
5. Tangible Fixed Assets
5. Tangible Fixed Assets |
£ |
|---|---|
| Cost | |
| At beginning of year | 218,051 |
| Additions | - |
| At end of year | 218,051 |
| Depreciation | |
| At beginning of year | 34,888 |
| Charge for the year | 8,722 |
| At end of year | 43,610 |
| Net Book Value | |
| At 31 December 2023 | 183,163 |
| At 31 December 2024 | 174,441 |
| 6. Debtors | 2024 2023 |
|
|---|---|---|
| £ £ |
||
| Trade debtors | - 805 |
|
| Prepayments | 972 695 |
|
| Accrued Income | 296 79 |
|
| 1,268 1,579 |
||
| 7. Creditors: amounts falling due within one year |
2024 2023 |
|
| £ £ |
||
| Accruals | ||
| Other creditors | 1,769 950 |
|
| 1,325 356 |
||
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Report and Financial Statements for the year ended 31 December 2024
Notes to the financial statements (continued)
8. Analysis of net assets between funds
Fund balances at 31 March 2024 are represented by:
| Un-restricted Funds Restricted Funds Total Funds |
Un-restricted Funds Restricted Funds Total Funds |
|---|---|
| £ £ £ |
|
| Fixed Assets | 174,441 - 174,441 |
| Current assets | 84,389 33,226 117,615 |
| Current Liabilities | (3,094) - (3,094) |
| Total | |
| 255,736 33,226 288,962 |
Fund balances at 31 March 2023 are represented by:
| Un-restricted Funds Restricted Funds Funds |
Un-restricted Funds Restricted Funds Funds |
|---|---|
| £ £ £ |
|
| Fixed Assets | 183,163 - 183,163 |
| Current assets | 75,354 16,809 92,163 |
| Current Liabilities | (1,306) - (1,306) |
| Total | 257,211 16,809 274,020 |
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Report and Financial Statements for the year ended 31 December 2024 Notes to the financial statements (continued)
9. Movement in funds
| 9. Movement in funds | |
|---|---|
| Balance at begining of the year Income Expenditure Balance at end of year |
|
| £ £ £ £ |
|
| Restricted funds | |
| BUPA Foundation | 1,783 225 (2,008) - |
| Green Hall Foundation | 2,000 - (2,000) - |
| NLCF Million Hours Fund | 4,248 - (4,248) - |
| NLCF | 1,924 - (1,670) 254 |
| Birmingham City Council | 5,390 - (5,390) - |
| Sport England | 1,464 - (1,464) - |
| National Lottery - CoCoMAD | - 25,100 (25,100) - |
| National Lottery – Awards for All | - 19,950 (1,125) 18,825 |
| Eveson Charitable Trust | - 10,000 (8,911) 1,089 |
| Heart of England Inclusive Communit | - 10,600 (10,600) - |
| Rowlands Trust | - 10,000 - 10,000 |
| Sir John Middlemore | - 2,000 (1,442) 558 |
| IMI Properties Community Fund | - 2,500 - 2,500 |
| 16,809 80,375 (63,958) 33,226 |
|
| Un-restricted funds | |
| General fund | 74,048 98,469 (91,222) 81,295 |
| Designated asset fund | 183,163 - (8,722) 174,441 |
| 257,211 98,469 (99,944) 255,736 |
|
| Total funds | 274,020 178,844 (163,902) 288,962 |
27
Report and Financial Statements for the year ended 31 December 2024
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Notes to the financial statements (continued)
Restricted funds to create community seating area in The Orchard. Funding BUPA Foundation received November 2023, project ended April 2024 warm hub sessions at The Shed. Funding received December Green Hall Foundation 2023, project ended April 2024 youth work programme, funding received August 2023, project NLCF Million Hours Fund ended July 2024 community cinema project, collaboration with 3 other parks, NLCF funding received 13.7.23, project ended September 2024 activities for over 50s, funding received June 2023, project Birmingham City Council ended July 2024 physical acticity sessions for the community, funding received Sport England April 2023, project ended April 2024 participatory arts activities, funding received June 2024, National Lottery - CoCoMAD project ended August 2024 Youth and community programme, funding received October National Lottery – Awards for All 2024 - funding for 12 months activities for over 55s, funding received May 2024, project Eveson Charitable Trust ended May 2025 Heart of England Inclusive Communitie[community festival/Commonwealth Games legacy, funding] received March 2024, project ended July 2024 refurbishment of the sports courts, funding received July 2024, Rowlands Trust work completed April 2025 youth work provision, funding received September 2024, project Sir John Middlemore due to end June 2025 stream restoration project, funding received September 2024, IMI Properties Community Fund work completed February 2025
Report and Financial Statements for the year ended 31 December 2024
Notes to the financial statements (continued)
10. Controlling Interest
The Charity is controlled by the Trustees.
11. Comparative Statement of Financial Activities
| Un-restricted Restricted Total |
|
|---|---|
| funds funds funds |
|
| 2023 2023 2023 |
|
| Income from: | £ £ £ |
| Donations & legacies | 26,782 35,069 61,851 |
| Charitable activities | 25,301 3,995 29,296 |
| Trading activities | 45,492 - 45,492 |
| Investments – bank interest | 1,486 - 1,486 |
| Total income | 99,061 39,064 138,125 |
| Expenditure on: | |
| Raising funds | 31,977 4,985 36,962 |
| Charitable activities | 52,730 48,389 101,119 |
| 84,707 53,374 138,081 |
|
| Net income/(expend | |
| 14,354 (14,310) 44 |
|
| Reconciliation of funds: | |
| Total funds brought forward | 242,857 31,119 273,976 |
| Total funds carried forward | 257,211 16,809 274,020 |
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COTTERIDGE PARK IS A SANCTUARY FOR ALL WE REJECT HATE. WE WELCOME ALL.
Friends of Cotteridge Park is a registered charity in England and Wales - 1181644