Annual Report for Rubbish Friends (Stratford upon Avon) For the Year Ending 31[st] December 2021
Registered Charitable Incorporated Organisation No. 1181739
This is the third Annual Report for Rubbish Friends (Stratford upon Avon) after being awarded charitable status on 24[th] January 2019.
Rubbish Friends (Stratford upon Avon)’s charitable objects are:
To promote for the public benefit the conservation, protection and improvement of the environment in Stratford upon Avon and the surrounding area, in particular by:
(a) the promotion of practical measures and encouragement of partnerships to reduce litter and improve the general environment of the local area;
(b) raising the public awareness and providing information in matters relating to the benefits of litter reduction.
The year’s operational activities were considerably curtailed once again by Covid. With England in national lockdown, no community or group picks took place until June. Three picks were held; Tesco’s Birmingham Road (June), Bridgetown Primary School (September) and Morrisons, Alcester Road (November). An additional 34 individual picks were logged on the Supporters Group.
The community loan scheme in which a signed waiver entitles supporters to borrow equipment on a long term basis continued to drive membership. 65 new individuals signed up to be members in 2021; the Supporters Facebook Group numbers 1,100.
RF was one of the few charities able to support Duke of Edinburgh students. 6 bronze volunteers continued litter picking activity under parental supervision.
Stratford Girls Grammar School chose to support Rubbish Friends as part of their volunteering activities: 5 students in the Autumn Term picked Shottery area on a weekly basis.
Equipment continues to be loaned out to satellite groups - Tiddington Cubs, Clifford Chambers, Wellesbourne Cubs & Beavers.
Despite the restrictions on organised activities in 2021, we have official reported figures of volunteers collecting approximately 62 bags waste and 20 bags recycling. This does not represent the true figure with many supporters collecting rubbish as they walked and exercised locally.
Last year, the trustees identified the following priorities to action:
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Recruit new trustees to supplement existing and replace those retiring next year
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Identify suitable grant opportunities and apply for funding for additional equipment and a project manager
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Map volunteer structure and recruit nominated pick champions
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Re-establish relationships with corporate sponsors and community groups
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Approach county and district council and their contractors for partnership opportunity.
We are pleased to report progress:
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Welcoming one new trustee, Clare Hassall, whose field of expertise lies within Health & Safety
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Grants awarded:
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WCC Councillor Grant (Tim Sinclair) £923 for “next generation” equipment, DBS checks for 2 volunteers.
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Not awarded: Green Shoots programme, an ambitious bid to template the Rubbish Friends model across all parishes in Warwickshire.
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Calor supported with time and model letters for trustee recruitment.
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Partnership with Make Good Grow not the right fit for our model; however, provided insight as to the gaps in our existing structure.
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New storage space thanks to CASS, a local business
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Pick champions WhatsApp group set up
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WCAVA now proactively providing assistance in recruiting trustees and writing bids
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Learned from The Litter Partnership in Winchester, but talks with idverde unsuccessful to date
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WCC County Councillor Tim Sinclair has proved a hand-on champion and supporter
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Stratford Town Councillors continue to be regulars at our organised picks, with practical support from Cllr Phil How on the website
We are extremely sorry that Donna Nixon, one of the only first trustees left on the Board from January 2019 is stepping down, particularly as we lose her expertise in marketing and organisation!
The trustees would like to take the opportunity to thank all the litter-ally brilliant volunteers and supporters involved. We would also like to express our gratitude to all past sponsors and Thomas Jolyffe School who have been instrumental in growing the Rubbish Friends family.
Profit and Loss
Rubbish Friends - Charity - 1181739 All In Kinds 1 January 2021 to 31 December 2021
Assets Donated Unassigned Total
| Income | |||
|---|---|---|---|
| Grants | £0.00 | £983.00 | £983.00 |
| Total Income | £0.00 | £983.00 | £983.00 |
| Less Cost of Sales | |||
| Clothing | £0.00 | £490.62 | £490.62 |
| Direct Expenses | £0.00 | £754.46 | £754.46 |
| Total Cost of Sales | £0.00 | £1,245.08 | £1,245.08 |
| Gross Profit | £0.00 | -£262.08 | -£262.08 |
| Less Operating Expenses | |||
| Advertising & Marketing | £0.00 | £32.37 | £32.37 |
| Depreciation Expense | £786.66 | £0.00 | £786.66 |
| Insurance | £0.00 | £265.31 | £265.31 |
| Total Operating Expenses | £786.66 | £297.68 | £1,084.34 |
| Net Profit | -£786.66 | -£559.76 | -£1,346.42 |
Claudine Pearson On behalf of the Board of Trustees