Registered Charity Number: 1183948
Friends of Rowntree Park
ANNUAL REPORT For the year ending 30 September 2023
Annual Report | Year ending 30 September 2023
CONTENTS
Page
Charity Information Trustees’ Report Independent Examiner’s Report Statement of Financial Activities
Balance Sheet
Notes to the Accounts 10
Registered Charity Number: 1183948
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Annual Report | Year ending 30 September 2023
CHARITY INFORMATION
For the year ending 30 September 2023
Charity Overview
Registered Charity Name: Friends of Rowntree Park Charity Number: 1183948 Principal Office Address: 33 Curzon Terrace York North Yorkshire YO23 1EZ Trustees: Lucy Katherine Brown (Appointed 17 April 2023) Agnes Reka Szechy (Appointed 17 April 2023) Edward George Woollard (Appointed 17 April 2023) Polly Louisa Bennett Jane Elen Mackay Matthew David Segar Rebecca Blues Anthony Chester Dr Catherine Jane Mortimer Stephen Dunthorne (Resigned 17 April 2023)
Registered Charity Number: 1183948
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Annual Report | Year ending 30 September 2023
TRUSTEES’ REPORT
For the year ending 30 September 2023
Introduction
The trustees hereby present the annual report for Friends of Rowntree Park, a charity registered with the Charity Commission for England and Wales (registered number 1183948). Friends of Rowntree Park is a charity focused on maintaining and improving Rowntree Park in York.
The Trustees
The trustees who served the charity during the year were as follows:
-
Lucy Katherine Brown (Appointed 17 April 2023)
-
Agnes Reka Szechy (Appointed 17 April 2023)
-
Edward George Woollard (Appointed 17 April 2023)
-
Polly Louisa Bennett
-
Jane Elen Mackay
-
Matthew David Segar
-
Rebecca Blues
-
Anthony Chester
-
Dr Catherine Jane Mortimer
-
Stephen Dunthorne (Resigned 17 April 2023)
Trustees are appointed in accordance with the Trust Deed. Trustees meet quarterly, and all decisions are reached by agreement. The trustees have assessed the major risks to which the charity is exposed and are satisfied that systems are in place to mitigate exposure to the major risks.
Background
The Friends of Rowntree Park are a registered charity. From 1993-2019, the Friends of Rowntree Park ran as a not-for-profit organisation with a committee leading the day-to-day management of our volunteer activities.
The Friends of Rowntree Park became a charity in June 2019 and trustees were appointed at this time. All trustees and committee members are volunteers.
Our volunteers love Rowntree Park in York and help care for it. Out volunteers do activities such as garden, litter pick, help with wildlife, run community events and projects, as well as focusing on education and mental health and wellbeing.
Objectives and Activities
Our vision is for The Friends to be a well-resourced and sustainable group of volunteers and staff focused on enhancing the value of the park as a cherished, thriving, green space at the heart of our local community.
We aim to the quality of life for residents and visitors through use of the park and its facilities, enabling and delivering a range of activities that engage all sectors of the community.
Our prioritises are:
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To continue to offer a range of services and opportunities to park users and the local community.
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To increase resilience and robustness of resources so the long-term future of The Friends is assured.
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To expand the range of services and opportunities offered, subject to building on the resources available.
Registered Charity Number: 1183948
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Annual Report | Year ending 30 September 2023
Our strategy focuses on four main themes: Education, Conservation, Wellbeing and Recreation. We run a membership scheme where anyone can join the Friends of Rowntree Park. This money helps fund the work we do.
We have a small group of dedicated volunteers that want to make Rowntree Park the best it can be.
We run a range of events for all ages. Many of these tend to focus on natural and ‘eco’ themes.
For children we have a range of events through the year that include regular events like Forest School, Home Education sessions and the Very Young Friends of Rowntree Park, as well as one-off special events. Adult events also tend to follow a nature/eco theme and range from things like nature crafts, bird watching, art and mindfulness. We also run musical and art events through the summer months when able.
Structure, Governance and Management
Our Trustees and Committee work closely together. In fact, some trustees were originally committee members and still have active roles on the committee too.
Our trustees oversee the strategic planning of the charity. They make sure the Friends plans are in line with the charity’s aims and that the charity’s funds are handled responsibly.
Our committee members are involved in the day-to-day running of the charity. They plan and run events and activities in line with the charity’s aims and objectives. The committee has open/pubic meetings four times a year in January, April, June and October (AGM). Subgroups also meet throughout the year.
Reserves Policy
The charity aims to hold reserves of no less than three months of ongoing expenditure.
Political Donations
The Friends has no party-political affiliations and does not make political donations.
Financial Accounts
The accounts for the year ending 30 September 2023 have been prepared in accordance with the Charities Act 2011, the Companies Act 2006, the Articles of Association and the Accounting and Reporting by Charities – Statement of Recommended Practice, applicable to all charities preparing their accounts in accordance with the Financial Reporting Standards.
Statement of directors’ responsibilities
The trustees are responsible for preparing the Trustees Annual Report and the financial statements in accordance with applicable law and regulations.
In preparing these accounts, the trustees are required to:
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Select suitable accounting policies and then apply them consistently
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Make judgements and estimates that are reasonable and prudent, and
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Prepare the accounts on the going concern basis unless it is inappropriate to presume that the charity will continue in business.
The trustees are responsible for keeping adequate accounting records that are sufficient to show and explain the charity’s transactions and disclose with reasonable accuracy at any time the financial
Registered Charity Number: 1183948
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Annual Report | Year ending 30 September 2023
position of the company and enable them to ensure that the accounts comply with the Charities Act 2011. They are also responsible for safeguarding the assets of the charity and hence for taking reasonable steps for the prevention and detection of fraud and other irregularities. Each of the persons who is a trustee at the date of approval of this report confirms that:
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So far as each trustee is aware, there is no relevant information of which the independent reviewer is unaware, and
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Each trustee has taken all steps that they ought to have taken as a trustee to make themselves aware of any relevant financial information that may have a material impact on the financial reports and to establish that the organisation’s independent reviewer is aware of that information.
Signed on behalf of the board of trustees:
……………………………………………….. Cath Mortimer Chair of Trustees
Approved by the board on
14/03/2024 Date: …………………………..
Registered Charity Number: 1183948
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Annual Report | Year ending 30 September 2023
INDEPENDENT EXAMINER’S REPORT
For the year ending 30 September 2023
I report on the accounts of Friends of Rowntree Park for the year ending 30 September 2023, which are set out on pages 8-13.
Respective responsibilities of trustees and examiner
The charity’s trustees are responsible for the preparation of the accounts. The charity’s trustees consider that an audit is not required this year under section 144(2) of the Charities Act 2011 (the 2011 Act) and that an independent examination is needed.
It is my responsibility to:
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Examine the accounts under section 145 of the 2011 Act
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To follow the procedures laid down in the General Directions given by the Charities Commission under section 145(5)(b) of the 2011 Act
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To state whether particular matters have come to my attention
Basis of independent examiner’s report
My examination was carried out in accordance with the General Directions given by the Charity Commission. An examination includes a review of the accounting records kept by the charity and a comparison of the accounts presented with those records. It also includes consideration of any unusual items of disclosures in the accounts and seeking explanations from you as trustees consequently no opinion is given as to whether the accounts present a “true and fair view”, and the report is limited to those matters set out in the statement below.
Independent examiner’s statement
In connection with my examination, no matter has come to my attention:
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(1) which gives me reasonable cause to believe that in any material respect the requirements
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To keep accounting records in accordance with section 130 of the 2011 Act
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To prepare accounts which accord with the accounting records and comply with the accounting requirements of the 2011 Act
Have not been met, or
- (2) to which, in my opinion, attention should be drawn in order to enable a proper understanding of the accounts to be reached.
……………………………………………..
Nicola Ainscough FCA BSc Chartered Accountant Equilibrium Accountants Ltd 48 Goodramgate, York, YO1 7LF
- 29 February 2024
Registered Charity Number: 1183948
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Annual Report | Year ending 30 September 2023
STATEMENT OF FINANCIAL ACTIVITIES
For the year ending 30 September 2023
| Notes INCOME Incoming and endowments from: Donations and legacies 2 Charitable activities 3 Other trading activities 4 Investments Other income Total incoming resources EXPENDITURE Expenditure on: Raising funds 5 Charitable activities 6 Other 7 Total resources expended Net income / (expenditure) for the period Transfer of funds 8 RECONCILIATION OF FUNDS Total funds brought forward as at 1 Oct 22 Total funds carried forward as at 30 Sep 23 9 |
Restricted Funds £ 47,166 - - - - |
Unrestricted Funds £ 2,440 23,538 5,124 - |
Year to 30 Sep 2023 Total £ Year to 30 Sep 2022 Total £ |
|
|---|---|---|---|---|
| 49,606 17,072 |
||||
| 23,538 18,244 |
||||
| 5,124 5,058 |
||||
| - - |
||||
| - | - - |
|||
| 47,166 - 17,802 - |
31,102 2,143 29,407 2,765 |
78,268 40,374 |
||
| 2,143 2,631 |
||||
| 47,209 35,253 |
||||
| 2,765 2,556 |
||||
| 17,802 | 34,315 | 52,117 40,440 |
||
| 29,364 | (3,213) | 26,151 (66) |
||
| (2,482) 12,248 |
2,482 25,276 |
- - |
||
| 37,524 37,490 |
||||
| 39,130 | 24,545 | 63,675 37,524 |
The notes on pages 10-13 form a part of these financial statements
A Statement of Total Recognised Gains and Losses is not required as all gains and losses are included in the Statement of Financial Activities.
There is no difference between the net income / (expenditure) for the period above and the historical cost equivalent. All activities are continuing.
Registered Charity Number: 1183948
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Annual Report | Year ending 30 September 2023
BALANCE SHEET
For the year ending 30 September 2023
| ALANCE SHEET or the year ending 30 September 2023 |
||
|---|---|---|
| Notes FIXED ASSETS Tangible assets CURRENT ASSETS Stocks Prepayments Cash at bank and in hand Creditors: Amounts falling due within one year Net Current Assets / (Liabilities) Total Assets less Current Liabilities Creditors: Amounts falling due after more than one year Net Assets FUNDS 5 Unrestricted funds Restricted funds Total Funds |
£ - - 63,675 |
As at 30 Sep 2023 £ - - |
| 63,675 | ||
| 63,675 | ||
| 63,675 - |
||
| 63,675 | ||
| 24,545 39,130 |
||
| 63,675 | ||
The notes on pages 10-13 form a part of these financial statements
Trustee benefits: advances, credit and guarantees
During the year no benefits, in the form of advances, credit and guarantees, were conferred upon trustees of the charity.
Guarantees and other financial commitments
During the year no guarantees or other financial commitments were made.
The financial statements have been prepared in accordance with the Charities Act 2011, with respect to accounting records and the preparation of accounts.
The financial statements on pages 8-13 were approved by the Board of Trustees and signed on its behalf by:
………………………………………..
Cath Mortimer Chair of Trustees
14/03/2024
Date: ……………………………..
Registered Charity Number: 1183948
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Annual Report | Year ending 30 September 2023
NOTES TO THE ACCOUNTS
For the year ending 30 September 2023
-
ACCOUNTING POLICIES
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a) Statutory Information Friends of Rowntree Park is a registered charity in the UK with the Charities Commission, registration number 1183948.
-
b) Basis of preparation and assessment of going concern The accounts have been prepared under the historical cost convention and on the receipts and payment basis.
- The financial statements are prepared in sterling, which is the functional currency of the charity.
The principal accounting policies, which have been applied consistently in the period, are set out below.
-
c) Compliance with accounting standards The financial statements have been prepared in accordance with the Charities Act 2011, the Accounting and Reporting by Charities for Smaller Entities: Statement of Recommended Practice applicable in the UK and Republic of Ireland (FRS 102) (Effective January 2015) – (Charities ‘SORP’ FRS 102)): the provisions of FRS 102 Section 1A – Small Entitles and other applicable accounting standards in the United Kingdom.
-
d) Funds structure Earmarked funds, as shown in the notes to the accounts, represent funds set aside by the trustees for use on specific projects. Amounts shown as Restricted Funds, on the Statement of Financial Activities and the Balance Sheet, represent funds donated for specific projects in accordance with the Charities Act definition.
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e) Income recognition Revenue is recognised in respect of non-government, non-exchange transactions, donations and funds received for goods and services supplied during the financial period on receipt.
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f) Trustees’ remuneration and expenses During the year the trustees did not receive any remuneration or reimbursement of out-ofpocket expenses, as none were incurred.
2. DONATION AND LEGACIES INCOME
| Restricted Funds £ |
Unrestricted Funds £ |
Year to 30 Sep 2023 Total £ |
Year to 30 Sep 2022 Total £ |
|
|---|---|---|---|---|
| General | - | 2,440 | 2,440 | 2,276 |
| Grants | ||||
| Crime Commissioner | 10,528 | - | 10,528 | |
| Two Ridings | 1,584 | - | 1,584 | |
| Yorkshire Water | 13,500 | - | 13,500 | |
| Benenden | 1,956 | - | 1,956 | |
| CYC | 8,140 | - | 8,140 | 1,177 |
| SweatyBetty | 5,000 | - | 5,000 | |
| Whitwam Family | 5,000 | - | 5,000 | |
| MIND | 1,458 | - | 1,458 | 2,635 |
| LNER | - | - | - | 10,984 |
| 47,166 | 2,440 | 49,606 | 17,072 | |
Registered Charity Number: 1183948
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Annual Report | Year ending 30 September 2023
3. CHARITABLE ACTIVITIES INCOME
| Restricted Funds £ |
Unrestricted Funds £ |
Year to 30 Sep 2023 Total £ Year to 30 Sep 2022 Total £ |
|
|---|---|---|---|
| Membership | - | 6,215 | 6,215 4,852 |
| External Event BookingIncome | - | 1,181 | 1,181 2,264 |
| Events Income | - | 16,142 | 16,142 11,128 |
| - | 23,538 | 23,538 18,244 |
4. OTHER TRADING ACTIVITIES INCOME
| Restricted Funds £ |
Unrestricted Funds £ |
Year to 30 Sep 2023 Total £ Year to 30 Sep 2022 |
|
|---|---|---|---|
| FRP Merchandise | - | 3,198 | 3,198 1,836 |
| Cards | - | - | - 589 |
| Duck Food | - | 1,926 | 1,926 2,633 |
| - | 5,124 | 5,124 5,058 |
5. RAISING FUNDS
| 5. RAISING FUNDS | ||||
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Restricted Funds £ |
Unrestricted Funds £ |
Year to 30 Sep 2023 Total £ |
Year to 30 Sep 2022 Total £ |
|
| Duck Food | - | - | - | 793 |
| Bird Food / Feeds | - | 20 | 20 | 183 |
| Merchandise Expenses | - | 579 | 579 | 502 |
| Cards – Merchandise | - | 751 | 751 | 810 |
| AdvertisingExpenses | - | 793 | 793 | 343 |
| - | 2,143 | 2,143 | 2,631 | |
6. CHARITABLE ACTIVITIES
| 6. CHARITABLE ACTIVITIES | |||
|---|---|---|---|
| Restricted Funds £ |
Unrestricted Funds £ |
Year to 30 Sep 2023 Total £ Year to 30 Sep 2022 Total £ |
|
| Projects | - | 13,048 | 13,048 6,772 |
| Volunteer Retention | - | 383 | 383 187 |
| Forest School | - | 3,656 | 3,656 4,329 |
| CharityManagement | - | 12,320 | 12,320 6,415 |
| Grant Expenses | 17,802 | - | 17,802 17,550 |
| 17,802 | 29,407 | 47,209 35,253 |
Registered Charity Number: 1183948
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Annual Report | Year ending 30 September 2023
7. OTHER
| 7. OTHER | ||||
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Restricted Funds £ |
Unrestricted Funds £ |
Year to 30 Sep 2023 Total £ |
Year to 30 Sep 2022 Total £ |
|
| General Expenses | - | 292 | 292 | 186 |
| Insurance | - | 514 | 514 | 497 |
| Fees | - | 927 | 927 | 997 |
| Website/IT | - | 1,032 | 1,032 | 876 |
| - | 2,765 | 2,765 | 2,556 | |
8. TRANSFER OF FUNDS
The board of trustees have approved the following reallocation of funds between the restricted and unrestricted fund accounts:
| Restricted Funds £ |
Unrestricted Funds £ |
Year to 30 Sep 2023 Total £ |
||
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Fund | ||||
| Bettys | (574) | 574 | - | |
| Crime Commissioner | 138 | (138) | - | |
| W2W | (176) | 176 | - | |
| Yorkshire Water | 1,407 | (1,407) | - | |
| Benenden | 157 | (157) | ||
| CYC Micklegate | (39) | 39 | - | |
| MIND | (419) | 419 | - | |
| LNER | (399) | 399 | - | |
| MSFG – Activities | (104) | 104 | - | |
| First Transpennine ** | (2,473) | 2,473 | - | |
| (2,482) | 2,482 | - | ||
** First Transpennine confirmed during the 2022-23 financial year that the grant issued in the previous financial period was released for all restriction and could be treated as a general donation. As such, the remaining funds in the restricted account have been released to unrestricted funds.
Registered Charity Number: 1183948
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Annual Report | Year ending 30 September 2023
9. RESTRICTED FUNDS RECONCILIATION
| Restricted Fund 30 Sep 2022 £ |
Fund movement £ Year to 30 Sep 2023 Total £ |
|
|---|---|---|
| Fund | ||
| Gardening– Propagation Project | 273 | - 273 |
| Bettys | 1,440 | (1,440) - |
| Crime Commissioner | (138) | 10,326 10,188 |
| W2W | 176 | (176) - |
| Yorkshire Water | (1,407) | 12,198 10,791 |
| DS Smith | 1,500 | - 1,500 |
| CYC Micklegate | 39 | (39) - |
| Benenden | (157) | 1,218 1,061 |
| MIND | 173 | (173) - |
| LNER Grant | 6,822 | (6,822) - |
| Charities Trust | 250 | - 250 |
| Belfry (Two Ridings) | - | 1,017 1,017 |
| MSFG - Equipment | - | 15,000 15,000 |
| MSFG – Activities | - | - - |
| COF EnablingFund – Lodge | - | (1,950) (1,950) |
| CYC – Lodge | - | 1,000 1,000 |
| First Transpennine | 3,277 | (3,277) - |
| 12,248 | 26,882 39,130 |
Registered Charity Number: 1183948
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