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2022-12-31-accounts

The American Garden in Peckham Charity No 1186914

Report of the Trustees for the Year Ended 31 December 2022

Contents

Page 2 Reference and Administrative Details Page 3 Trustee Report Page 7 Financial Review Page 8 Independent Examiner’s Report Page 9 Statement of Financial Activities Page 10 Notes to the Financial Activities

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Reference and Administrative Details

Trustees:

Ms Nancy Coleman-Frank, Chair Ms Birgitta Pernille Ahlström, Secretary Mr Derek Charles Kinrade, Treasurer Mr David Yelding Dr Lloyd Anderson

Expert Advisory Panel:

Ms Elizabeth P McLean Mr Joel T Fry Ms Cherrill Sands Ms Liz Brough

Address:

33 Highshore Road London SE15 5AF

Charity Registration Number: 1186914

Bank:

Lloyds Bank 25 Gresham Street London EC2V 7HN

Independent Examiner:

Andrew Cooper Deputy Director, Equality, Diversity and Inclusion and People Experience, People Group UK Health Security Agency

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Trustee Report

The Trustees of the Charity present their report with financial statements for the year ended 31 December 2022.

Structure, Governance and Management

The American Garden in Peckham is a Charitable Incorporated Organisation (CIO) registered with the Charity Commission and governed by its constitution. The Charity was established on 19 December 2019. The affairs of the Charity are managed by the Trustees who exercise all the powers of the CIO.

The Charity continues to work in partnership with Southwark Council, through a Memorandum of Understanding, to achieve its charitable objectives because Peckham Rye Park, in which the American Garden is located, is owned and managed by the Council.

Partnership

A Memorandum of Understanding anchors the relationship with Southwark Council, which began in 2017 when the group, not yet a charity, secured funding of £20,000 from the Council in the form of a Cleaner, Greener, Safer (CGS) grant. Following Southwark’s policies, these funds were kept in a separate account by the Council. When the CGS funds are exhausted, the Charity will transfer funds to the Southwark account for agreed expenses, consistent with the Charity’s objectives. The Charity is responsible for raising all funds for the Project. The Council carries out some work, such as mowing the lawn around the planting beds, on behalf of the Charity.

Appointment and Training of Trustees

In accordance with the terms of the constitution, there must be at least three Trustees. Apart from the founding Charity Trustees, every Trustee must be appointed for a term of three years. Trustees will consider suitable candidates from recommendations and personal knowledge based on the skills, knowledge and experience needed for the effective administration of the CIO. Incoming Trustees are advised of the responsibilities and legal obligations of being a Trustee and are given a current copy of the constitution and a copy of the Charity’s Annual Report and Financial Statement.

The Trustees of the CIO have no personal responsibility for settling debts and liabilities in the event of winding up.

Meetings by Electronic Means

In accordance with its constitution (15.4. - Participation in meetings by electronic means), with the exception of the December 2022 AGM, all Trustee meetings this year were held through Zoom, and complied with the rules for all meetings, including protocols for chairing and the taking of minutes.

Change of Reporting Year

At their February 2023 meeting, Trustees decided to change from a financial to calendar year report for the Charity Commission. This change was facilitated by the Charity Commission in March 2023 and again in October 2023. This Annual Report reflects the change, officially from 6 April to 31 December 2022, though information for the whole year is included.

Objectives

The Charity was established to create a new garden by re-designing, enhancing, protecting, promoting and maintaining for the public benefit the American Garden in Peckham Rye Park.

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Its objectives are:

  1. To promote the conservation, protection and improvement of the physical and natural environment of the American Garden in Peckham Rye Park for the benefit of the local community and visitors.

  2. To promote for the benefit of the public the provision of facilities for recreation or other leisure time occupation of individuals who have need of such facilities by reason of their youth, age, infirmity or disablement, financial hardship or social and economic circumstances or for the public at large in the interests of social welfare and with the object of improving the condition of life of those using the garden.

  3. To advance education for the public benefit particularly by providing opportunities for learning about horticulture in and around the American Garden. Equally, the Charity wishes to honour the international stature of Peter Collinson, the 18th century botanist, and to commemorate the exchange of seeds and plants he had with John Bartram of Philadelphia for more than forty years. This will be accomplished by populating the Garden with specific plants found in his Peckham garden.

Activities

The Charity’s Project has been broken into three stages:

  1. Preparing the Garden

  2. Planting the Garden

  3. Education and Outreach

This report covers the second year of the Project. Having completed preparation of the Garden, activities were therefore focused on the continued planning and planting involved in establishing a new garden. These included:

The Planting stage of the project was divided into three parts: trees, shrubs, perennials. Ten ‘American’ trees were planted in December 2020. Three additional American trees were planted in February, donated by Southwark Council through the generosity of Philip Barwell and the London Tree Officers Association. The majority of the shrubs were planted during 2021. Again chosen to replicate plants Collinson had in his 18th century Peckham garden and to provide colour, interest and support biodiversity for pollinating species, over 2000 perennials were planted in April 2022. Among those planted were Cyclamen, Hesperis, Physostegia, Tiarella, various coneflowers and ferns. Large amounts of ericaceous compost were added during planting to help support the growth and health of these plants.

In a real milestone for the Garden, seating was added to the Garden in early April. This took the form of four custom-designed straight benches, with backrests, two at each end of the Garden and two curved benches, with backrests in the middle of the Garden forming a kind of amphitheatre within the Garden.

Over 50 people were invited to a July ‘Celebration’ in the Garden, designed to thank all those who had supported the Garden. Overseeing the Celebration was our Chair, Nancy Coleman-Frank. Speeches were given by Trevor Chilton of the Peter Collinson Heritage at Mill Hill, Lord Harris, Baron of Peckham, Kathryn Crockart, Minister Councillor for Public Affairs, the American Embassy, Cllr Sunil Chopra, Mayor of Southwark and David Taylor, Trustee of Painshill Park.

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Special guests included John Condon, great-grandson of Park designer Arthur Ashmore, and his daughter, Kiera.

In September, Trustees again joined the Annual Fête put on by the Friends of Peckham Rye Park. Information about the American Garden was shared and additional support garnered.

Throughout the year, the Charity continued to seek funds.

The Instagram page (@americangardenpeckham) was continued.

Impact of Coronavirus

The impact of Coronavirus was not as severe this year as it had been in 2021. There were still problems with availability and delays in obtaining materials.

Impact of Climate Change

The summer and autumn of 2022 were particularly hot and dry. New planting always needs to be watered for at least the first year. However, we found the Garden needed to be watered much more than anticipated. Even with Trustees and volunteers watering several times a week during this period, we lost many perennials.

Impact of Changes to Park Management

Both Will Walpole, Park Manager, and Tom Edwards, Head Gardener, left their positions at Peckham Rye Park during the year. Both were extremely supportive and will be sorely missed. It is not certain who will replace them or when these positions will be filled.

Public Benefit Statement

The Trustees confirm they have referred to the guidance contained in the Charity Commission’s general guidance on public benefit when reviewing the Charity’s aims and objectives and in planning future activities.

Achievements and Performance

2022 was a good year for the American Garden.

The greatest long-lasting achievement of 2022, by far, was the addition of seating within the Garden. Made by Furnitubes, the seating was substantial and created to enhance the design of the Garden. From the time it was installed, visitors to the Park could always be found using the seating, from sitting to enjoying the Garden to taking an afternoon nap to preschoolers sitting for a ‘portrait’ in the Garden. One visitor even alerted our local Southwark News to the new seating, which in turn provided a long article in the News about Collinson, the Garden and its splendid new seating.

The funds for the seating came from a generous grant of £48,572 from Viridor Credits Environmental Company (now called Valencia Communities Fund) after an arduous application process on our part. Though this award was granted in October 2021, the funds were not used until 2022. These funds covered seating, perennial plants and compost/labour for the plants.

Another milestone for the Garden was the Celebration in July. This provided an opportunity to thank all our supporters and show off the Garden. The theme was the ongoing special relationship between the UK and the United States. Guests were treated to speeches about the life of Peter Collinson and his work with Colonists of the time, the outreach of the American Embassy and the support and appreciation given by Southwark Council. Guests were sent away with seed packets reminiscent of the seed and plant exchange between Collinson and Bartram.

The Friends of Peckham Rye Park donated £2,500 in March of 2022. The Trustees greatly appreciate the ongoing support of the Friends.

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With the planting of shrubs, feedback from visitors and the local community was even more encouraging than last year. Trustees report visitors stop to ask questions, especially about the ‘new’ plants, share how they have been watching the progress of the Garden and indicate how pleased they are to see it being re-created. Staff at the Park tell Trustees they receive many positive comments about the Garden. The FoPRP, also enthusiastic, regularly include recent news of the American Garden on their website. Our resident local freelance photographer Phil Polglaze continued to capture the progress of the Garden and its visitors in black and white photos and gave us a wonderful photo synopsis of the July Celebration.

Plans for the Future

A garden is always a work in progress.

Having planted trees and shrubs and perennials, the Garden and its plants will still need to be observed regularly. It will be important to see which of the plants have thrived, which would be better in a different place (with more sun or more shade) and which have died. Plans are in place to move and/or replace plants as necessary; however, this will be incumbent on funds available. Additionally, a decision was made to plant in Autumn only in Autumn, as Spring planting is not always successful, due especially to the changes in our climate.

The Charity will take part in the FoPRP Annual Fête, held in September, to share information about the Garden and recruit more supporters. Trustees will continue to collect letters of support as part of their fundraising strategy.

The Charity will begin planning the third phase of the project, education and outreach. The Trustees feel it is important to show those who visit the Garden just who we are and what we are doing. Research will continue into the best ways to reach, then secure community support. Information panels will top the list to begin education and outreach. This will be followed by the creation of an initial website. Fundraising will continue to be of importance.

Knowing the value of current research regarding climate change and how it affects people, plants and wildlife, Trustees will continue to monitor research of this nature.

Changes in leadership at the Park will mean garnering new support for the Garden. It will be important to have a clear definition of ongoing partnership and understanding.

Trustees realise it remains important to increase the number of Trustees on the board. This will be a priority for 2023 when several trustee’s terms are due to end.

The above Trustees Report is approved by order of the Board of Trustees and signed on their behalf.

Nancy Coleman-Frank Chairperson

10 October 2023

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Financial Review

Funds brought forward from the 2021 financial year were £25,188.

Financial income for 2022 totalled £7,658, made up of £5,026 in gift aid, £2,590 in donations, £6 generated through Smile Amazon shopping, and a refund of £36.

The grant of £48,572 awarded in 2021, but used in 2022, by Viridor Credits Environmental Company is not included in the Statement of Financial Activities for the year. By their funding agreement, Viridor Credits holds their funding, asking awardees to submit a report and request payment when agreed works are completed. Funds are then paid, by Viridor Credits, directly to the Contractor. However, their required Contributing Third Party Contribution of 10% of the grant award was paid in 2022 and is included.

Southwark Council awarded the Charity £20,000 in 2019 as a Cleaner, Greener, Safer grant. Per grant requirements, Southwark directly paid contractors, with Trustee approval, for work in the American Garden. The policy of Southwark paying contractors continued even after the grant had been expended. Southwark charged additional administrative fees for this method. However, it was never clear to Trustees how much the additional fees to the Charity would be, especially as they seemed to change frequently. Consequently, financial dealings and responsibilities with Southwark Council were brought to a close in June of 2022.

Expenditures for this period amounted to £12,755.

Funds available at the end of the financial year 2022 were £20,091.

The Trustees are of the opinion the Charity is in a secure financial position and has enough funds to meet its obligations for Stages 1 and 2 of its Project (Preparing and Planting the Garden). Fundraising will continue in order to meet the financial needs of Stage 3 (Education and Outreach).

Fund Accounting

The financial statements have been prepared on a receipts and payments basis which summarises the movement of cash in and out of the organisation. This format is available to non company charities with a gross annual income of £250,000 or less.

Funds Structure

The Charity maintains both restricted and unrestricted funds. Unrestricted funds may be used in accordance with the charitable objectives at the discretion of the Trustees. Restricted funds provided to the Charity may only be used for particular restricted purposes, as specified by the donor, within the objectives of the Charity.

Risk Management

The Trustees confirm they have considered major risks which may arise and, in their opinion, no significant risks are seen at the date of this report.

Reserves Policy

Although there is no formal policy in place, the Charity reviews the level of funds available on a regular basis. Discussions began regarding the possibility of a specific reserves fund.

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Independent Examiner’s Report to the Trustees of The American Garden in Peckham, Charity No 1186914:

I report to the Trustees on my examination of the financial statements of the charity for the year ended 531 December 2022 which are set out on pages 9 and 10.

Responsibilities and Basis of Report

As the Trustees of the Charity, you are responsible for the preparation of the financial statements in accordance with the requirements of the Charities Act 2011 (‘the Act’).

I report in respect of my examination of the Charity's financial statements 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 :

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.

Andrew P Cooper

Chartered Fellow Institute of Personal Development

28 Watford Close Battersea London SW11 4QT

12 October 2023

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Statement of Financial Activities for the year ended 31 December 2022 Receipts and Payments

eceipts and Payments
Notes Unrestricted funds
£		 Restricted funds
£		 Total funds
£
Receipts
Donations 90 2,500 2590
Gift Aid (HMRC) 1 5026 5026
SmileAmazon reward 6 6
Refund (Classic Roses) 36 36
Sub total 5122 2536 7658
Total receipts 5,122 2,536 7,658
Payments
Zoom US 144 144
Southwark Council 2 500 500
Plants+compost 975 975
CTP 3 4857 4857
Celebration 2003 2003
Repayment (HMRC) 1 4276 4276
Sub total 6423 6332 12755
Total payments 6,423 6,332 12,755
Net of receipts/(payments) -1301 -3796 -5097
Statement of assets and liabilities
at year end		 Unrestricted funds
£		 Restricted funds
£
Balance brought forward 25188
Cash funds this year -1301 -3796 -5097
Total cash funds year end 20,091

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Notes to the Financial Activities

otes to the Financial Activities
1. Gift Aid £ £
HMRC payment to Charity 5026
Repayment to HMRC 4276 Incorrect amount of gift
aid was reported (two
donations were
accidentally reported
twice). This required a
repayment to HMRC.
Actual Total received for Gift Aid 750
2. Payments
Southwark Council 500 Funds transferred to
Southwark Council to
cover expenses, as
directed by Trustees.
This was the fnal
payment to cover
Garden expenses.
3. Payments
CTP - Contributing Third Party payment 4857 Per Viridor Credits, a
CTP payment of 10%
of the total award had
to be be paid to them
within one month of the
date of the ofer letter.

The above Financial Statement is approved by order of the Board of Trustees and signed on their behalf.

Nancy Coleman-Frank Chairperson

10 October 2023

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