WEYBRIDGE ALLOTMENT HOLDERS’ AND GARDENERS’ ASSOCIATION (WAHGA) CIO - Association. Registered Charity Number 1189633
ANNUAL REPORT 2023
THE OBJECTS OF THE CIO ARE:
1) TO PROVIDE OR ASSIST IN THE PROVISION OF FACILITIES FOR ALLOTMENTS IN WEYBRIDGE, SURREY IN THE INTERESTS OF SOCIAL WELFARE FOR RECREATION OR OTHER LEISURE TIME OCCUPATION FOR THE PUBLIC AT LARGE WITH THE OBJECT OF IMPROVING THEIR CONDITIONS OF LIFE
2) TO PROMOTE FOR THE BENEFIT OF THE PUBLIC THE CONSERVATION PROTECTION AND IMPROVEMENT OF THE PHYSICAL AND NATURAL ENVIRONMENT IN, AND BORDERING, WEYBRIDGE ALLOTMENTS, SURREY IN PARTICULAR THROUGH THE CONSERVATION OF NATURAL RESOURCES, THE IMPROVEMENT OF WILDLIFE DIVERSITY AND PROVIDING OPPORTUNITIES FOR LEARNING ABOUT SUSTAINABLE HORTICULTURE
How These Objects Were Achieved during this reporting period:
In 2023 WAHGA was able to continue to expand the ways in which it plays an important role in the support of fruit, vegetable and flower growers in Weybridge, in the interests of social welfare. These initiatives have been both practical and educational.
Allotment gardeners benefitted from loans of suitable equipment, shares in bulk purchase of manure, compost and seed potatoes, and practical advice from other WAHGA members who have gardening experience which they are keen to share. During 2023, social events, competitions, engagement with the broader community through local fayres, and the use of social media supported objectives to share knowledge and increase allotment gardeners’ enjoyment of their life. WAHGA continues to look imaginatively at ways it can add to the mental health benefits that cultivation, exercise and fresh air can bring to allotment gardeners and members.
Membership, which is open to local gardeners and allotment holders, stood at 327 at the end of 2023
2023 ACTIVITIES AND INITIATIVES
PROVIDING OPPORTUNITIES FOR LEARNING ABOUT SUSTAINABLE HORTICULTURE
Given the success and popularity of informative member email updates (in particular WAHGA’s bespoke Jobs for the Month) newsletters, use of social media, the focus on these was increased in 2023.
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The WAHGA website contains high quality, relevant articles and fact sheets which are readily available to members and the public. Horticultural tips and techniques as well as wildlife and sustainability information are focus areas. The WAHGA ‘Jobs for the Month’ are written specifically for the local environment and tailored each month to reflect the actual growing conditions at the time. Website and Facebook statistics as well as informal feedback shows they are very popular and helpful to growers.
The WAHGA administered Facebook group, which had increased membership to 195 members at the end of 2023, remained popular (305 posts were made during the year) and is administered to ensure the posts are relevant and educational, as well as enhancing community engagement. Members are encouraged to post their hints, tips and requests for advice.
Recycling and sharing activities continued to be a major focus area so that plastic items in particular are reused, and spare seedlings and produce are shared.
2023 AGM - 19th April 2023
The WHAG AGM was attended by 59 members. After the formal part of the evening was closed, there was a fascinating, educational and very popular talk by the Managing Director of Franchi seeds, with informal networking to end the evening.
COMMUNITY QUIZ NIGHTS
In order to bring the WAHGA membership together to foster an allotment holders and gardening community and to raise funds for WAHGA, quiz nights were organised in 2023. 85 members and their friends came to the 18th March Quiz, and 82 came to the 25th November Quiz. These evening events contributed net funds of £1,391 to assist with WAHGA’s running costs.
SUNFLOWER GROWING COMPETITIONS
In April, 55 members (including 32 under 12 years old) collected sunflower growing kits which included seeds, flower pots and compost. Sunflowers over 1.2 metres high were eligible for the finals, as well as those with large flower heads. Four winners were announced to the membership at the summer picnic. All of the junior members whose flowers made the finals received a certificate and an age appropriate educational nature book.
THE BROADER COMMUNITY
WAHGA combined with Oatlands Allotments to run a stall at the Weybridge Festival on 24th June. Many local residents came to ask about vegetable and fruit growing as well as our advice on allotment gardening. The exhibition showing the various ways of composting created a lot of interest and discussion.
On Saturday 22nd April WAHGA had a stand at the Oxshott Net Zero Village Day promoting the benefits of home composting and peat-free composts. A range of composting methods were demonstrated, with samples of the output. WAHGA was involved in a similar event at the Green Elmbridge Sustainability Fair at the
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Riverhouse Barn in Walton-on-Thames on June 17th. There was surprise at the good quality of home composted material and the number of worms.
PLOT JUDGING
In order to ensure a greater focus on wildlife, biodiversity and sustainability the plot judging criteria introduced in 2022 were reviewed and updated. An Instructor at RHS Merrist Wood was engaged for the second year. The criteria were published well in advance of judging and plot-holders were invited to enter their plots. 18 members put their plots forward.
The judge was most impressed by plots with a large variety of vegetables and fruit, flowers and herbs which attract pollinators and plots with weeds under control, and which were well laid out. Plots were also checked for well-utilised compost bins, as well as water butts where sheds allowed for guttering to provide a supply of rain water.
To increase the opportunity for learning, all participants received a copy of the judge’s scoring and comments sheet, with suggestions for the next growing season, as well as lots of positive and constructive feedback. The six category winners received vouchers for a local independent shop, and were awarded their prizes at the annual summer picnic.
WAHGA COMMUNITY PICNIC AND PRIZE-GIVING
The summer event was held on 13 August 2023, and was attended by 26 members who brought their friends and families. WAHGA took the opportunity to award prizes to winners of the plot-judging event, and gave a summary of plot-judging to encourage growers to improve the wildlife, diversity on their plots, and to learn more about sustainable horticulture.
CONTRIBUTING TO THE LOCAL FOOD BANK
Members support the Weybridge and Runnymede Food Bank Project with donations which are managed by WAHGA. The Food Bank’s list of most useful items is changed regularly and is attached to the collection bin.
MEMBER DISCOUNTS . Discounts negotiated by WAHGA provide facilities by way of reduced price plug plants, seeds and equipment for members. WAHGA was able to negotiate a good discount at a local independent retailer for Franchi Seeds - which has proved very popular.
BULK PURCHASE
It is important that WAHGA supports the improvement of the physical and natural environment. Supporting growers to increase yields is also a priority and supports food security initiatives. Using its knowledge of high quality suppliers WAHGA managed the bulk purchase of key items, including high quality manure, peat free compost, and seed potatoes. 500 bags of manure and compost were bulk purchased at a discount, and distributed to 65 members in February, and 565 delivered to 62 members in September.
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ENCOURAGEMENT AND RECORDING OF WILDLIFE AND BIODIVERSITY
WAHGA was able to make headway in the course of 2023 in the conservation, protection, and improvement of the physical and natural environment. Particular focus areas were improving soil condition, increasing yields, and a reduction in pests as a result of a healthy balanced ecosystem. Attraction of pollinators was and will remain a key objective.
Allotment holders were provided with nest boxes as well as reptile mats to provide protection in particular to the slow worm colony.
We continue to find 8 different species of native bats, a returning pair of rare peregrine falcons, stag beetles at multiple site locations, breeding hedgehogs and a thriving colony of slow worms, as well as a number of foxes who are well protected in the allotment environment and do not interfere with crop growing.
WAHGA continues to work in partnership with like minded local charities such as the Wildlife Aid Centre (where injured wildlife is taken) who helped rescue a distressed hedgehog from the site. Their services are promoted actively to members.
ASSOCIATION MANAGEMENT
WAHGA is managed by Trustees who may stand for re-election at the AGM. The charity trustees delegate some of their powers and functions to a committee, having determined the terms and conditions on which the delegation is made. The charity trustees may at any time alter those terms and conditions or revoke the delegation. Volunteers also support the trustees
Trustees:
WAHGA trustees for 2023:
Leila Brown, Caroline Freeman, Philippa Graeme, James Higgins
D eclaration: The Trustees are satisfied that the association is being managed in accordance with its Objects and with due regard to the Charity Commission’s public benefit requirement. Above all, it encourages participation in the cultivation of allotments and in the preservation or enhancement of wildlife and biodiversity both aspects improve the physical, mental and social well-being of members
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The Trustees are satisfied that the association’s management committee continues to manage finances in a responsible manner, spending in line with its Objects.
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The Trustees are satisfied that the accounts are presented on an accruals basis, and include sufficient reserves to provide for unexpected costs.
WAHGA became a registered charity (CIO - Association) on 22nd May 2020.
END OF REPORT
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WEYBRIDGE ALLOTMENT HOLDERS‘ AND GARDENERS‘ ASSOCIATION CIO 2023 TREASURER’S REPORT
2023 Proft & Loss
The accounts for the year to 31 December 2023 show a net ouClow of £511 (compared to an ou:low of £11,022 in FY22 which was driven by large one-off losses from the shop closure and legal fees to defend the shop closure). This leaves us a healthy reserve of £20,006 .
Significant changes in the figures from last year are as follows:
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DonaPons – DonaKons were unusually high in 2022 at £800. In 2023 WAHGA received £129 in donaKons which is in line with historical donaKons prior to 2022.
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Fundraising acPviPes – contribuKon rose to £1,010 from £511 in 2022. This is largely driven by two sell-out quizzes held by WAHGA to foster an allotment and gardeners’ community and to raise funds for WAHGA.
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Compound – no compound income or expenses in 2023 as a result of the shop closure.
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AdministraPve expenses – OperaKonal expenses fell significantly from £9,677 in 2022 to £1,255 in 2023 as a result of the excepKonal items in 2022 relaKng to the shop closure. We expect 2023 expenses to be reflecKve of a ‘normal’ year. These include expenses relaKng to insurance, AGM, website, compeKKons, picnic and Membermojo subscripKon.
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DepreciaPon – depreciaKon was largely flat at £426 in 2023 and £563 in 2022.
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Greenspaces Grant - £303 of the Greenspaces grant was spent prior to the agreement to return unspent funds.
2023 Balance Sheet
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Tangible assets – gardening assets including two strimmer’s and a Gazebo were purchased during 2023 for use of members and to host member events totaling £638 and have been added to the balance sheet and appreciated accordingly.
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Creditors – in 2023 we have £724 expenses related to the final quiz which had been incurred but not paid at 31 December 2023 and accrued for on the balance sheet accordingly.
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Greenspaces - The area on the Churchfields Allotment site which had been a dedicated space for volunteers to develop biodiversity and wildlife projects since the start of 2021 was withdrawn by Weybridge Land Charity in early 2023. Since the projects could not be conKnued the remaining unspent Greenspaces Grant (£2,328) was repaid by WAHGA to Elmbridge Borough Council in November 2023. 2022 accrual was also paid off during 2023.
Laura Yates WAHGA Honorary Treasurer 17 March 2024
Section A Statement of financial activities (including summary income and expenditure account)
| Fundraising income Interest Expenditure Expenditure on: Fundraising expenses Administrative expense Depreciation Greenspaces expenditure Tax payable Net gains/(losses) on investments Extraordinary items Other gains/(losses) Reconciliation of funds: Total Recommended categories by activity Income Income and endowments from: Greenspaces grant Donations and legacies Charitable activities Compound activities Charitable activities Compound cost of sales Other compound expenses Total funds carried forward Total Net income/(expenditure) after tax before investment gains/(losses) Net income/(expenditure) Transfers between funds Net movement in funds Other recognised gains/(losses): Net income/(expenditure) before tax for the reporting period Total funds brought forward Gains and losses on revaluation of fixed assets for the charity’s own use |
Unrestricted funds Restricted income funds Endowment funds Total funds Prior year funds £ £ £ £ £ F01 F02 F03 F04 F05 |
Unrestricted funds Restricted income funds Endowment funds Total funds Prior year funds £ £ £ £ £ F01 F02 F03 F04 F05 |
Unrestricted funds Restricted income funds Endowment funds Total funds Prior year funds £ £ £ £ £ F01 F02 F03 F04 F05 |
Unrestricted funds Restricted income funds Endowment funds Total funds Prior year funds £ £ £ £ £ F01 F02 F03 F04 F05 |
Unrestricted funds Restricted income funds Endowment funds Total funds Prior year funds £ £ £ £ £ F01 F02 F03 F04 F05 |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| 129 | 129 | 800 | |||
| - | - | - | |||
| 4,116 | 4,116 | 2,453 | |||
| - | - | 6,587 | |||
| 31 | 31 | - | |||
| - | 303 | 303 | 2,369 | ||
| 4,276 | 303 | - | 4,579 | 12,209 | |
| - | - | 734 | |||
| 3,106 | 3,106 | 1,942 | |||
| - | - | 7,846 | |||
| - | - | 100 | |||
| 1,255 | 1,255 | 9,677 | |||
| 426 | 426 | 563 | |||
| 303 | 303 | 2,369 | |||
| 4,787 | 303 | - | 5,090 | 23,231 | |
| 511 - |
- | - | 511 - |
11,022 - |
|
| - | - | - | - | - | |
| 511 - |
- | - | 511 - |
11,022 - |
|
| - | - | - | - | - | |
| 511 - |
- | - | 511 - |
11,022 - |
|
| - | - | - | - | ||
| - | - | - | - | - | |
| - | - | - | - | - | |
| - | - | - | - | - | |
| 511 - |
- | - | 511 - |
11,022 - |
|
| 20,517 | - | - | 20,517 | 31,539 | |
| 20,006 | - | - | 20,006 | 20,517 |
Section B Balance sheet at 31 December 2023
| Fixed assets Tangible assets Total fixed assets Current assets Stocks Debtors Cash at bank and in hand Total current assets Creditors: amounts falling due within one year - (Unpaid quiz expense 2023 and 2022Greenspaces Grant) Net current assets/(liabilities) Total assets less current liabilities Creditors: amounts falling due after one year Provisions for liabilities Total net assets or liabilities |
Unrestricted funds Restricted income funds Total this year Total last year £ £ £ £ |
Unrestricted funds Restricted income funds Total this year Total last year £ £ £ £ |
Unrestricted funds Restricted income funds Total this year Total last year £ £ £ £ |
Unrestricted funds Restricted income funds Total this year Total last year £ £ £ £ |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| 319 | - | 319 | 107 | |
| 319 | - | 319 | 107 | |
| - | - | - | - | |
| - | - | - | - | |
| 20,410 | - | 20,410 | 24,405 | |
| 20,410 | - | 20,410 | 24,405 | |
| 724 | - | 724 | 3,995 | |
| 19,686 | - | 19,686 | 20,410 | |
| 20,006 | - | 20,006 | 20,517 | |
| - | - | - | - | |
| - | - | - | - | |
| 20,006 | - | 20,006 | 20,517 |