TRUSTEES ANNUAL REPORT
FOR THE PERIOD 30/09/2020 to 31/12/2021
Charity Name: Crosstown Community Orchard Charity Registration Number: 1191549
OBJECTIVES AND ACTIVITIES
Summary of the purposes of the charity as set out in its governing document
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To encourage for the benefit of the public the conservation, protection and expansion of a community orchard in Knutsford and the preservation of their genetic biodiversity, landscape and heritage value.
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To advance the education of the public in horticulture and in particular but not exclusively orchard management skills.
Summary of the main activities in relation to those purposes for the public benefit, in particular, the activities, projects or services identified in the accounts.
During the period, the charity has redeveloped an area of underutilised open space into a community orchard, planting a number of fruit trees. It has laid the area out as a park, providing benches and bins. It has undertaken a number of ecological improvements to promote biodiversity on the site and organised regular volunteering activities to engage the wider community in the maintenance of the orchard.
Statement confirming whether the trustees have had regard to the guidance issued by the Charity Commission on public benefit
We confirm the Trustees have had regard to the guidance issued by the Charity Commission on public benefit in deciding the activities of the charity.
Crosstown Community Orchard Squirrel Brook 68 Manor Park South Knutsford WA16 8AN
Charitable Incorporated Organisation Registration: 1191549
www.crosstowncommunityorchard.org.uk
ACHIVEMENTS AND PERFORMANCE
Summary of the main achievements of the charity, identifying the difference the charity’s work has made to the circumstances of its beneficiaries and any wider benefits to society as a whole
The main achievements of the charity in the period were:
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a) Establishing the organisation and recruiting a full cohort of trustees and setting up a website, social media and bank account
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b) Undertaking preparatory site works in order to improve the space
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c) Planting fruit trees to create the orchard
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d) Planting further native trees and ‘wild harvest’ whips to create interest
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e) Undertaking a number of ecological improvements, installing hedgehog and bird boxes, creating a bug hotel and sowing a wildflower meadow to promote biodiversity on the site
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f) Created a space where the community can dwell and with an identity – providing signage, bins and benches.
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g) Engaging a wide number of volunteers in our everyday activities, from planting the fruit trees to undertaking routine maintenance
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h) Hosting a scything workshop
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i) Holding a successful launch party in August 2021 to further engage the wider community in the space
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j) Hosting a meeting of the 2[nd] Knutsford (Crosstown) Cubs and having the Cross Town WI plant commemorative trees.
FINANCIAL REVIEW
Review of the charity’s financial position at the end of the period
The charity is in a strong financial position, having been extremely successful in securing grant funding to deliver projects and establish the orchard. In addition to the specific grants received, it also received donations for unrestricted purposes which provide flexibility.
Statement explaining the policy for holding reserves stating why they are held
The charity has no specific reserves policy, its unrestricted funds form its reserves.
Crosstown Community Orchard Squirrel Brook 68 Manor Park South Knutsford WA16 8AN
Charitable Incorporated Organisation Registration: 1191549
www.crosstowncommunityorchard.org.uk
Amount of reserves held
The charity holds unrestricted funds of £1,040
Other declarations
No funds are materially in deficit.
The charity has no uncertainties about its continuation as a going concern.
Principal Sources of Funds
In addition to ad hoc donations totalling £831, the charity would like to acknowledge the grants/donations given by National Lottery, People’s Postcode Lottery, Tesco Community Fund, Waitrose, Manchester Airport Community Trust Fund, The Tree Council and David Wilson Homes.
Further, the charity thanks Knutsford Town Council for directly funding the installation of a bench and sign.
STRUCTURE, GOVERNANCE AND MANAGEMENT
Type of governing document
Constitution
How is the charity constituted?
Foundation model Charitable Incorporated Organisation (CIO)
Trustee selection methods including details of any constitutional provisions
Trustees appoint up to six of the seven trustees.
Knutsford Town Council appoints one trustee from its members.
Crosstown Community Orchard Squirrel Brook 68 Manor Park South Knutsford WA16 8AN
Charitable Incorporated Organisation Registration: 1191549
www.crosstowncommunityorchard.org.uk
REFERENCE AND ADMINISTRATIVE DETAILS
Charity Name Crosstown Community Orchard Other name the charity uses None Charity Registration Number 1191549 Charity’s Principal Address Squirrel Brook, 68 Manor Park South, Knutsford, WA16 8AN
TRUSTEES WHO MANAGE THE CHARITY
Trustees at end of period
Where no date of appointment is given, the trustee served the entire period.
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Adam Keppel-Green (Chair)
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Lyndsey Keppel-Green – appointed 25/11/2020
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Joanna Moonan – appointed 12/11/2020
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Laura Chandler – appointed 12/11/2020
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Lesley Dalzell* – appointed 09/11/2020
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Malcolm Thomas
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Kevin Griffiths
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appointed by Knutsford Town Council.
Trustees serving during the period
All trustees serving during the period were trustees at the end of the period.
Other declarations
The charity has no corporate trustees. No trustees hold title to property belonging to the charity. No funds are held as custodian trustees on behalf of others.
Crosstown Community Orchard Squirrel Brook 68 Manor Park South Knutsford WA16 8AN
Charitable Incorporated Organisation Registration: 1191549
www.crosstowncommunityorchard.org.uk
EXEMPTIONS FROM DISCLOSURE
Reason for non-disclosure of key personnel details.
n/a
DECLARATIONS
The trustees declare that they have approved the trustee’s report above.
Signed on behalf of the trustees on 27[th] September 2022.
Signature Full Name Adam Keppel-Green Position Chairman
Crosstown Community Orchard Squirrel Brook 68 Manor Park South Knutsford WA16 8AN
Charitable Incorporated Organisation Registration: 1191549
www.crosstowncommunityorchard.org.uk
CROSSTOWN COMMUNITY ORCHARD
Receipts and Payments 30/09/2020 to 31/12/2021
| Restricted | Unrestricted | ||
|---|---|---|---|
| Funds | Funds | ||
| RECEIPTS | |||
| Grants | 21,347 | - | 21,347 |
| Donations | - | 2,131 | 2,131 |
| TOTAL | 21,347 | 2,131 | 23,478 |
| PAYMENTS | |||
| Administration | - | 157 | 157 |
| Horticultural Supplies | 2,573 | 582 | 3,155 |
| Nature Supplies | 807 | 48 | 855 |
| Tools and Equipment | 342 | - | 342 |
| External Contractors | 3,854 | 240 | 4,094 |
| Infrastructure | 6,790 | - | 6,790 |
| Event Costs | 319 | 53 | 372 |
| TOTAL | 14,685 | 1,080 | 15,765 |
| BALANCE | 6,662 | 1,051 | 7,713 |
Crosstown Community Orchard Squirrel Brook 68 Manor Park South Knutsford WA16 8AN
Charitable Incorporated Organisation Registration: 1191549
www.crosstowncommunityorchard.org.uk