TRUSTEES ANNUAL REPORT
FOR THE PERIOD 01/01/2023 to 31/12/2023
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 2023 we continued to develop the orchard and maintain the area with a team of volunteers. We held monthly work days to tend the orchard and planted a new softfruits area; we also installed herb planters.
We held workshops on pruning and scything to share/develop skills and held two community events (Wassail and BBQ) to bring people to the orchard to engage them in our work.
We also held a successful bat walk and moth trapping event with Cheshire Wildlife Trust.
Statement confirming whether the trustees have had regard to the guidance issued by the Charity Commission on public benefit
Crosstown Community Orchard Squirrel Brook 68 Manor Park South Knutsford WA16 8AN
Charitable Incorporated Organisation Registration: 1191549
www.crosstowncommunityorchard.org.uk
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.
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) We hosted summer and winter pruning workshops where volunteers learnt how to properly prune fruit trees
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b) We held three successful community events, our Wassail, BBQ and Bat Walk, to engage people in our work.
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c) We continued to host regular volunteer workdays in the orchard to undertake general maintenance and improvement
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d) We planted a soft fruits bed and installed herb planters planted with the local Squirrels group.
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e) We again received ‘outstanding’ in the North West in Bloom “It’s Your Neighbourhood” awards
The space continues to be used by the wider community.
FINANCIAL REVIEW
Review of the charity’s financial position at the end of the period
The charity remains in a positive financial position with the majority of funds held to complete projects. The charity has continued to spend from successful grants in 2021 and not sought major new funding, it has identified a need to expand income generation to provide continuing unrestricted funds for operational costs.
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.
Amount of reserves held
The charity holds unrestricted funds of £781
Crosstown Community Orchard Squirrel Brook 68 Manor Park South Knutsford WA16 8AN
Charitable Incorporated Organisation Registration: 1191549
www.crosstowncommunityorchard.org.uk
Other declarations
No funds are materially in deficit.
The charity has no uncertainties about its continuation as a going concern.
Principal Sources of Funds
During the period a total of £1,071 was received. £300 was a grant from Knutsford Town Council towards the 2024 Wassail event, £48 was from miscellaneous donations and £733 from donations at events.
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.
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
Crosstown Community Orchard Squirrel Brook 68 Manor Park South Knutsford WA16 8AN
Charitable Incorporated Organisation Registration: 1191549
www.crosstowncommunityorchard.org.uk
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Joanna Moonan
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Laura Chandler
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Rex Mears* (from 22/05/2023)
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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
Lesley Dalzell (until 22/05/2023)
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.
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 14[th] October 2024.
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 01/01/2023 to 31/12/2023
| Restricted | Unrestricted | ||
|---|---|---|---|
| Funds | Funds | ||
| RECEIPTS | |||
| Grants | 300 | - | 300 |
| Donations | - | 48 | 48 |
| Event Income | - | 733 | 723 |
| TOTAL | 300 | 782 |
1,082 |
| PAYMENTS | |||
| Administration | - | 175 | 175 |
| Horticultural Supplies | - | 557 | 557 |
| Nature Supplies | - | - | - |
| Workshops / Education Events | 375 | - | 375 |
| Tools and Equipment | - | 644 | 644 |
| External Contractors | - | - | - |
| Infrastructure | - | 311 | 311 |
| Event Costs | - | 1,428 | 1,428 |
| TOTAL | 375 | 3,114 | 3,489 |
| NET RECEIPTS/(PAYMENTS) | (75) | (2,332) | (2,407) |
| Cash in Bank 01/01/2023 | 4,683 | 3,113 | 7,796.44 |
| Total Receipts | 300 | 782 | 1,081.73 |
| Total Payments | 375 | 3,114 | 3,489.39 |
| Cash in Bank 31/12/2023 | 4,608 | 781 | 5,338.78 |
A correction was made to the totals carried forward from the previous period which had included an unrestricted donation as restricted funds instead of unrestricted funds.
Crosstown Community Orchard Squirrel Brook 68 Manor Park South Knutsford WA16 8AN
Charitable Incorporated Organisation Registration: 1191549
www.crosstowncommunityorchard.org.uk