| Trustees' Annual Report | for theperiod | ||||||
| From | Period start date | To | Period end date | ||||
| Day01 | August | Year2024 | Day31 |
July | Year25 |
Section A Reference and administration details
Charity name Other names charity is known by
Growing Mansfield
Registered charity number (if any) 1194190
Charity's principal address C/O 58 Lawrence Avenue Mansfield Woodhouse
Postcode NG19 8DJ
Names of the charity trustees who manage the charity
| 1 2 3 4 5 6 7 8 9 0 1 2 3 4 5 6 7 8 9 0 |
Trustee name | Office (if any) | Dates acted if not for whole year |
Name of person (or body) entitled to appoint trustee (ifany) |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| JeffreyBale | n/a | |||
| Martin Lee | n/a | |||
| Sharon Clancy | n/a | |||
| Paul Murphy | n/a | |||
Names of the trustees for the charity, if any, (for example, any custodian trustees)
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Name Dates acted if not for whole year
Names and addresses of advisers (Optional information)
Type of adviser Name Address
Name of chief executive or names of senior staff members (Optional information)
Section B Structure, governance and management
Description of the charity’s trusts
See Charity Commission website Type of governing document (eg. trust deed, constitution) See Charity Commission website How the charity is constituted (eg. trust, association, company) See Charity Commission website Trustee selection methods (eg. appointed by, elected by)
Additional governance issues (Optional information)
You may choose to include Growing Mansfield remains a small community charity with a largely additional information, where volunteer-led structure. During the reporting period, the day-to-day relevant, about: delivery and operational management of activities across the allotment ● policies and procedures sites was primarily undertaken by project leads and volunteers, with adopted for the induction and trustees maintaining overall governance oversight and supporting the training of trustees; ongoing development of the organisation.
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the charity’s organisational The charity continued to work in partnership with a range of organisations
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structure and any wider and stakeholders, including landowners, local authorities, schools,
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network with which the charity childcare providers, community growing projects and relevant statutory
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works; and voluntary sector organisations. These relationships helped support
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● relationship with any related the ongoing development of the allotment sites and wider community
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parties; engagement activities.
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● trustees’ consideration of major risks and the system The trustees recognise the importance of safeguarding, equality, inclusion and procedures to manage and health and safety within all aspects of the charity’s work, particularly them. when supporting vulnerable individuals and community groups. During the reporting period, these considerations continued to inform the delivery and management of activities across the allotment sites, whilst the organisation also continued to develop and strengthen its governance arrangements and operational procedures.
Section C Objectives and activities
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| Summary of the objects of the charity set out in its governing document Summary of the main activities undertaken for the public benefit in relation to these objects (include within this section the statutory declaration that trustees have had regard to the guidance issued by the Charity Commission on public benefit) |
The objects of the charity are, for the public benefit, to support the development of community allotments and local food growing for the advancement of community education, citizenship and community development. The charity also works for the relief of poverty and the assistance of people in need within the Mansfield district by empowering residents to grow food and distribute locally grown produce to people in need. |
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| The trustees confirm that they have had regard to the Charity Commission’s guidance on public benefit when planning and delivering the charity’s activities. Growing Mansfield continued to support community allotment and local food growing activities within the Mansfield district through the development and maintenance of community growing spaces at Northfield Avenue and Shaftesbury Avenue allotments. During the reporting period, the charity’s activities were focused primarily on the continued development of the Northfield Avenue Community Allotment site, whilst maintaining ongoing community activity at the Shaftesbury Avenue site despite limited staffing capacity and funding during the year. The charity continued to provide opportunities for local residents to participate in volunteering, food growing, outdoor learning and community activities, supporting people of different ages and backgrounds including children, families, older residents and socially isolated individuals. Growing Mansfield continued to promote access to fresh locally grown produce through regular “crop drop” and informal community food- sharing initiatives, with surplus produce made freely available to local residents and shared with local school food support initiatives where possible. The charity also continued to support volunteers to develop practical horticultural skills, confidence and social connections through participation in community growing activities and wider community engagement. Environmental sustainability continued to form part of the charity’s activities during the year. The allotment sites continued to accept and make use of woodchip donated by local tree surgeons and other organisations undertaking tree maintenance work, helping to recycle green waste that might otherwise go to landfill. Northfield Avenue Allotments also introduced beehives to the site, helping support pollination of crops and encouraging local honeybee populations. Throughout the year, Growing Mansfield worked in partnership with local schools, childcare providers and community organisations to encourage participation in community food growing, environmental activities and outdoor learning opportunities for local residents. |
Additional details of objectives and activities (Optional information)
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During the year 2024-25, Growing Mansfield continued to deliver community allotment activity primarily through the Northfield Avenue site, where regular volunteering, food growing and community engagement activities continued to develop. Northfield Avenue continued to provide an accessible outdoor community space supporting food growing, volunteering, wellbeing and social connection within the local area.
The charity continued to operate a regular “crop drop” type initiative using surplus produce grown on the allotments, with fresh produce made freely available to local residents through regular community drop-in sessions at the Northfield Avenue site. These sessions were promoted through social media and provided accessible access to fresh locally grown produce for members of the community on an informal open-access basis.
Although no restrictive referral criteria were applied, the project continued to support many individuals and families experiencing food poverty or limited access to affordable fresh produce. The initiative helped ensure that surplus food grown on the allotments could be shared directly within the local community in an accessible and non-stigmatising way.
You may choose to include further statements, where relevant, about:
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policy on grantmaking;
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policy programme related investment;
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contribution made by volunteers.
During the reporting period, Northfield Avenue Community Allotments continued to strengthen relationships with local schools, childcare providers and community organisations, supporting children, families and local residents to engage with practical food growing, outdoor learning and community activities.
Volunteers continued to make a significant contribution to the success of the project through practical support, peer encouragement and ongoing community involvement. The charity remained committed to creating welcoming and inclusive environments where local people could build skills, confidence, resilience and social connections through participation in community food growing activities.
During the reporting period, activity at the Shaftesbury Avenue site was maintained on a smaller scale due to staffing capacity and funding limitations. Despite these challenges, the charity remained committed to sustaining the site through the support of a small number of dedicated volunteers and continued community involvement. Although development activity at Shaftesbury was limited during this period, the site continued to support community food growing and local produce distribution activities where possible.
Amanda Fisher continued to lead the ongoing development and day-to-day management of the Northfield Avenue site, supported by volunteers and trustees. The charity continued to oversee site management, volunteer support, safeguarding responsibilities and community engagement activities across both allotment sites during the year.
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Section D Achievements and performance
Summary of the main achievements of the charity during the year
During the year, Growing Mansfield continued to provide community growing activities, volunteering opportunities and access to fresh produce for local residents across its allotment sites. Northfield Avenue Community Allotments continued to develop significantly during the reporting period, with regular sessions, community engagement activities and partnership working helping to strengthen the site as an important local community asset. The project continued to provide opportunities for volunteering, food growing, outdoor activity and social connection for a wide range of local residents, including vulnerable and socially isolated individuals. Across both allotment sites, the charity worked with approximately 25–30 regular or semi-regular volunteers during the reporting period. The project recorded almost 2,000 individual visits during the year (1,996), demonstrating continued community engagement and use of the allotment spaces. The charity continued to work with local schools, childcare providers and community organisations, supporting children and families to engage with practical food growing and outdoor learning activities. Seasonal and community events formed an important part of engagement throughout the year, including an Easter egg hunt, regular summer holiday activities for children, a Halloween event and celebrations marking the fifth anniversary of Northfield Avenue Community Allotments in May 2025. These activities helped encourage wider community participation and strengthen local connections with the allotment sites. Volunteers remained central to the success of the project, contributing to the maintenance and development of the allotments whilst also benefiting from increased confidence, social connection and opportunities for personal development. Some volunteers were supported to progress into employment or independent allotment growing during the year. During the reporting period, activity at the Shaftesbury Avenue site was maintained on a smaller scale due to staffing capacity and funding limitations. Despite these challenges, the charity remained committed to sustaining the site through the support of a small number of dedicated volunteers and continued community involvement. The site nevertheless continued to support community food growing and local produce distribution activities where possible. Important infrastructure improvements were also achieved during the year. The charity took on an additional allotment plot at Northfield Avenue to support continued development of the site. At Shaftesbury Avenue, the charity successfully secured a substantial shed and a polytunnel to support future project development. The shed has since been erected and now serves as a tea shed and meeting space for volunteers, providing an important communal area, particularly during colder weather. Plans are in place to work with community support and volunteers to erect the polytunnel in order to further develop growing capacity at the site. The charity also continued to support local food provision during the year through regular crop drop activity, with surplus produce made freely
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Section D Achievements and performance
available to local residents through informal open-access community distribution.
Growing Mansfield continued to strengthen relationships with local partners and community organisations throughout the year and remains committed to developing sustainable, inclusive and community-led growing projects that improve wellbeing, encourage participation and strengthen local community resilience.
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Section E Financial review
Brief statement of the The trustees recognise the importance of maintaining an appropriate charity’s policy on reserves level of reserves to support the sustainability and ongoing operation of the charity.
Due to the limited size and financial position of the organisation during the reporting period, Growing Mansfield has not yet been able to build significant unrestricted reserves. The charity’s available funds have continued to be applied directly towards the delivery and development of community activities and allotment projects.
The trustees will continue to review the charity’s financial position and aim to develop reserves over time where possible, in order to provide greater financial resilience and support future sustainability.
Details of any funds materially none in deficit
Further financial review details (Optional information)
You may choose to include additional information, where relevant about:
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the charity’s principal sources of funds (including any fundraising);
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how expenditure has supported the key objectives of the charity;
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investment policy and objectives including any ethical investment policy adopted.
Principal Sources of Funds
The charity’s principal sources of funding during the reporting period were grants, donations and small community fundraising activities. The charity is grateful for the continued support received from local organisations, supporters, volunteers and funding bodies which enabled Growing Mansfield to continue delivering community allotment activities and support local residents.
How Expenditure Supported the Charity’s Objectives
Expenditure during the year was directed towards the delivery and maintenance of community allotment projects and associated community activities. This included site maintenance, horticultural materials and equipment, volunteer support, community engagement activities, and the costs associated with maintaining safe and accessible community growing spaces.
The charity’s expenditure supported its key objectives by enabling local residents to participate in food growing, volunteering, community learning and wellbeing-focused activities, whilst also supporting the distribution of locally grown produce within the community.
Investment Policy and Objectives
The charity does not currently hold investments and therefore does not presently operate a formal investment policy. Any available funds are held in the charity’s bank account and applied directly towards the delivery of the charity’s objectives and activities.
Section F Other optional information
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Growing Mansfield continues to work for the public benefit through the development of community allotments, local food growing and community-based activities that promote education, wellbeing, inclusion and access to locally grown produce within the Mansfield district.
Section G Declaration
[The trustees declare that they have approved the trustees’ report above. ]
Signed on behalf of the charity’s trustees
Signature(s) Full name(s) Jeffrey Bale Position (eg Secretary, Chair, Treasurer etc) Date 14/05/2026
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Section A Receipts and payments
A1 Receipts Donation Donations - fund raising event Donation
Feel Good Gardens Community Food Fund
Sub total(Gross income for AR)
A2 Asset and investment sales, (see table). NONE
Sub total
Total receipts
A3 Payments Xmas Meal Amanda Fisher Mark Richmond Trees Amazon Skip Hire Trade Timber Strultch Volunteer Refreshments Enterprise Van Hire Laptop Gardening materials/consumables Sub total
A4 Asset and investment purchases, (see table)
Sub total
Total payments
Net of receipts/(payments) A5 Transfers between funds A6 Cash funds last year end Cash funds this year end
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Section B Statement of assets and liabilities at the end of the period Categories
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B1 Cash funds
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B2 Other monetary assets
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B3 Investment assets
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B4 Assets retained for the charity’s own use
B5 Liabilities
Signed by one or two trustees on behalf of all the trustees
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| Growing Mansfield | ||
|---|---|---|
| Receipts and payments accounts | ||
| For the period from | Period start date | |
| 01/08/24 | ||
| Unrestricted funds | Restricted funds | |
| to the nearest £ | to the nearest £ | |
| 1120 | 700 | |
| - | ||
| - | ||
| - | ||
| - | ||
| - | ||
| - | - | |
| - | - | |
| 1120 | 700 | |
| - | - | |
| - | - | |
| - | - | |
| 1120 | 700 | |
| 74 | ||
| 3609 | ||
| 298 | ||
| 261 | ||
| 74 | 4168 | |
| - | - | |
| - | - | |
| - | - | |
| 74 | 4168 | |
| 1046 | -3468 | |
| - | - | |
| 2188 | 9922 | |
| 3234 | 6454 |
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Details
Bank balance @ 31/07/25
Total cash funds (agree balances with receipts and payments account(s))
Details NONE
Details NONE
Details
Details NONE
Signature
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1194190
| To | Period end date | ||
|---|---|---|---|
| 31/07/2025 | |||
| Endowment funds | Total funds | ||
| to the nearest £ | to the nearest £ | ||
| - | 1820 | ||
| - | - | ||
| - | - | ||
| - | - | ||
| - | - | ||
| - | - | ||
| - | - | ||
| - | - | ||
| - | 1820 | ||
| - | - | ||
| - | - | ||
| - | - | ||
| - | 1820 | ||
| - | 74 | ||
| 3609 | |||
| - | - | ||
| - | 298 | ||
| - | - | ||
| - | - | ||
| - | - | ||
| - | - | ||
| - | - | ||
| - | - | ||
| 261 | |||
| - | 4242 | ||
| - | - | ||
| - | - | ||
| - | - | ||
| - | 4242 | ||
| - | -2422 | ||
| - | - | ||
| - | 12110 | ||
| - | 9688 |
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| Unrestricted funds | Restricted funds |
|---|---|
| to nearest £ | to nearest £ |
| 3234 | 6454 |
| - | - |
| - | - |
| 3234 | 6454 |
| OK | OK |
| Unrestricted funds | Restricted funds |
| to nearest £ | to nearest £ |
| - | - |
| - | - |
| - | - |
| - | - |
| - | - |
| - | - |
| Fund to which asset belongs | Cost (optional) |
| - | |
| - | |
| - | |
| - | |
| - | |
| Fund to which asset belongs | Cost (optional) |
| - | |
| - | |
| - | |
| - | |
| - | |
| - | |
| - | |
| - | |
| - | |
| Fund to which liability relates | Amount due (optional) |
| - | |
| - | |
| - | |
| - | |
| - | |
| Print Name |
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CC16a
Last year to the nearest £
2000 - - - - - - - 2000
2000
72 - 634 323 185 95 214 49 85 250 1907
- 1907 93 - 12110 9688
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Endowment funds to nearest £ - - - - OK Endowment funds to nearest £ - - -
Current value (optional)
Current value (optional)
When due (optional)
Date of approval
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