APPLETON FIELDS ASSOCIATION
CHAIR’S ANNUAL REPORT FOR YEAR ENDING 30 JUNE 2024
During the year the Association made further progress implementing its masterplan, with continued focus on the objectives of environmental improvement and providing a recreational area for the village.
The next phase of thinning the wood was completed. More saplings were planted to create under-storey and a dead hedge built to improve habitat. Work began on the creation of a circular path around the wood. A central area was cleared for uniformed groups to hold small camp fires.
In the meadow improvements have been made to the entrance to make it more inviting and accessible. A new machinery gate and pedestrian access were installed and a new hedgerow and flower bed will be planted.
The wild flower population has been enhanced by further seed sowing and by planting of plugs grown by residents and Applecast Farm. Following good meadow management practice some areas of the meadow were strimmed and raked off to spread mature seeds. The boundary hedge supplied by the Woodland Trust has flourished.
The Association’s plans have been much supported by grants from Parish, Borough and County Councils, the Crane Educational Trust, Newburgh Fair Association, The Rainford Trust, and by donations. At the end of the year the Association was delighted to be awarded £20,000 by the National Lottery Community Fund for the creation of an all-weather path around the meadow.
The whole area continued to be much used by residents and young people’s groups both for simple enjoyment of the space and for the development of outdoor skills and environmental experience. Trustees and volunteers have worked hard on many aspects of meadow and wood improvement and maintenance.
APPLETON FIELDS ASSOCIATION
TREASURER’S ANNUAL REPORT FOR YEAR ENDING 30th JUNE 2024
The end of year annual accounts has been circulated with the agenda for the AGM.
The accounts show an income for the financial year of £5750.00 which is made up of grant funding of £4150.00 and donations of £1600.00
The accounts show an expenditure for the financial year of £2191.58 leaving a balance in the AFA bank account of £4709.74
After the year end, we had the great news that a grant of £20,000 had been secured from the National Lottery Awards For All towards the costs of the proposed meadow pathway.
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