Trustees’ Annual Report for the period
From 01 August 24 Period start date To 31 July 25 Period end date
Charity name: The Whinnies Community Garden
Charity registration number: 1201128
| SORP REF | ||
|---|---|---|
| Summary of the purposes of the charity as set out in its governing document |
Para 1.17 | The Whinnies Community Garden is dedicated to advancing education and recreation for children and adults in Sunniside and surrounding areas. The charity provides facilities and opportunities that support social wellbeing, leisure activities and community engagement. Through its work, The Whinnies promotes environmental awareness, personal health, and individual development with the core aim of improving the quality of life for all members of the community. The organisation is committed to inclusivity and operates exclusively for charitable purposes in accordance with relevant legal requirements. |
| Summary of the main activities in relation to those purposes for the public beneft, in particular, the activities projects or services identifed in the accounts |
Para 1.17 and 1.19 |
Since August 2024 The Whinnies Volunteers have focused on enhancing onsite facilities, made possible through the receipt of grants and other funding. The Whinnies has undertaken a range of initiatives in accordance with its mission, including the development of recreational areas and the organization of community events. These eforts demonstrate our dedication to advancing community well- being and promoting environmental stewardship. |
| Statement confrming whether the trustees hae had regard to the guidance issued by the Charity Commission on public beneft |
Para 1.18 | The Trustees of The Whinnies confrm that they have duly considered and adhered to the guidance issued by the Charity Commission regarding public beneft. All activities and strategic decisions have een undertaken with a clear focus on delivering meaningful benefts to the public, in line with the charity’s objectives and the principles setoutbythe Commission. |
| Policyon Grant making | Para 1.38 | |
| Policy on Social investment including program related investment |
Para 1.38 | |
| Contribution made by volunteers |
Para 1.38 | |
| Other | N/A | |
Achievements and Performance
| Summary of the main achievements of the charity, identifying the diference the charity’s work has made to the circumstances of its benefciaries and any wider benefts to society as a whole |
Para 1.20 | Facility Enhancements Since August 2024 the Whinnies Volunteers have focused on enhancing and maintaining onsite facilities, made possible through the receipt of grants and other funding. Signifcant improvements have been made across several areas, including the refurbishment of two children’s play areas The beach area now features a substantial pirate ship, while the transport area has been developed with a steam train with carriage and a 1950’s style bus. A new area has been created specifcally for babies and children below school age, providing opportunities to explore wildlife and gardening in a safe and engaging environment. A new meeting room has also been installed for the use of this group in adverse weather. The addition of an Italian piazza and garden, together with fountain, seating area and statue, continues to enhance the tranquil and peaceful atmosphere of the garden, providing visitors with an attractive space for relaxation and refection. A further meeting facilities have been installed which are fully accessible for wheelchair users and visitors with limited mobility. The Whinnies held three events throughout the year which were well supported by local makers and enjoyed by all that visited. As in previous years, community classes and activities have continued to be delivered. Age UK continued to run a Memory Café, while a Friendship Group hosted by the local GP surgery also remained active. In addition, the Whinnies Wanderers toddler and baby groups continued to meet regularly. The Whinnies has once again enhanced its facilities for the beneft of the local community, introducing new and welcoming features for people of all ages to enjoy and participate in. These improvements have proved engaging and accessible to visitors of all ages and abilities. The community continuestoregardTheWhinnies |
|
|---|---|---|---|
| Community Garden as a valued and vital local resource for socialising, recreation and wellbeing. |
||
|---|---|---|
| Review of the charity’s fnancial position at the end of the period |
Para 1.21 | Overall Performance: Total Income for the Period Total Expenditure for the Period Nett Movement in Funds |
| Statement explaining the policy for holding reserves, stating why they are held |
Para 1.22 | The charity maintains a reserve fund to ensure operational stability and to safeguard against unforeseen fnancial challenges. The reserve enables us to manage fuctuations in funding and meet unexpected expenses, ensuring the continuity of our community garden /cafe and ongoing maintenance expenses. |
| Amount of reserves held | Para 1.22 | Total reserves held at end ofperiod £ |
| Reasons for holding zero reserves |
Para 1.22 | N/A |
| Details of fund materially in defcit |
Para 1.23 | N/A |
| Explanation of any uncertainties about the charity continuing as a goingconcern |
Para 1.24 | N/A |
Additional information (optional)
You may choose to include further statements where relevant about:
| The charity’s principal sources of funds (including anyfundraising) |
Para 1.47 | Our main source of income is the on site café, along with public donations and grants awarded. |
|---|---|---|
| Investment policy and objectives including any social investment policy adopted |
Para 1.46 | |
| A description of the principal risks facing the charity |
Para 1.46 | The main risk facing The Whinnies Community Garden is the ongoing shortage of volunteers. A reduced volunteer base may impact the charity’s ability to maintain the garden, deliver community programmes and support the continued development of onsite facilities. |
| Other |
Statement of Financial Activities
Restricted Prior Unrestricted Income Endowment Total Year Funds Funds Funds Funds Funds
Incoming resources Income and endowments from:
Donations and legacies Charitable activities Other trading activities Investments Separate material item of income Other
Total
| 12,221 | - | - | 12,221 | 9,857 |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| 31,023 | 19,880 | - | 50,903 | 33,610 |
| 4,479 | - | - | 4,479 | 3,090 |
| 77 | - | 77 | 70 | |
| - | - | - | - | - |
| - | - | - | - | - |
| 47,801 | 19,880 | - | 67,681 | 46,626 |
Resources expended Expenditure on:
| Raising funds Charitable activities Separate material item of expense Other Total Net income/(expenditure) before investment gains/(losses) Net gains/(losses) on investments Net income/(expenditure) Extraordinary items Transfers between funds Other recognised gains/(losses): Gains and losses on revaluation of fixed assets for the charity’s own use Other gains/(losses) Net movement in funds Reconciliation of funds: Total funds brought forward Total funds carried forward |
- | - | - | - | - |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| 35,137 | 22,176 | - | 57,313 | 47,617 | |
| - | - | - | - | - | |
| - | - | - | - | - | |
| 35,137 | 22,176 | - | 57,313 | 47,617 | |
| 12,664 | (2,296) | - | 10,368 | 991 - |
|
| - | - | - | - | - | |
| 12,664 | (2,296) | - | 10,368 | 991 - |
|
| - | - | - | - | - | |
| (2,296) | 2,296 | - | - | - | |
| - | - | - | - | - | |
| - | - | - | - | - | |
| 10,368 | - | - | 10,368 | 991 - |
|
| 18,280 | - | - | 18,280 | 19,271 | |
| 28,648 | - | - | 28,648 | 18,280 |
WHINNIES COMMUNITY GARDENS
INDEPENDENT EXAMINER'S REPORT
TO THE TRUSTEES OF WHINNIES COMMUNITY GARDENS
I report to the trustees on my examination of the financial statements of Whinnies Community Gardens (the charity) for the year ended 31 July 2025.
Responsibilities and basis of report
As the trustees of the charity, you are responsible for the preparation of the financial statements in accordance with the requirements of the Charities Act 2011 (the 2011 Act).
I report in respect of my examination of the charity’s financial statements carried out under section 145 of the 2011 Act.
In carrying out my examination I have followed all the applicable Directions given by the Charity Commission under section 145(5)(b) of the 2011 Act.
Independent examiner's statement
Your attention is drawn to the fact that the charity has prepared financial statements in accordance with Accounting and Reporting by Charities preparing their accounts in accordance with the Financial Reporting Standard applicable in the UK and Republic of Ireland (FRS 102) in preference to the Accounting and Reporting by Charities: Statement of Recommended Practice issued on 1 April 2005 which is referred to in the extant regulations but has now been withdrawn.
I understand that this has been done in order for financial statements to provide a true and fair view in accordance with Generally Accepted Accounting Practice effective for reporting periods beginning on or after 1 January 2015.
I have completed my examination. I confirm that no matters have come to my attention in connection with the examination giving me cause to believe that in any material respect:
-
accounting records were not kept in respect of the charity as required by section 130 of the 2011 Act; or
-
the financial statements do not accord with those records; or
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the financial statements do not comply with the applicable requirements concerning the form and content of accounts set out in the Charities (Accounts and Reports) Regulations 2008 other than any requirement that the accounts give a true and fair view which is not a matter considered as part of an independent examination
I have no concerns and have come across no other matters in connection with the examination to which attention should be drawn in this report in order to enable a proper understanding of the financial statements to be reached.
Robert Brotherston Todlaw Foxes Covert Dipton DH9 9JH