Community Orchard Greenside
Registered Charity Number: 1209630
Charitable Incorporated Organisation (Foundation Model)
Trustees’ Annual Report and Financial Statements for the Year Ended 30 September 2025
1. Reference and Administrative Details
Charity name: Community Orchard Greenside Charity number: 1209630 Constitution: Charitable Incorporated Organisation (Foundation Model) Reporting period: 1 October 2024 – 30 September 2025
Trustees during the year:
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Pam Douglas (Chair – resigned October 2025)
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Gill Randall (Chair, appointed October 2025)
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June Conway (Secretary)
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Lou Appleby (Treasurer until January 2026)
-Claire Marchetti Media and Marketing
Committee members:
- John Whitworth (Treasurer, from January 2026)
Hugh Kelly, Anne Farrow, David Stephenson (co-opted)
Linda Kemp -currently not active due to health issues (co-opted)
Independent examiner: Not applicable (first year, income below threshold).
2. Structure, Governance and Management
Community Orchard Greenside is a Charitable Incorporated Organisation (CIO), established under a foundation model constitution, meaning the only voting members are the charity trustees.
The charity is managed by a board of five trustees, supported by a committee of four members. Trustees are appointed in accordance with the constitution and meet regularly to oversee operations, finances, and strategic development.
The charity currently operates under a tenancy at will from Gateshead Council while progressing towards a full asset transfer of the former bowling green site.
Volunteers form the heart of the charity’s activities, assisting with maintenance, events, environmental information sessions, and community outreach.
3. Objectives and Activities
Aims:
“To transform Greenside’s abandoned bowling green into a thriving community orchard and green space for the benefit of local residents.”
Objectives and activities:
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To cultivate a community orchard providing fruit for local use.
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To create opportunities for environmental learning and climate action.
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To enhance biodiversity and provide habitat for wildlife.
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To promote wellbeing, inclusion, and intergenerational community engagement.
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To encourage partnerships with local organisations, businesses, and schools.
Public Benefit:
The trustees have had due regard to the Charity Commission’s guidance on public benefit. The Orchard provides open access to the community, supports environmental learning and nature stewardship, and enhances wellbeing for residents of all ages.
4. Achievements and Performance
This was the charity’s first full year of operation, during which significant progress was made toward establishing a sustainable community space.
Highlights include:
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Successful planting of fruit trees, which have thrived despite challenging weather.
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Refurbishment of the pavilion, now regularly used for gatherings and hire.
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Official opening of the Orchard by the Mayor of Gateshead, covered by local media.
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Hosting of community events such as wreath-making, environmental workshops, and creative sessions.
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Engagement with Greenside Primary School, introducing children to nature and sustainability.
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Development of plans for a Peace and Sensory Garden. Insect habitats
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Growing volunteer participation and strong community spirit.
5. Financial Review
Overview:
This report covers the charity’s first full accounting year.
Summary: Total Income: £11389 Total Expenditure: £6481 Surplus / (Deficit): £4908 Funds carried forward: £4908 (includes £120 cash in hand)
Income:
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Grants and Donations £8730
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Fundraising and Events: £2659
Key funders:
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The Tree Council (£830) – fruit tree planting.
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Asda (£2,270) – equipment and deckchairs.
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National Lottery Community Fund (£3600) – supported activities during this period.
Expenditure:
- Charitable activities: £6,481
Reserves and Funds:
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Restricted funds: £250
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Unrestricted funds: £4658
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Cash in bank: £4538
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Cash in hand: £120
The charity does not yet have a formal reserves policy, but trustees intend to establish one next year.
6. Plans for the Future
Plans for the coming year include:
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Developing a Peace and Sensory Garden.
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Introducing , solitary bee nesting places and insect homes.
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Expanding Pavilion use for community activities and hire.
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Delivering further seasonal events and workshops.
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Formalising a reserves policy.
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Progressing the asset transfer with Gateshead Council.
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Strengthening partnerships with schools, businesses, and environmental groups.
7. Statement of Trustees’ Responsibilities
The trustees are responsible for preparing the annual report and financial statements in accordance with the Charities Act 2011. They must ensure proper accounting records are kept, that financial statements give a true and fair view of the charity’s affairs, and that the charity complies with applicable law and regulations.
The trustees confirm that, to the best of their knowledge, there is no relevant information of which they are unaware, and that appropriate steps have been taken to ensure awareness of financial matters.
8. Independent Examination
As the charity’s income is below £25,000, no independent examination or audit is required for this year.
9. Approval
This report was approved by the trustees on 6 October 2025 and signed on their behalf by: G randall
Gill Randall Chair of Trustees Date: 6 October 2025