Company number: 02020634 Charity Number: 294797
Kentish Town City Farm Limited
Report and financial statements For the year ended 31 March 2025
Prepared by Chartered Accountants 66 Earl Street Maidstone Kent ME14 1PS
Kentish Town City Farm Limited
For the year ended 31 March 2025
| Reference and administrative information | 1 |
|---|---|
| Directors’ report | 2 |
| Independent examiner's report | 14 |
| Statement of financial activities (incorporating an income and expenditure account) | 15 |
| Balance sheet | 16 |
| Notes to the financial statements | 18 |
Kentish Town City Farm Limited Administrative information For the year ended 31 March 2025
| Company number | 02020634 | |
|---|---|---|
| Charity number | 294797 | |
| Registered office | 1 Cressfield Close, | |
| and operational | London, | |
| address | NW5 4BN | |
| Country of | United Kingdom | |
| incorporation | ||
| Directors | Angela Woods | Co-Chair |
| Mike Chadney | Treasurer and Co-Chair | |
| Nicole Regan | ||
| Nikki Shack | ||
| Fiona Vaz | ||
| Paul Wilcock | ||
| Key management | Pamela Park | Chief Executive |
| personnel | ||
| Bankers | Lloyds Bank, Camden | Town Branch, |
| 40 Camden High Street, | ||
| London, NW1 0NG | ||
| Independent | Hamilton Coopers | |
| Examiner | Chartered Accountants | |
| 66 Earl Street Maidstone | ||
| Kent ME14 1PS |
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Kentish Town City Farm Limited Directors’ Report For the year ended 31 March 2025
The Directors, who also act as Trustees for charity law purposes, submit their annual report and the financial statements of Kentish Town City Farm Limited for the year ended 31 March 2025. The Directors confirm that the annual report and financial statements of the Charity comply with current statutory requirements, the requirements of the Charity's governing document and the provisions of the Statement of Recommended Practice (SORP) 'Accounting and Reporting by Charities'.
Structure, Governance and Management
The Kentish Town City Farm Limited, which is a Registered No 02020634 (England and Wales) and Charity Number 294797, is constituted through its Memorandum and Articles of Association.
Governing Document
The organisation was established under a memorandum of association which established the objects and powers of the organisation and is governed under its articles of association.
Status
The organisation is a charitable company limited by guarantee, incorporated on 16th May 1986 and registered as a charity on 30th July 1986.
Risk Management
The Charity has assessed the governance, operational, financial, and external risks, as well as those related to compliance with law and regulation. Where appropriate, the Charity has consulted external experts to ensure that the systems and structures in place meet standards and regulations. The Charity has established a clear set of Financial Policies and Procedures adhering to guidance from the Charity Commission, as well as a Financial Reserves Policy appropriate to the risks of the Charity. A comprehensive review of the risks is carried out on an annual basis.
Public benefit
We confirm that in providing the above services and in writing this report, we have had regard to the guidance issued by the Charity Commission on public benefit.
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Kentish Town City Farm Limited Directors’ Report For the year ended 31 March 2025
About Kentish Town City Farm
Kentish Town City Farm (‘the Farm’) was founded in 1972 by the local community working together to reclaim unused land for agricultural and horticultural activities to be used by and for the benefit of the local community. Our founders formally constituted the charity and earned the honour of being the first ‘City Farm’ in the UK.
The 1970s was a time of social change; projects merging creativity, performance, and a sense of inclusion for people who would be otherwise marginalised by society, thrived. The Farm offered local people a place to come together to share ideas and find solutions to the challenges they faced in their lives.
The objectives of the Farm of the are set out in the Articles of Association, and are summarised below:
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To promote the benefits of those living or working in the London Borough of Camden and elsewhere in London without distinction of sex, political, religious, or other opinions, by associating the local authorities and voluntary organisations and the community in a common effort to advance education and promote facilities in the interest of social welfare and for the recreation and for other leisure time occupation with the aim of improving the conditions of life for those said inhabitants.
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To advanced education of the community, and particularly young members of the public at large, in agriculture, horticulture, home crafts, country, life and related subjects, and in the principles of self-discipline and good citizenship through their leisure time activities, so that they may develop their physical mental and spiritual capacities.
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To promote within the community a sense of humanity and morality by educating them in care and consideration of all animals, particularly animals in need of care and protection.
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To provide education and training for persons who have need of such facilities by reason of their youth, age, infirmity or disablement, poverty, or social and economic circumstances.
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To relieve physically or mentally handicapped or disabled or deprived inhabitants of the area by providing remedial, recreational, or therapeutic activities, including horse riding and other activities.
The original objectives of the Farm remain as relevant today as they did back in 1972.
Organisational relationships
The Farm’s area of benefit is both local and London-wide, so our work is balanced to meet both needs. To make a difference to local need we work with local community assets: individuals, groups, networks and organisations with shared values, knowledge, expertise, and resources. When we collaborate beyond Camden, we often strengthen relationships between organisations and bring finance into the local economy through grant funders, donations or earned income.
The Farm’s largest local relationships continue to be with Camden Council and Network Rail. As a Community Partner for the London Borough of Camden through to 2031, the Farm has gained funding, advice, support, and networking opportunities. We benefit from membership of the Camden Consortium of Community Centres (C4) and Social Farms and Gardens. This has enabled the Farm to both anticipate and feedback current trends and developments. We are also members of London Farms and Gardens group, Voluntary Action Camden, Young Camden Foundation and the Camden Nature Corridor.
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Kentish Town City Farm Limited Directors’ Report For the year ended 31 March 2025
During the year more than 130 organisations engaged with the Farm - small, large, public, private, third sector, local and national to benefit Londoners. Many of the collaborations mentioned above increase the capacity and sustainability of the organisations themselves including the RSPB which tells Farm visitors about its work. Social Farms and Gardens’ annual London Harvest Festival brought together hundreds of supporters, young people and staff from across London to exchange ideas, insights and resources which renew the movement and keep organisations responsive and sustainable.
Our community
Comprising of almost 22 square kilometres in the heart of London, Camden is a borough of diversity and contrasts. Business centres such as Holborn, Euston and Tottenham Court Road contrast with the exclusive residential districts in Hampstead and Highgate, thriving Belsize Park and the open spaces of Hampstead Heath, Parliament Hill, and Kenwood. The Borough also includes significant areas of relative deprivation, such as Gospel Oak.
The We Make Camden, State of the Borough report (2023) presents the following snapshot of our borough:
Families, children and young people: Almost one in three children lives in poverty with 41% of pupils eligible for free school meals. Early Years provision costs over £8 per hour. Around 4,500 children and young people have a statement of special educational need or disability (SEND), an increase of 16% since 2018.
Income: Kentish Town, St Pancras and Haverstock wards fall within the top 10% of the country’s measure of unemployment and income deprivation. While food parcel distribution fell in London and the UK post- pandemic to c.200, distribution in Camden continues at three times that level. Ten percent of households were in fuel poverty in 2020 and 80% say they have reduced their fuel consumption.
A sense of belonging: While 85% of older residents feel a strong sense of belonging, ethnic groups including Arab (50%), Chinese (40%), Pakistani (27%) and Caribbean (25%) groups felt less strongly. Self-reported loneliness (36.3%) is substantially higher than London (23.7%) or England (22.3%).
Health and wellbeing: Anxiety levels reported in Camden continued to rise post-pandemic, scoring 3.8 compared with falling scores of c.3 in London and the UK. The 7% share of mortality attributed to air pollution is the same as London though more than England (5%). More than a third of 10-11 year olds are obese.
Environment: Friends of the Earth has highlighted Camden as one of top 50 priority areas for further investment in green spaces as it has one of the highest numbers of green space-deprived neighbourhoods in the country. Although air pollution has decreased across the borough it is still higher than World Health Organisation guidance.
The pandemic highlighted inequalities between different groups, especially those from different neighbourhoods and with different ethnicities. Our inclusive approach includes seeking to understand and address this. For some people in our community, the Farm provides a pleasant day out, for others, its role is much more important in terms of their physical, social and mental welfare. As one of Camden Council’s Community Partners and founded by local residents, the Farm aims to be a welcoming, inclusive community, providing a natural oasis in the heart of London.
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Kentish Town City Farm Limited Directors’ Report For the year ended 31 March 2025
Activities and achievements in 2024/25
Throughout the year the horse arena and surrounding area continued to be out of bounds because of the ongoing works to resolve the collapse of the retaining wall which happened at the end of 2021. Construction of a new retaining wall commenced, but due to the complex engineering the project has taken significant time. The programme should recommence in 2025. Our activities during the year were divided into 3 main categories: Connection with the natural environment; Learning; and Health and Well-being.
- Providing a safe, welcoming space for people to connect with the natural environment
- Free to access space:
Perhaps the most valued part of the Farm’s offer is year-round free access to a green space and animals. This year we welcomed more than 30,000 visitors - providing access to animals, gardens and green spaces and improving people’s wellbeing. 97% of respondents to our recent survey said that the farm improves their wellbeing. We introduced public animal handling sessions 6 days per week – allowing people to engage more closely with our animals in a supervised, safe environment. We made a number of improvements to the Farm over the year: New rabbit and guinea pig enclosures, improvements to the wildlife pond area, creation of an outdoor education space, improvements to our pathways and remedial works to the drains.
Our regular Newsletter also returned - going out every 6-8 weeks to our growing list of supporters.
- Community events and festivals:
“We had such a good time. There was so much going on!” Visitor, May Day Festival
More than 3500 visitors enjoyed our regular May Day, Apple Day and Christmas Fair celebrations, which bring residents together as both volunteers and visitors, as well as raising valuable money for the Farm. Highlights included animal handling, pond dipping, weaving demonstrations, arts and crafts, a BBQ and cake stall and Santa and his elves at Christmas.
We also joined 250 UK Farms to celebrate Open Farm through animal encounters and pond dipping. We participated in Camden’s River of Hope project by hosting a Quiz Night for local NHS staff. We attended the London Permaculture Festival with our chickens and London Harvest Festival where our young farmers were able to compete against others across London.
- Volunteering and corporate team building days:
This year more than 850 workers swapped normal office life for hands-on goat grooming, porcine tummy tickling and shovelling the smelly stuff. Along with these firsts, volunteers said they valued feeling part of a community by sharing a space which welcomed all ages and abilities; discovering community charities and feeling they’d helped the environment. They also valued the fresh air, new skills, getting close to animals and speaking with new colleagues to problem solve.
In addition to the pool of volunteers who support our community festivals, the Farm also welcomes individual volunteers. We introduced Meet and Bleaters this year as weekend volunteers, who welcome individuals to the Farm and tell them about what’s happening on the day.
- Events/activities to promote community cohesion:
We ran two events this year to bring community members together. Jacks and Jennies was an afternoon tea drop in for older people that reached 41 individuals. We also relaunched our Nature Explorers club for parents and carers of children under 5. This weekly club brings families together to enjoy nature and make social connections – with 276 attendees throughout the year, with 100% reporting improved social networks and 87.5% having increased confidence to interact with their children in a natural environment.
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“They talk about the farm/group for the entire week afterwards”
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“I brought her along to get her more comfortable getting dirty and meeting the animals, I’m so glad she’s getting involved”
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Kentish Town City Farm Limited Directors’ Report For the year ended 31 March 2025
- “This is definitely the highlight of ‘x’s’ week”
2. Providing educational and learning opportunities
- Increasing people’s knowledge of animals, gardens and nature:
We run a range of clubs and activities:
● Young Farmers :
Our Saturday and Sunday morning Young Farmer offer continues to be popular, with 14 places available each day for 8-16 year olds. Young Farmers learn about and participate in all aspects of Farm life: feeding, mucking out, moving animals, gardening, animal engagement sessions. Young Farmers Club increases participants' knowledge and understanding of animals, improves their self-confidence, and increases their social networks. Our young people also successfully took part in friendly competition of animal handling at the annual London Harvest Festival at Lambourne End Activity Centre.
● 100% of young farmers said attending the programme improved their wellbeing
‘I feel tired and relaxed at the end of the session. It is very soothing to spend so much time with the animals.’ young farmer
‘I notice a real before and after mood shift in X before and after the farming sessions on Saturdays. Without fail, even if it has been raining or is cold, X is always in a great mood and seems very happy and content. Being around animals makes him feel very calm and centred.’ young farmer parent
- 100% of young farmers had more opportunities to connect with nature
‘We feel so much more connected to the area and community through the Farm - meeting new people and being with the animals. It’s the only occasion I get to be with farm animals as I live in the City, and when I grow up I want to be a farmer, so that’s really important.’
● Leadership opportunities
Our young farmers run animal handling sessions for groups that have booked birthday parties at the farm on weekends, and volunteer at our community events - helping out with animal grooming and animal handling sessions.
‘My favourite part of young farmers is doing kids’ parties. I enjoy teaching young people.’ Young farmer
● Pet Club
It was a new activity on the Farm. Older young people (11) were trained to be Pet Club leaders for local young children – teaching them how to care for our small animals (rabbits, guinea pigs, chickens). Overall, we have 154 children attend Pet Club throughout the year. ‘The most positive impact in Pet Club has been giving public the chance to interact with the animals and learn about them and also making me more confident to talk to people.’ Pet Club leader
● Growing Club
We had funding from the Your Station Your Community fund to run Growing Club sessions and they started in April 2024 and ran until the end of September. We had 185 attendances at the club with some people coming regularly and learning a lot through the course of the
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Kentish Town City Farm Limited Directors’ Report For the year ended 31 March 2025
summer season. The garden grew well despite our early efforts feeding lots of the slugs! Volunteers continued to maintain the gardens over the winter months. 100% of the attendees who responded said they were more confident about growing food after attending the Growing Club.
The partnership with Permablitz London continued and there were four permablitzes organised through the year, where rainwater catchment and soaker hose irrigation systems were introduced.
‘It’s a grounding- in the community, in the local ecosystem, in time and weather. As a newcomer to Kentish Town and an immigrant without family ties in the UK, it has a huge importance. I have seen the difference in my daughter too- from me having to drag her there to her running to “her tree” “her pond” “her beans” etc she sees the farm as an extension of her home and herself, and I am so happy to have a London kid who has that chance.’ Growing Club member
We also built an exemplar balcony to demonstrate what is possible to grown and many different ways to use a tiny space.
● Pond Renovation
The pond renovation was a strong example of collaboration and co-production with our volunteers, resulting in both substantial educational outcomes and huge benefits to the farm. Funded by Our Spaces, we partnered with Permablitz London who ran an Introduction to Permablitz Design 10 week evening course where volunteers created a permaculture design for our overgrown wildlife pond area. A small team of five volunteers created the design and then implemented it through a permablitz involving the wider community. They planned and facilitated the permablitz, running mini-workshops which explained the design, showed people how to make a recycled pallet chair and taught why we use ecto-whip dip.
● Workshops
We ran a series of workshops about growing that have been funded through two programs: Nature Hubs and Your Station, Your Community.
The workshops were: Growing food: maximising your yield and growing herbs for health; Making wicking planters to save water; Growing autumn salads for winter greens; Making a wormery of recycled materials; Designing a beautiful wildlife-friendly tiny space; Keeping health over winter: making fire cider vinegar; Planning your growing year. Overall, 149 people attended these workshops. 95% reporting improved wellbeing, 95% increasing their knowledge of sustainable garden practices, and 100% being more confident to grow their own food. We also hosted three community meals with produce from the gardens - feeding 84 attendees!
We ran regular ‘mini-workshops’ during Growing Club sessions on Sundays.
We introduced Sustainability Workshops for young people this year, with funding from the OVO Foundation. Workshop topics this year included: making natural cosmetics, felting, natural dying, woodworking, pottery and wildlife/growing. Most participants were between the ages of 8-12, and we hope this will sow the seeds of environmental awareness in these young people. The majority of participants reported that their understanding of environmental issues had improved, and that they had increased skills to act on environmental/sustainability issues.
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Kentish Town City Farm Limited Directors’ Report For the year ended 31 March 2025
And we ran a series of wildlife groups throughout the year for all ages – monitoring butterflies, building hoverfly lagoons and bee hotels, monitoring pond life, conducting bat walks and building bat boxes.
We also hosted a range of partnership workshops on the Farm: eco-refurbishment course, natural dye course, Permaculture design certificate course.
● School visits
Over the course of the year, we welcomed 89 schools onto the Farm for educational tours, reaching more than 1800 students and supporting national curriculum learning outside the classroom. We also hosted the local Forest School to deliver gardening to 8 -10 nursery children twice weekly. School children enjoy their time on the Farm; for many, it is their first encounter with Farm animals, wildlife ponds and vegetable gardens. The visit to the Farm brings classroom learning to life.
‘It was lovely for the children to see the animals and touch them. The experience was lovely for them and it has helped bring our topic...to life for the children. Thank you so much! X really tailored the session to the group. It was really well pitched to the group.’ Nursery Teacher
‘Pupils were able to see what they have learned about habitats, where animals live, how they live, what they eat, etc. They were explained about their life cycle as well. It was a very fun experience and children enjoyed it. They were able and curious to ask questions during every animal visit. The session leader answered very patiently and gave them knowledge.’ KS2 teacher
Today’s tour will support pupil’s learning and understanding ‘with animal classifications of diets, naming animals, safely handling animals.’ KS1 teacher
● SEN school workshops
We supported cohorts from 4 different SEN schools, who attended the farm for weekly sessions for a half-term, learning about animal care, gardening and nature. Animals and gardens are proven to have positive outcomes for children with additional needs – so our setting provided a range of benefits to the students involved. Teachers have seen students’ confidence improve, their independence and speed at completing tasks has increase and parents have a broader view of pupils’ development and achievement as a result:
‘Jubilee class had a fantastic time at the farm. It was a hugely enjoyable and practical way for the class to learn about work: that they come back each week on the same day and the same time and complete the same activities. Many of the students took pride in developing their skills through repetition and enjoyed becoming more independent and self-led over time. One of the students now wants to work on a farm in the future: seeing him stood (supported) on top of the dung heap, stamping it down with a huge smile on his face, was priceless!
The team at the farm were receptive to the needs of the students and supported them well, giving them just the right amount of encouragement and always setting high expectations. They recognised areas of interest and then used them to prepare future activities e.g. students enjoyed using binoculars one week and so the following week were introduced to a range of magnifying devices to observe pond creatures. The activities were a great balance of repetition and new skills.
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Kentish Town City Farm Limited Directors’ Report For the year ended 31 March 2025
Returning each week and seeing the changes in the farm throughout the season was another very valuable learning opportunity and I wouldn't hesitate to recommend the experience to teachers of students with SEND.’ SEND class teacher
- Supporting personal development opportunities:
● Work experience
Last year 78 young people chose the Farm for either their Year 9 work experience or as part of their higher education in animal care. In addition, we offer placements to trainee vets from the Royal Veterinary College. Meeting staff and visitors at the Farm provides an authentic experience. 100% of students said their knowledge of animal care improved on their placement.
‘I felt I gained a much deeper understanding of each species' needs and routines - from feeding and cleaning to health checks, breeding routines and lifespan - as well as getting to know some of the individual personalities of each animal.’ Work experience student Opening my eyes about what animals need to thrive, even in an "urban environment", and the dedication and determination of the farm team to provide the best life possible to the animals there. It was a very rewarding experience, despite being very hard work. I really enjoyed my time there. Work experience student
● Duke of Edinburgh awards
The farm also provided volunteering opportunities for 16 Duke of Edinburgh award scheme students, providing opportunities to learn about animal welfare, horticulture and wildlife whilst accumulating their necessary volunteering hours. Participants also learned important life skills such as team working and commitment to tasks, whilst improving their selfconfidence and making new social connections.
● Volunteering for individuals with special educational needs
We supported 7 volunteers with special educational needs, valued members of the team who attend the Farm weekly to help us care for the animals and gardens. Gardening and engagement with nature has a strong evidence base with proven positive outcomes for people with learning disabilities/difficulties:
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-Improved mental health through reduced stress and isolation
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-Increased confidence levels and improved communication skills
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-Greater social inclusion: gardens and animals foster acceptance and provide opportunities for participation in safe spaces
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-Therapeutic benefits: gardening and animal engagement can reduce anxiety
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-Increased physical activity which can lead to improved wellbeing
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-Engagement with animals can improve emotional regulation.
‘I love caring for all the animals on the Farm. . . I have definitely got better at all of it and feel a lot more confident. The Farm has also helped me with my social skills which is great as they don’t come naturally in some situations. The Farm has helped me in every way possible and is preparing me for the future.’ Farm volunteer
- Maintaining the Farm as a Camden Site of Importance for Nature Conservation (SINC):
We manage our land with biodiversity and conservation in mind, and partner with other local organisations to work towards joining up Camden’s green spaces.
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Kentish Town City Farm Limited Directors’ Report For the year ended 31 March 2025
3. Improving People’s Health and Wellbeing
- Delivering activities which bring people together to reduce isolation and/or improve wellbeing:
● Playschemes
Highlights of the Farm calendar definitely include our Easter and August playschemes. Supported by HAF funding, John Lyon’s Charity, Cash for Kids and Social Farms and Gardens, we offer nearly 50% of our places for free (for families eligible for free school meals) and maintain the remainder at affordable rates, ensuring that regardless of circumstance, Camden children aged 8-16 can return to school refreshed with tales of new experiences and friendships made in their holidays. Over the course of the Easter and summer breaks, we offered 128 weekly places on our holiday playschemes. The Programme has three aims: social development, informal learning and increased health and well-being. A diverse mix of children enjoy making new friends, team work and problem solving. Learning is via hands-on, meaningful tasks based on the Farm day: feeding, turning out and mucking out animals in the morning and returning them to their base in the late afternoon. Planting and harvesting produce from our garden. Holiday hunger is addressed through learning about the food cycle and nutrition with a hot lunch planned, prepared and shared with staff. The physical activity provides a work out through gardening, games, craft and animal encounters.
Parents tell us that they can continue to work whole days and throughout the long summer break confident that their children are having fun in a safe and trusted environment.
● Pottery sessions
The Farm has run pottery sessions throughout its history, and this year 312 children attended our weekly pottery drop-in sessions. Working with clay, the very material on which the Farm sits, connects participants to both a timeless history of craft and its more recent, local heritage.
Thanks to funding from the Sarah Jane Leigh trust, we have introduced therapeutic pottery sessions this year, in partnership with Rhyl school. Providing early intervention for children experiencing mental health stresses, the therapeutic session provide the children with a safe space to learn about self-regulation.
‘I just wanted to share with you how much our daughter has enjoyed the pottery group on a Wednesday at Kentish Town City Farm. It has been her favourite day of the week, and she has expressed how she likes Pedro and the group. She now does clay work at home, and I really enjoy seeing her creative creations and calms her down when she might be feeling upset or anxious.’ Parent of attendee
● Hosting partners
We hosted 613 attendees at the weekly musical sessions, Tempo Tots. We hosted weekly art therapy with Caversham GP practice. We supported 229 sessions on the Community Payback Scheme.
● Social Media
With over 12,000 followers, our social media enables people to belong to our community even if they can’t make it in. As always, animal news was popular with crucial updates and videos about all the Farm animals as well as updates from the gardens and wildlife areas. Nature posts, tips and information about how followers could take beneficial environmental actions were also popular. We regularly connected people with organisations or events
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Kentish Town City Farm Limited Directors’ Report For the year ended 31 March 2025
which might inspire, interest or provide support. Accountability is important and regular posts about our offer and the difference it makes, especially comments from participants, is welcome and helps to monitor delivery and drive improvement.
Financial review and reserves policy
The financial statements for the 12 months ended 31 March 2025 show income of £388,844, expenditure of £417,637, and operating deficit before depreciation of £9,895 (2024 Surplus £6,109). The operating deficit was due to utilising restricted funding received in previous years towards charitable activities; our unrestricted reserves increased by £3,119.
Reserves on the balance sheet date as at 31 March 2025 are £859,414 (2024 £888,207). Of this, £515,677 are capital restricted funds and represent the fixed assets of the Farm, which are being amortized over a 50-year period (2024 £534,575). A further £89,666 are restricted funds (2024 £102,680), which must be used for specific purposes.
The trustees have designated £100,000 towards vital infrastructure/site maintenance, we expect that the cost of site improvements will exceed £100,000, additional costs will be met through fundraising efforts. The balance of £154,071 are unrestricted reserves (2024 £150,952). This amount aligns with our reserves policy.
The trustees are satisfied with the results for the year and present the financial statements on a going concern basis.
The Farm aims to achieve a level of unrestricted reserves equal to at least 3-6 months’ revenue expenditure to:
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Meet contractual liabilities should the organisation have to close. This includes redundancy pay, amounts due to creditors and commitments under leases;
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To meet unexpected costs like break down of essential office machinery, staff cover re illness, maternity leave, parental leave, and legal costs defending the charities interest;
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To replace equipment as it wears out;
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To enable cash flow in instances when funders pay in arrears; and
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Ensure that the charity can continue to provide a stable and quality service. Within this context to minimise recruitment, staff training, staff induction and marketing costs by avoiding the need for redundancies caused by financial crisis.
The trustees would like to thank our individual donors, corporate sponsors, trust funders and London Borough of Camden for their support throughout the year: London Borough of Camden, John Lyon’s Charity, Jack Petchey Foundation, Young Camden Foundation, Kusuma Trust, Our Space Award, Nature Hubs Fund, Social Farms and Gardens, Cash for Kids, Aldenham, Your Station Your Community, Clermont Hotel Group, Vitol, Massachusetts Financial Services, Progress Foundation, and Ovo foundation.
Looking Forward
2024-25 was a year of stabilisation for the Farm. We enjoyed a stable staff team and board of trustees and set about delivering the first year of our new three year strategy. We made a range of improvements on that Farm, started new programmes and worked hard to ensure the Farm was a welcoming environment for all of our community.
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Kentish Town City Farm Limited Directors’ Report For the year ended 31 March 2025
Our vision and values continue to guide our work. Our vision is to exemplify the power of City Farms to improve the lives of urban people by supporting people to care for the land, animals and each other. Bringing people together to care for, relax in and learn about the natural world has been the Farm’s mission for 50 years. Our values define how Kentish Town City Farm will work, internally with our staff and volunteers, with our Farm users and visitors and with our external stakeholders:
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We are inclusive – welcoming all and being accessible, treating others with respect, operating with integrity and providing a caring, nurturing environment
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We are passionate – dedicated to our cause, ambitious for our Farm and determined to make a difference
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We are inspiring -transforming people’s lives through our programmes and improving people’s wellbeing
As we look ahead to the coming year, we eagerly await the completion of our horse arena and the return of our riding programme, particularly our Riding for the Disabled sessions which have been so missed by our users. This will be a huge milestone for the Farm. Alongside this, we will continue to improve the Farm’s infrastructure, and maintain a robust programme of activities that provide opportunities for visitors to learn about animals, gardening and nature and improve their wellbeing.
Statements of the Directors’ Responsibilities
The Directors are responsible for preparing the Report of the Directors and the financial statements in accordance with applicable law and United Kingdom Accounting Standards (United Kingdom Generally Accepted Accounting Practice).
Company law requires Directors to prepare financial statements for each financial year, which give a true and fair view of the state of affairs of the company and of the incoming resources and application of resources, including the income and expenditure, of the company for the year.
In preparing these financial statements, the Directors are required to:
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select suitable accounting policies and then apply them consistently;
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observe the methods and principles in the Charities SORP;
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make judgements and estimates that are reasonable and prudent;
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state whether applicable UK Accounting Standards have been followed, subject to any material departures disclosed and explained in the financial statements; and
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prepare the financial statements on the going concern basis unless it is inappropriate to presume that the charitable company will continue in operation.
The Directors are responsible for keeping proper accounting records that disclose with reasonable accuracy at any time the financial position of the company and enable them to ensure that the financial statements comply with the Companies Act 2006. They are also responsible for safeguarding the assets of the company and hence for taking reasonable steps for the prevention and detection of fraud and other irregularities.
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Kentish Town City Farm Limited Directors’ Report For the year ended 31 March 2025
Preparation of the report
This report of the Directors has been prepared taking advantage of the small companies exemption of section 415A of the Companies Act 2006.
This report was approved and authorised for issue by the Directors on ……………………………. 26/09/25 and signed on its behalf by:
Angela Woods Angela Woods (Sep 26, 2025 16:03:52 GMT+1) Angela Woods
Director and Chair of the Board of Trustees
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Kentish Town City Farm Limited Independent examiner’s report to the members for the year ended 31 March 2025
I report to the trustees on my examination of the accounts of Kentish Town City Farm Limited for the year ended 31 March 2025.
This report is made solely to the trustees as a body, in accordance with the Charities Act 2011. My examination has been undertaken so that I might state to the trustees those matters I am required to state to them in an independent examiner's report and for no other purpose. To the fullest extent permitted by law, I do not accept or assume responsibility to anyone other than the charity and the trustees as a body, for my examination, for this report, or for the opinions I have formed.
Responsibilities and basis of report
As the charity trustees of the Company you are responsible for the preparation of the accounts in accordance with the requirements of the Charities Act 2011 (‘the Act’) and the Companies Act 2006 (‘the 2006 Act’).
Having satisfied myself that the accounts of the Company are not required to be audited under Part 16 of the 2006 Act and are eligible for independent examination, I report in respect of my examination of the Company’s accounts carried out under section 145 of the 2011 Act and in carrying out my examination I have followed all the applicable Directions given by the Charity Commission under section 145(5)(b) of the Charities Act 2011 (‘the 2011 Act’).
Independent examiner’s statement
I have completed my examination. I confirm that no material matters have come to my attention in connection with the examination giving me cause to believe that in any material respect:
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1 Accounting records were not kept in respect of the Company as required by section 386 of the 2006 Act; or
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2 The accounts do not accord with those records; or
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The accounts do not comply with the accounting requirements of section 396 of the 2006 Act 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; or
-
4 The accounts have not been prepared in accordance with the methods and principles of the Statement of Recommended Practice for accounting and reporting by charities;
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 accounts to be reached.
Asim Malik FCA DChA Chartered Accountant
26/Sep/25
………………………….
Hamilton Coopers Chartered Accountants 66 Earl Street Maidstone Kent ME14 1PS
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Kentish Town City Farm
Statement of Financial Activities (including consolidated income and expenditure account) For the year ended 31 March 2025
| **Unrestricted ** | Designated | Restricted | Total | Last Year | ||
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Funds | Funds | Funds | Funds | Total Funds | ||
| Notes | ||||||
| 2025 | 2025 | 2025 | 2025 | 2024 | ||
| £ | £ | £ | £ | £ | ||
| Incoming resources | 5 | |||||
| Incoming resources from generated funds | ||||||
| Donation and legacies | 36,430 | - | - | 36,430 | 29,888 | |
| Charitable Activities | 243,229 | - | 91,200 | 334,429 | 275,028 | |
| Other Income | 17,985 | - | - | 17,985 | 14,011 | |
| Total incoming resources | 297,644 | - | 91,200 | 388,844 | 318,927 | |
| Resources expended | 6 | |||||
| Costs of charitable activities | 289,108 | 123,112 | 412,220 | 294,114 | ||
| Governance costs | 5,417 | - | - | 5,417 | 19,424 | |
| Other resources expended | - | - | - | - | 18,177 | |
| Total resources expended | 294,525 | - | 123,112 | 417,637 | 331,715 | |
| Net income/expenditure | ||||||
| before transfers between funds | 3,119 | - | (31,912) | (28,793) | (12,788) | |
| Gross transfers between funds | - | - | - | - | - | |
| Net movement in funds | 3,119 | - | (31,912) | (28,793) | (12,788) | |
| Reconciliation of funds | ||||||
| Total funds brought forward | 150,952 | 100,000 | 637,255 | 888,207 | 900,995 | |
| Total Funds carried forward | 154,071 | 100,000 | 605,343 | 859,414 | 888,207 |
The notes on pages 18 to 24 form an integral part of these accounts.
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| Kentish Town City Farm Company Number 02020634 Balance Sheet as at 31 March 2024 £ £ Fixed assets Tangible assets 8 584,254 Current assets Debtors 9 43,147 Cash at bank and in hand 366,957 Total current assets 410,104 Creditors:- amounts due within one year 10 (134,944) Net current assets 275,160 Total assets less current liabilities 859,414 Net assets 859,414 The funds of the charity : 11 Unrestricted funds Unrestricted funds 154,071 Designated funds 100,000 254,071 Restricted funds Revenue restricted funds 89,666 Capital funds 515,677 605,343 Total charity funds 859,414 2025 |
£ £ 603,152 186,999 181,652 368,651 (83,596) 285,055 888,207 888,207 150,952 100,000 250,952 102,680 534,575 637,255 888,207 2024 |
|---|---|
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Kentish Town City Farm Company Number Balance Sheet as at 31 March 2024
02020634
The directors are satisfied that the company is entitled to exemption from the requirement to obtain an audit under section 477 of the Companies Act 2006 and that no members have required the company to obtain an audit in accordance with section 476 of the Act.
The directors acknowledge their responsibilities for complying with the requirements of the Companies Act 2006 with respect to accounting records and the preparation of accounts.
The trustees acknowledge their responsibilities for
(a) ensuring that the charitable company keeps accounting records that comply with Sections 386 and 387 of the Companies Act 2006 and
(b) preparing financial statements which give a true and fair view of the state of affairs of the charitable company as at the end of each financial year and of its surplus or deficit for each financial year in accordance with the requirements of Sections 394 and 395 and which otherwise comply with the requirements of the Companies Act 2006 relating to financial statements, so far as applicable to the charitable company.
These financial statements have been prepared m accordance with the provisions applicable to charitable companies subject to the small companies regime
Approved by the board of trustees and authorised for the issuance on "…........................... 26/09/2025
Angela Woods Angela Woods (Sep 26, 2025 16:03:52 GMT+1) Angela Woods Director and Chair of the Board of Trustees
The notes on pages 18 to 24 form an integral part of these accounts.
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Kentish Town City Farm Notes to the Accounts For the year ended 31 March 2025
1 Accounting policies
The principal accounting policies adopted in the preparation of the financial statements are setout below and have remained unchanged from the previous year and have also been consistently applied within the same accounts.
Accounting convention
a) Basis of preparation:
The financial statements of the charitable company, which is a public benefit entity under FRS 102, have been prepared in accordance with the Charities SORP (FRS 102) 'Accounting and Reporting by Charities: Statement of Recommended Practice applicable to charities preparing their accounts in accordance with the Financial Reporting Standard applicable in the UK and Republic of Ireland (FRS 102) (effective 1 January 2019)', Financial Reporting Standard 102 'The Financial Reporting Standard applicable in the UK and Republic of Ireland' and the Companies Act 2006. The financial statements have been prepared under the historical cost convention.
The charity meets the definition of a public benefit entity under FRS102. Assets and liabilities are initially recognised at historical cost or transaction value unless otherwise stated in the relevant accounting policy
Incoming Resources
All income is recognised in the Statement of Financial Activities once the charity has entitlement to the funds, it is probable that the income will be received, and the amount can be measured reliably.
Donations are recognised when the charity has been notified in writing of both the amount and settlement date. In the event that a donation is subject to conditions that require a level of performance before the charity is entitled to the funds, the income is deferred and not recognised until either those conditions are fully met, or the fulfilment of those condition is wholly within the control of the charity and is probable that those conditions will be fulfilled in the reporting period.
Grants are recognised on a receivable basis. Grants covering multiple years are recognised in the reporting period in which the related expenditure is incurred.
Fund accounting
Unrestricted funds can be used in accordance with the charitable objectives at the discretion of the trustees.
Restricted funds can only be used for particular restricted purposes within the objects of the charity. Restrictions arise when specified by the donor or when funds are raised for particular restricted purposes.
Further explanation of the nature and purpose of each fund is included in the notes to the financial statements.
Expenditure
Liabilities are recognised as expenditure as soon as there is a legal or constructive obligation committing the charity to that expenditure, it is probable that a transfer of economic benefits will be required in settlement and the amount of the obligation can be measured reliably. Expenditure is accounted for on an accruals basis and has been classified under headings that aggregate all cost related to the category. Where costs cannot be directly attributed to particular headings they have been allocated to activities on a basis consistent with the use of resources.
Taxation
The charity is exempt from corporation tax on its charitable activities.
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Kentish Town City Farm Notes to the Accounts For the year ended 31 March 2025
Tangible fixed assets
Depreciation is provided at the following annual rates in order to write off each asset over its estimated useful life.
Site improvements over 50 years Furniture and equipment over 5 years
Tangible fixed assets are stated at historical cost less accumulated depreciation and any accumulated impairment losses. Historical cost includes expenditure that is directly attributable to bringing the asset to the location and condition necessary for it to be capable of operating in the manner intended by management.
Debtors
Debtors are recognised at the settlement recoverable amount due. Prepayments are valued at the amount prepaid.
Cash at bank and in hand
Cash at bank and in hand includes is held to meet short-term cash commitments as they fall due rather than for investment purposes and may include short-term deposits.
Going concern
This conclusion has been reached having regard for the financial impact on the charity of Covid-19. At the reporting date, the trustees do not consider that there is sufficient uncertainty in any estimates made that would lead to a significant risk of causing a material adjustment to the amounts of assets and liabilities carried forward to the next reporting period.
Creditors, deferrals and provisions
Creditors and provisions are liabilities where we have a present obligation to a third party that we shall normally pay by cash. Provisions are measured or estimated as reliably as possible.
Where performance-related conditions are specified in a grant, the income will only be recognised to the extent that the charity has provided the facility or service. Any income received in advance of the conditions being met are deferred and shown under creditors.
Retirement benefits
The charitable company operates a defined contribution pension scheme. Contributions payable to the charitable company's pension scheme are charged to the Statement of Financial Activities in the period to which they relate.
Lease
Rentals payable under operating leases, including any lease incentives received, are charged to income on a straightline basis over the term of the relevant lease.
Critical accounting estimates and judgements
In the application of the Charity's accounting policies, the Trustees are required to make judgements, estimates and assumptions about the carrying amount of assets and liabilities that are not readily apparent from other sources. The estimates and associated assumptions are based on historical experience and other factors that are considered to be relevant Actual results may differ from these estimates.
The estimates and underlying assumptions are reviewed on an ongoing basis. Revisions to accounting estimates are recognised in the period in which the estimate is revised where the revision affects only that period, or in the period of the revision and future periods where the revision affects both current and future periods.
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Kentish Town City Farm Notes to the Accounts For the year ended 31 March 2025
2 Winding up or dissolution of the charity
The Charity is a company limited by guarantee and has no share capital. The liability of each member in the event of winding up is limited to £10. Names of its directors and registered office is mentioned on page 1.
3 Expenses paid to trustees or persons connected with trustees
The charity trustees were not paid or received any other benefits from employment with the charity in the year (2024: £nil). No charity trustee received payment for professional or other services supplied to the charity (2024: £nil).
| Reimbursment of the out of pocket expenses 4 Net Income / Expenditure Net income/(expenditure) is stated after charging/(crediting): Depreciation - Owned assets Independent examiners fees |
2025 £ 9 2025 £ 18,898 3,180 |
2024 £ 288 2024 £ 18,898 4,500 |
|---|---|---|
5 Detailed analysis
| Incoming resources Donation and legacies Donations Gift Aid |
Unrestricted funds 2025 £ 33,837 2,593 36,430 |
Restricted funds 2025 £ - - |
Total funds 2025 £ 33,837 2,593 36,430 |
Total funds 2024 £ 27,258 2,630 29,888 |
|---|---|---|---|---|
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Kentish Town City Farm Notes to the Accounts For the year ended 31 March 2025
| 6 7 |
Unrestricted funds 2025 £ Charitable Activities Farm Activities London Borough of Camden 74,000 Corporate Visits 52,306 School Visits 26,695 John Lyons Jack Petchy NWLA Young Camden Found. Holiday Activity Fund Vaccine Companion Project Aldenham Club Trust Kusama Trust Our Space Goatel Others 90,228 243,229 Other Income Sales and rent 16,160 Interest 1,825 17,985 Analysis of charitable expenditure Unrestricted funds 2025 Farm Activities 289,108 Governance 5,417 Fund raising - Total cost 294,525 Staff Costs and Emoluments Salaries National Insurance and Pension Contributions |
Restricted funds 2025 £ 5,000 900 10,053 8,000 3,500 13,644 50,103 91,200 - - Restricted funds 2025 123,112 123,112 |
Total funds 2025 £ - 74,000 52,306 26,695 5,000 900 - 10,053 - - 8,000 3,500 13,644 140,331 334,429 16,160 1,825 17,985 £ 2025 412,220 5,417 - 417,637 2025 £ 235,274 17,642 252,916 |
Total funds 2024 £ 26,134 101,664 - 1,500 5,000 900 4,951 5,424 13,984 15,280 2,000 1,194 96,997 275,028 14,011 - 14,011 £ 2024 294,114 19,424 18,177 331,715 2024 £ 205,861 7,208 213,069 |
|---|---|---|---|---|
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Kentish Town City Farm Notes to the Accounts For the year ended 31 March 2025
| Numbers of full time employees or full time | equivalents | 2025 | 2024 | ||
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Charitable activities | 6 | 6 | |||
| Management and admin | 2 | 2 | |||
| 8 | 8 | ||||
| There were no fees or other remuneration paid to the trustees | |||||
| There were no employees with emoluments in | excess of £60,000 per annum | ||||
| The key Management Personnel is the Chief Executive Officer whose remuneration for the year was | |||||
| Chief Executive Officer's remuneration | 2025 £ 58,372 |
2024 £ 58,172 |
|||
| 58,372 | 58,172 | ||||
| Remuneration includes other cost associated with National | Insurance and Pension. | ||||
| 8 | Tangible fixed assets | ||||
| Asset cost, valuation or revalued amount | Site Improvements £ |
Fixture & Fittings £ |
Total £ |
||
| At 1 April 2024 | 1,049,190 | 20,164 | 1,069,354 | ||
| Additions | - | - | |||
| Disposals | - | ||||
| Surplus on revaluation | - | - | |||
| At 31 March 2025 | 1,049,190 | 20,164 | 1,069,354 | ||
| Accumulated depreciation and impairment provisions | |||||
| At 1 April 2024 | 446,038 | 20,164 | 466,202 | ||
| Eliminated on disposals | - | ||||
| Charge for the year | 18,898 | - | 18,898 | ||
| At 31 March 2025 | 464,936 | 20,164 | 485,100 | ||
| Net book value | |||||
| At 31 March 2025 | 584,254 | - | 584,254 | ||
| At 31 March 2024 | 603,152 | - | 603,152 | ||
| 9 | Debtors | 2025 | 2024 | ||
| Trade debtors | £ 24,902 |
£ 15,595 |
|||
| Prepayments and accrued Income | 18,175 | 171,404 | |||
| Other debtors | 70 | - | |||
| Total | 43,147 | 186,999 |
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Kentish Town City Farm Notes to the Accounts For the year ended 31 March 2025
| 10 Creditors: amounts falling due within one year Trade creditors Social security and other taxes Accruals and deferred income Accrued expenses 11 Analysis of the Net Movement in Funds |
2025 £ 15,181 1,801 106,325 11,637 134,944 |
2024 £ 15,067 2,647 63,588 2,294 83,596 |
|---|---|---|
| As at 31st March 2025 Fixed assets Current Assets Current Liabilities As at 1st April 2024 Fixed assets Current Assets Current Liabilities Balance as at 1st April 2024 Incoming resources Resources expended Net transfers between funds Balance as at 31st March 2025 |
Unrestricted funds £ 68,577 220,438 (134,944) 154,071 68,577 165,971 (83,596) 150,952 Unrestricted funds £ 150,952 297,644 (294,525) - 154,071 |
Designated funds £ 100,000 100,000 100,000 100,000 Designated funds £ 100,000 - - - 100,000 |
Capital funds £ 515,677 515,677 534,575 534,575 Capital funds £ 534,575 - (18,898) - 515,677 |
Restricted funds £ 89,666 89,666 102,680 102,680 Restricted funds £ 102,680 91,200 (104,214) - 89,666 |
|---|---|---|---|---|
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Kentish Town City Farm Notes to the Accounts For the year ended 31 March 2025
| Analysis of Restricted funds: Horse fund RDA Camden Town Brewery Goatel LBC Section 106 Infrastructure Works Progress Foundation |
2025 £ 20,766 3,750 7,500 13,644 24,787 19,219 - 89,666 |
2024 £ 20,766 3,750 7,500 - 24,787 23,950 21,927 102,680 |
|---|---|---|
The designed funds relates to funds earmarked for the building development and the fund raising support.
12 Related party transactions
There were no related party transactions for the year ended 31 March 2025.
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