Meanwhile Meanwhile Gardens Communit Association ort of the Trustees Mana ement Committee For the ear ended 31 March 2025 1. Reference and Administrative Information Charity Name: Meanwhile Gardens Community Association (MGCA) Charity Registration Number: 296921 Company Registration Number: 2134343 Registered Office and Operational Address: 156-158 Kensal Road. London W10 5BN Members of the Management Committee {Trustees)." Tony Curzon-Price - Chair Rose Peel - Co-vice Chair Simon Ryder- Co-vice Chair Gary Lohan - Honorary Treasurer Alex Bowling Keith Benton Susie Gretz (resigned July 2024) Julie Jones Rohan Mccullough Dez O'Neill Kristian Parker Senior Management Team: Project Manager= Chandrika Dalpat Independent Examiner: The Accounting Equation (appointed to undertake the Independent Examinalion Review for this year)
Bankers: Royal Bank of Scotland 2. Structure, Governance and Management Governing Document MGCA is a charitable company limited by guarantee, incorporated on 22 May 1987 and registered with the Charity Commission. It operates under its Memorandum and Articles of Association. In the event of winding up, members may be required to contribute up to £1.00. Recruitment and Appointment of Trustees Trustees are elected annually at the AGM and may stand for re-election. The Management Committee must consist of between 10 and 30 members, wilh no more than one third co-opted. MGCA seeks to recruit trustees who reflect the diversity, needs, and skills of the local community. Induction and Training New trustees receive an induction pack outlining MGCA'S history. governance. policies, and responsibilities. MGCA encourages trustees to attend training to support their role. Strategic planning sessions are held periodica51y to review organisational aims and future plans. Organisational Structure MGCA is governed by a voluntary Management Committee made up of local residents, service users, and representatives from partner organisations. The Committee meets every eight weeks to review strategy, performance, and financial oversight. Sub-committees may be formed when required. The Project Manager oversees day-to-day operations, manages staff, coordinates service delivery, and ensures MGCA meets its charitable objectives. Risk Management The Management Committee reviews key strategic. operational. financial, and external risks annually. Controls include.. Clear financial processes and delegated authorities Regular review of health and safety (standing agenda item) Annual review of safeguarding arrangements Diversification of income streams to mitigate funding risks
MGCA has strengthened its financial oversight this year by transitioning to a new bookkeeping and independent examination arrangement to ensure accuracy, transparency, and timely compliance following issues with previous reporting. Risks are recorded in MGCA'S risk register. which is reviewed annually by the Trustees. 3. Objectives and Activities MGCA'S mission". "Meanwhile Gardens is an inspiring green space at the heart of our inner-cily community." MGCA enhances the lives of residents in North Kensington and North Westminster by providing accessible open space, play, learning, volunteering, and community activities across its four-acre site. MGCA is committed to sustainable environmental practice and strong communty partnerships. Core Activities Management and maintenance of a four-acre community garden, including a free open-access skate park. Operation of the Playhut. a Stay & Play centre for families with children up to age six. Delivery of volunteering, horticulture, educational, and training programmes. Community events and festivals, including the annual Notting Hill Carnival "CarnivaS Oasis" 4. Public Benefit Statement The trustees confirm they have complied with the Charity Commission's guidance on public benefit and that MGCA'S activities directly further its charitable purposes of providing leisure, learning, and wellbeing opportunities for local residents. 5. Achievements and Performance Community Impact MGCA continues to serve as a vital green space for thousands of residents. Volunteers and visitors consistently express appreciation for the tranquillty, beauty, and sense of connection the Gardens provide.
Awards and Recognition (20241 MGCA was awarded 1st Prize in the Brighter Kensington & Chelsea Summer Competition {Community Effort- Category 10). The charity also achieved Level 5 "Outstanding" in the RHS London in Bloom "It's Your Neighbourhood" assessment. These achievements reflect the dedication of MGCA staff. community gardeners, and volunteers. Volunteering MGCA benefits greatly from volunteer contributions across gardening, maintenan, events, and community sessions. Volunteers gain horticultural skills. confidence, social connection, and improved wellbeing. Their contribution is essential to the sustainability and impact of the Gardens. The trustees acknowledge with gratitude the significant contribution of volunteers, whose work materially enhanGes the charity's impact. Partnerships and Collaborations MGCA works closely with a range of partners including: Golborne Medical Centre - delivering the "Golborne Hearted" public health programme focused on nature, exercise, creativity, and social conneclion. Kensington & Chelsea MIND - delivering horticultural therapy and training since 1994. Floating Classroom - providing outdoor environmental education for schools and community groups. Metronomes Steel Band Orchestra - a long-standing cultural partnership using MGCA'S factory building as a rehearsal spa. Natural History Museum - supporting outdoor learning initiatives during redevelopment of their own Wildlife Garden. Local schools- regular use of the Gardens for environmental studies, fitness, and outdoor learning. Projects, Events & Activities Weekly gardening, wellbeing and "Fork to Fork" kitchen garden sessions. The two-day Carnival Oasis event during Notting Hill Carnival. providing a family-friendly safe haven amid the festival. Ongoing relationship with local skaters. who actively help maintain the skate bowls and report issues. The Playhut The Playhut supports disadvantaged and isolated families with children under six. Staff provide early years play and learning activities, parenting support, and referrals to wider services. The timetable includes Stay & Play. Messy Play, Nature Explorers, and a community food hub supported by North Kensington Community Kitchen. The Stay & Eat warm space continues to be highly valued.
Ongoing Developments- Factory Site MGCA is developing plans to transform the old factory building into a vibrant, community-driven asset, working with Metronomes Steel Band. Counterculture, IDK Architects, and RBKC. A feasibility study has been completed. 6. Financial Review MGCA showed a surplus on unrestricted funds for the year of £178.903. At 31 March 2025 there were free reserves carried forward not tied up in fixed assets of £0 and restricted revenue funds of £19,509. The remaining restricted funds in the balance sheet of £1 comprise the net book value of the Playhut and equipment. MGCA'S principal funding sources include local authority support (particularly from RBKC). grant-making trusts, charitable foundations, earned income, and community donations. MGCA continues to strengthen financial controls and reporting proSSeS to ensure timely compliance and accuracy. 7. Reserves Policy The Management Committee reviews the reserves policy annually. MGCA aims to hold free reserves equivalent to between three and six months of operating costs. in line with Charity Commission guidance. Based on total expenditure of £230,235 in 2024125, this equates to a target range of £57,559 to £115.118. At 31 March 2025 unrestricted reserves totalled £178,903, which is above this larget range The trustees consider this level of reseNes appropriate at present given the current funding environment, the timing of grant income and planned capital and service developments. Over the coming years the trustees expect reserves to reduce gradually towards the target range as funds are invested in delivering MGCA'S strategic and capital plans. 8. Fundraising Statement MGCA does not engage in high-volume public fundraising. All fundraising activity complies with the Fundraising Regulatorfs Code of Fundraising Practice. MGCA received zero fundraising complaints during the year.
- Plans for the Future Strategic priorities for the coming year include-. Securing a long-term lease for the Gardens and factory building. Securing core funding to expand staff capacity and maintain the Gardens. Increasing volunteering, wellbeing, and Iraining opportunities. Developing enhanced early years provision at the Playhut. Expanding community initiatives. especially for marginalised and underserved groups. Delivering a major capital works programme to renovate the Gardens and skate park.
- Key Management Personnel Remuneration The Management Committee reviews remuneration for key management personnel annually, taking into account sector benchmarks. responsibilities of the role, and the financial position of the charity.
- Responsibilities of the Trustees The Trustees are responsible for preparing the Annual Report and Financial Statements in accordance with the Companies Act 2006 and the Charities SORP (FRS 102). They must ensure.. Appropriate accounting policies are selected and applied consistently. Judgments and estimates are reasonable and prudent. Financial statements are prepared on a going-concern basis. Proper accounting records are kept and safeguarding measures are in place to prevent fraud and irregularities.
- Independent Examination The accounts are subject to an independent examination under Section 145 of the Charities Act 2011.
Approval Approved by the Management Committee on Friday 19 December 2025 and signed on its behalf by.. Gary Lohan Honorary Treasurer
INDEPENDENT EXAMINERS REPORT TO THE MEMBER5 OF MEANWHILE GARDENS COMMUNITY ASSOCIATION I report to the charity trustees on my examination of the accounts of the charity for the year end 31 March 2025 which are set out on pages 8 to 14. ResponsÉbilities and basis of report As the Charity S trustees land also its diredors for the purposes of company law) you are responsible for the preparation of the accounts in accordance with the reqLtrrements of the Companies Act 2006. Having sat15fied myself that the accounts of the company are not reqUId to be audited under Part 16 of the 2006 Act and are eligible for independent examinafion, I report in respect of rny examination of the company s accounts carried out under section 145 of Charities Act 2011 and in carrying out tny examination I have followed all the applicable Directions given by the Charity CoTnmis£ion under %ection 14515)(b) of the 2011 Act. Independent examiner's rtatement Slnce the company 5 gross income exceed £250.¢XKJ.00 your examiner murt be a meinber of a body listed in the section 145 of the 2011 Act. I confjrm that l am qualified to undertake the examination because l am a member of The Associatton of Accounting ThnICIans. whith is one of the listed bodies. I have completed my examination. I confirm that rK) materials matters have come to my attention in connection with the exarnination gÉving rne iause to believe that in any material reS1- Accounting records were riot kept in respert of ihe company as required by sedion 386 of the 2006 Act: or The accounts do no accord with those record5- or The accounts do not comply with the accounting requirement5 of (tiOn 396 pf the 2006 Act other thank any requirement that the accounts give a 'true and fair view. which is not a matter considered as part of aft independent examiner- or 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 applicable to charities preparing their account5 in accordance wtth Financial ReFX)rtÉng Standard applicable in the UK and Republic of Ireland IFRS 1021. I have no cOnrS and have come across no other matters tn connertton with the examination to which attention Should be drawn in thÉs report in order to enable a proper understanding of the accounts to be reached. Laura Parfitl-marr FMAAT The Accounting Equatio First Floor Front Office 13-14 Market place Penzance TR18 2JB Date- 271h November 2025
MEANWHILE GARDEN5 COMMUNrrY ASSOCIATION ATEMENTOF FINANCIALAcnvmES INCLUDING INCOME EXPENDrruRE AccouNr FOR THE YEAR ENDED 315r MARCH 2025 Vrrtylricted Funds liertricted Tokl Funds Trtal Fundi Funds 2025 2024 Notes lncorne Donations and Legacie5 Charitable artiyities Investment 294.489 34.051 1.715 21.820 316.309 34.051 178.716 105.498 736 Total 330.255 21.820 352.075 284.950 Expenditure Charilable activiti 6&7 227.924 2.311 230.235 309.661 Total 227.924 230235 309.661 Net Intomellexpendtturel before tranrfers 102.331 19.509 121.840 24.711 Trnnsfers bel1 hjnds Net movement in funds 102.331 19.509 121.840 124.711 REwnclliation of lunth= Total fund8 brought forward Totèl fvnds (arrted forward= 76.572 178.SX)3 76.572 198.412 101.283 76.572 19.509 The SlalemeDt of Pinantial aciwilies includes all gains and recognised in the ar. income and expenditure derive frotn iontinuing a£tivies.
MEANWHILE GARDENS COMMUNTfY ASSOCIATION BALANCE SHfEr AS AT 31st WRCH 2025 Total Funds Total Fundf 2024 Notes 2025 Flxed Assets Tangible A4Xets rotal Flxed Assets 3.484 3.484 CuTTent kneti Debtors Caxh ai bank and in haTh Total Currtt)i Assets io 20.71)6 194.503 215.209 21.659 86.206 107.865 Creditors.. Amounts f4llin¥ due wlthln one year Net Current A55et51(iiabililie51 116.7981 116.7981 134.7761 34.776 Total Assels less Current T98.412 76.572 Total Net Assets or Lthbllfties 198.412 76.572 Funds of the Charity Rc5tricted Funds UDre51ri£ted Ftsrtds Total Fundi 19.509 178.903 198.412 76.572 76.572 For the financial year ID question the wmpanywas orttitled to exemptton under section 477 of the Companies Acr 2006 relatin8 10 5Tnoll ¢ompani¥ for year ended 31 March 2025 No tnembers knve requirÈd the company to obtèin an audit of its aciount5 for thpyear irt question in a£¢ordance With section 476 of the Companies Ad 2006. The dire<tors a¢krtOvdledÉe their responsibilities for complying wlh Ibe rryuirernen15 of t Companies A(1 2006 with re5pett to atwurttin8 rth and the preparation of aciounls. The accounts have been prepared in atiorthnte with the proviyons opplicable to small £Otnp8rties regime. Th accoun15 woro approved ty the Board c¥).. Signed s18rd MEANWHILE GARDENS COMMUNrrY ASSOCb4TION
NOTES TO THE ACCOUNTS
FOR THE YEAR ENDED 31 MARCH 2025
Accountlng pollues
Charity Inforrnalion
Meanwhile Gardens Community A55LKiation is a wale company fimited by 8uaranlee incorporated in
England and W4lek The rwstered office is 156-158 Kensal Road. L¢)rKton WO 58N.
1.1 Accounting convention
The financial sr4crnen15 have wered accordance V¢h ihe thèriw's govern¢ng documenl. the
Cotnpanie5 Art 2(K16. FRS 102 Yhe Financial Repofting Standar& applicabl£ in thc UK Republic of
Ireland. and ihe Charities SORP"Accounting ènd Reportln8 by Chè.-ilie5.' Statetnth: of Recommended
practi applicable to charities propa."ing Ihar account5 in accordance with the FinanLt31 Aeporting Standard
applitsble in the UK and kepubllc of Irdand (FPS 1021". The tharity 15 a Public Bettrfil Entity as defined
FR5 102.
The charity has iaka) advantage of the prowsions in the SORP for Ihèritie5 ntst lo wepare a statement of
cash flow5.
The financial 5tatÉments are pryred in steding. whith is the functional (urrencyof the dority. Monetary
amounts in these finaTrcSal statements are rounded io ihe nearest £.
Tho financial statements have been prewred under the higtorical cosi conventioti. Irnodified to ilUde the
revaluatioty of freehold properties and to include investfflenr properties and £ertain finanoal instrumeftts at fair
valuel. The priniipal attntIng policies adopted are set Out belcAV.
T.2 Golng corKem
Al Ihe lime of approving tho fir(11 Statements. the trustees have a reasonable expectation that the tharity
has adequate resourie5 to continue ID operational eIlenCe for the foreseeable fugure. Thus the trustee5
continue lo adopt the Soins ¢ontrrn balis of accounting in prLyar¢ns the financial 5tatetnEnt5.
1.3 Charltèble funds
Unre51ricted funds are available for use at the disuelton of the trustee5 in fvrtherante of their thatirable
objectives.
Unrestricted funds consist of donations and other irKorniDg resources recewable or generated for the objects
of the ¢harity without further sF>eafied purpose and are available as Set31 fthds.
Restricted funds are to be used for P¢r1( PUTwses a5 down iv the donor. Exwditure which meets
these criteria is tharged lo tho fund together Mrith a fair alltloA of management ar1 SUPFOrt cos15.
Endowment funds are subject 10 5peiific con<Elions byibrtorg that the capital must be maintained the
ch2rily.
1.4 Income
lThcomt is recosnTsed when the
Tangible fixed agsets are initially me2sure<l at 105t orKt wbseouentty meawred at cost ty valuation. net of depretiation and any impairment losses. Tangible fixed 3ssels are slated al c051 le5% deprecialion.Assds w4th a tost of n.(KKJ or more are capitalised. Deprociation is provided al ralcs caliulated to write off the ¢ost lesx estimated residual value of each assol over 115 experted useful life. as follows= Playhui Skaiebowl and Gèrden Playgrounds Flxtures. fittlngs & equlpmeTht 23 1 r2 yeaTS over remainder of lease IO% pa Slrai8hi lithe 25% pa 5tTai8ht line The gain or Ioss ar4On8 on the thp1 of an is deterrruned as the thfferen the Sale proceeds and the carryng value of the asset. and is reco8ni5ed in Ihe staterrt of finanoal adivitiek 1. 7 lrnpalrrnent of fixed assets At eath reporting ond dato. the charity reviews the carrwng amount5 of its tawbte aisrts to detern)ine whether there is any indicatiort that assets have suflered an impairrnenl 105s. If any such indicalioD e5t. the rectsv£rable arnount of the aiset is esiirnated in order to determtne the extent of the impairment 1.8 Cash and cash equlvalents Cash and cash oquivalents include in hand. dewits held at (all With banks. other short-lerm liquid Investments with original maluritie5 of three t[nthS or lesL artd bank overdrafts. Bank overdr2ftS 2re sho withln borrowln8s in current liab¢lities. T.9 Flnan<ial Instwmen The charity has elected to apply the provisions of Section Il'8&si< Finanoal Inrtrutnenls. and 5edk)n 12 'Olher Fin4n(i41 Instrurnonts 155ue< of FRS 102 to all of it% finantial instrnmenis. Fina741 instruments Ire re¢ognised in the chariws balan sheet when the tharity becorne5 P6rty 10 Ihe conlractuol proviSioNs of the instrument. Financial asse15 and liabilitie5 ère oyset. wih the n. amounis presented in the financial statements. when there is a legally enforceable rishl lo get off the re(08nised anurtts Ind t isan intention lo settle on a net basis or to realise the asset and settle the liability sirnultanetsudy. S8cn8n08Iasets Basic financial assets. which include deblon and cash and bank balantts. ore initially nèsured ar transacti price including transaction costs and are subsequently CaTried at arnortised ¢0st tssin8 the effective interest Meth unless the arran8ement constitutes a financing transaction. where the tran5aCtiort is rneasured al the present value of the future T£trip15 disctrJnied at a market rage of inleiest. Financial aifets 055ified a5 recervable within one year are not amortise Basic financial liabilities. including crediiof5 and NIDk loans ère inittally recognised at tran&)ction price unless the arrangement wn51ilulos a financin8 tran56¢tion. where ihe debt inggtument is measured at the present valueof the lulure paytnon15 diKounted at a market rate of irtterett. Firwoal liabiltties dasgified as payaNe wiihin one year are not atnortised. Debt inslrurnenls are wb5Equently Carried at amorbd cott. using the effectNe interest rète method. Trade Creditors are obli8ations to for goods or gervices th21 have acquired in the ori5inary course of operation5 from suppliers. Amounti payable are dassified current liabilities if payment 15 due wlhin one year or le5k If Dol. they ère presfflled 4$ non<vrrent liabilities. Trade creditorn are re<ognised initially al transaction prico and 5ubsoquonlly moa5urcd at arnortiséd cost using the effective iniere5t rn*hod. 1.10 Empl¢)yee beneffts The cost of any unused holiday entitlement 15 Teco8Trised in the pericd in whlth ploYee'S seNitts are received. Termination benefits are reco8niFe<l immediately as an expetue whett chartty [% demonstrably cornmitted lo lerrninale the ernplownent of ath Érnployee or to pr<wide tem)inatlon beneftts. 1.11 Volunteers No monetary value has been Pla on the service5 of volunteers. 2. Criti(al ac¢ountln8 ertlmates and ludBanents
In the application of the (hariws accounting poli¢s. the truste are requirLYI lo make judgernents. estirnalos
nd èSSumption5 akbut the carwDg amount of 6$5ets liabililies ihai are not reathly apparent frorn other
sr
Fbrture& SkatrlKwI and Filt¢r¥gs and Gardes)s Playwnds e<yJlpment Playhut TOTAL C05t'. A5 al l April 2024 Additions A5 al 31 March 2025 I63076 977.7(KJ 38828 68.953 1.248.557 163.076 977.700 38.828 68.953 1.248.557 Depreciation-. at l April 2024 Char8e for the year A5 at 31 Mar<h 2025 159593 3483 163.076 977.71KI 39.828 68.952 1.245.073 977.700 38.828 68.952 1.245.073 Carrying ArnouDI As at 31 March 2025 As al 31 March 2024 Meanwhile Cardefts Occupy lènd on è 25 year a$eIr0 the Borou8h of and Chelsea ai a peppercorn rent. The lease was signo¢J on 1st Ortoir 1999 and th effert from that date. Thty algo have a tenancy at wll on the buildin85. the 10515 Of the works. whith were £¢)M[eted in 2CK)l. are bein% depreciated over the remaindEr of the lease vJhi¢h 1$ 23.5 years. 10 Debtors & ppayMentS 2025 2024 Trade Deblo Prepayrnenti 20.095 21.659 20.706 21.659 11 Credltors &ac¢¥uals 2025 2024 Other Taxation Ènd sooal erity Deferred income Accruals Other ueditors 2.256 11.255 2.5(K) 787 16.798 5.956 23.349 5.471 34.776 12 Taxatlon As a registered tharity the a$tatiOn ii normallyexempl frorn laxolioTr un<5Er 5466 to 493 of crA 2010 13 Trurtees Nono of tho Irustoe5 were retryuneraied 4thre¢tly or In&rettly during theswr. T4 Deferred Income 2025 2024 Arisin8 from 8overnment zrants Other <Yeferr income 11.255 13 15 Unrestrfrted Funds Tho unrortrirt¢d funds of the charity comprise the unexpended balarw of donations and 8rknis whlth are ol subject to Specific conditions by donors ard grant¢ys as to hcjw they may be uFed. These iDtlude
designated funds which have been SEI aside out of unrettritted funds the rrustees for spectfic purposes. Movemenl In tund5 Balar BolarKe 01.04.2024 Y1.0325 General Fund 76.572 330.255 [227.9241 178.903 Prevlotts Year 01.042023 31.03.24 General Funds 62.954 191.707 (159.B48 76.572 16 Analysis of t)tt asxets by lund Unrestiicted Restricted 2025 2025 Total 2025 Totsl 2024 Fixed Asie15 Current Asset 3484 73088 76572 178.903 178904 19.509 19.509 198412 198413 17 Related party transathcK There were no disclosable related party transactions thring the year (2024-noTrEI 14