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 pro￿SSeS 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. 9. 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. 10. 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. 11. 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. 12. 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 reqUI￿d 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 T￿hnICIans. 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 reS￿1- 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 cOn￿r￿S 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 bel￿￿1 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 direeafied purpose and are available as S￿et31 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 all￿tloA of management ar*1 SUPFOrt cos15. Endowment funds are subject 10 5peiific connditions have been rnet. the amounts can be rneasured rdiably. and it 15 wobable that in¢ome wtll be retav Cash donations ère Tecogni5ed rtceipl. Other donation5 are TÈcoÈfiised once ghe tharity has been rK)lified of the donation. unlo55 porfortnancc conéitionx roquire deferral of ghe amount. Incorne tax recoverable in relation to donations reÈrience and other factors that aro considered to be relevant. Actual rosults may difftr from tw estirnates. The e51imale5 and underlwn8 assurnptioni are on an ongoing basss. Revi%ion5 to acwunling estimates arc reco8AiXed in the period In which the eslirnate is rew5ed where the revision affed5 only that perlod. or In thè period of the revision and future periods where Ihe revI￿on tsflecE5 L¥)th uureDI and fulure 3 Income from dDr>ation5 a[￿ 81fts Unrertricted Fundi 2024 Fund5 2(r25 Funds 2025 2025 Donations and Glfts Grnnts 78.495. 215.994.(Kl 78.495. 237.814.( 97.716.00 81.000.00 21.820.IN) 294.489.00 21.820.00 376.309.￿ 178.716.OD 4. Income from Chariiabie aciivlttes Total 2025 fotsl 2024 VThresirfcted Restrfcted Sale of Gtsods Perforrnance related grants {under graTrt5 abovel 34.051 34.05T 12255 93.243 105.498 34.051 34.051 5. Irwme from IrNestments 2025 Total 2024 Total Interest receivable 1.715 736 6 Charitable attivlrfes 2025 2024 Wages & Salaries Depre(ialion Charitable expondilurc Support C0515 l%ee point 7) Governance C051 15ee poiDt 71 147.863 3483 58839 1615 149.478 3.483 59.535 158.013 6.939 27.903 116.806 2.500 696 Total 210.185 2.311 212.496 7 C*)verna￿e and Support Corts Administration Accounting Service5 T5.239 25(X) 17.739 15.239 2.5 17.739 112,139 2.500 114.639 8 Staff eoits 2025 2024 Salarfes and wège l49.478 158.012 The average numbers of *pplOY￿ wai T4 P024- 51. Na employee earned rr￿¥re rhaTr £(￿J.0￿ PA. 12 9 FL¥eil Assets Fbrture& SkatrlKwI and Filt¢r¥gs and Gardes)s Playwnds e