THE SHRUBBERY
Charity Registration No 299098
ANNUAL REPORT & ACCOUNTS
YEAR ENDED 31" MARCH 2024

THE SHRUBBERY
Charity Registration No 299098
Year Ended 31" March 2024
Contents
Trustee's Annual Report
Statement of Trustees, Responsibilities
Independent Examinerfs Report
Statement of Financial Activities
Balance Sheet
Notesto the Accounts

THE SHRUBBERY
Charity Registration No 299098
Year Ended 31" March 2024
Trustee's Annual Report
The Trustee is pleased to present their report and accounts for the year ended 31 March 2024.
The account5 have been prepared in accordance with the accounting policie5 Set out in note 2 to the
accounts arsd comply with the Trust's governing document, the Charities Act 2011 and the Statement of
Recommended Practice, Charities 50RP IFR51021.
Objectives and artivities
Under the Essex Act 1987 Southend 8orough1sicI Council hold the land in the BorouBh1sicI known as the
Shrubbery upon trust, for the enjoyment of the public as an open space under the Open Spaces Act 1906,
freed and discharged from the trusts and conditions imposed by a conveyance dated 10th December 1918
made between William Gregson, John Rumbelow Brightwell and Sydney Bridge of the one part and the
mayor, Aldermen and Burgesses of the Borough1sic] of Southend of the other part.
In previous years, the Shrubbery was let rent free to Mr Mike Dolby who operated the Never Never Land
attraction on the site. In 200112002 Mr Dolby surrendered his lease and the site. apart from the
Fishermans Wharf building, is now vacant.
In 2015 planning permission was granted for the demolition of the Fishermans wharf building. The building
dates from 1911 and was formerly a tearoom known as The Shrubberies. In 1986, the prernises were
refurbished to create Fishermans Wharf, a popular family-run seafood restaurant. A terrace was added in
2012 $0 diners could take full advantage of the views whilst being sheltered from the elements.
The building was demolished in 2018 and Eroundworks for 3 new, modern restaurant began in January
2019. All works were due to be undertaken by Fishermans Wharf as the lessee with The Shrubbery
benefitting from an increased rental income on completion and ownership of the asset.
The Shrubbery is administered and maintained for the objects set out in its governing document by the
City Council.
The Trustees in making decisions about the Trust make those decisions with due regard to the objects of
the Trust.
In addition they have due regard to their legal duty to carry out the Trust's charitable purposes for the
Public Benefit and the Charity Commissions, guidance thereon.
The Shrubbery has remained available for all members of the public to benefit from and use freely for the
purposes of recreation and pleasure throughout the period.

THE SHRUBBERY
Charity Registration No 299098
Year Ended 31" March 2024
Achievements and performance
The shrubbery 15 currently maintained to allow the purposes in its Governing document set out below to
take place during the financial year 2023-24.
The fairy-tale castle which remained on the site after the closure of the Never Never Land attractlon has
been fully restored and the watef fountain within it has been flowing again since May 2019. The sleeping
giant, a huge grass figure growing out of the ground, has also been completed and is designed to draw
people into the magic that is the memory of so many from their childhood. The Never Never Land
attractlon flrst opened In 1935 and the castle Is part of Southend's heritage as a seaside town.
The restaurant site remains empty. works having been severely delayed first due to the Coronavirus
pandemic, then issues with the supply chain and high rates of inflation which have driven construction
costs up and finally with the leaseholder company going into administration. DLJe to its prominent location
on the Seafront the appearance of the site has been the subject of negative comments in the local press
and on social media. In the short-term the Trustee5 are commltted to doing what they can to Improve the
appearance of the site, while issues with the longer-term redevelopment are resolved.
The Trustee considers that the performance of the charity during the year was satisfactory.
Plans for the future
The Trustees intend to continue with the current activity and maintain the standards of The Shrubbery.
Flnanclal revlew
The trust operated at a surplus for the year of £19,85512023 £47,700). This will be added to past surpluses
and used to ensure the future of the trust.
The company that owns the leasehold property at Fishermans Wharf went into administration on 13
August 2024. The èppointed Administrator's proposal of "realising property in order to make a distribution
to one or more secured or preferential creditors" was approved in October 2024. The proposals stated that
'Based on present information, the joint Administrators thinks that the Company has insufficient property
to permit a distribution to the unsecured creditors a nd that there may only be a distribution available to
the secured andlor preferential creditors of the Company., As an unsecured creditor the Trustees consider
it prudent to write-off outstanding debt of £44,552 as an expense in the financial year ended 31 March
2024.
Reserves Policy
The trust does not need to hold reserves as any deflclt which arises on the operation of the trust, should
the trust have no funds to meet it, is funded by 5outhend on Sea City Council, which is 501e trustee of the
trust.
The trustees, agreed a scheme of arrangement with the Charity Commissioners, dated 25th June 2003,
whereby past and future surpluses accruing to the Shwbbery can be used to meet deficits arising on other
charitable recreation grounds for which Southend City Council acts as 501e trustee, namely Jone5 Memorial
Recreation Ground, Priory Park and Victory Sports Ground.

THE SHRUBBERY
Charity Registration No 299098
Year Ended 31" March 2024
Golng concern
The Shrubbery meets the definition of a public benefit entity under FRS102. There are no rnaterial
uncertaintie5 about the charity's ability to continue as a going concern.
Structure, governance and management
Governing documents
The Tru5Vs Governingdocument Is in the form ofa scheme sealed by Order of the ComMi￿10n on 25
June 2003. which superseded the original regulation by section 86 of the Essex Act 1987.
Trustee recruitment and tralnlng
Southend City Council elected members are corporate Trustees. Therefore Councillors once elected
become a corporate Trustee of the Trust.
Rlsk Assessment
The city council, when carrying out risk assessments for its own activltles, Includes within the assessrnent
the activities of the trust. so any major risks applicable to the trust are covered by the council arranging
appropriate insurance or having in place strategies to cover other contingencies.
Reference and admlnlstratlve detalls
Trustee
Southend-on-sea City Council
Secretory/Treasurer to the Trust
Southend-on-sea City Council
Addre55
Civic Centre
Victoria Avenue
Southend-on-sea
Essex
SS2 6ER
Independent Examiner
TCGroup
The Courtyard
Shoreham Road
Upper Beeding
Steyning
West Sussex
BN44 3TN

THE SHRUBBERY
Charity Registration No 299098
St
Year Ended 31 March 2024
Statement of Trustees, Responslbilhies
The Trustees are responsible for preparing accounts which give a true and fair view of the state of affairs of
the Charity a5 at the end of each financial year and the income and expenditure of the Charity for that
period.
In preparing those accounts, the Trustees are required to-
Select 5Ultable and applicable accounting pollcies and then apply them consistently
Make judgement and estimates that are reasonable and prudent
Prepare the financial Statements on a going concern basis unless it is inappropriate to presume that
the organisation will continue in business
The Trustees are also responsible for keeping proper accounting records which disclose with reasonable
accuracy at any time the financial position of the Charity and enable it to ensure that the financial
statements comply with charity legislation and the relevant governing instruments. They are responsible
for safeguarding the Charity's assets and hence for taking reasonable Steps for the prevention and
detection of fraud and other irregularities.
Results
The Trusvs financial results are as per the annexed accounts.
By order of the Trustees
Signed
J Chesterton (Feb 10, 2025 13:47 GMT)
Joe Chesterton. Executive Director (Finance & Resources)
Date Feb 10, 2025

THE SHRUBBERY
Charity Registration No 299098
Year Ended 31" March 2024
Independent Exarnlnerf5 Report
I report on the accounts of the Trust for the year ended 31 March 2024, which are set out on pages 6 to
ii.
Responsibilities and basis of report
As the Charity trustees of the Trust you are responsible for the preparation of the accounts in accordance
with the requirements of the Charities Act 20111'the Act'l.
I report in respect of my examination of the Trusys accounts carried out under section 145 of the 2011 Act
and in carryinE Out my examination I have followed all the applicable Directions given by the Charity
Commlssion under sectSon 14515llbl of the Act.
Independent examinerfs statement
I have completed my examination. I confirm that no material matters have come to my attention in
connection with the examination Eiving me cause to believe that in any material respect:
accounting records were not kept in respect of the Trust as required by section 130 of the Act,. or
2. the accounts do not accord with those records,. or
3. the accounts do not comply with the applicable requirements conceming the form and content of
accounts set out in the Charities (Accounts and Report51 Regulations 2008 other than anv
requirement that the accounts give a 'true and fair view which is not a matter considered 35 part of
an independent examination.
I have no concerns and have come across no other matters in connection with the examination to which
attention should be drawn in this report in order to enable a proper understanding of the accounts to be
reached.
Mark Cummln5 FCCA FCIE
For and on behalf of TC Group
Off ice: Steyning, West Sussex
Dated:

THE SHRUBBERY
Charity Registration No 299098
$t
Year Ended 31 March 2024
Statement of Financial Activities
2023124
2023124
Unrestrirted Endowmenl
Funds
Funds
2023124
Total
Funds
2022123
Total
Funds
Note
Income From
Investments
73,130
73,130
54.893
I,ioo
55.993
Charitable activities
Total Income
73,130
73,130
Expenditure on
Charitable activities
53,275
53,275
53.275
53.275
8.293
8,293
Totsl expendlture
Net income and net movement
in funds
19,855
19A55
47,700
Reconciliation of Funds
Total funds brought forward
Total funds carried forward
564,125
583,980
481,940 1,046.065
481,940 1,065.920
998,365
1.046,065
All income and gain5 for the year are recognised on the statement of financial activities. All the Charity's
activities are classified as continuing.

THE SHRUBBERY
Charity Registration No 299098
Year Ended 31" March 2024
Balance Sheet
2023124
Total
Funds
2022123
Total
Funds
Note
Flxed Assets
Investment Property
Total Fixed Assets
481,940
481,940
481,940
481.940
Current Assets
Cash at bank and in hand
584,820
584,820
564,785
564,785
Totsl Current Assets
Uabllltles
Creditors.. Amounts falling due within one year
Net current assets/{liabilitiesl
{840)
583,980
16601
564.125
Total a55ets less current liabilities
1,065,920
1,046,065
The funds of the charity
Endowment funds
481,940
583,980
1,065,920
481,940
564.125
1,046.065
Unrestricted fund5
li
Total charity funds
Approved by the Trustee and signed on its behalf by an authorised signatory.
Slgned
04
J Chesterton (Feb 10, 2025 13.'47 GMT)
Joe Chesterton. Executive Director (Finance & Resources)
Southend on Sea City Council for the Trustee
Date Feb 10, 2025

THE SHRUBBERY
Charity Registration No 299098
Year Ended 31" March 2024
Notes to the Accounts
Note l Legal Status
The Shrubbery is an unincorporated charity registered in England and Wales (charity number 2990981.
Note 2 Accountlng Pollcles
Basls olpreparotlon
The account5 have been prepared in accordance with Accounting and Reporting by Charitie5'. Statement of
Recommended Practice applicable to charities preparing their accounts in accordance with the Financial
Reportlng Standard applicable In the UK and Republ ic of Ireland IFRS 1021 {effettive l January 20161-
(Charities SORP IFRS 1021), and the Charities Art 2011.
The Shrubbery meets the definition of a public benefit entity under FRS 102. Asset5 and liabilities are
initizlly recoEnised at historical cost or transaction value unless otherwise stated in the relevant accounting
policy notelsl. There are no material uncertainties a bout the charl￿$ ability to continue as a 80ing concern
given the continued support of Southend City Council.
Cash Flow Stotement
In accordance with the Charities SORP IFRS 1021 the charity is claiming exemption from the req uirement to
prepare a cash flow statement on account of it being a small charity.
Inrnme
Charitable activities income is recognised when receivable.
Investrnent income represents income from rent and 15 recognised when receivable.
Expenditure
Expenditure is accounted for on an accruals basis exclusive of the element of VAT which is recoverable by
Southend City Council in accordance with VAT Notice 749 para 7.5.
Charitable expenditure compri5e5 those costs incurred by the charity in the delivery of its activitie5 and
services for its beneficiaries.
Investment Property
Investment property Is held at falr value with movements being taken to the Statement of Financial
Actwities.

THE SHRUBBERY
Charity Registration No 299098
Year Ended 31" March 2024
Note 2 Account5ng Poll¢ies {continued}
Cash ot bank and In hand
Cash at bank and in hand includes cash and short term hlghly liquld investments. No separate bank account
is maintained by the Trust, therefore all income and expenditure passes through the Clty Council's account.
and its cash balances are held within the City Council's general bank account.
Creditor5 and prov151ons
Creditors and provisions are recognised where the charity has present obligation resulting from a past
event that will probably result in a transfer of funds to a third party and the amount due to settle the
obligation can be measured or estimated reliably.
Crltlcal accounting estimates and judgements
In the application of the charity's accounting policies, the trustees are required to make jL¢dgements,
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 assumptlons are reviewed on an ongoing basis. Revisions to accounting
estimates are recognised in the period in which the estimate is revlsed.
The trustees do not consider that there are any critical estimates or areas of judgement that need to be
brought to the attention of the readers of the financial statements.
Note 3 Investment Income
2024
2023
Rent Receivable
Interest
44.552
28,578
73.130
44,552
10,341
54,893
Note 4 Cost of Charltable Actlvltles
2024
2023
Employee5
Building/Ground Maintenance
Transport
Insurance
3,040
3,387
334
2,755
3.524
17
Supplies & Service5
Bad Debt Expense
Governance costs
621
895
44,552
840
501
660
Administration
441
53.275
8,293

THE SHRUBBERY
Charity Registration No 299098
Year Ended 31" March 2024
The support costs incurred are the administration Services provided by Southend City Council and
governance costs. Total support costs for the year were £1,34112023 £1,1011.
Governance costs comprise solely of fees paid to independent examiners. Durlng the year £84012023
£6601 was paid to the independent examiner in respect of examination services.
Employee costs relate to employees of the Council.
No staff were remunerated over £60.0(KJ in the year.
The charity is managed by Southend City Council and doesn't have any key management personnel.
Note 5 Investment Property
Investment
Property
Falr Value
Balance brought forward @ 01104123
Revaluation
Balance carried forward @ 31103124
481,940
481,940
The investment property was revalued by Jamie Redden MRICS on 31 March 2024 and represents the
value of the proposed two storey restaurant premises with basement and terraces. Conditional planning
approved 2nd September 2015 application 15100955/BC4. There has been no material change to the value
Since that date.
Note 6 Creditors
Amounts falling due within one year
2024
2023
Other Creditors
840
660
Note 7 Endowment fund
The endowment fijnd comprlsesthe investment property.
Note 8 Trustee rernuneratlon
No trustee was paid in respect of their services as a trustee in 2023 or 2024 and no expenditure was
reimbursed.
io

THE SHRUBBERY
Charity Registration No 299098
Year Ended 31" March 2024
Note 9 Related Party Transactions
During the year the trustee (So￿hend City Council) collected £73,13012023 £55,993) on behalf of the
Trust in respect of investment income. The Trust paid the Council £7.382 in respect of operating costs for
the year12023'. £7,633).
Note 10 Comparatlve Funds
All income and expenditure in 2023124 was unrestricted.
Note 11 Net Assets Between Funds
Year Ending 31# Morch 2024
Unrestrlrted
Endowment
Totsl
Flxed Assets
481,940
481,940
584,820
1840)
1.065,920
Current Assets
584.820
18401
583,980
Current Liabilities
Total
481,940
Yeor Ending 31st Morch 2023
Unrestrlcted
Endowment
Total
Flxed Assets
481,940
481,940
564,785
1660}
1,046,065
Current Assets
564,785
16601
564.125
Current Llabllltles
Totsl
481.940
li