THE SHRUBBERY Charity Registration No 299098 ANNUAL REPORT & ACCOUNTS YEAR ENDED 31st MARCH 2025
THE SHRUBBERY Charity Registration No 299098 Year Ended 31" March 2025 Contents Trustee'sAnnual Report Statement of Trustees, Responsibllities Independent Examiner's Report Statement of Financial Activities Balance Sheet Notes to the Accounts
THE SHRUBBERY Charity Registration No 299098 5t Year Ended 31 March 2025 Trustee's Annual Report The Trustee is pleased to present their report and accounts for the year ended 31 March 2025. The accounts have been prepared in accordance wlth the accounting policies set out in note 2 to the accounts and comply with the Trust's governing document, the Charities Act 2011 and the Statement of Recommended Practice. Charities SORP IFRS1021. ObkrtNes and activities Under the Essex Act 1987 Southend Borough Isicl Council hold the land in the Borough1sicI 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 condition5 imposed by a conveyance dated 10th December L918 made between William Gregson, John Rumbelow Brightwell and Sydney Bridge of the one part and the mayor, Aldermen and Burgesses af the Borough Isicl of Southend of the other part. In previous years, the Shrubbery w35 let rent free to Mr Mike Dolby who operated the Never Never Land attraction on the site. In 2001/2(X12 Mr Dolby surrendered his lease and the site, apart from the Fishermans Wharf building, 15 now vacant. In 2015 planning permission was granted for the demolition of the Flshermans Wharf building. The building dates from 1911 and was formerly a tearoom known as The Shrubberies. In 1986, the premi5e5 were refurbished to create Flshermans Wharf, a popular family-run seafood restaurant. A terrace was added in 2012 so dir)ers could take full advantage of the view5 whilst being sheltered trom the elements. The building was demolished in 2018 and groundworks for a new, modern restaurant began in January 2019. All works were due to be undertaken by Fishermans Wharf as the lessee with The Shrubbery benefltting 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, guldance thereon. The Shrubbery has remained available for all member5 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 st Year Ended 31 March 2025 Achievements and performance The Shrubbery is currently maintained to allow the purposes in its Governing document set out below to take place during the financial year 2024-25. The fairy-tale castle which remained on the site after the closure of the Never Never Land attraction has been fully restored and the water fountain within it has been flowing again Since May 2019. The sleeping giant, a huge grass figure growin8 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 attraction first opened in 1935 and the castle is part of Southend's heritage as a seaside town. The resiaLsrant 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 entering into insolvency proceedings. Due to its prominent location on the 5&3front the appearance of the site Is a continuing subject of negative comments in the local press and on social media. In the short-term the Trustees are committed 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 areas of the The Shrubbery which are accessible to the public. The Trustees will work with Council officers to seek a resolution regarding the leasehold property. Financial review The trust operated at a surplu5 for the year of £20,893 {2024 £19,855). This will be added to past surpluses and used to ensure the future of the trust. After a year in administration Estuary View Property Limited Ithe company that owns the leasehold property at Fishermans Wharfl has moved from administration to dissolution. The form was registered with Companies House on 20 August 2025 and Estuary Vlew Property Limited will be dissolved three months after this date, unle55 an order 15 made to extend or suspend the period, or stop. the dis501ution. As an unsecured creditor the Trustees consider it prudent to write-off outstandlng debt of £33,314 as an expense in the financial year ended 31 March 2025. Resenies Policy The trust does not need to hold reserves as any deficlt which arises on the operation of the trust. should the trust have no fund5 to meet it, is funded by Southend on Sea City Council, which is sole trustee of the trust.
THE SHRUBBERY Charity Registration No 299098 st Year Ended 31 March 2025 The trustee5' agreed a scheme of arrangement with the Charity Commissioners, dated 25 June 2003, whereby past and future surpluses accruing to the Shrubbery can be used to meet deficits arising on other charitable recreation grounds for which Southend City Council acts a5 sole trustee, namely Jones Memorial Recreation Ground. Priory Park and Victory sports Ground. Going ¢on¢ern The Shrubbery meets the definition of a public benefit entity under FRS102. There are no material uncertainties about the charity's ability to continue as a going concern. Structure. governance and management Governlng documents The Trust's Governing document is in the form of a scheme sealed by Order of the Commission on 25 June 2003. which superseded the original regulation by section 86 of the Essex Act 1987. Trnstee recrultment and truining Southend City Council elected members are corporate Trustees. Therefore. Councillors On elected becorne a corporate Trustee of the Trust. RlskAssessment The city council, when carrying out risk assessments for its own activities, includes within the assessment 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 admlnlstrative details Trustee Southend-on-sea City Council Secretary/Treasurer to the Trust Southend-on-sea City Council Address Civic Centre Vittoria Avenue Southend-on-sea Essex S52 6ER Independent Exomlner TC Group The Courtyard Shoreham Road Upper Beeding Steyning West Su55ex BN44 3TN
THE SHRUBBERY Charity Registration No 299098 Year Ended 31" March 2025 Statement of Trustees, Responslblllties The Trustees ère 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 suitable and applicable accounting policies 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 hen for taking reasonable steps for the prevention and detection of fraud and other irregularities. Results The Trust's financial results are as per the annexed accounts. By order of the Trustees Signed og Ckeffjterto4 Joe Chestèrton (Jan 27, 2026 16:48..24 GMTI Joe Chesterton, Executive Director (Finance & Resources) Date 27101126
THE SHRUBBERY Charity Registration No 299098 Year Ended 31" March 2025 Independent Examinerfs Report I report on the account5 ofthe Trust for the year ended 31 March 2025. which are set out on pages 6 to 11. Responsibilitles 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 Tru5Ys 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 145151{bl of the Act. Independent examlnerfs 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.. l. accounting records were not kept in respect of the Trust as required by sertion 130 of the Act. or 2, the account5 do not accord with those records- or 3. the accounts do not comply with the applicable requirement5 concerning the form and content of accounts set out in the Charities (Accounts and Reports) Regulations 2008 other than any requirement that the accounts give a 'true and fair vlew which is not a matter considered as part of an independent examination. I have no concern5 and have come acr055 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 Cummins FCCA FCIE Forand on behalf of TCGroup Office: Steyning, West Sussex Dated: 7cJ7£
THE SHRUBBERY Charity Registration No 299098 Year Ended 31" March 2025 Statement of Flnancial Activities 2024125 2024125 Unrestrlcted Endowment Funds Funds 2024125 Totsl Funds 2023124 Total Funds Note Income From Investments 61.784 61,784 61.784 61,784 73.L30 73,130 Totsl Income Expendlture on Charitable activities Total expendlture 42.151 42.151 42,151 42.151 53.275 53,275 Unrealised Galns on Investment 1,260 1,260 Net Income Net movement in funds 19,633 19,633 1,260 1,260 20,893 20,893 19.855 19.855 Reconciliatlon of Funds Total funds brought forward Totsl funds carried forward 583,980 603,613 481,940 1,065,920 483,200 1.086.813 1,046.065 1,065,920 All Income and gains for the year are recognised on the statement of financial activlties. All the Charity's activities are classified as continuing.
THE SHRUBBERY Charity Registration No 299098 Year Ended 31" March 2025 Balance Sheet 2024125 Totsl Funds 2023124 Total Funds Note Fixed Assets Investment Property Total Fixed Assets 483,200 483.200 481,940 4SI,940 Current Assets Cash at bank and in hand 604.563 604.563 584,820 584,820 Total Current Assets Liabllltles Creditors: Amounts falling due within one year Net current assetsllliabilities) 1950) 603,613 1840) 583.980 Total assets less current liabilities 1,086,813 1,065.920 The fund5 of the charfty Endowmentfunds Unrestricted funds 483.200 603.613 1,086.813 481.940 583.980 1,065,920 li Total charity funds Approved by the Trustee and signed on its behalf by an authori5ed signatory. Signed og Cheitertoh Joe Chesterton lJan 27, 2026 16..48..24 GMT) Joe Chesterton, Executive Director {Finance & Resourcesl Southend on Sea City Council for the Trustee Date 27101126
THE SHRUBBERY Charity Registration No 299098 Year Ended 31. March 2025 Notes to the Accounts Note l Legal Status The Shrubbery is an unlncorporated charity registered in England and Wales (charity number 299098). Note 2 Accounting Pollcles Busls of preparatlon The accounts have been prepared in accordance with Accounting and Reporting by Charities: Ststement of Recommended Practice applicable to charities preparing their accounts in accordance with the Financial Reporting Standard applicable in the UK and Republic of Ireland IFRS 1021 {effective l January 20161- (Charities SORP {FRS 1021). and the Charitie5 Act 2011. The Shrubbery Meets the definition of a public benefit entity under FRS 102. A55ets and liabilities are initially recognised at hlstorlcal cost or transaction value Unle otherwise stated in the relevant accounting policy notelsl. There are no material uncertainties about the charitls ability to continue as a going concern given the continued support of Southend City Council. Cash Flow Statement In accordance with the Charities SORP IFRS 1021 the charity is claiminE exemption from the requirement to prepare a cash flow statement on account of it beln£ è small charity. Income Charitable activities income is recognised when receivable. Investment income repre5ent5 income from rent and is 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 comprises those costs incurred by the charity in the delivery of its activities and services for its beneficiaries. Investment Property Investment property 15 held at fair Yalue with movements being taken to the Statement of Financial Activities.
THE SHRUBBERY Charity Registration No 299098 st Year Ended 31 March 2025 Note 2 Accountlng Polkles (continuedl Cosh ot bonk and In hand Cash at bank and in hand includes cash and short term highly liquid 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. Creditors andpmvislons Creditor5 and provisions are recogni5ed where the charity has present obligation re5ultin8 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 estlmotes ond Judgements In the application of the charity's accounting policies, the trustees are required to make judgements, estimate5 and assumptions about the carrying amount of assets and liabilities that are not readily 3pparent from other source5. 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 estlmates. 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. 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 2025 2024 Rent Receivable Interest 33.314 28,470 61.784 44,552 28.578 73,130 Note 4 Cost of Charitable Actlvities 2025 2024 Employees Bullding/Ground Maintenance Transport Insurance 3,040 3,387 334 3.187 54 Supplies & Services Bad Debt Expense Governance costs Administration 1.098 33,314 950 621 44,552 840 549 501 42.151 53,275
THE SHRUBBERY Charity Registration No 299098 Year Ended 31" March 2025 The support costs incurred are the administration services provided by Southend City Council and governance costs. Total support costs for the year were El,49912024'. £1,341). Governance costs comprise solely of fees paid to independent examiners. During the year £95012024: £8401 wa5 paid to the independent examiner in respect of examination services. Employee costs relate to employees of the Council. No staff were remunerated over £60,000 in the year. The charlty is managed by Southend City Council and doesn't have any key management personnel. Note 5 Investment Property Investment Property Fair Value Balance brought forward @ 01104124 Revaluation 481.940 1,260 483,200 Balance cathed forward @ 31103125 The investment property was revalued byjamle Redden MRICS on 31 March 2025 and represent5the value Df the proposed two storey restaurant premises Wlth basement and terrace5. Conditional planning approved 2nd September 2015 application 1510095518C4. There has been no material change to the value since that date. Note 6 Credltor5 Amounts falling due within one year 2025 2024 Other Creditors 950 840 Note 7 Endowment fund The endowment fund comprises the investment property. Note 8 Trustee remuneratlon No trustee was paid in respect of their services as a trustee in 2024 or 2025 and no expenditure was reimbursed. io
THE SHRUBBERY Charity Registration No 299098 st Year Ended 31 March 2025 Note 9 Related Party Tran5actlons During the year the trustee Isouthend City Council) collected £28,46912024'. £73,130) on behalf of the Trust in respect of investment income. The Trust paid the Council £7,887 in respect of operating costs for the year12024: £7,382). Note 10 Cornparative Funds All income and expenditure in 2024125 was unrestricted. Note 11 Net Assets Belween Funds Year Endlng 31" March 2025 Unrestrlcted Endowment Total Fixed Assets 483,200 483,200 604,563 19501 1,086,813 Current Assets 604.563 (950) 603,613 Current Liabilities Total 483,200 Year Ending 31st March 2024 Unrestrfrted Endowment Total Fixed Assets 481.940 481,940 584,820 {8401 1,065,920 Current A55ets 584,820 18401 583,980 Current Llabllltles Total 481.940 Note 12 Movement Between Funds Balance at l April 2024 Balance at 31 March 2025 Income Expendlture Revaluation Endowment funds Unrestricted funds 481,940 583,980 1,065,920 1,260 483,200 603,613 1,086,813 61.784 61.784 142,1511 142,1511 1,260 Endowment fund5 consist of the investment property with the intention of generating income for future use. Unrestricted funds can be used for any purpose that supports the charity's objectives. They can also be used to meet deficits arising on other charitable recreation grounds for which Southend City Council acts as sole trustee, namely Jones Memorial Recreation Ground, Priory Park and Victory Sports Ground. li