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