Charity registration number 1132403
Company registration number 06927124 (England and Wales)
THE MUDLARKS COMMUNITY
ANNUAL REPORT AND UNAUDITED FINANCIAL STATEMENTS
FOR THE YEAR ENDED 31 MARCH 2024
THE MUDLARKS COMMUNITY
LEGAL AND ADMINISTRATIVE INFORMATION
Trustees
David Bullen
Alison Voyle
Stuart Ross
Stephen Wilson
Paul Smith
Nicola Halligan
Jane Guinn
Roger Harding
Mary Murphy
Secretary
Paul Smith
Managing Director
Victoria Hobson
Charity number
1132403
Company number
06927124
Registered office
40 Wellington Street
Hertford
Hertfordshire
SG14 3AW
Independent examiner
Gary Howard FCA
Howard Wilson Chartered Accountants
36 Crown Rise
Watford
Hertfordshire
WD25 0NE
THE MUDLARKS COMMUNITY
CONTENTS
Page
Trustees' report
1 - 7
Independent examiner's report
8
Statement of financial activities
9 - 10
Balance sheet
11
Statement of cash flows
12
Notes to the accounts
13 - 25
THE MUDLARKS COMMUNITY
TRUSTEES' REPORT (INCLUDING DIRECTORS' REPORT)
FOR THE YEAR ENDED 31 MARCH 2024
- 1 -

The Trustees present their annual report and financial statements for the year ended 31 March 2024.

The financial statements have been prepared in accordance with the accounting policies set out in note 1 to the financial statements and comply with the charitable company's Memorandum and Articles of Association, the Companies Act 2006 and "Accounting and Reporting by Charities: Statement of Recommended Practice applicable to charities preparing their accounts in accordance with the Financial Reporting Standard applicable in the UK and Republic of Ireland (FRS 102) (effective 1 January 2019)".

Objectives and activities
The charitable company's objects are to relieve the needs of adults with learning difficulties and mental health concerns in the Hertfordshire area. The objects are delivered through the provision of a community garden facility providing education, training, therapy and social development; 2 community gardening teams; a café in the heart of the town providing training and employment for adults with learning disabilities; a woodland centre at Panshanger.
Aims of the charity
The aims of Mudlarks are:
1
To promote health and wellbeing through offering social and therapeutic horticulture, training and work opportunities to young people and adults with learning disabilities and mental health concerns, enabling people of all abilities to learn and work together.
2
To provide facilities in Hertfordshire including, but not limited to, horticultural sites and a working café for the use by vulnerable young people and adults who have need of such facilities with the object of building confidence and increasing self-worth, reducing isolation and loneliness.
3
To develop the social and work related skills of people with learning disabilities and mental health concerns through the provision of therapy, training, meaningful work experience and employment opportunities to help integrate people into their community.
4
To provide opportunities for volunteers and those seeking work experience at, but not limited to, a café and a horticultural environment.
5
To raise awareness of learning disabilities and mental health concerns, and help integrate people with learning disabilities into their community through our community-based projects, as well as providing opportunities for local organisations, schools and colleges to access and utilise our facilities.
6
To raise the awareness of the need to protect and conserve our environment.
Objectives for the year
To continue our horticulture provision at 5 days a week, and fill all vacancies in order to be able to provide places for more learning disabled gardeners.
To increase training spaces by finding employment for our disabled café staff at other local business.
To increase café trading in order to fund further learning disabled staff training places and mentor support.
To raise sufficient funds to remain sustainable.
To increase the woodland centre provision to more schools, and adults with learning disabilities.
To continue to plant and maintain the public gardens in Hertford through our Larking About team's work, for the pleasure and benefit of the whole community.
To support the elderly in our community through the work of the Special Branch team of gardeners.
To find land for our polytunnels where learning disabled gardeners can grow for the café throughout the year.
THE MUDLARKS COMMUNITY
TRUSTEES' REPORT (CONTINUED)(INCLUDING DIRECTORS' REPORT)
FOR THE YEAR ENDED 31 MARCH 2024
- 2 -
Strategies for achieving objectives
The charity addresses its aims by:
-
Being aware of the needs of our community and responding directly to these needs.
-
Providing training and horticultural therapy in a community allotment for adults with learning disabilities or mental health concerns.
-
Providing training and employment for adults with learning disabilities and mental health concerns in the café.
-
Involving volunteers on and off site.
-
Offering work experience to students and volunteers through our gardening service and café.
-
Involving local organisations in projects.
-
Providing opportunities for schools and colleges to access our provision.
Public benefit statement
The trustees confirm that they have complied with the duty in Section 4 of the Charities Act 2006 to have regard to the Charity Commission's general guidance on public benefit. Mudlarks is a thriving community allotment and café, based on principles of equal opportunities and environmental awareness. We are open to people of all abilities, encourage the participation of volunteers, and provide opportunities for a marginalised group of people with learning disabilities, mental health issues, and physical disabilities.
Introduction to activities
Our horticultural activities have continued to develop and the café is delivering training and work experience to an increasing number of people.
Our target for the year was to benefit a larger group of people in our community. We have achieved this through:
-
filling all our allotment site vacancies with learning disabled people;
-
involving our gardening teams in public open spaces though our Larking About work;
-
providing a service for the elderly who can no longer manage and maintain their own gardens through our Special Branch team;
-
providing more training places for new learning disabled staff at our café.
-
increasing the number of people attending our forest school at Panshanger.
Significant activities
Both the allotment site and the café have provided much needed care and support for extremely vulnerable people.
The café has increased footfall and developed menus, ensuring a strong customer base to support the training and work of our learning disabled staff.
The Rumble Awards were held for the café staff and gardeners, celebrating their achievements.
We started work on designing a new community garden in Bengeo, as part of the Bengeo Plan. Volunteers from Sodexo helped to clear the site of weeds.
Larking About planted several tulip bulbs in the castle rose gardens which came up beautifully in the spring.
Our Woodland Centre at Panshanger Park now provides 3 days a week for schools and 4 adults with learning disabilities.
We are also able to offer forest school sessions in the school holidays, thus providing respite for families during the holidays.
Our community art gallery has continued to bring artists to the café.
We continue our café music nights on the last Friday of each month, bringing our musical community together and providing evening activities for our learning disabled participants.
The castle gardens are glorious thanks to the hard work of the Larking About gardeners and are much admired by the public.
Working with our Greater Anglia partnership at East Herts station, we provided plants for all the station planters and maintain them in order to improve the station environment.
THE MUDLARKS COMMUNITY
TRUSTEES' REPORT (CONTINUED)(INCLUDING DIRECTORS' REPORT)
FOR THE YEAR ENDED 31 MARCH 2024
- 3 -
Significant activities (continued)
The allotment team restored the bike shed, encouraging more people to travel by bike.
Special Branch expanded to include 2 housing association gardens, ensuring that vulnerable residents have nice gardens to enjoy.
The new Mayor of Hertford visited and chose Mudlarks as her charity of the year.
We organised Hertford in Bloom for the Hertford community, and the judging was carried out by two of our gardeners.
We ran the summer scheme for local school and college students over their long summer holiday.
We received funding from Playwaze for our forest school holiday camps, ensuring that SEN children from around Hertfordshire has access to holiday activities with hot food served.
Raytheon volunteers helped to restore and preserve our outdoor furniture and painted benches, tables and sheds.
Our open allotment was returned to its regular July slot for our gardeners and their families. It was a huge success and very well attended by everyone.
Our dye garden thrived in the summer sun, and we harvested plant heads and dyed fabrics in the autumn.
We were the charity for the Standon Calling festival, promoting our charitable work to the festival.
We held an allotments vs café rounders match at Hartham, giving all of our gardeners, staff and volunteers a chance to get together and have fun, followed by a BBQ on the park.
We received funding to restore the Pinehurst community gardens, so with help from a team of volunteers, Larking About gardeners weeded and pruned the old plants, and planted with Mediterranean plants that are drought tolerant for the local community to enjoy.
The allotment provided vegetables and fruit for the café throughout the summer, where they made delicious cakes, smoothies, salads and hot lunches with the produce.
We have several volunteers who have been supporting our gardeners for many years, so to thank them, we made bouquets of flowers and gave them vouchers to eat at the café. This was hugely appreciated by all the volunteers.
We bought more electric tools for the allotment and gardening teams. These are lighter to lift into the vehicles, and by charging the batteries with our solar panels, are much more environmentally friendly than the petrol mowers.
We took a coach full of gardeners and volunteers to the London Harvest Show at Lambourne End. This was a fabulous event, and our gardeners won several prizes and took part in a range of activities from archery to climbing.
Our prizes included best flower arrangement and best display of seasonal produce, all created by our gardeners.
Special Branch continued working with the elderly in the community, taking on more customers, and providing a gardening service and companionship for isolated elderly people.
Hanbury Manor offered to fund an event for us, so we held an evening of drinks and canapés to thank all our funders. One of our gardeners was the speaker for the event.
We assisted with a range of events for the Mayor during the year, including a food tasting evening at Hertford Castle.
Our willow wreathes for Christmas were in high demand and we ran workshops for over 50 people, as well as a staff event in Harlow.
We had a stall at the Hertford Castle Christmas Market to sell our crafts.
We also held a craft market at the café, inviting local artists to sell their works.
The gardening teams delivered over 100 Christmas trees over a two week period into the community.
In the spring, Larking About planted a tree at Hertford Castle for King Charles' Coronation.
At the allotments the gardeners rebuilt the compost bins.
THE MUDLARKS COMMUNITY
TRUSTEES' REPORT (CONTINUED)(INCLUDING DIRECTORS' REPORT)
FOR THE YEAR ENDED 31 MARCH 2024
- 4 -
Significant activities (continued)
We held a very successful willow obelisk workshop running two session over the day due to high demand.
Our Special Branch team leader gave birth to a beautiful baby named Holly.
Use of volunteers
Volunteers have assisted in the allotments, café, woodland centre and as trustees. Local tradesmen, Rotary Club, Yarn Bombers, photographers all assisted in fundraising, supporting the café and allotments.
Achievements and performance
Charitable achievements
The number of gardeners continues to increase with increased site staffing. We are fully open on site 5 days per week.

Many elderly people and housing associations have been helped through Special Branch, providing comfort and company.

Larking About continues to provide horticultural training and work experience at the Town Council gardens, creating beautiful outdoor spaces for the community to enjoy.
Due to increased café sales, we have been able to increase the places in the café and now employ more people with learning disabilities.

We have provided volunteer placements in both the café and the allotments for unfunded adults with mental health concerns.

The Rumble Awards were received by café staff and gardeners.
We received numerous Awards from the Federation of City Farms and Community Gardens for our community garden displays.

We also received Awards from Love Hertford for our community and volunteer work.
Fundraising achievements
We received a substantial number of grants and donations, details of which can be found further in this document.
Investment performance
The Trustees have placed some reserve funds into an interest bearing account at the Triodos bank.
THE MUDLARKS COMMUNITY
TRUSTEES' REPORT (CONTINUED)(INCLUDING DIRECTORS' REPORT)
FOR THE YEAR ENDED 31 MARCH 2024
- 5 -
Financial review
During the year the charitable company's income reduced from £807,648 in 2023 to £791,437 in 2024, a decrease of £16,211. Expenditure increased from £854,388 in 2023 to £873,248 in 2024, an increase of £18,860. Overall Mudlarks recorded a deficit of £81,811 which included a deficit on unrestricted funds of £82,892 and a surplus on restricted funds of £1,081.
At the year-end Mudlarks had unrestricted funds to carry forward of £351,421 (2023: £434,313) of which £30,422 was held as fixed assets and £320,999 was held in cash and bank balances. The balance was represented by debtors less creditors. Restricted funds at the year end totalled £42,481 (2023: £41,400) and were represented by cash and bank balances.
We have diversified our charitable incomes with a third coming through the café, a third from local government and the rest from events, donations and fundraising.
Reserves policy
The Trustees have agreed a policy whereby funds not committed or invested in tangible fixed assets held by the company should be maintained at a level sufficient to pay rent and staff costs for 6 months. This policy allows for a reduction of income or lack of fundraising success during any particular year whilst allowing the charity to continue its activities at the current level for some months.
As at the year end the target level of reserves were calculated to be £260,000.  The actual reserves are in line with this amount.  The excess will be used as working capital and contingency funds in the event of needing to replace equipment.
Principal sources of income and how expenditure meets objects
Our principal sources of income are from grants and contracts with Hertfordshire County Council, direct funding, schools, café sales, fundraising, contracts and donations.
Investment policy
All monies are reinvested into the charity.
Risk Review
The Trustees have considered the risks to which the charity is exposed and have established systems for mitigating those risks.

The external risk is funding. The charity's reserves policy has been developed to address any sudden withdrawal of funding and there is a policy to secure funds from a wide range of sources.

Internal risks are minimised by implementing procedures for authorisation for all transactions and projects to ensure continued quality of service for all operational aspects of the charity.
Plans for future periods
To create a new gardening team at the castle, providing a work opportunity for more able gardeners.
Establish the new polytunnels at Haileybury, providing further wok opportunities as well as vegetables and flowers for the cafe and gardening teams.
Widen the Special Branch client base.
Utilise the café for evenings and weekend events.
Help to find employment for our café assistants in other local businesses and build links with local businesses.
THE MUDLARKS COMMUNITY
TRUSTEES' REPORT (CONTINUED)(INCLUDING DIRECTORS' REPORT)
FOR THE YEAR ENDED 31 MARCH 2024
- 6 -
Structure, governance and management
The Mudlarks Community is a company limited by guarantee and a registered charity governed by its memorandum and articles of association.
The Trustees, who are also the directors for the purpose of company law, and who served during the year and up to the date of signature of the financial statements were:
David Bullen
Alison Voyle
Stuart Ross
Stephen Wilson
Paul Smith
(Appointed 17 April 2024)
Nicola Halligan
(Appointed 17 April 2024)
Jane Guinn
(Appointed 17 April 2024)
Roger Harding
(Appointed 17 April 2024)
Mary Murphy
(Appointed 17 April 2024)
Recruitment and appointment of Trustees
Individuals who have either volunteered or shown commitment to Mudlarks over many years are invited to join the Board of Trustees to meet a required skill set on the Board.
The Trustees of the charity live or work in the local area. They are selected due to the skills and level of expertise they can bring to the organisation to help improve its efficiency and effectiveness and are all volunteers.
None of the Trustees has any beneficial interest in the company. All of the Trustees are members of the company and guarantee to contribute £1 in the event of a winding up.
Induction and training of trustees
New trustees attend a Trustee Roles and Responsibilities course run by the CVS.

Administrator supplies literature to guide Trustees.

Attending training courses with other staff and volunteers including basic first aid, manual handling, Makaton, autism awareness.Trustees use the same e learning platform as staff to complete appropriate modules such as equal opportunity and diversity training and Safeguarding adults from abuse.
Organisational structure
Mudlarks has a clearly defined structure allowing users and the local community to participate through the Board of Trustees. This governing body has responsibility for policy and overall management.

The day-to-day running, fundraising and development of the organisation are the responsibilities of the Mudlarks CEO.
Relationship with wider network
We are members of the Social Farms and Gardens network, Thrive, and Herts Social Therapeutic Horticulture Group.  

We have a close relationship with the Adult Health and Social Care team in East Herts, the 0-25 SEND team, and all the local schools and colleges.
Relationship with related parties
Mudlarks managing staff attend annual reviews, and day care co-ordination meetings.  The CEO gives regular talks to local groups e.g. WI, Rotary Clubs etc.
THE MUDLARKS COMMUNITY
TRUSTEES' REPORT (CONTINUED)(INCLUDING DIRECTORS' REPORT)
FOR THE YEAR ENDED 31 MARCH 2024
- 7 -
Statement of trustees' responsibilities

The trustees, who are also the directors of The Mudlarks Community for the purpose of company law, are responsible for preparing the Trustees' Report and the financial statements in accordance with applicable law and United Kingdom Accounting Standards (United Kingdom Generally Accepted Accounting Practice).

 

Company Law requires the trustees to prepare financial statements for each financial year which give a true and fair view of the state of affairs of the charitable company and of the incoming resources and application of resources, including the income and expenditure, of the charitable company for that year.

 

In preparing these financial statements, the trustees are required to:

 

- select suitable accounting policies and then apply them consistently;

 

- observe the methods and principles in the Charities SORP;

 

- make judgements and estimates that are reasonable and prudent; and

 

- prepare the financial statements on the going concern basis unless it is inappropriate to presume that the charitable company will continue in operation.

 

The trustees are responsible for keeping adequate accounting records that disclose with reasonable accuracy at any time the financial position of the charitable company and enable them to ensure that the financial statements comply with the Companies Act 2006. They are also responsible for safeguarding the assets of the charitable company and hence for taking reasonable steps for the prevention and detection of fraud and other irregularities.

The trustees' report was approved by the Board of Trustees.

Stuart Ross
Trustee
Dated: 24 September 2024
THE MUDLARKS COMMUNITY
INDEPENDENT EXAMINER'S REPORT
TO THE TRUSTEES OF THE MUDLARKS COMMUNITY
- 8 -

I report on the financial statements of the charitable company for the year ended 31 March 2024, which are set out on pages 9 to 25.

Respective responsibilities of trustees and examiner

The charitable company’s trustees, who are also the directors of The Mudlarks Community for the purposes of company law, are responsible for the preparation of the financial statements. The trustees consider that an audit is not required for this year under section 144(2) of the Charities Act 2011 (the 2011 Act) and that an independent examination is needed. The charity’s gross income exceeded £250,000 and I am qualified to undertake the examination being a qualified member of The Institute of Chartered Accountants in England and Wales.

Having satisfied myself that the charity is not subject to audit under company law and is eligible for independent examination, it is my responsibility to:

(i)

examine the financial statements under section 145 of the 2011 Act;

(ii)
to follow the procedures laid down in the general Directions given by the Charity Commission under section 145(5)(b) of the 2011 Act; and
(iii)
to state whether particular matters have come to my attention.
Basis of independent examiner's report

My examination was carried out in accordance with the general Directions given by the Charity Commission. An examination includes a review of the accounting records kept by the charity and a comparison of the financial statements presented with those records. It also includes consideration of any unusual items or disclosures in the financial statements, and seeking explanations from you as trustees concerning any such matters. The procedures undertaken do not provide all the evidence that would be required in an audit and consequently no opinion is given as to whether the financial statements present a ‘true and fair view’ and the report is limited to those matters set out in the next statement.

Independent examiner's statement

In connection with my examination, no matter has come to my attention:

(a)
which gives me reasonable cause to believe that in any material respect the requirements:
(i)

to keep accounting records in accordance with section 386 of the Companies Act 2006; and

(ii)

to prepare accounts which accord with the accounting records, comply with the accounting requirements of section 396 of the Companies Act 2006 and with the methods and principles of the Statement of Recommended Practice: Accounting and Reporting by Charities (FRS102);

have not been met or
(b)

to which, in my opinion, attention should be drawn in order to enable a proper understanding of the financial statements to be reached.

Gary Howard FCA
Chartered Accountant
Howard Wilson Chartered Accountants
36 Crown Rise
Watford
Hertfordshire
WD25 0NE
Dated: 1 October 2024
THE MUDLARKS COMMUNITY
STATEMENT OF FINANCIAL ACTIVITIES
INCLUDING INCOME AND EXPENDITURE ACCOUNT
FOR THE YEAR ENDED 31 MARCH 2024
- 9 -
Current financial year
Unrestricted
Restricted
Total
Total
funds
funds
2024
2024
2024
2023
Notes
£
£
£
£
Income and endowments from:
Donations and legacies
3
81,813
-
81,813
94,863

Supporting adults with learning disabilities and mental health issues

4
631,602
56,536
688,138
698,898

Other fundraising activities

5
18,400
-
18,400
4,049
Investments
6
3,086
-
3,086
1,138
Other income
7
-
-
-
8,700
Total income
734,901
56,536
791,437
807,648
Expenditure on:
Raising funds
8
7,159
-
7,159
3,446

Supporting adults with learning disabilities and mental health issues

9
807,794
55,455
863,249
850,942
Other expenses
12
2,840
-
2,840
-
Total expenditure
817,793
55,455
873,248
854,388
Net (expenditure)/income for the year/
Net movement in funds
(82,892)
1,081
(81,811)
(46,740)
Fund balances at 1 April 2023
434,313
41,400
475,713
522,453
Fund balances at 31 March 2024
351,421
42,481
393,902
475,713

The statement of financial activities includes all gains and losses recognised in the year.

All income and expenditure derive from continuing activities.

The statement of financial activities also complies with the requirements for an income and expenditure account under the Companies Act 2006.
THE MUDLARKS COMMUNITY
STATEMENT OF FINANCIAL ACTIVITIES (CONTINUED)
INCLUDING INCOME AND EXPENDITURE ACCOUNT
FOR THE YEAR ENDED 31 MARCH 2024
- 10 -
Prior financial year
Unrestricted
Restricted
Total
funds
funds
2023
2023
2023
Notes
£
£
£
Income and endowments from:
Donations and legacies
3
94,863
-
94,863

Supporting adults with learning disabilities and mental health issues

4
636,461
62,437
698,898

Other fundraising activities

5
4,049
-
4,049
Investments
6
1,138
-
1,138
Other income
7
8,700
-
8,700
Total income
745,211
62,437
807,648
Expenditure on:
Raising funds
8
3,446
-
3,446

Supporting adults with learning disabilities and mental health issues

9
771,539
79,403
850,942
Total expenditure
774,985
79,403
854,388
Net (outgoing)/incoming resources before transfers
(29,774)
(16,966)
(46,740)
Gross transfers between funds
20,000
(20,000)
-
Net (expenditure)/income for the year/
Net movement in funds
(9,774)
(36,966)
(46,740)
Fund balances at 1 April 2022
444,087
78,366
522,453
Fund balances at 31 March 2023
434,313
41,400
475,713
THE MUDLARKS COMMUNITY
BALANCE SHEET
AS AT
31 MARCH 2024
31 March 2024
- 11 -
2024
2023
Notes
£
£
£
£
Fixed assets
Tangible assets
14
30,422
52,594
Current assets
Debtors
15
49,359
67,932
Cash at bank and in hand
321,762
369,988
371,121
437,920
Creditors: amounts falling due within one year
16
(7,641)
(14,801)
Net current assets
363,480
423,119
Total assets less current liabilities
393,902
475,713
Income funds
Restricted funds
18
42,481
41,400
Unrestricted funds
351,421
434,313
393,902
475,713

The company is entitled to the exemption from the audit requirement contained in section 477 of the Companies Act 2006, for the year ended 31 March 2024.

The directors acknowledge their responsibilities for complying with the requirements of the Companies Act 2006 with respect to accounting records and the preparation of financial statements.

The members have not required the company to obtain an audit of its financial statements for the year in question in accordance with section 476.

These financial statements have been prepared in accordance with the provisions applicable to companies subject to the small companies regime.

The financial statements were approved by the Trustees on 24 September 2024
Stuart Ross
Paul Smith
Trustee
Trustee
Company Registration No. 06927124
THE MUDLARKS COMMUNITY
STATEMENT OF CASH FLOWS
FOR THE YEAR ENDED 31 MARCH 2024
- 12 -
2024
2023
Notes
£
£
£
£
Cash flows from operating activities
Cash absorbed by operations
21
(55,391)
(67,642)
Investing activities
Purchase of tangible fixed assets
(4,921)
(61,058)
Proceeds on disposal of tangible fixed assets
9,000
8,700
Interest received
3,086
1,138
Net cash generated from/(used in) investing activities
7,165
(51,220)
Net cash used in financing activities
-
-
Net decrease in cash and cash equivalents
(48,226)
(118,862)
Cash and cash equivalents at beginning of year
369,988
488,850
Cash and cash equivalents at end of year
321,762
369,988
THE MUDLARKS COMMUNITY
NOTES TO THE  FINANCIAL STATEMENTS
FOR THE YEAR ENDED 31 MARCH 2024
- 13 -
1
Accounting policies
Charity information

The Mudlarks Community is a private company limited by guarantee incorporated in England and Wales. The registered office is 40 Wellington Street, Hertford, Hertfordshire, SG14 3AW.

1.1
Accounting convention

The financial statements have been prepared in accordance with the charitable company's Memorandum and Articles of Association, the Companies Act 2006 and "Accounting and Reporting by Charities: Statement of Recommended Practice applicable to charities preparing their accounts in accordance with the Financial Reporting Standard applicable in the UK and Republic of Ireland (FRS 102) (effective 1 January 2019)". The charitable company is a Public Benefit Entity as defined by FRS 102.

The financial statements are prepared in sterling, which is the functional currency of the charitable company. Monetary amounts in these financial statements are rounded to the nearest £.

The financial statements have been prepared under the historical cost convention, [modified to include the revaluation of freehold properties and to include investment properties and certain financial instruments at fair value]. The principal accounting policies adopted are set out below.

1.2
Going concern

At the time of approving the financial statements, the trustees have a reasonable expectation that the charitable company has adequate resources to continue in operational existence for the foreseeable future. Thus the trustees continue to adopt the going concern basis of accounting in preparing the financial statements.

1.3
Charitable funds

Unrestricted funds are available for use at the discretion of the trustees in furtherance of their charitable objectives.

Restricted funds are subject to specific conditions by donors as to how they may be used. The purposes and uses of the restricted funds are set out in the notes to the financial statements.

1.4
Income
Income is recognised when the charitable company is legally entitled to it after any performance conditions have been met, the amounts can be measured reliably, and it is probable that income will be received.

Cash donations are recognised on receipt. Other donations are recognised once the charitable company has been notified of the donation, unless performance conditions require deferral of the amount. Income tax recoverable in relation to donations received under Gift Aid or deeds of covenant is recognised at the time of the donation.

1.5
Expenditure

Liabilities and related expenditure are recognised when an obligation exists at the Balance Sheet date as a result of a past event, it is more likely than not that a transfer of economic benefits exists and the amount of the obligation can be measured or estimated reliably.

THE MUDLARKS COMMUNITY
NOTES TO THE  FINANCIAL STATEMENTS (CONTINUED)
FOR THE YEAR ENDED 31 MARCH 2024
1
Accounting policies
(Continued)
- 14 -
1.6
Tangible fixed assets

Tangible fixed assets are initially measured at cost and subsequently measured at cost or valuation, net of depreciation and any impairment losses.

Depreciation is recognised so as to write off the cost or valuation of assets less their residual values over their useful lives on the following bases:

Plant and equipment
over five years
Fixtures and fittings
over three years
Computers
over three years
Motor vehicles
over three years

The gain or loss arising on the disposal of an asset is determined as the difference between the sale proceeds and the carrying value of the asset, and is recognised in the statement of financial activities.

1.7
Impairment of fixed assets

At each reporting end date, the charitable company reviews the carrying amounts of its tangible assets to determine whether there is any indication that those assets have suffered an impairment loss. If any such indication exists, the recoverable amount of the asset is estimated in order to determine the extent of the impairment loss (if any).

1.8
Cash and cash equivalents

Cash and cash equivalents include cash in hand, deposits held at call with banks, other short-term liquid investments with original maturities of three months or less, and bank overdrafts. Bank overdrafts are shown within borrowings in current liabilities.

1.9
Financial instruments

The charitable company has elected to apply the provisions of Section 11 ‘Basic Financial Instruments’ and Section 12 ‘Other Financial Instruments Issues’ of FRS 102 to all of its financial instruments.

 

Financial instruments are recognised in the charitable company's balance sheet when the charitable company becomes party to the contractual provisions of the instrument.

 

Financial assets and liabilities are offset, with the net amounts presented in the financial statements, when there is a legally enforceable right to set off the recognised amounts and there is an intention to settle on a net basis or to realise the asset and settle the liability simultaneously.

Basic financial assets

Basic financial assets, which include debtors and cash and bank balances, are initially measured at transaction price including transaction costs and are subsequently carried at amortised cost using the effective interest method unless the arrangement constitutes a financing transaction, where the transaction is measured at the present value of the future receipts discounted at a market rate of interest. Financial assets classified as receivable within one year are not amortised.

THE MUDLARKS COMMUNITY
NOTES TO THE  FINANCIAL STATEMENTS (CONTINUED)
FOR THE YEAR ENDED 31 MARCH 2024
1
Accounting policies
(Continued)
- 15 -
Basic financial liabilities

Basic financial liabilities, including creditors and bank loans are initially recognised at transaction price unless the arrangement constitutes a financing transaction, where the debt instrument is measured at the present value of the future payments discounted at a market rate of interest. Financial liabilities classified as payable within one year are not amortised.

 

Debt instruments are subsequently carried at amortised cost, using the effective interest rate method.

 

Trade creditors are obligations to pay for goods or services that have been acquired in the ordinary course of operations from suppliers. Amounts payable are classified as current liabilities if payment is due within one year or less. If not, they are presented as non-current liabilities. Trade creditors are recognised initially at transaction price and subsequently measured at amortised cost using the effective interest method.

Derecognition of financial liabilities

Financial liabilities are derecognised when the charitable company’s contractual obligations expire or are discharged or cancelled.

1.10
Employee benefits

The cost of any unused holiday entitlement is recognised in the period in which the employee’s services are received.

 

Termination benefits are recognised immediately as an expense when the charitable company is demonstrably committed to terminate the employment of an employee or to provide termination benefits.

1.11
Retirement benefits

Payments to defined contribution retirement benefit schemes are charged as an expense as they fall due.

2
Critical accounting estimates and judgements

In the application of the charitable company’s accounting policies, the trustees are required to make judgements, 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 assumptions are reviewed on an ongoing basis. Revisions to accounting estimates are recognised in the period in which the estimate is revised where the revision affects only that period, or in the period of the revision and future periods where the revision affects both current and future periods.

THE MUDLARKS COMMUNITY
NOTES TO THE  FINANCIAL STATEMENTS (CONTINUED)
FOR THE YEAR ENDED 31 MARCH 2024
- 16 -
3
Donations and legacies
Unrestricted
Unrestricted
funds
funds
2024
2023
£
£
Donations and gifts
80,553
87,939

Grants receivable for core activities

1,260
6,924
81,813
94,863
Grants receivable for core activities
Hertfordshire County Council
-
4,200
Hertfordshire Community Foundation
1,260
-
Other
-
2,724
1,260
6,924
4

Supporting adults with learning disabilities and mental health issues

2024
2023
£
£

Commissioned services and schools income

320,066
312,290

Income from services undertaken by beneficiaries

311,536
326,679

Grants for charitable activities

56,536
59,929
688,138
698,898
Analysis by fund
Unrestricted funds
631,602
636,461
Restricted funds
56,536
62,437
688,138
698,898
THE MUDLARKS COMMUNITY
NOTES TO THE  FINANCIAL STATEMENTS (CONTINUED)
FOR THE YEAR ENDED 31 MARCH 2024
4

Supporting adults with learning disabilities and mental health issues

(Continued)
- 17 -
2024
2023
Grants for charitable activities
£
£
East Herts District Council
-
4,590
National Lottery Community Fund
20,000
10,000
Clothworkers Federation
18,000
-
Sir Jules Thorn Trust
3,000
-
HSBC Screwfix Foundation
4,926
-
The Daniell Trust
-
4,000
Oliver Ford Foundation
3,000
-
Worshipful Company of Gardeners
1,500
-
Hertfordshire Community Foundation
3,360
41,339
Other
2,750
-
56,536
59,929
5

Other fundraising activities

Unrestricted
Unrestricted
funds
funds
2024
2023
£
£
Fundraising events
18,400
4,049
6
Investments
Unrestricted
Unrestricted
funds
funds
2024
2023
£
£
Interest receivable
3,086
1,138
7
Other income
Unrestricted
Unrestricted
funds
funds
2024
2023
£
£
Net surplus on disposal of tangible fixed assets
-
8,700
THE MUDLARKS COMMUNITY
NOTES TO THE  FINANCIAL STATEMENTS (CONTINUED)
FOR THE YEAR ENDED 31 MARCH 2024
- 18 -
8
Raising funds
Unrestricted
Unrestricted
funds
funds
2024
2023
£
£
Fundraising and publicity
Staging fundraising events
6,041
1,350
Marketing
1,118
2,096
Fundraising and publicity
7,159
3,446
9

Supporting adults with learning disabilities and mental health issues

2024
2023
£
£
Staff costs
588,182
549,366
Depreciation
15,253
13,111

Other staff costs

2,639
6,343

Project costs

163,099
183,848

Premises costs

53,692
45,933

Insurance costs

5,429
8,854

Repairs and maintenance costs

13,431
10,908

Office costs

7,236
8,226

Computer costs

1,504
3,186

Motor expenses

8,854
15,749

General expenses

1,072
2,262

Legal and professional costs

998
1,435

Bank charges and other finance costs

60
11
Governance costs
1,800
1,710
863,249
850,942
Analysis by fund
Unrestricted funds
807,794
771,539
Restricted funds
55,455
79,403
863,249
850,942
Governance costs include fees to the Independent Examiners for examination services of £1,800 (2023: £1,710).  In addition, fees of £600 (2023: £600) for accounting and payroll services were paid to the Independent Examiners.
10
Trustees
None of the trustees (or any persons connected with them) received any remuneration or benefits from the charitable company during the year.
THE MUDLARKS COMMUNITY
NOTES TO THE  FINANCIAL STATEMENTS (CONTINUED)
FOR THE YEAR ENDED 31 MARCH 2024
- 19 -
11
Employees
Number of employees

The average monthly number of employees during the year was:

2024
2023
Number
Number
Charitable activities
37
39
Administration
1
1
38
40
Employment costs
2024
2023
£
£
Wages and salaries
545,739
512,070
Social security costs
33,340
29,430
Other pension costs
9,103
7,866
588,182
549,366
There were no employees whose annual remuneration was £60,000 or more.
12
Other expenses
Unrestricted
Unrestricted
funds
funds
2024
2023
£
£
Net loss on disposal of tangible fixed assets
2,840
-
13
Taxation

The charity is exempt from tax on income and gains falling within section 505 of the Taxes Act 1988 or section 252 of the Taxationof Chargeable Gains Act 1992 to the extent that these are applied to its charitable objects.

THE MUDLARKS COMMUNITY
NOTES TO THE  FINANCIAL STATEMENTS (CONTINUED)
FOR THE YEAR ENDED 31 MARCH 2024
- 20 -
14
Tangible fixed assets
Plant and equipment
Fixtures and fittings
Computers
Motor vehicles
Total
£
£
£
£
£
Cost
At 1 April 2023
19,587
11,543
10,418
51,035
92,583
Additions
-
4,921
-
-
4,921
Disposals
-
-
-
(13,750)
(13,750)
At 31 March 2024
19,587
16,464
10,418
37,285
83,754
Depreciation and impairment
At 1 April 2023
10,065
11,543
10,418
7,963
39,989
Depreciation charged in the year
2,005
820
-
12,428
15,253
Eliminated in respect of disposals
-
-
-
(1,910)
(1,910)
At 31 March 2024
12,070
12,363
10,418
18,481
53,332
Carrying amount
At 31 March 2024
7,517
4,101
-
18,804
30,422
At 31 March 2023
9,522
-
-
43,072
52,594
15
Debtors
2024
2023
Amounts falling due within one year:
£
£
Trade debtors
12,800
25,704
Other debtors
13,875
18,375
Prepayments and accrued income
22,684
23,853
49,359
67,932
16
Creditors: amounts falling due within one year
2024
2023
£
£
Other creditors
2,299
1,822
Accruals and deferred income
5,342
12,979
7,641
14,801
THE MUDLARKS COMMUNITY
NOTES TO THE  FINANCIAL STATEMENTS (CONTINUED)
FOR THE YEAR ENDED 31 MARCH 2024
- 21 -
17
Retirement benefit schemes
Defined contribution schemes

The charitable company operates a defined contribution pension scheme for all qualifying employees. The assets of the scheme are held separately from those of the charitable company in an independently administered fund.

The charge to profit or loss in respect of defined contribution schemes was £9,103 (2023: £7,866).

THE MUDLARKS COMMUNITY
NOTES TO THE  FINANCIAL STATEMENTS (CONTINUED)
FOR THE YEAR ENDED 31 MARCH 2024
- 22 -
18
Restricted funds
The income funds of the charity include restricted funds comprising the following unexpended balances of donations and grants held on trust for specific purposes:
Movement in funds
Movement in funds
Balance at
1 April 2022
Incoming resources
Resources expended
Transfers
Balance at
1 April 2023
Incoming resources
Resources expended
Balance at
31 March 2024
£
£
£
£
£
£
£
£
Big Lottery Fund/Awards for All
-
-
-
-
-
20,000
(4,718)
15,282
Sir Jules Thorn Trust
12,128
-
(12,128)
-
-
3,000
(3,000)
-
Oliver Ford Foundation
2,386
-
(2,386)
-
-
-
-
-
The Daniell Trust
-
4,000
(4,000)
-
-
-
-
-
The Pixel Fund
10,290
-
(10,290)
-
-
-
-
-
Hertfordshire Community Foundation (HAPpy)
4,920
-
(4,920)
-
-
3,360
(3,360)
-
Hertfordshire Community Foundation (CODA)
20,000
23,400
(22,000)
-
21,400
-
(21,400)
-
Hedley Foundation
-
7,939
(7,939)
-
-
3,000
(3,000)
-
Kiln Family Trust
-
10,000
-
(10,000)
-
250
(250)
-
Trustees of the FiFSF
3,642
-
(3,642)
-
-
1,000
(1,000)
-
Cameron McKenna
-
-
-
-
-
500
(500)
-
ICAP
20,000
-
-
-
20,000
-
-
20,000
Co-Operative Community
5,000
-
(5,000)
-
-
1,000
(1,000)
-
Masonic Charitable Foundation
-
-
-
-
-
18,000
(10,801)
7,199
HSBC Screwfix Foundation
-
-
-
-
-
4,926
(4,926)
-
Worshipful Company of Gardeners
-
-
-
-
-
1,500
(1,500)
-
National Lottery Community Fund (Vehicle)
-
10,000
-
(10,000)
-
-
-
-
East Herts District Council (Café Mentor)
-
4,590
(4,590)
-
-
-
-
-
East Herts District Council (Planters)
-
2,508
(2,508)
-
-
-
-
-
78,366
62,437
(79,403)
(20,000)
41,400
56,536
(55,455)
42,481
THE MUDLARKS COMMUNITY
NOTES TO THE  FINANCIAL STATEMENTS (CONTINUED)
FOR THE YEAR ENDED 31 MARCH 2024
18
Restricted funds
(Continued)
- 23 -

Big Lottery Fund/Awards for All is funding towards the salary costs of a member of the site staff.

 

The Sir Jules Thorn Trust is funding for the Special Branch project manager's salary.

 

Oliver Ford Foundation is funding for the Special Branch project manager's salary.

 

The Daniell Trust is funding towards salary costs of the Larking About project.

 

The PIxel Fund is funding for Forest School equipment for shelter.

 

Hertfordshire Community Foundation (HAPpy) was funding for Forest summer school.

 

Hertfordshire Community Foundation (CODA): Community Opportunities & Day Activities Grant is towards the salary of the Café Mentor.

 

Hedley Foundation was funding for electric gardening tools.

 

Kiln family trust was a grant for plants for Larking About.

 

Trustees of the FiFSF was a grant for materials for Larking About.

 

Cameron McKenna is funding for electric tools.

 

ICAP is funding for the polytunnel project.

 

Co-Operative Community grant is for growing beds and wood fencing

 

The Masonic Charitable Foundation grant is funding for Forest School project manager's salary.

 

HSBC Screwfix Foundation is funding for site fencing.

 

Worshipful Company of Gardeners is funding for plants for Larking About.

THE MUDLARKS COMMUNITY
NOTES TO THE  FINANCIAL STATEMENTS (CONTINUED)
FOR THE YEAR ENDED 31 MARCH 2024
18
Restricted funds
(Continued)
- 24 -

National Lottery Community Fund (Vehicle) is towards the cost of a vehicle for Larking About. The vehicle was purchased during the year and the asset is shown as unrestricted.

 

East Herts District Council (Café Mentor): funding towards the salary costs of the Café Mentor.

 

East Herts District Council (Planters): funding towards the provision of planters.

 

THE MUDLARKS COMMUNITY
NOTES TO THE  FINANCIAL STATEMENTS (CONTINUED)
FOR THE YEAR ENDED 31 MARCH 2024
- 25 -
19
Analysis of net assets between funds

Unrestricted Funds

Restricted Funds

Total

Unrestricted Funds

Restricted Funds

Total
2024
2024
2024
2023
2023
2023
£
£
£
£
£
£
Fund balances at 31 March 2024 are represented by:
Tangible assets
30,422
-
30,422
52,594
-
52,594
Current assets/(liabilities)
320,999
42,481
363,480
381,719
41,400
423,119
351,421
42,481
393,902
434,313
41,400
475,713
20
Operating lease commitments

At the reporting end date the charitable company had outstanding total commitments for future minimum lease payments under non-cancellable operating leases, which fall due as follows:

2024
2023
£
£
Within one year
41,500
41,500
Between two and five years
58,110
85,610
In over five years
25,085
39,085
124,695
166,195

The operating leases represent leases for the café and office premises to third parties.

21
Cash generated from operations
2024
2023
£
£
Deficit for the year
(81,811)
(46,740)
Adjustments for:
Investment income recognised in statement of financial activities
(3,086)
(1,138)
Loss/(gain) on disposal of tangible fixed assets
2,840
(8,700)
Depreciation and impairment of tangible fixed assets
15,252
13,110
Movements in working capital:
Decrease/(increase) in debtors
18,573
(26,808)
(Decrease)/increase in creditors
(7,160)
2,634
Cash absorbed by operations
(55,392)
(67,642)
22
Analysis of changes in net funds

The charitable company had no debt during the year.

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