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PATRON: The Rt. Hon. COUNTESS OF DERBY
A registered charity and company limited by guarantee
Charity number: 516925 company number: 1934024
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Our Aim
Public Benefit
Achievements & Performance:
a) Daytime Activities Programme
- Horticulture/Farm Maintenance
- Animal Care
- Young People
b) Plant Sales
c) Livestock
d) Visitor Facilities and Attractions
- Horse Rides
- Riding for the Disabled
- Small Animal Petting Sessions
- Resource Room
- Website
e) Educational Services
- School Visits/Guided Tours
- Incubator Hire
- Animobile
- Activity Days
f) Events
- Halloween Party
- Christmas Grotto
g) Visitors
h) Awards
j) Trading Company
-Cafe
-Shop
k) Risk Management
l) Staff Team
m) Trustees
n) Site Developments
- Farm Site
o) Future Plans 2015
p) Conclusion
q) Appendices
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Our Aim
To provide a high quality, affordable and inclusive resource for the local
community.
We believe that everyone has a valued social role to play within their
community and therefore we provide opportunities for individuals with
disabilities and young people to fully participate in the day to day running of
the project.
Public Benefit
We review our aims, objectives and activities each year. We have referred to
the guidance contained in the Charity Commission’s Charities and Public
Benefit document. All of our charitable activities focus on the provision of skills
development and recreational opportunities for persons designated as
having special needs and the promotion of other charitable purposes for the
benefit of the community.
This annual report looks at what we have achieved and the outcomes of our
work in the previous 12 months. It looks at the success of each key activity
and the benefits which they have brought to those groups of people which
we are set up to help.
Achievements & Performance
a) Daytime Activities Programme
One of the major ways in which we fulfil our aims is in the running of our very
successful daytime activities programme for people with special needs. We
currently provide 99 service user placements per week to 40 different
individuals. This results in us having a maximum of 19 service users attending
the farm each day and ensures that each individual gains maximum benefit
from the time that they spend here.
Most individuals now purchase the service through their personal budget. This
is either done on their behalf by the local authority via the Internal Service
Fund or by the individual themselves via a Direct Payment. However we still
have service level agreements for the provision of community support
services with several local authorities.
The daytime activities programme continues to flourish under the
management of our new Day Services Manager, Angela Miveld. In addition
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to the farm based activities she has organised additional activities with an
emphasis on healthy lifestyles, including an 8 week zumba programme.
Football training sessions are held in the riding arena on Friday afternoons
and a team from Acorn play in a Liverpool-wide league. We are very proud
to be the current trophy holders!
Zumba Programme
Acorn Farm Football Team
A regular service user forum facilitated by Knowsley Disability Concern is held
at the farm. This gives individuals the opportunity to discuss a range of topics
chosen by them. Several representatives regularly attend the Knowsley
Learning Disability Partnership Board. Other outside events which the Acorn
Farm users have participated in include a stakeholder event on Transforming
Adult Social Care.
All of the service users have identified specific personal goals which are
incorporated into their action plan. They are working towards achieving
these within a set time scale.
Ten individuals are also studying towards a BTEC and City and Guilds
qualification in horticulture with St Helen’s College.
Our daytime activities programme includes:
Horticulture
Horticultural activities range from the production and selling of bedding
plants and hanging baskets to maintaining the sensory garden, lawns and
flower beds.
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Conservation activities include maintaining the woodland walk, which is
widely used by visitors as our over flow car park is accessed through this area.
Farm Maintenance
Farm Maintenance tasks around the farm site include building animal shelters,
making benches and picnic tables, flagging, fencing, plumbing and
painting.
Animal Care
Activities include, collecting and grading the eggs and feeding and mucking
out the animals. During school holidays additional activities include assisting
in the small animal petting area and giving horse rides to visitors to the farm.
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Although we have these three specific daytime activity programmes Acorn
Farm is a truly inclusive project. Therefore, individuals with disabilities are
involved in every aspect of running the farm on a daily basis from helping in
the café to running the shop to giving information to visitors.
Every year Acorn funds an away day for the day service users to a venue of
their choice as a thank you for all their hard work throughout the year. This
year it is to go and see a Rock and Roll Pantomime.
Young People
We continue to enable young people to volunteer at the farm at weekends.
Under the supervision of the Weekend Manager they effectively run the farm
carrying out all the tasks from caring for the animals to helping with horse
rides and in the small animal petting area.
We have an average of 12 young people who help out each day and a
waiting list of those who would like to volunteer. Taking on these
responsibilities enables young people to develop their self esteem and sense
of pride in their community and consequently encourages them to become
responsible citizens.
b) Plant Sales
These continue to be popular, with the high quality of the plants together
with the competitive pricing and outstanding customer service leading to a
large number of customers returning year after year.
Although the vast majority of the plants are sold in the spring and summer we
do have plants, tubs and baskets on sale throughout the year.
This enterprise is run parallel to the horticultural daytime activities programme.
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c) Livestock
The farm’s livestock continues to be a major attraction for both visitors and
volunteers.
During the year 15 lambs were born to our 8 ewes, including 1 sets of quads
which is very unusual. We are pleased to report that they have all thrived!
Gertie the Pygmy goat had twins, which were named Poppy and Rupert.
They were the first pygmy goats to be born at Acorn Farm. We now have our
own Pygmy billy goat Harrison, who we hope will father many more kids.
Poppy and Rupert
New Pygmy Billy, Harrison
Lucy the Gloucester Old Spot pig gave birth to one litter of 14 piglets.
We welcomed some new arrivals including our 2 calves, Jake and Spencer;
two new Jacob Ewes to replace Lizzie and Sooty who have now retired; nd
April, a Toggenberg goatling.
Jake and Spencer
Lucy's Litter
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Our 2 horses Murphy and William continue to be very popular with both the
RDA participants and our visitors.
Visitor's photo with Murphy and William
The 3 meerkats Alexander, Sergei and Stefan are still delighting everyone with
their antics.
All the animals on the farm are cared for during the week by our day service
users and at the weekends by our young volunteers.
The animal sponsorship scheme which we operate has become increasingly
popular and helps us to offset the cost of keeping the animals. Sponsors are
rewarded with a certificate, a visitor's pass to the farm, a photo of their
animal and a mention on the Roll of Honour on our website.
d) Visitor Facilities and Attractions
Horse Rides
This activity is very popular with visitors. We do horse rides every weekend
afternoon throughout the year as well as every afternoon during school
holidays. Bookings may also be made by groups during term time. During the
period covered by this report the horses gave rides to 9,808 visitors.
Riding for the Disabled
We hold our Riding for the Disabled lessons every Friday morning. On average
10 riders receive instruction each week. For many it is the highlight of their
week and we are indebted to our RDA volunteers without whom we would
be unable to continue with this activity.
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Two of our Day Service Users who have helped out with our RDA lessons for
over 10 years received a certificate from the Regional Chair of RDA in
recognition of their contribution.
Our Service Users and Rider with the Regional Chair of RDA and our RDA instructor and their certificates
Small animal petting sessions
This attraction continues to be extremely popular with many repeat visitors.
Over 18,040 people visited during the period covered by this report. Activities
include stroking a rabbit, grooming a guinea pig, holding a newly hatched
chick and playing with Daisy and Lottie the pygmy goats. It is open to visitors
every weekend and bank holiday and every day during school holidays.
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Resource Room
The resource room continues to be used for a wide range of activities
including children’s birthday parties, meetings and training sessions. It is also
used by visiting school parties. We are able to hire it out at very reasonable
rates to groups in the local community.
The resource room ready for a party!
Website
Our interactive website provides comprehensive up-to-date information on
all facets of the farm, giving users a clear idea of all that we have to offer. As
well as being user-friendly and easy to navigate, the site is bright, appealing
and consistent with Acorn’s new branding. The site generates regular
enquiries via both telephone and e-mail and also has the option for visitors to
request to be added on to our mailing list.
We host regularly updated Facebook and Twitter pages, which enables us to
keep in regular contact with our friends and vice versa. We currently have an
audience of over 5,000 people on Facebook alone and receive much useful
feedback through our use of social media.
e) Educational Services
All of the activities below are promoted and delivered by our Education
Worker.
School Visits/Guided Tours
We hosted 1332 visitors from 32 establishments which included mother and
toddler groups, nurseries and primary schools.
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Incubator Hire
We now have 5 incubators available for hire to schools and other registered
groups. We supply the whole package including incubator, brooder, fertile
eggs and feed. We are then able to take the resultant chicks back where the
hens join our laying flock producing free range eggs for sale to the public.
The incubators were hired out a total of 30 times over the 12 month period.
Animobile
This is a hugely successful project whereby we take a selection of the farm
animals out to groups in the community who would otherwise have difficulty
accessing our services. These include Children’s Centres, nursery schools,
residential and nursing homes, junior ranger groups and community fun days
as well as main stream and special schools.
The selection of animals taken includes a goat, sheep, hen, duck, rabbit and
guinea pigs. Lambs, goat kids, ducklings and chicks are also taken when
available. Over the period covered by this report, the Animobile made 83
visits seeing a total of 5,975 people. Demand for this service always exceeds
the number of sessions which we are able to deliver.
Children from a local school enjoy meeting our animals thanks to the Animobile programme
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Activity Days
Two 'Be a Farmer Days' were held this year. They were attended by 21 young
people who thoroughly enjoyed themselves as well as learning new skills.
Our activity days are always very popular, giving children the chance to learn about farm life in a fun environment
f)
Events
Halloween Party
This year we listened to visitor feedback and decided to update our
Halloween Event. We ran a Spooky Trail throughout the half term week. On
the Friday we held Halloween themed games including Bob Apple; Feed the
Ghost; Deadman’s Last Supper; Witch's Broomsticks. We also had face
painting, a fancy dress competition and craft activities. Additionally, the
lambing shed was converted into a Haunted House with real live 'ghosts'!
We had very positive feedback about the event from the visitors who
attended.
We were very pleased to receive some funding from Knowsley Housing Trust
facilitated by Merseyside Police to enable the event to go ahead.
Fancy Dress Competition
Bob Apple
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Christmas Grotto
This was open for 11 days leading up to Christmas for pre-booked school visits
and also over a weekend for visitors to the farm.
The lambing shed was transformed into a magical grotto by farm staff and
volunteers. The grotto proved popular with 414 children visiting from 10
different schools and children’s centres during the week. Over the weekend
68 children came to see Father Christmas and receive a present (despite it
being extremely wet!)
Inside the Grotto
Santa with his elves
g) Visitors
We had an extremely successful year in terms of visitor numbers. During the 12
month period covered by this report we received 86,584 visitors. This was a
considerable increase in visitor numbers on the previous year (2014) which
was 77,108 visitors. On the May Bank Holiday Monday we broke all previous
records when we welcomed 1,219 visitors in 1 day.
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h)
Awards
This year we were delighted to receive a 'Highly Commended' in the Social
Enterprise Category at the Knowsley Business and Regeneration Awards.
We have been re-awarded the ‘Visit Britain’ accreditation as a Quality
Assured Visitor Attraction.
j)
Trading Company
Acorn Farm Trading Company continues as a thriving operation. The shop
and café trade through this company.
Cafe
The café has a steady trade throughout the year and becomes extremely
busy during the spring and summer. It continues to provide an imaginative
menu with many healthy choice options as well as a selection of delicious
home baked cakes. We have maintained our 5 star hygiene rating.
However during busy periods both the kitchen and the cafe area struggle to
cope with the volume of customers due to insufficient seating in the cafe
area and a lack of work space in the kitchen.
Shop
The shop continues to be busy and sells our home produced meat, eggs and
goat’s milk ice cream as well as a selection of souvenirs, confectionery and
drinks. However during busy periods the shop area can become very
congested and difficult to access for visitors either in wheelchairs or with
buggies.
In order to improve the situation in the cafe and shop we hope to refurbish
and extend the farm building in the near future.
k)
Risk Management
The trustees have conducted a review of the major risks to which the charity
is exposed. This has led to the implementation of a number of policies
including the Reserves policy, which states that in order to safeguard the
future of the farm we will hold in reserve 12 months of resources expended.
We have identified several circumstances which could result in a significant
drop in income for the project thereby threatening its future. These include a
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real risk that the farm may have to close for a considerable period of time
should there be a major outbreak of an animal disease. During the Foot and
Mouth crisis of 2001 our farm site was closed for over 6 months. This was
following advice issued by both DEFRA and KMBC Environmental Health
Department. Outbreaks of e.coli infection on other open farms have resulted
in closure of the affected establishments for a substantial period of time whilst
investigatory work is carried out.
We are also aware that the current spending cuts affecting local authorities
are likely to have an impact on the social care budget. It is possible that
some of our current service users may not be eligible for day services funding
in the future.
There are a number of other risks which we have identified and are detailed
in our Reserves Policy which can be found in the Appendix of this report. We
also have a Business Continuity Procedure.
Internal risks are minimised by the implementation of additional policies
including Policy and Practice on Payments, Banking and Custody Procedure,
Payroll Financial Procedure, Capital Purchases Policy and Asset Control.
Procedures are in place to ensure compliance with health and safety of staff,
service users, volunteers and visitors. These include a comprehensive set of risk
assessments. The implementation of our Safeguarding Policies for both
Vulnerable Adults and Children ensure that we deal with any safeguarding
issues which may arise in a consistent manner. All policies are reviewed on an
annual basis by the trustees.
l)
Staff Team
Permanent Staff:
Fiona Smith
Tracy Trumble
Mike Taylor
Angela Miveld
Brian Carroll
Alison Mercer
Jen Byrne
Rachel Delahunty
Sammy Lucock
Margaret Harrison
Mandy Furmedge
Richard Perry
Pauline Higgins
Job title
Hours
Farm Manager
Deputy Manager/Finance Officer
Horticultural Unit Manager
Day Services Manager
Farm Maintenance Worker
Education Worker
Project Administrator
Cafe Manager
Weekday Cafe Assistant
Shop Worker
Animal Support Worker
Farm Assistant/ Driver
RDA Instructor
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37.5
37.5
37.5
37.5
28
37.5
34
15
26.5
35
30
2
15
Sue Rowan
Lynn Fitzpatrick
Val Kelly
Cathy Worthington
Jess Slater
Colette Taylor
Molly Hough
Val Kelly
Kelly Tranter
Jacinta O'Dea
Gardener/Support Worker
Weekend Manager (Job Share)
Weekend Manager (Job Share)
Weekend Cafe Cook
Weekend Cafe Assistant
Weekend Shop Worker
Weekend Animal Petting Area Supervisor
Sunday/ School holiday Horse Ride
Supervisor
Saturday Horse Ride Supervisor
Weekend Horse Ride helper
6.5
6
6
11
9
12
9.5
2.5
2.5
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Seasonal staff:
Name
Jean Ashcroft
Gabrielle Flude
Dianne Haynes
James Hale
Jess Dutton
Emma Jones
Lynn Glascott
Sue Rowan
Helen Corrin
Chantelle Cook
Job title
Weekend Admissions Kiosk
Petting Area (School Holidays)
Admissions Kiosk (School Holidays)
Horse Rides (School Holidays)
Horse Rides (School Holidays)
Horse Rides [School holidays]
Horse Rides (School Holidays)
Plant Production Assistant (Weekdays)
Weekend Plant Sales Assistant
Plant Sales Assistant (Weekdays)
Hours
11.5
26.25
30
10
10
10
25
25
16.25
Staff Developments
Acorn Farm continues to succeed largely through the high level of
commitment shown by the staff team, who are always willing to turn their
hand to whatever needs doing.
All staff are encouraged to undertake training relevant to their role. This year
staff have attended training in a variety of topics including: First Aid, Autism
Awareness, Twitter for Beginners, Getting the Most from your Website, Using
Social Media to improve your Buisness.
m) Trustees
We are always keen to welcome new trustees on to the board which meets
quarterly. Our aim is to recruit trustees who are able to complement the skills
and experience of our existing board.
In line with our Memorandum and Articles of Association the trustees may
appoint any interested party as a member of the board either to fill a casual
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vacancy or by way of an addition to the board. Any member so appointed
shall retain their office only until the next AGM, but they shall then be eligible
for re-election. The current members of the board of trustees are:
Chris Roderick
David Ellis
Mary Johnson
Kathy Evans
Pauline Burrows
Stuart Hurst
Sue Langley
Bob Rishworth
Frances Ellis
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Chairperson
Treasurer
Trustee
Trustee
Trustee
Trustee
Trustee
Trustee
Trustee
All trustees have completed a Declaration of Confidentiality and a
Declaration of Commitment and Eligibility to be a Trustee having regard to
Section 72 of the Charities Act.
We have in place a number of policies relevant to the trustees which help to
ensure that governance of the charity is performed to the highest standard.
These include a Trustee Recruitment Policy, a Conflict of Interest/ Loyalty
Policy, a Register of Interests and a Trustee’s Code of Practice.
In September, we were very sad to hear the news that Colin Dive, a former
chair of the Trustees, had passed away. Colin had been involved at Acorn
Farm for over 25 years and during that time made a huge contribution to our
growth and development.
n) Site Developments
Farm Site
We are continually making improvements to the farm site. Over the period
covered by this report:
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We have installed 2 additional musical instruments on the farm
site which have proven very popular. One is a set of musical
chimes which play 'Old MacDonald'. These were funded by the
John Halewood Foundation. The other is a Babel Drum which has
been installed in the sensory garden. This was funded by the
Zurich Community Trust.
The Livestock Trailer was totally refurbished by staff and service
users. It now looks as good as new as it goes out to deliver the
animobiles.
We have been building additional picnic tables to help to ease
congestion in the cafe.
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We have carried out a number of fencing improvement works
including replacement of old posts.
The refurbished trailer
The New Babel Drum
o) Future Plans –2015
Our plans for 2016 include:
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Working with KMBC on the reconfiguration of the farm site which will
enable us to negotiate a long lease and secure Acorn Farm's future.
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Fundraising to enable us to achieve our ambition of transforming the
farm building into a community hub. In order to achieve this we have
put some money into a designated fund which we will use for match
funding the building work.
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Replacing fencing in the animal enclosures.
p) Conclusion
Acorn Farm continues to provide a highly valued and affordable resource for
both the local community and visitors from further afield. We are proud that
our facilities are enjoyed by all. One comment from a visitor summed it up:
'The staff are friendly and clearly love what they do. The farm really seems to
have a 'heart'. It's a hidden gem, perfect for families who cannot spend big
to have family day out!'
In the coming year we will strive to continue to serve the community to the
highest standards.
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q) Appendices
Appendix 1 - Site Plan
Appendix 2 - Organisational Structure
Appendix 3 - Board of Trustees
Appendix 4 - SWOT Analysis
Appendix 5 - Memberships
Appendix 6 - Summary of total visitor numbers Jan to Dec 2015
Appendix 7 – Reserves Policy
Appendix 1 - Site plan
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appendix 2
- organisational
struc
Corporate responsibility for ensuring that the aims and objectives of Acorn Venture Association are fulfilled and that the assets of the association are safeguarded.
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Acorn Farm Trustees
Farm Manager: Fiona Smith
Tracy Trumble
Deputy Manager
Rachael Delahunty
Cafe Manager
Sammy Lucock
Cafe Assistant
Jennifer Byrne
Project Administrator
Mike Taylor
Horticultural Unit
Manager
Sue Rowan Plant
Production
Assistant (Seasonal)
Helen Corrin
Plant Sales
Assistant
(Wed-Sun)
Collette Taylor
Shop Worker
(Weekends)
Angela Miveld
Day Services
Manager
Brian Carroll
Farm Maintenance
Worker
Dianne Haynes
Admissions Kiosk
(School Holidays)
Richard Perry
Farm
Assistant/Driver
Sue Rowan
Horticultural
Support Worker
Alison Mercer
Education
Worker
Gabby
Flude
Petting area
(School hols)
Pauline Higgins
RDA Instructor
Val Kelly
Horse Riding Supervisor
(School Holidays)
Cathy
Worthington
Cafe Cook
(Weekends)
Lynn
Fitzpatrick/Val
Kelly Weekend
Manager
(Jobshare)
Mandy Furmedge
Animal Support Worker
Chantelle Cook
Plant Sales Assistant
(weekdays)
Jess Slater
Cafe Assistant
(Weekends)
Margaret Harrison
Shop Worker
Vacant
Cafe Assistant
(Seasonal)
Key:
Line managed by
Additional line management
Molly Hough
Animal Petting Area
(Weekends)
Horse Ride Assistants
(School Hols)
Jean Ashcroft
Admissions Kiosk
(Weekends)
Val Kelly/ Kelly Tranter
Horse Riding Supervisors
Weekends
(Jobshare)
Jacinta O'Dea
Horse Ride Assistant
Weekends
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Appendix 3 board of trustees
Chairperson
Chris Roderick
Treasurer
Vice Chair
Secretary
David Ellis
Kathy Evans
Tracy Trumble
Trustees
Mary Johnson
Pauline Burrows
Stuart Hurst
Frances Ellis
Sue Langley
Bob Rishworth
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aPPENDIX 4 - SWOT ANALYSIS
December 2015
STRENGTHS
WEAKNESSES

Good reputation

Poor public transport links.

Low pricing

Poor presentation and advertising of
farm produce

Strong staff team with flexible attitude and wide
range of skills

Problems recruiting cafe staff

Unique day services programme

Building no longer large enough to meet
the needs of users

Outstanding levels of customer service

Good indoor facilities (café, shop, toilets, horse
riding, animal petting sessions)

Wide range of outdoor facilities e.g. animals;
garden centre, woodland walk, and children’s
play areas

Wide variety of animals

Varied range of activities over 7 days

Good integration of disabled and non disabled
people

Tidy appearance of farm site

Good signage both directional and informative

Large proportion of running costs met through
self generated income

Strong profile on Merseyside through entering
awards schemes and membership of Knowsley
Visitor Economy Network

High quality of bedding plants

Strong support from local community

Resource room for hire and as venue for
activities

Regularly updated web site and Facebook page
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
Professional advice on Human Resources
issues

Varied Educational Programme

Range of free information leaflets

Accreditation from VAQAS and CEVAS

Proven ability to attract and successfully apply
for funding
OPPORTUNITIES
THREATS

Low pricing beneficial in current economic
climate

Possible industrial
adjacent field H

Public interest in welfare friendly meat and
eggs.

Issues with regard to our VAT status H


National campaigns
minimize food miles.
Negative publicity associated
health scares on other farms .H

Increased publicity through entering local and
national award schemes

Reconfiguration of farm site .M

Reconfiguration of farm site
to
shop
locally
and
development
on
with
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appendix 5 - memberships
We are members of the following organisations:o National Federation of City Farms and Community Gardens
o Knowsley Chamber of Commerce
o Knowsley Visitor Economy Network
o Knowsley Business Watch
o National Association of Farms for Schools
o Riding for the Disabled Association
Accreditations
VAQAS (Visitor Attraction Quality Assurance Scheme)
CEVAS (Countryside Educational Visits Accreditation Scheme)
LOtC (Learning Outside the Classroom)
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Appendix 6 Summary of Total Visitor Numbers
2015
2014
Adults
43,822
38,344
Children
38,137
33,834
Under 12 months
3,272
2,772
Adults
329
364
Children
1003
1238
Admissions
School Visits
Events
521
Activity Days
Total
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35
86,584
77,108
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Appendix 7 - Reserves Policy
The Acorn Farm Board of Trustees recognises the need to hold reserves to
allow for unforeseen circumstances which could result in a substantial drop in
income. These could include:1. Purchasing organisations e.g. KMBC, LCC etc. could terminate the
contracts which they have with us for the provision of day services for
people with disabilities.
1. A fire, flood or similar incident could result in business interruption whilst
repairs are underway.
2. Severe weather could result in damage to the farm buildings making
the site unsafe for visitors until repairs are undertaken.
3. Outbreak of animal disease (e.g. Foot & Mouth, e.coli) which could
result in the compulsory closure of the farm for a period of time.
4. Outbreak of food poisoning which could result in the closure of the
café and/or dairy whilst investigations by the Environmental Health
Office are undertaken.
Additionally, the reserves would allow for unforeseen capital works or
purchases which may be required to ensure the safety of the farm site (e.g.
replacement of unsafe animal housing or to replace faulty tools and
equipment).
To cover such eventualities, the trustees believe that Acorn Venture
Association needs to hold in reserves 12 months of resources expended.
The actual level of free reserves held is stated in our annual accounts.