NPPFCT – Annual Report 24-25

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Annual Report
of North Petherton Playing Fields Charitable Trust
For the Year Ended 31 March 2025

Introduction
North Petherton Playing Fields Charitable Trust is a Registered Charity (304595) which was established in 1963
to look after the playing fields at Parker’s Field (known as Parkersfield) and the Memorial Field (Memorial Park).
North Petherton Town Council is the sole managing corporate trustee of the Trust.
North Petherton Playing Fields Charitable Trust operates separately from the Council, with an income from
grants and it holds separate bank accounts from the Council.
The Trustees of North Petherton Playing Fields Charitable Trust are pleased to present the annual report for the
year ended 31st March 2025.
This has been a busy year for the Trust’s Management Committee. Besides the regular maintenance
programme, including the grass cutting contracts and keeping the parks clean and tidy, a greatly improved
schedule of weekly, operational and annual inspections of all the play equipment has been implemented.
We have also now been able to complete several projects with the generous grant from North Petherton Town
Council.

Projects completed
Monies for the BMX Track, cleaning of tennis courts, purchase of picnic bench, resurfacing of Parkersfield Car
Park, were committed during the year 24/25, however due to the weather several projects were completed
during the spring and summer of 2025.
At the Memorial Park the major repair to the Titan was finally completed and this extremely popular and muchused item of equipment has been back in use for the Easter holidays after having to be re-set into a new
concrete base.

The pedestrian gate off Newton Road at Memorial Park has been fitted with a self-closing mechanism, this will
improve safety for users. The avenue of cherry trees has been flourishing despite the dry weather, but the
commemorative tree by Cllr Bradford’s bench has been replaced. The Trust have also ordered a new wheelchair
-accessible picnic table to replace the one that was sadly damaged beyond repair

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At Parkersfield the car park surface was levelled and topped with a gravel mix which was compacted to fill the
potholes. as there is considerable traffic using this area the repairs will be kept under review in case further
work will be required. A substantial sum has been allocated for a more permanent solution if this becomes
necessary. At present the repair is holding and the surface is smooth to drive over. The Trust has received
positive feedback from the public, including from the Football Club who contributed £500 towards the cost.

The ever-popular Tennis Courts at Parkersfield have had a thorough cleaning and are looking and performing
much better.

The BMX/Pump Track has been substantially repaired, is again looking good and is very well-used and enjoyed,
with enthusiastic feedback from the young riders.

Additionally, at Parkersfield the signage has been replaced and updated at both entrances and at the Toddlers
play area, where the self-closing mechanisms on both gates are due to be replaced due to wear and tear. The
seesaw, which had been so well-used but worn out since the Toddlers area was designed in 2015, has been
replaced with a new model.

Financial Review
Income
In 2024/25, total income amounted to £30600.00 this comprised 22/23 grant £15000 and 24/25 £15600. (In
addition, a further grant 24/25 of £30000 was received 1.4.2025 therefore are not included in this set accounts)

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Expenditure
Total expenditure for the year stood at £46563.84 (£16721.62 maintenance 23/24 and £29842.22 for 24/25)
The operating balance of £15369.13 was committed in 24/25 for the repairs of the BMX/Pump track,
Resurfacing of the Car Park at Parkersfield, cleaning of the Tennis Courts, and the purchase of a picnic Bench,
all of which have been completed in spring/summer of 2025.
Statement of accounts are attached.

Governance and Structure
North Petherton Playing Fields Charitable Trust is governed by a The Town Council as sole managing corporate
Trustee. The day-to-day management is dealt with by a management committee which include members of the
community who meet on a regular basis to oversee the maintenance of the two multi-use playing fields.

Looking Ahead
Our priorities for 2025/26 include:
•
•
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The relocation of the Memorial Stone from outside the Memorial Park to within the park, public
consultation started 6th August 2025, due to end 17th September 2025
To act regarding access to the Memorial Park to prevent unauthorised encampments
Maintaining the inspection routines.

Contact Information
For more information, please contact:
North Petherton Playing Fields Charitable Trust
The Small Hall, North Petherton Community Centre, Fore Street, North Petherton, TA6 6QA
Email: enquiries@northpethertontowncouncil.gov.uk
Thank you for reading our 2024/25 Annual Report.