Photo AGM June 2024
Having attempted last year, to use Chat GPT to create the Chair’s report and finding it
most unsatisfactory, what follows are mostly my own words with some help from other,
non-AI, sources.
I am pleased to report that the Charity has had another successful year. We have
entered our ninth year as custodians of Singleton Environment Centre (SEC) and during
that period have gone from strength to strength, despite the early setback of the Covid-
19 pandemic.
Fund raising has gone well with a significant contribution from our trip to Snowdon. I
would like to thank all those that volunteered to help, with a particular thank you to
Helen King for taking on a major part of the organisation needed to see it come to
fruition. To enhance our fund raising, we have taken on an Events Co-ordinator and
have already seen this start to pay-off, with a fun filled ‘Vipers’ experience which was
most enjoyable (although personally disappointing, as I was the first one to be
eliminated), and our recent Dog Show, which generated a record day’s income for our
cafe.
Externally, we were the McArthur-Glen charity of the year during 2025 and in the early
part of this year received a significant donation from MooGoo Skincare UK. We are
grateful for the ongoing support we get from Great Chart with Singleton Parish Council,
which strongly supports our educational offering.
Funds raised have enabled the building of an outdoor classroom and additional water
storage capacity with many thanks due to two of our trustees, Barry, and Peter, for the
actual construction.
Overall, the Centre operates on several levels: a successful food offering via Footprints
Café, with a fantastic range of locally sourced, cooked to order ingredients. We host the
local franchise of Kumon, providing study programmes in maths and English. We
provide conferencing facilities to outside groups such as the NHS, KCC and Ashford
Borough Council. Most of all though is our comprehensive range of educational
provision, aimed squarely at the younger generation, encompassing the likes of ‘Buggin’
About’, ‘Wild Wednesdays’, and an increasing number of visits from local schools, all to
try and set young people on the path to appreciating wildlife, both flora and fauna, and
its’ importance to the planet.
Which just leaves me to a heartfelt thanks to everyone that is involved with the
Singleton Environment Centre, without whom the Centre simply would not operate: the
trustees, the staff, the volunteers, our suppliers, and partners.
Thank you all!
Malcolm Wiffen
Chair, Singleton Spaces
June 2026
I am delighted to present this Chairman’s Report for the Singleton Environment Centre, chronicling our achievements and progress over the period April 2024 to March 2025. This past year has been one of vibrant activity, innovation, and renewed community spirit, all of which have propelled the Centre to new heights as a focal point for environmental education, sustainability, and community engagement in Ashford and the surrounding areas.
The Singleton Environment Centre continues to stand as a beacon for those committed to environmental stewardship and lifelong learning. Over the last twelve months, the dedication of our staff, volunteers, partners, and supporters has enabled us to realise a programme of education and engagement, foster deeper connections within our community, and deliver on our mission to inspire a more sustainable future.
One of the significant measures of our success this year has been the increase in visitor numbers. From school children and university students to local families, retirees, and corporate groups, the Centre welcomed over 28,000 visitors during the reporting period—a 23% increase compared to the previous year. This surge can be attributed to our revitalised events programme, expanded educational offerings, and a series of high-impact community campaigns. Although our educational offering is primarily aimed at the younger generation, our series of ‘prosecco with’ events, and our seniors club have broadened the appeal to older age groups.
Education has always been at the heart of our mission, and 2024-2025 has been no exception. We expanded our curriculum-aligned school programmes, welcoming more than fifteen hundred children from across the region
As well as an outward focus, there are some changes internally, to reduce the Centre’s carbon footprint. We have changed our lighting to use LED bulbs, and there is a current project to add battery storage for the electricity produced by our solar panels.
Having previously partnered with the Mayor of Ashford, Cllr Jenny Webb, as her nominated charity, which enabled the installation of our nature watching camera system (which, incidentally, we plan to expand in the coming months), I am delighted to report that we have partnered with the Ashford, Macarthur Glenn shopping outlet, and are their nominated charity for this year. We have already hosted some events there and more are planned for August. In turn, in the coming months, we will be welcoming their staff for some corporate volunteering.
The Centre remains on a stable financial footing thanks to prudent management, successful grant applications, and the generosity of our supporters. A sponsored walk to climb Mt. Snowdon by a team of staff, trustees and volunteers raised more than £5000, and it is expected that we will add a similar major fundraising event to our calendar.
Our on-site Footprints café also enjoyed record-breaking sales.
While we are justly proud of our accomplishments, we are equally aware of the challenges and opportunities that lie ahead. The next twelve months will see a renewed focus on climate resilience, digital learning, and expanding access to nature for all members of our community.
On behalf of the Board of Trustees, I extend heartfelt thanks to our staff, volunteers, partners, and the wider Ashford community for their unwavering support. The success of the Singleton Environment Centre is a testament to the power of collective action and shared purpose.
Let us look forward to another year of growth, innovation, and positive impact—together, we are nurturing a brighter, greener future for Ashford and beyond.
Malcolm Wiffen
Chair, Singleton Spaces
July 2025
This sixteen-page document reviews the driving force and activities of Singleton Spaces at Singleton Environment Centre.
