We are pleased to report that, after more than two years of negotiation, we have finally agreed a new lease with Lambeth Council. This will secure the Society’s use of the Trading Hut for 10 more years. While the agreed rent will be higher than previously, it remains well below commercial levels. The Society’s Committee has reviewed the terms of the new lease and believes that it is both fair and affordable. However future affordability will depend, as always, on the level of trading support from the broad membership.
Once the new lease has been signed, the assets, liabilities and membership of the old-LHS will transfer to The Lambeth Horticultural Society CIO – the charitable body established in 2025. No further action is required from the current membership. We expect that the transfer will take effect during the first quarter of 2026.
Soon thereafter, in line with charity requirements, the LHS-CIO will convene an Extraordinary General Meeting of members to elect a new group of Trustees. A new Management Committee will also be appointed to take responsibility for the day-to-day activities of the Society. We expect that members will experience very little practical difference following the transfer.
Phillip Spedding Glenn Wellman “Old-LHS” Transition Working Group
Frequently Asked Questions
What is happening?
The old-LHS is a membership club established in the 1950s. Although it has a constitution, it does not have separate legal existence. It is now, in effect, being reorganised as a type of charity called a Charitable Incorporated Organisation (CIO).
Why is it happening?
The lease on The Trading Hut has expired and Lambeth Council would not enter into a new lease with an entity with no formal legal status.
What difference will it make for members?
Practically speaking, members will see very little difference. However, individual members of LHS will no longer be ultimately responsible for the debts of the Society. Also, the Society (as a charity) will benefit from favourable treatment regarding Business Rates and be able to take advantage of Gift Aid related to donations and (possibly) Membership Fees. As a charity, the Society will have a more formal duty to serve the General Public but, since this has always been an important aspect of the old-LHS’s activities, we expect little actual change
What do I need to do?
YOU NEED TO DO NOTHING NOW! The transfer was agreed by the membership of the old-LHS in 2024 and the Transition Committee was authorised to complete the transfer once the new Trading Hut lease has been signed. All members of the old-LHS (including those renewing after the transfer) will automatically become members of the new LHS-CIO. You will have the opportunity to attend the Extraordinary General Meeting of CIO members to appoint new Trustees. It is not obligatory for members to attend the EGM nor to vote, although they are encouraged to do so.
How will the new-LHS be governed? Who is in charge & accountable?
The CIO is governed by charity law and by its own organisation document. It is regulated by The Charity Commission. A board of Trustees, nominated and elected by members on rolling three-year terms, is responsible for broad policy and for compliance with regulations. The CIO’s annual accounts are also subject to inspection by an Independent Examiner. The CIO will present full accounts (as at present) to its membership and information Is available to the public on charitycommission.gov.uk under reference number 1203720 or by searching for the Society’s name.
Day-to-day management of the Society’s affairs will be delegated, as at present, to a Management Committee which will include Officers with delegated responsibility for specific areas of the Society’s activities.
Who are the existing Trustees of the Charity?
The existing Trustees are:
- Hillary Box
- Annie James
- Philip Spedding
- Glenn Wellman (acting Chair)
The late and much missed Bob Tydeman was the previous Chair of Trustees
All of the current Trustees will stand down at the EGM but will be eligible, along with other members of the CIO, for election to the new Trustee body.