Registered Charity: 1070636 www.thamesidewallingfordu3a.org chair@thamesidewallingfordu3a.org
AGENDA ITEM 4
CHAIRMAN’S REPORT 2025-2026
The newsletter which is delivered by email at the beginning of the month has undergone some changes this year. It is our main way of communicating news and events to the membership and no major changes are planned next year. The website which is the public front for our U3a is maintained by one of the committee members is currently under review.
Neil Kelly is leaving this year for a well earned rest. He has been a member of the committee responsible for maintaining our links to the regional and national U3a for well over 9 years. Thank you for all your hard work. There are 2 other long serving members - Yvonne Griffiths and Hillary Bailey, both have been on the committee for more than 9 years and are willing to remain on the committee for next year.
It is my duty to report that our policies on inclusivity/equality, environment and safeguarding have been reviewed by the committee and confirmed as satisfactory. The two first aid kits we use have been checked and all contents are in date.
I could not have done any of this work myself and I have relied heavily on my excellent committee, who have worked tremendously hard this year . A big thank you, also, to all the Conveners, Tea makers, Volunteers, and to both the Speaker and Outings sub- committees. Please remember, we are all volunteers, and we always need fresh blood to invigorate us. So, please, if you feel you could contribute to your u3a, then contact any member of the committee.
We are open to any suggestions you have about what other things we can do; contact by email on our committee emails (found on) http://www.thamesidewallingfordu3a.org/contact-page.
On behalf of myself and your committee, may we offer a huge thank you to you all for your continued support.
Ian Shipton
Chair Wallingford Thameside U3a
May 2026
Registered Charity: 1070636 www.thamesidewallingfordu3a.org chair@thamesidewallingfordu3a.org
AGENDA ITEM 5
Treasurer’s Report to the 2026 AGM
Financial Year 1[st] April 2025 – 31[st] March 2026
This report should be read in conjunction with the Consolidated Statement of Accounts that accompany this report.
The financial results for the 25-26 financial year as presented are materially different from all previous years due to two changes in the membership renewal process. Firstly, new members joining after January 1[st] now pay subscription for a full year and all members are now on an anniversary date for membership renewal. Secondly, the renewal date window for all members for the current year opened in early March and not on April 1[st] which was customary prior to this current year. The net effect of this resulted in £4,329.50 of 26-27 subscription income being received in the 25-26 year.
The year opened with total cash assets of £14,430.98 and closed with a balance of £16,020.90, an increase of £1,589.92 for the year. This increase is entirely accounted for by the fact that a portion of the income from membership renewals for 26-27 were received in March as explained above. A more direct comparison can be made by subtracting the March subscription income total from the income for the year which results in an income amount of £42,409.82. Using this comparative basis results in expenses exceeding income by an amount of £810.00. The principal reasons for this are explained in the following relevant notes on comparison with prior year by category
Events – Celebration lunch income and expenditure was less due to lower number of attendees Gift Aid – Income was higher due to greater membership numbers and the response to appeals for qualifying members to sign-up for this program
Groups – Income and offsetting expenses were significantly lower than prior year due to fewer walking holiday events by the walking group
Outings – Income and corresponding expenses were higher due to a general increase in the cost of each event and the cost mix of outings in the year
Subscription Income – Was significantly higher due to the changes in procedures outlined above Transfer to main – This is simply a transfer of funds from the savings account into the operating account in order to maintain a positive working balance Capitation 3[rd] Age Trust and Third Age Magazine expenses were both higher due to increased membership numbers being reported to the national organization
Speakers – Expenditure recorded in this cost centre was less due to a change in the reporting of the cost of the venue hire. For 25/26 the venue hire has been included in the “Hire” cost centre to better manage facility hire costs. As a result, there has been a corresponding increase in reported Hire costs.
Respectfully submitted Tony Fenner Honorary Treasurer
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