Chair of Trustees Report
More of the same as last year – and the year before. Since Covid we, like many other clubs, have been struggling to re-invigorate f2f bridge. There has been a surge in the popularity of online bridge which has enabled bridge addicts to get their fix on-line rather than playing f2f.
Slowly but surely, however, regional and national f2f competitions are increasing their attendances.
I wish to thank all the people who are gainfully assisting in the running of our club to try and ensure f2f bridge at Preston carries on – in particular Christine, Rowena, Veronica, Philip and Don. Their commitment has been enduring and hopefully they will continue to assist. If anyone wishes to help with running a club session then please volunteer. We badly need your help.
We are mindful of the perforce changes coming to the club when our lease runs out next year – Veronica has put out feelers to the Diocese as to whether they will be looking to renew the lease. The feedback is positive but the harsh reality is that we cannot afford to pay the current rent, let alone what ought to be some kind of increase. There is a possible solution which has been mooted by the Church that they share the premises for some of the time – ie the entrance room – that is something which will be explored further as it would solve a big problem. On that note there is a Notice on the Web Page about any member wishing to be part of a Working Party to look at the future development of the club and, at the risk of sounding like a broken record, we hope some of you will step forward to assist.
I wish to say, on behalf of Preston B C, a massive thank you to Bill Alston who this year has resigned as Treasurer. We owe him a great debt for his stirling work over the years. I must also thank Maxine Whalley who has made a great contribution as Secretary to the club and who has also resigned this year. I would like to welcome our new Secretary James – and our new Treasurer Peter and look forward to working with you.
For my part I have found that my commitments outside my bridge life have become increasingly onerous in recent months. As Chair I feel I should be doing so much more both in assisting and partaking in the life of the club. Therefore, I would welcome any offers to relieve me of this role, but, until that happens I will carry on.
I hope to see you for some f2f bridge in the near future.
Helen Dent
Accounts for Preston Bridge Club for Year Ending 31 March 2025
| 2023 / 24 | 2024 / 25 | |
|---|---|---|
| Income | ||
| Grants | - |
- |
| Table money and Membership | 10,949.21 |
13,684.43 |
| Bank Interest | 480.38 |
506.27 |
| Teaching | 763.00 |
592.00 |
| Room Hire | - | 20.00 |
| LOP Income | 168.90 |
- |
| From P cash | 22.00 |
- |
| From OCBE | 67.50 | 60.00 |
| Bank Compensation | 150.00 |
- |
| Totals | 12,600.99 |
14,862.70 |
| Expenditure | ||
| Repairs and Improvements | - |
- |
| Housekeeping | 927.60 |
780.00 |
| EBU & LCBA | 1,137.32 |
1,232.20 |
| Online Bridge | - |
- |
| Insurance | 391.75 |
391.75 |
| Alarm System | - |
378.98 |
| BT | 465.19 |
788.34 |
| Accounts System | 240.00 |
240.00 |
| Rent | 9,375.00 |
10,000.00 |
| Member refund | - |
173.00 |
| Teaching Cost | - | 45.00 |
| IT | 64.90 |
- |
| Comp entries | 48.00 |
298.00 |
| Bridgewebs | 76.80 | 76.80 |
| Stationary | 46.86 |
- |
| Miscellaneous | - |
- |
| Totals | 12,773.42 |
14,404.07 |
| Surplus | -172.43 | 458.63 |
| Bank Balances | ||
| Brought Forward | 48,974.43 | |
| Year's Adjustment | 458.63 | |
| Carried Forward | 49,433.06 | |
| Petty Cash | - | |
| Members Account | -£3,152.28 |