## **FRIENDS OF CHaT PARKS** . # **(Reg. Charity no: 1166255 ) Minutes of the 15th Annual General Meeting** **12 June 2024 at 7.00 pm** **1 Present:** 22 members of the Group **2 Welcome:** The Chairman welcomed everyone to this our 15th AGM. **3 Apologies** have been received from Kevin Trickett, Lesley and Peter Taylor, Olivia Rowley, Geoff Wood, Mike O’Donnell, Linda and Peter Breeze, Susan Morgan, Margaret Dodd, Christine Sharman, Deborah Archer and David Pickersgill. - **4 Minutes of AGM 2023:** these were agreed as a correct record. **5 Matters arising:** There were no matters other than those covered by the Agenda. ## **6 Chairman’s Report:** Ian reminded the meeting that he had started last year’s report with a comment on the rain we had suffered, but this last year was even worse. We had suffered several cancellations and problems with standing water in a number of places. The Council have engaged consultants to investigate drainage throughout the park, but we are still awaiting an effective solution. The Group has been involved in a series of meetings with the Council to prepare a 10-year plan for the park. This is important, not only to show where action is needed, it is also vital if external funding is being sought. Penny Appeal have won their appeal against the refusal of Planning Permission for their existing operations. Our main concern is what will be allowed to happen in the future. There are conditions on the approval which are aimed at protecting the park. We need to be vigilant and make sure the protection is effective. We hope to work with Penny Appeal. The Secret Garden is one of the most popular features in the Park and it is very much appreciated by the public. We must thank the team of workers who have produced such a benefit. The Aviary is also a most popular attraction and Jason deserves thanks from us all. The Games of Thornes is another part of the park which the public greatly appreciate. We must thank all the volunteers who keep it going. The honey produced by the Wakefield and Pontefract Beekeepers is another attraction here. The bedding plants in the Flower Garden are being planted out this week. The Friends Group pay for the plants in the spring, if it were not for us the beautiful displays would not happen. Ian noted that, although grants are available for projects, we need regular income streams for dayto-day expenses. Car Boot Sales are one of the major sources of finance for the Group. They meet the cost of the bedding plants and it is vital that we keep them going, Volunteers are needed to operate them and Ian encouraged all members to help if possible, if only for part of the day. Next month will see the first Classic Vehicle Show for several years. This is one of the biggest events in the Park and it has been greatly missed. Unfortunately last year’s firework display had to be cancelled because of the condition of the field. Ian stressed the need for members of the Group. We can only do things if we have the member resources. More members means more help and more influence. He thanked the Committee members for their work throughout the year. Margaret Kershaw for her role as Treasurer, Margaret Dodd as Minutes Secretary, Jean Reeve for publicity and social media, Peter Stokes for work in the Secret Garden, Merewyn Sayers for IT and social media work, Brenda Ashurst for general support and Joe Brandi for work at events. Chris Welch for several help roles. Ian concluded by once again thanking all the volunteers involved in the wide range of projects. He hoped that we can look forward to more successes next year. Chris then reminded the meeting that we all owed a great deal to Ian for leading the Committee for 15 years. Without him we would not have achieved half of the successes we have seen. Following questions from the members it was agreed that we would try to hold more open meetings, and, if possible, produce a newsletter It was further agreed that we should continually seek external funding for our projects ## **7. Financial Report:** Margaret referred to the paper of financial activities which had been made available to the meeting, which showed how our finances were divided into restricted and unrestricted funds. In response to questions Ian explained that the income from Car Boot Sales is not “ring-fenced”. He noted that the last one had been very busy, probably too busy as we had to turn some visitors away. Ian thanked Margaret for her report. ## **8. Means of Verification of Accounts** The accounts have been examined by Mr John McCarthy and found accurate. It was agreed to make an honorarium payment of £50 to Mr McCarthy for his work, but he immediately gave that back as a donation to the Group. Agreed that we ask Mr McCarthy to examine the books again for 2024 ## **9. Membership of the Committee** Our Constitution requires that one third of the Committee stands down at each AGM. They are then eligible for re-election. In accordance with this, Margaret Kershaw, Jean Reeve and Brenda Ashurst stood down. These three members, together with the remaining members were elected unanimously. Joe Brandi was elected as a new member to the Committee and as a Trustee The Committee now comprises ten members; Ian Deighton, Margaret Kershaw, Margaret Dodd, Jean Reeve, Peter Stokes, Merewyn Sayers, Brian Else, Brenda Ashurst, Joe Brandi and Chris Welch ## **10. Any other relevant business;** a) Rachel Winstanley referred to the number of small grants available, especially to a Registered Charity. Merewyn pointed out that bid-writing skills are quite specialised, but we always try to use external funds whenever appropriate. b) Peter Clark mentioned the uneven ground outside the ticket office. Ian said that the scheme to refurbish the building, including public toilets, will require much resurfacing work. c) Brian Else said that there are several places where paths are uneven and needed repair work. He also raised the idea of a “sensory garden”. It was stressed that any project must include provision for maintenance. d)Merewyn raised the issue of the work needed at the Arena and the “Gentleman’s Shelter” which has become an eyesore. Ian said that there is funding available for repairing the steps and a possibility of some artwork to shield the building. The AGM closed at this point. ## **Looking Forward** Several issues were discussed and views put forward. ## **a) Conservatory** This is to be one of our priorities for the coming year. We want to get the Conservatory open again for the public. Although the building is structurally sound, there are problems with plants growing through the roof and also vandalism issues. It is important to make the building weather-tight. Cactus cannot stand damp conditions. Problems with the heating system must be addressed. In addition to making the Conservatory safe for the public, we need a Maintenance Plan to define what needs to be done and who can do it. Volunteers will be essential. It is suggested that we should arrange a visit the conservatory at Temple Newsam to learn from their experience. ## **b) Signage** Several years ago we arranged for 3 signs to be provided. We need a plan for more. We also need a leaflet with a map. ## **Friends of CHaT Parks Accounts - 2023 - Financial Activity - 3.0** ## **Unrestricted funds** |**Income**
Membership
£897.35
Donatons
£704.00
Honey
£1,176.00
Car Boot Sales
£2,128.00
Flowers & Sales
£1,606.98
Books
£145.00
HSBC a/c closure
£79.60
Cashback
£17.63
**Restricted fund - Tennis**
**Income**
nil
**Restricted Fund- Ticket Ofce**
**Income**
Receipts
£7,939.10
**TOTAL**|**Expenditure**
Balance
Aviary
£231.98
Secret Garden
£118.82
Ofce Costs
£418.07
Bedding Plants
£4,641.66
Honey
£773.50
Vouchers
£520.00
£6,704.03
£6,754.56
£50.53
**Expenditure**
Coaching Fees
£7,500.00
£7,500.00
-£7,500.00
**Expenditure Restricted - Ticket Ofce**
£7,939.10
Costs
£1,283.00
£1,283.00
£6,656.10
**£14,693.66**
**£15,487.03**
**-£793.37**| |---|---| ______________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________ ## **Friends of CHaT Parks Accounts - 2023 - Account Balances** |**Unrestricted Fund**
Opening Balance **
£25,906.52
Operatonal Balance
£50.53
Closing balance
£25,957.05
** Sum of HSBC and Virgin
Cash in hand Dec 31
£64.23|**Restricted Fund- Tennis**
£18,796.20
-£7,500.00
£11,296.20|**Restricted Fund**| |---|---|---| ||||