## BUCKHURST HILL u3a
## ANNUAL REPORT 2023
## CONTENTS
1. Chair’s report 2023.
2. Audited accounts for the year to 31[st] March 2023.
3. Appendix - reconciliation of gross income and expenditure to the audited accounts.
## **Buckhurst Hill u3a - Chair’s report 2023**
Writing this as the end of my fourth year as Chair approaches I am pleased to be able to report that the last twelve months have been very successful for Buckhurst Hill u3a. This review gives me the opportunity to look back and highlight the successes.
## **Membership**
Our membership year runs from 1[st] April to 31[st] March and at the end of March this year, the membership stood at 274 compared with a total of 237 at the same time last year. During the year we gained 70 new members, but for a variety of reasons 36 members did not renew. The good news is that we have now returned to our pre-pandemic membership level.
New members are always welcome as they can bring fresh ideas but at the same time, we are happy if our current membership is maintained. It has never been our desire to grow significantly as we believe that being a smaller group enables our members to participate in a wider range of activities without the need for too many waiting lists and for us to remain friendly and sociable.
## **Finances**
Our finances are expertly managed by our Treasurer Sue Bird. Accompanying this report is a copy of the audited accounts for the year to 31[st] March 2023 which show a surplus for the year of £1,628 compared with a deficit last year of £389. Sue will report in detail on these figures at the AGM. My thanks to Sue for all her hard work.
## **Activities**
Our monthly meetings, interest groups, outings and social events are what make us such a successful u3a but none of this would be possible without the hard work and dedication of the small number of members who give up so much of their time to make these things happen.
The monthly meetings are an integral part of any u3a group, and we aim to provide a wide variety of interesting speakers. We cannot always cater to everyone’s taste but the regular high attendance each month would suggest that our Speaker Secretary, Ann Denwood is doing an excellent job.
The subject matter of our talks ranged from “Wildlife at Copped Hall” to “The Christine Keeler Scandal”, via such delights as “My Life in Radio – BBC Radio Essex” and “The Mysterious Death of an MI6 Spy (the body in the bag)”. Interspersed with our talks we enjoyed a Summer afternoon tea in July and a Christmas tea in December.
Ann is already working hard to arrange the speaker programme for 2024.
We are fortunate that we have remained able to meet at Roding Valley Hall, which may be a bit run down but the car parking makes up for that. We are not aware of any further developments over the future of the hall which remains shrouded in mystery. We watch with interest to see what may develop.
We currently have 30 Interest Groups, and I must take this opportunity to thank all of our Group Leaders for their considerable efforts. Running an Interest Group can be a demanding and occasionally thankless task but generally, the positive feedback from members, does make it very worthwhile as Interest Groups are such an important part of u3a life.
1
We have seen a few new groups take shape during the year some of which have been shared with other local u3as. Sharing groups can make a new idea viable and we are always looking for new ideas and people to facilitate them.
I must thank Fiona, our Group Coordinator, for producing the Event Calendar each month and for her hard work supporting Groups that may have needed some assistance during the year and also helping the new Groups get properly established.
Unlike the previous couple of years, during 2022/23 we were able to arrange a full programme of outings. Both my Vice-Chairs were very busy all year, Hilary organised trips to the Canal Museum, Frogmore House, Southend on Sea (including a tour of the RNLI Lifeboat Station), Ely Cathedral & Christmas Market and a much-delayed visit to the National Stud at Newmarket originally planned for 2020. She also restarted organising theatre outings with Oklahoma and the Brick Lane Music Hall.
Meanwhile, Mary was busy arranging local “theatre” visits and entertainments, for example, Copped Hall for Christmas Carols, The Kenneth More Theatre for the ‘Beauty and the Beast Ballet’ and the Prince Regent Hotel for the Mamma Mia Christmas lunch.
In addition to the outings, Hilary and Mary also organised two special events during the year. Mary organised the St George’s Day lunch in April and Hilary organised the Entertainment Evening in November with a surprise guest appearance by King Henry VIII who kept us entertained with stories of his wives.
All of these outings and events were well supported and enjoyed by all who attended. My thanks to both Hilary and Mary for their hard work and I know they are both busy organising outings and events for next year.
Our main line of communication with members is our monthly Newsletter which has articles and information about our Interest Groups as well as forthcoming events. Members also submit interesting articles; these and all other contributions are greatly appreciated.
The credit for the success of our Newsletter must go to our Newsletter Editor, Christine Slade, who masterminds the production and distribution each month, and who, in addition to this role, is also our Membership Secretary, and Hall Hire Secretary. My sincere thanks to Christine for all her hard work.
## **The Committee**
The Committee is the backbone of the organisation, and I must thank all of the Committee members for their support, commitment, and the time they give so willingly to ensure Buckhurst Hill u3a succeeds. I must not forget Valerie and Chris who work in the background and have not been mentioned above. Without all of their contributions we would not be able to function.
I am grateful to Hilary and Mary who have deputised for me at several monthly meetings whilst I was out of action due to health issues. This has given rise to the idea of having different “hosts” for the monthly meeting which is something we are looking into so that members will be able to put faces to the names of Committee members.
At the AGM all Committee members have to stand down and I must thank all those who have agreed to stand for re-election including Cathy Tredgett who, despite having taken her one-year sabbatical required by our constitution, acted as our ex-officio Minutes Secretary. She is also offering herself for re-election to the Committee.
Members will recall that at the AGM in 2022 I was re-elected for a fourth year as Chair, our constitution having previously been amended to allow me to serve this additional year. I now have to stand down and am not eligible for re-election.
2
I have on several occasions issued a plea for members to come forward to join the Committee and help run our u3a and I am delighted to report that three members have put their names forward. In addition, Sue Meredith has been persuaded to come out of retirement to re-join us and stand as a Vice Chair.
Hilary Wrightman has agreed to stand for the role of Chair, and I am very grateful she has agreed to do so. I wish her well and will support her in any way I can.
I would also like to take this opportunity to thank those members who help each month with the setting up of the hall and help with refreshments. Every bit of assistance is appreciated.
## **The Future**
Whilst I am confident that the next twelve months will see Buckhurst Hill u3a go from strength to strength it really does rely on you, the members, to continue embracing the u3a ethos of ‘run by the members for the members’.
**Your u3a needs you !**
Finally, I must reiterate my thanks to the Group Leaders and the Committee for everything they do and also to the membership whose enthusiasm and support make the whole thing worthwhile.
Kevin Lucas Chair 17/08/2023
3
Bucklxffst Hlll U3A
allfigwes £
Year to 31st Piarch 2023
2022 12023
202112022
Membershlp subscrlptlons
4970AXI
4,305
70.
Expendltwe
Hall Hire
Thlrd A8e Trust Costs
Admlnlstratlon expenses
Interest Grtyjp support
Speakers
Equlpment wrchases
Refreshments - net expense I IIKcffiel
(432.LXI)
(1567.56)
1623.36)
1204.791
(L058.(KI}
(77A51
1147.a5)
4 110.21
(252)
(1132)
(1,579)
Note I
Note 2
(325)
fl,047)
Net IKome
a59.79
Soclal
359
Total net IKom•
Brnh fu
Openln8 balance
Surplus for the perlcAI
BalarKe carried fcrfward
2569.33
1,628.11
2,958
389
Reprnsented ty:
Bank balance
Cheque5 & cash to banked
Amounts CeIVabl I
id In advarKe
Amounts paya
elltd In alnCe
10,712.10
7,077
240
Note 4
Note 5
(7,91.($)
f4, 748)
Ken Lucas
Date
Sue Blrd (Treasurer)
Date
Examiners report: I haNe examined these aCC(nts arnl f(xThl tr*m to be in acc(KdaTKe with the accountin8
records and expalantions 8iNtn to me
Edgeline Jo¥Ero Meredith
Date
Page I
BLKklMnt Hlll U
ollfigures £
Year to 31st March 2023
202212023
Year to Date
2021 /2022
Full yeur
Note I:
TIMrd A8e Trust Costs
Capltstlon costs
Third Age Ma8azine
I948.)
619.56
(644)
Note 2:
Admlnlstratl¢)n expnsés
ststionery
Stamps
Printer Ink
Postage supplement
Membershlp Cards
14*Jlclty material
E-mall / Zcx)m costs
5undries
1176.95)
{314.441
196.371
425.IX)
(39.391
(78.CKI)
(273.60)
169.611
623.36
(150)
(330)
(673)
(42)
{160)
{331J
277
Note J:
So¢lal
St George, Lunch
Ladles who Lunch (Jubilee - Aftemfy)n tea)
ladies who Lunch (Blue Boar)
13dle5 who Lunch (Halloween)
Ladie5 who Lunch (Red Rose luKhl
Xmas aftemoon tea
Canal Museum
Ely
Entertalnment E%ening
Thank wju lunch
Royal Albert Hall
SoutherNI
Summer Aftern(K tea {2021 - AGM
Fomians Lunch
Newmarket
QLMZ Night
Ladles who Lunch (Marygreen Ma. Aftemc¥)n tea)
Hlghcle
293.39
50.11
27.50
35.(Ki
70.20
{260.87}
45.co
277.
299.28
1287.76
70.1YJ
87.co
{Sfl.281
54.50
98.25
72
(309)
(354)
105
(1161
243
76832
3S9AJO
Note 4:
Amounts pid In athaKe lar r•c•lvalle)
Thlrd Age Trust- CTedlt note
Goldsmlth $it deposlt
The aink- dew)slt
Entertairffient E%enin8 2023 (kpjsit
Coronation Ent 2023- deposit
Prince Re8ent deposit IXma5 23)
30.34
225.(10
130.00
250.C
150.(K)
Page 2
BkhurSt Hlll U3A
lfigures £
Year to 31st Mirch 2023
20UI20
2021 / 2022
Ntxe 5:
Amounts recelved In athance {or payallel
2023124 Membership fee and P&P paid in a(tr4nce
Xmas Lights - Kew
Coronation Lunch
Wlmbledon
Newmarket- 2023
Ladles who lunch
St George. Lunch costs & 5drfe5
{4.670.(*J)
{1,120.LYJ)
{1,2(KI.ODI
{210.IX)I
(700.LK))
13.820)
(28)
7.9(Xlm)
Page 3
|**Buckhurst Hill U3A**
**Reconcilaition of gross income and expenditue to the a**
**Year to 31st March 2023**
**Income**
**Expenditure**
**Hall hire**
Main
Craft
Tai Chi
**Third Age Trust Costs**
U3A Capitation
U3A Magazine
**Administrative expenses**
Stationery
Stamps
Printer Ink
Postal supplements 2023/2024
Postal supplements 2022/2023
Membership Cards
Publicity Materials
E-mail
Sundry
Donations
**Speakers**
**Equipment purchases**
**Net Income**
**Social account**
St George's lunch - 22/4/22
Ladies Who Lunch - Jubilee Tea
Ladies Who Lunch - Blue Boar 16/2/2022
Ladies Who Lunch - Halloween
Ladies Who Lunch - Red Rose Lunch
Xmas afternoon tea
Canal Museum
Ely
Entertainment Evening
Thank you lunch
Royal Albert Hall
Southend
Summer Afternoon Tea
Formans visit
Formans Lunch - 2023
Newmarket
Frogmore
Brick Lane Musical
Copped Hall Concerts
Copped Hall Carol Concert
Roding Players
Oklahoma
Temptations
Wimbledon
Beauty & The Beast
Goldsmiths - 2023
Coronation Event - May 2023
We Will Rock You
Xmas lights - Kew
Prince Regent - Xmas 2023
Prince Regent - Xmas 2022
Entertainment Evening - 2023
Macmillan Coffee morning
The Clink Lunch October 23
**Total net income**
**Totals**
**Interest Group support**
**Refreshments net expense**
**Subscriptions 2022/2023**
**Subscriptions 2023/2024**|**udited accounts**||3,280.00
(4,360.00)
400.00
30.34
40.00
300.00
(310.00)
900.00
27.50
(700.00)
(210.00)
100.00
60.00
(1,200.00)
250.00
(1,120.00)
150.00
130.00
225.00
**4,507.50**
**500.00**
**(7,900.00)**
**885.34**
**ADJUSTMENTS**
**Monies**
**rec'd in**
**prioryear**
**Cash /**
**cheques to**
**bank**
**Monies**
**rec'd in**
**advance**
**Monies**
**paid in**
**advance**|3,280.00
(4,360.00)
400.00
30.34
40.00
300.00
(310.00)
900.00
27.50
(700.00)
(210.00)
100.00
60.00
(1,200.00)
250.00
(1,120.00)
150.00
130.00
225.00
**4,507.50**
**500.00**
**(7,900.00)**
**885.34**
**ADJUSTMENTS**
**Monies**
**rec'd in**
**prioryear**
**Cash /**
**cheques to**
**bank**
**Monies**
**rec'd in**
**advance**
**Monies**
**paid in**
**advance**|3,280.00
(4,360.00)
400.00
30.34
40.00
300.00
(310.00)
900.00
27.50
(700.00)
(210.00)
100.00
60.00
(1,200.00)
250.00
(1,120.00)
150.00
130.00
225.00
**4,507.50**
**500.00**
**(7,900.00)**
**885.34**
**ADJUSTMENTS**
**Monies**
**rec'd in**
**prioryear**
**Cash /**
**cheques to**
**bank**
**Monies**
**rec'd in**
**advance**
**Monies**
**paid in**
**advance**|3,280.00
(4,360.00)
400.00
30.34
40.00
300.00
(310.00)
900.00
27.50
(700.00)
(210.00)
100.00
60.00
(1,200.00)
250.00
(1,120.00)
150.00
130.00
225.00
**4,507.50**
**500.00**
**(7,900.00)**
**885.34**
**ADJUSTMENTS**
**Monies**
**rec'd in**
**prioryear**
**Cash /**
**cheques to**
**bank**
**Monies**
**rec'd in**
**advance**
**Monies**
**paid in**
**advance**|||**_Appendix_**
**_all figures £_**|
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
||||**ADJUSTMENTS**|||||||
||**Gross**
**income**|**Gross**
**expenditure**|**Monies**
**rec'd in**
**prioryear**|**Cash /**
**cheques to**
**bank**|**Monies**
**rec'd in**
**advance**|**Monies**
**paid in**
**advance**|**Surplus /**
**deficit**|||
|||||||||**Acc**|**ounts**|
||1,740.00
3,962.00
-
351.00
408.00
-
-
-
-
-
270.00
125.00
-
-
-
23.00
109.14
-
-
-
-
18.00
765.61
-
735.70
699.40
-
450.00
1,314.50
1,447.98
-
560.00
675.00
-
975.00
825.00
1,760.00
1,260.20
829.50
160.00
144.00
270.00
550.00
1,087.50
210.00
224.00
-
1,140.00
450.00
1,120.00
-
1,628.00
-
48.00
-|(50.00)
(2.00)
(432.00)
(351.00)
(408.00)
(948.00)
(649.90)
(176.95)
(314.44)
(96.37)
(39.39)
(78.00)
(273.60)
(92.61)
(109.14)
(204.79)
(1,058.00)
(77.45)
(147.05)
(624.61)
(715.50)
-
(700.70)
(629.20)
(260.87)
(405.00)
(1,037.50)
(1,148.70)
(287.76)
(490.00)
(588.00)
(90.28)
(975.00)
(770.50)
(961.75)
(1,260.20)
(829.50)
(160.00)
(144.00)
(270.00)
(550.00)
(1,087.50)
-
(224.00)
(100.00)
(250.00)
(450.00)
-
(150.00)
(1,628.00)
(130.00)
(48.00)
(225.00)|||||610.00
4,360.00
(432.00)
-
-
(948.00)
(619.56)
(176.95)
(314.44)
(96.37)
310.00
115.00
(39.39)
(78.00)
(273.60)
(69.61)
-
(204.79)
(1,058.00)
(77.45)
(147.05)
293.39
50.11
27.50
35.00
70.20
(260.87)
45.00
277.00
299.28
(287.76)
70.00
87.00
(90.28)
-
54.50
98.25
-
-
-
-
-
-
-
-
-
-
-
-
-
-
-
-
-
-|||
||||||||||**4,970.00**|
|||||||||(432.00)||
|||||||||(623.36)||
|||||||||(204.79)||
|||||||||(1,058.00)||
|||||||||(77.45)||
|||||||||(147.05)||
||||||||||**(4,110.21)**|
||||||||||**859.79**|
|||||||||||
||||||||||**768.32**|
||||||||||**1,628.11**|
||**26,335.53**|**(22,700.26)**|**4,507.50**|**500.00**|**(7,900.00)**|**885.34**|**1,628.11**|||
||-|-||||||||