South Woodham Ferrers u3a Annual Report 2024 -2025
To All Members – From the Chair
Another successful year for our u3a, all down to the enthusiasm of our members, with the support of the Group Leaders and our committee.
Our secretary, Ann, continues to get articles into the “Focus” on a regular basis which highlights our activities and groups. I’m sure that these have contributed to the continuing increase in our membership.
I would like to take this opportunity to thank all the members of the committee for their hard work and support during the year, they have certainly made my job easier, (I do think that I have the easiest job on the committee, but don’t tell them that). And of course, to our many Group Leaders – we wouldn’t have the groups without you.
Membership
The trend this year again, has been upwards, with 271 members (including cluster and associate), which shows a healthy, active u3a. A similar comment applies to the number of members attending our monthly meeting which is currently around the 80-100 mark.
Accounts
The annual accounts are attached to this report, even with no increase in the membership fee this year, we are confident of a financially healthy future. Our treasurer, Kate, will address the AGM on July 2nd with more details. Incidentally, this will be Kate’s final presentation as she has to step down, but I know she has left the books in excellent condition for her successor, (more on that below). Thank you, Kate, your work as Treasurer is much appreciated.
Groups
The activity groups continue to increase with a Beginners French, Needle-Felting and a Weekenders groups up and running. Many of our groups have a waiting list, which, while unfortunate for those waiting, I take to be a very positive sign of the participation of the members.
Social Activities
As far as the social activities organised by our social secretary, we had the very successful quiz night last November which attracted many u3a members and friends. Although the table I was on didn’t win anything, I did enjoy the evening.
Committee
I would like to thank Kate Smith, our Treasurer, who is standing down after many years of excellent work. I’m very pleased, (and relieved), to say that we have a member, Linden Rosam, prepared to stand for Treasurer and I know that Kate will provide an excellent handover. Linden has previous experience in being treasurer for a charity and we will introduce her to you to at the AGM where you will be asked to vote on her appointment. We also have a new, experienced, person to take on the role of auditor – another key position, (although not on the committee).
Also at the AGM, as well as the rest of the committee willing to remain in office, you will be asked to vote on the appointment of Tracey Dowling who was co-opted as Social Secretary last year, and Lynn Perham to join the committee without specific responsibilities but willing to pitch in where needed.
David Hayes, Chair SWF u3a
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CHARITY COMMISSION FOR ENGLAND ANO WALES Independent examiner's report on the accounts Section A Independent Examiner's Report Report to the trusteesl members of South Woodham Ferrers U3A On accounts for the year ended 31103125 Charity no (if any) 1181261 Set out on pages 1and2 I report to the trustees on my examination of the accounts of the above charity {llhe Trust.) for the year ended 3110 Responsibilities and As the charity trustees. you are responsible for the preparation of thè basis of report accounts in accordan with Ihe Charities Act 2011 ("the Act.). I report in respect of my examination of the Trust's accounts carried out under section 145 of the 2011 Act and in carrying out my examination, I have followed all the applicable Directions given by the Charity Commission under section 145{5)(b) of the Art. Independent he charity's gross inco examiner's statement undertake the examinati applicable listed bodyl]. e exceeded £250,000 an by being a qualified me elete [ ] rfnof applicable. l am qualified to ber of linsert name of I have completed my examination. I confimi that no material matters have come to my attention (()ther than that disclosed below ') in connection with the examinats'on which gives me cause to believe that in, any material respect.: the accounting re of the Act," or the accounts did n the accounts did n conceming the fo (Ac¢ounts and Rep that the accounts gi nsidered as part ds were not kept in accor ance with section 130 accord with the accounti comply with the applicabl and content of accounts rts) Regulalions 2008 oth e a Irue and fair, view w f an independent examin records., or requirements t out in the Charities r than any requirement ch is not a matter ion. I have no concems and have come across no other matters in connection with the examination to which attention should drawn in this report in order to enable a proper understanding of the accounts to be reached. Please delete the words in the brackets rfthey do not apply. Signed: Date: 2L-4-zoi<. Name: Il ÉL BAi(£ Relevant professional qualification{s) or body (if any): IER October 2018