Partially Sighted Society Havering Established 1977
(Registered Charity No. 1186148)
Minutes of Annual General Meeting held on 1st August 2021
Welcome
John welcomed everyone to the first Annual General Meeting (AGM) of the registered charity, covering 3[rd] November 2019 to 31[st] May 2021.
Apologies
Betty Baker, Eileen Sweeney, Eric Waters, Eva Saunders, Gene Holroyde, Joanne Price, Joan Sendall, John Slocombe, Lilian Bennett, Pattie Collings, Pater Slattery, Sandra Steadman, Sylvia Fisher, Winnie Lombard
Chairman’s Report
Charity Commission – There were a few changes, now having to submit a financial and management report to the Charity Commission each year. The Committee is the same as the nonregistered charity and we must inform the Charity Commission of any change. The policies which were updated in July will now be updated in November to comply with the registration of the charity. Members will be able to study all the policies we have in place at any of our meetings.
Tesco’s Grant – On being informed by Tesco we had got through to the Bags for Life scheme, we were told the grant system would be reduced from £4,000, £2,000 and £1,000 to £2,000, £1,000 and £500. Unfortunately, due to Covid, grants were then suspended but on 17.3.21 were informed that we had been awarded a £1,000 grant. This can be spent how we choose so long as we can show how we spent it and that people had enjoyed it. The Committee will be meeting in a couple of weeks to discuss how it should be spent. Any suggestions will be taken on board.
– Away from Yew Tree
22.11.19 English Spirit Distillery
04.01.20 Queens Theatre - Robin Hood
Yew Tree Club Nights (2019-20)
November – Peter James, singer
December – Christmas Party
January – Domino Bingo
February – Mike Conyers
March – would have been the ukulele band (but for the pandemic!)
However, the ukulele band have been booked again for September.
Transport
All the volunteer drivers, DABD and Romford Lions who did a splendid job in those 4 months. We would not be able to meet without them and look forward to working with them in the future.
Membership
Unfortunately, we lost 2 members – Olive Goodfellow passed away in July 2020 and Sally Turner who passed away earlier this year in May. One new member joined, Dave Lander one of the drivers (much appreciated)
Drop in and Resource Centre
The Drop-in team have embraced the changes re the charity as they were virtually running independently. There had been no guide on who was looking after the money and record keeping but there is now a robust scheme in place with which the team were happy to follow. During lockdown the Resource team have been very supportive. Unfortunately, there was no trip to Southend that year due to lockdown.
John would like to thank
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all the Committee for their support through these difficult times, keeping in touch with the members to make sure they have not been forgotten.
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the volunteer drivers and all those who help out at the meetings and events. They have made the last 4 months they best they could be.
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those who have donated to the society, whether through raffle prizes, buying raffle tickets, contributions to red pots or a general financial donation, it is all very gratefully received.
A member then spoke of her appreciation of having had a phone call from Jo, Brian, and Denise at the Drop-in.
Glynda thanked John and Janice for their efforts in achieving the grant from Tesco.
Treasurer’s Report
Sally read out the Income and Expenditure 1[st] November 2019 to 31[st] March 2021.
Income totalled £2,182.23. Expenditure totalled £2,078.00
Excess for this period is £104.23
Grand total in Bank is £7,616.80 and £246.44 cash
Any Questions
There were no questions.
The Committee Resigned
The committee resigned and we all had a well-earned cup of tea or coffee.
Election of Committee Members
The Committee were re-elected en bloc with the exception of Sue Kaylene who is planning to move away soon. Pattie Collings has
offered to join the Committee. John asked if there was anyone else who wanted to join the Committee, to which there were none.
Proposed – Denise Hanrahan
Seconded – Eve Farraud
Any Other Business
Yew Tree – John has been in regular contact and written to the Centre Manager as well as the head of Disability in Havering, Andrew Sykes. John was told he would receive a letter by the end of July. He is hoping by the end of August there will be some plan of what will happen. We want to get the Resource Centre and Drop in running as soon as possible due to a backlog of clients wanting to get information.
Monday evening group is not looking to go back until September. John will let everyone know when he hears something. The Committee will be in touch with everyone as normal and will keep the members informed of any changes.
Barbecue
Taking place 28.8 in the Scouts Hall ground in Upminster. Transport is available and we have details on how to get there for those making their own way. Sally is taking names and payment for those willing to pay today
Queens Theatre
They are open and taking bookings. We are planning to go on 18.9 to “Beginning” which costs £14. Also the panto, Aladdin, on 30.12 costing £16.
Any Questions
We were asked how much was the barbecue which was £5. John confirmed venue for the BBQ was at the Scouts Hall in Upminster.
Re subs - in the next committee meeting in a couple of weeks we will be looking at what subs we will be charging to the next financial year.
PARTIALLY SIGHTED SOC INCOME AND EXPENDITU PERIOD 5 MONTHS TO 31
INCOME
DBS Theatre charge Entertainment Subscriptions Drop in Funds Day trip charge Raffle Fund raising red pots Auction Sale of pens/badges/station Donations - sundry small
EXPENDITURE
DBS check Outings - theatre etc Entertainment Minibus hire day trip Day trips Hall hire (not set against gr First Aid Course Postage/stationery/diaries/ Fish and chip supper Public Liability/Computer i Christmas party expenses Flowers & Gifts Donation Vouchers/raffle prizes
Excess of Expenditure ov
Extraordinary receipts Donation - In Memoriam
Total excess of Expendit
Funds at Bank and in ha At bank 1st November 2019 Cash in hand
At bank 31st March 2020 Cash in hand Less: unpresented cheque
Decrease in Funds from all sources in the period
Examined and found to be i
Esther Mannoukas