Partially Sighted Society Havering Established 1977
(Registered Charity No. 1186148)
Minutes of Annual General Meeting held on 16th May 2022
Welcome
John welcomed all back to Yew Tree, which fitted their needs perfectly.
Apologies
Hilary Ryding, Patricia Golding, Jannene Salter, Chris Nicholass, Sam Adams, Ken Furnell, Richard Darmody, Betty Baker, Denise Hanrahan, Wenda and Julie Cordell & Eileen Walton
Attendance - There were 30 members present.
2021 Minutes
The Minutes from the May 2021 AGM were read out by Janice. The Minutes were accepted as a true record of that meeting by the members present. Proposed Tracy Pearce and seconded Glynda Davison.
Matters Arising
There were no matters arising.
Chairman’s Report
John thanked everyone who wrote to their councillor/MP and gave real reasons for why they should be in Yew Tree. This was in response to an email in February stating that that we would not be allowed to use Yew Tree in future due to cost. Barbara Nicholls, Director of Social Services, received over 30 emails speaking up for us and John believed that this was why we are now back here.
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John thanked the 1[st] Upminster Scout Group for enabling us to use their hall to re-start our meetings. It was not the best of halls (a bit chilly in those winter months) but better than nothing.
So what have we been doing
Entertainment - we have had: ukulele band “Out of the Blue”, very good and very loud! Quizzes from Sandra, 2 singers Ian and Linda, plus the Metropolitan Police provided an informative evening, they did very well as they came at the very last moment.
In 7 months we have seen 3 shows at the Queens Theatre – ‘The Witchfinder’s Sister’, ‘Kitchen Sink’ and ‘Adrian Mole the Musical’. Unfortunately, the Aladdin show was cancelled due to a cast member testing positive for covid. We also arranged 2 trips, a walk in the Thames Forest Centre and horseracing in Chelmsford. We can look forward to more great things to do now that Anna and Michael are looking after our activities.
Last year our first social gathering at the ‘Secret Garden’ went so well we are holding another this year. The barbecue at the Scouts Hall was a great afternoon. Plus, the Christmas party, despite being in a cold hall, was a great success with people enjoying the fish and chips and entertainment.
Income - To help with costs of providing these activities we were lucky to be awarded a £1000 grant from Tesco which has gone towards the barbecue, Christmas party and transport costs. We have applied to other companies for further funding and will let you know how we get on.
Members - Sadly over the past 9 months 3 members have passed away, 1 moved away and another not well enough to attend. John mentioned 3 new drivers Eve, June and Ian and asked that they are made known how much they are appreciated as without them we couldn’t get so many people here.
Drop-in - John mentioned the Tuesday Drop-in where a great job has been done at HAD getting the group up and running again. Now back at Yew Tree the one-to-one demonstrations can resume.
Policies
Risk Assessment Policies
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These policies keep our members safe on a day-to-day basis. We have risk assessments for this group and the Drop-in at Yew Tree, Scouts Hall, HAD and the barbecue.
Safeguarding Policies
John explained as a registered charity we have safeguarding policies to ensure we make you feel safe on a long and short time basis. The policies are reviewed and updated each year and are available to be seen at any time.
General Data Protection Regulation (GDPR)
This began in 2018 and we have to get your consent to hold your information and how you would like us to contact you, every 5 years, so they need to be updated next year. If members joined less than 5 years’ ago, then consent will be required again after the 5- year period.
PPL Licence (Phonographic Performance Limited)
We hold a PPL licence enabling us to play recorded music in a public place. The fee is collected on behalf of record companies and performers.
Public Liability Insurance
We have public liability insurance for everything we do, at any location. It also covers items we have bought for the demonstration room.
Committee Members
Some committee members are also Trustees for other charities and attend their meetings, which helps to ensure we are all working together and able to support each other.
As Val Poole is stepping down from the Committee, John thanked her for all she has done for the PSSH over the last 18 years. He asked if anyone wished to join the committee and have an input on what we do and explained we meet every 3 months at Hornchurch Fire Station.
Thank Yous
John thanked the Committee, and those involved with the Drop-in, tea ladies, barbecue, plus the drivers, HAD for allowing us to use
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their premises for the drop-in, Romford Lions for paying for the minibus, and the Scout’s Hall for use of their hall while Yew Tree was unavailable. Also Harrow Lodge Leisure Centre for use of their tables and chairs for our social event last year (and for this year). Plus, Tesco and Groundworks for their £1000 grant. Finally, the members of PSSH who make it what it is.
Secretary’s Report
Janice hoped that the Coronavirus situation was now behind us and it was good to be back in familiar surroundings. She has taken and typed up Minutes from our committee meetings as well as the AGM. In addition Janice has helped construct letters sent to Yew Tree management, Councillors and MPs regarding returning to Yew Tree, plus helped construct a letter that has been written regarding decreasing train announcements to ensure visually disabled people are not disadvantaged.
Also Janice completed the forms necessary to obtain the £1000 grant from Tesco to be awarded to the Society.
Although not generally able to attend the Monday evening events she has helped out from time to time and also driven members to events.
She wished the PSSH another successful year.
Treasurer’s Report
Peter read out for Sally the details of income and expenditure for the year ending 31.3.22 which were placed on the tables. There were also figures for 2021 as a comparison. With Tesco grant and extra donations total excess of income over expenditure was £199.62.
Peter acknowledged Sally’s efforts in getting this done despite all her health issues this year.
Sally said due to her health situation Peter will be helping with finances although she will still be in control of the account.
Sally thanked Esther Mannoukas for dealing with the accounts.
She asked if there were any questions, there was just a query about hall hire which was answered.
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Social Secretary’s Report
Jeanette hoped everyone was enjoying the entertainment so far. She is looking for recommendations but doing ok at the moment. She thanked Sandra for stepping in at short notice.
Looking Forward
June – Music In Hospitals Trust, classical evening with guitarist and violinist
July – Peter Wilson, talk on Buckingham Palace August –Barbecue
September – to be confirmed
October – Friends or Foe
November – Paul Seckleman (playing accordion) December – Christmas Party with Angie Walk
Membership Secretary’s Report
Members who have left the group
- Sadly, passed away Joanne Price, Joan Sendall, Violet Young, Eric Walters
- Moved away Suzanne Kaylene
ill health - Danny Quinlan
9 New Members – Rachel Asamoah Jackie Burr, Eva Farraud, June Fitzgerald, Ian Hastings, Sean Murphy, Pat Moody, Hilary Ryding and Liz Skipp
Total number of Members - 63
Transport Secretary Report
John thanked all the new drivers who do a great job. DABD have taken over all our transport needs at the moment and have not let us down, all the drivers have been good.
Resource Centre Report
Glynda mentioned that the Resources Room Team is made up of Chris, Sandra, Malcolm and herself.
There was not a great deal to report as the Resource Centre had been closed since the start of the Covid lockdown. During the
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lockdown period they could offer some advice over the phone. They were pleased when HAD offered their facilities for the drop-in centre but unfortunately there was no demonstration room due to lack of space. So advice could be given but no items to try out. They have given information regarding Dial a Ride, taxi cards, Talking Newspaper and how to avoid various scams. Also Cobolt catalogues have been given out.
Now they are back at Yew Tree and preparations are being made for reopening.
Each Tuesday the Smart Reader is available, which will scan most printed letters and read it back, there are headphones so only you can hear it. There is always someone to assist if required.
The laptop will be available once it has been updated.
Glynda thanked the team for all their support and hard work in preparing the room for getting back up and running soon.
Tuesday Drop-in
Besides the Resources Room Team, it is run by Jo Irwin-Hunt, Denise Robinson and Gene Holroyde. Sadly, Brian decided not to return after the lockdown and Glynda thanked him for what he has done for the group over many years.
The drop-in has been back since 25.1.22. Thanks to HAD for providing a temporary home while fighting to get back to Yew Tree.
The group returned to Yew Tree on 19.4 and meet 12.30-3 every Tuesday. A talk/demonstration happens on 1[st] Tuesday of the month. Also Jo reads from the newspaper and we then have a discussion from events of the day.
On the first Tuesday in May TfL visited to talk about the Elizabeth Line, opening on 24.5.
On the first Tuesday in June, Clover from Tesco at Gallows Corner will bring along various fruits to feel smell and taste.
New items are being introduced like quizzes. They are open to suggestions on moving forward. Their main purpose is to meet with others who have a vision impairment to chat, swap and share ideas with refreshments included.
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Glynda thanked all who help at the group and to those attending and bringing raffle prizes. She looked forward to seeing people there.
Fundraiser Report
There was £584 raised last year. Patty asked for donations (to save asking John for money!).
The Committee Resigned
The committee resigned and we all had a well-earned cup of tea or coffee.
Elections
The Committee were re-elected en bloc, proposed Eva Farroud, seconded Jackie Burr
Peter thanked John for all his hard work. He has been chairman for 25 years!
Any Other Business
Activities
Queens Theatre - Maggie May
Hop Inn Hornchurch on 26.6 1-3, just turn up and pay as you go, with a selection of beers and a couple of ciders.
Social Gathering at Garden for the Blind – on 23.7, which is free
Buckingham Palace – 28.7 – details to be confirmed by 28.6 Barbecue – 13.8
Sandra was organising a walk round Langton Gardens on 20.6. Anyone interested please see her.
During the pandemic we were given 2 CCTVs so John asked if anyone wanted one free of charge, they can be shown how it works.
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Meeting finished 9.40pm
PARTIALLY SIGHTED SOCIETY HAVERIN INCOME AND EXPENDITURE ACCOUNT PERIOD 12 MONTHS TO 31 MARCH 20
INCOME
Theatre charge Day trip charge Raffle BBQ BBQ refund
Sale of pens/badges/stationery/diaries Fund raising red pots Shopping bags Donations - sundry small Entertainment Subscriptions Drop in Funds Auction DBS
EXPENDITURE
Outings - theatre etc
BBQ hire Hall hire
Day trips Entertainment
BBQ food
Public Liability/Computer insurance Postage/stationery/diaries/pens/badges/tr Fish and chip supper BBQ hall AGM refreshments Donation
Hall hire - HAD
PPL License
mugs teapots
Christmas party expenses DBS check
Vouchers/raffle prizes shopping bags Flowers & Gifts
Excess of Expenditure over Income (R
Extraordinary receipts Grant from TESCO Donation Donation
Total excess of Income over Expendit
At bank 1st April 2021 Cash in hand
At bank 31st March 2022 Cash in hand
Increase in Funds from all sources in the period
Examined and found to be in accordance w
Esther Mannoukas
NG (PSSH) T
022
12 mths to 31 Mar 2022 £
666.00 660.00 548.00 225.00 147.75 92.50 145.22 10.00 32.00 0.00 0.00 0.00 0.00 0.00
717.70
ain far
468.77 400.00 327.00 290.00 223.91 194.96 173.98 148.00 115.00 110.00 50.00 80.00 69.02 43.96 43.80 67.15 29.00 5.00 9.60 40.00
Regular)
1000.00 130.00 150.00
ure
8,221.68 14.57 8,411.10 124.35
with the documents and records
2,526.47
3,606.85 -1,080.38 1,280.00
199.62 199.62 s provided.