Annual General Meeting October 2022 Chairman’s Report
Introduction
On behalf of the committee, it is my pleasure to submit this report as part of our AGM. I will start with a general overview by commenting on our membership base, followed by a look at our facilities and equipment. I will conclude by taking a look at the way ahead. Please note: our Treasurer will report separately on the health of our finances.
General Overview - the year so far
The last two reports have been dominated by the pandemic and the many uncertainties that it presented. Fortunately, we have come out of it relatively in good shape. I think we hit the right balance of trying to open when allowed and staying in touch with each other through Whatsapp and email. It was certainly unchartered territory for us and not one I would like to repeat. Overall, we weathered the Covid storms well.
Membership remains strong. There has been some interest from potential new members but not the post-pandemic rush that some of us predicted. Once again, Wednesdays seems to be the main day and it is great to see the workshops a hive of activity. Previously, the committee had concerns about the balance between numbers and facilities (and available equipment). However, the committee feels that we have a good balance but we can certainly take on new Shedders.
I always mention our relationship with our landlord. We remain extremely grateful to him for allowing us on the farm and without his support we could not survive. We try to support him and it is always a pleasure to help the family out, whether it is repairing some agriculture equipment, keeping a watchful eye on the buildings or extracting a sheep from a feeding cage (a new experience for some). After nearly 6 years on the farm we have not come across any major problems. A tribute to us all.
Our inventory of equipment remains impressive and comprehensive. Our new storage shed means that we have all of our stock (both wood and metal) on site and in easy reach. This has been a big boost and completes our desire to be self contained. It is worth mentioning here the support our landlord gave us siting the shed and moving the stock from the other side of Ramsey - we would have struggled
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with his help. We are always looking for new tools and capabilities and encourage everyone to offer suggestions (Suggestion Form on the landing notice board).
Looking Ahead
Projects: Once again, this year has seen only a few community projects being requested. So there seems to be a trend and that is fine as it allows us to concentrate on our individual tasks. I always find it encouraging when someone has a project on the go and others help out either physically or with advice. Afterall, that is what the Shed is about, interacting and helping each other. With that in mind, we will carefully consider any outside work - particularly if it brings revenue - but not if it could divert us from our own projects. That leads me on to learning new skills.
New skills: It has always been our ambition to offer new skills. We have run instruction on wood turning, using the scrollsaw and how to safely operate the chainsaw. Many have benefitted from this and it is a theme we should continue. As I go to print, we have purchased a pyrography kit and the plan is to run courses very soon. Also, we plan to run a course on operating the Myford metal lathe. We welcome any other ideas on how we can improve our skill set.
In Sum
We remain in good shape. We have a good balance of membership, space and equipment and our relationship with our landlord is excellent. That said, we can take on new members. Requests for support with community projects have been limited but working together and helping each other at our home base has been very positive.
Developing new skills is a clear focus for 2023. We have the plans and the equipment - it will be soon time to deliver. Ramshed is doing fine and with your support it will continue to be a great (and fun) club.
John Wiltshire
Chair
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RAMSHED
STATEMENT OF ACCOUNT OPERATING YEAR 2021-2022
(Prepared By Andy Wilson - Ramshed Treasurer May 2017- Present day) (Audited By Mr Roger Brereton - Independent Auditor 4 April 2022)
RAMSHED Account End FY 21‐22‐Final
Page 1 of 4
RAMSHED
NOTES TO THE 2021‐2022 ACCOUNTS
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Accounts produced from 1 Apr 21 ‐ 31 Mar 22 ‐ Our 4th FULL Financial year (FY).
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Accounts feature many self explanatory sub group code transactions , i.e. SALES, TOOLS , CONSUMABLES , DONATIONS, OFFICE etc., along with specific items such single lines as Electrical Bill and Insurance Etc.
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It has been an interesting year, not least of all the present lock‐down/restrictions and closure of Ramshed Operations during our Financial Year. This has effected revenue and conversely such things as electricity consumption which is down considerably.
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As for the previous year ,and because of obvious COVID‐19 lockdowns and shed meeting restrictions, we have not had the financial turn‐overs as in previous years before the pandemic. This has directly affected GRANTS in particular. Though Interestingly SALES of Surpluses Equipment and donated items has increased considerably.
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Again a VARIANCE Column is included for this years account as comparison Totals against last FY 20‐21. Additionally it should be noted that certain lines do not feature in this year and are shown zeroed.
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At our AGM we voted to increase our Annual Subscriptions to £50 per year to account for a formalized rent of the Workshops . The detailed contractual obligations are yet to be agreed with our landlord however, it is anticipated that the shed will have sufficient funds to cover our obligations when the time comes. Certain Subscriptions are including part Calendar Year. Also it should be noted that the Subs Calendar year was amended (Pushed Out ) by 3 months to be due in January and each 12 months going forward.
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During this FY we purchased an number of new machine tools for more modern or improved function for our members use . This is reflected under sub section TOOLS compared with last year.
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During this FY Ramshed changed our bank from TSB to a Barclays ‐ Community Account.
RAMSHED Account End FY 21‐22‐Final
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- These Accounts have been independently audited and found satisfactory as of 4 April 2022 (Certificate at sheet 4 ).
RECEIPTS AND PAYMENTS ACCOUNT FOR THE YEAR ENDED 31ST MARCH 2022
RAMSHED Account End FY 21‐22‐Final
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Audlt Certificate for Ramshed Year ended 31" March 2022 I have examined the records presented to me and considered the explanations Biven. In my opinion these accounts present a true and complete plcture of the finances of the association. Signed: R J Brereton. Date: 41h April 2022 RAMSHEDAttOunt End FY 21-22-Final Page4of4