WORCESTERSHIRE FEDERATION OF YOUNG FARMERS’ CLUBS
MINUTES of seventy-eighth Annual General Meeting of the Worcestershire Federation of Young Farmers’ Clubs held at County Office on Friday, 12 November 2021 at 7.30 pm.
THE PRESIDENT – The President, Mr P Ash, welcomed 42 members and friends. A minute’s silence was held for friends no longer with us.
APOLOGIES FOR ABSENCE were received from Mr D Pardoe (Life Vice-President), Mr W Davies (Vice-President); Misses A and L Callwood (Abberley), Mr T Green (Cutnall Green) and Mr R Coulson and Mr N Towle (Wythall); Mr R Woodward (Co-opted), Miss K Rose (Treasurer), Mr M Yarnold (Trustee) and Mrs H Maiden.
MINUTES – The minutes of the seventy-seventh Annual General Meeting held on 11 November 2020, having been circulated, were taken as read, adopted and signed as a correct record by the President.
ANNUAL REPORT FOR 2020/21 presented by Mr C Wood. Mr Wood thanked everyone for attending and for their support. The focus would be on going forward and get the social side up and running. Two years ago, they were talking about a new constitution - one that was relevant for today and this has been completed. He was pleased to have continuity with the Vice-Chairman and Deputy Vice-Chairman, which was a big positive. He thanked the Board of Management for keeping everything going during the last two years and Mrs S Symonds for her hard work in the office. The future was looking good and Mr Wood hoped they would be in a better position.
The Resolution “That the Annual Report for 2020/21 be received and adopted”, was proposed by Miss M Phillips, who said it had been good getting back together and they would go from strength to strength. This was seconded by Miss C Potter, who added it had been a difficult time and was looking forward to the next year.
THE ANNUAL REPORT FOR 2020/2021 was unanimously adopted by the meeting.
STATEMENT OF ACCOUNTS FOR 2020/2021 presented by Mrs J Rose in the absence of Miss K Rose (County Treasurer).
In presenting the accounts, Mrs Rose said that the accounts showed a small loss of £967 on the General account and thanked the Trustees for their work. Expenditure had been kept to a minimum and £6,000 had been transferred from the Building Fund to help and support Clubs. A defibrillator had been purchased.
The Building Fund showed a profit of £2,386, which was down on the previous year and the Balance Sheet showed a final figure of £533,924, an increase in the Federation’s funds of £6,060.
Mrs Rose thanked Mr Minett for preparing the accounts and the President thanked Mrs Rose and Miss Rose.
Mr H Watson moved the Resolution “That the Statement of Accounts for the year 2020/2021 be received and adopted”. This was seconded by Mr B Williams and adopted.
PRESENTATION OF THE ANNUAL RETURN OF MEMBERSHIP – Mrs S Symonds, County Development Officer, said that as at 31 August 2021, which was the end of the membership year, there were 131 members. The following details of the Annual Return of Members to the National Federation at that date in 9 Clubs were: 42 Juniors, 44 Intermediates, 37 Seniors and 8 Associate Members. Making a total of 131.
COUNTY DEVELOPMENT OFFICEER’S REPORT – Mrs S Symonds had received a letter from the NFYFC President, Mr Nigel Owens, which she read out to the meeting.
She said she was so pleased to be seeing everyone face to face. The last year had been full of ups and downs being in and out of lockdown, but the future was shining brighter. She was immensely proud of every Club and each one was moving forward starting from scratch. Clubs’ new members’ night have proved a success with new membership forms coming in. She thanked Mr P Rose, Mrs J Rose, Mr P Ash and the BOM for all they had done over the past year with successful zoom meetings. She thanked Mr N and Mrs E Tyler who go above and beyond for the Federation and they would be lost without them. She had also set up a WhatsApp group with all the units which is helping with communications and they can feel part of the Shires Farm community. The new Heart Defibrillator will be a benefit to them as well as the young farmers and the hirers of the meeting room.
Mrs Symonds said she had the pleasure of getting to know Mr Wood better over the past few months and with having Miss Phillips and Miss Potter on board she looked forward to build on growing the Federation. Her son said he could join in 3 years’ time because he wants to win one of the trophies! Lastly she thanked the members who were the reason everyone was in this meeting, why they had an amazing building and why the supporters work tirelessly behind the scenes. The members were the past, the now and the future and Mrs Symonds said she was honoured and privileged to work for and with the members.
The Chairman thanked Mrs Symonds who had always been there for him and Club Chairmen, keeps the room hire running and supports the Federation.
ELECTION OF PRESIDENT – Mr C Wood read the Resolution that “That Mr P Ash be thanked as President and that Mr A Nott be asked to accept election as President of the Federation for the year 2021/2022”. In moving the resolution, Mr Wood said that Mr Ash had done a lot of work behind the scenes with the Constitution and, although he was stepping down, with his wealth of knowledge he would be in the background. This was seconded by Miss M Phillips who said that Mr Ash has been a huge support and new faces would bring new ideas. The Resolution was carried unanimously by the meeting.
ELECTION OF VICE-PRESIDENTS – Mr Ash read the Resolution “That Mrs M Sinnett, Mr R Smart and Mr J Dudfield be thanked for their services during the past four years and that in their places Mr A Morris, Mr M Jennings and Mr M Brian be asked to accept election for a period of three years. Also, that the remaining Vice-Presidents, being Mr D Hazelwood, Mr W Davies, Mrs H Smalley, Mr A McMinn, Mrs S Callwood and Mrs S Smith be thanked for their services during the past year”. In moving the resolution, Mr J Bradley said that Mr Jennings and his parents had all been in Wythall YFC and he was now a Life Vice-President. He had been involved with Stockjudging, showing calves and ploughing. Mr Morris had been a member and supporter of Crowle YFC and had helped with the County Federation. Mr Brian had been a member and Chairman of Bromsgrove YFC and County Chairman as well as helping with sheep shearing and sheep judging. Mr Bradley thanked all the VicePresidents who were essential to the running of the Federation. This was seconded by Mr A Kirk. The Resolution was carried unanimously by the meeting.
ELECTION OF COUNTY CHAIRMAN – Mr Ash read the Resolution “That Mr C Wood be thanked for his services during the past year and that Mr C Wood be asked to be re-elected as County Chairman for the year 2021/2022”. In moving the Resolution, Miss M Phillips said that the last two years had been a challenge and Mr Wood supported the County and Clubs and been a good friend. She looked forward to working with him. This was seconded by Mr H Watson. The Resolution was carried unanimously by the meeting.
ELECTION OF VICE-CHAIRMAN – Mr Ash read the Resolution “That Miss M Phillips be asked to accept the role of County Vice-Chairman for the year 2021/2022”. In moving the Resolution, Mr C Wood said that Miss Phillips had played a fantastic role with her Club and stepped up to have it running successfully. He was sure the County would be in safe hands. This was seconded by Miss C Potter who said she had worked hard during the past year and looked forward to working with Miss Phillips. The Resolution was carried unanimously by the meeting.
ELECTION OF DEPUTY VICE-CHAIRMAN – Mr Ash read the Resolution “That Miss C Potter be asked to accept the role of County Deputy Vice-Chairman”. In moving the resolution, Mr C Wood said that Miss Potter was another great candidate and had formed a junior club at Abberley YFC which had been self-sufficient. In seconding the resolution, Mr J Bradley said he had seen the work Miss Potter had done at Abberley YFC and the County would be in safe hands. The Resolution was carried unanimously by the meeting.
ELECTION OF HONORARY TREASURER – Mr Ash read the Resolution “That Miss K Rose be thanked for her services during the past year and be asked to accept the position of Honorary Treasurer of the Federation for the year 2021/2022”. This was moved by Mr C Wood who thanked Miss Rose with the help of Mrs J Rose. Their help was crucial at this time with all that was going on in County. This was seconded by Miss M Phillips, who added her thanks to Miss Rose and Mrs Rose for all their work. The Resolution was carried unanimously by the meeting.
APPOINTMENT OF AUDITORS – Mr Ash read the Resolution “That Minett and Co, Chartered Accountants, be thanked for their services during the past year and that they be asked to accept reelection as accountants for the Federation during the year 2021/2022”. Mrs J Rose thanked Minett and Co for their advice and preparation of the accounts and moved the Resolution. This was seconded by Mr H Thatcher. The Resolution was carried unanimously by the meeting.
MEMBERSHIP FEES – Mr C Wood read the Statement “That the Worcestershire Federation membership fees for the period 1 September 2021/22 will remain the same and all 2020/2021 members would get free County membership for re-joining: Seniors - £36.75; Intermediates - £31.50; Juniors - £26.25; Associates - £21”.
CONSTITUTION – Mr Ash read the Resolution “That the new Constitution be received and adopted”. This was moved by Mr C Wood, who said that revising the Constitution had been in progress for years before Mr Ash had become President. He was pleased that the new Constitution was now ready for the Federation to go forward. He thanked Mr Ash and everyone who had been involved behind the scenes. Mr Ash explained that the Executive Committee had unanimously agreed the new Constitution and this was a formal endorsement. This was seconded by Mr F Jordan and agreed.
COUNTY BUILDING – Mr F Harcombe presented the report on the County Building. He said the units were thriving and, although there had been a change of tenant, overall they were doing well. He thanked Doorbars for their continued help and the easement was still with the lawyers. Fibre optic cables had been installed for the use of the Federation and the units and they were awaiting Open Reach to do the connections. Room hire was extremely successful and Mr Harcombe thanked Mrs Symonds, also Mr and Mrs Tyler for their work providing refreshments and maintaining the property. So much had been achieved.
CLUB CHARITY REPORTS –
Abberley – £748.60: The Club decided to raise money for their Club funds; a donation from Lions Kidderminster of £175 for fundraising with Santa, raised £61.30 by the Williams family selling holly and Christmas trees and £8.30 donations from a social with Martley YFC Members volunteered at Little Hearts Matter Open Day – 8 members for 7 hours = £504.
Bromsgrove – Unfortunately due to Covid no money was raised for charity, but plans were in hand to raise money for St Richard’s Hospice and Air Ambulance in the next year.
Crowle – Nothing this year due to lockdown. However, the Club had a new programme and had been working with Crowle Village Hall and juniors did a litter picking around the village. Any funds raised would be subsidising membership and club funds.
Cutnall Green – £254.70 split between The Farm Safety Foundation and Midlands Air Ambulance; raised by an online raffle.
Inkberrow – £2,720: raised by Charity calendar £700, 10 people modelling calendar £400, 4 members planting bulbs for 3 hours - £120. £1,500 to Bone Cancer and £1,000 to St Richard’s Hospice. Martley – Due to Covid it had not been possible to do their usual fundraising but had started to meet up holding BBQs and rounder’s and help running local churches drive in cinema. Once lockdown eased, online meetings and virtual events took place and the New Year had started with fortnightly meetings.
Tenbury Wells – After a quiet year due to Covid, the Club had recently held a meeting to discuss its future and progress back to a strong club. They would be holding a social at the end of each month and would start to plan fundraisers to get the Club going again.
Upton upon Severn – £360: raised £90 for Yellow Wellies by a raffle at the Harvest Supper £270 raised by volunteering at Hanbury Show and Harvest Supper for Club funds.
Wythall – £11,966.86: £3,062 to The British Heart Foundation in memory of Harvey Morris raised by walking, running and cycling as many miles as members and supporters could in 24 hours, plus £1,000 from Bash on the Borders; the remainder of £8,904.96 to Club funds; 10 hours of charity work was completed. A further £242 was raised at the ploughing match for The British Heart Foundation.
PRESENTATION OF AWARDS 2020/21 – Made by Mr P Ash.
Mr Ash said it had been very different from his first year as President and he thanked Mr Wood, Mrs Symonds and their team for coming through the challenging times. He also thanked Mr D Hazelwood for arranging for meetings to be held on zoom and Mrs Symonds for her hard work promoting the meeting room. Limited events had been held and he thanked the Clubs for their work in restarting their activities. He thanked his wife and family and Mr P Rose, Chairman of BOM. He then handed over to the newly elected President, Mr A Nott.
Mr Nott thanked the members for his election and looked forward to working with an excellent team. He said he had been County Chairman when Mr J Fellows was President. He also added his thanks to Mr Wood and Mrs Symonds and their team.
During the meeting presentations were made to Mr and Mrs Rose, Miss K Rose Mrs S Goodwin and Miss J Allen
DATE OF NEXT EXECUTIVE COMMITTEE MEETING – To be held at the County Building on Monday, 31 January 2022 at 8.00 pm.
The meeting was declared closed at 8.55 pm.
PRESENTATION OF THE ANNUAL RETURN OF MEMBERSHIP
As at the 31[st] August 2022 which was the end of the membership year, there were 343 members.
In 10 clubs we had;
107 x Juniors
119 x Intermediates
91 x Seniors
26 x Associate members
Making a total of: 343
Worcestershire Federatlon of Young Farmgrs Clubs statement of Flnanclal Activiti&s for the year ended 31 August 2022 General Fund 2022 2021 Incom• Membership fees 9.301 31 9.301 31 Profit on Evènts Social events and lund raising County show Competitions {498} 15,863) 654 {284) 17,0151 12821 Oth•r Income County youth worker expenses Rent receivable Hire of rooms and equipment Sundry Income Grants Bank interest 12,000 1,485 10,897 294 18,000 1.485 7,918 359 3.140 28 24,704 26,990 30.909 30.658 ssEx Rent Salaries and expenses Printing, stslionery and computer expenses Postage National levy and insurance Telephone and communication costs Repairs and replacements County officers, expenses Training and development National fares pool Independent Exarniners, fee Sundry expenses Depreciation enditura 3,900 13,572 3.756 2,250 5,622 2.995 63 470 481 1,875 230 1,530 708 350 1,005 690 881 1.335 25,880 15,844 Sur lus for the 1.110 14.814 Les$ Allocation Members Support Fund Purchase of Defibrillator 9,140 2.000 11,140 1.110 3.674 Page 2
Worcestershlro Fgderation of Young Farmers Clubs ststement of Financial Activities for the year ènded 31 Augu$t 2022 Buildlng Fund 2022 2021 Inco Renl and service charges receivable Bank inl&r&st 43,325 32,393 43,132 32,395 L•ss Ex enditur• Rates and insurance Lighting and heating Telephone Repairs and maintenance County youth worker expenses Professional fees 4,821 2,408 966 12.164 12,000 4,743 932 1.488 579 6,821 18.0 2,189 37,102 30,009 lus for the ear 6,030 2.386 Page 3
Worce5tershir• Fgderation of Young Famiers Clubs Balance Sheèt as at 31 August 2022 2022 2021 Note xed Assets Tangible assels Investments 292,112 293.117 292,113 293,118 Current Assèts Stock of trophies Debtors Loan- Shires Fami Ltd Bank accounts Cash in hand 14,366 19.998 62,025 164.446 22 260,857 14.366 10.560 62.025 170.138 224 257,313 Creditors- amounts falling due within one year 8,913 13,514 Net Current Assets 251,944 243,799 Total Assets Less Current Llabllities 544.057 536,917 Creditors: amounts falling due after more than one year 2.993 2.993 541,064 533,924 Represented by: Unrestrtcted Funds General fund Building fund 291,018 236.546 289.908 230.516 527,564 520,424 Restrlcted Fun Educational fund 13,500 13.500 541.064 533,924 Page 4
Worcestershlre Federation of Young Farmers Clubs Notes to Statèment of Finaneial Activities for the year ended 31 August 2022 Tan ible A5 Freehold Land & Building$ Equipmgnt Total Nel book values al 1 Septèmber 2021 4.015 289,102 293,117 Depreaation 1,005 1,005 Net Book Values at 31 August 2022 3,010 289,102 292,112 Investments 2022 2021 1 Ordinary share- Shires Fam Ltd Market Value 1 Ordinary shaTe- Shires Fami Ltd Creditors - Amounts falling due within one year 2022 2021 Creditors Accruals Reserve for building improvements and training Reserve for show InMe Reserve for membership support fund ReseN& for defibrillator 1,480 708 541 690 824 860 9.140 2,000 6,184 8,913 13,514 Cr•ditors- Amounts falling due after mtsre than one year 2022 2021 Creditors 2,993 Page 5
Worcestershlre Federation of Young Farmers Club Nots$ to Statement of Financlal Activities for the year onded 31 August 2022 Unrestri èd Funds Balance at 1 Sept. 2021 SurpluslDeficlt for the year Balance at 31 August 2022 Gener81 fund Building fund 289,908 230,516 1.110 6,030 291,018 236.546 520.424 7,140 527,se4 R¢strlcted Fund5 Balance at 1 SepL 2021 Surplus for the y•ar Balance at 31 Aug. 2022 EdUtiOnal fund 13,500 13,500 Page 8