AGM 18 March 2008
BRUNSWICK SQUARE CENTRAL LAWN ASSOCIATION
Minutes of the Annual General Meeting held on 18 March 2008
At Christ Church, Brunswick Road, Gloucester
Present:
Jim Procter (Chair), Russell Steel (Vice Chair), Freda Caulkett (Treasurer), Ursula Windsor, Amanda Procter, Margaret Robson, Terry Robson, Harry Gleadow, Chris Prosser (Secretary)
Apologies:
Bob Wyatt, John Gannon, Clive Poulton, Paul Davies, Elisabeth Le Vierge, Martyn White, Carole Carpenter, Eva Harvie, Simon Cohen, Nicholas Totty, Sarah Scott, Stephen Prosser
Minutes of the AGM held on 23 March 2007
Approved as an accurate record, other than a spelling error under Food Hygiene Course (Freda Caulkett, not Fred! Apologies to Freda).
Approval nominated by Terry Robson, seconded by Amanda Procter.
Chairman’s Report
The Chairman said it had been a satisfactory year. Some fund-raising events had been scuppered by the bad weather and flooding throughout the Summer, but an increase in subscriptions and donations had ensured that this year the BSCLA’s outgoings compared to income was only £143.62 in deficit. This is very pleasing, since this is significantly less than the deficit last year.
Had the Neighbourhood Pride grant of £820 from Gloucester City Council been received a week or two earlier, then the BSCLA year end funds would have gained almost £700 this year.
This coming year he hoped that we would look to increasing the funds for the Square through membership and subscriptions and through more, fruitful grant applications. He also thanked the Committee for working together so well throughout the year.
Approval of the Report was nominated by Ursula Windsor and seconded by Chris Prosser.
Treasurer’s Report
The Treasurer circulated a summary report which showed that 01.01.07 – 31.12.07, our spending on
• electricity
• water and sewerage
• gardening
• contractors
• insurance
amounted to £3 473.64
Our income 01.01.07 – 31.12.07, through donations, subscriptions, bank interest and fund-raising amounted to £3 330.02
Our total assets as of 31.12.07 were £9 875.93
This is our reserve for all costs including service bills, gardening and emergency costs (such as tree surgery and repair work)
Approval of the Report was nominated by Harry Gleadow and seconded by Margaret Robson.
Harry Gleadow and Russell Steel agreed to audit the Treasurers Report & Accounts for 07/08 before the end of May 08. They will then bring their observations to the next BSCLA meeting.
Secretary’s Report
The Secretary described this as a positive year of further consolidation for the Square. The gardens are looking wonderful, thanks in particular to the hard work of both Andrew Pearce and Russell Steel.
Highlights had included Terry’s presentation on the History of Brunswick Square to a BSCLA meeting at Hugo & Holly Nursery back in the Summer; also the Guy Fawkes Barbecue which had been very well attended and a lot of fun, helping to bring the community together.
Sadly, a much loved local resident, Beryl Kennedy, died this year, in April 07. Beryl’s lively character is, and will continue to be, missed a great deal.
The Secretary thanked John Gannon again for continuing to facilitate the meetings at Christ Church, and everyone who had supported the work of the Association.
Approval of the Report was nominated by Jim Procter and seconded by Terry Robson.
Election of Officers
President: There were no nominations.
Chairman: Jim Procter was nominated by Margaret Robson and seconded by Ursula Windsor. He was duly elected unopposed.
Vice Chair: Russell Steel was nominated by Terry Robson and seconded by Freda Caulkett. He was duly elected unopposed.
Secretary: Chris Prosser was nominated by Harry Gleadow and seconded by Russell Steel. She was duly elected unopposed.
Treasurer: Freda Caulkett was nominated by Chris Prosser and seconded by Margaret Robson. She was duly elected unopposed.
Election of Committee Members
Following the usual custom, volunteers willing to be Committee members were sought from the floor. The following were duly elected:
Harry Gleadow
Ursula Windsor
Margaret Robson
Amanda Procter
Terry Robson
The following were not present at the meeting, but were provisionally elected subject to their willingness being confirmed at the next ordinary meeting:
John Gannon Sarah Scott
Carole Carpenter Stephen Prosser
Eva Harvie Martyn White
Nicholas Totty Bob Wyatt
Any Other Business
Subscriptions for 08/09
These were agreed to be £90 per house; £40 per flat; £125 per business.
These rates will be retained for 09/10 – but the whole system will be reviewed by the Association during this time, to ensure that the system remains fair, but that it does help to bring in appropriate funds towards the upkeep of the gardens.
Membership of the Association, including the Committee, is free and open to anyone, but contributions are essential if the gardens are to be maintained year on year.
Thanks
The Chairman also wanted to thank Bob Wyatt for emptying the numerous litter bins in the Square so reliably throughout the year, helping the gardens to stay neat and well kept.
Future meetings
Meetings may be held now every 6-8 weeks, but additional meetings can be called at any time to discuss particular or urgent issues.
Refreshments will also be available at each meeting
Date of the next Meeting
Tues 29 April 7.30pm at Christ Church, Brunswick Road.
Subsequent dates will be set at that meeting.
If you currently receive these Minutes by post, but would be happy to receive them by email, please let me know. Thank you.
Chris Prosser, BSCLA Secretary
10 Brunswick Square, Gloucester GL1 1UG
Sprosser1@btinternet.com Tel. 01452-413439