Page 43 - ALG Issue 3 2018

spread the word, but regional bodies are also there to provide help and support.
Having completed three years I am standing down as the National Treasurer after this year’s AGM and hope that a suitable replacement can be found. If you have any accounting experience and ideally live within easy travel of Head Office I would be more than happy to offer any support that is required to my successor”.
Accounts
Jenny Scaldwell of Mcintyre Hudson presented the 2018 accounts.
The panel then took questions based on the accounts.
It was explained that the Centrica shares had been sold.
The increase in computer costs and monies spent on database development were queried, and it was requested that this was looked into by the Governance Committee *(see note)
The depreciation of the value of the office property in Corby was questioned. It was explained that this is just an accounting convention.
under-affiliating. It was noted that it only offers 50K cover – members who wanted more would need to go independently and
it would cost more. A member from Harlow Horticultural Society stated that the RHS insurance policy is not valid if there is other cover in place. Dave M pointed out that RHS insurance does not cover individuals – just the actions of the association.
Associations who would like more magazines do have the option of paying £10 per year for an extra set of copies.
Libby Earle asked about the possibility
of the Society sponsoring horticultural apprenticeships. Libby felt that it would
be a fantastic way of encouraging young people and promoting the movement. Dave M suggested that Libby put a paper to the board.
The increase in staff pension costs was explained; this is due to increased take-up of pensions by staff because of the new compulsory workplace pensions.
Dave Rawlins proposed that the accounts were accepted. Ray How seconded. The accounts were accepted.
A member asked why we do not use
a friendly society for banking. Dave Morris explained that this had been investigated, and when all aspects had been considered staying with HSBC was the only option, but it could be looked at again.
It was amazing to see the differences between areas, with some having almost 100% membership and some Local Authority areas having less than 5%
Appoint Accountants McIntyre Hudson. Neil Dixon proposed. Judith Hill seconded.
A vote was taken on continuing with the Inspection rather than an audit – Accepted. Proposed Neil Dixon. Seconded Dave Rawlins.
Darren Fazackerley Award
Darren was the Harlow Allotment Officer and Eastern Region stalwart, who sadly died last year and is keenly missed by many in the Eastern Region. In his honour and memory, Wyn Marshall presented an award to Olney Allotment Holders Association for the best scheme in 2017. Their Community Plot and compost toilet has increased access for all ages and abilities.
Karen Maher and Liz McInally were both presented with a bouquet of flowers in honour of their 30 years of service looking after the Head Office in Corby.
Tony Heeson, Chair, closed the meeting by thanking the members of staff who not only help make the meeting run smoothly, but also get through an awful amount of work in a day-to-day working week. He also thanked members, who make the effort to attend these meetings, because without the members there would be no meeting – in fact there would be no National Allotment Society. Also a thank you to retiring officers – Treasurer Dave Morris, and South East Region Representative Steve Clements, for all their hard work over the years.
Lunch
After lunch delegates attended the following workshops:
• Kings Seeds
• GDPR
• “NO DIG” – Alan Cavill
• Cherwood Enterprises – Chilli Farm
A Regional Treasurer asked about the
30p per members rebate and Dave Morris explained that there were no plans to change this. If a Region needed more money for allotment promotion then they would need to apply for a grant.
Dave Morris stated that we are open to ideas about spending money for the benefit of the movement. Tony Heeson added that we had looked at buying several sites but that we had been out-bid.
It was requested that the Society looks at shed and equipment insurance for individuals. It was explained that this is very high risk and is sometimes covered under personal house insurance, but we would look again.
It was explained that the new inclusive Allotmenteers insurance only covered the named, paid up member of the Society and was available to Life members who should have received an email or letter in March. The initiative has resulted in a drop in associations
Nominations for Regional Representative – All Accepted
Northern – Eveleyn Leck Eastern – Ray How Southern – Jenny Crawford South West – Neil Dixon London – London
Honorary Life President Appointments
Chairperson Tony Heeson explained that this appointment was to honour people who had put in the extra mile.
Peter Lofthouse – accepted by Paul Neary Karen Kenny – accepted by Ray How
Derek Cooper – presented by Andy Percival
Jim Tandy Award
Mick Merril thanked Ian Crawford for all his hard work for the region and the association, chairing the Standing Orders Committee through turbulent times.
Mr Les Day, retiring CEO of Kings Seeds, was presented with a picnic basket and Life Membership of the Society.
*The inflation of IT cost can only partially be attributed to the development of the new database. G.E.T, who are developing the database, has only been paid £3500 to date. The largest increase is for maintenance of the existing system. A small increase was seen for Ashby Computer Services for project work, such as moving the server due to the building work and providing a new router, and support for the improved internet and phone service.
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