Page 32 - ALG Issue 3 2021
P. 32

                                 APOLOGIES FOR ABSENCE
Neil Dixon Lynda Clarke Colin Bedford Tim Callard
OBITUARIES
Martyn Daniels, London Regional Representative
Al Dean, Yorkshire Member, Member of the Rotherham Alliance
ACCEPTANCE OF THE REPORT AND PROCEEDINGS OF THE AGM OCTOBER 2020
Members voted to accept
TREASURERS REPORT - YEAR ENDED JANUARY 2021
This past 12 months has been a period most of us will want to forget. One saving grace for allotment holders
is that at a time when Government restrictions have been imposed on the nation, many of us have been able to spend time tending our allotments, subject to appropriate guidelines, and being able to engage in an activity which is good for us physically and mentally.
The pandemic has changed the way
the Management Committee work. All meetings continue to be held virtually and generally speaking more frequently.
benefits of our members. However, we are investigating switching, if appropriate and the terms are right, to sustainable companies and markets with better practices relating to Environment, Social and Governance.
Finally, I would like to thank all those
at Head Office for their support in producing information and looking after the day-to-day running of the finances.
Jeff Davies, Treasurer
VOTE TAKEN; 2020/21 ACCOUNTS ACCEPTED
APPOINTMENT OF ACCOUNTANTS 2021/22 - ACCEPTED
VOTE FOR INSPECTION OF ACCOUNTS RATHER THAN AUDIT – VOTE ACCEPTED
Question from delegates on whether there should be a full audit every 5/6 years. Jenny Scaldwell explained that there could be an in-between, full in-depth inspection and this will be discussed with Management Committee for an option in 2022.
Question from delegates regarding ethical investments and the image NAS are putting forward. HSBC and Barclays both score 0 out of 20. JD replied that this has been on the Management Committee agenda. We will be looking at banking options first, with the Society considering the implications for investments.
MOTIONS
1) 8.9 REMOVAL OF REGIONAL OFFICERS, COMMITTEE MEMBERS, PRESENTED BY ALASTAIR WATSON
8.9.1 The Management Committee shall have the power to suspend, terminate or wind-up a Region, any of its Officers, Committee members and/ or individual members whose actions are significantly detrimental to the aims and objectives of the National Allotment Society and in material breach of a Region’s undertakings to the National Allotment Society.
8.9.2 Any action under 8.9.1 will be taken by the Management Committee only after any remediation reasonably required of those of the Region’s officers, committee members
named has not been affected within a reasonable period of time as set down by the Management Committee.
8.9.3 Any dissolution or winding- up order shall require the Officers,
This past 12 months has been a period most of us will want to forget
Committee members and individuals named in 8.9.1.to:
8.9.3.1 Return all National Allotment Society money and assets to the registered address of the National Allotment Society.
8.9.3.2 Remove all indication of their affiliation to the National Allotment Society in any written or electronic publication and communication of any form.
8.9.3.3 Ensure that all affiliated societies, public and private landlords are informed of the end of their relationship with the National Allotment Society.
8.9.4 Any persons included in actions taken under 8.9.1 and 8.9.3 have the rights of appeal as set out in 8.8.4
This would be an addition to the rules and is not an amendment.
Old 8.9 to become 8.10 et seq to end of 8..
• Responsefromthemembership
Delegates were concerned that this could be enacted by a small group
of people and would need to have a good process. Liz Bunting responded that the process will be covered within the Standards and Procedures that accompany the NAS Rules; work on this would commence if the motion is passed.
• Motionwassecondedandavote taken on Motion 1 - passed
    I am sure this experience will reshape the way the organisation is run in the future.
From a financial point of view, the Accounts for the year ended 31 January 2021 show continued financial stability. Membership has increased with affiliation fees up 7% and our Kings Seeds commission growing
by a massive 57% as members and associations have reverted to online purchases in the wake of restrictions. Let’s hope this continues when we get back to normality. There continues to be an increase in Allotment Liability Insurance with signups up a third at over 33,000. The additional resultant sales of ‘other’ insurance products means that the cost of provision of ALI has virtually paid for itself this year.
   The costs of running the organisation have benefitted from reduced management and travel expenses and the enforced restrictions on regions with all shows and most activity cancelled.
The overall result is a healthy surplus of £100k and, despite the economic downturn, our investments have held up well. On the subject of investments, it remains our aim for these to grow
in line with our risk tolerance for the
32 Allotment and Leisure Gardener





















































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