GENERAL TREASURER’S REPORT

I have pleasure in presenting my report and accounts of the Central Fund and Central Reserve Fund for the year ended 31st December 2011.

Our income for 2011 is up on 2010 but on closer examination this is entirely due to the sales of badges following on from the purchase of new badges this year. Whilst membership numbers show a steady increase over the past three years the mix has dramatically altered with over 60’s membership increasing whilst there is a decrease in full members. This has lead to a slight fall in the income to the Central Fund. This change is something we as the more “mature” ringers should be of concern and we should be considering how to encourage young people to join our bands. The Young Peoples Forum, mentioned below, gave us certainly food for thought as the perception of ringing by young people. However my report is not the forum for this to be discussed and hopefully the next District Forum will address some of the issues raised.

Our major costs are the Guild Report and the insurances both of which show an increase from 2010 to 2011. In 2011 we sent a delegation to the Young Peoples Forum which was subsidised by the Guild. There was additional funding for the Librarian. With the increased sales of badges the associated cost is greater than 2010 as would be expected. There was a timing difference in the payment of the Communications Committee expense which has resulted in one payment for 2010 and the normal two for 2011 being charged in this year’s accounts.

Just prior to the yearend I transferred money from the Reserve Account to cover the Guild’s Public Liability premium which is due for payment on 1st January. A transfer of excess funds from the Central Fund to the Reserve Fund will be made once I have received the next years proportion of the Guild subscriptions from the Districts.

District subscriptions were received as follows:-

Total financial assets held by the Guild are as follows:-

Michael Bubb