The Twelfth Man 2011

7 Examination of the years ‘trading’ records reveals that – as in the preceding year – the 2010/11 transactions resulted in a surplus amounting this year to £914.72: a creditable outcome. The balance sheet shows a healthy bank balance in excess of £2200 carried forward at the end of the year. This sum is an advance on the corresponding balance of £1,600 in 2009/10 representing a 38% improvement and a solid threshold for ‘trading’ at the beginning of 2011/12. The satisfactory level of working balances has allowed the maintenance of the Society’s investment – now amounting to £5,546.62 – in the National Savings Investment Account, albeit at the derisory interest rate of 0.02% per annum. It will be recalled that this capital sum is funded almost exclusively from the Loans Fund Provision Account balance of £5,340. Thus loans sum, together with the ‘trade’ element of the Accumulated Fund – entered on the accompanying balance sheet – indicate the level of the Society’s solvency at the 30 th June 2011. Together they amount to a sum approaching £8,000, which represents the amount of realizable assets now available to the Society. This is a satisfactory position, which guarantees the Society’s future in the short to medium term at its current level of activity. This asset resource is bolstered by the ongoing loyalty, energy and generosity of individual members in terms of room sponsorships, hospitality payments and donations. For example, a sum of £500 was donated in May by a generous member in response to the Diamond Anniversary Appeal. A Diamond Anniversary is a time for looking back with pride on past achievements and with thanksgiving to all those Society members who have supported and contributed towards its activities down the years. It is also a time for looking forward. Particularly so with regard to where the Society is at this time and where it might wish to be in ten years in terms of management, scope and status. The leading five paragraphs of this report provide ample evidence of the robust health of the Society’s finances. This assessment implies the propriety of the arrangements in place for their management. Similarly, the two preceding reports in this issue of The Twelfth Man by our Chairman, James Greenfield, and our Secretary, Mick Pope, provide a comprehensive review of the variety of excellent speakers engaged last winter, together with references to effective coaching sessions and fund raising events. Clearly, with the achievement in successfully promoting these activities also implies the presence of a sound management facility. It also demonstrates the achievement of the Society in fulfilling its remit under Rule 2 of its Constitution, viz: “The aims of the Society are to further cricket interest and enthusiasm among its members, and to encourage the development of young cricketers.” At this time the range of the Society’s activities are geared to the existing finite resources available to promote them. The ability to promote ‘more adventurous activities’ is, of course, dependent on the TREASURER’S REPORT Past achievement, present situation and future development Roy Foster accessibility of additional funds. James made reference to this need in his report last year, “What we need are the funds to invest in more adventurous activities that may attract a whole new audience. Such a programme must become self-financing…but without the investment it cannot happen.” By 2021 it is hoped that a ‘whole new audience’ may be recruited and the scope of the Society’s activities be extended without prejudice to Rule 2. Ten years on it is hoped that all existing members remain. Yet, if such developments do take place, it is essential that younger members take their turn on the committee. A more far-reaching development over the medium to long-term would be the option for charitable status. Clearly, the implications for the Society in seeking registration under the Charities Act 2006 are major. At this time registration is neither appropriate nor affordable. It is estimated that the cost of engaging a specialist firm to put our case to the Charity Commission would amount to £1,500 and success would not be assured. Additionally, the Society’s constitution would need to be reviewed at a further cost of £600. The Charities Act 2006 codified a list of charitable purposes including the promotion of amateur sport. The major shift was the need for all charities to demonstrate public benefit. It also introduced a number of new freedoms. For example, the publication requirements for schemes and orders were relaxed, making it easier to administer uncorporated charities. On a marginally lower turnover this year – 2.2% down on the ‘trading’ year in 2009/10 – expenditure decreased by 4.3% with a corresponding decrease in income of 0.2%: the narrowest of margins. Comparisons of expenditure and income levels between 2010/11 and 2009/10 on individual account ‘heads’ are of interest: • EXPENDITURE: A 5% increase on ‘coaching’, a 6% increase on ‘speakers’, a 1.7% decrease on Twelfth Man and a substantial fall in outlay on ‘functions’ (including ‘The Christmas Lunch’) amounting to 45.3%. • INCOME: A 33.3% increase on ‘coaching’, a 13.7% increase on ‘speakers’, a 3.1% decrease on ‘subscriptions’ and a significant reduction in revenue generated on the ‘functions’ account amounting to 29.4%. Overall these figures show a remarkable parity between individual account income and expenditure levels recorded in the Society’s final accounts for the respective years 2010/11 and 2009/10. It is pleasing to note that the ‘coaching’ account this year is almost self- financing. A tribute to the efforts of our Coaching Co- ordinator, John Ambler and his wife, Beryl. Similarly, the overall outcome for the year – a £310.60 profit – on the ‘functions’ account is commendable and a testimony to the hard work of our Vice-Chairman and Functions Officer, Ron Firth. Thank you all – members, officers and associates alike – for your support and contributions during another successful year.