The Rossendale Rambler

A copy of the Group's accounts for the financial year 1997/8 is annexed together with the accounts for the previous year for comparison purposes. Taking into account the sums expended on behalf of RAWF which have been and are still to be recovered from the N.E.Lancs Area funds, I estimate the minimum annual spend of the Group to be in the region of £150.00. We are assisted in achieving this minimal spend by the generosity of the Officers, Committee Members and Leaders who all refrain from claiming their entitlement to travel, subsistence or telephone expenses.

Now that we have lost the additional subsidy which is payable to new groups for the first three years from inception, however, our annual income from capitation will only be about £110.00 which leaves us with a deficit of £40.00.

Our largest expense is the production of the Rossendale Rambler, which costs about £80.00 per annum to produce and post.

However, I regard the Rossendale Rambler as an indispensable means of communication with those members who we never see, one which helps to retain their loyalty and continued membership.

I would recommend that its costs of production should be ringfenced if economies are to be considered.

I recommend, therefore, that, one of the first tasks the Committee should undertake when it next meets, should be to consider methods of fund raising.

Our current membership. numbers are 102, exactly the same as at the last AGM. However, 15 members have resigned or not renewed their subscriptions during the year and they have been replaced by 12 new members and 3 who have transferred in from other groups.

I have had 15 enquiries during the period, not all of whom have followed up by joining. And we have had one recruitment exercise which is detailed in the Secretary's report. Clearly, in view of our financial position, set out above, an increase in membership with a consequential increase in the amount received by way of capitation would assist.

I recommend, therefore, that the Committee makes plans for a recruitment drive when it next meets.

Apart from the new boy, Ian Tattersall, who agreed to join the committee, there was little change in the line up of officers elected at the 1998 A.G.M.

Reg Rattan graciously agreed to hold the reins as chairman for another year whilst Alan Johnson agreed to continue to do the job of secretary, treasurer and membership organiser. Walter Waide will remain as footpath officer, publicity officer and editor of "The Rossendale Rambler"

Committee members are Richard Sumner, Joan Breeze, Sheila Goggins, Ian Tattersall, Frank Driver and Keith Pickup. All agreed to remain in post for another year.

The next meeting of the committee will be on Tuesday, 19th January at 7.45 p.m. at the regular venue of the Griffin Inn where the beer is always good!

Back to The Rossendale Rambler Contents Page

Back to The Rossendale Ramblers Home Page