Accounts for the Year to 31 December 2015
Download Accounts for the Year to 31 December 2015
Download Pie Charts for the Year to 31 December 2015
Annual General Meeting: Report of the Trustees for the Year to 31 December 2015
The Friends' AGM was held on 20 April 2016. The President, Sir Angus Stirling, welcomed those present, and the minutes of the 2015 meeting were approved.
Trustees' Report for 2015, delivered by Andy Walker:
After objections from The Friends, the developers of the Campden Hill project agreed not to press for thinning of the trees along that eastern edge of the park. The Friends had also objected to the removal of the brick structure around the Earls Court gates as requested by the Commonwealth project developer. The Friends and others objected to Safestay's application for large branded signage in the park, and the application was withdrawn. All signage had to be in Holland Park style. The Council had commissioned architects to propose design options for buildings on the Holland House site that benefitted the park and provided appropriate facilities for Opera Holland Park during the opera season. The Friends had sponsored Ecology Centre events, funded the stable yard clock repair, donated new 'wave' benches, and published a new Kyoto Garden guide. Some 80 artists had supported the art exhibition which had been well attended, as had two talks, two concerts and the Pimm's party.
Treasurer's report for 2015, delivered by Simon Lindesay-Bethune:
The balance for the financial year 2015 was £105,645, therefore £3,381 more than that for 2014. There had been two generous donations, of £5,000 and £1,000. Subscriptions and merchandise sales were up, event income and costs down. The increase in Aims Expenditure was due to printing of publications, and money spent funding improvements to the park.
Secretary's report, delivered by Rhoddy Wood:
Membership stood at 993, with 25% acquired through the website and 40% through letterbox drops. Members were encouraged to sign up for Gift Aid and to pay by banker's order.
Election of the trustees: Charles Bauccio had resigned as treasurer and trustee, and Gordon French as trustee. Sandra French had been co-opted as trustee. All trustees who had agreed to stand were (re-)elected.
Election of the independent examiner: Roger Foreman was re-elected.
Chairman's Outlook for 2016 was delivered by Jennie Kettlewell:
Much has happened since the AGM, and this is an opportunity to update you rather than report on the situation as it was in mid-April. Please therefore see News Update.