FinalAnnReport 2004 _artwork - Hugha.co.uk

I am pleased to report that the numbers on the 2004 expeditions
(YE + YL) showed a significant improvement on 2003 and the number
of acceptances (with deposits paid) for 2005 is well ahead of previous
totals at this point in the recruiting process. Our finances also made a
huge improvement, recovering to a break even point after last year’s
deficit. Fund raising, which was started late last year and is another
vital aspect of our recovery plans, has been slow but it now seems
to be showing encouraging signs. The Council believes these factors
indicate that the recovery is starting and for the 04/05 financial year
we are looking for a result between our realistic and target options.
We will need focus and hard work to carry this through successfully
but I must thank all those who have contributed so much at these early
stages. However, I do wish to make a direct appeal to the membership
for any help you can give with the fund raising. If you know someone
with influence in a company or a trust or if you can help in some more
direct way, the office would be delighted to hear from you.
Particularly with a view to the Society’s 75th Anniversary in 2007 we
are also seeking to improve our membership records mainly through
points of contact with each expedition. We still need help in this area,
so if you can assist in any way, do please contact the office. As part
of this effort a new package of membership benefits has been
introduced and two very successful members’ dinners were held in
London during 2004.
During the year, the Council decided that Council Members should
serve a maximum of two three-year terms and then stand down for a
year. Under this rule Pat Cannings, Tony Whiting and Richard Wood
step down in January 2005. They have all contributed enormously in so
many ways and we hope that they will continue their links with the
Committees during 2005 and seek re-election next year. After many
years of sterling service to the Society both as a leader and in our
committees , Brian Needham has also decided to leave the Council and
to stand down as Vice Chairman. We will miss his contribution.
Once again I must pay a very special tribute to our office staff so
ably led by Alexander Matheson. As well as dealing cheerfully and
efficiently with the all the routine work required to put the expeditions
into the field, they have also had to face an increasing load
of regulation and other effects of an ever more litigious society. The
energy and initiative shown by Sam Eve on the recruiting front,
by Sarah Patton on applications and administration, by newcomer
Sarah-Jane Goodall at the expeditions desk and in the stores, by
Robert Kibble with the accounts, all actively supported by Tori James,
continues to be most impressive and much appreciated.
So, although we have been through a rough patch financially, we
continue to run excellent expeditions for which the demand is once
again picking up. However, we need support to raise YE numbers still
further and to raise funds. Please do all you can to help your Society.
Roy Wood
CHAIRMANS REPORT | 2004
OUR PURPOSE…
to provide young people with an intense and lasting experience
of self-discovery in a demanding and natural wilderness environment.
CHAIRMAN’S REPORT
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