MORETON IN MARSH PROBUS CLUB
ANNUAL GENERAL MEETING 13th JANUARY 2025
TREASURER’S REPORT

Gentlemen, I present the accounts of the Club for the year ended 31 st December 2024. My report is based on figures
that have not yet been independently examined. John Woodall has once again agreed to undertake this task and I will
confirm to you when this has been completed. This will be my last submission to you as I prepare to hand over the quill
pen and abacus to John Fletcher. I am sure you will give him the same support and encouragement I have received
these last five years.
1. The Club recorded a deficit for the year of £321.11. Although we made a small loss on our social events and we
renewed the maintenance and licence costs for our website, our other costs have been kept under control and leave us
with a balance of cash in our bank accounts of £1717.34. This is approximately £200 greater than the balance I
inherited in 2019, and although lower than recent years, it is satisfactory in terms of our normal cash flow. It is for this
reason, for example, that we felt it appropriate and affordable to provide gifts for our lady guests at two of our events,
and to provide reception drinks at the Christmas lunch.
2. The main point of interest for members, however, is the subscription for the coming year. As always, in determining
subscription fees for a new year, I have to consider the impact of the following effects:
 Number of members. We are currently at 31 paying members; I have used 32 in my forecast, as I am aware of
one new member waiting anxiously to join. As our only reliable source of income, it is important for us all to be
aware of opportunities for inviting prospective new members to our meetings.
 Number of Speakers and their likely costs. Our Speaker costs in 2024 did not rise as we may have expected but
we can anticipate some movement in 2025. Whilst I have not seen the projected speakers’ list for 2025, I
would hope that asking some of our own members to speak to us will help keep our costs manageable.
 Meeting costs. With the change in management of The Swan I have anticipated a rise in Meeting Costs. I have
not had the opportunity to discuss this issue yet, but I have included an increase in my projection for the
coming year.
 Administration costs. Not a significant element in the overall costs of the Club, but should not be overlooked.
The renewal of our website agreements this year are for three years in total, so will not recur until 2027.

The table on the next page indicates my view on these items and also reflects three targets at which I try to aim
through the course of a year.
 Subscriptions should cover our normal costs
 Social events should be self-supporting
 Our current account should have a balance in the region of £1000.00 at year end
It is my view that we should set the subscription at £85. This is £5 more than the 2024 figure, but anticipates cost rises
as described above. If we are able to attend 22 meetings during the year, with a good range of speakers and light
refreshments as well, I think it represents good value and I believe this figure should be supported by the membership.

Alan Hartridge
Hon. Treasurer
January 2025

​