Annual Report and Accounts 2006

Annual Report and Accounts

Year ended 31December 2006

Contents

1 Notice of Meeting Page 3

2 Chairman‘s Report Page 4

3 Minutes of the 2006 AGM Page 9

4 Treasurer‘s Report Page 11

5 Statement of Accounts for 2006 Page 12

6 Balance Sheet Page 13

7 Auditor‘s Report Page 13

8 Notice of British Association AGM in Nice Page 14

9 Proxy forms Page 14

10 Notes to Proxies Page 14

Committee

Chairman Alastair Ross Fayence 04 94 76 17 70 [email protected] Secretary Selwyn Glick Draguignan 04 94 47 06 28 [email protected] Treasurer Bob Pritchatt Le Muy 04 94 45 18 44 [email protected] Welfare Coordinator Elaine Bowler Néoules 04 94 72 79 34 [email protected] Social Secretary Auriol Langen Grimaud 04 94 43 26 22 [email protected] Membership Services Isobel Pritchatt Le Muy 04 94 45 18 44 [email protected] Membership Secretary Clare Brown Tavernes 04 94 72 37 42 [email protected] John Collingwood Draguignan 04 94 47 24 05 Peter Massey Lorgues 04 94 73 93 37 [email protected] Pauline North Les Arcs 04 94 85 22 06 [email protected] Stella Reynolds Montauroux 04 94 67 33 81 [email protected] Tim Russell Taradeau 04 94 99 42 05 [email protected]

Page 2

BRITISH ASSOCIATION of the ALPES-MARITIMES and the VAR VAR Branch

Putting people and social needs together

8th Annual General Meeting

Notice is hereby given that the eighth Annual General Meeting of the Var branch of the Brit- ish Association of the Alpes-Maritimes and the Var will be held on Friday, 23rd February 2007 at 11:00 am at Restaurant les Jonquières, 1005 boulevard de la Libération RN 7, 83490 LE MUY.

By order of the Committee Selwyn Glick Dated 31st January 2007 Hon. Secretary

Agenda

1. Apologies for absence 2. Minutes of the seventh Annual General Meeting held 24th February 2006 (See page 9) 3. Chairman‘s Report for year ended 2006 (See page 4) 4. Treasurer‘s Report and Accounts for the year 2006 (See page 10) 5. To elect Officers - Chairman Hon. Treasurer Hon. Secretary Welfare Officer Hon. Auditor 6. To elect 8 Committee Members (See note 1) 7. Any other business (See note 2)

Notes

1. Any member of the branch legally resident in France whose membership dues are up-to-date wishing to stand for election to the committee must notify the Hon. Secretary no later than seven days before the AGM with brief details of themselves and with the name of a member willing to propose them. (Branch Rules and Regulations 14c) 2. Any member who wishes to raise a question at the annual general meeting shall submit the question to the secretary in writing not less than seven days before the date of the annual general meeting. (Branch Rules and Regulations 14e) 3. Only paid-up members may vote at general meetings. (Branch Rules and Regulations 14d) 4. A copy of the Branch Rules and Regulations will be available at the meeting. Any member who wishes to receive a copy prior to the meeting should contact the Hon. Secretary.

Page 3 Chairman’s Report

for the year ended 31st December 2006

Introduction to continue to build up reserves at Committee the rate we had in the past. Even t is my pleas- before the BABA money, our self- leven committee meetings were I ure to report to generated reserves were sufficient at E held during the year, making a you again on the the present time. I remain confident total of 75 since our foundation. activities and that should a sudden need arise, I As usual, all the committee have future of the Var could rely on the generosity you worked extremely hard and I thank Branch. have always shown in the past to each and every one of them for all meet that need. As the accounts they do. All of them are standing for show, we have Our new policy is therefore to budget re-election and there are no vacan- had a major change in our financial for a near breakeven situation each cies on the committee. The table policy and this, sadly, caused us to year, thus leaving our reserves at a below shows the present committee, lose the services of Jim Blythe. I constant 170 thousand Euros. Inevi- with their role, date of joining, and will explain this policy and our rea- tably, we will have a small surplus or attendance record during the year. sons for the change under the head- loss each year, but the principle of Selwyn Glick has been Secretary ing of Finance. balance is clear. We would dip into since almost the start and with 70 our reserves only if a major welfare We have also started a major review meetings to his need arose or to invest in new ser- of every activity of the branch. A credit is second vices for you the members. In any series of working groups has been set in the league event, we would seek to rebuild the up and by the AGM, many will have table! He con- reserves afterwards. had their first deliberations. tinues to edit Let us be clear—this does not mean and produce the As I will report in more detail, we we need less income. Our budget Newsletter each have spent a record amount on Wel- shows that we continue to seek more month, has or- fare this year. to meet our planned expenditure on ganised and led Financial Policy services and ever growing welfare three more coach trips and as Secre- needs: but we will not be trying to tary is one of our principal links with t the beginning of the year, the turn every occasion into a means of the Membership and the outside A British Association received a making money. As the year pro- world, in itself a time-consuming considerable sum from the dissolu- gresses we will give regular progress task. These rôles would be more tion of the British American Benevo- reports. than enough for most, but, in addi- lent Association, which had for some tion, Selwyn performs an endless years held the funds realised from Atten- the sale of the British American Hos- Member Role Elected Address pital. The BA‘s share was 30% and dance‡ this money was finally received at Alastair ROSS* Chairman 1998 Fayence 11/11 the beginning of the year. Selwyn GLICK* Hon. Secretary 1999 Draguignan 11/11 Rather than leave this sitting in a Bob PRITCHATT* Hon. Treasurer 2004 Le Muy 10/11 lump in the Central Committee‘s Elaine BOWLER* Welfare Co-ordinator 2004 Néoules 10/11 bank account, it was agreed to appor- tion this among the branches in pro- Auriol LANGEN* Social Secretary 2003 Grimaud 8/11 portion to membership, just as Cen- Isobel PRITCHATT* Membership Services 2004 Le Muy 10/11 tral Committee expenses are met by Clare BROWN* Membership Secretary 2005 Tavernes 9/11 the branches. This resulted in the John COLLINGWOOD* Welfare 2004 Draguignan 9/11 transfer to your branch of a reserve of 91,378 €. Added to our own re- Peter MASSEY* Welfare 2005 Lorgues 7/11 serves of 80,269 € at the end of the Pauline NORTH* Events 2006 Les Arcs 10/10 year, this means that the branch has Stella REYNOLDS† Welfare 2006 Montauroux 7/10 reserves of over 172 thousand Euros. Tim RUSSELL* Committee 2005† Taradeau 9/11 It is important to understand that the money from BABA is regarded as a ‡ = committee meetings attended / possible maximum resource of last resort. Nevertheless, * = members offering themselves for re-election the majority of the committee be- † = member co-opted during year and standing for election lieved that it was counter-productive Page 4 round of welfare visits. group to study thanks from the brother in the UK Jim Blythe felt he could not support new ideas for of one of the mem- our new financial policy and re- our social pro- bers he has been signed as Treasurer at the beginning gramme. As caring for. He of August. Jim served as Treasurer always she wondered whether from the formation of the branch and would be de- we were aware of no small part of our success has been lighted to re- what a treasure we due to his efforts. We are grateful to ceive ideas and offers of had in John. We are—and so are the him and shall miss him. homes for our many people he cares for. Again, Bob Pritchatt boldly offered to take informal parties. Her ideas and com- John represented the BA at the Re- over as Treasurer and it says much mitment are vital to our continuing membrance day parades in Draguig- for his ability success. nan where he is given pride of place that our ac- beside the Sous-Prefet and the Maire. counts have Isobel Pritchatt has moved over to Peter Massey also joined the com- continued to Membership Services Development mittee in 2005 and has worked as appear on time and is leading our group on this sub- assistant Welfare Officer. His work each month. ject. Her ideas on this subject will with the Bereavement Support Net- This has been a be of benefit work and his major undertak- to all mem- foundation the ing. Bob is also bers. During Ark matches well leading a new the year, she with his general working group which is revising our wrote, pro- welfare work. investment policy and seeking to duced and His work with the improve the branch administration directed our lonely and be- and records to meet the needs of a first Murder reaved, often growing organisation. He is also one M y s t e r y more than ably of our essential logistics men using which was supported by his his trailer to transport chairs, tables held in July. Her tremendous hard wife Shirley, has been of immense and other paraphernalia to some of work resulted in a great evening and the cast vowed to repeat the event value. our main events. this year in a slightly different format Tim Russell has not enjoyed the best Elaine Bowler has continued with a brand new play. of health during 2006 and spent time through the year as Welfare co- immobilised in hospital and at home. ordinator. Ably assisted by her team, In addition to her role of Minute Sec- We are all delighted that he is now in she has given constant support to retary, Clare Brown has again pre- much better many people in pared the new edi- health. De- need. Welfare tion of the Address spite his ill- is not a job Book and, on the ness, he man- which can be resignation of John aged to attend p l a n n e d — i t Havercroft, took all but two falls on our over the vital job meetings. His carers out of of Membership loss, however, t h e b l u e . Secretary. Inevita- has been our Elaine has al- bly, she is leading gain since his ways been able the team studying brain went into overdrive as he spent to keep the committee fully informed ways in which our membership ad- time thinking about the work we do without breaching the confidentiality ministration can be improved. and how it can be improved. His of those helped. She is leading a Last year, I described how John ideas will come to fruition during working group to recommend what Collingwood had become recog- this year. He is leading a working assistance and additional resources nized as the BA‘s in-house expert on group to study the problems of lone- need to be given to the welfare group the French Social Security system. liness. to enable them to offer an even better During the year, he has continued to service. maintain his extraordinary pace and Pauline North joined us at the For the third consecutive year, is constantly last AGM and Auriol Langen has organised the bullying the has become Greetings and Christmas cards, from staff of the So- increasingly obtaining the designs from our mem- cial Security involved in bers, printing all the cards herself and visiting assisting Auriol and seeing that they are sold. She has those in need. with the organi- now taken over the role of coordinat- It is no surprise s a t i o n o f ing events and is leading a working that I received a letter of profuse events. She is Page 5 serving on the meetings of the Central Committee If you find that you can no longer teams for events of the Association and two meetings support us for any reason, please tell and publicity and were held in Nice last year. us and don‘t just wait to be struck publications. off. Lastly, please do remember to Membership tell us when you move or change In Stella Reynolds your e-mail address. we have for the first embership now stands at 459, time on the com- M a further increase over last Publications mittee a mother year. But, as the chart shows, this is with a schoolboy the smallest annual increase since we or a second year, Siddalls has son . Trained as a started. We actually welcomed only F sponsored our Newsletter, thus Samaritan in the 55 new members this year (about helping to defray production costs. UK, Stella has not half the number in each of the last Monthly publication has continued only proved in- two years), whilst almost as many and we continue to receive favour- valuable in welfare left for varying reasons. able comments. work, but has also Auriol‘s Christmas and Greetings contributed new It is clear that we have to improve Cards have again been a major ideas on the social considerably our publicity. We still source of income and we are grateful side. keep discovering potential members who have never heard of us, or who to Auriol and to all those who con- Apart from committee members, I believe all we do is to hold a few tributed designs for this years‘ cards. would like to pay tribute to two social functions each year! I urge In particular, a big vote of thanks is members who have resigned their you all to help us by spreading the due to Fred Carpenter, who for the positions during the year. Paul word of what we do and what we second year running has won the Cronk, as Honorary Auditor to the stand for. prize as designer of the best-selling branch, has audited all our accounts card. We are very grateful to all since the beginning. I thank him on Membership subscriptions remain those who contributed designs and to your behalf, for all he has done. the same for 2007 at 20€ for indi- all who bought the cards. Please Secondly, John Havercroft has viduals or 38€ for couples. In nine think up new designs; we propose to been our Membership Secretary years, our annual subscription has offer the cards again this year. since he left the committee and has risen by only a quarter, but the ser- The address book has proved valu- been invaluable in dealing with the vices and welfare work that we do able and the February 2007 edition administration of new members and have increased considerably. will be published shortly. Do please subscriptions collection. We are In reviewing her new post of Mem- remember to notify Clare of any er- very grateful to him. bership Secretary, Clare has been rors or future changes. With eight members plus the four disappointed to find that many mem- As mentioned in the Newsletter be- Executive Officers standing for re- bers need several reminders before fore Christmas, we are planning a election, we have no vacancies on paying. This wastes postage and new Recipe Book to contain your the committee at present. However, stationery and, above all, time. Do favourite Christmas recipes. This we shall need new committee mem- please renew your subscription when will be published in time to make a bers in the fu- it is asked for; it really does help us. ture and I hope that a few of you will ap- proach us over the next year to indicate an interest in standing in the future. We will certainly find ways of using you and this would enable you to slide more easily into the role at a later date. The Chairman and Secretary represent the branch at the

Page 6 useful Christmas gift and will also Our two self-catered Garden Party day out, with much include details of how Christmas is lunches at Danny Ashley-Claydon‘s history and infor- celebrated in Provence. and Lindsay Phillips‘s were wonder- mation and a quiz ful. Rosemary Booth and her team at the end, just to Events of Cookies performed their usual check that you have miracles and we had lovely weather. followed the route ven more events were held dur- and found every ing 2006 than in the previous The Murder Mystery put on by Iso- E feature. Full details year, a total of twenty-nine. Prices bel and her team of Actors received a will be included in the March News- ranged from 17€ to 33€, with Burns‘ mixed reception. Everyone who letter. Night with its Piper, Scottish country actually went thoroughly enjoyed a dancing, haggis, plenty of whisky memorable evening, but it was most Another innovation. In November and additional wine being special at disappointing that more people did we shall be holding a ―Showcase of 39€. not go. It was a huge number of Talent‖ where members are invited rehearsal hours for the Thespians, to ‗show off‘ their talents, handi- However, it has been a fairly mixed and a shame that there wasn‘t more crafts and hobbies. We know many year. We had to cancel some events support. We think perhaps it was too people have interesting and creative through lack of support, yet other late in the summer, visitors had pastimes and this will be the place to similar ones were well attended and started arriving and people were gen- share them with others. The Christ- most enjoyed by all. erally getting busier. However ‗the mas Cards and Books will also be Coffee mornings and the informal Team‘ are not disheartened and will there and tea and coffee will be lunch and evening events have again be performing a new mystery this served all day. Details will be in the proved to be popular with members, summer in differing locations. newsletter shortly. and we are most grateful to the hosts We were delighted that the train and Our hosts have once again invited us of these functions. As a Host you let coach trips were so well received for the Garden Party and Vendage yourself in for a lot of work in ad- and overbooked: to Digne and to Aix lunches, and we still have brave vance, an invasion of people you for the Cezanne exhibition, and of members who are prepared to hold may or may not know all over your course the shopping spree in San informal events at their homes house and garden, plenty of clearing Remo. So Selwyn has been per- throughout the year, so we look for- up afterwards, and finally the satis- suaded to organise some more for us ward to meeting you all around the faction of ―a job well done‖. this year. Var. Restaurant lunches had much lower The two Carol Services were well It is obvious that we cannot please attendance and we had to cancel one attended and finished the year on a all the members all of the time, but altogether, so towards the end of the happy note. each event, large or small, popular or year we arranged fewer. But as al- not, takes up time and energy to or- So a little about the events we are ways the Régusse lunch was well ganise. We are always open to offers attended in the Salle de Piscine with arranging for this year. A new inno- of innovative ideas for functions and its wonderful view of the rolling hills vation – a full day car Rally and help to get them off the ground. of the ‗Haute Provence‘. The Carol sightseeing tour of the central Var. Service lunch was also packed to Tim Russell is putting in hours of Our thanks go to Isobel who was capacity at Les Arbousiers. research and creating an interesting organising the events at the beginning of last year, and was later helped out by Auriol and Pauline. This year Auriol is co -ordinating the Social Calendar with support from Pauline and others. Again, I should like to make special mention of Danny Ash- ley-Claydon and Lindsay and Anne-Marguerite Phillips who have, year after year, made available their gardens for our open air buffet lunches. Special thanks also to Rosemary Booth who has been responsible for the design and co-ordination of the self-catering lunches. We are indebted to them and also to those who held coffee mornings, informal lunches and wine evenings, including Alma Ho-

Page 7 sie; Sheila Glick; utmost to ensure the confidentiality ticularly in instances where there is Dawn Runnicles; of those whom we help and this no family support. There is often a Diana André de la sometimes limits our ability to pub- need for much practical help aside Porte; Rosemary lish cases. from bereavement help. Warburton; Sue  John has been helping a couple, We work with both the Bereavement Mulberry and one of whom has cancer, to ob- Support Network and Ark and pro- Natalie Mekie; tain the Carte Vitale and cover vide financial support to the latter Anne Sherry; for the bills of nearly 20,000 € and have offered such assistance to Carla Washbourne; Janie that have accrued for their treat- the former. Schlapfer; Sonia Cuttell; Vera ment. He is also trying to arrange Fosh, Christine Pheby and Stella for a move to permanent accom- The dedication of those members of Reynolds; Isobel Pritchatt; modation from their caravan. the committee and members in- Bérengère Ross and Auriol Lan- This has involved daily visits for volved in helping some of the less gen. long periods of time. fortunate among us is remarkable and I commend them all to you. The Many people are of enormous assis-  A young single mother with two British community would be a sad- tance in the organizing and running children both of whom have der place without the work they do. of the many events. Thanks to all medical problems. She needed a those who prepared food for our self- computer to use the Internet to catering functions, many of whom obtain up-to-date information on Conclusion did not ask to be reimbursed for their her children‘s problems. We costs; to the movers of tables and were able to provide a suitable Meanwhile, we have a very full pro- chairs; to the people who store boxes computer and pay for the installa- gramme to work through for 2007 of books; to the readers at the carol tion of a phone line as she only and I hope you will continue to find service and particularly to our organ- had a mobile. We also provided the Var Branch of the British Asso- ist, Tom Baldwin. Christmas presents for the chil- ciation even more worthy of your dren. support. I never tire of saying that it As ever, it is a pleasure for me to pay is your Association and it is for you tribute to the generosity of the mem-  Another case is someone who has to help us make the branch what you bers who have attended the func- suffered a major brain haemor- want it to be. We want you to be tions. The funds created by your rhage and now receives a handi- proud to be members and to go out generosity at these events will be of cap allowance from the state. and make sure all the British people immense help to our beneficiaries The paperwork involved in main- you meet know of us. both now and in the future. My sin- taining the allowance taxes even cere thanks to all of you. the fittest of our committee, let Please come and support us at the alone someone who is handi- AGM: it means a considerable Welfare capped! amount to your committee when you  We visit a person who has been come to the meeting to support us, elfare payments again in- in our charge since the branch hear what we plan and tell us what W creased this year to a total of started. In addition to visits, we you think. If you really cannot 10,013 € (9,074 € - 2005), an in- provided a subscription to the come, please send in your proxy crease of 10.3%. In total, the branch Weekly Telegraph as a Christmas form (see page 13) in good time. It has now distributed over 36,300 € present. gives much greater legitimacy to our since it started in 1998. The trends efforts if we are supported by the  We helped to move a member show that this is likely to increase majority of our membership and not when they had to leave their just those attending the meeting. even more in 2007. In addition, we apartment at short notice, provid- have made emergency loans totalling ing both labour and transport. Finally, thank you to all of you for almost 6,000 € during the year, most supporting us during the year. of which has already been repaid.  John has stayed with a member to give the partner a chance for a As always, much of our welfare break and has also helped per- work takes the form of advice, help suade the member to obtain a R with the Social Security and visits to new diagnosis of the illness people who are in hospitals and which was originally checked in homes, sick or lonely. Such work England. This has led to a re- takes up an enormous amount of vised view of the problem and a Chairman time for Elaine Bowler, John great improvement in morale. Fayence, 31st January 2007 Collingwood, Peter Massey and Sel-  We have paid 640 € for that part wyn Glick and many others. of the cost of new dentures not At last year‘s AGM, we promised to covered by the Carte Vitale. give more details of the cases we In addition to these, we have sadly have helped during the year. I have been present at a number of funerals always emphasised that we do our and have followed up closely par-

Page 8 Minutes of Annual General Meeting held at les Jonquières, 24th February 2006

1 Apologies for Absence the past, fund raising had been one of the The Secretary read out a list of apologies from members. prime reasons for holding functions. Now, it is intended to divide functions into formal and in- 2. Election of Committee Members formal events. Coffee mornings and wine and cheese eve- The Chairman asked that the election of Committee mem- nings would be informal and organised locally whilst events bers be taken out of order as a ballot was needed. There such as Burns Night, restaurant lunches and the picnics were 13 names for 12 places excluding officers. The Chair- would be formal and more centrally organised. Fund raising man was asked if the maximum number for the Committee will still be important but functions have an important role could be changed. He responded that the meeting could not to play in providing opportunities for people to meet and in change the rule but added that members could be co-opted encouraging communication. There are now specialist to serve on the Committee. He proposed that one of the events for small groups such as the golf group. She asked two members nominated for election to the Committee be members to continue contributing ideas. deemed elected and that the other be co-opted to member- Bob Pritchatt spoke about self catering functions. Such ship of the Committee. This was seconded by Chris Morris. events enable much larger numbers of people to get to- The two members proposed were Pauline North of Les gether. There is a need to organise the food and drink but Arcs and Stella Reynolds from Montauroux. Selwyn Glick there is also a need to organise the hiring, collection, placing, read out a brief resumé of each. The proposal was accepted removal and return of tables and chairs. He asked if mem- by a unanimous vote. bers could make themselves available to help with these 3. Minutes of the Annual General Meeting held tasks. A team of six people for each event would be very 25 February 2005. helpful, a team of twelve would be better. The acceptance of the minutes, which had already been cir- He went on to say that there are now thousands of British culated to all members, was proposed by the Chairman and people living in the Var. He suggested that members should seconded by Sheila Glick. Acceptance was unanimously seek to draw the attention of any that they meet to the exis- approved by those present at the meeting. The minutes tence of the British Association. The Chairman agreed and were signed as a true record. said that the more people the Association represented, the more power it would have in the region. 4. Chairman’s Report Selwyn Glick asked members about coach trips. He re- The Chairman’s written report had been circulated to all ported that the two coach trips held during the year had members and a copy is attached to these minutes. The been successful. It had been suggested that a trip on the Chairman welcomed new members to the seventh AGM of Train des Pignes in May might be worth considering. It is the Branch. He drew attention to two errors in his written proposed that the coach take members to Nice. They would report. First, the name of the Welfare Coordinator should then take the train to Digne where they could have lunch be shown as Elaine Bowler, not Eileen Bowler. Second, he and spend the afternoon in the town. The coach would pick had written a paragraph thanking Rosemary Booth for her them up at Digne to return home. He asked the members work in respect of the picnics but the paragraph had disap- present to show how many would be interested in such an peared in formatting. He thanked Rosemary, who was pre- event. There was a show of about thirty hands. sent at the meeting, verbally. A trip to Aix en Provence to visit the centenary exhibition He reported that the Branch had been in existence for eight of Cezanne had also been suggested. A guided visit to the years and had accumulated reserves of more than 72,000€. exhibition was possible but such visits would not be avail- More than 26,000€ had been spent on welfare. A lot had able on market days. Members had enjoyed the previous been done in the year under review in respect of the retire- trip to Aix on a market day. This trip could be in place of, ment project. A members’ meeting in May was followed by or as well as, the Nice – Digne trip. Again, he asked mem- visits to a development near Perpignan and another near bers to indicate whether they would be interested or not. Avignon. Discussions had been held with developers. The There was a similar show of hands. Branch is now searching for a suitable development site. Selwyn went on to give a list of events in March and ended He drew attention to two new publications, aimed at Eng- by reporting that new members would receive their copies lish speaking people, which had appeared very recently. of the Address Book with the March Newsletter. “Let’s go Riviera” is a weekly publication produced by Nice Matin. It is published on a Thursday and is available from The Chairman reported that, in the past, raffles at functions newsagents. A second publication, “Provence Life”, has had been invaluable in terms of contributions to funds. been produced by Glenis and Tony Bartle. Copies were Raffles were no longer held at every formal function but he available, free of charge, at the meeting. asked those present to indicate whether they would be happy to see them return to a reasonable proportion of the The Chairman asked Isobel Pritchatt to talk to those present main functions. No members were strongly opposed to about functions. She began by thanking everyone who had this. hosted, and who had attended, functions during the year. In Page 9 5. Treasurer’s Report 7. Election of Committee Members The Treasurer’s Report had been circu- The following members were standing for re-election: lated to all members and a copy is attached to these minutes. In the absence of the Clare Brown Treasurer, Jim Blythe, the Chairman asked John Collingwood that the report be taken as read and he Auriol Langen proposed that it be accepted. The pro- Peter Massey posal was seconded by Sheila Glick. The Bob Pritchatt report was accepted by a unanimous vote. Isobel Pritchatt Tim Russell The Chairman reported that Jim Blythe was unable to attend the meeting as he was in Scotland attending the centenary The acceptance of the re-election of seven committee mem- celebrations of his rugby club. He had been present at the bers was proposed by the Chairman and seconded by Sheila 50th anniversary celebrations with his fiancé. Glick. It was unanimously approved by the meeting. A member commented on a conflict between the statements 8. Any other business “ease back on fundraising” and “we have spent almost as much (on welfare) as during the three previous years put No business had been submitted for discussion but a num- together” contained in the Chairman’s report. The Chair- ber of matters were raised on the floor. man responded that the branch’s strategy had been deter- mined at the beginning of the year but that it had not been Trevor Zutshi proposed a motion that the General Meeting known at that point how much money would be needed for instruct the Committee to make any necessary changes to welfare purposes. There had been concern that the ratio the rules to permit the welfare officer to give a report to the between surplus and welfare spending had been wrong. Annual General Meeting. The motion was seconded by Elaine Bowler. The Chairman responded that no rule A discussion between the floor and the Committee fol- change was necessary to permit a separate, verbal, report at lowed on the subject of functions and, in particular, self the AGM. He emphasised the confidential nature of welfare catering events. Many suggestions were made such as limit- work. Trevor said that, rather than a report about individual ing numbers to 120, holding three self catering events with cases, he would like to have more information about hours, one held at an indoor venue, encouraging people to move miles, costs and volume of work. Elaine Bowler confirmed around to meet others, were put forward which were noted her willingness to prepare and present such a report but said for discussion by the Committee. The Chairman thanked that she would be reliant upon others to provide her with members for their comments and reminded them that indi- information because she did not do all of the welfare work viduals could organise their own events if they wished. The herself. The report would be incomplete without input Committee did not, itself, organise events but delegated the from everyone else involved. The Chairman asked the function to smaller groups or individuals. Isobel Pritchatt members present to vote on the proposal. It was passed by a asked that events be discussed with her before being organ- majority on a show of hands. ised so that she could ensure that they did not clash with others. Trevor Zutshi reported that three meetings of the Bereave- ment Counselling Group had now been held. They were 6. Election of Officers run by him and Peter Massey. They were, to date, helping seven individuals. They met on the third Thursday of each The Chairman explained that the following officers were month but the venues changed. He emphasised that contact standing for election: should be made either with him or with Peter Massey to

obtain details of meetings and venues. Chairman – Alastair Ross Treasurer – Jim Blythe Trevor Zutshi then reported on progress in respect of the Secretary – Selwyn Glick retirement project. The previous week he had visited Digne Welfare Coordinator – Elaine Bowler to look at a new site to be developed there. There was an- Honorary Auditor – Paul Cronk other site near Arles which might prove to be of more interest. When more information was available it would be in- All were willing to stand for election. They were proposed cluded in the Newsletter. by Sheila Glick and seconded by John Collingwood. The elections were approved unanimously by the meeting. There being no further business the meeting closed at 12.25pm

Page 10 TREASURER’S REPORT 2006

Bob Pritchatt Hon Treasurer

t has been an eventful year. I took over responsibil- I ity after Jim Blythe felt it appropriate to resign the position at the end of July. At that time, the assets of the association were in a strong and healthy situation, significantly because Jim had negotiated a considerable sum of money from the central committee. This money had come from a gift to the BA from the Brit- ish American Benevolent Association resulting from the sale of the British-American hospital, and enabled a sum able to be distributed amongst the various branches, in ratio to their membership. Expenses 2006 So, when reviewing our current situation, the above event is reflected in our assets of around €172,000. In 2006 we spent around €17,000, of which welfare Although this is currently in a savings account, it is our was a significant proportion but also on new equip- intention to seek a higher yielding yet safe investment ment and depreciating the older equipment. The ad- vehicle to maximise the use of these funds, ensuring ministration costs largely comprised of materials for that our funds are available when required. the manufacture of cards, as well as the necessities of insurance, etc. Income 2006

During 2006, our income of around €24,000, from membership subscriptions and a surplus on events, has clearly funded all the administrative costs of the association and the newsletter, as well as meeting increasing welfare demands, with a surplus of €7,185.

Expenses 2007

Whilst in 2007 there will be some increases in the costs of administration and the newsletter, it is envisaged that the development of membership services will re- quire additional expense. In some areas the need for professional advice has been included in the budget. Welfare continues to make increasing demands.

Budget 2007

Our income budget for the coming year, 2007 is nomi- nally higher than 2006 but is constructed to rely less on a surplus from events and more on income derived from our assets and increased membership

Page 11 THE BRITISH ASSOCIATION of the VAR STATEMENT OF ACCOUNTS

YEAR TO YEAR TO YEAR TO YEAR TO YEAR TO YEAR TO EUROS 31/12/06 31/12/05 31/12/04 31/12/03 31/12/02 31/12/01

Members 459 444 376 316 258 195

INCOME

Subscriptions 8858 7958 6659 5310 3933 2507 Donations 1820 1324 983 748 1307 1257 Surplus from Functions 7956 12018 12335 11689 7170 6359 Sale of Cards & Products 2527 2135 2914 0 0 0 Sale of Cook Book 30 510 1150 0 0 0 Sponsorships 1000 1011 474 0 0 0 Sundry Income 248 150 174 192 150 1070 Interest Received 2459 1056 827 552 489 279

TOTAL INCOME 24898 26162 25516 18491 13049 11472

EXPENDITURE Advertising 396 0 345 0 550 0 Insurance 201 80 76 0 0 0 Newsletter 1338 2313 1202 628 0 0 Postage 1201 1332 1012 476 999 736 Stationery 2033 2035 829 215 219 233 Software & Equipment 1586 79 180 0 0 120 Bank Charges 17 28 12 32 14 13 OPERATING COSTS 6772 5867 3656 1351 1782 1102

GROSS SURPLUS 18126 20295 21860 17140 11267 10370

WELFARE COSTS Pensions 3630 3856 1195 1032 1032 1032 Other Aid 4402 3768 1881 3146 1155 2331 Travel 1981 1450 235 46 0 0

TOTAL WELFARE 10013 9074 3311 4224 2187 3363

NET SURPLUS 8113 11221 18549 12916 9080 7007

Page 12

BALANCE SHEET as at 31 December 2006

AS AT AS AT AS AT AS AT AS AT AS AT EUROS 31/12/06 31/12/05 31/12/04 31/12/03 31/12/02 31/12/01

FIXED ASSETS Equipment 0 1586 1213 302 230 209 CURRENT ASSETS Bank Current A/C 5112 16024 5819 3646 4708 3034 Bank Savings A/C 161305 53486 52790 35164 24632 17146 Cash in Hand 826 0 0 0 0 0 Loans 2794 0 555 1986 0 0 Subscriptions O/S 928 594 486 1177 0 0 Prepaid Expenses 0 0 150 110 500 0 Debtors 1042 106 0 0 0 0

TOTAL CURRENT ASSETS 172007 70570 59800 42083 29840 20180 NET WORTH 172007 72156 60935 42385 29469 20389 CURRENT LIABILITIES Income Relating to Next Year 0 0 78 0 601 0

REPRESENTED BY Surplus C/F 72156 60935 42386 29469 20389 13382 Money from Central Committee 91738 Surplus for Year 8113 11221 18549 12916 9080 7007

TOTAL SURPLUS 172007 72156 60935 42385 29469 20389

Prepared and presented by Bob Pritchatt. Hon Treasurer Date: 31 January 2007 Signed R

Treasurer Chairman

AUDITORS REPORT

I have audited the Accounts of the Var Branch of the British Association and certify that they are a true and accurate statement of the financial situation of the Branch as at 31 st December 2006

Auditor Jim Shepherd Hon. Auditor Date: 31 January 2007

Signed Jim Shepherd

Page 13

BRITISH ASSOCIATION of the ALPES-MARITIMES and the VAR VAR Branch

Putting people and social needs together

Annual General Meeting of the Central Committee of the As- sociation—26 March 2007—Nice

otice is herby given that the Annual General Meeting of the British Association of the Alpes-Maritimes and the N Var will be held on Monday, 26th March 2007 at 11:30 a.m. in the Hall of Holy Trinity Church, 11 rue de la Buffa, 06000 NICE. All paid-up members of all branches are welcome to attend and vote.

The meeting will discuss and approve the usual business of the AGM, including the Chairman‘s and Branch Chairmen‘s reports, the Annual Accounts, and the election of the Officers, Committee and Honorary Auditor of the Association, together with such other matters as may be seen fit.

As the Var is by far the largest branch of the British Association, with well over half the members, I do urge as many of you as possible to come and join us on 26th March to take part in the meeting and to stay on for a buffet lunch afterwards. This gives the opportunity to meet members from other branches and hear of their progress. It is most important that we are well represented and enough time will be left in the afternoon to sample the shopping and sights of Nice before return- ing home.

Proxy Form for Var Branch AGM

Proxy Form Signed:

I, ______being a current member of the Var Branch, hereby appoint

______Dated: or, in that person‘s absence, the Chairman of the meeting, to vote in my stead at the Annual General Meeting to be held on 23rd February 2007 and at any For notes, see below postponement thereof.

Proxy Form Signed:

I, ______being a current member of the Var Branch, hereby appoint

Notes to Proxy Form where more than one member current member of the Branch. wishes to appoint a proxy or Hon. Secretary: 1. Proxy forms, one for each mem- where members do not wish to ber, should be sent to the Hon. mutilate this Report. Selwyn Glick Villa Salamandre, CD 57 Secretary at the address below 3. The proxy holder will vote his Quartier des Selves not less than 48 hours before the proxy in the same way that he 83300 DRAGUIGNAN meeting votes himself. Tel: 04 94 47 06 28 2. The above form may be photo- 4. The proxy holder must be a copied or transcribed manually [email protected] Page 14