BELL REPAIR FUND TREASURER'S REPORT 2006

In contrast to 2005, the expenditure of the Fund was less in 2006. This was despite the awarding of grants to the PCCs of Brassington, Burbage, and Riddings. The grant to Brassington was paid within the year, whereas those to the other towers will be paid out in 2007. (See Note 2 in the accounts.) Additionally loans were offered, but not paid out, to Hartington and Youlgreave. (Note 3.) Following recognised practice, the grants are shown as expenditure in the year they were granted. The other items of expenditure (expenses) are basically in line with previous years.

On the income side, most items were also in line with those of previous years, though there were some falls. Noteworthy good items include a donation from the Winster ringers and one from Blackwell PCC, following an inspection and report from the bell consultants.

Fund raising continues at the same total level, with support from The Whiting Society, the district events and the charity catalogue sales. The grant from the General Fund was again at £1000; peal fees were down somewhat and (also not-so-good news) the investments decreased in value this year. Apart from this, the total income would have been about the same as in 2005.

As a result of the grants being less than in 2005, the income exceeded the expenditure by over £2,900 (as compared to the excess being in the opposite direction by £2,100 in 2005). This is reflected in the increase in the net assets (to £34,746.47). Of these assets, £15,500 is promised in loans. It is acknowledged that the stock of badges (valued initially at £118.16) cannot be converted into cash readily. The committee decided to write off the badges, but sell future stocks at £1.00 each for new members joining the Association and at £1.50 to existing members.

Thus, allowing for these factors leads to approximately £19,200 being available for awarding as grants and loans in the future. (See Note 4.)

Brian A. Tomlinson

Ringing members (and friends) are warmly invited to make an annual donation to the Bell Repair Fund. This can be in cash, by cheque or (best) through a standing order on a bank or building society.

For taxpayers, the Gift Aid scheme is an extremely tax-efficient way of boosting regular donations. It is also very good for one-off donations. By making a Gift Aid declaration, the Fund (being a registered charity) benefits not only from the original gift but can obtain tax refunds from the Inland Revenue. At a standard rate of tax in 2006-2007of 22%, each 78p of the original donation can be increased to £1 at no expense to the donor; thus £10.00 donated can be increased to £12.82, and proportionally for any other amount - or in other words, by about 28p in the pound. For further details of the scheme, (given in confidence, if so requested) please contact the BRF Treasurer

Bell Repair Fund Income & Expenditure Account - Year Ended 31st December 2006

BELL REPAIR FUND BALANCE SHEET - 31ST DECEMBER 2006

Bell repair fund notes to the accounts - year ended 31st December 2006

Note 3 - Status of Loans in 2006

During the year there were loans on offer of £10,000 to Hartington, £5,000 to Youlgreave and £500 to Hatton. At the end of the year there were no other loans on offer or due for repayment.

Note 4 - Uncommitted Cash at the end of 2006.

After paying outstanding grants and creditors (and ignoring debtors) the readily available cash is

£ 34,746.47; of this, £15,500 is for the loans (Note 3), leaving £19,246.47 uncommitted to specific use.

We have examined the above Income and Expenditure Account and Balance Sheet, which are in accordance with the books, vouchers and information made available to us.

R.A. Meads and Irene Clarke – Independent Examiners