AGM report of the teleconferencing meeting held 9th January 2021

 

Report AGM for the period year ending  September 2019.  

“Zoom” a tele-conferencing call 9^th January 2021

 

For the first time an Museum AGM was held using “Zoom” a teleconferencing  facility, an essential method for meeting in a socially distanced way.  All were reminded that no planning for events, or a gradual return to operational running, is up to meeting itself, we are all subject to governmental advice.

Presentation and adoption of 2019 Accounts

The accounts were presented in the invitation and explained by Treasurer Mark Fogg Elliot -  accounts for Museum and trading are compiled according to the accounting standards for charitable bodies. On this occasion, for the first time, members were presented a “Consolidated” account with both museum and trading finances are presented  together on a spreadsheet.  It was agreed that this method of consolidated accounts gave the best picture of finances for members to digest, although this method is only acceptable for members, formal accounting have to be followed. Prior notices posted before this and other AGM's are in a formal format.

As the AGM for the year ending 2019 had been delayed; the opportunity was taken to give a more updated financial situation in a spreadsheet for the following accounting period - up until September 2020.This is in addition to the formal 2019 accounts already circulated, which were approved during the meeting.

In 2020 significant costs included a £15K purchase of the Drewery Gardner (D72229 (War Department) diesel locomotive (partly offset by avoiding returning transport costs). £31K was invested to secure winter events by hard standing surface on the front field car park. These have been in part afforded by a £38K cash injection, from resolution of unjustifiable Payment Protection Insurance terms.

Other major spends included £5.8K on locomotives, £12.2 further expenditure to enable MR2 to open, construction of a new disabled  toilet. Full accounts are currently  being prepared for the following  years AGM. Mark closed by saying the museums asset value had increased to £1.4M, incomes were up healthy until lockdown, so with cost restraint being applied, the museum remains solvent. Your treasurer has agreed to further update Chappel News in a future article on financial matters.

Discussion continued regarding the trading company, which is the part of the organisation that can take on commercial activity and enter into contracts, such as, with Mattel with the Thomas franchise operator. A separate company undertakes financial risk, which protects the museum as a charity, from a call on its  assets. There is a need for new directors; it was confirmed there is no bar to those not being personal shareholders, being able to volunteer or be appointed, to the company if they have commercial experience.

Curatorial development of the museum continues, exploratory talks are ongoing to see if it may be possible to display exhibits displaying Colchester’s Paxman heritage, Jaki Collison an Adam Culling  working on a Heritage Centre “Local Lines” displays upgrade. Appreciation of our museum’s mentor Tom Hodgson, in his continued support, and thanks for sourcing moveable racking in the storage shed.

 After a long absence another Stour Valley Steam (No.169) will be produced, highlighting changes during the lockdown period prepared, as it is known that no everybody wishes to rely electronic communications.

Future Plans

Peter Robinson presented “The story so far”, commenting that in items considered last year, these have to a large degree  been completed.

Miniature railway 2 is now operational, and has moved from a proposal drawing to reality

In the last year stored engineering materials have been sorted and stacked efficiently in the set down area, outline planning permission sought to extend the present Heritage Centre in situ until 2026 submitted. Estimates of the costs involved in refurbishing the current Restoration Shed being sought. A site development programme is now progressing after re-appraisal of earlier schemes, current plans are seen as more achievable than earlier (2017 Eastern fields) proposals.

Key Projects Presentation

Future plans are now are planned to be more sustainable -  in the rate in construction, reduction in cost and being within the organisations limitations of volunteer time. Guidance using professional services of Architect Mandy Sexton has, and is, appreciated by all parties leading to a better outcome benefitting  the museum, its neighbours and planning authorities.   

Closing comments

In closing it was recorded that the efforts of Amy and Ross on Platform 2 were not only appreciated by the museum, but a wider public who voted them “Best Eat out to help out venue” by readers of the Essex County Standard. 

Currently the Café is posting on Face book their latest offerings:

“Homemade wholesome dinners without the stress and shop. Simply pop them in the oven and voila, dinner is served”.  Not resting on their laurels,  plans are in place for Valentines events too.

Platform Two Cafe