Membership

[Staines-upon-Thames Rebel]

No I dont use the coach as living in Staines (clue in the name) by the time I have traveled into Slough and then traveled back after the game it would add between 1 and 1 1/2 hours so more effective to drive myself.

 

As per the objectives of the trust these were publicly published when the trust was set up and I was a member of the trust for a period of time.

 

I agree that transport should be available for those without, but it could be provided more cost effectively by hireing a smaller coach, rather than the 52 seater, which would then mean you would be able to cover the costs involved, and therefore not have to dip into the trusts funds. The alternative is to do as windsor and use the same coach as the players which would save doubling up on costs.

 

The issue of the coach demand for games will vary (Margate, Ramsgage, Folkstone high demand, Ashford, Harrow low demand) and that is where having a coach company that can be flexable in the size of coach available comes in.

[BFR]

'How do you know the objective of the trust if you're not a member'

 

Epicreble - that sort of question makes it look like you are trying to keep the Trust to a closed membership, which is pretty daft seeing as the Trust needs as many members as it possibly can.

 

I was on the board for a couple of years and I don't ever remember the membership being closed. Was the wool pulled over my eyes during that time? It really makes little sense closing the membership, and I'm sure you don't stop taking monthly donations from members during this closed period.

[epicrebel]

No i'm saying, your not a member so join. I've been the membership secertary for the trust and the supporters ass for about 10 years. It's always closed so the books can be done.

Also it's hard to get people to join in the closed season as you don't see anyone till the first game the next season (or the AGM).

 

Back to the coaches.

 

The main cost is the drivers wage, so a smaller coach is not much different, also I don't think the players have a coach so sharing don't matter. The coach company is the most cost effective one around, he also donates to the club one way or another and is a member of the trust aswell

[Matt]

Originally Posted By: King Tut

It really makes little sense closing the membership, and I'm sure you don't stop taking monthly donations from members during this closed period.

I was really confused by this too - to me, it sounds complete rubbish that you need to close down membership so that the accounts can be audited. Businesses don't just stop trading before their year-end audit - the audit is conducted at the year-end date. Surely the Trust can't afford to turn away £10 membership fees, even if the Member knows it's only for a matter of weeks/months?

[epicrebel]

The membership totals and money is handed in on a closing date so the tresurer can hand them in to the accountants to be audited in time for the AGM. All members have to rejoin every year from a starting date if it's not closed how can this happen. Then it will be unfair to take money for a matter of weeks of the closed season that's why it was made the end of march

[Staines-upon-Thames Rebel]

Whats the starting date for membership each year?

[epicrebel]

This year it's the fun day, but normally it's the AGM

[Staines-upon-Thames Rebel]

So its not fixed like a normal accounting year?

[epicrebel]

The start date is a little flexable but the closing date not becuse of the audit

[Staines-upon-Thames Rebel]

So what is the trusts financial year?

[epicrebel]

It also give time for new membership cards to be printed ect.

[Staines-upon-Thames Rebel]

So what is the trusts financial year?

[epicrebel]

AGM to AGM I think, ask the trusts acountant. But this still don't alter the fact that the accounts have to be in to be audited

[Staines-upon-Thames Rebel]

An organisation will have a set point in time for each year so that it can measure performance and report its accounts lawfully.

 

The organisation I work for works 1st August to 31st July each Year. My previous employer worked 1st January to 31st December.

 

You are a board memeber and you dont know the trusts financial year?

 

It is these fundimental issues that cause me great concern about the trusts ability to take over the running of the club.

 

The trust has been in place for 5 years and still cant get the basics right!

 

Lets just hope Martyn Deaner hangs around a bit longer or a new backer steps in, till the trust gets its house in order!!!!!!

[epicrebel]

That's rubbish, your putting a paid organision up against the trust that's unpaid

There's a lot of people out there that dont know there firms year

[epicrebel]

We are in better shape to run the club than some one on there own ( ie a supporter)

[Martin]

Charlie, there should be a mailing going out to all Trust members about nominations for the board which will also set out the timescales. Unfortunately I can't remember the dates. If you are heading along today see Mr Sliski because he knows exactly the dates.

[Staines-upon-Thames Rebel]

The trust must have a fixed financial year by law! Ask Martin.

 

It makes no difference if the organisation is paid or volantry, it still must abide by the laws of the land.

 

Yes there are a lot of people out there who dont know their employers financial year, but you have put yourself up as a board member and therefore it would be wise for you and the rest of the board to understand how the trust MUST function within the law or as a board member (equivalant to a director) be aware of your responsibilities in law. The trust is a legal entity and must function accordingly.

 

I have been a Director of similar organisation and that is why I am aware of these issues and am flaging up these issues for your and the trusts protection.

 

Ignorance of the law is no defence.

[epicrebel]

I do the membership I can tell you when you joined (05/06 season), how much you gave to join (***), your membership number (169), even the date you joined (06/09/05). The rest i leave up to others. But I can find out the date by asking.

[Martin]

I think the financial year is 1st June to 31st May. That is why we shoved the AGM back a couple of weeks so that there is enough time for the audited accounts to be produced and published at the AGM.