July 2024

12 Buckden Roundabout July 2024 Friends of Buckden Towers FRIENDS OF BUCKDEN TOWERS Annual General Meeting 20th June 2024 Chairman ’ s Report Formed in 1977, the Friends of Buckden Towers is a non - denominational registered charity which exists to support the owners of Buckden Towers in the conservation of the historic buildings and gardens of Buckden Towers. To this end we raise funds through our various activities, and disperse them, either through grants directly to the Claretians, or through our own activities and operational costs. In the financial year 2023 - 24 we raised and expend- ed funds as follows: Funds received in the year: £19544 Funds expended in the year: £23173 Contingent liabilities are: £4435 Current balance of funds in bank: £34513 credit These exceptional figures reflect the receipt of a grant of £10,000 from a previous American resident of The Towers, and £14276 expenditure in connec- tion with the conservation work in the Friends Re- fectory. Typically, our annual revenue is in the region of £8 - £9,000. So, 23/24 was indeed exceptional. Main fund - raising activities in 23/24 were: • Annual Plant Sale: which raised just over £3500. • Tours of the establishment: which raised near- ly £2800,(a record year) So well done all of the guides. • Spring and Autumn Quiz Nights, which togeth- er raised just over £750: • Alison Weir book presentation: This raised just over £1000, £763 attributed to year 23/24, the balance to be recorded in the cur- rent year; • Membership subscriptions £500; Our main expenditure items were: • Conservation work on the Friends Refectory: £14276; • Work in progress on the Outer Gatehouse Gar- den: £5500; • Maintenance costs in the Knot Garden: £2050; • and other general operational costs. Not recorded above is the recent Plant Sale on 18 th May. Income from this will show in next year ’ s ac- counts. But funds received from the Plant Sale are in the bank and contribute to our healthy bank bal- ance. So, it has been an exceptional year, and this reflects on the hard work put in by your committee and oth- er helpers who have given their time and energy so generously. We do appreciate all the help we get, and sincerely thank all those who contributed. However : We are an ageing committee, and not getting any younger, and we are really anxious to ensure some succession arrangements for the fu- ture. So please think about stepping up to the plate. We cannot exist without our members ’ support and the support of our other volunteers. Please remem- ber to renew your membership subscription when the time comes, and please try to introduce new members. The cost is very modest. And please, ex- isting members, do consider joining the committee, or helping as a volunteer, in any way you can. New blood is always welcome. We are a secular organisation. Religious preferences are irrelevant. The only quality you need is an inter- est in the conservation of our Grade 1 National Monument, right here on your doorstep. So please contact us, and do consider what you can do to support the long term conservation of these beautiful historic buildings. Please get in touch, ei- ther by phone 01480 812227 or 01750 111085, or by email at admin@friendsofbuckdentowers.co.uk We look forward to hearing from you. Keith Lawrence Chairman Friends of Buckden Towers