CALDER NORTHERN GROUP
EXTRA TRAIN ORDERS April 2020
Do hope you are keeping well, talking with friends and family and looking after loved ones where and when you can.
As you will have realised our regular Calder Northern Group monthly meetings have been cancelled for the foreseeable future and only when restrictions are lifted can gatherings again be considered? There is some doubt then about the number of people who will be able to gather together and this could impact significantly on those of us in the more senior age group.
Latest news –
Your committee have been thinking about and discussing the Group’s financial situation created by the Coronavirus pandemic. We stand to lose income each month due to cancellation of meetings and whilst we will ask for a reduction or part reduction of our annual rent to the Heritage Centre for the period of closure there is no guarantee that we would receive it.
The present Coronavirus problems have caused us to take a long hard look at the Groups finances and how we can support Calder Northern into the future so that we may continue to enjoy Group activities. In the short term we are suggesting that at the next meeting that takes place members could make a donation to cover any missing dues or, should individuals wish to, a donation that covers more than just the missing dues. This will bolster the finances for this financial year.
In the longer term the Heritage Centre too is feeling the effects of loss of income and could possibly ask the Group for a higher rent at the end of 2020 when our lease expires. It is in all our interests to make sure CN Group does not disappear due to lack of money. At present we just about make a profit based on ongoing expenditures and receipts, this excludes one off items like sales of assets. We have not had to increase dues since 2010, mainly because of some very generous donations from individuals and income from the sale of deceased member’s models. I think you will agree that we have done well to hold the dues at their current level. However if we are to ensure the continuation of Group activities, the committee feel we must increase our income.
When we can meet again and hold our AGM one of the items on the agenda will be Group finances. The committee will explain the current situation and present the proposed budgets for 2020 and 2021. It is proposed to hold dues at their current level for this financial year, but for a suggested increase in the dues to £5 per meeting for 2021. This has been much discussed by the committee but reluctantly we feel there is no alternative if Calder Northern is to continue and thrive.
Terry Wynne
(on behalf of the secretary)
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