Shareholders » 57th Annual Meeting Minutes
MINUTES OF THE 57TH ANNUAL MEETING
OF WORTLEY HALL SHAREHOLDERS
8TH MARCH 2009 AT WORTLEY HALL
Present: - M.Headon – President, P.Peters – Vice President, S.Parkin – Vice President,
B.Clarke – Political Secretary, J.da Rosa – General Manager and M.Wilmott - Auditor.
There were also 15 delegates from Shareholding Organisations and 70 Individual Shareholders present.
Apologies were received from: - B.Switzer, S.Merry and J.Brinley.
1. MINUTES of the 56th Annual Meeting were approved.
2. FINANCIAL REPORT - The Auditor Martin Willmott presented the financial report, commenting that although turnover was down last year this was not untypical in the current climate but the gross profit was holding well. Costs had increased due increases in wage and pension payments. We have seen a 56% increase in the cost of power, electricity, oil and LPG. Repairs & Renewals have fallen due to decisions taken to capitalise some of our expenditure and has improved the balance sheet. Martin commented that the audit had been carried out in accordance with accounting procedures and there should be no undue concern, the business has low stocks, little bad debt, loyal and regular customers and good financial reserves and ended his report by saying with cautious optimism that the business is in good shape.
Several questions were asked and answered. One question was asked how much business we had lost due to the Co-operative / GMB dispute. The President replied that he hadn’t got that information but would ask the Accounts Administrator to seek out the information.
The President thanked the Accounts Administrator Nicholas Harding for his first full year dealing with our monthly accounts.
The accounts were approved unanimously.
3. ELECTION OF OFFICERS – B. Clarke was re-elected Political Secretary with no other nominations. Brian thanked Shareholding Organisations for nominating him for a further term of office.
The following people were elected to the Management Board for a two year period, B.Blackburn, J.Foden and P.Keenan. Pat Peters and Jean Marshall were automatically elected according to rule.
There was no election for Members Committee there were insufficient nominations. The Members Committee will consist of J.Andrews, B.Bailey, R.Barton, J.Brearley, D.Caborn, J.Campbell, M.Firth, S.Howard, B.Jackson, A.Munsey, J.Pagan, S.Parry, B.Ronksley, T.Sterry, B.Switzer and S.White plus members of the Management Board.
4. MANAGEMENT BOARD REPORT
The Political Secretary presented the Management Board Report which was distributed in written form.
The Management Board consider 2009 to be a difficult year and have attempted to make savings in the budget. We have also elected a Marketing Sub Committee in order to explore different avenues to increase revenue, whilst trying to increase our Trade Union business, during last year the GMB Union began to book more business with us.
Last year our development plans continued with new dining room chairs, kitchen extraction upgrade, staff room decorated, carpeted and staff shower installed. Office space was allocated to the Fire Brigades Union, for which we receive rent, for their Director of Education. All bedrooms on the Hague Wing, which were our first en-suite bedrooms in 1995, have been upgraded. The fountain in front of the AEU Lounge was refurbished in memory of Stewart Charnley former President of Wortley Hall and former Vice President of the Fire Brigades Union. The fountain repairs etc were funded jointly by the FBU, Wortley Hall Club Tote and Wortley Hall. The stone steps to the front door were refurbished. The highlight of the development last year was the development of two self catering cottages in the stable block, formally opened by Mick Clapham M.P. These were not utilised very much last year but the Marketing Sub Committee are looking to increase the letting of these two very good cottages this year.
The North East / Yorkshire and Humber Region of Unite the Union, launched an appeal amongst their members to assist with the complete refurbishment of the ballroom and bar. To date the appeal has raised £68,884 in cash plus £5,520 in the purchase of shares.
Last year we reached a two year wage increase agreement with staff. This year we have honoured that agreement by paying an additional 0.33p per hour plus an increase to the Westfield Health Scheme.
Because this year we did not make a profit, there will be no Profit Sharing Bonus.
During the year we transferred a number of staff from Casual Contracts to Permanent Contracts this brings the number of permanent staff to 44, a mixture of full and part time.
The Board approved shares to the value of £1,827 during 2008.
Our Grounds Staff continue to do an excellent job as most people will see for themselves. The Grounds Manager presented a written report of development for shareholders explaining that two very successful Plant Fairs were organised plus organising a holiday week in June where guests visited other Gardens of South Yorkshire and of course the traditional Garden Walks and evenings with the Head Gardener which includes Dinner.
The organisation Friends of Wortley Hall Gardens continues to flourish and they have produced a written report of their work and activities explaining their activities over the year. They of course assist with the Plant Fairs and the South Yorkshire Festival, organise garden talks and will be applying for various grants during 2009 to purchase equipment and to promote community involvement. ‘Friends of’ are continually looking for new members.
Heeley City Farm, who works the walled garden in producing organic vegetables and fruit, also produced a written report. The organisation holds Open Days in partnership with Wortley Hall and produce sufficient crops to sell at the Sheffield Farmer’s Markets. Last year over two tonnes of marketable crops were produced.
The South Yorkshire Festival took place on the 1st July and was again a success. This year 2009, John Brearley has indicated that it will be his last as Organiser. The Management Board has already discussed this and after 2009, the organisation will be taken ‘in house’ the Management Board and Management Team taking a more active role in the organisation.
In line with the rule change last year to inform all Shareholders by post, of the Annual Meeting, we received several messages complaining that the person we wrote to had passed away. We apologise for any distress and point out the importance of informing the Political Secretary so that the person can be removed from the database.
Brian Clarke is the only nomination for Political Secretary.
We have six nominations for the five vacancies for the Management Board.
There are only 16 nominations for the Members Committee which means there will only be an election for Management Board.
The Management Board express their appreciation to Thompsons Solicitors who provide pens and notepads for delegates to the Hall.
The Management Board wish to thank the General Manager and all staff for their efforts over the past year.
5. GENERAL MANAGERS REPORT
The General Manager Johnathan da Rosa presented his report which had been distributed to those present.
This year has been tough for business and Wortley Hall has not escaped the general economic downturn. Sales have seen a decline to 2006 levels, increased costs has meant a loss rather than a profit.
The biggest increase in costs has been our energy bills and wages. Wages will continue to drag on the business into 2009 with a generous pay settlement marking the lion’s share of the increase.
This year over £130,000 has been spent on development, either purchasing items or refurbishment. Other than the ballroom, which will prove a real asset in attracting a range of business, no other projects will be undertaken during 2009.
We are not only targeting our core conference business but are trying to increase our wedding business. In February we re-opened the restaurant with new menu to run along the bar menu.
It is with pride I can inform shareholders that at the end of 2008 Wortley Hall was awarded a fourth star for guest accommodation from the Yorkshire Tourist Board in recognition of the extensive improvements and quality of products and services.
Cash remains strong and I remain optimistic for the future but we must remain prudent until such time as the world finds some normality.
6. ELECTION OF AUDITOR
It was proposed that Hawsons be our auditors for 2009. This was agreed unanimously.
The President thanked everyone and closed the meeting.
Mon 15th Mar 2010