AGM 2022

Joining details

Topic: Beaver Road PTA - AGM 2022

Time: Nov 1, 2022 06:00 PM London

Join Zoom Meeting

https://us02web.zoom.us/j/83812893322?pwd=bGRhYzJEUmhpa08xSkF4em05Q0cxQT09

Meeting ID: 838 1289 3322

Passcode: 031673

Agenda

1. Chair's Report for 2021/22

2. Treasurer's report 2021/22 - note that the expenditure committed to by the committee will mean that reserves run low.

3. Votes and Elections:

• Agree to accept the reports.

• Notice of resignations from Samantha Crowe, Chair, and Siobhan O'Laeary Donkin as Secretary.

• Re-election of Lauren Fulton as Treasurer

• Elections: Tilly Barfield Jones as chair, Tiffanie O'Neill as secretary (personal statements here)

• Invitation for people to come foward and join the committee

4. AOB

Chair's report

As a committee, we knew that 2021/2 would be about moving out of the erratic nature of planning events in a pandemic and restoring some continuity. Our main goal was to complete the fundraising for the junior slide, turning a dream the children had for years into a reality.

However, covid persisted and our plans got off to a slower start than expected, with movie nights postponed until the spring. Christmas cards and a raffle organised by Natalie Strange (securing Barclays matched funding) and sponsored by Saga Windows buoyed us along but it was clear there was a sense of deflation. It called for some original thinking.

Father Christmas comes to Didsbury was born out of the despair many families found themselves in when covid swept through school. Isolation and illness meant Christmas plans to meet Father Christmas had to be cancelled.

With game volunteers as elves, Alex Moureau’s dedication, and a brilliant feat of sleigh-engineering by Jim Cooper, we hit the streets taking Father Christmas to families. We included a food bank drive and thanks to the generosity of local people we completely filled the food bank with supplies and new toys, and raised thousands for both charities.

“My children couldn’t believe their eyes when they saw Santa. They’ve never seen him before because of the pandemic and this year we had to cancel things because they are isolating - you and the team made Christmas for us…..”

“Sam, thank you to all involved for organising yesterday. It was lovely….we don’t have lots of family, so feeling community and togetherness really means loads. Thanks for making it happen.”

Spring brought new hope and we revisited popular events like the Taste of Eid celebration. Over 20 volunteers gladly shared their culture and food with Beaver Road families, raising £1000 in just under an hour! A spontaneous party atmosphere ensued thanks to Miss Panchal’s dancing prowess, making the afternoon a special occasion.

But the biggest event and celebration of the Beaver Road community was the summer fun day. Months of planning, dozens of volunteers who helped to make, sell and organise activities, a raffle run by Tony and Glenn from Barclays and support from Gascoigne Halman, produced a fun-filled day day to remember. It may have been hot, but people were happy and I hope it created a long-lasting memory for the children who came.

I think if you need examples of events that capture the spirit of kindness and inclusivity at Beaver Road, then these undoubtedly shine bright.

There are many people to thank; Liz Hardy and the leadership team, Nia Horan and the teaching team, and hundreds of volunteers and participants. This year, thanks in particular should go to Lauren, Siobhan, Tilly, Gemma, Mel and Cath, and of course, my husband for never questioning my commitment.

As I come to the end of my chair, I have had a chance to reflect on the last four years. I have learnt that there is nothing as powerful or special as community. The road isn’t always easy but when you are surrounded by people who believe in a cause, everything is possible. Changing the lives of children is one of the most incredible things you can do. I would do it all again.

I wish the incoming committee huge success as they take on their roles. My advice is to remember you are a volunteer, and any difference, however small, is still a difference. It’s inspiring to see you come forward, and I encourage everyone to give you their full support.

Treasurer's report

The opening bank balance was £29,739 on 21st Sep-21 and closing bank balance was £28,333 on 31st Aug-22.

During the period 1st September 2021 – 31st August 2022 we raised c£28k however we spent c£51k on fundraising & expenditure for the school (including money towards the playground committed to in the previous financial year) and the slide at the juniors during 2022.

We are waiting for a £21k cheque for the playground work to clear and have also approved the following spending:

§ £1200 - Black History month

§ £2000 towards books

§ £800 for Design & Technology tools

§ £3000 for Christmas Pantomimes

§ Teepee's - Cost TBC

§ Christmas entertainment (TBC- covered by the Christmas card commission raised)

This leaves us with limited funds prior to any Christmas fundraising, therefore any fundraising ideas for the new year are welcome.

Thanks to a healthy opening bank balance and some excellent fundraising throughout the year, including a phenomenal Summer Funday, along with continued uniform sales, its been another excellent year. Thanks to everyone for their efforts this year including all PTA members and volunteers. However special thanks must go to Sam for her continued effort and determination to provide brilliant events for all of the children to enjoy with memories they wil cherish forever! Thanks Sam - you will be missed!

Minutes of meeting

We were quorate with 14 participants

Treasurer's report and Chair's report were accepted

Lauren was re-elected at Treasurer

Tilly was elected as Chair

Tiffanie was elected as secretary

A note of thanks was given for all the efforts of Siobhan and Sam as outgoing committee members, and to everyone involved in making 2021/22 a success.

Meeting closed at 6:13.