TREASURER’S REPORT: AGM 16 JULY 2016

The accounting figures for the year from 1 April 2015 to 31 March 2016 convey the fact that the printing, distribution and sale of the Your Place in the Kogelberg book overwhelm the regular nature of all previous year-end financial statements. The book was launched in May 2015. Book sales continued steadily through 2015 into 2016. By June 2016 the stock of unsold books has greatly reduced. In fact sales have slowed substantially. Printing on demand for the English edition and a reduced print run of an Afrikaans edition are under consideration. Decisions in this connection will take place once we have quotations.

The original print run of 1000 books at a cost of roughly R80 000 was financed as follows: R24 000, from Kogelberg Botsoc branch funds, and the balance from the Botanical Society of South Africa Education Fund – a fund established by Head Office to support worthy projects being undertaken by the various branches of the Botanical Society throughout South Africa.

A substantial quantity of books was distributed as complimentaries to various organisations and individuals involved in the development of the Overberg area. The objectives included promoting environmental awareness among opinion leaders, providing advice to the authorities regarding suitable practices to be followed during property developments, and of course to promote the image of the Botanical Society and its activities. Information on the eradication of alien plant species was provided.

Much help from the Botanical Society head office at Kirstenbosch regarding stocking of books and accounting for book sales is gratefully acknowledged.

The balance sheet showed that we had some R82 000 in cash in our combined bank accounts. Three important projects are currently under consideration.

A collection of 16 valuable original Ethel May Dixie paintings was very kindly donated by member Priscilla Blake to our branch of the Botanical Society. We in turn have had them mounted on acid-free board, keeping the original frames, and are in the process of having them suitably hung on a folding stand for public display in Nivenia Hall, Harold Porter Gardens. The anticipated cost, including re-framing, is R26 500. There is a good chance that this will be paid by the Partnership Fund of the Botanical Society.

An amount, as yet not quantified, must be set aside for a probable reprint of Your place in the Kogelberg. A third major project involves upgrading the way in which audiovisual presentations are made in the Nivenia Hall in the Harold Porter Gardens. This upgrade will totally transform the quality of visual and sound projection in the hall. Financial contributions from the Partnership Fund, from our branch and also possibly from SANBI itself are possible. These projects of support for the Harold Porter Gardens are consistent with the laid down objectives of our branch of the Botanical Society.

Regarding the other schedules, we raised R6 674 at a fundraiser function, well attended as usual. A small reduction in member subscriptions reflects a slight fall off in membership. The money so raised is being spent on books for the libraries of Harold Porter and the Hantam National Botanical Gardens.

I do want to make a point of telling the membership that for some years now, the collections at our monthly ‘talks’ almost exactly balance with the costs of these evenings. We give a small cash presentation to guest speakers, not all of whom remember to cash the cheques. We provide refreshments and pay a small fee to cover hall usage costs. So those attending the talks actually pay the out of pocket expenses involved in setting up the talks. Non-attenders therefore don’t subsidise those who attend.

I must mention the excellent assistance we receive from Terry Simon, our auditor. I have been treasurer for some years and hope that some keen person lurks out there, willing to take over as Treasurer. I live in hope.

The Balance Sheet, Income and Income and Expenditure reports are included below.

sheet1

sheet2

sheet3

Notes for Income and Expenditure statement:

Note 1: A stock of unsold YPIK books exists – sufficient for two months’ sales. These are not valued but represent a reserve.

Note 2: Cash in the bank amounts to R81,085. Hack fund petty cash is R846.

Note 3: Cash has been accumulated to fund a new print run for YPIK books.

Note 4: Various projects associated with supporting the Harold Porter Gardens are in the pipeline so a substantial portion of the cash on hand is earmarked for expenditure in coming months. Projects (to be confirmed by committee) possibly include:

  • Framing of collection of Dixie paintings with display stand
  • Improving audiovisual equipment in the Nivenia Hall
  • Repair of Venetian Blinds in Nivenia Hall
  • Environment-related educational projects