AGM minutes 2014-2015
Date of meeting: 11 September 2015
Present: B Bartlett; S Brewer; J Fearn; S Scott; S Birch; D Sambrook; C Rees; R Inight; E Perkin; H Satyanand.
- Apologies for absence
Apologies for absence were received from Yasimin Djemal (trustee); Denise Parry (trustee); Jane Cooksy (supporter)
- Chair’s report
Beth gave an overview of the past eleven months. As soon as the income threshold had been reached, an application was prepared to register with the Charity Commission. This was approved on the 7th September 2015. Membership forms will be developed and sent to potential supporters during the coming year.
During the past eleven months a total of 31 dogs had been surrendered to the rescue, two thirds of which were Boston Terriers and the remaining third BT crosses. This is a sad statistic to quote but highlights the need for the rescue to exist.
The level of income has far surpassed expectations and a head fundraiser has been appointed to oversee merchandise, such as the calendar and incentives for regular charity donors.
- Rehoming secretary’s report
There are currently 140 applicants on the waiting list, with an additional 4-5 enquiries being received everyday. Thankfully, demand to rehome a Boston Terrier far exceeds the number of dogs being surrendered which means we can be very thorough when it comes to selecting new homes for our rescue dogs.
We have a growing number of foster homes (26 at the time of the meeting) but there is still a need to recruit and vet additional foster carers (particularly those who are currently pet/young child free) so that we have places ready and surrendered dogs can be collected and transported quickly.
- Financial report
From a zero start we are now in the position where we have more money coming in than going out. This means that we will be able to help many more Bostons in the future – even those with complex medical and behavioral conditions.
The majority of the money going out is in the form of vets fees. We have seen a number of complex medical cases being surrendered to rescue and we have been able to get them the care and treatment they need, all thanks to our generous supporters.
We take time and trouble to find and vet suitable transporters and pay mileage for the collections and drop-offs they do for us. It’s a vital role and by making sure our volunteers are not out of pocket, we know that they will continue to transport for us in the future.
- Election of committee
The following trustee roles were elected uncontested:
- Beth Bartlett – Chair
- Jo Fearn – Treasurer & Charity Secretary
These appointments will continue until the next AGM.
- AOB:
- Appointment of new trustees
Julie stepped down as a trustee part way through the year and we thank her for the hard work she put in during the initial set up of the organization, plus the careful management of our Facebook group. Yasimin and Denise both decided to stand down as trustees at the meeting. Yasimin remains with the charity as a valued volunteer. They have both been with UKBTR since the beginning. We thank Denise for her efforts and look forward to working with Yas over the coming year.
This leaves us with a space on the trustee board and we are delighted that Sandi Brewer, national rehoming secretary has agreed to step up to the board as a trustee. Sandi has worked tirelessly for UKBTR for the past seven months and her experience and insight will be a valuable addition to the board.
- Future plans
Over the coming months we will continue to promote the work of the charity and strive to recruit more foster homes. We will be reviewing and refreshing our merchandise offer, including finding a new clothing supplier. There will be another UKBTR calendar for 2016 and we are developing an incentive offering for our regular donors. We hope to recruit an additional trustee to join the board during the coming year and will be exploring the possibility of registering with Companies House to reduce trustee liability.