The BMFA’s AGM took place on Saturday 18 November and this note covers the main points of discussion and decision.
Much of the AGM business is routine but, as is often the case the focus is on the financial report of which I summarise the key points. A detailed financial report is on the main BMFA website.
The impact of Covid, the cost of living challenges and the falling membership of the BMFA (currently 28,500) have all had an impact on the Association’s budget. Consequently, the Board proposed a number of savings to the AGM on top of the sale of BMFA HQ in Leicester and consolidating on Buckminster. This will save approx £21k per annum and the capital receipt from the Chacksfield House sale will go into reserves. At this point it is important to emphasis that our challenge is to balance or better the revenue budget and not run down our reserves.
The most significant saving is that BMFA News will now be a digital copy 6 times a year saving £120k in print and postage costs. Smaller savings were proposed from the support to Areas, many of which already have significant reserves, holding the AGM on line and the Achievement Scheme.
The result would be that the estimated decline in membership and the savings would balance out and allow a sufficient contingency fund to cover unanticipated inflation or additional costs.
The above was based on a proposed increase in fees of £3 for seniors and an amendment from the floor increased this to £5 for seniors and other membership categories remaining the same. There was a discussion about reducing fees for Junior members (currently £20) and the Board agreed to consider this in future budget planning.
You will of course receive notification of fees from BMFA HQ.
This year’s budget has been a mammoth undertaking and Mike Woodhouse, Financial Director deserves great credit for addressing the challenges we face. To quote him, “the last 6 months the BMFA has become my full time hobby.” Our model flying and all that is entailed in making it happen relies on thousands of volunteers such as yourselves and the BMFA itself would not exist without the small paid team who give many more hours than they are paid for. So a heartfelt thanks to all.
I hope to see you or your club represented at this Thursday’s AGM but if not may the weather in 2024 be more kindly and you have a great Christmas.
Best regards
Paul Hoey
Area Chairman and BMFA Honorary Secretary
