The Vegetarian Society of the United Kingdom Ltd
Company No. 959115

Minutes of the 40th Annual General Meeting
held at
Parkdale, Dunham Rd, Altrincham
on Saturday 19th September 2009 at 2.30pm

The Chair, Brian Rogers, welcomed members to the AGM.

IT WAS RESOLVED that the minutes of the previous AGM, as presented to the meeting, be approved with an amendment to the date for National Vegetarian Week from 2009 to 2008; these were duly signed by Brian. The need to ensure that people are fully aware of the definition of vegetarian when signing up as members was noted.

Brian then presented a summary of the financial year April 2008 to March 2009. He highlighted the success of National Vegetarian Week 2008, the review and reprint of the charity’s popular publication ‘Why it’s Green to Go Vegetarian’ and Butcher’s Cat, the new, exclusively online animal welfare campaign. He extended thanks to the Cyril Corden Trust for their generous funding; this allowed the charity to produce ‘Kids in the Kitchen’, a new cookery booklet for the under-10s, and purchase software for the nutritional analysis of the charity’s recipes. The cookery school was refitted with new kitchens and leisure and professional training was re-launched, although take up was lower than target. The Seedling Symbol was re-branded as VegSoc Approved and overall income was maintained despite tough economic conditions. The potential for offering egg-free, dairy-free and vegan accreditation was investigated but there was little client interest. Youth membership started to rise following the launch of the two new youth membership clubs but overall membership numbers continued to slowly decline.

The meeting then discussed Vegetarian Society approval of Quorn, the return on investment in youth membership clubs, the charity’s image and the availability of the annual report and financial statements prior to the meeting.

The accounts for 2008/9 were presented by the Treasurer, Paul Cook. Net assets at the end of the year were just under £4.35million, up from £3.37 million at the end of 2007/8. Income increased by 43% to £2.43 million; this increase is largely attributable to legacy income being £665,000 higher than in the previous year. Expenditure increased by 17% to £1.19 million. Paul then responded to various queries from members and noted suggestions that the charity’s ethical investment criteria should be made publicly available and that cash deposits should be further diversified.

IT WAS RESOLVED that the Directors’ Report and Accounts for the year ending 31st March 2009 and the auditors’ report thereon be approved.

Brian reported that Graham Thomson and he were both standing down as trustees and expressed thanks to Graham for his contribution over many years. Six candidates stood for election or re-election to Council and David Pye, Milan Shah, Clare Crowther and Graham Goddard were successful.

IT WAS RESOLVED that Council be authorised to appoint the auditors for the following year and fix their remuneration.

Brian then presented a number of changes that Council had made to the charity’s standing orders:

• The number of trustees on Council should be limited to 10 rather than 15.

• The Chair may offer him/herself for re-election, but may not hold the position for more than two consecutive years.

• Trustees must stand down at the next AGM after having completed eight or more consecutive years of service and are precluded from offering themselves for re-election until the following AGM.

• Members motions must be submitted in writing in hard copy (not delivered by email or other electronic medium) at least 120 days prior to the time and date of the Annual General Meeting.

• Each motion must be signed and dated by the proposer, seconder and 25 supporting members and must show each signatory’s membership number.

There was lively debate on these changes and the meeting proposed the following resolution: 'That all changes to the standing orders except that relating to the Chair's term of office should be reversed with effect from the next Council meeting'. This resolution was carried by the meeting.

The Chair then opened the floor to members for questions and a number of issues were discussed including:

• Whether the standards applied to eggs used in VegSoc Approved products and the cookery school should be raised.

• The proposed review of the charity’s governing documents.

• The procedure for trustee elections, including the intention to include internet and text voting.

• Whether it would be possible to participate in the Bible Christian Church’s celebration.

Brian closed the meeting and expressed his gratitude to trustees, staff, volunteers and members, including all those who attended the AGM.

Chair of the Meeting