The Association’s bank balance shows a modest increase over the previous year. Payments from new Life members have contributed towards this and we have also benefited from those existing members who have voluntarily increased their annual subscriptions in line with the new rates which took effect in 2012.

Although difficult to come by, advertising revenue has substantially covered the cost of producing the magazine. Because of the large increase in postage rates it was decided to buy additional stamps before this took effect in April last year. Consequently, at the year end, we were holding a reserve for sending out the 2013 magazine.

Some funds were used to plant an avenue of trees at Sible Hedingham in memory of Malcolm Jones, who served the Association for many years.

In 2012 no outside secretarial help was used, committee minutes being taken by me.

It has been the policy of the executive committee to preserve our capital for occasions when it might be necessary to incur legal expenses to fight any major unwelcome planning decisions. There is the possibility that this situation may arise in connection with National Grid’s proposed new line to Twinstead. In this instance the committee would consider making a contribution, over and above any subscriptions individual members who are directly affected may decide to make on their own account.

There has been a minimal change in membership during the year, the total now standing at 663, along with 26 parish councils and societies. The Association will only survive in its present form if a steady increase in numbers is achieved.

Michael Goodbody