Income during 2018 was less than the previous year because of lower receipts from new members, advertising and the garden visit. The Committee made another donation of £500 to the Dedham Vale and Stour Valley Project and there was a further expense involved in updating the website, which is essential for attracting future members.

The Association’s capital assets were therefore 7.4% lower than the previous year, however most of the factors involved are considered to be non-recurring.

The Association continued to attract new members but overall numbers declined by a small amount to 686 due to natural wastage. Teething problems with the on-line joining system meant that a planned recruitment drive was deferred to the current year. Parish councils and other organisation numbers were unchanged at 28.

Michael Goodbody.