Thursday 13th March 2025, Derby Arms, Witherslack
Present: Michael Burke, Jennie Burke, Sally Varian, Jack Ellerby, Colin Barr, Mandy Lane, Peter Matthiessen (on video call)
- Apologies: Peter Davis. Richard Scott not present.
- Minutes of Last Meeting
Accepted. Actions considered under Agenda items below.
- Chair’s Report
MB read out his Chair’s report – attached to these minutes
- Treasurer’s Report
CB circulated his financial statement; there was little to report. The current balance was £6,838, though website and domain name costs of around £145 about to be paid. Monthly contributions by Trustees had all been stopped after the last AGM, although Richard Scott continued payments for a further four months. There was some concern that Richard had not been in touch; CB would try to contact him. ACTION: CB
It was agreed that solicitor and agent fees for sale of the wood could be paid from this balance. The insurance had been paid in October last year, so it should last until the sale of the wood had been completed. The bank account would eventually be closed, but would need all signatories to formally agree. MB would check which of the committee were listed as signatories. ACTION: MB
- Webmaster’s Report
Peter Davis had informed the Trustees of the website hosting and domain name costs. The website and domain name could be transferred to the new owners if they wanted to maintain it.
- Sale of the Wood
6.1 Sale: The sale appeared to be progressing, though slowly. MB would keep in touch with the agents, H&H Land. JE would keep in touch with the purchasers.
6.2 Division of Assets: CB had previously circulated a table detailing how assets would be divided on sale of the wood according to percentage ownership; this had been agreed at the last meeting. It was thought that the current balance in the bank account would be almost certainly taken up with sale costs.
6.3 Capital Gains Tax: Liability was likely to apply to individuals and would depend on their tax status; joint owners might need to check whether they would be taxed separately or together. It was assumed that the Trust would not be liable as an entity.
6.4 Future of the Trust: Options were to wind up the Trust or pass it onto the purchaser; JE would liaise with the purchaser. The current Trustees would be happy to continue informal involvement if this was wanted.
- AOB
It was suggested that the current Trustees meet up once a year to stay in touch. MB and JB were happy to coordinate meetings.
Mandy Lane
17th March 2025