Chairman Report 26

 End of Season Report to Members – 2025/26

Friends

As we approach the end of our current programme of weekly meetings on Tuesday 30th June we can reflect on another successful year for Stafford Art Group.

Although our formal sessions pause over the summer many members will continue to meet informally for plein-air painting and sketching at a variety of outdoor locations. These relaxed gatherings have become a regular part of our creative calendar, and all members are warmly encouraged to join in.

Membership.

During 2025/26 we welcomed many new friends, and our membership numbers are now the highest they have ben for a number of years. This growth reflects the welcome and inclusivity extend to artists at all levels from professional to absolute beginner.

Finance

Our balance sheet at the end of the season shows that we enter 2026/27 with sufficient funds to cover all liabilities and fixed costs for the upcoming year.

To maintain transparency, a monthly account of income and expenditure has been displayed on notice boards and the Members section of the website throughout the year, The final end of year accounts will be published at the close of June.

A full financial report will be presented at the Annual general Meeting on the 8th September, and a complete set of accounts, including supporting documentation, will be available for inspection and review until the end of the year.

Subscriptions

It remains a guiding principle of the Group to keep membership subscriptions accessible to all, regardless of circumstances. Accordingly, "subscriptions will remain unchanged for the 2026/27 season".

By any standard the subscription is real value for money, in addition to twice weekly meetings, artists have access to a busy programme of arts activities, models, still life, exhibitions, presentations, workshops etc.

The Role of Volunteers

Stafford Art Group is a "not for profit organisation" and the delivery of this extensive programme depends entirely on the energy and commitment of "unpaid volunteers". Recruiting volunteers is becoming increasingly challenging and this places pressure on the small number of members who currently carry the organisational workload.

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At Septembers 2026 AGM members will be required to elect a new team (committee) to take the Group forward in the new season.

As a minimum we must elect;

Chairperson

Treasurer

Secretary

Five or more active committee members.

Without these roles filled the Group simply cannot function.

A Call to All members

Each member is asked to consider offering a little of their time to ensure the Group continues to meet regularly and thrive in the year ahead.

Cliff law (Chairman)

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