Financial Statements for the year 2007/2008

The financial statements complied, initially by Tenon Ltd. and subsequently by Callander Colgan, show that the company had an excess of income over expenditure amounting to £8,076 which compares favourably with that of 2006/07 of £3,819

The 2007/2008 surplus arose as follows-

The Hydrotherapy Pool had an operating deficit of -£37,095

But through donations and fundraising it raised 11,922

Resulting in a Pool deficit of - 25,173

But this was covered by a charity shop surplus for the year of 33,249

Producing a total Company surplus of £8,076

The financial position of the Pool itself was such that it finished the year with an operation deficit of £37,095, a decrease of £2,278 (or 5.8%) over that of the previous year.

Although Pool Income was lower by £3,997, Expenditure was also down, this by £6,275, due mainly to lower maintenance costs and a reassessment of Pool Equipment depreciation.

The Gross value of the Charity Shop sales of both and new donated goods and from donations, etc. amounted to yet another new record level of £43,370 (compared to £39,584 in 2006/2007).

Jim Bremner (Treasurer)

PRESS RELEASE ON 2008 AGM

The statutory Annual General Meeting of the Puffin Hydrotherapy Pool was held at Dingwall Academy on 25th June 2008. Dr Malcolm Steven, Chairman of the Puffin Pool Committee, presented its 17 th Annual Report. He outlined a successful year for the Company, which provides hydrotherapy for individuals with arthritis, including patients at the NHS Highland Rheumatology Unit in Dingwall as well as other clients with a disability from the Highland community.

During the meeting five committee members stood down by statutory requirement and were re-elected. The Chairman commended their support and invited other interested members of the public to consider joining the Board.

Reviewing the financial performance, Treasurer James Bremner reported stable income and expenditure levels. The annual operating deficit amounting to £37,000 (after grant support from NHS Highland and Highland Council) had fortunately been offset by fundraising, donations and a surplus of over £33,000 from the Tulloch Street charity shop. An overall surplus for the year amounting to £8,076 had resulted and although only 58% of pool income now comes from user charges the Committee was pleased to propose no increase in user charges for the coming year.

The Chairman was pleased to report a continuing successful contract with the Highland Council, who provides the staff for the day-to-day management of the pool. Manager May Hayden reported recent upgrades and some changes of personnel although recruitment has been increasingly difficult and additional staff is currently being sought. A number of vacant sessions at the pool have now become available due to the completion of the new Drummond School Pool and it is hoped that organisations and private booking will come forward to take up these sessions.

The Chairman concluded by thanking the many donors and supporters who gave so generously throughout the year. Particular thanks goes to the volunteer charity shop team led by Doreen Reynolds who generate an increasing proportion of the pool’s income. He commended forthcoming fundraising events including the annual Fun Run and thanked May Hayden and her staff for their energy and commitment to providing a quality service to the pool users. Finally, he thanked all the Committee members whose expertise has made the Puffin Pool such a success and a highly valued resource within the community.

Dr Malcolm Steven (Chairman)