The Astronomical Society of Edinburgh | Home | Introduction | Meetings | Officers | Search |

Annual Report for 2000 - Financial Report

The Society has again seen an overall decrease in funds over the last year. Despite increased levels of income relative to the year ending 31 December 1999, the Society's outgoings still exceed its income by some £300. A significant contribution to the Society's income this year has been the bequest from the estate of the late John D. Weir, for which the Society is very grateful. The largest single item of expenditure this year was for the electricity supply to the Observatory, followed by that for water and the non-domestic rates. Although the water charges were subsequently refunded, the high cost of our occupancy of the City Observatory continues to concern the Society's Council. It is to be hoped that the financial burden on the Society will be alleviated still further in 2001, following the various discussions with the City of Edinburgh Council described in the Annual Report.

Subscription income has increased by over 40% compared with last year, mainly due to an influx of new members as the annual Subscription Rate has remained unchanged at £10 (£5 concessions). A proposal to increase the subscription rate was discussed by the ASE Council this year, however it was decided to defer any increase until the Society's financial obligations regarding the Observatory were clarified with the City of Edinburgh Council. The Society continues to issue FAS Astrocalendars to members when subscriptions are renewed. The inaugural Christmas raffle made a surplus of £2.03; although commendable, this is unlikely to influence any future decision on subscription rates!

Income from users of the Observatory rose by almost 18% compared with 1999, although some of this related to activities taking place in the later part of the previous year. The Society's Council will continue to seek donations from users of the site to meet the rates and other charges related to the Observatory, although it is possible that our commitments in these areas will be lessened in the coming months. As noted elsewhere, the Society's 'interim payment' of £900 to East of Scotland water was refunded in full in December 2000, following protracted correspondence with East of Scotland Water over a period of 18 months. Currently, the City of Edinburgh Council's Department of Arts & Recreation is in negotiations with ESW regarding the installation of a water meter for the Observatory.

Following the unfortunate death of David Todd, Secretary and Treasurer of the Astronomical Society of Edinburgh Trustees, no payments from that source were made during 1999 and none have been requested during the current year. However, the Society can continue to claim funds from the Trust's income whenever deemed necessary.

Expenditure on the Earlyburn observing site has continued, with the installation of an electric meter by Kenny Laidlaw. The Society has also purchased a 12" f/4 Newtonian reflector for £200 (see the Annual Report) and continues to incur some expenditure related to the renovation of both this telescope and the Cox 13" reflector. Once again, the generosity of members in giving up their time to undertake work has meant that we have not had to meet labour charges as well.

We acknowledge with thanks the continuing support from the City of Edinburgh Council, although the Society no longer receives a grant towards the running costs of the Observatory.

Details of the Society's finances can be found in the Statement of Balances and the Receipts and Payments Account included in this Report.

Note to the Statement of Balances
and the Receipts and Payments Account
for the Year to 31 December 2000

General Notes

The form of presentation conforms to the requirements of the Charities Accounts (Scotland) Regulations 1992.

The following statements are required to be made:

It should be noted that the split of expenditure under the headings of Society and Observatory is an historical decision which was made a number of years ago to attempt to show an estimate of the costs falling on the Society through its occupation of the City Observatory. The proportions of items which are split between the categories are identified in the specific notes below.

Specific Notes

(Numbers refer to items on the Receipts and Payments Account)

1. Comments relating to the Trustees can be found in the preceeding Financial Report.
2. The Society paid £900 in water charges to East of Scotland Water in March 2000. This charge was refunded in full in December 2000, following protracted correspondence between the ASE and ESW. ESW is now dealing directly with the City of Edinburgh Council regarding the installation of a water meter at the Observatory.
3. This item includes the cost of tea and biscuits following meetings.
4. This is one half of the Library expenditure (including the cost of journals and the purchase of FAS Astrocalendars) with the other being shown against Observatory expenditure.
5. This is one third of the Insurance costs with the other two thirds shown against Observatory expenditure.
6. This is one half of the Treasurer's Expenses with the other half shown against Observatory expenditure.
7. The Society's Council agreed to redirect Society mail from the Observatory address because of the difficulty of getting mail delivered safely to the Observatory.
8. This covers the fee for examining the Society's report and accounts both in 1998 and 1999, as no payment was made in 1999.
9. This item includes the cost of subscriptions to the British Astronomical Association, the Federation of Astronomical Societies, the Society for Popular Astronomy and the Scottish Astronomers Group.
10. This is one half of the Library expenditure (including the cost of journals and the purchase of FAS Astrocalendars) with the other being shown against Society expenditure.
11. This is two thirds of the Insurance costs with the other one third shown against Society expenditure.
12. This is one half of the Treasurer's Expenses with the other half shown against Society expenditure.

Statement of Balances for the Year Ended 31 December 2000

Receipts and Payments Account
for the Year Ended 31 December 2000

Copyright © Astronomical Society of Edinburgh 2001