With Covid in abeyance, the trustees’ meetings moved from the University of Buckingham back to the Hospital, their proper home. We were grateful for the University’s generosity in accommodating us.
Major expenses were again newspapers and magazines, a contribution towards the upkeep of the gardens, milk and fruit for the hospital staff, vouchers for every member of staff at Christmas, and Christmas gifts for the patients. In the summer heat we were able to provide a tower fan to cool the nurses’ room. An increase in insurance costs and a one-off expense to pay for an independent review of the League’s investments meant that administration costs were higher than in previous years.
Subscription income increased slightly in 2023 and donations have been received from, among others, Claydon Churches, Old Gaolers, Young Farmers, U3A, S. Carter and V. Murphy.
The value of the League’s investments increased slightly in 2023, mainly because of strong performance in the last quarter. The trustees commissioned an independent review of investment performance (Yoke and Co) under Evelyn Partners, and while the outcome was reassuring, it was decided to increase slightly the acceptable level of risk with the aim of improving long-term performance.
The trustees continued to investigate the possibility of an orchard area in the Hospital garden to mark the service of Hospital staff since its foundation. Early in the year, the Buckinghamshire Healthcare NHS Trust gave permission for this and generously agreed to provide an access path, but after this little progress was made. In the same vein, the League of Friends agreed in principle to fund a much-needed new shower room for the Ward to replace the redundant bath, but this could not proceed as the Trust was unable to allocate a Project Manager. The trustees understood that the Trust had other priorities, but it was frustrating nonetheless.