For any donations please contact the treasurer on treasurerbtw@aol.com

We are starting a new scheme called 'Sponsor a BT'.  As an alternative to Gift Aiding a sum of money to BTW in general terms, why not allocate your Gift Aid donation to any one or more of the following categories (the figures provided for each category constitute an average or minimum cost incurred for this year):

Stay in kennels awaiting re-homing      £7.00 per day

Initial Vet consultation/inoculation    £20.00

Vet operation                           £100.00

Transportation to new home              £30.00

 The Treasurer's Corner

'Entering my fifth year in the treasurer's post, I see our balance sheet is broadly similar to that of 2003.  We had poor financial years 2004 and 2005, followed by three more positive years and the deficit was recovered.  The outlook this year is gloomy and, some four months in, a deficit of perhaps 10 to 15% is expected.  Whilst we have a reasonable reserve, the fall in bank interest rates will mean an income decrease from that reserve, and using some reserve capital will cause a further decrease.  Gift Aid, on non re-homing donations, now becomes of greater significance, and hopefully, will ameliorate the revenue decline. We do however, appear to be affected by the country's general economy, with more dogs seeking new homes, less homes available, resulting in longer stays in kennels at higher prices.  Last year we paid £1,316 in VAT on veterinary, and kennel boarding charges.  Why is VAT levied on veterinary treatment to sick animals?'

 Bob 19 November 2008 update

'The recent adjustments announced by both the Government and the Bank of England's Monetary Committee are relevant to us.  We will pay less VAT on Kenneling and veterinary fees for the 13 months that the lower (15%) rate is in force.  The lowering of the Bank's interest base rate will reduce the amount of interest we receive on the Reserve Account.  Broadly speaking the effect on BTW is neutral.  We win on VAT and lose on the Reserve Account's interest.  We can calculate the interest lost but some are forecasting a further lowering and we do not know what future kennel and veterinary charges we will need to meet, which is why I say it is broadly neutral.

We have been please to receive two larger than usual Gift Aided donations, from Staffordshire, that brighten the outlook for this current year.  We have also received a useful sum from canine enthusiasts in Yorkshire, who held a fun-day for our benefit.  Thank you positivedogs, it is very much appreciated.  This year's deficit, if that is what proves to be, will be the smaller for that.  Thank you all.

Bob 10 December 2008 update

As 2008 comes to an end, we arrive at he half-way point of Welfare's financial year.  Since the last update, I am pleased to say that matters have improved.  Some increased Christmas 'presents' have been received (with Gift Aid to come) and together with a recent legacy from a Border doyenne, the outlook for our full year is rosier.  The current running deficit is wiped out and should the second half-year be similar to the first the outcome is likely to be satisfactory.

As always it will be the unknowns that will affect that outcome.  How many dogs will need re-homing?  How many will need veterinary treatment before they can be re-homed?  Will there be enough homes for the dogs?  How long might we have to board those dogs before that 'right home' appears?  These unknowns have always been there -since that day in November, 27 Years ago when Ann Wiltshire and the late Gwen Baldwin went to Southampton to collect two strays, so starting Border Terrier Welfare.  They managed then and they built on it.  May we do the same.

A happy and prosperous New Year to you all and thank you for your interest in the Welfare.

Bob 31 December 2008 update