It is hard to believe that another year has passed and I am writing this for inclusion in the annual report.

SDVS continued to maintain the accounts throughout the year and the final accounts have been prepared in accordance with SORP 2005, the regulations for the presentation of Charity Accounts.

This year the total income received was £222,307, an improvement of approximately £77,000 on the previous year.

We were fortunate to have received legacies of £14,617 from the late Mrs Snape, Mrs Baker and Mr Read.

The restricted grants were made by Primary Care Trusts and Councils to cover the costs of the Eye Clinics and the Big Lottery to cover the cost of the Home Visitor Service, this grant ended in the autumn and the home visiting service has been funded by us to end of March. Other restricted grants were awarded in 2008-2009 and various monies were received from RNIB for the Low Vision Centre, maps and gaps research and promotional events.

Once again, staff worked very hard on the flag days and appeals, raising £8,070. Donations from members and advertisers raised £15,191. Other sources of income are outlined in the Financial Statements (page 11). We thank all the individuals and organisations who have supported us for the first time or continue to support us.

As usual staff salaries at £169,982: the staff salaries was the largest expenditure item in the accounts. Transport costs for the social club were £8,953 and home visiting transport costs were £4,889. In general expenditure increased and the overall total was £295,424. More details of account expenditure can be found in the Financial Statements (page 16) of the full accounts.

Once again I must commend the staff for their care and dedication to Staffordshire Blind and its membership.