Anglo Saxons Friendly Society
Newsletter
Bob Heasman, CEO designate and Peter Hambelton, retiring CEO.
Change of Chief Executive Officer (CEO) of the Society
Mr Peter Hambelton will retire from his position as CEO on March 27th 2015 and the Board of Management
have great pleasure in announcing that Mr. Bob Heasman will take this position from that date.
On Friday 27th March it is proposed to have the Anglo Saxon Hall open from 10am to 2pm for anyone who
would like to drop in and have a chat with Peter on his final day as CEO. Soft drinks, tea, coffee and nibbles
will be provided.
Peter Hambelton
Peter has been with the Society for 22 years and has been CEO since 2006. He has helped guide the
Society through many changes especially the financial regulations which the Society must comply with. Also
the fact that even after the turbulent financial situation since 2008 the Society is still in a very strong financial
position is testament to the stewardship that Peter applied to the CEO post. Despite having some health scares
Peter has always shown great determination to make sure that all the targets set by the Board have been met.
He has done a first class job and the Board congratulate and thank him on behalf of the membership.
Peter will not disappear completely as he has agreed to take on the role of non-executive Board member with
responsibility for governance, compliance and oversight for the Society on a part-time basis.
Bob Heasman
The Board of Management are delighted to announce that Mr Bob Heasman has accepted the offer to
succeed Peter. To anyone who attended the AGMs Bob will be a familiar face. Since 2002 Bob has presented
the financial report in his capacity as a manager then director of Hedley Dunk Ltd, the Society’s then auditors.
His knowledge of the accounts and finances of the Society is second to none and the fact that he was willing to
resign from his partnership at Hedley Dunk has given the Board the reassurance that he will carry on the great
work that Peter, and indeed all previous CEOs have achieved for the Society.
Brief History of the Society
In these modern turbulent times it is perhaps relevant to look back. The Society was founded in 1877 and the
aim then was to be a mutual self-help group owned by its members and offering financial support in times of
need.Fast forward to 2015 and the basic principles of the Society have not changed. Obviously the Society has
had to comply with every change in financial regulation to ensure that we remain solvent and transparent to
its members. To list all the changes would be tedious, but please be assured that the CEO and Board are very
strictly monitored by our regulators, auditors and actuaries.
Our investments in property have proved to be very successful and have provided the financial base to expand
and attempt to make membership attractive. As well as property the Society has substantial investments in
stocks and shares which are looked after by a firm of city investment managers and this fund is monitored in
the office on a daily basis.
The only cloud on the horizon is the matter of dwindling membership. When members reach 65 they cease
paying subscriptions but still receive benefits, and this rule is enshrined as one of the basic principles of the
Society. However it does mean that new members are essential to ensure the future of the Society.
We do not advertise due to the prohibitive cost so the Board would stress to all members the importance
of introducing the Society to family, friends and work colleagues and they do not have to live in the area
to become a member. We may be a very old Society but we are in the internet world and applications are
available on line at www.anglo-saxons.co.uk.
The Society is also very fortunate in having office staff who not only ensure that all payments are made but have
to monitor receipts for fraudulent claims. It must be stressed that the Board will not tolerate any false claim and
if proven will result in loss of membership.
For everyone’s guidance here is a list of rules regarding claims PLEASE READ THEM CAREFULLY.
Only paid original receipts will be accepted, showing the practice name and address.
The receipt must show the members name and current address.
The receipt cannot be more than 12 months old.
The member’s contributions must be up to date.
Meetings
The AGM is the on 1st May 2015 at 7.00pm
There is a half-yearly meeting on the 30th October at 7.00pm
These meetings are held at the Anglo Saxon Hall and all members are invited to attend (there is a small
contribution for expenses given to members who attend).
And finally
The Board would like to thank all members for their loyalty. Whilst being rightly proud of its achievements it
is never complacent. So together with the CEO and office staff the aim will always be to protect the financial
and beneficial interests of all members.
Office opening times: Monday to Friday 9.00 am to 12.30 pm. Out of office contact number, 01474 567 050