2024-08-31-accounts

Trustees’ Annual Report for the period

From 1 September 2023 Period start date To 31 August 2024 Period end date

Charity name: City of Bristol Choir

Charity registration number: 1015961

Objectives and Activities

Summary of the purposes of the charity as set out in its governing document	“To promote, improve, develop and maintain public education in and appreciation of the art and science of music in all its aspects by the presentation of public concerts and recitals and by such other means as the Choir, through its committee,shall determine from time to time.”
Summary of the main activities in relation to those purposes for the public benefit, in particular, the activities, projects or services identified in the accounts.	City of Bristol Choir 2023–2024 14 October 2023 – Fauré and Rheinberger, All Saints' Church, Clifton, 7:30pm A programme featuring Gabriel Fauré's_Requiem_and Joseph Rheinberger's_Cantus Missae_, showcasing the choir's rich harmonic blend in sacred choral works. 16 December 2023 – Christmas Spectacular, St George's Bristol, 7:30pm A festive concert with City of Bristol Choir and Bristol Ensemble, conducted by David Ogden, bringing Christmas cheer with a selection of seasonal music. 19 December 2023 – Festive Fiesta, St George's Bristol, 7:30pm An interactive evening featuring audience carol singing, festive orchestral pieces, and choral favourites, accompanied by Bristol Ensemble and led by David Ogden and Roger Huckle. 28 January 2024 – Odyssey by Jonathan Dove, Bristol Beacon, 5:00pm The world premiere of_Odyssey_, a powerful new music- drama for singers and orchestra composed by Jonathan Dove, performed by City of Bristol Choir. 22 March 2024 – That Friday Feeling, All Saints' Church, Clifton, 7:45pm A concert featuring Amy Summers'The Lord Is My Shepherd(world premiere), alongside works by Sidney

Campbell, Morten Lauridsen, and others, offering an invigorating choral experience. 16 June 2024 – Holst: The Planets , Bristol Beacon, 7:00pm A collaborative performance with Exultate Singers and Bristol Metropolitan Orchestra, presenting Holst's The Planets , Finzi's Imitations of Immortality , and Zimmer's Aurora . 13 July 2024 – Summer Choral Spectacular , Bristol Beacon, 7:30pm A joint concert with the Chorus of Westerly from Rhode Island, USA, and Bath Philharmonia, conducted by Andrew Howell and David Ogden, celebrating choral music's transatlantic connections. Statement confirming Yes whether the trustees have had regard to the guidance issued by the Charity Commission on public benefit

Additional information (optional) You may choose to include further statements where relevant about:

Policy on grant making	There is no policy but decisions are taken on a case by case basis by the Trustees and the committee for the commission of new musical works and to award Bursary Scholarships for young singers.
Policy on social investment including program related investment	N/A
Contribution made by volunteers	Volunteer stewards, committee members, librarian and front of house team are thanked publicly and thanks are published in the concert programmes.
Other	N/A

Achievements and Performance

Summary of the main achievements of the charity, identifying the difference the charity’s work has made to the circumstances of its beneficiaries and any wider benefits to society as a whole.

City of Bristol Choir 2023–2024: Main Achievements & Charitable Impact

14 October 2023 – Fauré and Rheinberger All Saints' Church, Clifton, 7:30pm

This concert presented two masterworks of sacred choral repertoire: Gabriel Fauré’s Requiem and Joseph Rheinberger’s Cantus Missae . The performance offered the public an opportunity to experience the spiritual depth and harmonic richness of these contrasting works — one intimate and ethereal, the other majestic and polyphonic. The choir engaged new and returning audiences in the appreciation of classical sacred music while offering singers and listeners alike an educational exploration of 19th-century European liturgical traditions.

16 December 2023 – Christmas Spectacular St George’s Bristol, 7:30pm

In collaboration with the Bristol Ensemble, this festive programme celebrated seasonal music from across the centuries. The performance combined well-known carols with lesser-heard works, creating an engaging and uplifting experience for a wide audience. By presenting a professionally directed concert in a prestigious venue, the choir encouraged appreciation for choral and orchestral music traditions while making them accessible to a broad public, including families and first-time concertgoers.

19 December 2023 – Festive Fiesta

St George’s Bristol, 7:30pm

This interactive concert encouraged audience participation through communal carol singing, bringing music education into the realm of direct experience. Featuring the Bristol Ensemble and led by David Ogden and Roger Huckle, the programme included orchestral highlights and choral classics. The event helped demystify classical concert-going and fostered a joyful, inclusive environment, furthering the choir’s mission to develop musical appreciation across diverse community groups. 28 January 2024 – Odyssey by Jonathan Dove (World Premiere) Bristol Beacon, 5:00pm A landmark event for the choir, this concert featured the world premiere of Odyssey , a new dramatic cantata by leading British composer Jonathan Dove. Commissioned to mark the reopening of Bristol Beacon, the performance placed City of Bristol Choir at the heart of the city’s cultural renewal. The choir’s participation in the premiere of a major contemporary work expanded public awareness of modern choral composition and offered singers a unique opportunity to work directly with living music creators, fulfilling the choir’s educational remit

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through innovation and collaboration.
22 March 2024 – That Friday Feeling
All Saints’ Church, Clifton, 7:45pm
This concert featured a rich and varied programme
designed to challenge and inspire both choir members
and the audience. A highlight was the world premiere of
The Lord Is My Shepherd by emerging composer Amy
Summers, providing a platform for new British talent.
Works by Campbell, Lauridsen, Howells, and others
introduced listeners to a broad spectrum of sacred and
secular choral music. The educational value was
enhanced through thoughtful programming that balanced
traditional favourites with contemporary voices,
reinforcing the choir’s role as a cultural educator.
16 June 2024 – Holst: The Planets
Bristol Beacon, 7:00pm
In partnership with Exultate Singers and the Bristol
Metropolitan Orchestra, this large-scale concert
showcased Holst’s iconic The Planets suite, alongside
Finzi’s Imitations of Immortality and Hans Zimmer’s
Aurora . The performance combined visual, instrumental,
and choral elements to provide a multidimensional artistic
experience. Through collaboration with other ensembles
and the inclusion of both classical and cinematic
repertoire, the choir reached new audiences and
encouraged cross-genre musical appreciation, supporting
its aim to broaden public engagement with the musical
arts.
13 July 2024 – Summer Choral Spectacular
Bristol Beacon, 7:30pm
A unique collaboration with the Chorus of Westerly from
Rhode Island, USA, and Bath Philharmonia, this concert
celebrated international friendship through music.
Featuring works from both sides of the Atlantic, the event
highlighted the universal language of choral singing. The
cultural exchange deepened musical understanding for
participants and audiences alike, demonstrating the
choir’s commitment to developing appreciation of music
in its many forms and fostering global connections
through performance.
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Additional information (optional)

You may choose to include further statements where relevant about:

Achievements against objectives set

City of Bristol Choir enjoyed another remarkably successful year - the choir continued to draw large audiences for its performances. More and more people across Bristol and beyond are being exposed to fantastic choral performances and a huge range of new and classical pieces. The choir continues to collaborate with many ensembles and individuals across the city, strengthening relationships andpartnerships across the wider music scene. The

	performances were held in a variety of venues across the city and exceptions and discounts were always granted to those eligible to make sure access was not limited to those with monetary means.
Performance of fundraising activities against objectives set	N/A
Investment performance against objectives	N/A
Other	N/A

Financial Review

Review of the charity’s financial position at the end of the period	Para 1.21	The 2023/24 season has given a necessary boost to choir funds. Collaborations with other choirs, orchestras and the Bristol Beacon lowered the element of risk and loss associated with putting on concerts this year. It was an unusual programme year, with two concerts entirely put on by other organisations and therefore with no financial risk for the choir. This will enable us to continue with the Choir’s objectives in future years and think about increasing reserves which currently would not cover one failed concert.
Statement explaining the policy for holding reserves stating why they are held	Para 1.22	City of Bristol Choir maintains a reserve of at least £5000 to support the Choir’s on-going activities and to provide a contingency fund in case of poor ticket sales or unexpected costs. The accompanying Accounts quantify three designated funds (the CBC Bursary Fund, the Commissions Fund and the CBC Tour Fund) and explain their purposes.
Amount of reserves held	Para 1.22	Minimum of £5000
Reasons for holding zero reserves	Para 1.22	N/A
Details of fund materially in deficit	Para 1.24	N/A
Explanation of any uncertainties about the charity continuing as a going concern	Para 1.23	N/A

Additional information (optional)

You may choose to include further statements where relevant about:

The charity’s principal sources of funds (including any fundraising)	Para 1.47	Subscriptions from members Concert income Grants and awards for specific projects or concerts
Investment policy and objectives including any social investment policy adopted	Para 1.46	N/A
A description of the principal risks facing the charity	Para 1.46	The principal risks to the Choir are first; ensuring that audiences continue to attend concerts given the growing competition for musical performances in and around Bristol and secondly, that membership remains at an optimum level to deliver the aims and objectives of the choir and to generate subscription income. The Trustees continue to review this and the choir’s position remains satisfactory. We are also aware of the potential financial risk posed to the choir in the form of the cost of living crisis; ensuring that audiences continue to attend concerts given the growing competition for musical performances in and around Bristol and the increased cost of livingimpactingdisposable income.
Other		N/A

Structure, Governance and Management	Structure, Governance and Management	Structure, Governance and Management
Description of charity’s trusts:
Type of governing document (trust deed, royal charter)	Para 1.25	Written constitution.
How is the charity constituted? (e.g unincorporated association, CIO)	Para 1.25	City of Bristol Choir is an unincorporated association regulated by its constitution, adopted at a specially convened Extraordinary General Meeting of the Choir on 26thNovember 1992 and amended at specially convened EGMs of the Choir on 9thSeptember 2001, 29thJune 2003 and at the AGM on 19thJune 2014.
Trustee selection methods including details of any constitutional provisions e.g. election to post or name of any person or body entitled to appoint one or more trustees	Para 1.25In	In accordance with the amended Constitution adopted at the AGM on 19thJune 2014, the Trustees are drawn from the members of the Choir and elected by a simple majority of members at the Charity’s Annual General Meeting or at an Extraordinary General Meeting. They hold office until the next Annual General Meeting and are eligible for re- election.

Additional information (optional) You may choose to include further statements where relevant about:

Policies and procedures adopted for the induction and training of trustees	Para 1.51	New Trustees are mentored and they meet with outgoing or current Trustees depending what, if any role, they will play on the committee. All Trustees are advised of the expectations and duties of Trustees and their attention is specifically drawn to www. Gov.uk/guidance/charity-trustee-whats- involved
The charity’s organisational structure and any wider network with which the charity works	Para 1.51	N/A
Relationship with any related parties	Para 1.51	N/A
Other		N/A

Reference and Administrative details

Charity name	City of Bristol Choir
Other name the charity uses	N/A
Registered charity number	1015961
Charity’s principal address	City of Bristol Choir 9 Sandstone Rise, Winterbourne, Bristol BS36 1BB

Names of the charity trustees who manage the charity

1 2 3 4 5 6 7 8 9 10	Trustee name Elizabeth Cunningham Julia Loveless Sarah Pascall Tim Jackson Rose Lancaster Peter Lunt Alice Howse Helen Burke Nigel Harradine JennyHemming	Office (if any)	Dates acted if not for whole year	Name of person (or body) entitled to appoint trustee (if any)
		Chair	from 1st Sept 2023 until 31st January2024	City of Bristol Choir
		Vice Chair, then Chair	from 1st Sept 2023 - then Chair from 1st Feb 2024	“
		Treasurer		“
		Secretary		“
		MembershipSec.		“
		Concert Manager		“
		Ticket Sec.		“
		PublicityOfficer		“
		Trustee		“
		Trustee		“

– Corporate trustees names of the directors at the date the report was approved

Director name
N/A	N/A	N/A

Name of trustees holding title to property belonging to the charity

Trustee name	Dates acted if not for whole year
N/A

Funds held as custodian trustees on behalf of others

Description of the assets N/A held in this capacity Name and objects of the N/A charity on whose behalf the assets are held and how this falls within the custodian charity’s objects Details of arrangements for N/A safe custody and segregation of such assets from the charity’s own assets

Additional information (optional)

Names and addresses of advisers (Optional information)

	Type of adviser Name Address	Type of adviser Name Address	Type of adviser Name Address
	N/A
	Name of chief executive or names of senior staff members (Optional information)
	N/A

Exemptions from disclosure

Reason for non-disclosure of key personnel details

N/A

Other optional information

N/A

Declarations

The trustees declare that they have approved the trustees’ report above.

Signed on behalf of the charity’s trustees

Full name(s)_ JULIA LOVELESS__

Position (e.g. Secretary, Chair etc)_CHAIR (as of 1st February 2024)_

Date__22nd April 2025_____

CITY OF BRISTOL CHOIR

ACCOUNTS FOR THE YEAR ENDED 31 AUGUST 2024

STATEMENT OF FINANCIAL ACTIVITIES

UNRESTRICTED FUNDS 2024 £ £ £ £ £ INCOME Notes Other CBC Bursary CBC Tour Commissions Total Funds Fund Fund Fund Subscriptions 25,864 25,864 Gift Aid 5,613 0 5,613 Donations and grants 100 0 100 Concert Income 2 28,878 28,878 Performance Fees 4,467 4,467 Sponsorship and fundraising 690 690 Sale of goods 3 1,341 1,341 Deposits 2,350 2,350 Interest received 94 94 67,047 0 2,350 0 69,397 EXPENDITURE Rehearsal Costs 15,155 15,155 Concert expenditure 2 24,942 24,942 Performance Costs 2,579 2,579 Cost of goods sold 3 339 339 Grants and commissions 0 750 750 Subscriptions paid 53 53 Insurance 450 450 Amortisation 964 964 Professional costs 0 Stock write off 0 Other costs 641 641 Tour costs 0 0 45,123 0 0 750 45,873 NET INCOME/(EXPENDITURE) 21,924 0 2,350 (750) 23,524 FUNDS AT 1 SEPTEMBER 25,512 377 97 4,177 30,163	UNRESTRICTED FUNDS 2024 £ £ £ £ £ INCOME Notes Other CBC Bursary CBC Tour Commissions Total Funds Fund Fund Fund Subscriptions 25,864 25,864 Gift Aid 5,613 0 5,613 Donations and grants 100 0 100 Concert Income 2 28,878 28,878 Performance Fees 4,467 4,467 Sponsorship and fundraising 690 690 Sale of goods 3 1,341 1,341 Deposits 2,350 2,350 Interest received 94 94 67,047 0 2,350 0 69,397 EXPENDITURE Rehearsal Costs 15,155 15,155 Concert expenditure 2 24,942 24,942 Performance Costs 2,579 2,579 Cost of goods sold 3 339 339 Grants and commissions 0 750 750 Subscriptions paid 53 53 Insurance 450 450 Amortisation 964 964 Professional costs 0 Stock write off 0 Other costs 641 641 Tour costs 0 0 45,123 0 0 750 45,873 NET INCOME/(EXPENDITURE) 21,924 0 2,350 (750) 23,524 FUNDS AT 1 SEPTEMBER 25,512 377 97 4,177 30,163	2023 £ 20,053 5,224 251 16,075 6,466 2,404 2,400 50
	67,047 0 2,350 0 69,397 15,155 15,155 24,942 24,942 2,579 2,579 339 339 0 750 750 53 53 450 450 964 964 0 0 641 641 0 0 45,123 0 0 750 45,873 21,924 0 2,350 (750) 23,524 25,512 377 97 4,177 30,163	52,923
		15,190 26,340 1,927 2,210 250 53 201 914 2,705 861 1,654
		52,305
		618 29,545
FUNDS AT 31 AUGUST	47,436 377 2,447 3,427 53,687	30,163

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CITY OF BRISTOL CHOIR
ACCOUNTS FOR THE YEAR ENDED 31 AUGUST 2024
BALANCE SHEET
UNRESTRICTED FUNDS
2024 2023
£ £ £ £ £ £
Notes Other CBC Bursary CBC Tour Commissions Total
Funds Fund Fund Fund
FIXED ASSETS 4 10,321 10,321 10,521
CURRENT ASSETS
Music Library 1,5 1,686 1,686 1,917
Stock 0 0 0
Gift Aid receivable 10,687 10,687 5,074
Debtors and prepayments 1,311 1,311 527
Cash at bank and in hand 30,923 377 2,447 3,427 37,174 14,831
COIF Deposit Account 1,000 1,000 1,000
45,607 377 2,447 3,427 51,858 23,349
CURRENT LIABILITIES
Creditors and Accruals 8,492 8,492 3,707
8,492 8,492 3,707
NET CURRENT ASSETS 37,115 377 2,447 3,427 43,366 19,642
NET ASSETS 47,436 377 2,447 3,427 53,687 30,163
RESERVES
General Funds 47,436 47,436 25,512
CBC Tour Fund 6 2,447 2,447 98
CBC Bursary Fund 6 377 377 377
CBC Commissions Fund 6 3,427 3,427 4,176
47,436 377 2,447 3,427 53,687 30,163
Approved by the Trustees and signed on their behalf
J Loveless S Pascall
Chairman Treasurer
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CITY OF BRISTOL CHOIR

ACCOUNTS FOR THE YEAR ENDED 31 AUGUST 2024

NOTES TO THE ACCOUNTS

1. Accounting policies

Basis of Accounting

These accounts have been prepared on the basis of historic costs in accordance with Accounting and Reporting by Charities (SORP 2015), and with the Charities Act 1993. The basis of accounting has not changed during the year.

Going concern

There are no material uncertainties which might affect the ability of the Choir to continue.

Public benefit

The Choir is a public benefit entity; to promote, improve, develop and maintain public education in and appreciation of the art and science of music in all its aspects by the presentation of public concerts and recitals and by such other means as the Choir, through its committee, shall determine from time to time.

Recognition of income

Income is recognised in the Statement of Financial Activities (SofA) when the charity becomes entitled to the resources; the Trustees are virtually certain they will receive the resources; and the monetary value can be measured with sufficient reliability

Income with related expenditure

Where income has related expenditure, such as concert income, the income and related expenditure are reported gross in the SofA

Grants and donations

Grants and donations are only included in the SofA when the charity has unconditional entitlement to the resources.

Tax reclaims on donations, subscriptions and gifts

Income from tax reclaims is included in the SofA at the same time as the gift to which they relate.

Contractual income and performance related grants

This is only included in the SofA once the related services have been delivered.

Investment Income

This is included in the accounts when receivable.

Liability recognition

Liabilities are recognised as soon as there is a legal or constructive obligation committing the charity to pay out resources

Fixed Assets

Fixed assets comprise folding chairs used in concert performances, which are depreciated over 10 years on a straight-line basis, recording equipment, which is depreciated over five years on a straight line basis, and concert staging, which is depreciated to net residual value over twenty years on a straight line basis.

Music Library

Items held by the choir for its own use, or for rental by other choirs, are the subject of an annual

stocktake. To recognise the reducing value of copies over time, their value is amortised over a period of 5 years, on a reducing balance basis

CITY OF BRISTOL CHOIR

ACCOUNTS FOR THE YEAR ENDED NOTES TO THE ACCOUNTS 2. Concert income and expenditure Income Ticket Sales Grants Received Programme Sales Refreshment Sales Total Income Expenditure Musicians and soloists Venue costs Music Hire Programme Costs Refreshment Costs Publicity and postage Commission on ticket sales Profit Share Other costs	31 AUGUST 2024 That Fauré Friday Rheinberger Feeling £ £ 4,033 2,755 0 0 0 0 0 0	Finzi £ 20,529 1,050 511 0	Finzi £ 20,529 1,050 511 0	2024 Total £ 27,317 1,050 511 0	2024 Total £ 27,317 1,050 511 0	2023 Total £ 15,075 1,000 16,075 11,027 5,106 3,014 450 236 3,493 1,285 1,729 26,340 (10,265) 2023 Total £ 2,400 2,210 190
	4,033 2,755	22,090		28,878		16,075
	200 150 300 300 0 374 120 132 286 272 1,224 1,027 93 89 324 378	2,312 7,400 395 575 0 1,061 7 7,759 164		2,662 8,000 769 827 558 3,312 189 7,759 866		11,027 5,106 3,014 450 236 3,493 1,285 1,729
	2,547 2,722	19,673		24,942		26,340
Surplus/(deficit)	1,486 33	2,417		3,936		(10,265)
3. Sale of goods Income Expenditure	Music CD Sales Sales £ £ 1,341 0 339 0			2024 Total £ 1,341 339		2023 Total £ 2,400 2,210
Surplus/Deficit	1,002 0			1,002		190

CITY OF BRISTOL CHOIR

ACCOUNTS FOR THE YEAR ENDED NOTES TO THE ACCOUNTS 4. Fixed Assets Brought forward Additions during the year Depreciation charge	31 AUGUST 2024 Cost Depreciation £ £ 11,712 (1,191) 343 (543)	2024	Net Book Value £ 10,521 343 (543)	Net Book Value £ 10,521 343 (543)	2,023 £ 10,709 246 (434) 10,521 2023 £ 1,386 1,012 (480) 1,918
Carried forward	12,055 (1,734)		10,321		10,521
5. Music Library Net book value b/fwd Additions during the year Amortization			2024 £ 1,918 189 (421)		2023 £ 1,386 1,012 (480)
Net book value c/fwd			1,686		1,918

6. Designated funds

The CBC Bursary Fund is a designated fund established to provide funds to advance the musical education of young singers, who are required to join the choir during the period for which they are in receipt of bursary funding.

The CBC Tour Fund is a designated fund established to meet the incidental costs associated with overseas and domestic concert tours which the choir may undertake periodically.

7. Trustee's remuneration and expenses

No trustees were in receipt of remuneration during the year.

8. Related party transactions

There were no related party transactions during the year.

CHARITY (OMMISSION FOR ENGLAND AND WALES Independent examiner's report on the accounts ..Seetlon A Independent Examlnerfs Report Report to the trusteesl members of City of Bristol Choir On accounts for the year ended 31 August 2024 Charity no (if any) 1015961 Set out on pages I report to the trustees on my examination of the accounts of the above charity ("the Trusy,) for the year ended 31 August 2024. Responsibilities and As the chanty trustees, you are responsible for the preparats'on of the basis of report accounts in accordance with the Charities Act 2011 ("the Act"). I report in respect of my examination of the Trust's accounts carried out under section 145 of the 2011 Act and in carrying out my examination, I have followed all the applicable Directions given by the Charity Commission under section 145(5)(b) of the Act. Independent I have completed my examination. I confirm that no material matters have examiner's statement come to my attention in connection with the examinatson which gives me cause to believe that In, any material respect,. the accounting records were not kept in accordance with section 130 of the Act. or the accounts did not accord with th.e accounb'ng records; or the accounts did not comply with the applicable requirements concerning the form and content of accounts set out In the Charities (Accounts and Reports) Regulations 2008 other than any requirement that the accounts give a 'true and fair, view which is not a matter considered as part of an Independent examination. I have no concerns and have come across no other matters in connecbon with the examination to which attention should be drawn In this report in order to enable a proper understanding of the accounts to be reached. Signed: Date: 27 June 2025 Name: Richard Francis Bacon Relevant professional qualification(s) or body (if any): FCA Address: 17 Westfield Road BRISTOL BS9 3HG IER October 2018