Minutes of the AGM of Worthing Music and Arts Festival September 11th 2025 at Emmanuel Church Worthing at 8pm
The meeting was opened just after 8pm by President Mandy Chapman who welcomed everybody.
Apologies were received from Geoffrey Johnson Bob Smytherman
There were 14 members present
The minutes of the 2024 AGM were adopted unanimously .Proposed Debbie Smith seconded Rosemary Hoyle
There were no matters arising
The Chair report was read by Helen Emery
Welcome to our AGM 2025. It has been another very successful 75[th] Anniversary year for WMAAF with entries being steady in Piano & Instrumental, Singing and Speech & Drama and substantially increasing in Dance.
I would like to extend thanks to all members of the Executive Committee who work throughout the year to see that the festival runs smoothly and efficiently and that it remains up to date. There is a lot of work that goes on behind the scenes to make WMAAF the success that it is. Particular thanks must go to Andrea, our administrator and also to Jan, Rosemary and Debbie (ably assisted by Jonty and Domingo) who are in the office every week working away. Thanks too to you, our festival members. Please encourage your friends and families to join us as well and continue to support the Arts in this current climate where they are in decline in our schools and colleges. I hope it will soon be realised that so much can be taught through the arts and the value that they bring to culture in our society.
Accepted by the meeting proposed Kristie Lyne seconded Rosemary Terry
The Secretary’s report was read by Jan Spooner Swabey
As the weather starts to change to a more Autumnal feel, its time for me to reflect on the last festival and the rest of our 75[th] celebration year.
Turning back to January, the festival got off to a good start with a busy singing section. One of our favourite adjudicators Sarah Jefferies was in good form for our singers young and old. There was a full complement of singers for each of our four finals, with a wide range of songs. Unlike other festivals, we seem to have less pop music but much more theatre singing. It was nice to welcome new
teachers with their input to the festival, particularly in the younger age groups. The following week had a quieter start with our instrumental section, which is so sad as we had another good adjudicator in Richard Deering. However as the pianists joined us on the second day, things got much busier. A good range of performers of all ages again brought music of all styles. The concerto classes again were very enjoyable and the finals were of a high standard again. We then had a couple of weeks to recoup before the full on extravaganza that is the dance section. Again there are busy times mixed with more busy times! Some exceptional dances were performed in all age groups with some interesting comments from adjudicator Catherine Ingram. Then finally onto a slightly reduced in quantity Speech & Drama section, but still of amazing quality. The finals on the Saturday were a true reflection of the high standard of work from all our Speech & Drama teachers. And then for another year it was over……..
The souvenir programme had been over seen by Beth Emery and the committee were very grateful to her. Beth also produced the 75[th] logo which will have its final airing at our celebration dinner on October 4[th] . We were also saddened to hear of the sudden death of Claudette Coles, a long time steward, almost immediately after the end of the festival.
Administration wise, the festival produced some new complications from unfamiliarity with the Play and perform entry system from parents ,which have now been sorted and hopefully will lead to more streamlined work in the future. Andrea Martin still works valiantly, often on her own in the office this last year as Rosemary Hoyle continued her return to better health. Andrea and I talk nearly every day with minor little things, and have been closely involved in the admin of the celebration dinner along with our President, Mandy Chapman. We hope those of you joining us will have a lovely evening celebrating our diamond anniversary.
And then onto next year, everything is nearly in place including a new logo. We are in the process of up dating our website, with several tenders being received. We hope this will make access much more user friendly.
And so this behemoth which is our festival moves on to the future, with new ideas and a new look. We thank you all for your support and look forward to next years’ performances.
Accepted by meeting proposed Keri Garner seconded Helen Emery The Treasurer’s report was read by Mandy Chapman
For a second year I am very pleased to say we made a profit over the whole festival.
Audience figures were slightly down, as expected as this was not an AED year in the Dance Section and also the Drama Section was reduced from 4 days to 3 days
Our membership is still a very good deal and more and more people are taking up the option, which allows them entry to all Sections of the Festival, we continue to encourage this growth
Our overheads are remaining fairly much the same, although Venue hire is becoming more expensive. This cannot be avoided, however, this year, Speech and Drama are moving to join Singing and Piano at Emmanuel URC so we are hoping this will keep costs steadier.
At this point, may I also thank our Administrator/Book keeper for her work, which was commented on favourably by our external examiner.
We are in a very fortunate position, compared to other festivals in our area, that we have a healthy bank balance. As a charity we do not need to make enormous profits but it is reassuring that we have a
safety net. Our trustees continue to use due diligence to manage this
situation.
Accepted by the meeting proposed Peter Asby Seconded Beth Emery
The Secretary proposed that we re-elect Ian Walker at Masters-Fuller accountants as our external examiner. This was agreed unanimously.
President, Mandy Chapman then announced the election of the officers.
Helen Emery (chair) Jan Spooner Swabey (secretary) and Robert Smytherman (treasurer) were elected en bloc proposed Rosemary Hoyle seconded Brenda Churchman
The following trustees were then elected en bloc proposed Jan spooner Swabey seconded Therese Williams
Debbie Smith, Rosemary Hoyle, Geoffrey Johnson, John Logan, Keri Garner, Kristie Lyne, Rosemary Terry, Katherine Mustafa
Under any other business, the chair was pleased to award the Oliver Buckle cup to John Logan, for all his work behind the scenes , supporting every section.
There being no other business the meeting closed at 8,15pm
REGISTERED CHARITY NUMBER: 12038211
Financial Statements for the Year ended 31st May 2025
for WORTHING MUSIC AND ARTS FESTIVAL
MastersFuller Chartered Certified Accountants 38 Salisbury Road Worthing West Sussex BN11 IRD
WORTHING MUSIC AND ARTS FESTIVAL
Contents of the Financial Statements for the Year ended 31st May 2025
----- Start of picture text -----
||||||
|---|---|---|---|---|
|Page|
|Independent|Examiner’s|Report|1|
|Receipts|and Payments|2|
|Statement|of Assets|and|Liabilities|3|
----- End of picture text -----
Independent Examiner’s Report to the Trustees of Worthing Music and Arts Festival
I report on the Accounts for the year ended 31st May 2025 set out on pages two to three.
Respective responsibilities of trustees and examiner
The charity’s trustees are responsible for the preparation of the Accounts. The charity’s trustees consider that an Audit is not required for this year under Section 144 of the Charities Act 2011 (the 2011 Act) and that an independent examination is needed. The charity is preparing accrued Accounts and I am qualified to undertake the examination by being a qualified member of ACCA.
It is my responsibility to:
-
examine the Accounts under Section 145 of the 2011 Act
-
to follow the procedures laid down in the General Directions given by the Charity Commission under Section 145(5) of the 2011 Act and
-
to state whether particular matters have come to my attention.
Basis of the independent examiner’s report
My examination was carried out in accordance with the General Directions given by the Charity Commission. An examination includes a review of the accounting records kept by the charity and a comparison of the Accounts presented with those records. It also includes consideration of any unusual items or disclosures in the Accounts and seeking explanations from you as trustees concerning any such matters. The procedures undertaken do not provide all the evidence that would be required in an Audit, and consequently, no opinion is given as to whether the Accounts present a ‘true and fair view’ and the report is limited to those matters set out in the statements below.
Independent examiner’s statement
In connection with my examination, no matter has come to my attention:
-
(1) which gives me reasonable cause to believe that, in any material respect, the requirements
-
to keep accounting records in accordance with Section 130 of the 2011 Act and
-
to prepare Accounts which accord with the accounting records and to comply with the accounting requirements of the 2011 Act have not been met; or
-
(2) to which, in my opinion, attention should be drawn in order to enable a proper understanding of the Accounts to be reached.
.
Ian Walker FCCA MastersFuller Chartered Certified Accountants 38 Salisbury Road Worthing West Sussex BNI11 1RD
Date: 28" July 2025
Page 1
Worthing Music and Arts Festival Receipts and Payments for the year ended 31st May 2025 Registered Charity No 1038211
----- Start of picture text -----
|||||||||
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
|2025|2024|
|Income|
|Admission|18,507|17,366|
|Entry|Fees|21,597|22,317|
|40,104|39,683|
|Expenditure|
|Adjudicators|fees|3,651|4,198|
|Adjudicators|expenses|1,063|745|
|Adjudicators|accommodation|1,542|778|
|Festival|expenses|&|trophy|repairs|3,744|7,092|
|Programme|2,175|0|
|Venue|Hire|12,313|9,795|
|24,488|22,608|
|Gross|Receipts|(Payments)|15,616|17,075|
|Other|Income|
|Membership|1,725|1,890|
|Donations|947|920|
|Sundries/(return|float)|0|780|
|Festival|income|150|968|
|Income|-|Virgin|interest|554|223|
|3,376|4,781|
|Overhead|Expenditure|
|BIFF|Conference &|Meetings|665|2,248|
|Consultancy|Fees/Administration|3,504|4,361|
|Insurance/A|ffiliation/Licenses|412|166|
|Office|Rent/Rates|5,617|5,617|
|Offiice|Equipment|Stationery,|Postage|etc|,|542|921|
|Sundries|(float,|return|cheques)|320|100|
|Telephone/Broadband|465|456|
|Electricity|967|963|
|Website|and|Design|85|712|
|Paypal &|Izettle|fees|604|625|
|13,181|_|16,169|
|Net Receipts|(Payments)|'|5,811|5,687|
----- End of picture text -----
Page 2
Worthing Music and Arts Festival Statement of Assets & Liabilities 31st May 2025 Registered charity No 1038211
| 2025 | 2024 | |||
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Current Assets | ||||
| Current account | 23,138 | 17,327 | ||
| Investment account | 50,124 | 50,124 | ||
| 73,262 | 67,451 | |||
| Current Liabilities | 0 | 0 | ||
| Net Current Assets | 73,262 | 67,451 | ||
| Net Assets | 73,262 | 67,451 | ||
| Financed by | ||||
| Net Revenue Account | ||||
| Balance Brought forward | 67,451 | 61,764 | ||
| Receipts/(payments) | 5,811 | 5,687 | ||
| 73,262 | 67,451 |
Page 3
REGISTERED CHARITY NUMBER: 12038211
Financial Statements for the Year ended 31st May 2025
for WORTHING MUSIC AND ARTS FESTIVAL
MastersFuller Chartered Certified Accountants 38 Salisbury Road Worthing West Sussex BN11 IRD
WORTHING MUSIC AND ARTS FESTIVAL
Contents of the Financial Statements for the Year ended 31st May 2025
----- Start of picture text -----
||||||
|---|---|---|---|---|
|Page|
|Independent|Examiner’s|Report|1|
|Receipts|and Payments|2|
|Statement|of Assets|and|Liabilities|3|
----- End of picture text -----
Independent Examiner’s Report to the Trustees of Worthing Music and Arts Festival
I report on the Accounts for the year ended 31st May 2025 set out on pages two to three.
Respective responsibilities of trustees and examiner
The charity’s trustees are responsible for the preparation of the Accounts. The charity’s trustees consider that an Audit is not required for this year under Section 144 of the Charities Act 2011 (the 2011 Act) and that an independent examination is needed. The charity is preparing accrued Accounts and I am qualified to undertake the examination by being a qualified member of ACCA.
It is my responsibility to:
-
examine the Accounts under Section 145 of the 2011 Act
-
to follow the procedures laid down in the General Directions given by the Charity Commission under Section 145(5) of the 2011 Act and
-
to state whether particular matters have come to my attention.
Basis of the independent examiner’s report
My examination was carried out in accordance with the General Directions given by the Charity Commission. An examination includes a review of the accounting records kept by the charity and a comparison of the Accounts presented with those records. It also includes consideration of any unusual items or disclosures in the Accounts and seeking explanations from you as trustees concerning any such matters. The procedures undertaken do not provide all the evidence that would be required in an Audit, and consequently, no opinion is given as to whether the Accounts present a ‘true and fair view’ and the report is limited to those matters set out in the statements below.
Independent examiner’s statement
In connection with my examination, no matter has come to my attention:
-
(1) which gives me reasonable cause to believe that, in any material respect, the requirements
-
to keep accounting records in accordance with Section 130 of the 2011 Act and
-
to prepare Accounts which accord with the accounting records and to comply with the accounting requirements of the 2011 Act have not been met; or
-
(2) to which, in my opinion, attention should be drawn in order to enable a proper understanding of the Accounts to be reached.
.
Ian Walker FCCA MastersFuller Chartered Certified Accountants 38 Salisbury Road Worthing West Sussex BNI11 1RD
Date: 28" July 2025
Page 1
Worthing Music and Arts Festival Receipts and Payments for the year ended 31st May 2025 Registered Charity No 1038211
----- Start of picture text -----
|||||||||
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
|2025|2024|
|Income|
|Admission|18,507|17,366|
|Entry|Fees|21,597|22,317|
|40,104|39,683|
|Expenditure|
|Adjudicators|fees|3,651|4,198|
|Adjudicators|expenses|1,063|745|
|Adjudicators|accommodation|1,542|778|
|Festival|expenses|&|trophy|repairs|3,744|7,092|
|Programme|2,175|0|
|Venue|Hire|12,313|9,795|
|24,488|22,608|
|Gross|Receipts|(Payments)|15,616|17,075|
|Other|Income|
|Membership|1,725|1,890|
|Donations|947|920|
|Sundries/(return|float)|0|780|
|Festival|income|150|968|
|Income|-|Virgin|interest|554|223|
|3,376|4,781|
|Overhead|Expenditure|
|BIFF|Conference &|Meetings|665|2,248|
|Consultancy|Fees/Administration|3,504|4,361|
|Insurance/A|ffiliation/Licenses|412|166|
|Office|Rent/Rates|5,617|5,617|
|Offiice|Equipment|Stationery,|Postage|etc|,|542|921|
|Sundries|(float,|return|cheques)|320|100|
|Telephone/Broadband|465|456|
|Electricity|967|963|
|Website|and|Design|85|712|
|Paypal &|Izettle|fees|604|625|
|13,181|_|16,169|
|Net Receipts|(Payments)|'|5,811|5,687|
----- End of picture text -----
Page 2
Worthing Music and Arts Festival Statement of Assets & Liabilities 31st May 2025 Registered charity No 1038211
| 2025 | 2024 | |||
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Current Assets | ||||
| Current account | 23,138 | 17,327 | ||
| Investment account | 50,124 | 50,124 | ||
| 73,262 | 67,451 | |||
| Current Liabilities | 0 | 0 | ||
| Net Current Assets | 73,262 | 67,451 | ||
| Net Assets | 73,262 | 67,451 | ||
| Financed by | ||||
| Net Revenue Account | ||||
| Balance Brought forward | 67,451 | 61,764 | ||
| Receipts/(payments) | 5,811 | 5,687 | ||
| 73,262 | 67,451 |
Page 3