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2023-04-30-accounts

TRUSTEES’ ANNUAL REPORT AND FINANCIAL STATEMENTS

For The Year Ended 30th April 2023

Charity Number 1046002

Trustees’ Annual Report

The Trustees present their report with the financial statements of the charity for the year ended 30 April 2023.

The financial statements have been prepared in accordance with the policies set out in Note 1 to the Financial Statements and comply with the charity’s constitution, the Charities Act 2011, regulations applicable to that Act, and Accounting and Reporting by Charities: Statement of Recommended Practice applicable to charities preparing their accounts in accordance with the Financial Reporting Standard applicable in the UK and Republic of Ireland (FRS 102), effective from accounting periods commencing 1st January 2015 or later.

Charity Structure, Governance, and Management

Charity Number: 1046002

Charity Name: New Forest Players

Registered Address: 17 Dudley Avenue, Hordle, Lymington, SO41 0HY

Type of governing document: The Constitution of the New Forst Players was adopted at the AGM of 11 April 1995 and amended at the EGM of 6 February 1997 (Second Edition), AGM of 9 September 2003 (Third Edition), EGM of 26 February 2004 (Fourth Edition), EGM of 31 March 2011 (Fifth Edition), and AGM of 27 August 2020 (Sixth Edition).

How the charity is constituted: Full Membership is open to any person aged 18 or over who is interested in furthering the Objectives of the charity. Junior Members may be accepted under the age of 18 years but shall have no voting rights. There are currently 100 Full Members and 16 Junior Members. New Forest Players is run by the Executive Committee of 10 comprising 4 Honorary Officers (Chairman, Vice-Chairman, Secretary, and Treasurer) and six other Full Members.

Trustee selection methods: Members of the Executive Committee are elected or re-elected at the Annual General Meeting in August. The Executive Committee has the power to co-opt members should a committee vacancy occur during the year.

Executive Committee: The Executive Committee of the New Forest Players are its Trustees for the purposes of charity law and throughout this report are collectively referred to as its trustees. The Trustees serving during the year were as follows:

Page 2 of 13

Advisers:

Charity Objectives and Activities

The charity’s objectives are to promote the advancement and improvement of all aspects of drama and the development of the public appreciation of such art.

The New Forest Players (NFP) is a leading amateur drama group based in New Milton with members from the New Forest Area. The NFP has an active membership and aims to produce at least three plays each year plus a seasonal pantomime. NFP gives members the opportunity to meet other amateur theatre enthusiasts & take part on stage or behind the scenes at any of our productions. The performances are well attended and are generally well received by audiences.

The Trustees have taken careful regard of the Charity Commission guidance on public benefit and believe that by meeting the objects of the Charity they are fulfilling those requirements.

The following productions were staged by the New Forst Players in 2022/23. The Chairman’s report on pages 4 to 5 gives further details of activity during the year.

Declaration

The Trustees declare that they approved the above report at the Executive Committee Meeting on 05 December 2024. Signed on behalf of the charity’s trustees:

David Luker, Chairman

Page 3 of 13

Chairman’s Review of the Year 2022/23

As we come to the conclusion of my fourth year as your chairman, we have at last enjoyed a full season of productions following the pandemic. Therefore, I am delighted to report on 4 productions having just concluded the 4th a few days ago.

Productions

The postponed pantomime finally arrived in New Milton in July with very few cast changes and proved to be the usual epic production with a team of over 50 under the expert direction of Sarah Haberfield. We were pleased to at last return to the Memorial Centre after an absence of 2 and a half years which is ideally suited for this type of production. We are fortunate to have in New Milton one of the largest indoor performance spaces between Southampton and Bournemouth. The NFP Robin Hood was created by Martin Cox who wrote the script so thanks to Martin and also for his time on the committee.

In October we crossed the pond to Connecticut to indulge ourselves in the comedy thriller Deathtrap directed by me and Ieuan. We were thrilled to have the services of a professional stuntman to direct the action sequences. It proved to be a challenging play and required 8 extra rehearsals however the time investment was well worthwhile. We attempted probably one of our more ambitious and atmospheric box sets decorated with an assortment of extraordinary weapons begged, borrowed and purchased and valued at nearly £2k. Our professional artist was able to make a needle punch carpet look like a flagstone floor as well as producing the spectacular theatre posters.

Pantomime rehearsals started early in September and the decision was taken to change the venue from the Memorial Centre to Ballard which despite some reservations proved an excellent decision so much so that the next one will again be here. Cinderella was the 10th pantomime directed by Sarah Haberfield and all the superlatives have been exhausted. Needless to say, it was another huge success and an opportunity for members and non-members of all ages to get involved. Virtually every element in theatre was employed to its full potential and the new style of story book set warrants a special mention.

As winter turned to spring, we were treated to a poignant and hard-hitting play set in a respite home - One Day I Will Fly Away. Sensitively directed by Len Reid the play explored the frustrations and despair of the infirm and elderly and dedication of the carers countered by the mixed-up emotions of a young offender doing community service. The play was laced with sadness and humour, tears and laughter culminating in an emotionally charged final scene. We were also delighted to welcome the writer Janet Shaw who travelled from Yorkshire to watch the show.

There are too many of you to thank by name but thanks to all the performers, directors, producers, technical crews, set builders, stage managers, prompts, props, backstage crews, front of house, publicity and box office. It has been particularly encouraging to welcome many new members whose enthusiasm to get involved has inspired us all. As I said last year – take away any one of these elements and we simply do not have a show. Amateur dramatics is very much and always will be a team sport and we have enjoyed great camaraderie and friendship in the process.

Page 4 of 13

Club Nights

We turn to club nights kicking off with an interesting and entertaining talk by Paul Weston the Hollywood stuntman who featured in many blockbusters including the Bond films, Indiana Jones, Star Wars and many TV dramas. We also enjoyed some excellent one act plays interspersed by the annual quiz and Christmas Games Show. The highlight of the season was the junior showcase when we were treated to a wealth of talent by our young members. Such was its success that we hope to make it an annual event. Valentines was marked by Love and Laughter rounded off by Mr and Mrs. We also fitted in an information section providing an insight to the workings of NFP and brief presentation by the directors of forthcoming productions. Club night attendances continue to be encouraging and we were delighted to welcome many new faces. Particular thanks to Len Reid who masterminded the season and to all who participated.

Open Evening

Encouraged by the 2021 open evening the committee decided to repeat the event in September but unfortunately it did not evoke the same response. However socially it was very successful after the summer break. Perhaps an open evening every few years is preferable rather than annually.

Production Sub Committee

The production sub-committee chaired by Gill Pitt has welcomed new members and has proposed a good mix of plays for the coming season when we will reintroduce a fifth production in February at Forest Arts Centre. Directors have been assigned and the main committee are confident that we can look forward to another season of high-quality productions. The production committee will start planning the 2024/5 season in September.

Members

We have said goodbye recently to Jim and Maureen Small who have been long standing members and have relocated to Essex to live near their daughter. We thank them for all their help on FOH and set building. They have promised to keep in touch and we wish them well. Unfortunately, we lost a member during the last season. Joy Bacon performed in several plays, was on the committee and FOH manager. Her contribution to the society is greatly appreciated.

Conclusion

Finally, we must not forget Ballard School where we continue to enjoy their excellent facilities for the majority of our activities and we look forward to a continuing harmonious relationship.

Page 5 of 13

Report of the Independent Examiner to the Members of the New Forest Players

Page 6 of 13

Statement of Financial Activities

Sales / Business Income (Turnover)
Fees received
Net surplus/loss from Productions
Membership Fees
Ticket Sales
Front of House Sales
Club Night Revenue
Other Income
Cost of Sales
Opening Stock Valuation
Closing Stock Valuation
Production Costs
Front of House Costs
Club Night Costs
Other Costs
Gross Profit
Other Income
Interest Received
Donations
Overhead Expenses
Property Repairs and Maintenance
Store Electricity
Venue Hire
Print, Post & Stationery
Contact Costs
Net Cost of Club Nights and Social
General Insurance
Website
Gifts
Box Office Telephone
Subscriptions & Licences
Bank Charges
Depreciation
Sundry
Other Expenses
Net profit / (loss) for the year		 2023
2022
Note
£
£
£
£
-
1,930
-
(3,088)
2,748
-
28,372
-
3,985
-
66
-
410
-
_
_
35,581
(1,158)
-
(87)
-
(116)
25,729
-
3,156
-
254
-
259
-
_
_
29,398
29
_
_
6,183
(1,129)
115
2
-
5,000
_
_
115
3,873
688
61
196
104
20
90
156
213
105
138
-
424
998
863
436
1155
-
30
75
72
86
235
70
96
1,317
1317
3
105
929
408
-
_
_
4,660
5,727
_
_
1,639
(1,854)
=======
=======

Page 7 of 13

Balance Sheet

Fixed assets
Fixed Assets
Current assets
Stocks
Debtors & Prepayments
Bank Accounts
Cash Accounts
Current liabilities
Other creditors
Net current assets
Total assets less liabilities
Represented by:
Opening Balance as at beginning of year
Profit / (Loss) for the year
Closing balance as at end of year		 2023
2022
Note
£
£
£
£
3,679
4,996
-
115
4
1,498
11,214
22,544
14,743
1,166
280
_
_
25,207
26,352
_
_
5
752
4,853
_
_
24,455
21,499
_
_
24,455
21,499
_
_
28,135
26,495
=======
=======
26,495
28,349
1,639
(1,854)
_
_
28,134
26,495
=======
=======

Read & approved _____ David Luker – Chair New Forest Players _____ Ben Sandford – Treasurer New Forest Players

Page 8 of 13

Schedule of Fixed Assets

Tangible fixed assets
Building
Cost:
As at beginning of year
As at end of year
Net book value at end of year
Stage Properties & Equipment
Cost:
As at beginning of year
Additions
As at end of year
Depreciation:
As at beginning of year
Charge for the year
As at end of year
Net book value at end of year
Clubhouse & Store Assets
Cost:
As at beginning of year
Additions
As at end of year
Depreciation:
As at beginning of year
Charge for the year
As at end of year
Net book value at end of year		 2023
2022
Note
£
£
£
£
3,444
3,444
_
_
3,444
3,444
_
_
3,444
3,444
29,659
29,188
-
471
_
_
29,659
29,659
_
_
(28,569)
(27,714)
(855)
(855)
_
_
(29,423)
(28,569)
_
_
235
1,090
6,810
6,810
-
-
_
_
6,810
6,810
_
_
(6,395)
(5,980)
(415)
(415)
_
_
(6,810)
(6,395)
_
_
-
415

Page 9 of 13

Wardrobe Furniture
Cost:
As at beginning of year
Additions
As at end of year
Depreciation:
As at beginning of year
Charge for the year
As at end of year
Net book value at end of year
Cups & Trophies
Cost:
As at beginning of year
Additions
As at end of year
Depreciation:
As at beginning of year
Charge for the year
As at end of year
Net book value at end of year		 2023
2022
Note
£
£
£
£
357
357
-
-
_
_
357
357
_
_
(355)
(354)
(1)
(1)
_
_
(357)
(355)
_
_
-
2
183
183
-
-
_
_
183
183
_
_
(137)
(92)
(46)
(46)
_
_
(183)
(137)
_
_
-
45
_
_
3,679
4,996
=======
=======

Page 10 of 13

Notes to the Financial Statements

Note

For the fixed assets (other than Freehold Property) held at the start of the2019/20 year, depreciation of the remaining value will be at 25% per annum of the remaining value over 2019/20 and the subsequent 3 years.

New purchases in 2019/20 and subsequently will be treated as capital expenditure only if they exceed £150 in value.

Page 11 of 13

Show Analysis

Robin
Hood		 Death Trap Cinderella One Day I'll
Fly Away		 Total
£ £ £ £ £
Income
Ticket Sales 7,541.44 5,395.50 10,945.17 4,490.37 28,372.48
Front of House 914.60 732.00 1,573.90 764.10 3,984.60
Other Income - - 50.00 200.00 250.00
Total Income 8,456.04 6,127.50 12,569.07 5,454.47 32,607.08
Expenses
Advertising 1,145.32 500.00 678.00 684.13 3,007.45
Bank charges 251.01 104.57 206.70 96.98 659.26
Costumes 514.23 20.00 244.98 62.11 841.32
Food - 61.45 66.62 124.74 252.81
Licence - 385.80 21.00 361.00 767.80
Performance hire - - - - -
Professional
services		 67.50 - 67.50 - 135.00
Rent 4,661.67 1,980.87 3,730.87 1,980.87 12,354.28
Scripts - 162.97 120.00 75.27 358.24
Set costs 779.36 668.61 591.46 404.02 2,443.45
Set hire 636.03 150.00 3,240.00 100.00 4,126.03
Stationery 51.11 37.56 39.40 49.12 177.19
Sundry - - - - -
Tickets Printing - - - - -
Utilities - - - - -
Sound hire 502.90 - 103.47 - 606.37
Programmes 522.00 218.00 540.00 212.00 1,492.00
Raffle - - - - -
Sweets 130.20 - - - 130.20
Refreshments 21.19 30.23 182.89 13.93 248.24
Bar - 111.80 231.40 106.40 449.60
Ice cream 238.66 132.08 257.64 207.36 835.74
Unallocated - - - - -
Total Expenses 9,521.18 4,563.94 10,321.93 4,477.93 28,884.98
Total Profit/Loss -1,065.14 1,563.56 2,247.14 976.54 3,722.10

Page 12 of 13

Robin
Hood		 Death Trap Cinderella One Day I'll
Fly Away		 Total
£ £ £ £ £
Front of House
Bar - 364.00 571.90 385.00 1,320.90
Refreshments 68.30 87.50 286.60 67.10 509.50
Sweets 125.70 - - - 125.70
Ice Cream 513.60 280.50 485.90 312.00 1,592.00
Programmes 207.00 - 229.50 - 436.50
Total Front of
House		 914.60 732.00 1,573.90 764.10 3,984.60
Cash Sales 914.60 718.00 1,322.40 661.60 3,616.60
Card Sales - 14.00 251.50 102.50 368.00
Audience
Analysis
Total Tickets Sold 752 424 957 368 2,501
Number of
Performances		 5 4 6 4 19
Average
Audience		 150 106 160 92 132
Ticket Sales 7,541.44 5,395.50 10,945.17 4,490.37 28,372.48
Average Ticket
Price		 10.03 12.73 11.44 12.20 11.34
Comps Issued 4 10 10 9 33
Total Audience 756 434 967 377 2,534
Front of House 914.60 732.00 1,573.90 764.10 3,984.60
Average FOH
Spend		 1.21 1.69 1.63 2.03 1.57

Page 13 of 13