# 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: - David Luker: Chairman - Sarah Haberfield: Vice-Chairman - Wendy Beaumont: Secretary - Ben Sandford: Treasurer - Judy Anders: Committee Member (resigned June 2023) - Christine Battison: Committee Member - Simon Hanney: Committee Member - Claire Nicholson: Committee Member - Len Reid: Committee Member Page 2 of 13 - Elaine Reid: Committee Member (resigned May 2023) - Lyn Lockyer: Committee Member (co-opted June 2023) ## **Advisers:** - Bank: CAF Bank Limited, 25 Kings Hill Avenue, Kings Hill, West Malling, Kent, ME19 4JQ - Independent Examiner: Mary Stallwood ## 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. - Robin Hood (July 2022) - Death Trap (October 2022) - Cinderella (December 2022) - One Day I’ll Fly Away (April 2023) ## 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 - 1 In 2019/20, the Executive Committee decided to change the policy on prepayments and accruals in respect of shows. For the 2020 accounts and subsequently, prepayments or accrued costs for shows will be treated as revenue or expense items in the year the show is staged. Previously, such items were treated as revenue or expense items in the year actual value was received for the expenditure. - 2 In 2019/20, the Executive Committee decided to change the policy on depreciation. Freehold property will remain subject to no depreciation, but all other fixed assets will be depreciated at a fixed amount of 25% per annum over 4 years. Previously, Cups & Trophies were not subject to depreciation, and other assets were depreciated by 25% per annum of the reducing value each year. 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. - 3 The main Sundry expenses were a new phone for Front of House (£40) and backstage equipment (£42). - 4 This amount includes £940 of expenditure on shows to be staged in FY 2023/24, £112 of expenditure on club nights for FY 2023/24, and £359 of ticket sales for One Day I’ll Fly Away received in FY 2023/24. - 5 This amount includes £200 of ticket sales for Calendar Girls received in FY 2022/23, £339 of production costs for One Day I’ll Fly Away paid in FY 2023/24, and £123 of Front of House costs for One Day I’ll Fly Away paid in FY 2023/24. 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