OpenCharities

This text was generated using OCR and may contain errors. Check the original PDF to see the document submitted to the regulator.

2024-04-30-accounts

TRUSTEES’ ANNUAL REPORT AND FINANCIAL STATEMENTS

For The Year Ended 30th April 2024

Charity Number 1046002

Trustees’ Annual Report

The Trustees present their report with the financial statements of the charity for the year ended 30 April 2024.

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 98 Full Members and 17 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 2023/24. 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 2023/24

First of all, may I thank Sonia for her many years of service and welcome Gillian as our new President.

As we come to the conclusion of my fifth year as Chairman, we have enjoyed a very busy season of five productions and numerous events which I am pleased to report on.

We commenced the season with our summer play Calendar Girls which is so fresh in our minds. For the director Lyn Lockyer it was her first play for NFP and she has brought with her a wealth of experience. I feel I can do no better than quote the conclusion from the Scene 1 review: -

“This production sung out loud, wore its heart openly, and continued to promote the fight against blood cancer. It had camaraderie, joy, laughs, tears and a fabulous cast and crew bringing home the drama, emotions and the message. In every important sense, a triumph”.

We enjoyed sell out performances and thankfully added a Saturday matinee which was also nearly sold out and we also partnered with Oakhaven Hospice with a foyer display and bucket collection at the end of each performance which raised over £1,000.

The autumn brought us the thriller Dead Reckoning directed by Janet Courtice. This was Janet’s second outing as director of a main production and due to some casting problems as experienced with her first play a year earlier, we had to cast the net wider and were rewarded with the first of a number of new actors this season. So, with the early problems overcome we managed to deliver a credible and enjoyable production.

Meanwhile pantomime rehearsals started as usual in September and having successfully staged last year's pantomime at Ballard we decided to remain in the Performing Arts Centre using the story book set concept again. This was Claire Nicholsons debut as pantomime director thus allowing Sarah Haberfield a well-earned rest. Sarah was always going to be a hard act to follow having directed many highly successful pantomimes for NFP. However Claire rose to the challenge and Dick Whittington, our biggest and most complex show of the season proved to be the great success we have come to expect. The show contained all the traditional ingredients we enjoy so much delivered by a well-rehearsed and enthusiastic cast supported by a highly competent back stage and technical team. Spectacular costumes and brilliant scenery and props. So many elements make a high standard production. Enthusiastic and appreciative audiences rewarded us with full houses for most performances.

We decided to reintroduce an extra production in February with the objective of producing a play which was a bit off the wall (no pun intended) which would suit a black box theatre and Lyn Lockyer the director came up with Art. So, we returned to our former venue The Forest Arts Centre. The box office and FOH were given a rest as ticketing and front of house were all taken care of by the Centre. An exceptionally strong cast of three delivered an excellent performance which I sum up as an extraordinary piece of theatrical art! We can be very proud of our interpretation of this brilliant play in every respect and is well worthy of the praise. The Forest Arts Centre was an ideal venue for this style of production and we have booked it again for next season.

Page 4 of 13

Claire Nicholson and her team were to follow with an excellent production of Noel Coward's classic play Blithe Spirit. Every element of the play was executed superbly and highlighted by the special effects. A great deal of hard work went into breathing new life into this well-known play and we were rewarded with appreciative audiences and a great review.

I say this every year but there are too many to thank by name but great thanks to all the performers, directors, producers, technical crews, set designers, set builders, stage managers, prompts, props, backstage crews, front of house, publicity and box office. Again, it has been particularly encouraging to welcome many new members whose enthusiasm to get involved has inspired us all. Take away any of these elements and we simply do not have a show. Amateur theatre is very much and always will be a team sport and we continue to enjoy great camaraderie and new friendships are made in the process.

As well as our main productions we continued to hold club nights most months organised by Len Reid which have included read only one act plays, talks, a juniors evening, quizzes and of course a Christmas event full of variety. These evenings offer the opportunity for newcomers as well as members to try their hand at acting and directing.

Our open evening attracted a handful of younger potential members who were interested in discussing acting, set design/construction, stage managing and technical. Thanks to Len for organising the evening and taking the initiative to do it.

We held two workshops. One run by Simon Hanney to give a greater understanding and knowledge of theatrical lighting and demonstrate the potential to light a production effectively.

The second was a junior puppet workshop which attracted 15 youngsters and was a highly successful session led by Josh Haberfield. Our thanks to the local Arts Society which without their grant the event would not have taken place.

We also participated in several promotional events namely the Christmas parade, the Lions May D Day Fayre on the recreational grounds and a networking evening at the Memorial Centre.

There was a first aid course organised by Christine Battison and another is planned for next season.

Gillian Pitt has handed over the reins of the production sub-committee to Colin Bailey and they have finalised the productions for next season These will again comprise 4 plays and a pantomime. So, I am confident that we can look forward to another season of high-quality shows. The production committee will now start planning the 2025/6 season in September. Gillian, thank you so much for all your work over recent years chairing the sub-committee.

Finally, I would like to thank the committee for their hard work and support during the last season and I look forward to working with the new committee in the next season.

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

Statement of Financial Activities

(Incorporating an Income and Expenditure Account) For the Year Ended 30 April 2024

Income Notes FY 2023/24 FY 2022/23
Membership Fees £ 3,130 £ 2,748
Ticket Income 3 £ 35,754 £ 28,372
Front of House Income 3 £ 5,578 £ 3,985
Other Production Income 3 £ - £ -
Club Night Income £ 141 £ 66
Interest Received £ 463 £ 115
Donations £ 250 £ -
Other Income £ 50 £ 410
Total Income £ 45,366 £ 35,696
Expenditure Expenditure Expenditure Expenditure
Show Expenses 4 £ 7,762 £ 25,729
Front of House Expenses 4 £ 4,195 £ 3,156
Other Production Expenses 4 £ 21,740 £ -
Club Night Expenses £ 562 £ 254
General Expenses 5 £ 4,310 £ 4,918
Total Expenditure
£ 38,568 £ 34,057
Net Income/ (Expenditure)
£ 6,798
£ 1,639
Other recognised gains/(losses) Other recognised gains/(losses) Other recognised gains/(losses) Other recognised gains/(losses)
Gains and losses on revaluation of fixed assets
for the charity’s own use		 6 £ 56,556 £ -
Net Movement in Funds
£ 63,354 £ 1,639
Reconciliation of Funds
Total Funds Brought Forward £ 28,135 £ 26,496
Total Funds Carried Forward
£ 91,488 £ 28,135

Page 7 of 13

Balance Sheet

Balance Sheet

At 30 April 2024

Fixed Assets
Notes
FY 2023/24
FY 2022/23
Fixed Assets
7
£ 61,231
£ 3,679
~~a~~		 Fixed Assets
Notes
FY 2023/24
FY 2022/23
Fixed Assets
7
£ 61,231
£ 3,679
~~a~~		 Fixed Assets
Notes
FY 2023/24
FY 2022/23
Fixed Assets
7
£ 61,231
£ 3,679
~~a~~		 Fixed Assets
Notes
FY 2023/24
FY 2022/23
Fixed Assets
7
£ 61,231
£ 3,679
~~a~~		 Fixed Assets
Notes
FY 2023/24
FY 2022/23
Fixed Assets
7
£ 61,231
£ 3,679
~~a~~
Total Fixed Assets £ 61,231 £ 3 231 £ 3,679
Current Assets
Debtors and Prepayments
8
£ 1,327
£ 1,498
Bank Accounts
£ 28,894
£ 22,544
Cash In Hand
£ 1,358
£ 1,166
~~—_————~~
Total Current Assets £ 31,579 £ 25 579 £ 25,207
Current Liabilities
Creditors and Accruals
9
£ 1,321
£ 752
Total Current Liabilities
£ 1,321 £ 752
~~ee~~
Net Current Assets £ 30,258 £ 24 258 £ 24,455
Total Assets Less Liabilities £ 91,488 £ 28 488 £ 28,135

Read and Approved

David Luker - Chair New Forest Players

Ben Sandford - Treasurer New Forest Players

Page 8 of 13

Notes to the Financial Statements

Notes to the Financial Statements

For the Year Ended 30 April 2024

1. Basis of Preparation

These accounts have been prepared under the historical cost convention with items recognised at cost or transaction value unless otherwise stated in the relevant note(s) to these accounts.

The accounts have been prepared in accordance with:

2. Accounting Policies

Recognition of Income: These are included in the Statement of Financial Activities (SoFA) when:

Offsetting: There has been no offsetting of assets and liabilities, or income and expenses, unless required or permitted by the FRS 102 SORP or FRS 102.

Liability recognition: Liabilities are recognised where it is more likely than not that there is a legal or constructive obligation committing the charity to pay out resources and the amount of the obligation can be measured with reasonable certainty.

Fixed Assets: These are capitalised if they can be used for more than one year, and cost at least £150. They are valued at cost. The depreciation rates and methods used are as follows: - Freehold property: no depreciation

3. Analysis of Production Income

See the attached Show Analysis for a breakdown of income by Production.

4. Analysis of Production Expenditure

See the attached Show Analysis for a breakdown of expenditure by Production.

Page 9 of 13

5. Analysis of General Expenditure

5. Analysis of General Expenditure
General Expenses Notes FY 2023/24 FY 2022/23
General Rent £ 72 £ 20
Store Electricity £ 182 £ 196
Box Office Telephone £ 85 £ 75
General Insurance £ 1,279 £ 998
General Licenses £ 96 £ 86
**General Memberships ** £ 20 £ -
General Scripts £ 8 £ -
Equipment Purchase £ 215 £ -
Property Repair and Maintenance £ 277 £ 688
General Stationery £ 397 £ 156
Contact Costs £ 41 £ 105
Website Costs £ 317 £ 436
Gifts £ 94 £ -
General Bank Charges £ 58 £ 70
Depreciation £ 489 £ 1,317
General Contingency £ - £ -
Other General Expenses £ 682 £ 772
Total General Expenses £ 4,310
£ 4,918

6. Revaluation of Fixed Assets

During FY 2023/24, NFP was successful in its application to have the land on which the costume store sits registered under our name with the Land Registry. In the FY 2022/23 Accounts, the costume store was listed with a value of £3,444. As part of the Land Registry application, we requested a new valuation and were advised that the property should be valued at £60,000. The value of the costume store has therefore been updated to reflect the new valuation.

Page 10 of 13

7. Fixed Assets

7. Fixed Assets
Cost or Valuation Freehold
Land &
**Buildings **		 Fixtures,
Fittings &
Equipment		 Total
At the beginning of theyear £ 3,444 £ 5,267 £ 8,711
Additions £ - £ 1,484 £ 1,484
Revaluations £ 56,556 £ - £ 56,556
Disposals £ - £ - £ -
Transfers £ - £ - £ -
At the end of theyear £ 60,000 £ 6,751
£ 66,751

Depreciation and Impairments

At beginning of theyear £ - £ 5,032 £ 5,032
Disposals £ - £ - £ -
Depreciation £ - £ 489 £ 489
Impairment £ - £ - £ -
Transfers £ - £ - £ -
At end of theyear
£ - £ 5,520
£ 5,520
Net Book Value
Net book value at the beginning of theyear £ 3,444 £ 235 £ 3,679
New book value at the end of theyear
£ 60,000 £ 1,231
£ 61,231

8. Debtors and Prepayments

Production Category Amount
Goodnight Mister Tom Bar Expenses £ 174
Goodnight Mister Tom Performance Rights £ 446
Goodnight Mister Tom Production Scripts £ 223
General General Insurance £ 109
General General Licenses £ 106
Other Items less than £100 £ 269
Total £ 1,327

9. Creditors and Accruals

Production Category Amount
Blithe Spirit Set £ 151
Goodnight Mister Tom Ticket Income £ 206
General CapEx £ 285
General Membership Fees £ 355
Other Items less than £100 £ 324
Total £ 1,321

Page 11 of 13

Show Analysis

New Forest Players Show Analysis for FY 2023/24

Production Income

Production Calendar Girls Dead Reckoning Dick Whittington Art Blithe Spirit
Box Office Income
Ticket Income £ 9,981.00 £ 3,941.00 £ 11,644.00 £ 4,721.00 £ 5,467.00 £ -
Total Box Office Income
Front of House Income
Bar Income £ 877.70 £ 212.00 £ 755.00 £ - £ 408.00 £ -
Refreshments Income £ 213.50 £ 76.05 £ 328.50 £ - £ 105.50 £ -
Ice Cream Income £ 699.60 £ 322.50 £ 912.90 £ - £ 442.50 £ -
Programmes Income £ - £ - £ 224.10 £ - £ - £ -
Other Front of House Income £ - £ - £ - £ - £ - £ -
Total Front of House Income
Other Production Income
Sponsorship £ - £ - £ - £ - £ - £ -
Programme Adverts £ - £ - £ - £ - £ - £ -
Other Production Income £ - £ - £ - £ - £ - £ -
Total Other Production Income
Total Production Income

Page 12 of 13

Production Expenses

Production Calendar Girls Dead Reckoning Dick Whittington Art Blithe Spirit
Show Expenses
Set £ 483.10 £ 216.06 £ 2,619.15 £ 488.93 £ 591.65 £ -
**Props ** £ 209.58 £ 51.95 £ 551.10 £ 72.50 £ 170.48 £ -
Costume £ 65.95 £ - £ 176.19 £ - £ 29.74 £ -
Lighting £ 273.02 £ 100.00 £ 226.80 £ - £ 200.00 £ -
Sound £ 25.00 £ - £ 691.00 £ - £ - £ -
Audio Visual £ - £ - £ - £ - £ - £ -
Special Effects £ 25.00 £ - £ - £ - £ - £ -
Stage Management £ 25.00 £ 25.00 £ 11.98 £ - £ 25.00 £ -
Professional Services £ - £ - £ 162.51 £ - £ - £ -
Catering £ 50.08 £ 53.21 £ 44.90 £ 24.99 £ 72.27 £ -
Other Show Expenses £ - £ - £ - £ - £ - £ -
Total Show Expenses
Front of House Expenses
Bar Expenses £ 489.14 £ 73.87 £ 318.63 £ - £ 304.97 £ -
Refreshments Expenses £ 109.59 £ 32.10 £ 137.63 £ - £ 40.35 £ -
Ice Cream Expenses £ 336.96 £ 129.60 £ 596.16 £ - £ 122.32 £ -
Programme Expenses £ 248.00 £ 218.00 £ 540.00 £ 218.00 £ 127.01 £ -
Alcohol License £ 21.00 £ 21.00 £ 21.00 £ - £ 21.00 £ -
Other Front of House Expenses £ 37.86 £ - £ 24.18 £ - £ 6.50 £ -
Total Front of House Expenses
Other Production Expenses
Production Rent £ 3,036.06 £ 3,036.06 £ 3,036.06 £ 2,797.50 £ 3,036.06 £ -
Performance Rights £ 519.00 £ 500.00 £ - £ 331.20 £ 484.80 £ -
Production Scripts £ 139.08 £ 91.91 £ - £ 85.90 £ 145.87 £ -
Production Advertising £ 697.75 £ 807.00 £ 1,058.29 £ 826.50 £ 392.25 £ -
Production Stationery £ 15.22 £ 15.22 £ 15.22 £ - £ - £ -
Production Bank Charges £ 213.70 £ 81.33 £ 245.36 £ - £ 125.59 £ -
Production Contingency £ - £ - £ - £ - £ - £ -
Other Production Expenses £ - £ - £ - £ - £ 6.80 £ -
Total Other Production Expenses
Total Production Expenses
Net Profit/ (Loss)
Net Profit/ (Loss)

Page 13 of 13