Trustees’ Annual Report for the period
From 1 April 2023 Period start date To 31 March 2024 Period end date
Charity name: Durham Sinfonia (aka Orchestra North East)
Charity registration number: 1081465
Objectives and Activities
| SORP reference | ||
|---|---|---|
| Summary of the purposes of the charity as set out in its governing document |
Para 1.17 | To promote and develop public education in and appreciation of music by the presentation of public orchestral concerts. |
| 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. |
Para 1.17 and 1.19 |
The main activities of the Charity are: (i) self-promotion of concerts in which the orchestra performs high quality programmes of classical music; and (ii) engagement as a contracted orchestra in classical music concerts promoted by others. The activities are all set within the geographical area of the North East of England. For each concert, the orchestra is assembled by invitation. The musicians are engaged on a volunteer basis for the self- promoted concerts and, usually, on a fee basis for the contracted engagements. To ensure the concerts are of the highest achievable standard guest professional conductors, soloists and a few of the principal orchestral musicians are engaged on a fee basis. |
| Statement confirming whether the trustees have had regard to the guidance issued by the Charity Commission on public benefit |
Para 1.18 | The Trustees do have regard to the Charity Commission guidance on Public Benefit. |
Additional information (optional) You may choose to include further statements where relevant about:
| SORP reference | |
|---|---|
| Para 1.38 | |
| Policy on grant making |
Para 1.38 Policy on social investment including program related investment Para 1.38 Contribution made by volunteers Other
Achievements and Performance
| SORP reference | ||
|---|---|---|
| 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. |
Para 1.20 | Orchestra North East attracts players from a wide geographic area to play ambitious symphonic works, concertos, film music and more popular repertoire. It also seeks to perform and promote new works by living composers and work with other local musical societies and groups, including young performers. In the 2023-4 season the orchestra has rehearsed and performed three programmes of music involving professional conductors and concerto soloists, two at Newcastle Cathedral and one at Durham Gala Theatre. The orchestra was honoured to provide an extraordinarily talented teenage refugee from the Ukraine conflict the opportunity to perform a concerto in public. It has also collaborated with Newcastle Choral Society in a performance including a work by the contemporary composer Ole Gjeilo. All performances have been well received by appreciative audiences. |
Additional information (optional) You may choose to include further statements where relevant about:
| Achievements against objectives set |
Para 1.41 | |
|---|---|---|
| Performance of fundraising activities against objectives set |
Para 1.41 | |
|---|---|---|
| Investment performance against objectives |
Para 1.41 | |
| Other |
Financial Review
| Review of the charity’s financial position at the end of the period |
Para 1.21 | The Charity has received concert income from its three independent concerts, donations, some with gift aid, and orchestra tax relief through the associated Orchestra North East Productions Ltd, a company set up to allow claiming this government benefit through HMRC. Expenditure has been on the three independent orchestral concerts, and maintaining insurance cover and membership of_Making Music_, an organisation that provides guidance and support to music groups.Making Music also assists with the claim of orchestra tax relief, for a fee of 10% plus VAT. Income from the choral concert was £4,000, covering the costs of performers and administration plus £480. The three independent orchestral concerts made a net loss of £12,104.61. (Orchestra tax relief, claimed for the 2023-4 financial year is £7,176.33, received in August 2024) We have been fortunate in receiving £11,000 in external donations from charitable trusts and individuals this year. This results in an overall improvement in our finances by £483 over the year. |
|---|---|---|
| Statement explaining the policy for holding reserves stating why they are held |
Para 1.22 | The Charity’s policy on reserves is to maintain funds at a sufficient level to cover the costs of concert performances during a planned year ahead of operations. |
| Amount of reserves held | Para 1.22 | £25,061 as of 31st March 2024 |
| Reasons for holding zero reserves |
Para 1.22 | |
| Details of fund materially in deficit |
Para 1.24 | There are no funds materially in deficit. |
Explanation of any Para 1.23 uncertainties about the charity continuing as a going concern
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 | The principal sources of funds are: (i) concert ticket sales (ii) external hire fees (i.e. being paid to play for other societies) (iii) donations from the membership of the orchestra (iv) donations from other sources (v) sponsorship and grants (vi) Orchestra Tax Relief (claimed through a Production Company – Orchestra North East Productions Limited). |
|---|---|---|
| Investment policy and objectives including any social investment policy adopted |
Para 1.46 | The Charity does not have any investments as such. Its only assets are the cash in hand at bank, on which a small amount of interest is earned each year through placing some money in investment or savings accounts. |
| A description of the principal risks facing the charity |
Para 1.46 | The principal risk is loss of concert income, which is managed by the financial planning described above. |
| Other | Proportionate returns on pre-concert expenditure are now achieved through claimsforOrchestraTax Relief. |
Structure, Governance and Management
| Description of charity’s trusts: |
||
|---|---|---|
| Type of governing document (trust deed, royal charter) |
Para 1.25 |
Constitution. |
| How is the charity constituted? (e.g unincorporated association, CIO) |
Para 1.25 | Unincorporated association or society. |
| 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 1.25 | Elected by membership at AGM. |
| Additional information (optional) You may choose to include further statements |
Additional information (optional) You may choose to include further statements |
where relevant about: |
|---|---|---|
| Policies and procedures adopted for the induction and training of trustees |
The Society is run in accordance with the rules contained within its Constitution and the membership of the Society is those |
| Para 1.51 | currently playing in the orchestra at the time of the AGM. The management of the Society is placed in the hands of a Committee consisting of the following Officers: Chairman, Treasurer, Secretary and not less than four other members. The Officers and the other Committee members are elected by and out of the Society’s members at AGM. Provided they are willing, the Officers and members of the Committee are appointed as Trustees of the Charity. Before and on appointment, they are encouraged to study the guidance for Trustees on the Charity Commission website. |
|
|---|---|---|
| The charity’s organisational structure and any wider network with which the charity works |
Para 1.51 | Please see above. A Production Company has also been set up (Orchestra North East Productions Limited, Company number 11280090), the directors of which (two Trustees of the Charity) act under the terms of a Trust Deed in accordance with the wishes and interests of the Charity in dealing with the pre-concert production arrangements for Orchestra North East concerts. This allows the Charity to secure the benefits of Orchestra Tax relief in relation to eligible pre-concert production expenses. The Charity is a member of Making Music, the main UK association for voluntary music. |
| Relationship with any related parties |
Para 1.51 | Please see above (re the Production Company). |
| Other |
Reference and Administrative details
| Charity name | Durham Sinfonia |
|---|---|
| Other name the charity uses | Orchestra North East |
| Registered charity number | 1081465 |
| Charity’s principal address | 4 Caseton Close, WHITLEY BAY NE25 9PL |
Names of the charity trustees who manage the charity
| 1 2 3 4 5 6 7 8 |
Trustee name | Office (if any) | Dates acted if not for whole **year ** |
Name of person (or body) entitled to appoint trustee (ifany) |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Michael BORTHWICK |
Chairman | At AGM (by orchestra membership) |
||
| Peter CHESTER | At AGM | |||
| Michael CAVE | At AGM | |||
| Roger JAY | Treasurer | From December 2022 | At AGM | |
| Miranda Splitt | Secretary | From November 2023 | At AGM | |
– Corporate trustees names of the directors at the date the report was approved
Director name
Name of trustees holding title to property belonging to the charity
Trustee name Dates acted if not for whole year
Funds held as custodian trustees on behalf of others
Description of the assets None held in this capacity Name and objects of the None charity on whose behalf the assets are held and how this falls within the custodian charity’s objects Details of arrangements for None 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 Name Address adviser
Name of chief executive or names of senior staff members (Optional information)
~~OO~~
Exemptions from disclosure
Reason for non-disclosure of key personnel details
Other optional information
Declarations
The trustees declare that they have approved the trustees’ report above.
Signed on behalf of the charity’s trustees
Signature(s) Roger JAY Full name(s) Michael BORTHWICK ~~a~~ Position (eg Secretary, Chairman Treasurer Chair, etc) ~~po~~ Date September 2024 ~~PF~~
Durham Sinfonia (t/a Orchestra North East) Charity no. 1081465
Receipts and Payments Accounts
| Year ended 31 | Year ended 31 | |
|---|---|---|
| March | March | |
| 2023 (£) | 2024 (£) | |
| Receipts | ||
| Concerts | 17,973 | 15,640 |
| Donations - members | 1,202 | 394 |
| Donations - misc. | 13,600 | 10,000 |
| Other income (Gift Aid / Orchestra Tax Relief) | 1,530 | 4,944 |
| Interest | 32 | 403 |
| Total receipts | 34,337 | 31,381 |
| Payments | ||
| Concerts: direct payments by Orchestra North East | (7,489) | (3,841) |
| Concerts: loans to Production Company | (16,105) | (26,304) |
| Other costs | (407) | (753) |
| Total payments | (24,001) | (30,898) |
| Movement in funds | 10,336 | 483 |
| Opening cash balance | 14,242 | 24,578 |
| Movement in funds | 10,336 | 483 |
| Closing cash balance | 24,578 | 25,061 |
| Statement of assets and liabilities | ||
| 2023 (£) | 2024 (£) | |
| Assets | ||
| Cash balances | 24,578 | 25,061 |
| Total assets | 24,578 | 25,061 |
| Liabilities | ||
| Other liabilities | 0 | 0 |
| Total liabilities | 0 | 0 |
| Net assets | 24,578 | 25,061 |
R Jay, Treasurer
M A Borthwick, Chairman
Date: 7 September 2024
9 Archery Rise Durham DH1 4LA
7 September 2024
The Trustees of Durham Sinfonia c/o Dr Roger Jay Honorary Treasurer 4 Caseton Close Whitley Bay Tyne And Wear NE25 9PL
Dear Roger,
Independent examiner’s report to the trustees of Durham Sinfonia, operating under the working name Orchestra North East, Charity no. 1081465, on the receipts and payments accounts for the year ended 31 March 2024
Responsibilities and basis of independent examiner's report
As the charity's trustees, you are responsible for the preparation of the accounts in accordance with the requirements of the Charities Act 2011 (“the Act”).
I report in respect of my examination of the Charity’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.
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 statement below.
My examination did not include the accounts of Orchestra North East Productions Limited (registered number: 11280090).
Independent examiner's statement
I have completed my examination. I confirm that no material matters have come to my attention in connection with the examination which gives me cause to believe that in, any material respect:
-
the accounting records were not kept in accordance with section 130 of the Charities Act; or
-
the accounts did not accord with the accounting 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 connection 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.
Simon Newitt FCA, MA, BA (Hons.)
7 September 2024
9 Archery Rise Durham DH1 4LA
Durham Sinfonia (t/a Orchestra North East) Charity no. 1081465
Receipts and Payments Accounts
| Year ended 31 | Year ended 31 | |
|---|---|---|
| March | March | |
| 2023 (£) | 2024 (£) | |
| Receipts | ||
| Concerts | 17,973 | 15,640 |
| Donations - members | 1,202 | 394 |
| Donations - misc. | 13,600 | 10,000 |
| Other income (Gift Aid / Orchestra Tax Relief) | 1,530 | 4,944 |
| Interest | 32 | 403 |
| Total receipts | 34,337 | 31,381 |
| Payments | ||
| Concerts: direct payments by Orchestra North East | (7,489) | (3,841) |
| Concerts: loans to Production Company | (16,105) | (26,304) |
| Other costs | (407) | (753) |
| Total payments | (24,001) | (30,898) |
| Movement in funds | 10,336 | 483 |
| Opening cash balance | 14,242 | 24,578 |
| Movement in funds | 10,336 | 483 |
| Closing cash balance | 24,578 | 25,061 |
| Statement of assets and liabilities | ||
| 2023 (£) | 2024 (£) | |
| Assets | ||
| Cash balances | 24,578 | 25,061 |
| Total assets | 24,578 | 25,061 |
| Liabilities | ||
| Other liabilities | 0 | 0 |
| Total liabilities | 0 | 0 |
| Net assets | 24,578 | 25,061 |
R Jay, Treasurer
M A Borthwick, Chairman
Date: 7 September 2024
9 Archery Rise Durham DH1 4LA
7 September 2024
The Trustees of Durham Sinfonia c/o Dr Roger Jay Honorary Treasurer 4 Caseton Close Whitley Bay Tyne And Wear NE25 9PL
Dear Roger,
Independent examiner’s report to the trustees of Durham Sinfonia, operating under the working name Orchestra North East, Charity no. 1081465, on the receipts and payments accounts for the year ended 31 March 2024
Responsibilities and basis of independent examiner's report
As the charity's trustees, you are responsible for the preparation of the accounts in accordance with the requirements of the Charities Act 2011 (“the Act”).
I report in respect of my examination of the Charity’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.
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 statement below.
My examination did not include the accounts of Orchestra North East Productions Limited (registered number: 11280090).
Independent examiner's statement
I have completed my examination. I confirm that no material matters have come to my attention in connection with the examination which gives me cause to believe that in, any material respect:
-
the accounting records were not kept in accordance with section 130 of the Charities Act; or
-
the accounts did not accord with the accounting 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 connection 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.
Simon Newitt FCA, MA, BA (Hons.)
7 September 2024
9 Archery Rise Durham DH1 4LA