2023-08-31-accounts

CHARITY COMMISSION FOR ENGLAND AND WALES Independent examiner's report on the accounts Section A Independent Examiner's Report Report to the trusteèsl members of City of Cambridge Symphony Orchestra On accounts for the year ended 31 August 2023 Charity no (if any) 1096457 Set out on pages 14 I report to the Iwstees on my examination of the accounts of the above charity I'the Trust") for the year ended Responsibilities and basis of report As the charity's trustees, you are responsible for the preparation of the accounts in accordan￿ with the requirements of the Charities Act 2011 {llhe Act'l. I report in respect of my examination of the Trust's accounts carried out under section 145 ofthe 2011 Act and in carying out rny examination, I have followed all the applicable Directions given by the Charity Commission under section 145(5){b) of the Act. Independent examiner's statement I have completed my examination. I confimi that no material matters hav8 come to my attention in connection with the examination (other than that disclosed below ") which gives me cause to believe that in, any material respect.. the accounting records were not kept in accordan￿ with section 130 of the Charities Act., or the accounts did not accord with the accounting records,. or thè accounts did not comply with the applicable requirements con¢eming the fom and content of accounts set out in the Charities {Ac¢ounts and Reports) Regulations 2008 other than any requirement that the accounts give a 'true and fair, view which is not a matter onsidered 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 th8 accounts to be reached. Signed: Date: Name: David J Rees Relevant professional qualifbcationls) or body (if any): FCCA Associated of Chartered Certified Accountants IER Oct 2018

Address: Kinnaird Hill Norfolk House, 4 Station Road st Ives PE27 SAF Section B Disclosure Only complete if the examiner needs to highlight material matters of concern {see CC32, Independent examination of charity accounts.. directions and guidan￿ for examiners). Give here brief details of any items that the examiner wishes to dls¢lose. IER Oct 2018

City of Cambridge Symphony Orchestra Profit and Loss for the year ended 31 August 2023 2023 2022 Income Friends scheme Gift Aid Misc donations MI￿ income Sales Sponsorship Subscriptions Ticket sales Total Income Gross Profit 3.763.33 £ 1,426.92 £ 285.00 £ 285.08 £ 4,920 871 90 150.00 £ 350 8,065.00 £ 5,645 34,075.28 £ 27,291 48,050.61 £ 39,167 48,050.61 £ 39,167 Expenses Bad Debt Bank charges Box office charges Concert venue Charity donation Condu¢tor inc. rehearsals Conductor travel expenses Cost of programmes Credit ¢ard charges Depreciation Expenses Extra players Inslrument Hire Insurance IT software & set up Leader inc. rehearsals Leaders Trdvel Misc expenses Music hire Musi¢ Storage Library Produclion company fees Publicity Rehearsal room hire Soloists Soloists travel Subscriptions Paid Website Costs Total Expenses Net Operating Income Other Income Bank Interest received Total Other Income Net Other Ineome Net Income 53 93 60.00 £ 2.444.68 £ 7,985 ,128 6.651 610 1,178 33 139 980 987 193 343 5.488 650 770 4,243 464 1,645.00 £ 923.94 £ 87.45 £ 143.00 £ 302.40 £ 1.245.21 £ 568.67 £ 28,584.00 £ 1.172.47 £ 936 1,975 1,350 493 384.99 £ 79 37,561.81 £ 38,664 10,488.80 £ 503 103.74 £ 103.74 £ 103.74 £ 10,592.54 £ 33 33 33 536

City of Cambridge Symphony Orchestra Balance Sheet 31 August 2023 31 August 2023 31 August 2022 Fixed Asset Tangible assets £ 2.436.64 £ 2,437 Total Fixed A$s¢t £ 2,436.64 £ 2,437 Cash at bank and in hand Deposit Account Loan to CCSOP Ltd Debtors Prepayinents Total Current assets £ 21,747.76 £ £ 10,293.64 £ £ 39,000.00 £ 20,412 10,224 1.620 104 32 J60 £ 71,041.40 £ Creditors: amouDts falling due within one year Trade Creditors Current Liabilities £ 28,738.87 £ 650 Total Creditors: amounts falling due within one year £ 28,738.87 £ 650 NET CURRENf ASSETS (LIABILITIES) £ 42J02.S3 £ 31,710 TOT AL NET ASSETS (LIABILITIES) £ 44,739.17 £ 34,147 Capital and Reserves Opening Balance Equity Profit for the year Total Capital and Reserves £ 34,146.63 £ £ 10,592.54 £ £ 44,739.17 £ 33,611 536 34,147

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Trustees’ Annual Report for the period

From 1st September 2022 to 31st August 2023 Charity name: City of Cambridge Symphony Orchestra

Charity registration number: 1096457

Objectives and Activities

	SORP reference
Summary of the purposes of the charity as set out in its governing document	Para 1.17	The charity's two objects are: (1) The advancement of musical education and the promotion of public appreciation and study of music, for example by any of the following means: by holding concerts and lectures about music to which the public shall be admitted whether on payment or otherwise; by providing opportunities for the practice of music by amateur players of string instruments; by issuing publications conducive to the advancement of musical education; and/or by undertaking and executing any charitable trusts established or constituted wholly for promoting the appreciation, study or practice of music. (2) To promote the art and science of music by assisting young musicians, being persons of moderate or limited means, in such a way as to enable them to become self-supporting.
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 charity operates an amateur orchestra having the same name. The orchestra is the main means used by the charity to deliver on its objects 1 & 2. During 2022-23 eight public concerts were organised in which the orchestra performed in West Road Concert Hall Cambridge (two of which were shorter afternoon events tailored to a family audience), together with 36 rehearsals. CCSO had around 60 subs- paying members, fielded onstage orchestras of up to 98 players, and had the services of a professional musical director and a professional leader. Information about CCSO's activities was made public on the internet atwww.ccso-online.org.uk

		and through other social media channels, and publicity was displayed around the city of Cambridge. Early career soloists were engaged for five of the six evening concerts.
Statement confirming whether the trustees have had regard to the guidance issued by the Charity Commission on public benefit	Para 1.18	The Trustees have complied with the requirements of section 17(5) of the Charities Act 2011, in particular they have ‘taken regard’ of the Charity Commission's public benefit guidance ‘when exercising any powers or duties to which the guidance is relevant’. We have reviewed the charity’s constitutional objects to reassure ourselves that they comply with the public benefit requirements: We believe that the advancement of musical education and appreciation is beneficial (“benefit aspect”) to the public at large (“public aspect”) and that our activities do not give rise to more than incidental personal benefits. We further believe that assisting young musicians towards self-support is beneficial, that there is a significant community of young musicians aspiring towards self-support having potential to benefit from our actions, and that the benefits are “incidental’.

Additional information (optional) You may choose to include further statements where relevant about:

	SORP reference
Policy on grant making	Para 1.38	Given rising costs, and a post-Covid fall in audience size, the Trustees consider it prudent at present to maintain reserves at a somewhat higher level than in past years, so as to provide a cushion against anticipated more difficult circumstances in the next few years. This precludes grant making for now, but this policy will be reviewed annually, and in the light of the new source of income from Orchestra Tax Relief.
Policy on social investment including program related investment	Para 1.38	n/a
Contribution made by volunteers	Para 1.38	CCSO’s activities would not be possible without the help of our volunteers, especially those who look after the music library, and those who assist at concerts as stewards or with the front of house operation. We offer them all our sincerest thanks.
Other		n/a

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	We believe that the charity’s activities, summarised above, have made a difference in two main ways: First, for participants in the orchestra we provide an opportunity to engage in an enjoyable and educational music making activity, offering participants a venue in which to play and develop their musical technique, practical knowledge, and repertoire. Not all players in the orchestra are members of the charity. The soloists we engage are usually musicians at the early stages of their careers, so providing them with some financial income and a step towards financial independence, an opportunity to practice and develop their art through public performance, and a chance to develop their careers by bringing their talent to wider notice. Second, for audiences, we believe that we present exciting and high-quality performances which we hope are always a pleasurable, stimulating and entertaining cultural experience. Some performances have been organized in partnership with other charities, with a share of the profits being given to that charity, so benefiting the broader public through the partner charity’s activities. A large fraction of the audience at our concerts are over 60 years of age. Two family concerts, aimed at a children’s audience, were also organised and well-received. Participation in music, as listener or performer, is widely believed to confer mental health and general wellbeing benefits, and we hope that our activities are benefitting the community in these ways. In addition to the public educational and well-being benefits to participants and audiences mentioned above, the Trustees are conscious that access to these activities must be affordable, so concessionary rates are available for membership subscriptions: We offer free membership to those without income, and subscriptions are reduced by 50% for those in full-time education or documented unemployed. Members with financial

difficulties are encouraged to arrange a reduced/waived subscription with the Treasurer.

Additional information (optional)

Additional information (optional)	Additional information (optional)
You may choose to include further statements		where relevant about:
Achievements against objectives set	Para 1.41	n/a
Performance of fundraising activities against objectives set	Para 1.41	n/a
Investment performance against objectives	Para 1.41	n/a
Other		n/a

Financial Review

Financial Review
Review of the charity’s financial position at the end of the period	Para 1.21	At the end of this reporting period the charity’s net financial assets totalled £42,303. Through accrual accounting this figure reflects the successful Orchestra Tax Relief claim for 2022-23 activities which was filed and paid shortly after the end of the reporting period. The corresponding figure at the end of the preceding period was £31,710.
Statement explaining the policy for holding reserves stating why they are held	Para 1.22	It is our financial risk management policy to hold at all times liquid assets at least sufficient to cover all long-term financial commitments made during the course of each season (production company’s management fee, brochure production, publicity and website costs, music library storage, insurance, software). In this reporting period such long-term commitments totalled around £33.3k. We expect costs to increase further during 2024 & 2025, and so will continue to operate a very conservative policy on reserves.
Amount of reserves held	Para 1.22	£30,000
Reasons for holding zero reserves	Para 1.22	n/a
Details of fund materially in deficit	Para 1.24	None
Explanation of any uncertainties about the charity continuing as a going concern	Para 1.23	There are no such uncertainties. The charity holds sufficient reserves to cover anticipated expenditures over an entire financial year.

Additional information (optional) You may choose to include further statements	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 main sources of funding are sale of concert tickets (including via our Friends scheme), sale of programmes, member subscriptions (including the Gift Aid claimed on these) and Orchestra Tax Relief. Broadly speaking, concert expenses (including rehearsal costs) exceed concert takings on average, with the deficit being covered by the income from member subscriptions and Gift Aid. The charity engaged the services of a production company, CCSO Productions Limited (company no. 14274580), the directors and shareholders of which are both Trustees of the charity, in order to enable Orchestra Tax Relief to be claimed.

Investment policy and objectives including any social investment policy adopted	Para 1.46	The charity holds only current and deposit accounts.
A description of the principal risks facing the charity	Para 1.46	The major risks faced by the Charity are financial, in particular loss of income due to poor attendance at, or cancellation of, a concert due to, for example, covid-19 lock- down or extreme weather. This risk is managed through the conservative financial reserves policy.
Other		We would like to acknowledge our Friends for their continued loyal support and encouragement.

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
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	By election at Annual General Meeting (paragraphs 6 & 7.1(a,b) of Constitution). By unanimous vote of other Trustees (paragraph 7.1c of Constitution).

Additional information (optional)

You may choose to include further statements where relevant about:

Policies and procedures adopted for the induction and training of trustees	Para 1.51	n/a
The charity’s organisational structure and any wider network with which the charity works	Para 1.51	The City of Cambridge Symphony Orchestra operates under the umbrella of the charity. The orchestra has a management committee, elected by members of the orchestra. All of the Trustees are members of this management committee.
Relationship with any related parties	Para 1.51	The charity uses the services of a production management company, CCSO Productions Limited, registered in England and Wales number 14274580. The company has two directors who are also its only shareholders. They are both Trustees of the charity, and have signed a Declaration of Trust to act in accordance with directions from the charity. They receive no dividends or other remuneration.
Other

Reference and Administrative details

Charity name	City of Cambridge Symphony Orchestra
Other name the charity uses	n/a
Registered charity number	1096457
Charity’s principal address	62 High Street, Bourn, Cambridge, Cambridgeshire CB23 2TR

Names of the charity trustees who manage the charity

1 2 3 4 5 6 7 8 9 10 11 12 13 14 15 16 17 18 19 20	Trustee name	Office (if any)	Dates acted if not for whole **year **	Name of person (or body) entitled to appoint trustee (ifany)
	David Bartlett	Chairman	Since 19/06/2018	Byvote at AGM
	Sheila von Rimscha	Secretary	Since 22/05/2012	Byvote at AGM
	Paul Hammond	Treasurer	Since 01/09/2005	Byvote at AGM
	Alex Reid		Since 10/05/2022	Byvote at AGM
	John Roger Petter		Since 14/03/2023	Byvote at AGM

– Corporate trustees names of the directors at the date the report was approved

Director name n/a

Name of trustees holding title to property belonging to the charity

Trustee name	Dates acted if not for whole year
n/a

Funds held as custodian trustees on behalf of others

Description of the assets None held in this capacity Name and objects of the n/a charity on whose behalf the assets are held and how this falls within the custodian charity’s objects Details of arrangements for n/a safe custody and segregation of such assets from the charity’s own assets

Additional information (optional)

Names and addresses of advisers (Optional information)

Names and addresses of advisers (Optional information)	Names and addresses of advisers (Optional information)	Names and addresses of advisers (Optional information)
Type of adviser Name Address
n/a
Name of chief executive or names of senior staff members (Optional information)
n/a

Exemptions from disclosure

Reason for non-disclosure of key personnel details

n/a

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) Full name(s) Paul Simon Hammond Position (eg Secretary, Treasurer Chair, etc) Date 13 May 2024